Formed from parts of Estill, Clay, Perry counties, 1839. Named for Gov. John Breathitt, who died in office, 1834. Breathitt born in Va., 1786. Family came to Logan County, Ky., 1800. Representative in Ky. Legis. 3 terms, Lt. Gov. 1828, Gov. 1832-1834. County seat first named Breathitt; changed in 1845 to Jackson, honoring hero of New Orleans, the 7th U.S. President.