Randolph County was created by act of December 20, 1828, from Lee County. Originally it included all of what is now Stewart and Quitman and part of Terrell and Clay Counties. It was named for John Randolph of Roanoke (1773-1833), a Virginia statesman who for many years was a member of the House of Representatives and Senate and who actively opposed the War of 1812 and the Missouri Compromise. The first county officers, commissioned January 12, 1830, were Michael H. Hinch, sheriff; Thomas R. Mangham, clerk of Superior Court; John M. Dennis, clerk of Inferior Court; Arnold E. Bloodworth, surveyor; and Joseph Day, coroner.