As Researched by Stephen D. Bowling

Richard L. South                    
Appointed at the formation of the county in 1839
Son of Samuel D. and Emily (Harris) South
Born about 1812 in Madison County, Kentucky
Married Sarah Cockrell (1818-    )on September 14, 1835 in Perry County, Kentucky
Died after 1870 in near DeKalb in Buchanan County, Missouri

Isaac B. Combs
Served Two Terms (dates unknown)
Served one term in the Kentucky State Senate
Two possible Isaac B. Combses in Breathitt County- unknown which served as Sheriff. 

Samuel Spurlock
(Acts of Legislature- 1842)
Son of Jesse and Jane (Herren) Spurlock
Born on October 19, 1816 in Kentucky
Married Mary (Polly) Cope on April 20, 1838 in Perry County, Kentucky
Died on August 21, 1901 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Buried in the Samuel Spurlock Cemetery, Quicksand, Breathitt 
     County, Kentucky

Thomas Hagins
(Acts of Legislature- 1846)
Son of William R. and Mary (Linville) Hagins
Born on February 26, 1789 in Virginia
Married to Rebecca Walters (1803-after 1860)
Served as one of the first Justices of the Peace in Breathitt County
Served as a Trustee of the Town of Breathitt
Died on October 11, 1852 on Quicksand Creek in Breathitt County, Kentucky

Isaac Back
(Acts of Legislature- 1848)
Two possible Isaac Backs in Breathitt County- unknown which served as Sheriff. 

Jason W. Baker
(Acts of Legislature- 1849)
Unknown- more research needed

Daniel Hagins                         
(Acts of Legislature- 1853)
Son of William R. and Mary (Linville) Hagins
Born on November 22, 1807 in Floyd County, Kentucky
Married Elizabeth Stamper
Died on September 17, 1866 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Buried in the Hagins Cemetery, Rousseau, Quicksand Creek, Breathitt County, Kentucky

Attison C. Bowman
(Acts of Legislature- 1859-1860)
Republican
Son of Joseph and Cynthia (Crawford) Bowman
Born on July 23, 1831 in Perry County, Kentucky
Married Elizabeth Louisa Cockrell about 
     1861 and Martha _______
Served as Breathitt County Judge in 1878
Died on January 25, 1908 at Five Mile in 
     Breathitt County, Kentucky
Buried in the Five Mile (Spencer-Bowman) 
     Cemetery on the Five Mile Farm, Wolverine, 
     Breathitt County, Kentucky

John Watkins Cardwell            
January 1, 1861 - December 31, 1864 
(Described as late sheriff in Acts of Legislature, 1865 and 1866)
Son of John and Arminta (Waktions) Cardwell
Born on June 4, 1824 in Barbousville, KNox County, Kentucky
Married Celia South
Served as Circuit Court Clerk
Served as County Court Clerk
Died on May 21, 1913 in Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky
Buried in the William M. Combs Cemetery, Hurst Lane, Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky

William Shackleford "Shack" Allen, Jr.
January 1, 1865 - December 31, 1868
Son of William S. and Catherine (Gayheart) Allen
Born about 1826 in Perry County, Kentucky
Married Elizabeth Hagins (1826- after 1900) about 1850 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Also served a the first Breathitt County Coroner
Died about June 1900 in Breathitt County, Kentucky

James William Lindon          
(Acts of Legislature- 1865 and 1868)
Democrat
Son of James S. and Nancy (Haddix) Lindon
Born on April 29, 1836 in Estill
     County, Kentucky
Married American Marcum in 1855
Served as Breathitt County Judge from November 28, 1878 - August 31, 1882
Died on November 2, 1900 at Alexander Hargis' in Winchester, Clark County, Kentucky 
Buried in the Jackson (Joe Little) Cemetery, Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky

1868 - 1874 - Not Known who served these terms

Alexander Deaton
August 17, 1874 - September 21, 1875
Son of John and Malinda (Watts) Deaton
Born January 31, 1843 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Elizabeth Richardson on July 18, 1861 in 
     Breathitt County, Kentucky and Ella Turner 
     on May 26, 1914 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Member of the Baptist Church
Died June 5, 1919 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Buried in the Strong Cemetery at Lost Creek, 
     Breathitt County, Kentucky

John “Buck” Deaton                    
September 22, 1875 - January 16, 1876
Son of John and Isabell (Brantley or Spencer) Deaton
Born on June 6, 1807 in Lee County, Virginia
Married to Malinda Watts (1802-1975) on February 7, 1825 in Perry County, kentucky
Served in the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1867-1868
Died on December 15, 1877 at Crockettsville in Breathitt COunty, Kentucky
Buried on December 16, 1877 in the Crockettsville Cemetery, Crocketsvile, Breathitt County, Kentucky

John Linville Hagins 
January 17, 1876 - August 17, 1878
Son of Daniel D. and Elizabeth(Stamper) Hagins
Born on May 27, 1849 on Quicksand Creek in Breathitt Coutny, Kentucky
Married Arlena Chapman (1851-1898_ on Januaty 11, 1972 in Breathitt County, Kentucky.
Was Sheriff during the beginning of the Breathitt County feuds.
Died July 28, 1942 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Buried in the Hagins Cemetery at Rousseau on Quicksand Creek in Breathitt Coutny, Kentucky

Charles Jefferson "C.J." Little
August 18, 1878 - August 15, 1880
Democrat
Son of John F. and Anna (Abrams) Little
Born on February 24, 1844 in Morgan 
     County, Kentucky
Married Armina Catherine Patrick (1846-1926)
     on October 29, 1867 in Jackson, 
     Breathitt County, Kentucky
Was a Trustee and major donor of Lees 
     Collegiate Institute in Jackson, 
     Breathitt County, Kentucky
Worked at real estste and was a lumberman
Owned and operated the Hotel Jefferson
Member of the Presbyterian Church
Died on April 18, 1934 in Jackson, Breathitt 
     County, Kentucky
Buried in the Jackson (Joe Little) Cemetery, Jackson, Breathitt County,
     Kentucky

Henry D. "Snoot" Back
August 16, 1880 - September 17, 1882
Son of Isaac and Rachel (Combs) Back
Born on March 7, 1849 on Quicksand Creek, Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Rebecca Back (1850-1929) on November 6, 1867 
     in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Died on November 11, 1911 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Buried in the Henry D. Back Cemetery, Quicksand Creek, 
     Breathitt County, Kentucky

Stephen Jett Crawford
September 18, 1882 - December 7, 1884
Son of Oliver and Elvira (Jett) Crawford
Born on February 13, 1856 on the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River in    
     Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Nancy Caroline Hargis 91864-1914) on March 18, 1880 in 
     Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky
Former cattle rancher in Texas
Worked as a farmer, merchant, and businessman
Died on December 9, 1927 of stomach cancer at Grannis Bach's 
     home in Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky
Buried in the Oliver Crawford Cemetery, Bryant's Creek, 
     Breathitt County, Kentucky

William Blackstone Cardwell
1885 ?  (mentioned in the Hazel Green Herald, 11-4-1885, p3)
Son of John W. and Cekia (South) Cardwell
Born on August 8, 1858 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married to Sarah Bowman (1867-1921) on December 11, 1881 in Kentucky
Died on November 4, 1937 on Panbowl in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Buried in the Five Mile Cemetery on the Howell Farm near Wolverine in Breathitt County, Kentucky

George Washington Bowman
December 8, 1884 - February 21, 1886
Son of Joseph and Cynthia (Crawford) Bowman 
Born on January 5, 1840 in Perry County, Kentucky
Married Eliza Little (1848-1907) about 1859 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Died on September 13, 1902 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Buried in the Jackson (Joe Little) Cemetery, Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky

William Henry Breckinridge Combs - 
Three Terms- 2 elected one appointed (obit)
January 1, 1886 - December 31, 1889
Democrat
Son of William M. and Jane (Combs) Combs
Born on October 8, 1856 in Breathitt County,
     Kentucky
Married Susan Strong
Performed the only legal hanging in 
     Breathitt County in 1895
Member of the Junior Order of United 
     American Mechanics
Died on May 10, 1925 in Jacksaon, Breathitt 
     County, Kentucky
Buried in the William M. Combs Cemetery, 
     Hurst Lane, Jackson, Breathitt County, 
     Kentucky

William Henry Breckinridge Combs
January 1, 1890 - January 12, 1896 (resigned)

William M. Bryant
January 13, 1896 - October 26, 1896 (appointed)
Son of Ancil D. and Sarah (Evans) Bryant
Born on November 20, 1856 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Elvira Terry (1857-1898) in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Died on September 21, 1917 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Buried in the Huram Bryant Cemetery, Athol, Breathitt County, Kentucky

William Davis Back
October 27, 1896 - December 27, 1896 (appointed)
Son of Barnabas A. and Minerva Jane 
     (Hounshell) Back
Born on November 10, 1855 in Morgan County, 
     Kentucky
Married Esther Turner (1867-1902) on 
     January 29, 1885 in Breathitt County, 
     Kentucky and  Emma Lee Herald 
     (1889-1979) on March 10, 1907 in 
     Breathitt County, Kentucky 
Died on December 26, 1937 in Breathitt 
     County, Kentucky
Buried in the Jackson (Joe Little) 
     Cemetery, Jackson, Breathitt County, 
     Kentucky

Thomas Deaton
December 28, 1896 - May 24, 1897
Two possible Thomas Deatons in Breathitt County- unknown which served as Sheriff. 

Greenville Trimble Strong
May 25, 1897 - December 19, 1897
Democrat
Son of Edward Callahan and 
     Nancy (Haddix) Strong
Born on October 17, 1847 at Haddix, 
     Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Evora Cardwell (1857-1939) about 1874
Served as Breathitt County Tax Collector
Member of Breathitt Lodge #649 F. & A.M.
Member of the Board of Education
Member of the Primitive Baptist Church
Died of a heart attack on August 2, 1932 in 
     Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky
Buried in the William M. Combs Cemetery, 
     Hurst Lane, Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky

James Sherman Cope
December 20, 1897 - December 31, 1900
Son of James D. and Elizabeth (Crawford) Cope
Born about February 1832 in Perry County, Kentucky
Married Zerilda Cockrell (1844-1917) about 1862 in Breathitt County, 
     Kentucky
Served in Company I, of the 47th Kentucky Mounted Infantry, 
     United States Army during the Civil War
Died on February 13, 1909 at the Lexington & Eastern Hotel in
     Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky
Buried on Frozen Creek, Breathitt Country, Kentucky

Charles Terry 
January 1, 1901 - December 31, 1901
Republican
Son of Miles and Louraine (Johnson) Terry
Born on May 18, 1875, on Turkey Creek in 
     Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Ellen Whisman (1878-1945) on 
     March 14, 1902, in Marion County, 
     Indiana
Served as Justice of the Peace in 
     Breathitt County, Kentucky
Served a Breathtit County Judge 
     Executive from May 20, 1925 to
     December 31, 1925
Served as President of First National 
     Bank 1917–1946
Served three terms as Treasurer of the City of Jackson
Died on November 13, 1946, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Lexington, 
     Fayette County, Kentucky. 
Buried in the Miles Terry Cemetery at Turkey Creek, Breathitt County,
     Kentucky. 

Edward “Ned” Callahan
January 1, 1902 - May 31, 1904
Democrat
Son of Jackson C. and Elizabeth (Spicer) Callahan
Born on May 2, 1863 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Tymanda Spicer (1870-1948) about 1886 
     in Breathitt County, Kentucky and 
     Tymanda Deaton (1891-1959) on June 19, 1908 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Shot from ambush on May 4, 1912
Ded on May 11, 1912 at the Murdoch Hospital at Buckhorn, Perry County, Kentucky
Buried in the Jackson Callahan Cemetery, 
     Crockettsville, Breathitt County, Kentucky    

Daniel Breckinridge "Breck" Crawford
January 1, 1906 - December 31, 1909
Was removed from office by a judge during a lawsuit but reinststed upon appeal.
Democrat
Son of Oliver and Elvira (Jett) Crawford
Born on April 29, 1862 at Bryant's Creek, 
     Breathitt County, Kentucky
Was a businessman
Died on December 11, 1918 at the Back Hospital,
     Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky
Buried in the Oliver Crawford Cemetery, 
     Bryant's Creek, Breathitt County, Kentucky

Thomas Henry Hudson
January 1, 1910 - December 31, 1913
Democrat
Son of Henry S. and Eliza (Campbell) Hudson
Born about March 1860 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Lettie Noble (1860-1934) on November 1, 1882 in 
     Breathitt County, Kentucky, Elizabeth Lambert, and 
     Rachel Smith (1855-1927)
Died on September 1, 1952 at Mt. Mary Hospital at Hazard in Perry County, Kentucky
Buried in the Hudson Cemetery, Rowdy, Troublesome Creek, Perry County, Kentucky

Matthew A. “Matt” Spencer
January 1, 1914 - December 31, 1917
Democrat
Son of William and Louisa Marie (Brittain) Spencer
Born on November 18, 1871 in Breathitt County,
     Kentucky
Married Mollie Maloney (1880-1958) on February
     21, 1906 at Keen Crawford's in Breathitt 
     County, Kentucky
Was a businessman and farmer
Died on March 5, 1920 in Jackson, Breathitt 
     County, Kentucky
Buried in the Sewell Cemetery on Marcum Height, 
     in Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky

John M. Roberts
January 1, 1918 - December 31, 1921
Democrat
Son of Alfred and Elvira (Campbell) Roberts
Born on November 27, 1878 on Lost Creek, 
     Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Louraine Watts (1869-1960) on August 8, 
     1898 at Hiindman, Knott County, Kentucky
Worked as Deputy United States Marshal
Died on January 27, 1936 of exposure on Turkey 
     Creek in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Buried in the Jackson (Joe Little) Cemetery, 
     Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky

John L. Caudill
January 1, 1922 - May 7, 1925 (died)
Republican
Son of James I. and Pherbia (Day) Caudill
Born on July 2, 1881 in Breathitt County,
     Kentucky
Married Bessie Francis Risney (1883-1957)
Worked for the Mowray & Robinson 
     Lumber Company
Died on May 7, 1925 at the Bach Hospital,
     Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky
Buried at the Hiram Back Cemetery,
     Stevenson, Quicksand Creek, Breathitt 
     County, Kentucky

Robert Anderson "Ance" Collier
May 11, 1925 - December 31, 1925 (appointed)
Republican
Son of Milliard F. and Martha (Rader) Collier
Born on December 15, 1878 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Ida Jett (1883-1970)
Served as Police Judge of Jackson from 1950-1953
Member of the Methodist Church
Member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics
Died on March 16, 1953 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Buried in the Marcum Heights Cemetery, Marcum Heights, Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky

Samuel Jett Cockrell
January 1, 1926 - December 31, 1929
Democrat
Son of Clifton and Sarah Jane (Jett) Cockrell
Born on November 13, 1889 in Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky
Graduate of Lees Colligiate Institute
Married Roberta Blanton (1891-1947)
Served as United States District Commissioner from 1933-1957
Served as Breathitt County Jailer from 1930-1933
Member of the Methodist Church
Died of a heart attack near Wilhurst on September 23, 1957 
     in route to a Lexington Hospital
Buried in September 25, 1957 in the William M. Combs Cemetery, 
     Hurst Lane, Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky

Lee Combs
January 1, 1930 - December 31, 1933
Democrat
Son of Solomon L. and Armina (Campbell) Combs
Born on December 20, 1899 on Lost Creek in 
     Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Lillie Wells (1900-1980) on 
     July 28, 1922 at Lost Creek, Breathitt 
     County, Kentucky
Died shot and killed on August 4, 1938 on 
     the steps of the Hargis Banks Building 
     in Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky
Buried in the Nathan Noble Cemetery, Lost Creek, Breathitt County, Kentucky

Robert Anderson "Ance" Collier
January 1, 1934 - December 31, 1937
Republican
Son of Milliard F. and Martha (Rader) Collier
Born on December 15, 1878 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Ida Jett (1883-1970)
Served as Police Judge of Jackson from 1950-1953
Member of the Methodist Church
Member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics
Member of the Daughters of America
Died on March 16, 1953 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Buried in the Marcum Heights Cemetery, Marcum Heights, Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky

Walter Deaton
January 1, 1938 - December 31, 1941
Democrat
Son of Wilson and Nancy Ann (Akemon) Deaton
Born on April 17, 1883 at Crockettsville, 
     Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Mahalah Ingram (1883-1963)
Member of the Presbyterian Church for 57 years
Member of Breathitt Lodge #649 F. & A.M. 
Died on October 2, 1961 at the Homeplace Clinic 
     at Ary, Troublesome Creek, Perry County,
     Kentucky
Buried in the Jackson (Joe Little) Cemetery, 
     Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky

Johney Grigsby
January 1, 1942 - December 31, 1945
Democrat
Son of McCager and Rebecca (Roberts) Grigsby
Born on February 15, 1894 in Breathitt County,
     Kentucky
Married Lucinda Ritchie (1898-1975) in 1914 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Was well-known lumberman
Member of the Breathitt County Board of Education
Died on February 11, 1972 at Ellenton, 
     Manatee County, Florida
Buried in the Watkins-Grigsby Cemetery, Old Quicksand Road, Breathitt County, Kentucky

Goebel Lewis Allen
January 1, 1946 - December 31, 1949
Democrat
Son of William L. and Nancy (Combs) Allen
Born on January 21, 1900 in Perry County, 
     Kentucky
Married Jessie Carpenter (1902-1937) on 
     November 18, 1920 and Opsie May
Was a farmer and merchant
Member of the First Brethern Church of Dayton,
     Ohio
Died on February 16, 1961 at Haddix, Breathitt 
     County, Kentucky
Buried in the Jackson (Joe Little) Cemetery, 
     Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky

Walter Deaton
January 1, 1950 - December 31, 1953
Democrat
Son of Wilson and Nancy Ann (Akemon) Deaton
Born on April 17, 1883 at Crockettsville, 
     Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Mahalah Ingram (1883-1963)
Member of the Presbyterian Church for 57 years
Member of Breathitt Lodge #649 F. & A.M. 
Died on October 2, 1961 at the Homeplace Clinic at Ary, Troublesome Creek, Perry County, Kentucky
Buried in the Jackson (Joe Little) Cemetery, Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky

James Carl Back
January 1, 1954 - December 31, 1957
Democrat
Son of William D. and Emma Lee (Herald) Back
Born on February 8, 1914 in Breathitt County,
     Kentucky
Married Ethel Marie Spicer (1920-2001) on 
     August 6, 1938 in Breathitt County, Kentucky 
Owned and operated the White Flash Restaurant in Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky
Died on March 18, 1962 in Jackson, Breathitt
     County, Kentucky
Buried in the Jackson (Joe Little) Cemetery, 
     Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky

Benton Howard
January 1, 1958 - December 31, 1961
Son of Andrew J. and Margaret (Watkins) Howard
Born about 1899 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Kate Miller (1901-1985) 
Member First National Bank Board of Directors
Served as a member of the Kentucky House 
     of Representative
Policeman for Owl Creek Coal Company
Worked for the Kentucky State Highway Department
Died on December 30, 1968 in Lexington,
     Fayette County, Kentucky
Buried in the Jackson (Joe Little) Cemetery,
     Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky

James Carl Back                    
January 1, 1962 - March 18, 1962 (died)
Democrat
Son of William D. and Emma Lee (Herald) Back
Born on February 8, 1914 in Breathitt County,
     Kentucky
Married Ethel Marie Spicer (1920-2001) on 
     August 6, 1938 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Owned and operated the White Flash Restaurunt
     in Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky
Died on March 18, 1962 in Jackson, Breathitt 
     County, Kentucky
Buried in the Jackson (Joe Little) Cemetery, 
     Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky

Woodrow Wilson Back
March 23, 1962 - April 23, 1962 
(appointed and later resigned)
Democrat
Son of William D. and Emma Lee (Herald) Back
Born on July 8, 1912 in Breathtit County, Kentucky
Married Helen Shouse (1917-1940) on January 15, 1938 and Thelma Gray (1913-2008)
Worked for the the Kentucky Department for Fish and Wildlife
Died on April 2, 1996 in Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky
Buried in the Jackson (Joe Little) Cemetery, Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky

Edward Lee Hollan
April 23, 1962 - April 29, 1962
again named interim after the resignation of Woodrow W. Back
Appoint as interim Sheriff until a replacement was made
Democrat

Monroe Combs
April 29, 1962 - December 31, 1964 (Appointed)
Democrat
Son of James and Esther (Turner) Combs
Born on April 11, 1911 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Carrie Beth Noble (1912-1996) about 1929
     in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Died on October 4, 1999 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Buried in the Combs Family Cemetery at Noctor, 
     Quicksand Creek, Breathitt County, Kentucky

John Wise Deaton, Sr.
January 1, 1965 - October 9, 1965 (Resigned)
Democrat
Son of Walter and Mahalah (Ingram) Deaton
Born on December 19, 1917 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Gladys Mae Tackett (1918- 1966) on December 23, 1939 in Knott County, Kentucky
Was a school teacher in Breathitt 
     County, Kentucky
Worked for the Kentucky Department of 
     Transportation
Served one term as Circuit Clerk of Breathitt County, Kentucky
Veteran of World War II
Member Breathitt Masonic #649 F. & A.M.
Died on November 4, 1968 at the Veterans' Hospoital in Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky
Buried in the Jackson (Joe Little) Cemetery  at Jackson in Breathitt 
     County, Kentucky

John Wise Deaton, Jr.
October 9, 1965 - December 31, 1965 (Appointed) 
Democrat
Son of John Wise and Gladys Mae (Tackett) Deaton                         
Born on May 1, 1940 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Dona J. Wallace 
Served in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam
Worked as a coal miner and farmer
Died on December 17, 2000 at the Veterans'      Administration Hospital, Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky
Buried in the Georgetown City Cemetery at Georgetown in Scott County, Kentucky

John Wise Deaton, Sr.
January 1, 1966 - November 4, 1968 (died)
Democrat
Son of Walter and Mahalah (Ingram) Deaton
Born on December 19, 1917 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Gladys Mae Tackett (1918- 1966) on December 23, 1939 in Knott County, Kentucky
Was a school teacher in Breathitt 
     County, Kentucky
Worked for the Kentucky Department of 
     Transportation
Served one term as Circuit Clerk of Breathitt County, Kentucky
Veteran of World War II
Member Breathitt Masonic #649 F. & A.M.
Died on November 4, 1968 at the Veterans' Hospital in Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky
Buried in the Jackson (Joe Little) Cemetery  at Jackson in Breathitt 
     County, Kentucky

John Wise Deaton, Jr.
November 8, 1968 - December 31, 1969 (Appointed) 
Democrat
Son of John Wise and Gladys Mae (Tackett) Deaton                         
Born on May 1, 1940 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Dona J. Wallace 
Served in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam
Worked as a coal miner and farmer
Died om December 17, 2000 at the Veterans' Administration 
     Hospital at Lexington in Fayette County, Kentucky
Buried in the Georgetown City Cemetery, Georgetown, 
     Scott County, Kentucky

Lewis Watkins
January 1, 1970 - December 31, 1973
Democrat
Son of John and Biddie (Baldridge) Watkins
Born on June 12, 1904 in Breathitt County, 
     Kentucky
Married Easter Noble on August 9, 1923 at 
     Press, South Fork, Quicksand Creek, 
     Breathitt County, Kentucky
Served as the Chief of Police in Jackson, 
     Breathitt County, Kentucky
Served as the Chief of Police in West 
     Liberty, Morgan County, Kentucky 
     from 1946-1949
Served as Breathitt County Magistrate
Member of the Lower Quicksand United 
     Baptist Church
Died on August 13, 1986
Buried in the Jackson (Joe Little) Cemetery  at Jackson in Breathitt 
     County, Kentucky

Roy Watkins
January 1, 1974 - December 31, 1977
Democrat
Son of Lewis and Easter (Noble) Watkins
Born on September 28, 1927 in Breathitt
     County, Kentucky
Married to Henrietta Layne
Served in the United States Navy during
     World War II
Served as Deputy Sheriff of Breathitt County from 1970-1974.
Died on September 8, 2012 at Jackson in 
     Breathitt County, Kentucky
Buried in the Jackson Cemetery in Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky

Elliott Herald
January 1, 1978 - December 31, 1981
Democrat
Son of William B. and Rachel (Herald) Herald
Born on March 21, 1928 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Alice Turner on April 30, 1954 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Died on November 15, 2014 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Buried in the Alice B. Turner Cemetery, Talbert, Turner's Creek, Breathitt County, Kentucky

Dean Spencer
January 1, 1986 - December 31, 1989
Democrat
Son of Reed and Mary T. (Patrick) Spencer
Born on March 25, 1944 at Jackson, 
     Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Gloria Faye Hudson
Served as Breathitt County Coroner 
     from 1969-1981
Graduate of Lees College
Graduate of the Kentucky School of 
     Mortuary Science
Former owner of Watts and Spencer 
     Funeral Home
Member of the Wolverine Methodist Church
Member of the Breathitt County Fish 
     and Game Club
Member of the Jackson Lions Club
Died on March 14, 2018 at the Greg and Norman Wells Hospice Care Center in Hazard, Perry County, Kentucky
Buried in the Jackson (Joe Little) Cemetery at Jackson in Breathitt County, Kentucky

Dean Spencer
Served a second term from January 1, 1990 - December 31, 1993
Democrat

Ray Clemons
January 1, 1994 - May 2, 1997 (resigned)
Democrat
Son of Beecher and Evalee (Summa) Clemons
Born on October 20, 1948 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Geneva Ritchie (1948-2019)

John L. Turner
August 28, 1998 - December 31, 1998  (appointed)
Democrat
Son of William and Reba (Bryant) Turner
Born on June 6, 1955 in Breathitt County, 
     Kentucky
Married Donna F. Marshall (1963 -  ) and Melissa ______

John L. Turner
Served a first elected term from January 1, 1999 - December 31, 2002
Democrat

John L. Turner
Served Second Term from January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2006
Democrat

Ray Clemons
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2010
Democrat
Son of Beecher and Evalee (Summa) Clemons
Born on October 20, 1948 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Geneva Ritchie (1948-2019)

Ray Clemons
Served Second Term from January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2014 
Democrat

Ray Clemons
Served Third Term from January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2018
Democrat

John O. Hollan
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2022
Democrat
Son of Edward, Jr. and Elvira (Large) Hollan
Born on July 2, 1959 in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Married Ruth Ann Ramsey on June 6, 1981 and Vickie Watkins on 1997
Served as a City Policeman for the City of Jackson, Kentucky
Served as a Patrolman for the City of 
     Irvine, Kentucky

John O. Hollon
Second Term as term from January 1, 2023 - 
Democrat

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© 2023 Stephen D. Bowling