County Courthouse

 

When the county of Ford was organized, the need was for a suitable place for holding court. Therefore, on January 16, 1860, the question was settled and the first courthouse in the same location on the site where the present courthouse stands. The original cost was $11,000 but the plans were changed and enlarged to add $4,000 for an additional cost. In December 1861 an additional contract was made with the contractor James F. Hall for the total price being $16,000. 

 

February 13, 1862, the first courthouse contained on the first or ground floor offices for the county clerk, circuit clerk’s office, and county sheriff's office, rooms for the jailer, and family with cells for the prisoners. The second floor contained court and jury rooms. 

 

In 1905, a decision was reached by the board to remodel the old courthouse, and the following meeting the sum was to cost $55,000. Joseph W. Royer of Urbana, plans were to practically build a new structure, except for one wall to remain. This would cause a battle for the county seat starting a rivalry between Paxton and Gibson City. A vote was taken and voters were heard, Paxton won.

 

This new courthouse building was dedicated on June 11, 1908, and is the one we see today. 

 

Sheriff’s Residence & Old County Jail

 

After the county jail was completed the cells in the courthouse were removed in 1872. The sheriff’s residence and jail cost the county $28,000 and would be in use until 1993.

 

The structure consists of a building 30x48, two-storied high, which is used by the Sheriff's family as a residence, in the rear of which is the jail, constructed of Joiet Stone, the walls being constructed of stone from four to six feet in length and two feet square. The foundation for the whole structure is commenced on solid four feet below the surface and heavy stone.

 

The residence consisted of modern conveniences with a parlor, family sitting room, dining room with pantry, and a kitchen. On the second floor where you would find four good-sized bedrooms, with closets for each room. A fifth bedroom was for the jailor which is on the ground floor in the rear of the residence, located near the jail’s entrance. 

 

In 2013 the sheriff’s residence and old jail were saved from being demolished by the Paxton Foundation. The residence was restored and now serves as a museum. The old jail still looks the same as it was when it was holding prisoners.

 

Sheriff’s Residence & Old County Jail 

 

After the county jail was completed the cells in the courthouse were removed in 1872. The sheriff’s residence and jail cost the county $28,000 and would be in use until 1993. 

 

The structure consists of a building 30x48, two-storied high, which is used by the Sheriff's family as a residence, in the rear of which is the jail, constructed Athen's limestone, quarried in the Lemont-Joliet area, the same material as the old water tower in downtown Chicago. The walls are constructed of stone from four to six feet in length and two feet square. The foundation for the whole structure is commenced on solid four feet below the surface and heavy stone. 

 

The residence consisted of modern conveniences with a parlor, family sitting room, dining room with pantry, and a kitchen. On the second floor where you would find four good-sized bedrooms, with closets for each room. A fifth bedroom was for the jailor which is on the ground floor in the rear of the residence, located near the jail entrance. 

 

The last sheriff to live in the residence was in 1990. In 2013 the sheriff’s residence and old jail were saved from being demolished by the Paxton Foundation. The residence was restored and now serves as a museum. The old jail still looks the same as it was when it was holding a prisoner.