CHAPTER III: EARLY RECORDS 

First County Court-County Court Justices Produce their Commissions-First Order-An Incident-James Harrison Appointed President of the Court-The County Divided into Townships-Different Elections Ordered in the Various Townships -James E. Fenton Granted a License to Sell Liquor -Ackley Day - Appointed Commissioner to Lay Out Mexico -John A. Henderson Appointed Treasurer- Commissioners Appointed to Superintend the Building of a Courthouse - The Boundary of Salt River Township Changed - The First Petition for a Road Presented-First Sale of Town Lots-County Expenses-First Elections- First Circuit Court - Its Organization - First Cases - First Grand Jury - First Attorneys -First Indictment - Instructions to the Jury- The Verdict - Powell's Sentence - First Deed Recorded -Early Marriages - Public Buildings - Courthouses - County Poor Farm. 

FIRST COUNTY COURT 

The first county court of Audrain county was held on the 6th day of February, 1837. The following is the record of the same: - STATE OF MISSOURI,} sct. AUDRAIN COUNTY. } Be it remembered that on Monday the 6th day of February, in the year 1837, at the house of Edward Jennings, in the county of Audrain and town of New Mexico, James Harrison and James E. Fenton, Esqs., produced their commissions from his Excellency, the Governor of the State of Missouri, appointing them county justices in and for the said county of Audrain, which, together with the certificate of their qualifications, was duly read. Whereupon, proclamations being made by William Levaugh, elisor, court was duly opened and proceeded to business. James Jackson, the person commissioned by the Governor as sheriff of said county, having failed and refused to qualify - and thereupon Joel Haynes of the said county of Audrain and State aforesaid, was by the court appointed clerk of the county court of Audrain county, and thereupon the said Haynes took the necessary oath required by law, and together with John B. Morris, George W. Turley and James Jackson as his securities, entered into an acknowledged bond in the penal sum of $5,000, for the due and faithful discharge of the duties of said office, which said bond follows in the words and figures to wit - "Know all men by these presents, that we, Joel Haynes, principal, and John B. Morris, George W. Turley and James Jackson, securities, are held and firmly bound to the Governor of the State of Missouri in the penal sum of $5,000, for the payment of which, well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves and each of us, our heirs and administrators, firmly by these presents, signed with our hands and seals dated at Mexico, this 6th day of February, 1837. "The condition of the above bond is such, if the above bound Joel Haynes shall faithfully discharge all the duties required by law to he performed by him, as clerk of the county court of Audrain county, and pay over all money which may come to his hands, by virtue of his office; that he, his executors and administrators will deliver to his successor safe and undefaced, all hooks, papers, records, seals, apparatus and furniture, appertaining to his office; then the above bond to be void. Otherwise to remain in full force and virtue. Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of Joseph Pearson and John Turner. "JOEL HAYNES, [L. S.] "JOHN B. MORRIS, [L. S.] "GEORGE W. TURLEY, [L. S.] "JAMES JACKSON. [L. S.] Court met again February 7, 1837. Hezekiah I. M. Doan, Esq., the absent justice, was present and produced his commission. The first order made by the court was an order granting James E. Fenton, one of the justices of the court, a license to sell spirituous liquors. THE ORDER On the motion of James E. Fenton, leave is granted him far selling and retailing spirituous liquors and groceries at his house, in the town of New Mexico, in this county, for six months from the 17th day of December, 1836, upon his paying a tax of five dollars; also a tax of one-eighth per cent on every $150. 

AN INCIDENT. 

Mr. Fenton, the justice to whom the order referred to above was granted, kept a tavern in Mexico. In 1889, Samuel Newland, who resided near Fulton, in company with several of his neighbors, came to Fenton's tavern, on their way to Palmyra, Mo., on business, late one afternoon and put up for the night. Their coats and saddle bags were put into a closet and locked up, and Fenton carried the key. Newland was not pleased with the fare. Next morning the party paid their bills, called for their coats and saddle bags, and thought strange of finding them under lock and key, and took it rather as a reflection on their honor, and as an insinuation that they would leave without paying their bills. To set matters right, Fenton apologized to his guests and said no insult was intended; that he did so to protect them from the rats, with which his house was terribly afflicted. Newland said if Fenton would treat his company to liquor, he would give him a receipt which he would guarantee would free his house from the presence of every rat in it. Fenton agreed to this, set out his bottle, and after they had all drank, Newland turning to Fenton said- "Just give the rats such fare as you gave us, and I'm d - if every one of them don't leave you in a week." James Harrison, Esq., was appointed president of the county court. The court then proceeded to divide the county into townships as follows: - It is ordered by the court, that this county be districted, divided and laid off into five townships, to-wit, No. First. - Beginning at the north-west corner of township 52; thence east with said township line, between ranges 9 and 10; thence south with said range line to the township between townships 51 and 52; thence west to the range line between ranges 12 and 13; thence north to the beginning, shall be known by the name of Saling township. No. Second-Known by the name of Wilson township. Beginning on the range line between 9 and 10; thence south with said line to the township line between 49 and 50; thence west to the Boone county line; thence north with said line to the township line between 51 and 52; thence east with said line to the beginning. No. Third - Beginning on the range line between 9 and 10, thence south with said range line to where it intersects the township line 49 and 50; thence east to where it intersects the section hue between 8 and 9; thence north with said line to where it intersects the township line between 52 and 53; thence west with said township line to the beginning, shall be known by the name of Salt River township. No. Fourth - Prairie township-Beginning at the northeast corner of Salt River township; thence east to west line of Pike county; thence south with said Line to the township line between 50 and 51; thence west to the section line one mile east of the range line, between 8 and 9; thence north with said line to the beginning. No. Fifth - Loutre township - Beginning at the section one mile east of the range line, between 8 and 9, on the township line between 50 and 51; thence east with said township line to where it intersects the range line between 4 and 5; thence south with said township line to where it intersects the township line between townships 49 and 50; thence west with said township line to the section line one mile east of the range line between ranges 8 and 9 thence north with said line to the beginning. The court then ordered an election to be held on the 28th of February, at the house of John J. Lorton, in Loutre township, for the purpose of electing two justices of the peace and two constables. William McCormack and Andrew B. Hays were appointed judges of the election. The election in Prairie township was to be held at the house of Isham Willingham. Isham Willingham, William B. Evans and Daniel McSwain were the judges. The election for Salt River township was held at the house of James E. Fenton. Thomas Kilgore, George L. Smith and John C. Martin were the judges. The election for Saling township was held at the house of Esquire Mahan. Esquire Mahan Jesse Perkins and Miller Barnes were the judges. The election for Wilson township was held at the house of James Jackson. James Jackson, Drury Mays and Thomas Strickling were the judges. The second license to sell liquor was granted to George W. Turley. The above is the business of the entire term of the court. The next term of the court commenced March 20, 1837, all the judges being present. Ackley Day was appointed commissioner to lay off the town of New Mexico, and dispose of the lots. John A. Henderson was appointed county treasurer. George W. Turley and James E. Fenton were appointed commissioners to superintend the building of a temporary court house upon the north-east corner of lot number 6, in block number 8, fronting the public square. At this term of the court a change, was made in the boundary of Salt River, Loutre and Prairie townships. The first petition for a road was presented by H. W. Hudnall and others. This road was to "commence at the west end of Love street, in the town of New Mexico, and extend westwardly to intersect the road leading from Columbia, at the Paris road, about four miles from James Jennings', crossing the South fork of Salt river, between Ackley Day's and Thomas Hooks', and up the prairie between the South fork and Skull lick." Thomas M. Barnett., Isham B. Kilgore and Isham Willingham, Sr., were appointed commissioners to mark out and view this road. The first sale of town lots, in the county seat, took place on the 4th day of May, 1837. The amount found necessary to defray county expenses in 1837 was $204.36. An election was held on the first Monday in August, 1837, to elect a county assessor for 1838. The second sale of town lots, iii the county seat, took place on Tuesday after the second Monday in November, in 1837. We would be glad to follow up the proceedings of these primitive county courts, and to draw more largely front the yellow, faded records, which contain their orders, as they met from term to term, but for want of space, we shall here take our leave of this first tribunal of justice of Audrain county, and briefly refer to another and more elevated forum, where more important causes were heard and decided. 

FIRST CIRCUIT COURT

The first term of the Circuit Court within and for Audrain county was commenced in Mexico, Match 13, 1837, at the house of Edward Jennings. Hon. P. H. McBride, judge; James M. Hicks, elisor or sheriff; John Heard, Esq., prosecuting attorney; Joel Haynes, clerk. As was usual upon the establishment of these courts, the presiding judge produced his commission which was read and recorded. The first case called, was entitled: "The State of Missouri v. Richard Bryant, upon indictment for larceny.'' The next term of the court was held in the new court-house, which had just been prepared, commencing on the 10th of July, 1837. 

FIRST GRAND JURY 

Thomas Kilgore, (foreman), William Wood, Eli Smith, William C. West,* Adam Cluck, Joseph McDonald, John Peery, Deloney Willingham, John Wood, John H. Kilgore, Rowlin McIntire, James Davis, Jno. B. Kilgore, John W. Barnett, Joseph Brown and Harrison Norvel. The following attorneys were enrolled at this term of the court: John Heard, James R. Abernathy, Sinclair Kirtley, Wm. H. Russell, Henry Cave, Phillip Williams, W. H. Vanarsdall and Thomas Miller. Among the old cases of indictment, which engaged the attention of the first courts, we find the following: State of Missouri v. Samuel Turner, Betting on Poker. State of Missouri v. Vincent Moore, Betting at Three Up. Among the old attorneys who attended this court we have also the names of John D. S. Dryden, Wm. J. Howell, Preston B. Reed, James H. Tuel, M. C. Goodlet, Z. M. P. Hand, G. H. Burckhartt, J. F. Jones, P. B. McCord, John B. Duncan, T. B. Archer, W. C. Reed, W. R. Jones, Chas. H. Hardin, John Scott, Benj. Sharp, George Dillon, Smith S. Allen, T. J. C. Fagg, Alexander L. Slayback. * Wm. C. West still resides in Mexico. FIRST INDICTMENT FOR MURDER The following is the indictment: -- STATE OF MISSOURI } against } In the Audrain Circuit Court, July term, A D. 1840. MONROY POWELL. } The grand jurors for the State of Missouri impaneled, sworn and charged to inquire in and for the body of the county of Audrain aforesaid, upon. their oaths present that Monroy Powell, late of said county, on the first day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty, with force and arms at the county of Audrain aforesaid, in and upon one George Eubanks, in the peace of the State, then and there being, feloniously, willfully, deliberately, premeditatedly and of his malice aforethought, did make an assault, and that he the said Monroy Powell, with a certain weeding hoe, of the value of one dollar, which he the said Monroy Powell, in both his hands then and there had and held the said George Eubanks, in and upon the back part of the head of him, the said George Eubanks, one mortal wound of the length of three inches, and of the depth of one inch, of which said mortal wound, the said George Eubanks, front the said first day of July, in the year aforesaid, at the county of Audrain aforesaid, did languish, and languishing did live ; on which said sixth day of July in the year aforesaid, the said George Eubanks at the county of Audrain aforesaid, of the said mortal wound, died, and the jurors aforesaid upon their oaths aforesaid, do say, that the said Monroy Powell, the said George Eubanks in manner and form aforesaid, feloniously, willfully, deliberately, premeditatedly and of his malice aforethought, did kill and murder, contrary to the form of the statute in such cases made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the State. JAMES B. ABERNATHY, Circuit Attorney. 

INSTRUCTIONS 

Believing that the instructions in the case, will be read by the attorneys of to-day, with some interest we here insert them. Instructions asked for by the prosecution and given by the court:-- 1. The attorney for the State moves the court to instruct the jury, - that if they find from the evidence that Monroy Powell inflicted a blow upon the head of George Eubanks, with a deadly weapon which produced his death, they are bound to find the prisoner guilty, unless the jury further find from the evidence, that at the time he so inflicted the blow, there was reasonable cause to apprehend design by George Eubanks to kill him, or to do him some great personal injury, and that there was imminent danger of such design being accomplished at the time the blow was struck, or unless it is clearly shown that he died from had treatment by his physicians or attendants. 

2.That if the jury find from the evidence that Monroy Powell inflicted a blow upon the head of George Eubanks, of which he afterwards died, and that at the time the blow was inflicted, there was no reasonable cause to apprehend design by Eubanks to kill him, or do him some great personal injury, and that he was not in imminent danger of being killed by him, or of receiving so me great personal injury at the time he struck the blow, they will find the prisoner guilty, unless it is clearly shown, that he died from bad treatment of physicians or others. 

3.That if the jury find from the evidence that Powell killed Eubanks, they are bound to presume that it was done with malice aforethought, and that it is incumbent on the prisoner to make out by facts and circumstances, to the satisfaction of the jury, the facts and circumstances of alleviation, excuse or justification, unless they arise out of the evidence produced against him. 

4.That if the jury find from the evidence that George Eubanks used provoking language to Powell, however aggravated, that is no excuse or justification to Powell to kill Eubanks. 

5.That if the jury find from the evidence that Powell inflicted a blow upon George Eubanks, which produced his death a short time thereafter, and that Powell had time to think, and did for a moment or any other length of time, however short, it may have been before the blow was struck, intend to kill Eubanks, it is willful, deliberate, premeditated killing - constituting murder. 

6.If the jury arc satisfied from the evidence that the wounds inflicted upon the head of George Eubanks, were adequate to produce death, and that Eubanks died of inflammation of the brain or head, or any other disease produced by those wounds, it will be homicide, unless Eubanks died from had treatment of physicians or other persons. 

7.That if the wounds were in their nature dangerous and upon a vital part, likely to take, away life, and that deceased had the prompt attention of surgeons and physicians of such skill and capacity as the county afforded, and that deceased died from inflammation of the brain or head, or any other disease induced by the wounds, it is not enough to raise a doubt whether a different mode of treatment might not have cured the patient, but the accused must clearly show such palpable evidence of mal-practice, as to satisfy the minds of the jurors that Eubanks died of bad treatment not of the wounds - otherwise it will be homicide. 

8. That although the jury may believe that Powell struck Eubanks in the heat of passion without any design to kill him, and that Eubanks died soon after from the wounds inflicted, they will find him guilty of manslaughter in the third degree, unless they find that at the time the blow was struck, there was reasonable cause to apprehend a design by Eubanks to kill him, or to do him some great personal injury. 9.That-the jury may find under this indictment, the defendant guilty, either of murder in the first or second degree, or of manslaughter. 

DEFENDANT'S INSTRUCTIONS 

1.If the jury believe from the evidence that the wound inflicted by Milroy Powell upon the head of George Eubanks was given by the prisoner in self-defense, when there was reasonable cause to apprehend that Eubanks had a design to do him some great personal injury, then they will acquit the prisoner. 

2.That a design, if any existed, to gouge out an eye of Powell, would have been a design to do some great personal injury. 

3.That if Milroy Powell involuntarily killed George Eubanks not in a cruel or unusual manner in the heat of passion, they should find defendant guilty of manslaughter in the fourth degree - then the punishment would be imprisonment in the penitentiary, or in the county jail, or a fine only in the discretion of the jury, unless they find that said killing was in the lawful defense of prisoner's person -then they should find the defendant not guilty. 

4.Before the jury can find the defendant guilty of either murder or manslaughter, they must be satisfied from the evidence, beyond a reasonable doubt, of the guilt of Powell of such crime. The four instructions above asked for by the defendant were refused by the court. 

The following instructions were given: - 

1.That the prisoner is presumed to be innocent until his guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt. 

2.That if they believe from the evidence in this cause, that George Eubanks died by mismanagement of physicians, or their nurses, they must find the defendant not guilty. 

3.If they believe from the evidence that Powell killed Eubanks involuntarily with a weapon in the heat of passion, it is manslaughter in the fourth degree, unless the jury also finds that Powell did so in self-defense, when there was a reasonable cause to apprehend that Eubanks designed to do him some great personal injury, and there was imminent danger of said design being accomplished. KIRTLY & ABERNATHY, Attys. for Deft THE JURY Wm. M. Jones, John W. Truett, Joseph Smith, Thomas Larkin, Wm. Hayse, James McCormack, Joseph Surber, Robert Todd, Thomas B. Musick, Wm. Sox, Parish Garner, and Wm. Doolin. VERDICT We, the jury, find the defendant, Milroy Powell,* guilty of manslaughter in the fourth degree, and do find him in the sum of three hundred and twenty-five dollars. WM. M. JONES, Foreman. 

Powell was sentenced by the court to six months' imprisonment in the county jail, and was sent to Monroe county for safe keeping. He was, however, released before the expiration of his sentence. 

*It was ascertained the prisoner's name was Milroy Powell during the progress of the trial.

FIRST DEED RECORDED

The following was the first deed recorded after the, organization of the county:- This indenture made this 5th day of February, 1837, between William Wood, of the county of Audrain and State of Missouri, of the one part, and John B. Morris of the county and State aforesaid, of the other part, witnesseth, that for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and two dollars and fifty cents, in hand paid to the said William Wood, by the said John B. Morris, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, hath granted, bargained and sold to John B. Morris, the following lot or parcel of land, viz.: The north-east quarter of the south-west quarter of section 36, township 1, and range 9, containing forty acres, be it more or less, to have and to hold with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging to the said John B. Morris, his heirs and assigns forever. And the said William Wood and Isabella Wood, his wife, for themselves, their heirs, executors and administrators, covenant and agree to and with the said John B. Morris, to warrant and forever defend the title to the above described lot or parcel of land, with the appurtenances thereunto appertaining. In testimony whereof, the said William Wood and Isabella Wood, his wife, have hereunto set their hands and affixed their seals, the day and year above written. WILLIAM WOOD. [Seal.] ISABELLA WOOD. [Seal.] EARLY MARRIAGES Cupid, the god of Love, whose universal sway over the hearts and affections of mankind has been commensurate with the history of our race, early manifested his presence among the pioneers of Audrain county, as wil1 be seen from the following verbatim copies of a few of the certificates of the earlier marriages: - Be it remembered that I, Robert A. Younger, one of the ministers of the M. E. Church, did on the 2d day of February, 1837, solemnize the rites of matrimony, between Samuel Riggs and Nancy Dollins, of Audrain county, and joined them together as man and wife. Given under my hand, February 2d, 1837. ROBT. A. YOUNGER. STATE OF MISSOURI } COUNTY OF AUDRAIN. } This is to certify, that I, Michael Perkins, justice of the peace, have solemnized the rites of matrimony between Jesse Robards and Barthena Smith, and joined them together as man and wife, on the 22d day of June, 1837. MICHAEL PERKINS, J. P. STATE OF MISSOURI } COUNTY OF AUDRAIN. } I, Benjamin Canterberry, a justice of the peace for Prairie township, and county of Audrain aforesaid, do hereby certify that I solemnized the rites of matrimony between Joseph A. Peery and Harriet Talley, on the 19th of September, 1837; both of the county of Audrain. BENJAMIN CANTERBERRY, J. P. STATE OF MISSOURI } COUNTY OF AUDRAIN. } I do hereby certify that on the 21st of December, 1837, I, the undersigned, solemnized the rites of matrimony between John Pearson and Mary Barson. J. B. HATTON, J. P. STATE OF MISSOURI } COUNTY OF AUDRAIN. } This is to certify that on the 8th day of February, 1838, Lycurgus L. Ramsay and Jane Fenton, in the presence of many witnesses, presented themselves before me, a minister of the Gospel, to be joined together in the bonds of matrimony, which I did accordingly. ROBERT C. MANSFIELD. AUDRAIN COUNTY, } MISSOURI. } This is to certify that by the authority vested in me, a preacher of the Gospel, I joined together as man and wife, Daniel Patterson, of Monroe county, and Mary Smith, of Audrain county, on the 21st of October, 1837. ARCHIBALD PATTERSON. THE STATE OF MISSOURI } COUNTY OF AUDRAIN. } I, Greenberry Johnson, a justice of the peace within and for Prairie township, and county aforesaid, do hereby certify that I solemnized the rites of matrimony between Jesse C. Clarkson and Maryan Dicken, on the 16th of April, 1888. 

GREENBERRY JOHNSON, J. P. 

The marriages above recorded occurred forty-six years ago. The parties, if living, would be more than three-score years of age. In those primitive days, among the early settlers marriages were the result of love. There was not only a union of bands, but a union of hearts. The pioneer maiden made the faithful wife, and the sturdy backwoodsman the fond and trusted husband. From that day forth, in peace and joyous bliss, They lived together long without debate; Nor private jars, nor spite of enemies, Could shake the safe assurance of their state. 

PUBLIC BUILDINGS 

Notwithstanding the fact that a large number, probably a majority, of the people in every county have very little practical experience in the courts, and although they have the legal capacity to sue and be sued, never improve their opportunities and never appear in court, unless it be on compulsion as witnesses and jurors; yet as the one great conservator of the peace, and as the final arbiter, in case of individual or neighborhood disputes, the court is distinguished above and apart from all and every other institution of the land, and not only the proceedings of the court, but the place of holding the court, is a matter of interest to the average reader. Not only so, but in many counties the court-house was the first and usually the only public building in the county. The first court-houses were not very elaborate buildings, to be sure, but they are enshrined in memories the present can never know. Their uses were general, rather than special, and so constantly were they in use, day and night when the court was in session, for judicial, educational, religious and social purposes, that the doors of the old court-houses, like the gates of gospel grace, stood open, night and day, and the small amount invested in those old hewn logs and rough benches, returned a much better rate of interest on the investment than do the stately piles of brick or granite which have taken their places. The memorable court-house of early times was a house adapted to a variety of purposes and had a career of great usefulness. School was taught, the gospel preached and justice dispensed within its rude, but substantial, walls. Then it served frequently as a resting place for weary travelers, and, indeed, its doors always swung on easy hinges. If the old settlers are to be believed, the old court-houses, when first erected in this Western country, often rang on the pioneer Sabbath with a more stirring eloquence than that which enlivens the pulpits of the present time. Many of the earliest ministers officiated within their walls, and if they could but speak they would doubtless tell many a strange tale of pioneer religion, that is now lost forever. To those old court-houses came ministers of different faiths, but all eager to expound the simple truths of a sublime and beautiful religion, and point out for comparison the thorny path of duty and the primrose way of dalliance. Often have the walls of the old court house given back the echoes of those who sang the songs of Zion, and many an erring wanderer has had his heart moved to repentance thereby more strongly than ever by the strains of homely eloquence. With Monday morning the old building changed in character, and men went thither, seeking not the mercy of God, but the justice of man The scales were held with an even hand. Those who presided knew every man in the county, and they dealt out substantial justice and the broad principles of natural equity prevailed. Children went there to school and sat at the feet of teachers who knew little more than themselves; but, however humble the teacher's acquirements, he was hailed as a wise man and benefactor, and his lessons were heeded with attention. The old people of the settlement went there to discuss their own affairs, and learn from visiting attorneys the news from the great world so far away towards the East. In addition to the orderly assemblies which formally gathered there, other meetings no less notable occurred. It was a sort of a forum, whither all classes of persons went for the purpose of loafing and gossiping, and telling and hearing some new thing. There is little of the poetic and romantic in the make up of Western society, and the old court-house, after the building of the new one, ceased to be regarded with reverence and awe. In a new country, where every energy of the people is necessarily employed in the practical work of earning a living, and the always urgent and ever present question of bread and butter is up for solution, people cannot he expected to devote much time to the poetic and ideal. It therefore follows that nothing was retained as a useless relic which could be turned to some utility; but it is a shame that the people of modern times have such little reverence for the relics of former days. After these houses ceased to be available for business purposes, they should have been preserved to have at least witnessed the semi-centennial of the country's history. It is sad, in their hurry to grow rich, so few have care even for the work of their own hands. How many of the early settlers have preserved their first habitations? The sight of that humble cabin would be a source of much consolation in old days, and its presence would go far toward reconciling the present generation with their lot, when comparing its, lowly appearance with the modern residence whose extensive apartments are beginning to be too unpretentious for the enterprising and irrepressible "Young Americans." 

COURTHOUSES 

Audrain county has had three court-houses. The first one was erected in 1837. The following is the order of the court in reference to the same - MARCH 20, 1887. It is ordered by the court that George W. Turley and James E. Fenton be and they are hereby appointed commissioners to superintend the building of a temporary court-house, in the town of New Mexico, upon the north-east corner of lot No. 6, in block No. 8, fronting the public square, of the following description: To lie of good white oak hewed logs, one story high, 10 feet between floor and ceiling; 36 feet long; 18 feet wide, with a partition of logs through it, making one room 22 feet long; 2 outside doors, 1 inside door, good walnut batten doors; 4 fifteen light windows; a good, square, joint floor of plank; the ceiling to be lathed and plastered, with one good coat of plastering; cracks chinked and seamed with lime and sand, with a good roof of shingles; 1 good chimney of brick, 1 plane chimney piece, and wash board all round. Said house and the said commissioners are hereby authorized and directed to give notice of the building of said house by advertising the same upon some of the most public houses in the town of New Mexico, at least ten days before the letting of said building, which is to be done by crying and knocking off the same to the lowest bidder. 

SECOND COURTHOUSE 

The second court-house was constructed of brick, and was two stories in height. The building contained four rooms; the courtroom below and three rooms above. It was commenced in November, 1838, and finished in 1839. The first amount appropriated by the county court, for its erection, was $1,600. Wm. White was the superintendent of the building. This served the county until the present and third courthouse was erected. 

THIRD COURTHOUSE

This was commenced June 17, 1868, and finished in 1869, at a cost of $42,870.71. It is brick, two stories high, and contains ten rooms, including the court-room, which is in the second story. E. P. Cunningham was the superintendent. The building is large and imposing in appearance, and is surmounted by an attractive and substantial dome, which contains a town clock, the face of which may be seen at a considerable distance. When the clock strikes the hours, its intonations may be heard, on a calm, clear day, throughout every portion of the city, thus making it a matter of convenience as well as of great practical utility to business men, to mechanics, to laboring men of all classes, and to housekeepers.

COUNTY POOR FARM 

The county poor farm was purchased in July, 1870, and includes the S. W. of N. W. and the N. W. of the S. W. of section 21, and the N. E. of the S. E. of section 20, township 51, range 9.