THE Act of the Legislature for the organization and establishment of the County of Fulton, and defining its boundaries as they now exist, was passed on the 28th of January, 1823. Several other counties had their boundaries defined by the same act, but were not to be organized until they should attain the requisite population. Until the period of their organization they were to be attached to Fulton county, for all purposes, just as though they were actually a part of it. Peoria County was a part of this attached territory, and the village of Peoria furnished to Fulton county its first sheriff, in the person of Abner Eads, who, in 1823, at the first election, beat Ossian M. Ross for that position. The Peorians, it is said, came down from Peoria in “pirogues” to the mouth of Spoon River, then “pulled” up that stream to the neighborhood of Lewistown, which was the only voting place in the county, bringing their whisky and their candidate with them.
The first session of the circuit court of which I can get any knowledge was held at Lewistown, in June, 1824. This certainly was not the first court; but, as the records of the county for the first year after its organization have disappeared, no account of its proceedings have reached me. Mr. George S. McConnell was a spectator at the court held in June, 1824. He says that Thos. Reynolds, a brother of Gov. John Reynolds, was judge. Hugh R. Coulter, a brother-in-law of Ossian M. Ross, was circuit clerk. Coulter was at the same time justice of the peace, and held several other official positions. The court was held in Coulter’s house. This was a double log cabin, containing some three or four rooms. Mr. McConnell does not remember seeing but two lawyers in attendance, these being John Shaw and Nicholas Hanson, nor does he remember which acted in the capacity of circuit attorney. The panel of jurors was so scanty that the same persons had to sit both on the grand and traverse juries.
In 1824, the Board of County Commissioners consisted of David W. Barnes, Thomas Covill, and a Mr. Moffett. Wm. Totten and John Pixley were the only constables in the county.