CLERKS OF CAROLINE COUNTY COURTS
Benjamin Robinson, from 1727 to 1763.
Joseph Robinson, (son of Benjamin) 1763 to 1780.
William Nelson, 1780 to 1799.
John Pendleton, 1799 to 1814.
John L. Pendleton, 1814 to 1845.
Robert Hudgin (Circuit Court), 1831 to 1845.
George W. Marshall (County Court), 1845 to 1863.
George Keith Taylor (Circuit Court), 1845 to 1863.
Robert Hudgin (County Court), 1863 to 1892.
T. C. Valentine (Circuit Court), 1892-93.
Thomas W. Valentine (Circuit Court), 1893 to 1901.
T. C. Valentine (Circuit Court), 1901 to consolidation of the
two offices.
E. R. Coghill (County Court), 1893 to consolidation of the
two offices.
E. R. Coghill (Circuit Court), 1904 to the present (1924).
During the Reconstruction Period following the Civil War it
was necessary to subscribe to the "Test Oath" in order to hold
office. This Mr. Hudgin declined to do, upon which General
Canby, then in charge of the military district in which Caroline
was located, appointed Mr. John Dratt, of Woodford. Mr.
Dratt held the office until after the election which ratified the new
constitution which had been adopted by the Reconstruction or
Underwood Convention. Mr. Dratt, very magnanimously, insisted
that Mr. Hudgin discharge the duties of the office as before,
and draw the salary for the same, which was done.
