USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > The story of the Sangamon County court house > Part 2
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In 1837, after such conveyance to the State, the county leased the buildings on the west side of Fifth street, just north of Washington, the same being known as "Hoffman's Row."
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Hoffman's Row was occupied by the county until 1845, when a lot on the southeast corner of Sixth and Washington streets, fronting 78} feet on Sixth and 160 feet on Washington, was purchased by the county, May 14th of that year, and on which another brick court house, with stone portico and trimmings, was built.
It stood just north of the old building of the State Bank of Illi- nois, the two buildings occupying the half block on the east side of the square. They were massive, picturesque structures, and added much dignity to the town. The bank was a Grecian temple on the Corinthian order, and the court house was of Doric architecture
The building was to cost according to the contract, $9,680.
This building was used by the county from 1845 to January, 1876, when the State moved its offices to the present State capitol and va- cated the public square, which had been reconveyed to the county by deed of Oct. 23, 1869, nearly seven years before. The county then moved into the present building, and the court house, on 6th and Washington streets, was torn away, the ground subdivided into busi- ness lots and sold off in 1877.
The old State House, being large and spacious, served eminently for a court house, and for many years was amply sufficient for the needs of a county building. But the county was rapidly growing in population and wealth, and the business necessarily transacted at the court house gradually increased, until it became apparent, that, sooner or later, more room must be provided.
Another matter which began to be taken into account, was the condition of the building with regard to fire. John Kelley's con- tract had no such phrases as "absolutely fire-proof" or "practically fire-proof," and, indeed, the old State House seems to have been con- structed without taking danger from fire into consideration at all, except that the office of the State Treasurer (used by the county for the recorder's office), was provided with a so called fire-proof vault. The remainder of the building, and especially the roof and dome, would in these days be called "a veritable fire trap."
This matter of jeopardizing the county records, which, if destroyed could never be replaced, was often pointed out and thoroughly dis- cussed. Finally, on the 11th of June, 1897, Dr. A. L. Converse introduced a resolution in the Board of Supervisors, setting forth the need of additional room, the danger from fire, etc., and providing for the appointment of a committee to investigate the matter.
On December 16th this committee reported in substance, that they had found a bigger job than they expected, and advised that nothing be done until the finances of the county would justify giving the building a general overhauling.
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About this time, many of the business men of the city, especially around the square, began to get ashamed of the old soft gravel walks in the court house yard and sent a petition to the county board asking them to replace these horrid walks with something more up-to-date. The majority of the supervisors, however, were farmers, and were not afraid of a little mud, and politely suggested to their "city cousins" that there were other things needed more than walks.
Public sentiment, when aimed in a certain direction, is a potent factor in influencing to action men in public service The need of doing something with the court house was now fully apparent, but public sentiment was greatly divided on what to do.
One idea advanced was to sell off three-fourths of the public square and build a new court house on the remaining quarter with the money thus obtained. H. H. Biggs introduced a resolution in the board of supervisors to this effect September 13, 1898.
This idea met with violent opposition. The old building was one of historic interest. It halls had echoed the voices of Lincoln and Douglas in matters of vital import to the State and Nation. Within its walls Stephen T. Logan, Illinois' greatest lawyer, and other noted men had pleaded with juries for the lives and liberties of their fellow men. Its corridor had been made sacred by having held in state, the remains of the lamented Lincoln. Under its dome many stirring scenes, "in times which tried men's souls" had been enacted. So filled was, indeed, the whole structure with recollections, pleasant and otherwise, that the sentiment was well nigh universal, that the ap- pearance of the time-honored building must not be molested.
A resolution in harmony with this feeling, but pointing to some plan for improving the building was introduced in the County Board September 15, by Thomas C. Mather, and met with hearty support. It was generally agreed that, sometime, somehow, something must be done to enlarge the space and fireproof the building but the great obstacle in the way, as is usual in such cases, was how to meet the expense. The financial condition of the county lent little encour- agement. The constitutional levy of 75c on the $100 hardly fur- nished sufficent revenue to defray the current expenses of the Coun- ty. The railroad bonds isssed on account of the Springfield and Illi- nois Southeastern, and Gilman, Clinton, and Springfield railroads had not all been paid. The permanent location of the State Fair at Springfield had cost the County $75,000, none of which had been paid. However, the matter was referred to a committee which at a special meeting October 4th, reported that they had fully examined the building, found it inadequate, dangerous and unsafe; that they believed it inexpedient and undesirable to sell off any of the
SANGAMON COUNTY COURT HOUSE,
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ground, but advised that steps be taken at once, to remodel, enlarge and fireproof the old building. On the acceptance of this report the Board decided to submit the question of levying a tax of $100,000 to remodel the Court House, to the voters of the county at the county election in November. This action of the Board was taken in a "committee of the whole;" it found itself in the (w) hole many times afterward.
A majority of the votes cast on the question, at the election, were in favor of the additional tax, so the question of remodeling the court house came squarely before the board of supervisors.
The question of plans now became the paramount idea, and every- body had a notion of his own. It was thought that the large corridor running north and south through the building, if properly utilized, would afford the necessary additional room, and would not "change the external appearance of the building." Some advocated building wings on the building, others tearing off the roof and adding a story on the top, but as these were not in harmony with the prevailing idea, but little attention was paid to them. S. J. Hanes, one of the architects, who afterwards furnished the plans, advanced the idea of raising the building and constructing a complete story underneath, which, he insisted would not mar the external appearance but rather improve it. This idea, although it was later adopted, was looked upon as an utter impossibility and cast aside. Mr. Mather solved the problem for the time being with an omnibus resolution which, in substance, provided for an extension of $20,000.00 on the tax books for the ensuing year by way of a starter; that architects be invited to prepare plans and specifications, to present to the board ; that cer- tain premiums be offered to architects to induce them to submit plans ; that the necessary committee be appointed, etc., etc. Lest the pre- vailing idea should be lost sight of, E. S. Scott tacked on a little pro- viso that none of the plans should provide for any "change in its external appearance." This resolution was then adopted by a vote of 21 to 16, with the express understanding that the cost should not ex- ceed $50,000.00, and the following committee 'appointed, being the first committee on "Remodeling the Court House :" E. L. Stock- dale, of Talkington, J. H. Maxcy, of Island Grove, J. H. Crowder, of Cotton Hill, Thomas C. Mather and H. H. Biggs, of Capital town- ship. At the next meeting, this committee submitted three plans, and after much deliberating, a plan presented by S. J. Hanes was adopted, but the proposition to raise the building was defeated. Hanes and S. A. Bullard were jointly employed to superintend the job.
The contract was let on March 29, 1899, to Warren Roberts & Co., of Chicago, for $49,850.00.
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On April 5th, the county officers moved to their temporary quar- ters, the most of whom found shelter in the I. O. O. F. building, cor- ner Fourth and Monroe streets. The building committee was now changed. E. S. Scott and J. M. Amos were appointed in place of Messrs. Biggs and Crowder whose term expired, and Mr. Simmons in place of Mr. Mather, who did not wish to serve longer on the com- mittee. Mr. J. O. Joy, chairman of the Board was also added to the committee. This committee chose Mr. George Simmons as general overseer. At the expiration of their term, Messrs. Scott and Amos were succeeded by Philip Nelch and G. W. M. Gordon, otherwise the committee remained the same.
After the contract had been let and the old building dismantled, those who frequented the court house began to entertain some fear lest after all the building, when remodeled, would not furnish the necessary room. Hanes still stuck to his theory that the building could be raised and its appearance preserved, and even augmented. This theory gradually gained in favor until finally, May 15, Mr. Mather secured the passage of a resolution in conformity with this idea. Of course it became necessary to get the consent of the con- tractor in order to [make the change, but "Barkis was willin' " and. accordingly on the 14th day of June a second contract was made with the same firm (they being the lowest bidders), by which the entire building was to be raised eleven feet, and a complete story built underneath, for $27,500. This was the greatest feat of engineering skill ever attempted in the county, but it was successfully done. Several weeks were consumed in placing the "jacks" and blocks into position, but when at length everything was ready, the entire build- ing was raised the eleven feet in about twelve days, or an average of nearly a foot a day, and it was generally conceded that the ap- pearance of the structure had been enhanced rather than deteriorated, except that the dome now "looked too squatty," and the agitation at once arose that it too must be improved. All the contracts up to this time had provided for making the building "practically fire-proof," and as the old framework in the roof and dome was the worst fire- trap of all, it was soon decided that it must "go." So after the usual "resolutin' " the contract for a new roof and dome was let to the same firm for $12,000. The court house was now very much like the Irishman's old barrel; although it had had new heads, new hoops and new staves, Pat still maintained it had the same old "bung," and con- sequently was the same old barrel; so it appeared, especially to those who had opposed the improvements, that the only thing to be left of the old court house would be the "bung," if it had one.
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This completed the improvements so far as the building was con- cerned, although it was sarcastically suggested that the stone in the walls "looked pretty shabby." New troubles arose, however, in the way of furniture. Something up-to-date and commensurate with the improved building must be provided. This proved to be as per- plexing a problem as the building itself. For nearly two years the board of supervisors wrestled with it. There were whereases and resolutions innumerable, motions, amendments, substitutes, re-considerations and tax levies galore; and always the inevitable "committee," without which no special work by a public body of men is ever possible. Finally two contracts were let, one to Geo. D. Barnard & Co. of St. Louis, for the steel furniture, consisting of fire- proof file cases, book shelves, counters, etc., for the sum of $20,517; and one to the Wollaeger Mfg. Co. of Milwaukee, for wooden furni- niture consisting of tables, desks, chairs, and other innumerable par- aphernalia for the various rooms and offices for $11,750. (Jacob Ellis supplied the "furniture" for the first court house which con- sisted of a judge's seat and bar, for which he received the ex- horbitant (?) sum of four dollars and fifty cents.)
During the progress of the remodeling of the court house the old soldiers sent a petition to the County Board asking that a room be set apart for the use of the Grand Army of the Republic. The old veterans usually get what they go after, and the result of their effort in this direction is that now an elegant room on the fourth floor has been provided and neatly furnished for their "use, benefit and behoof forever," and which is known as Grand Army Hall.
Another matter was brought to the attention of the board, but as yet no action has been taken. When a citizen of the county becomes insane the only place to confine him pending an investigation and commitment to an asylum, is the jail along with common criminals. Judge Murray has been especially active in an effort to have a room in the court house which might be fitted up expressly for this pur- pose. The board at one time acted favorably on his suggestion and recommended that such a place be provided, but somehow in the confusion it has been overlooked. The committee and architects, however, are of the opinion that some of the unoccupied rooms can yet be fitted up for this purpose, and it is to be hoped that they will be able to do so, and in future spare the families of such unfortunate people the humiliation of seeing their relatives and friends confined like criminals in a common bastile.
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The total cost of remodeling the court house can, at present, be only approximated, as the work is not entirely completed and many of the little incidentals are not yet paid for. The following figures, however, are substantially correct:
The Warren Roberts Co., three contracts and extras ... $103,220 07 Less credits for old material sold and changes 2,491 86
$100,728 21
Geo. D. Barnard & Co., contract and extras 20.971 75
The Wollaeger Mfg. Co., contract and extras. 12,471 00
Hanes and Bullard, architects. 6,771 40
Electric wiring, clocks, frescoe, arbitration, etc 9,186 02
Furnishing Grand Army Hall 2 259 80
Cement walks, etc.
2,736 72
Making a total cost of improvements to date, not including the curtains. carpets, linoleum, furnishing dormitory, etc ....... $155,125 90
In order to get the total expense the county has been to on account of the remodeling of the court house, there should be added to the above, $16,994, which has been paid out for rent, moving and other miscellaneous items. which, with a reasonable estimate for the un- completed work, will make in round numbers $175,000 as the total cost of the improvements.
The old "gravel paths" through the court house yard have now been supplemented by cement walks which defy stone itself in strength and durability, diverging from the building and angling across the grounds, making it easily accessible from every direction. Two large cannon, the combined weight of which is 6,900 pounds, stationed on either side of the building add much to the ornamenta- tion of the grounds. These are the gift of our distinguished citizen, Congressman Ben, F. Caldwell, and are dedicated to the county in honor of her soldiery.
Judge James H. Matheney once planted a maple tree in the court house grounds. just southwest of the building, which he dedicated to Stephenson Post No. 30, G. A. R. This tree was struck by lightning and materially disfigured. On Friday afternoon, April 26, 1901, the Post reciprocated this tender act of affection by planting to his mem- ory a beautiful poplar tree near the site selected by the deceased judge for his tree. The planting was attended with appropriate exer- cises, Judge G. W. Murray delivering the address.
Another ornament (?) once adorned the public square, but which has loug since been removed. This was the whipping post which stood near the northeast corner of the square, adjacent to the jaii. This post has passed out of the recollection of many of the old in- inhabitants, and a majority of our citizens of today do not know that one was ever established. Such is the fact, however, and several persons "paid the penalty of their misdeeds" at that post. An old settler informed the writer that it was only used for "little offenses
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like petty stealing and wife-beating." It is said that James D. Henry was the last sheriff who used the post, and he often remarked that he was so chicken-hearted that he suffered more when inflicting the penalty than the offender he punished. On the other hand, Judge Sawyer rather enjoyed seeing the punishment inflicted. It finally came to be looked upon as a "relic of barbarism" and dropped into disuse.
The building itself, as it stands today, is a marvel of strength and beauty. It is the Grecian-Doric style of architecture, especially ap- plicable to buildings of its character, and is one of the very few to be found anywhere in the United States. It is 123 feet long, 90 feet wide, and to the top of the flag-staff is 154 feet. From the ground to the cornice line is 57 feet. The porticos on the north and south project 11} feet. There are three full floors of offices and an upper story in which is the G. A. R. hall, the dormitory, the gallery of the circuit court and storage rooms.
Grand, solitary, dignified, historic old structure, sufficient for years for the needs of the great commonwealth of Illinois, yet grown too small for the business of a county. For three-quarters of a cen- tury it has been a faithful servant of the public, and as it stands to- day, remodeled, enlarged, renewed, bids fair to perform its part and take its place in the history of another century, which is yet to be made and written.
It may be of interest to note, briefly, something of the history of the county as a county, from its origin to the present time. There were originally (June 5, 1821), four townships, as follows:
"Sangamon, comprised 'all the territory east of Edward's old trace.'"
"Springfield, west of Edward's old trace including all the settle- ments on Spring Creek."
"Richland, west of Spring Creek and south of the Sangamon river."
"Union, west of Edward's old trace, and north of the Sangamon river."
Thus it will be seen that the Kelly settlement on Spring Creek was the "hub" from which all the rest of the unsettled territory branched. As this remote territory settled up new counties were formed out of the famous Sangamo, and gradually its proportions decreased to its present size. Macon, on the east, swung off Jan- uary 19, 1829. Morgan, on the west, next "followed suit" February 12, 1835, Cass, on the northwest, was next to go March 3, 1837. Logan, on the north, and Dane (now Christian), on the southeast, simultaneously severed their connection with us February 15, 1839. Finally, little Menard concluded she could take care of herself, and
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organized as a county February 28, 1847 .* Late in the year 1860, Sangamon county, by vote decided to change her form of govern- ment and adopted the "New England" system of township organiza- tion. Accordingly, April 29, 1861, the first board of supervisors met at the court house and organized by electing William Lavely chair- man. This was just forty years ago, and forty years after the organization as a county (April, 1821), There were then 23 super- visors representing 22 townships, Springfield having two supervisors. There are now 27 townships with 40 supervisors, the city having 13.
In 1821 the tax rate was "one-half percentum" and George Hay- worth, the county treasurer for that year, reported to the court that he had collected $447.44, and his report shows charges against the county amounting to just $447.44. George must have figured pretty close, or else collected just enough to pay expenses and then quit. After reducing the territory to about one-seventh its original size the assessed valuation in 1900 was $14,386,168.00, the rate being two and one-half mills higher than in 1821.
The first officers of the county were:
Probate Judge-James Latham.
Sheriff-John Taylor.
County Clerk-Charles R. Matheny.
Circuit Clerk-Charles R. Matheny.
Recorder-Charles R. Matheny.
Treasurer-George Hayworth. (James Sims having refused to qualify.)
Coroner-Joseph Dickson.
Surveyor-James C. Stephenson.
Prosecuting Attorney-Samuel D. Lockwood. (Later judge of the supreme court.
Prosecuting Attorney in 1835-Stephen A. Douglas.
*The above dates refer to the final establishing of the county lines as they exist today.
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COMPLETE DIRECTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY COURT HOUSE.
OFFICERS, DEPUTIES, ETC. Circuit court room, third floor, west side. .
JUDGES. JAMES A. CREIGHTON, Springfield.
Robert B. Shirley, Carlinville. Owen P. Thompson, Jacksonville. Official court reporter, third floor, south side.
THOMAS H. CHENEY, Reporter. Nellie Cheney, assistant.
Master in chancery, third floor, southeast corner.
CHARLES A. KEYES, Master. Mary Lawler, stenographer and type- [writer.
Clerk of the Circuit Court, first floor, northwest corner.
E. Dow MATHENY, Circuit Clerk. DEPUTIES. John L. Bliss,
George N. Kramp, Eleanor Matheny. County court room, second floor, east side. GEORGE W. MURRAY, Judge.
County clerk's office, second floor, southeast corner. CHARLES E. OPEL, County Clerk. DEPUTIES. H. D. Giger, Chief Deputy.
Eugene MeLaughlin, Fred W. Long (Probate), Edwin L. Hurt, George J. Ambrose.
Sheriff, first floor, north side. CHARLIE M. WOODS, Sheriff. DEPUTIES. John H. Underwood, Chief Deputy.
Peter Ettelbrick,
Frank Ryan,
James A. Raynolds,
William O. Guyton.
George W. Denton, bailiff county court.
James J. Powers and Chas. A. Clayton, bailiffs circuit court. Edward M. Cresse, jailer. Dennis Gannan and Harry Taylor, turnkeys. Thomas P. Galligan, assistant turnkey.
County treasurer and supervisor of assessments, first floor, southwest corner. RICHARD F. KINSELLA, Treasurer. DEPUTIES. Patrick J. Rourke, Chief Deputy.
Charles T. Headenburg, Simon M. Rogers, Department Supt. Ass'm'ts.
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County recorder, first floor, southeast corner. BENJAMIN RICH, Recorder. DEPUTIES. Arthur S. Peel, Chief Deputy. Florence A. Rich, Chas. R. Peel, custodian of records. State's attorney's office, first floor, northeast corner. WILLIAM E. SHUTT, JR., State's Attorney. Horace S. Miller, Assistant.
County superintendent of schools, second floor, northwest corner. CHARLES VANDORN, Superintendent. Otho L. Caldwell, Assistant.
Coroner's Office.
CHARLES J. BAER, Coroner.
County Surveyor's Office. ALLEN ENOS, Surveyor. Janitors. JACOB RUCH, Chief Janitor.
Edward Fossett, James Osby, John Highfield, Night Watchman.
Probate court (not yet established), second floor, west side.
Grand jury room, third floor, north side. G. A. R. hall, fourth floor, east side. Supervisors' room, third floor, east side.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, 1901.
G. C. Edwards, Chm .. . Buffalo Hart J. O. Joy. Loami
J. C. Allen. Capital Thomas Mather Capital
E. M. Anderson Maxwell J. H. Maxcy Island Grove
A. M. Archer Cotton Hill
Henry Mester
Springfield
Geo. J. Barrett . Capital
M. F. Murphy
New Berlin
Chas. Baughman
Curran
C. T. Murphy .
Auburn
H. H. Biggs
. Capital
J. D. Myers
Capital
T. E. Brittin Williams
J. R. Burtle. . Ball
J. T. Capps. Capital
F. E. Edmands
Capital
Jacob Frisch
Capital
M. J. Sanders
Pawnee
J. L. Shartzer Illiopolis
G. W. M. Gordon Capital
T. J. Gorey Chatham
Thomas Thornton.
Rochester
C. B. Hall. Mechanicsburg
O. M. Hatch.
Capital
C. A. Havey Gardner
James Herrin Lanesville
M. J. Howard Springfield
T. A. Tomlin
Cartwright
John Underfanger
Capital
Rufus Underwood Divernon
E. C. Vandagrift
Fancy Creek
Chas. Werner
Clear Lake
Philip Nelch
Capital
K. N. Olson Salisbury
Andrew Reid
Woodside
A. Robinson
Cooper
Frank Godley . Capital
E. L. Stockdale
Talkington
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April 29, 1861.
April 29, 1901
REOPENING OF THE COURT HOUSE.
FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF SANGAMON COUNTY.
PROGRAM OF EXERCISES:
Invocation Rev. David F. Howe Music
Hon. Thomas C. Mather Address
Representing the Building Committee.
Music
Address Hon. William L Gross "Sangamon County, and its Judiciary."
Music
Address Hon. James A. Connolly On behalf of the Grand Army.
Music
Address Judge George W. Murray "Our New Court House and Special Guests-The Grand Army of the Republic."
Music
Rev. Father Timothy Hickey
Benediction .
Joseph O. Joy, Master of Ceremonies.
Exercises in circuit court room to begin promptly at 8 o'clock p. m.
JOHN T. CAPPS, JACOB FRISCH, CHARLES T. MURPHY, Committee in Charge.
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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 917.7356G36S C002 THE STORY OF THE SANGAMON COUNTY COURT H
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