Fourth Judicial Circuit

Christian County FYI

The name of Christian was suggested from the fact that so many of the inhabitants at that time were from Christian County, Kentucky.

The first judicial term was held at Taylorville, Nov 4, 1839. In the absence of a courthouse its sessions were held in a small frame house, 12 by 14 feet, owned by HW Vandeveer and situated on the north side of the public square.

Clay County FYI

Named for Henry Clay, a statesman and political orator, Representative in Congress and United States Senator from Kentucky, three times Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, famous as the author of the political measures know as the "Missouri Compromise," and a prominent candidate for the Presidency.

Clinton County FYI

Originally party of Washington County, Clinton County was established on December 27, 19824.

The County is named after DeWitt Clinton, a distinguished lawyer, United States Senator, Mayor of New York City, Governor of the State of New York, and a chief promoter of the Erie Canal.

Effingham County FYI

Named for Lord Effingham, who resigned his commission as general in the British army in 1775, refusing to serve in the war against the colonies.

Although formally established by law in 1831, an act to organize Effingham County was not approved by the legislature until December 20, 1832. This act provided for the election of the first county officials in January, 1833.

Fayette County FYI

Named in honor of the Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, the famous French General who fought for the colonies in the Revolutionary War.

The first of three capitol buildings to stand in Vandalia was a plain two-story frame structure. Old State Capitol. The entire first floor served as a meeting place for the House of Representatives, while the second floor was divided into rooms for the Senate and the Council of Revision, which consisted of the governor and justices of the Illinois Supreme Court.

Jasper County FYI

Named for William Jasper, a Sergeant of the Revolution who, during the action in Charleston harbor, replaced the flag shot away at Fort Moultrie, and later was killed at Savannah in 1779.

Marion County FYI

Named for Francis Marion, a soldier of the Revolution who distinguished himself as a partisan commander in the Carolinas.

Salem was founded in 1823 as the County Seat of the newly formed Marion County.

Montgomery County FYI

Named for Richard Montgomery, a Revolutionary General, of Irish birth, who was killed before Quebec on December 31, 1775.

The first courthouse was a 20' by 24', two story structure built of "hewn logs" and partially completed for the first term of circuit court to be held there June 17 and 18, 1824.

Shelby County FYI

Named for Isaac Shelby, a soldier of the Revolution and Indian wars, Governor of Kentucky from 1792 to 1796 and again from 1812 to 1816. He commanded the Kentucky troops in the battle of Thames in the War of 1812.

The first judge of the circuit embracing Shelby county was Theophilus W. Smith, of the Supreme Court, whose term of office, as circuit judge, extended from 1828 to 1835.