Sixteenth Judicial Circuit

DeKalb County FYI

The county gained its name from Johann DeKalb, who was a German baron who fought for the Colonies during the Revolution.

The current DeKalb County Courthouse building was the third such structure to be built in Sycamore. The first courthouse was a log building built in 1839, across the street from its current location. Due to progressive growth in the county, a second building was constructed in 1850 and additions were made to this structure in 1863 

In 1905, Sycamore retained the county seat, and gained a new courthouse, at a price of approximately $100,000.

Kane County FYI

On January 16, 1836, a new County was fromed and named after Elias Kent Kane, a highly-respected attorney who helped draft the Illinois constitution and was the first Secretary of State. Kane was later elected to Congress and represented Illinois in the U.S. Senate.

On the night of March 13, 1890, Kane County lost one of its most prized buildings when the Courthouse burned. Fortunately, the records of the recorder, County Clerk, and the Circuit Clerk were locked in fireproof vaults and not damaged.

The original construction cost for the new courthouse was $195,000. The square dome rises high above the rotunda. Decorative ironwork railings encircle each floor and eleven murals, depicting various scenes from the County, are painted on the arches of the 4th floor.

Kendall County FYI

Named for Amos Kendall, 1789-1869, an American journalist and statesman. In 1829 he went to Washington, D.C., and was appointed by President Jackson fourth auditor of the Treasury. In 1835 he was appointed U.S. Postmaster General by Jackson, and he remained at the post under President Van Buren.

Two locations were offered for the county seat, Yorkville and Bristol. The Yorkville site was chosen. The new building was completed in 1864 at a total estimated cost of $22,000. In 1887, the courthouse burned. The walls of the building were used for reconstruction, which was completed at a cost of $18,130. 1998 the new courthouse was built.