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The county was named after a former governor of New York, De Witt Clinton, who was responsible for organizing the building of the Erie Canal which significantly effected migration to Michigan in the mid 1800’s. The county was organized in 1839 with St. Johns becoming the county seat in 1854. Salt mining and agriculture were the main sources of economic support. Later, the county became noted for its peppermint and spearmint crop; in the 1930’s there were over 50 known mint stills around the St. Johns area.