When Iowa became a new U.S. Territory in 1838, Governor Lucas appointed three judges to oversee the judicial needs of the people – Charles T. Mason – from Burlington – was appointed as Iowa’s first Chief Justice, and his two fellow judges were Thomas S. Wilson from Dubuque, and Joseph Williams of Bloomington (Muscatine). Each covering a section of the Territory, Williams was assigned the middle – which included Johnson County. In our collection, we have a wonderful example of the kind of work Judge Williams had on his plate. On February 10, 1845, the Clerk of the District Court, Johnson County, Iowa Territory – working on behalf of Williams – wrote to the Sheriff of Bloomington, asking for his help in a land dispute. Written from his desk in the Old Stone Capitol, this stamp-less letter provides a wonderful look at life in the Territory of Iowa.

CHECK OUT THE COMPLETE BLOG SERIES – Iowa City’s Top 50 Influencers – Part I

Back in 1979 – The Iowa City Press Citizen ran a special seven-page section called Chronology 1841/1979 and it featured Iowa City’s famed historian – Irving Weber – and his look at 25 People Who Left Their Stamp On Iowa City. So, here we are – forty-four years later – and now, I’m offering these two posts – dedicated to those who have greatly influenced our city over the first 100 years or so. This page features the First 25, and as you can see, each of the 25 names has a brief overview with a link(s) to read more, if you like. Enjoy!

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