For Colonel William Whitley, famous leader in over 17 Indian battles. By 1794 had driven Indians from S.E. Ky. Joined Ky. militia in War of 1812. Killed at Battle of the Thames, 1813. Whitley County formed from Knox. Williamsburg, seat of government, also named for Col. Whitley. First court held, 1818, in home of Samuel Cox, first citizen of Williamsburg.