Menifee County was formed in 1869 from parts of five adjoining counties and was named for Richard H. Menefee, regarded as one of Kentucky's great orators. Born in Owingsville in 1808, he was elected Commonwealth Attorney of the 11th Judicial District in 1831, State Representative in 1836-37, and U.S. Representative in 1837-39. He died at age 32, and Kentucky lost "one of her proudest and fondest hopes."