Clarke-Oconee Genealogical Society PO Box 6403 Athens, GA 30604 Clarke County, Georgia was created on 5 December 1801 from a portion of Jackson County. The county was named in honor of the distinguished Revolutionary War soldier, Gen. Elijah Clarke (1733-1799). Although the courthouse was in Watkinsville from 1801 until 1877, all the pre-1875 records are in Athens. Oconee County, Georgia was ...