Riding the circuit of our first courts

The Poplar Bluff Museum tells many unknown tales of our community. I want to tell you some of those hidden tales found within the museum walls.

In 1849, Missouri counties did not have enough business to occupy a full time judge. The General Assembly grouped their counties into judicial districts. Each district was presided over by a judge. He had to ride a circuit from county to county. He became known as a circuit court judge. The judge travelled on horseback along Indian trails that could barely be called roads. There were no bridges, so he had to ford rivers and streams. Food was a luxury. Many times, a group of pioneer lawyers followed him from court to court. This arduous task became known as “riding the circuit.”

When Butler County was established, the General Assembly placed it in the 10th Judicial Circuit. It consisted of Wayne, New Madrid, Cape Girardeau, Scott, Madison, Stoddard, Ripley and Dunklin counties. Judge Harrison Hough from Mississippi County presided over the 10th Circuit.

The first court session held in Butler County was on September 15, 1849. Judge Hough used the log cabin of Thomas Scott, located in the Cane Creek settlement. Court Day was a big event on the frontier. Everyone came from all around. They wanted to meet a man of such stature. It was a great honor to shake the hand of the judge. He brought news of the world from outside of Cane Creek.

There were only two orders of business that day. First, the new Butler County Sheriff Newton Wayne presented his bond, which was approved. Second was a historic event: The selection of the site for the permanent Butler County seat of government was discussed. It was decided that 150 acres of wilderness on the banks of the Black River would be the new county seat. On this site a courthouse was built and the town of Poplar Bluff was born. This came as quite a shock and disappointment to the settlers of Cane Creek.

George Loughead wrote a column for the “Daily American Republic” called “Butler County History, Bit by Bit.” This is one of the many stories he tells. They are on display in the People Room of the Poplar Bluff Museum.

The museum is open free of charge and handicap accessible. It is open 1-4 p.m. Sunday at 1010 N. Main St. Tell them Mike sent you.