Established: February 28, 1839
Origin of
the Name: Named from the State
of New Jersey, which derived
its name from the Isle of Jersey in Great Britain.
County Seat: Jerseyville
History of Jersey County
In
1821, with the establishment of Greene County, it ceased to be a part of Madison County, a relation it had held
since the latter was formed by Gov. Edwards in 1818. The part of
Greene County that now constitutes Jersey County, continued to be included in Greene County until August 5, 1839.
The Enabling Act passed by the Legislature, February 28, 1839, provided that on August 5, following at an election
held for that purpose, a proposition should be submitted to the voters of the latter county, for and against the
separation of Jersey County from Greene County, for their determination.
At that election, there were 1,239 votes for and 714 against the proposition, a majority of 525 out of a total
of 1, 953 votes. From 1821 until 1839, however, the history of Jersey County is naturally included in that of Greene,
and is so given. [Hamilton "History of Jersey Co." 1919]
