Henry County was created by acts of the legislature on May 15 and December 24, 1821, and was named for Patrick Henry, a Revolutionary patriot, orator, and statesman who was largely responsible for the Bill of Rights and is best known for the words “Give me liberty or give me death.” At Sharon Church, seven miles east, founded on Feb. 28, 1824, the split between the Primitive and Missionary Baptists in Georgia occurred. Among the first county officers were Sheriff James Fletcher, Clerk of Superior Court William Hardin, Clerk of Inferior Court John M. Forbes, Surveyor Wylie Ferrell, and Coroner William Missor.