The Times from Huron, Kansas • 2

sacrifices of all our people, and hence- 3,367 83 Franklin county, and of that court Filling and grading Arch, and Supt Tlie imes, 50 I forth it shall be their pride. court-house site only presenting to the view a dingy old rotten stone coop a jail, and a' picturesque band 2,156 II. P. Welsh was deputy district Into these ample halls, all shall in clerk. The next term, and last under Fifty Cents a Year.

vite our friends, and let the beauty $17,924 56 $66,939 25 territorial regime, was held by Total expenditure Editor. Judge Williams; oseph Welch, L. L. J. M.

Manager, clerk, lhe hrst session was at Mm- OTTAWA, OCT. 6. Stephens, whose death just before the expiration of his second term of office was sincerely lamented by us alL In 1884 the present incumbent was elected. It remains for us then to dedicate to the sacred cause of Justice this beautiful temple which shall stand henceforth, as the symbol of law and government, of the people, for the people, and by the people. The twelve representative men of the jury, drawn from all the walks of life, and from the whole body of the county, represent in the highest degree the democratic idea of the people governing themselves.

Here they adjust each others grievances, not indeed, by the and solidity of the structure speak of the social harmony and material prosperity of Franklin county. It is expected that I will refer to-day to the judicial history of this county. In doing so I must necessarily draw somewhat from a paper which I read on the occasion of the laying of the corner stone. Those who heard me on that occasion will pardon the repetition in view of the interest that may be felt by others, in preserving some fragments of the history of the early NEW COURT HOUSE IS DEDICATED WITH DIGNIFIED CEREMONY. days.

There is a tinge of heroism as arbitrary notions of the individuals DEDICATORY CEREMONIES. The 3rd of October was a most perfect and beautiful day in every respect for the celebration of the opening of the new Franklin County Court House. In the early morning, long before the hour or' the exercises, a continuous throng of visitors, were traversning the halls and examining the various offices and departments. The County officers were present and lent their courteous assistance to make the public feel perfectly at home while inspecting the various offices. The short time since the removal to the new quarters had not furnished time to get everything in its proper place but this fact lent a peculiar charm to the surroundings making it seem a real opening in every department going into the new building.

The bright sun played through every room and into every recess of the excellently light Complete. Description of the Mag nificent Structure. INTERESTING ITEMS OF COUNTY HISTORY. ed edifice, bringing out with splen did effect and beauty, every point of the interrior structure, as only an ideal October sunny day can. The royally festive informal sight stand built somewhere between one and two hundred years ago.

A way out of the dilemma was evolved, however, thanks to the genius of CoL C. B. Mason, and the championship of such public-spirited men as P. P. Elder, Gov.

'Anthony and others. A bill giving the county commissioners authority to levy a 3 mill tax to provide funds for the erection of a counter structure was drafted, and its passage by the Legislature attained, and the result is that to-day we have the magnificent edifice that is so much a matter of pride to us all, and what is better still, it is paid for and no one has particularly realized a burden of expense. The county commissioners under whose able business management the work of planning and building has been done Messrs Moherman, Hawkins, Tulloss and 6 Aiken are deserving of great praise for the indefatigable labor they have bestowed upon the work, and for their excellent judgment in selecting the designers and executors. There were two primary factors to begin with: The erection of a building that would in every way be a credit to the community, and the expenditure of the least possible amount of money to secure that result. Very happily for the largest measure of success the Board engaged the services as architect and superintendent, George Washburn of Ottawa, a gentleman of wide and enviable reputation, and his designs have enabled the artisans to create an edifice that for beauty of structure, convenience of arrangement and general completeness, has not.

its peer in the state, The contract for building was award-? ed to Divelbiss of Olathe, and in this the board displayed wisdom, as the every way satisfactory execution of the work testifies. CONSTRUCTION OP THE BUILDING. The building is in the roman esque style, 73xl 12 feet, with two large porticos, 10x40 feet, at the east and west entrances respectively with flag-stone flooring. In height it is three stories above the basement. The basement walls are laid up in range work of stone.

Above the foundation the walls are ot brick with, pressed brick veneering. The interior finish is of natural oak, hard-oil rubbed finish and the door and window trimmings are of solid bronze. The building-is heated by "steam and fitted with both gas and electric seeing of delighted citizens uniting in most hearlv congratulations of neola, in the big state capital building (erected at a cost of about the second was at Ohio City, in the stone school house, now used by P. P.Elder as a storehouse for farm machinery. Upon the removal of the county seat to Ottawa, the unhappy court officials were driven from pillar to post in search of suitable quarters to hold sessions.

The first "session here was held in Lathrop's hall, corner of Main and Second, an edifice constructed of the remnants of the erstwhile capitol building at Minneola (and which is now occupied by Ezra Lathrop). When forced to seek other quarters, the room on Main street, now occupied by J. C. Shomo, was utilized unt'l better quarters in Pickrell hall, on Main and Third, were secured. The next removal was to Anderson's hall, as Captain Anderson denominated a then commodious apartment over Clark book store, and from thence the weary court functionaries carried their effects, for a brief time to rooms in the jail building.

Sheldon's hall was next the scene of litigatious contests, until Judge N. T. Stephens concluded to hold one term in the Walnut street school house. For the past few years court has been continuously held in the Masonic temple. Since statehood Franklin has been a part of the fourth judicial district.

The gentlemen who have presided over the courts, since the terms of Judges Ewing and Williams, are: Solon O. Thacher, David P. Lowe, Daniel M. Valentine, Owen A. Bas-sett, N.

T. Stephens and A. W. Benson. COUNTY SEAT TROUBLES.

There have been numerous and exciting county seat contests. The county seat was. originally located by the legislature in 1858, at St. Bernard; when the decadence of that town was complete, it was located at Minneola. A triangular fight came up in 1860.

March 16th, of that year, an election was held to relocate the seat, at which the vote was: Ohio City, 243; Peoria, 206; Minneola, 182; no place receiving a majority. On the 16th of the month following another election was held, which resulted: the event which signalizes the con-sumation of the hopes of long years for a new court house was a most happy, feature of the days program, while amid the hum of joyous voices floated the strains of the 'Gladiator' band from the west balcony, and from the flag staffs on either side of the great statue ot "Justice," the stars and stripts were unfurled to the breeze in full view of the assembled multitude. In the court room, where the exercises of the formal opening were well as romance in the story of those times, when "From the home of the cabin, From the field of the corn, Unwarned and unweaponed The victims were torn." although our annals will be of peace and not of war. While Franklin county wascreated by act of the territorial legislature in 1855, it was not fully organized until 1857. By a legislative act in the latter year St Bernard was made the provisional county seat, and a commission appointed to locate the permanent seat of justice.

This commission made Centropolis thet seat of justice, and then in May 1858 a session of the county commissioners was held, the last in that place, for a popular election held in April 1858 made Minneola the county seat and there on July 5 of that year the commissioners met This first board consisted of Jacob A. Marcell, chairman, John F. Javens and Wm Thornbrugh. The first territorial district court in this county was held at Minneola presided over by Judge Elmore, an accomplished southern lawyer and gentleman from Alabama. The first case upon the docket was that of Samuel G.

Crane vs. Jacob Austin. C. L. Robbins was sheriff (by appointment,) H.

P. Welsh, Dep. Dist. Clerk, and G. W.

Smith of Lawrence, District Attorney. The court met in the old then new constitutional convention hall where met the members of the Minneola constitutional convention which soon adjourned to Leavenworth and there framed the Leavenworth constitution, one of the many constitutions under which Kansas was not admitted into the union. In the year 1859 Franklin county was transferred to another district, over oi FortScott presided who was a former citizen of Iowa. The Judge was blessed with an exubrant nature, and extracted the delectable pieces of fun from the apparently dry kernels of' legal practice. He enlivened the recesses of his courts with an occasional song and dance, taking his violin as well as his statutes with him on circuit The solomn dignity of these latter days, at least since the reign of the "Pie Eaters" might be offended by such unjudicial hilarity.

Upon the advent of the state into the union, S. O. Thacher of Lawrence, who is to speak this afternoon, was elected Judge of the 4th District, comprising Wyandotte, Johnson, Miami, Linn, Bpuibo, AHn, Anderson, Franklin i representing it may be their caprice or passion, but by the wise and safe standards of the law. Rules founded in the experience of the ages, and having the sanction of the wisest and purest Against this sure bulwark the waves of passion will be dashed to innocent spray. The hand of revenge will be stayed in its mad uplift The tongue of flattery will be hushed to silence.

To slightly paraphrase the writing of another: Here shall the jury the people's rights maintain Unawed by influence and unbribed by gain. Here patriot truth her glorious precepts draw, Pledged to religion, Liberty and Law. To my brethren of the bar, I give an affectionate greeting. Here in this fair place we ought certainly to do better service for our clients, and for the sacred cause of Justice, and ministering in this new temple with clean hands, level heads and faithful hearts aid in promoting justice, pure and simple according to law that law whose seat is the bosom of God, and whose voice is the harmony of the world. Following the address of Judge Benson was the rendition of the anthem, "When the Lord Shall Build Up Zion," by the double quartette.

Ex-Gov. Anthony was then introduced. He confessed ignorance as to why he had been selected to deliver an address at a court house dedication, unless it was in the principle of the eternal fitness of things. For as one of the requisites of eligibility of the juror was general ignorance, so he had probably been put down for an address because he knew nothing about the subject The speaker then humorously alluded to the vain struggles of the court house party in its efforts to secure a building, and a brief history of the manner in which success had finally been attained. He closed with a glowing apostrophe to.

law and justice. The chairman next introduced Hon Elder amid applause. Governor Elder spoke feelingly of the anticipation of citizens for forty years and its regular disappointment in the matter of a court house; and felicitated those assembled upon the final consummation of their long deferred hopes. His address was replete with interesting incident, humorous and pathetic, told in the governor's inimitable style. He briefly explained the plan by which the court house was built without imposing a debt on the The Franklin county court house is practically finished.

It has been officially accepted, formally dedi--cated, and is in due possession of the authorized occapants. Except as to some minor details, it is a completed edifice. Look at it, examine it, read about it; you cannot fail of enthusiastic admiration. It is an honor to the business ability of the board of commissioners, a credit to the architect and artisans whose genius and skill designed and created it, a lasting monument to an enterprising community. A LITTLE EARLY HISTOEY.

It may be appropriate in this Connection to pass in brief review some of the more interesting eyents in the official history of the county. The pioneer settler, if the annals be correct, was Reuben Hackett, who settled in what was then known as the "Shawnee Purchase," a strip of land about three miles wide extending along the northern edge of the county. This land had been acquired by the government through the extinguishment of the Indian title in 1854. Hackett, with others following closely, settled on thewest branch of Ottawa creek, near the west line of what now is Hayes township, June 7, 1854. Any considerable settlement was not made for a number of years, owing to the fact that most of the land was occu held, the crowning events of the day were witnessed.

Beautiful flowers, potted plants and decorations which were placed here under the direction of court stenographer, Fitzgerald, lent a decidedly pleasing, welcome to the vast assembly congregated to hear the addresses of the distinguished citizens and jurists whose lives and official duties are so interestingly in terwoven with the history of Franklin County. Hon. P. P. Elder, IJ -Pr-WeTch acd'Joel K.

Goodin enjoy the honor Peoria, 342: Ohio City, 520. xnis precipitated a contest between Peo pied by variousJtribes Indians-, of being the first three resident attorneys of this county and the duties of chairman of the day were delegated to Mr. Welsh. The assembly, which just comfortably filled the commodious room, was called to order shortly after 10 o'clock by Chairman II and did not enter into the public light appliances. In the basement is located the heating and lighting apparatus and closets for ladies and gentlemen.

Here also are the offices of the city of Ottawa, council police court domain until 1862, '64 and '67. COUNTY OEGAJTIZATION. ria and Minneola, the removal of the records" enjoined by the latter place. The result was lawsuit, gained by I6Qria, at which an appeal was taken by "Minneola and a decision won. The case v7as taken to the territorial supreme court by The countv was named in honor room, and city clerk's office for which of Beniamin Franklin.

The first the city has taken a ten year's lease. organization was effected in 1855, On the first floor, as you enter from the offices being then only partially Peoria, but while the case was pend iihe west, to the left will be found the tilled, bv the appointment of the ing the Territorial Legislature on Jan office of the- treasurer. Adjoining is 0 M. M. Governor.

In '57 the first county elec the countv clerk's office, and to the tion was held. A full set of officers 21, 1861, by enactment resubmitted the controversy to the people. Inasmuch as Kansas had become a state three east of this the commissioners' room, was elected, but not all qualified. On the right as you enter is the office of Thev were as follows: Commission days prior to this enactment, the Peoria the county attorney, that of the Regis ers J. A.

Marcell, Wm. Thorn contestants claimed that the Territorial ter of Deeds, and of the Sheriff. These Legislation had no right to make such brough, John F. Javens; Judge of Welsh in a very felicitous manner. He gracefully thanked the commissioners for honoring him with the position of chairman, presuming that through his selection they paid graceful tribute to the old settlers.

He briefly reviewed the course of the Board of Commissioners in the construction of the building, from its inception to its completion, complimenting them in hearty terms for their vigilance, diligence, thoroughness and wisdom. Mr Welsh gave a brief historical review of early court terms in the county, interspersed with racy anecdotes and personal reminiscences. A memory of these earlier times, he said, that was strongly impressed on his mind was that the court cases were mostly criminal very few civil. 1 various offices are provided with com enactment, and carried the matter to modious hre proof vaults. lhe corn the Supreme court That tribunal de dors on this floor are laid with the best clared the act a lesral one, inasmuch as and Douglas counties.

In the spring of 1860 a county se at election had resulted in the choice (upon the face of the returns) of Peoria City. The vote was for Peoria City 342, Ohio City 320. But an injunction that delicate but altogether potential contrivance that has worked such mysterious results with the Sunday question, and the World's fair an injunction overtook the records somewhere on the prairie encaustic tile work. the Legisture had not been officially no Two one at each end fine oak stair tified of the admission of the state. At the election under resubmission Min county how it was paid for before it was built and that without embarrassment to the people.

lie paid glowing tribute to the genius which conceived of a building of such noble proportions, a building that would be pointed out by generations an hundred years from now as one ample for all purposes. He referred to the fact that from the first county officer down to the present time there had not been a scandal or a charge against an officer, a thing which could truthfully be said of but few counties. At the close of Gov. Elder's remarks. Miss Gertie Reineke rendered a piano solo, when adjournment was had until after dinner.

ways lead to the second floor. The main portion, in the center of this floor, is devoted to the District court room, a magnificent apartment, about neola won. March the 35th, following, still another election was had, at which the vote was: Ohio City, 243; Peoria, 46x68 feet, with a 23 foot ceiling. It is and brougrht them back to Minneola. 127; Centropolis, 98; Mount Vernon, lighted by both gas and electricity Some informality in the election pre 26: Minneola, 1.

As no place received from large reflectors of elegant design. After prayer by Key Chaffee, a double quartette-Dr Hetrick, Mr and Mrs Chas Bliss, Mr and Mrs Chas Corwin, Mrs Brock way, Miss Gertie a majority a new election was necessary west ot tne court room are located, a vented Peoria from grasping the prize, although it enjoyed a magnificent location and it still has the location. In the spring of 1862 Ohio City was and this was held April 15th, folio wing, retiring room for the judge, the jury Probate J. A. Marcell; Clerk D.

G. Watt; Treasurer T.Q J. Mewhinney; Sheriff T. P. Way, County Attorney Register of Deeds Coroner John Bingham.

At a meeting of the board of county commissioners held March 15, 1858, the county was sub-divided into six townships, namely: Chippewa, Centropolis, Ohio, Ottawa, Peoria and Pottawatomie. When the Wyandotte constitution movement was promulgated, at a vote taken April 16, 1859, the county cast ninety-one votes for a constitution and one against one. On the 7th of June following James Hanway was elected a delegate to the Wyandotte convention. At an election held November 8th, same year, P. P.

Elder was elected to the territorial council and Henry Shively to the house of representatives. November 6, 1860, James when Ohio City received 363 votes and rooms, waiting rooms for witnesses, Renieke and Mr Henry Chenoweth Peoria 37. The seat of county govern closets, etc At the east end are the elected, and no injunction interfereing rendered "Thanks be to Thee." Chairman Hawkins of the Board ment was therefore transferred to Ohio offices of the Probate judge and Dis the district court presided over by City, and remained there until Aug. 1, trict court clerk respectively, each pro Judge Thacher, met there that sprin of Commissioners was introduced and 1864, when another and the last election vided with large fire proof vaults. The in a nan over Jonas cook Hotel and read the financial statement of tne was held, resulting: Ottawa, 01; east and west porticos are accessible continued there until August 1864, Board.

This statement appears else Peoria, 40; Ohio City, 36 and Centrop from this floor. In the east end are when Ottawa was elected although the where. Hawkins explained that in olis the offices of the surveyor and court first stakes had been driven upon this some minor details tne Duuaing was The various county offices had equal stenographer. town site, in the spring or summer ineomDlete. but for various reasons the AFTERNOON SE8SION.

The afternoon exercises of the celebration were more largely attended than those of the morning, the country contingent showing up in greater force. The exercises wero opened by a solo sung by Fred Simpson, followed by a pleasant incident Chairman Welsh gravply announced that a charge had been preferred against ono in the aud ience for an offense of a serious chars', ter that of obstructing the view of ly uncertain tenures of location with MEMORIAL HALL. Board had thought best to occupy it at the court room. At Minneola thev that year. The first session of the commissioners was held here October 1864.

In that month Judge Thacher In assigning the large roo in the this time, as by so doing there was a were located in the big hotel, and at west end of the building on the third saving of at least three months'rent for Ohio City they were also together under floor to the G. A. R. the commissioners the various offices. Then it was the resigned and D.P.

Lowe was appointed one roof in what was known as the Hanway was elected to the house. OUR STATE LEGISLATORS his successor. In November however, evinced wise forethought. It will be desire of Judge Benson that he be per "red building" for which the county made into a veritable treasury, or war mitted to open the October term in the Since Kansas has attained state paia ine extravagant rental or fii per -f xi i i i D. M.

Valentine was elected and held the first term in the spring of 1865, in what was then called Lathrop HalL It new room, and for fhese and other rea diers of Franklin countv, and as such month. When Ottawa was made the county seat the county officers were lo sons it was thought best not to wait sundry property holders on the Main street block faoing the called upon Judge Benson to arraign and pass sentence. hood the county has been represented in the state senate by: P. P. Elder, 'Jas.

G. Reese, D. M. Valen was the same old constitutional hall will be dear to every patriotic heart. for the completion of a few insignificant cated in the Lathrop hotel, where they remained undisturbed until Tom Wilk- however, which had been used at Min The Commissioners are especially de details.

serving of thanks for their considera' neola moved across the prairies to The chairman then introduced Judge His Honor called upon Mr Divil- tine, A. Wiley, N. Merchant, A. Blair, W. L.

Parkinson, J. P. Uar erson purchased the building and pro tion in providing this room. A vv lienson, tne orator ot tne morn Main and Second street. Later it was the Wilkerson house, then moved east posed to open it as a hotel.

Since that ris, A. W. Benson. L. C.

Wasgon FINANCIAL STATEMENT. ing, who delivered tne address. biss to "stand up," and listen to the charge, sternly cautioning him to hold his peace, stating that he would not be asked to plead, inasmuch as ho was un and J. L. Senior.

The Board of Commissioners presents to the alley and occupied ofor a time by Fellow Citizens: The good time time the offices have been scattered from Second street to Fifth, illy provided with conveniences and enjoying Her citizens who were elected to the following itemized statement of Mr. Detwiler as a hotel and finally coming has come. I greet you cordial the lower house, were: W. H. H.

the cost of the building, furnishings, used as a restaurant If a phonograph doubtedly guilty. The udge then pro ly and heartily on this opening of the Franklin county court house. If scarcely any protection from fires. could have been concealed in its walls! fixtures, etc. It is complete to within Lawrence, J.

A. Marcell, D. M. Val ceeded in a humorous, semi-uidieial but I'm glad it was impossible, it entine, H. V.

Beeson, G. WYE. Grif proper to welcome you to your own I a few dollars the curtains, matting, manner to arraign Mr for the con THE NEW QOURT HOUSE, This happy-go-lucky way of conduct etc, have cnpt been received, so the would bid you an enthusiastic welcome wouldn't do to uncork the bottled up structing of the building and in elo bills therefor are not Included! talk of those days. to this fair house, whose doors swing quent languago wrought a beautiful Original contract $46,535 00 ing county matters was not only ex tremely hazardous, but a great inconvenience to the officers and a nuisance Here the speaker referred to the dif outward to eyery pitizen of Franklin sentiment, concluding by presenting, on Extra foundation 558 60 county, to our visiting friends and to behalf of the officials of the county and ferent places where court was held and the different judges who have pre to every resident of the county who Finishing basement 68 35 all men who believe in Justice, Govern ment and Law. the co-laborers in the court house work, an elegant gold-headed cane to had business to transact at cany of the Extra cement plastering 655 36 sided.

I offices, for if his mission entailed a visit This house belongs to every citizen Electric light boxes 13 50 I may be pardoned in referring in an the gentleman. Mr Divilbiss respond- fith, Isaiah Pile, James W. Smith, Hugh A. Cook, Jas. Hanway, Wm.

Pennock, Jas. G. Reese, Wm. E. Kibbie, J.

M. Luce, Jas. N. Foster, H. P.

Welch. T. C. Bowles, John McClanahan, Geo. T.

Pierce, Wm. II. Clark, Wm. II. Schofield, E.

J. Nugent, Wm. Bateman, C. B. Mason, J.

H. Harrison, P. P. Elder, J. N.

Foster, J. Dun nick, R. E. Jen-ness, Jas. Robb, J.

O. Towle, P. Crouch, W. B. Bass, j.

A. Barnett, Jj. W. Hostetter. W.

Woodlief, White finish in vaults 54 60 to more than one office as invariably of the county for all have contributed to its erection, each according to his aside to Judge Valentine who served the people of this district for four is the case he was obliged to make Changing toilet room 31 33 the grand rounds of Ottawa. But prop Flooring attic 215 00 years and then served the state for Oiling floors 125 00 twenty-four years as Justice of the Su several ability as revealed upon the tax roll; and it belongs equally to all, for while the amounts paid by individ ed in a few modest and felicitous remarks. Col Mason was then introduced for a short address, The Colonel said that he had not expected to talk on this occasion he had been talking court house for the last twenty -five ositions' submitted to the people were of no avail: the word "bonds" was a Vault doors 533 05 preme Court, thus assisting by his ripe Lightning rods 225 00 learning and 'great experience, good red flag which roused their belligerency and the majority promptly voted down uals have differed, this difference was based exactly upon their possessions. It is not the amount that one gives but ness of heart and soundness of mind, in shaping the jurisprudence and set Cost of building $49,014 69 years. JNor would he be prolix in rem what he has left, that determines the tling the rules of law and practice neating and plumbing 4,792 23 any proposal to issue cgurt-house bonds.

For long years the various offices were quartered in obscure places, their precious records at the mercy of J. V. Polinger, J. X. Mechen, H.

J. Smith, J. P. Stevens, R. II.

Semple. TI1E JUDICIARY. Judge territorial judge, prganized the first district court for the time to come. real magnitude of the gift While this Gas and electric light fix. 1,262 00 iniscences; congratulations qp1v w-- in order.

This was a time tion. He spoke of the stru perseverence of those who i After him Judge Bassett serve 1 our is the house and home of Justice, it is Wood furniture 4,236 00 people for eight years, then Judge 2.11Q 0Q qurfv paid lor out oi tne ton and fires, thieves and vandals, our elegant Vault furniture.