Notable Preston Countian
John Fairfax
1762–1843
Colonel John Fairfax was a formative public figure in the creation of Preston County. A former Mount Vernon overseer who settled in the region before the county existed, he served in Virginia public life and helped organize the new county in 1818. Fairfax was appointed its first sheriff, while Joseph D. Suit carried out the sheriff’s duties as his deputy.
Preston County connection
An early settler in the area that became Preston County, Fairfax established his family in the region around 1790. He served as a justice of the peace, was the senior justice and presiding officer of Preston’s first county court, and received the county’s first sheriff appointment in 1818. His home area was near present-day Arthurdale in the later Valley District.
Also recorded as: Colonel John Fairfax
A life through the timeline
3 linked entries. Each entry retains its own research status.
January 19, 1818 · Verified
Preston County is created
The Virginia General Assembly created Preston County from part of Monongalia County, defining its boundaries and providing for its courts and officers. The county was named for James Patton Preston, then governor of Virginia. The act appointed commissioners to select the permanent court location; Kingwood became the county seat.
Read event and sources →1818 · Verified to source
John Fairfax is appointed Preston County’s first sheriff
At Preston County’s organization in 1818, Colonel John Fairfax—then the senior justice and presiding officer of the first county court—received the appointment as sheriff. Fairfax did not personally perform the office’s duties; Joseph D. Suit served as his deputy during the term.
Read event and sources →1818 · Verified to source
Preston's first county court meets at William Price's tavern
The act creating Preston County directed its first justices to meet at William Price's house. Morton records that the county's organization took place at Price's tavern in Kingwood, while John S. Roberts's store became the temporary Old Red Courthouse.
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