The First Courthouse

The first courthouse, built in 1839, was a one story frame building 20x36 feet on a 123x44 lot donated by John Anderson. The site has been debated; some historians say it was on the northwest corner, about where the city Police Department is today. It was used not only for county business but also for social meetings and religious services. At one time school was held there also. The citizens put their courthouse to good use: in a few years, another one was needed. This first building was moved to various places around Clinton. By the 1940's, Mr. Elmer Leinweber of 800 block of East Woodlawn used the building for a garage and auto repair shop. The building was razed in 1951.

Newpaper Extracts - Clinton Public

Newpaper Extracts
Submitted by Judy Simpson
Dewitt GenWeb Project
http://dewitt.ilgenweb.net/

Jan. 12, 1877
Clinton Public,
Clinton IL
Some inhuman brute spent last Monday night somewhere in town comfortably housed, while his poor horse was left tied to a hitching post all night. Officer PHARES' attention was called to the horse Tuesday morning, and he took the poor brute to CREW & TAYLOR's livery stable.

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January 12, 1877
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois

ONLY TOO TRUE.

We have noticed in passing through the various parts of the city, that the young lads have a bad habit of skating up and down the sidewalks. We have nothing particularly against their skating, but it is very unpleasant for pedestrians who have to use the walks. Of course everyone has their "ups and downs," but when one looses his equilibrium without a moment's notice, it makes him exclaim rather angrily, "sauer kraut am bully tings," as a thousand stars pass before his vision. When he comes to his senses, he could just take all the skates and boys and pile them in a heap and set fire to it. Well, a fellow is justified in allowing such wicked thoughts to be in his mind, because it is not very funny for a person to build walks and then have them converted into skating rinks without asking the privilege of the owner. A fellow don't care about falling down and breaking his bones every time he has occasion to step on the walk. It's no fun. If the boys want to skate, we would suggest they go to the famous Ten mile; they can skate there without endangering the lives of the average Clintonian. If there is an ordinance prohibiting such things, would it not be a good idea to enforce it. We think it would be in accordance with the desires and wishes of the people. —J. Wesley SLAKE

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February 9, 1877
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois

It was a clear case of assault and battery, for the way that woman battered old Ike MORSE's back, at Breuer's corner the other day, was the wonder and admiration of the crowd. She came up behind old Ike, swearing in a foreign tongue that Ike had said naughty things; and as the old man was guiltless he chuckled at her wrath. But she was not to be soothed in that way, for she gave her shawl an extra twirl around her agitated bosom and in splendid style she let fly her left digit between Ike's shoulders. The crowd cheered and this encouraged the fighting female. Ike wouldn't be guilty of striking a woman, but he waltzed her into the mud. The enraged female took her departure disgusted with the lack of spirit in Ike because he wouldn't give her manly satisfaction. Ike declares he never said aught about the woman, and he can't imagine why she should bounce him.

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February 9, 1877
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois

CAPTURE OF HORSE THIEVES.

Tuesday morning two boys, aged respectively eighteen and twenty years, rode up to CROW's livery stable and left their horses to be fed. The boys were hard-looking seeds, and as they were riding two ___ mares they attracted some notice at the stable. The boys expressed a desire to sell the team, and as there was a horse buyer at the stable a trade was soon struck up for one of the mares at the price of $80. The horse buyer went to the bank for the money. In the mean time Marshal HENSON had received a dispatch from DeLand telling him to be on the lookout for two boys and a pair of dark brown mares. The Marshal went to the stables as the most likely place to get information, and at once struck his game. The boys were out getting something to eat, and the Marshal went in search of them. He met them opposite the post-office and at once made the arrest, locking them up in the calaboose till he should receive further orders. On the morning train from DeLand came Ellis C. REED, the owner of the team, and from him we learn that on Monday evening the two boys were loitering about his farm, which is midway between Weldon and DeLand, but that he did not suspect anything wrong about them. Tuesday morning he went to his stable when he found the lock broken, the door open, and a valuable pair of mares missing. As soon as possible he went to the railroad station and telegraphed his loss and gave a description of the supposed thieves.

The youthful horse thieves say that they came from Ford county; that they were traveling in search of work. They own up to taking the horses but disclaim any intention of stealing them. They said they were tired walking, and finding the stable open they took the horses, intending to ride twelve or fifteen miles and then turn them loose. They came as far as Mr. Henry SIMPSON's farm, about two miles east of town, and finding a good place to sleep they abandoned the horses and crawled under shelter. Tuesday morning when they got up they found that the horses were still in the neighborhood of Mr. Simpson's farm, and that then, for the first time, the thought entered their minds to steal the horses and sell them. The boys also had with them a rifle, shotgun and a silver watch, which they probably picked up on their travels. Tuesday night Marshal Henson took the thieves to Monticello. The grand jury being in session they were indicted on Wednesday, and probably by the last of this week they will be booked for Joliet.

The arrest is a profitable one for Marshal Henson. Piatt county pays $100 each for the arrest of horse thieves, and as there will be no trouble in proving up this case the Marshal will probably get his money when the Piatt supervisors meet in March.

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March 23, 1877
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois

There was a social hop at the residence of Dr. DAVIS on last Saturday evening. It was well attended by the young folks and all speak of the occasion as being a pleasant one.

Mrs. S. M. THORP and daughter spent Sunday and a part of this week in this place.

Mr. Marshal PETERSON, formerly a resident of this place, but now of Minnesota, was in town this week visiting friends.

On last Tuesday it was so dark at half-past ten that the teachers had to close the school until noon.

On Tuesday we had a variety of weather—rain, sleet, snow, and hail.

Did you eat your dinner by lamp light last Tuesday? Our merchants had to light their lamps in order to attend to business, something never done before in the memory of the oldest inhabitant of our town. Truly the sun was eclipsed.

Mathew RYAN, of this place, is working in Peoria.

Mr. Daniel THOMPSON will start to the Black Hills country next week.

Mr. Manly CONE and lady returned to their home in Decatur on last Saturday.

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April 20, 1877
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois

AN INFANT'S BODY FOUND BURIED IN THE BRUSH.

There was wild commotion in Harp township for the past few days. Sunday last, Harrison CLEVENGER was on his way homeward and passed through Col. SNELL's pasture land, which is about five miles from this city and near the James WILLMORE farm. Under a Jack-oak tree he espied a new-made grave, and the next day he told the fact to some of his neighbors. As the Willmore graveyard was only a quarter of a mile beyond this lonely grave in the brush, there was a suspicion of foul play. The more the subject was discussed, the more excited the people became, till finally it was the unanimous opinion that the body should be exhumed, and if foul play was there, then the authors should be hunted down. Yesterday morning, Uncle D. HALL was notified of the suspicions of the neighbors, and selecting a jury of twelve men and two doctors, he proceeded to the place and held an inquest. A post-mortem examination was had when it was discovered that the child, a little boy, had lived probably two or three days. No one knew of a birth in the neighborhood, and there was a mystery surrounding this little grave. The coroner had the body removed to the Willmore graveyard, where it was interred. When the coroner and jury arrived in town in the afternoon, they heard that Dick SCALES, a tenant on one of the MAGILL farms, had lost an infant child a few days ago, and the probabilities were this might be the same. Our reporter followed up the story last evening, when it was fully confirmed. To say the least, it was a strange place to have buried an infant, especially when the graveyard was so near. This careless way of burial not only excited a whole neighborhood for several days, but incurred a cost of $75 or $100 on the county for the inquest.

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April 20, 1877
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois

Mr. Henry MAGILL and his daughter, Miss Hattie, have gone to Hot Springs, Ark., for the benefit of their health. Miss MAGILL was seized with paralysis in the lower limbs some months ago, which for a time crippled her so that she was unable to walk. By the advice of the family physician, the healing waters of the Hot Springs will be tried, with the hope that the young lady will recover the full use of her limbs.

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April 20, 1877
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois

THE DESTRUCTIVE LIGHTNING.

During the heavy thunder-storm Monday evening, lightning struck Mr. James WATSON's barn in Creek township, killing two mules and a horse instantly and setting fire to the barn. Mr. Watson was in the barn at the time the lightning struck, and was standing in a stall between two mules. The outside mule first received the shock and fell dead. The lightning then flashed over Mr. Watson and the next mule and struck the third mule and a horse, instantly killing them. In a few moments Mr. Watson saw that his barn was on fire, the lightning having ignited the hay in the loft. He succeeded in getting out the surviving mule, and by this time the flames had gained such headway as to make it impossible to save anything else. One of the mules belonged to a hired hand. Mr. Watson's loss cannot be less than $800 or $1000, as everything in the barn was consumed. We understand that there was no insurance.

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April 20, 1877
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois

SUNDAY AMUSEMENTS.

Last Sunday morning, John MEDLAND was attacked at the Central depot by Taylor FERGUSON, a bridge carpenter in the employ of the G. C. & S. company. It seems the dispute was about a pocket-knife that Medland found several months ago, and over which there was some wrangling once before. Ferguson met Medland and demanded the knife. Medland refused to give it up, when Ferguson struck him a furious blow in the face and tumbled poor John over. Ferguson not satisfied with this, jumped on Medland's body with his feet and kicked and pounded him brutally. In the melee, Medland had one of his ribs broken and his face gashed and torn in a horrible manner. Whatever induced a great, powerful man like Ferguson to jump on so weakly a man like Medland no one can pine, for heretofore Ferguson has borne the reputation of being a peaceable fellow. Had it not been for the interference of some men who were attracted to the spot by Medland's cries of "murder!" there is no telling what would have been the termination of Ferguson's brutality. As it is, Medland was confined to his bed for several days. Owing to Medland not being able to attend court, Justice RICHEY bound Ferguson over in the sum of $100 for his future appearance to answer for the assault.

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April 20, 1877
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois

BEWARE OF MORPHINE.

Very few who begin the use of morphine for the allaying of pain have any idea of the risk they are running. A man or woman once addicted to its use is bound in fetters stronger than ever held a drunkard. A lady in this city, who have become a confirmed user of morphine, took an overdose the other morning which came very near ending her life. The fatal drug has become a necessity to her daily existence, and the first thing in the morning on awaking she must have her regular dose before she can even make her toilet. Years ago the doctors prescribed it to allay pain, and now she cannot live without it. A man in this city received an injury some time ago and his doctor prescribed morphine to allay the pain. When almost recovered there was still a soreness in the limb when the man followed his daily avocation. His doctor recommended him to take a little morphine now and then when he felt pain and it would relieve him. The man did so, and it was not long before he felt a growing desire for the fatal drug, especially when he had an extra amount of labor to perform. He did not know his danger till his attention was called to the fact; and fortunately for him he is a man of strong will power and can break the habit now. It would astonish a great many well-informed people did they really know the extent to which opium is used in this city and county. Beware of the deadly drug.

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April 20, 1877
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois

HUNTING SNIPES.

A new importation from Chicago thought the young men of this city very slow, and he volunteered several ideas to sharpen them up. The boys concluded to test the sharpness of the Chicagoan, so on Tuesday evening they invited him to go with them to hunt snipe. About dark the party got over by the cemetery grounds, and in a very remote place they posted Chicago, with bag in hand, with instructions to stand quietly there and as the snipe would come within reach he was to catch and bag them. Chicago waited patiently, bag in hand, for the coming snipe; but about ten o'clock not hearing his comrades or seeing any birds he began to think the sport was monotonous. By and by the idea began to crawl through his cranium that the Clinton boys had sold him out, so he came to the City Hotel, where he was greeted by his late companions in snipe shooting. Chicago set up the cigars for the boys on their promise to let the story leak out.

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April 20, 1877
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois

The warm rain on Monday night gave the grass and sown grain a good start. Tuesday morning the fields looked handsome in their dress of green; the buds on the trees were bursting; the birds chirruped in their liveliest strain; and all nature rejoiced that the confounded muddy streets of Clinton would soon "dry up" for the summer season.

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April 20, 1877
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois

By reference to another column it will be noticed that the Surgeons of the National Surgical Institute of Indianapolis, Indiana, will make a professional visit to our city on the 2d of May. We are happy to announce to our readers the coming of these skilled and experienced Surgeons and recommend all sufferers afflicted with any of the diseases or deformities which they treat to not fail to see them during their short stay at the Magill House.

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TAKING A CHANGE OF VENUE.
Three Prisoners Make Their Escape from the County Jail.

When Sheriff WEEDMAN, last Saturday evening, went to hand in five suppers to that number of boarders which ought to have been there, Tom BOLAN announced that two plates would be enough as the other three had eloped. The sheriff on examination of the jail found that a large stone slab in the north-west corner of the building was pulled partly down, that a hole had been made through the brick wall, and by this means Park McGOWAN, George MOORE and Alex McGOWAN had escaped. Once outside of the jail there was only a low brick wall to climb over. The three fellows who got out were seen leisurely to cross over toward the school grounds, after which all trace of them was lost. They had nearly two hours start before they were missed from the jail, and by that time they were able to get beyond reach. Tom Bolan and John EDWARDS, who were also in jail, did not avail themselves of the opportunity to escape, nor did they tell on their partners till further concealment was of no avail. Park McGowan and Moore were in for the burglary of WOY & SCOTT's hardware store, and the other McGowan was in for stealing a coat and some other articles, and the prospects of a term in Joliet looked very flattering for the three.

Bolan and Edwards say that Park McGowan was the chief agent in the party breaking out, and he did it in this way. When Deacon HOVEY first retired from the cares and anxieties of a busy life, Sheriff Weedman showed him a little more attention because he was an old man. It is not usual to give the prisoners knives to eat with, but the sheriff gave the good Deacon a knife. Park McGowan appropriated this knife out of which he made a saw. With this he cut through two iron bars that held the slab in place; and once the iron was cut there was no trouble in pulling the slab out. Park some years ago made a similar attempt on this same slab, and was nearly successful; and this knowledge was a great help to him last week. He began to cut the iron a week ago last Tuesday and only completed the job on Saturday afternoon. During the time he would be sawing the iron some of the other prisoners would stand in the doorway that led from the jail, so that on the approach of any member of the sheriff's family Park would be signaled and the sawing would stop. Everything was in readiness about five o'clock Saturday afternoon, and at that hour the sheriff was up town and no one in the front part of the building except Mrs. Weedman and the servant. Park and his fellow thieves, by moving very quietly, had no difficulty in getting out. Sheriff Weedman has thoroughly advertised the escaped prisoners, and he hopes to secure their return.

Alex McGowan took breakfast at a farmer's house below Kenney on Sunday morning, and he told there how they escaped. He says that Park McGowan had tools handed in from the outside. Alexander told the farmer that he intended to get out of this part of the country as quickly as possible, and he departed after eating a hearty breakfast.

The jail is very insecure, and has been since first it was built. Nearly every sheriff has had prisoners break out. If the county wishes to keep its prisoners after they are arrested steps should be taken toward making the jail perfectly secure.

June 1, 1877
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois

BACK AGAIN.
A few weeks ago three of the prisoners confined in the county jail made their escape by cutting through the wall. One would suppose that the fellows who got out would give Clinton a wide berth, but it seems a criminal, like a moth around a candle, keeps always fluttering about the point of danger. Park McGOWAN and George MOORE, the burglars who broke into WOY & SCOTT's hardware store, went from here to Minonk, where they were probably beyond all danger of detection; but their destiny seemed to draw them hither. On Tuesday Moore was recognized and arrested in this city by Marshal HENSON. Park McGowan came as far as Heyworth Tuesday and there struck into the country. Henson got track of him and he and Smith WEEDMAN started out in pursuit. They first went to Heyworth and got on their trail and then followed up for abut thirty-six hours when they finally captured Park at Sue WALDEN's house up in Wilson township. Park and Moore are back again in their cells, and as they have cost Sheriff Weedman over $100 it is more than likely that he will keep a close watch on them till they are turned over to the warden of the penitentiary.

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May 11, 1877
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois

LANE.

Farming is very backward with us on account of the heavy rains. Trade is very dull and probably will continue so till after harvest. Then we expect better times.

Our district school, taught by Mrs. BAYLESS, is progressing finely.

Sam the butcher has employed the barber to paint his dwelling-house, and a good job is the result.

Jas. FOSNAUGH is now entitled to have Esq. tacked to the tail of his name.

Dr. GARDNER and Mr. KIDDER visited friends in the country last Sunday, took dinner, talked to the girls, and didn't get home till it was late.

One of our boys wanted to see his girl the other night but between him and the idol of his heart was a slough. To get across he had to coon the fence, and when about half way over a crooked rail turned with him and he went floundering into the mire.

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May 18, 1877
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois

A cow belonging to Joe MORSE attacked Dr. T. K. EDMISTON's youngest daughter on the street the other day, and so badly was the child injured and scared that she was confined to her bed for several days.

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May 18, 1877
Clinton Public
Clinton, Illinois

LOVE IN A CHATEAU.

If we mistake not THE PUBLIC has mentioned the fact that the Hon. William R. CARLE, formerly representative from this district in the State legislature, was married to a charming young lady from Bethany, West Virginia. At first Mr. Carle thought some of taking Horace Greeley's advice and going West—or rather southwest—to make his future home, but we are glad to know that he has abandoned the idea and has determined to live and die among the people who honored him with a seat in the State's capitol. The other day he bought one of the finest building sites within the sound of the city hall bell. It is a charming little nook on the banks of the classic Ten-mile. The land is wooded with tall towering pines and monarch oaks, and as the summer breezes away the branches it is as the music of an Aeolian harp. At the base of the hill, upon which is now being built a cottage of Gothic architecture, the stream expands and a beautiful sheet of water, inhabited by delicious trout, attracts the eye of the visitor. It is the intention of Mr. Carle to have several pleasure boats on this miniature lake, and during the summer season it will be the resort of the fashion and beauty of Clinton. The only wonder is that this enchanting spot has not heretofore been secured; its sylvan beauty must fire the artistic eye of our most celebrated landscape painters, and in time it will become a masterpiece for the canvas of some of our local artists. It will be a fitting home for the fair young Virginian bride, and as the work of building the chateau is now being pushed forward without regard to expense for labor, Clinton will one of these days be invited to a grand house-warming. The pine and oak trees that cover the handsome park were planted hundreds of years ago by some ancient Clintonian. The lake gives evidence of having at one time been navigable, and upon its proud bosom has probably floated the majestic ark which sheltered Noah and his family after one of those heavy showers to which DeWitt county is still subjected. THE PUBLIC will welcome Mr. Carle and his young bride within the corporate limits of Clinton; and when the home of love is finished and the blue smoke comes curling from the ivy-covered chimneys we will give a full description of the house and its appointments. We understand that Mr. Carle paid something like $1000 per acre for the grounds, and that the chateau when completed will cost not less than $75,000, which will include the choice paintings ordered from the studios in Italy and one of Ansell Hull's washing machines. Will had the reputation of being close in money matters, but his brief wedded life has opened his heart and his pocket-book, and his hoarded wealth flows like water. We understand that he will also build a pavilion on his grounds and that he will have the Wapella dramatic club, of which he is sole manager, give occasional exhibitions for the benefit of our county farm.

http://dewitt.ilgenweb.net/

Clinton IL Founded 1835

I found a book that many people put together for our nice county and city in 1985. I will be using most of what they have in here so that you can learn about what all Clinton has had, and lost, and gained.