History of the Clerk’s Office

Henry H. Duncan, the state legislator who introduced the bill that led to the formation of Lake County on July 27, 1887, was named by then-Governor Perry to be Lake County’s first clerk of the circuit court. This is a position he held until dying in office 33 years later.

To date, there have been a total of eight Clerks of Court in Lake County.

• Henry Holcomb “H.H.” Duncan: 1887-1920
• Thaddeus C. Smith: 1920-1927
• Monroe V. Simpson: 1927-1929
• George J. Dykes: 1929-1953
• Frank E. Owens: 1953-1973
• James C. Watkins: 1973-2007
• Neil Kelly: 2007-2018
• Gary J. Cooney: 2018-Current

Learn more about the history of Clerks in Florida:

History Slide 1

History of Clerks in Florida

In 1821, Andrew Jackson appointed two clerks for Florida's two newly-formed counties. At the time, the main duty of the appointed Clerks was to secure land records from the Spanish government.

History Slide 2

History of Clerks in Florida

In 1838, new Articles were introduced that specified that Clerks shall be elected. Their duties didn't change during this period.

History Slide 3

History of Clerks in Florida

In 1845, the role of the Clerks was documented in the Florida Constitution, and the duties were transferred from the territorial Clerks to the elected Clerks.

History Slide 4

History of Clerks in Florida

Fees were established for duties performed by Clerks in 1846.

History Slide 5

History of Clerks in Florida

In 1868, it was determined that Trial Clerks shall be elected, while Clerks of Appellate Court were appointed.

History Slide 6

History of Clerks in Florida

In 1885, five duties were enshrined in the Constitution, those being: Clerk of the Circuit Court, Clerk of the County Court, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, County Recorder, and County Auditor.

History Slide 7

History of Clerks in Florida

The duties of the Clerk were altered in the Constitution in 1968. They now included: Clerk of the Circuit Court, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, County Auditor, County Recorder, and County Funds Custodian.

History Slide 8

History of Clerks in Florida

In 2018, the Constitution was amended after Amendment 10 was passed by voters. The new amendment prevents constitutional officers from being appointed.