This is the fourth Woodford County Courthouse to be built.  The first was built of logs in 1790 by Jesse Graddy, at a total cost of $22.50!  The second, built in 1794, was built of stone by James and Henry Thompson.  The third, built of brick, was finished 1812-1813, with a cupola and clock added by 1846.  That structure burned in 1954, and the present courthouse was completed in 1970 by Gault Brothers of Lexington.  I love the history of our courthouses!

As you can see from the following list copied at the Woodford County Clerk’s Office from the 1849 marriage book, this is a list of brides and grooms, with the bond date, and on the following page a certification of those marriages by ministers or justices of the peace.  Notice that not all marriages are signed by one of the above personages – a few marriage certificates were never returned.

• April 10, 1849 – Robert Andrews to Amanda M. Edwards
• April 17, 1849 – Daniel H. Harrison to Minerva Norwood.  I do hereby certify that I celebrated the matrimony between Daniel H. Harrison and Minerva Norwood on this 17th day of April, 1849.  John N. Payne
• April 25, 1849 – Stephen S. Scott to Elizabeth Walker.  I hereby certify that I celebrated the rites of matrimony between Stepehn S. Scott and Elizabeth Walker this 25th day of April, 1849.  P. V. Ferrie, M.G. (Minister of the Gospel)
• May 4, 1849 – Park Cornet to Mrs. Catharine Garret
• May 8, 1849 – David O. Harris to Mary H. McKinney (very hard to read).  Duly solemnized May 8, 1849.  W. M. Scott, M.G.
• May 17, 1849 – Joseph Tyson to Frances Taylor.  I do certify that I celebrated the rites of matrimony between Joseph Tyson and Frances Taylor this 18th day of May, 1849.  Sandridge Arnett
• May 19, 1849 – Bernard Hayedson to Sally Ann White
• May 24, 1849 – Ulysses Turner to Elizabeth Thornton.  I do certify that I celebrated the rites of matrimony between Ulysses Turner and Elizabeth Thornton on the 24th day of May, 1849.  H. H. Kavannaugh, Minister of M. E. Church South.
• June 13, 1849 – Abram Searcy to Jane Gibson (both of color).
• June 13, 1849 – Orange Reed Gaines to Sarah Ann Gaines.
• June 20, 1849 – Benjamin F. Stark and Sarah Simmons.  This is to certify that I solemnized the rites of matrimony between Benjamin F. Starks and Sarah Cummens on the 21st of June, 1849.  C. Smith, V.D.M.  (Verbi Dei Minister – Minister of the Word of God).
• June 28, 1849 – Richard R. Hawkins to Amanda Shouse.  This is to certify that I solemnized the rites of matrimony between Richard R. Hawkins and Amanda Shouse on the 28th of June, 1849.  C. Smith, V.D.M.
• July 19, 1849 – John H. Slaughter to Sarah P. Ruiley.  I do certify that I celebrated the rites of Matrimony between the within named John H. Slaughter and Sarah P. Ruiley, given under my hand this 19th day of July, 1849.  J. H. Jivley (Zivley?).
• July 23, 1849 – Joseph S. Layson to Jemtha Watts.  J do certify that I celebrated the rites of Matrimony between Joseph L. Lawson and Jemtha Watts this 25th day of July, 1849.  C. Kendrick.
• July 25, 1849 – John W. Sargent to Sarah Elizabeth Hantems (?).
• August 8, 1849 – Hawkins Mitchell to Elizabeth Sanders.
• August 13, 1849 – Richard Scott to Rebecca Allen.  I hereby certify that I this day, August 14, 1849, solemnized the rites of matrimony between Richard Scott and Rebecca Allen agreeable to license issued at your office.  James M. Bayless, Pastor of Pisgah Church.