Harris County was created by acts of the legislature on Dec. 14 and 24, 1827, and was named for Charles Harris, an eminent Savannah jurist. Born in England and educated in France, Harris served Savannah as alderman or mayor for 20 years and refused higher offices. The first election was held in Feb. 1828. The first county officers were Sheriff Lewis Wynn, Superior Court Clerk Clark Blandford, Inferior Court Clerk Josiah W. Batchelder, Surveyor Absalom Beddell, Coroner F.A.B. Wheeler, Tax Receiver Burrell Blackmon, and Tax Collector John D. Johnson. The first courthouse was built in 1831 and the present one in 1908.