ORGANIZATION OF THE FIRST COUNTIES.
Virginia was the first State in the world, composed of separate political
divisions, based upon the principle of universal suffrage. It was in
the year 1634 that the territory of Virginia was divided into eight shires,
or counties, similar to those of England, and named as follows: James
City, Henrico, Charles City, Elizabeth, Warwick River, Warosenoyoke,
Charles River and Acomac. Lieutenants were appointed for each district,
whose business it was to supervise the military affairs. Sheriffs,
sergeants and bailiffs were to be elected as in England, and commissioners
were appointed to hold county courts in the different shires.
This was the origin of the county court system in Virginia.
