The following events show the beginning of affairs in Lafayette County: The first white settler was Gilead Rupe. In 1815, Rupe built a crude home about two and a half miles south of the present site of Lexington. His name appears frequently in the early records of the county, as a member of boards for the location of new roads, or rendering other sorts of public service.

The judges of the first county court were John Stapp, John Whitsett and James Lillard.

The first justice of the peace was Henry Renick, and it was he who administered the oath of office to the first county judges.

The first county clerk was Young Ewing, his bond being fixed at $1,200. The first county treasurer was also Young Ewing.

The first collector was Markham Fristoe; he was also the first constable, and served from Sni-a-bar township for two years.

The first county surveyor was John Dustin.

The first sheriff was William R. Cole.

The first road overseer was Abner Graham., The first retail dealer’s license was granted to Robert Castle, and the fee was $15 for six months.

The first saloon license was granted to Amos Riley, dated May 1823, and was for six months. The fee was $5. The limit of saloons in the county was then six.

The first tavern and ferry licenses issued were to Adam Lightner.

The first will filed for probate in this county was that of Amasa Crain.

The first school land commissioners were William Y.C. Ewing, Thomas Fristoe, Joseph Irwin, Abel Owens and James Evans.

The first county jail was built in 1823.

The first term of circuit court was held Feb. 17, 1821; David Todd was the presiding judge.

The first case tried by a jury was that of the State vs. Jacob Catron, for alleged trespassing. He was acquitted. The jury was as follows: John Wallace, Amos Rylah, Jesse Gray, William Cox, Joseph Irvin, John Hillion, Benjaor Majors, Christopher Cox, David Blevins, William Bowers, William Dobson and James Fletcher.

The first lawful execution was that of Leland Tromly, April 4, 1834, for killing Joseph Stephens with an ax. The judge was John F. Ryland, the prosecuting attorney Amos Rees, and the sheriff, James Fletcher.

The first woman to be hung in Missouri (it is believed) was the second execution in Lafayette County. Mary Andreas, alias Tromberg, was hanged April 30, 1834 for the killing of her infant child.

Lexington’s first mayor was Judge Eldridge Burden.

The first newspaper published in this county was the Lexington Express, its first issue being dated April 4, 1840. Charles Patterson was the editor.