The Journal-Record - Bicentennial Edition July 1, 1976 Section A, Page 4 THE HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY The Act of Creation for Marion County by an Act of the Alabama Territorial Legislature designated "the Cotton Gin Port" as the site of the temporary seat of Justice by Act approved Dec. 16, 1819. The temporary seat of justice as placed at the house of Henry GRIER in the Buttahatchee Community. The permanent site selected in 1820 was Pikeville which was incorporated by Act Jan. 12, 1827. During the 62 years while Pikeville was the County seat, there were two or more courthouses build. Pikeville was long a place of some importance, but after the removal of the courthouse to Toll Gate (now Hamilton) about 1883, it declined and died and is now one of the historic "ghost towns" of Alabama. In 1818 William RAGSDALE became the first Probate Judge, according to available records. John D. TERRELL, Jr., elected 1829 served 45 years. Henry GRIER not shown in U. S. Census of Marion County, Ala. for 1830. The 1830 Census shows on Sheet 13, line 23 RAGSDALE, William H. Age under 50 years, other males 1 under 5 years and 1 under 10 years. Females -- 2 under 5 yrs, 2 under 15 yrs., 2 under 20 yrs and 1 under 30 yrs. Line 26 RAGSDALE, Clement  Age under 40 years. Females). (sic) TERRELL, John D. Jr. served in Alabama Senate 1819 to 1823. Probate Judge [Terrell] 1829 to November 1882 when Court was moved to Toll Gate now Hamilton. Son-in-law John POPE completed his term from November 1882 at Hamilton. Records in County papers show Jason P. FORD signing as Probate Judge Jan. 1893. Court House at Hamilton was destroyed by fire March 30, 1887 while Walter H. MATTHEWS was Probate Judge. Terms of other Probate Judges can be secured from the County Paper. 1830 U. S. Census Marion County Sheet 21 Line 1 shows TERRELL John D. age 60 Two other males under 30 years of age. Females 2 under 20 yrs. and 1 under 60 yrs. 1850 U. S. Census TERRELL, John D., age 49, County Judge, born in Ga. Wife Elizabeth age 37, born in Ga. Step-son MEADORS John age,(sic) born in Ala. Children: Rosa age 14, Wm. H. age 9; Isabell age 7; Sarah age 5: Henry age 4, Mary age 2, all born in Ala.