Greene County Courthouse

Greene County was created on January 20, 1821 when the state legislature made the decision to divide Madison County into seven different counties. Thomas Rattan, John Allen, Thomas Carlin, John Huitt Sr. and John Green were selected as the first county commissioners. The commissioners had until March 1, 1821 to select where the county seat should be located. Three areas were considered; the Boston Farm, Mount Pleasant and the site of the current court house, which was land owned by Thomas Carlin.

 

As the story is told, the commissioners were standing at the square when John Allen paced off fifty yards, drove a stake in the ground and proclaimed, “here, let the court house be built.”

 

On June 13, 1821 at a special meeting held by the county commissioners, Thomas and William Finley were given the contract for the construction of the first court house and plans immediately commenced. The long frame structure was completed nearly a year later on a budget of roughly $700.00. This building would later be cut in half and used as two store fronts located on the square.

 

The need for a new court house was felt as early as 1828 but it wasn’t until March of 1830 when Moses Stevens was instructed to draft a plan for a larger structure to be built. In April of that year, the contract was given to Thomas Rattan for a brick building to be erected in the middle of the square. The price would be $7,000.00 if paid in yearly installments of $1,000.00. However, if a tax was levied to citizens, a lump sum of $5,500.00 would be accepted.

 

The new two-story brick structure was 44’ X 46’ and was thought to be the finest in the state. It was topped with a square cupola that supported a pole adorned with a very large tin ball that could be seen for miles from any direction.

 

The tin ball that was manufactured in St. Louis was removed from the building in 1882 and was found to have numerous bullet holes, the first of which was believed to have been put there by Judge Link during his altercation with an unruly woodpecker.

 

Fifty years after the second court house was constructed it went from being exalted to being a disgrace. It was ready to cave in and immediately other citizens of the county began quarreling over the location of the new court house. Conjecture was that it would be situated either in White Hall or Berdan. Unbeknownst to them that the original agreement that provided the county with the land necessary for the court house stipulated that if the location was moved out of Carrollton, the heirs of the donor would receive an amount equivalent to any improvements made to the twenty-three acres that were given. When the citizens of Greene County discovered that they would be responsible for a pay out of over $1,000,000.00, their tune changed quickly. However, the need for a new court house remained and it was back to the drawing board they went.

In 1883, fire-proof vaults and offices were added to the existing structure. They would eventually be incorporated into the new court house but had to be raised about a foot to ensure a seamless design. They would later be utilized as the offices for the circuit clerk and county clerk. Evidence of these vaults can still be seen in the doors and ceiling.

 

Finally in 1890 a decision was made that they could no longer wait for a new place to hold hearings as the old structure had become very dilapidated. A Chicago architect by the name of Henry Elliott was commissioned to design the new building. The newly drawn contract for construction was awarded to Frederick W. Menske of Quincy. For a price of $39,700.00 the dream of a new court house was brought into reality.

 

The project began June 10, 1891 and people came from all surrounding towns to take part. Approximately 8,000 citizens of the county were on hand from Roodhouse, White Hall, Greenfield, Berdan, Rockbridge, Fayette, Kane, Hardin, Bluffdale and even nearby Jersey County. Trains travelled from each direction carrying their passengers as they converged in Carrollton and formed a procession that slowly marched down the road to their destination.

 

Once there, Mayor E. A. Giller addressed the massive crowd and welcomed them to his town. John M. Pearson, the Grand Master also addressed the volunteers and carefully laid the cornerstone with the assistance of his Grand Officers and according to Masonic customs. Pearson handed over duties to his Officers that included Grand Deputy, F. A. Whitside, Grand Senior Warden, G. W. Davis and Junior Grand Warden, C. W. Trask of Roodhouse. Once the cornerstone had been put into place and was found to be secure, they proceeded to pour in turn oil, wine and corn. These symbolized joy, refreshment and nourishment. The Kane Cornet Band began to play and Hon. H. C. Withers gave an address upon the old court house.

 

The court house reached completion in March of 1892 overreaching estimates at a total cost of $40, 231.00. It has remained largely unchanged in 119 years. The exterior walls consist of eight inch Berea sandstone laid against layers of brick for a total depth of twenty inches. The north and south side steps were made of red granite. The large impressive building is complimented by a porch on the north side measured at 20’ by 40’ that is surrounded by hand carved columns. The tower touches the sky at more than a hundred feet and the clock was added in the Summer of 1893. A statue of the Lady of Justice stands high atop one of the wings and looks out over the square. On the north walk of the building sits a 5 ton cannon that would have shot 100 pound projectiles. It was called a Parrott Rifle named after its creator, R. P. Parrott. This weapon of war was used on the Union gunboat Sassacus during the Civil War on the East Coast. The cannon was donated to Carrollton by the U. S. Government. General William P Carlin, native to Greene County, paid to have the cannon turned into a memorial monument in honor of all those that fought and lost their lives during the war. The Thomas Carlin monument sits authoritatively on the southeast corner of the court yard. This is in honor of the sixth Governor of Illinois and was dedicated on July 4, 1917.

 

Great pride was taken in caring for the court house and the lawn that surrounded it. A very substantial chain had initially been placed around the court yard. It was used as a hitching rack but also prevented oblivious citizens from driving their teams onto the well-manicured grass. Most of this chain was removed during World War II and sold for scrap. However a small portion still remains on the southwest corner.

Concrete sidewalks and sturdy benches would be added later and citizens were encouraged to spend time here. They were advised not to litter, drink alcoholic beverages or play any games that may damage the property or grounds.

 

The beauty of the court house is attributed solely to the architect, builder and the best materials available. Great care was taken in its construction and it is still regarded as one of the most stately and commodious in Illinois. The Greene County Court House remains today as a reminder of the past and looks towards the future as a location that should be recognized for its contributions to the history of the area.