1875 Andreas Atlas


SOME FIRST THINGS.


The first warrant on the county treasury, to the amount of three dollars, was issued to Theophilus Ryan, for pre-empting land for the county seat; and the first marriage license was issued by the county judge, to George Messenger and Lucinda Casteel, who were married by Judge Bryan. To show the extent of the finances of the county in 1852, the following record may be found: Mr. M. Linehart, who was appointed treasurer to fill a vacancy, received during his term of service the sum of five dollars, all of which the county voted him. Another instance: In September, 1862, Judge Bryan and Clerk Weeks gave to the county all of the fees received by them in their several offices, amounting to some $50 to $60. The first warrants issued for jurors in the District Counrt, were for the May term in 1854. The first record of any court being held was in the Spring of 1855, though it is thought that a court was held previously, the records having been burned when the log building occupied by the clerk was consumed. The first seal used by the county is somewhat rude in its construction and lettering, and exhibits some hard usage, which is not surprising, when it is stated that impressions were required to be taken on a flat stick of wood, with a handspike for a lever and a maul to strike with. Among the first things, the following is remembered and published, being a charge of the notorious Judge McFarland, who was never known to hold a court or feel at home without having his skin full of whiskey. It was delivered to the jury, at the Spring term of court in 1858, held in the old Presbyterian church, now used as a carpenter shop. "Gentleman of the Jury, you will (hic) find the law of Iowa---in the laws--of Iowa. And it is your (hic) duty, gentlemen to see that the said (hic) law is obeyed, and that it is not violated. You are made (hic) gentlemen, a body to inquire into every breach of the (hic) the law; and to do this it is your duty sworn, (hic) sworn--sworn. Mr. Roberts,--you will (hic) indict every man in the (hic) world, and Mr. Clerk, you will (hic) will let Mr. Roberts have all the (hic) books in the world. You will retire, gentlemen, to your (hic.) Adjourn the court, Mr. (hic, hic) Sheriff, to one o (hic) o'clock." It would be very difficult in these days to tolerate such a Judge in Guthrie County, or any other in the state. But such was the state of society in the newly settled counties that but little could be done by moral portion to stop such farces. Judge McFarland ended his career as a judge very soon thereafter; and thanks to him, he made drunken judges so unpopular, that there has none appeared on the bench since. A new resident of the county says: "There are fewer criminal cases in this county than in any place in which I have ever lived."


Transcribed by Cheryl Siebrass, February, 2024 from "A. T. Andreas Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa" Chicago: Andreas Atlas Co., 1875, pg. 469.