 The small cluster of log cabins called Hartford was designated the county seat of Blackford County in 1837 , when legislation to create the county was proposed . Despite being created in 1838 , no county government was organized until 1839 , and there was some dissent over the location of the county seat . During June 1939 , Indiana Governor David Wallace appointed Nicholas Friend as the new county ’ s sheriff , and elections were held soon thereafter . The log cabin homes of county officials served as county government buildings during the first year of the county ’ s organized existence . County affairs were first handled at the log cabin home of Andrew Boggs , which was located just north of Little Lick Creek in Licking Township . This cabin was , in effect , the capitol of Blackford County for about three months . 
