Wayne County, Iowa
History, Records, Facts and Genealogy

Court Records | Vital Records | CENSUS Records | TAX Records | Military Records | Church & Cemetery |
Maps & Atlases | Genealogy Addresses | Genealogy Related Sites |

VEIW FULL SIZED D.O.T. COUNTY MAP

Wayne was created on January 13, 1846 (Organized in February 13, 1851) from Unorganized Territory. The County was named for Anthony Wayne, the American Revolutionary War general. The County Seat is Corydon.

Counties adjacent to Wayne County are Lucas County (north), Appanoose County (east), Putnam County, Missouri (southeast), Mercer County, Missouri (southwest), Decatur County (west). Wayne County Cities and Towns Include Allerton, Clio, Corydon, Humeston, Lineville, Millerton, Promise City, Seymour, Cambria, Confidence, Sewal.

Wayne County is unusual in that it is one of the few Iowa counties to have had only one county seat, Corydon. Corydon has had more than one name however. Originally called Springfield, the name Corydon was chosen by County Judge Seth Anderson, who won the right to name the town in a poker game. He named it after his hometown of Corydon, Indiana.

The first "courthouse" was built in 1852. It was a hastily built log cabin and was used even before it was completed. The floor was laid down loosely, the walls were not chinked and half of the roof was unfinished. The judge's desk was an old keg, and the jury would go to the slough or ravine to decide cases. This building was used for four years. Then, in 1856, William F. Lancaster and John Davis built a small building to use as a courthouse at a cost of $600. When this building was abandoned by the county in 1871, the business of the county was conducted in various downtown buildings.

Several attempts were made to vote bonds for a new courthouse between 1869 and 1889, but all failed. Around this time the town of Allerton became a contender for the county seat. Finally, with the help of people favorable to Corydon, a subscription was started in 1890 to build a new courthouse. Around $19,000 was raised, and construction began on the new courthouse in 1891. The contractors were E. A. Rea and Alex Mardis. The courthouse was made of red brick that was made and burned at Corydon.

After nearly 73 years of service, the courthouse was declared unsafe by a grand jury. A $450,000 bond issue was approved in September of 1962 by the voters in a special election for a new courthouse. The new courthouse was designed by the architects Frankhiser and Hutchens and was built by Grabau Construction. A ceremony for the laying of the cornerstone was held on August 15, 1964, and the new courthouse was finished later that same year. It is a three-story, modern looking facility and lies just east of the previous one. See also County History for more details.

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Records at the Wayne County Courthouse

See Also Iowa Land Records, Marriage Records, Court & Probate Records

Researchers often overlook the importance of court records, probate records, and land records as a source of family history information.

PLEASE READ FIRST!!!! Please call the clerk's department to confirm hours, mailing address, fees and other specifics before visiting or requesting information because of sometimes changing contact information.

All Departments below can be contacted by clicking the link below, calling or visiting the Wayne County Courthouse at Town Sq, Hwys.2&14,PO Box 435, Corydon 50060; Tel: 641-872-2264. See Also Courthouse Street Addresses for current courthouse addresses for all Iowa Counties. NOTE: The record dates below are from the earliest date to present time. Wayne County was attached to Davis County for a breif time. Some early records may be found there.

Wayne County Recorder's Office has Birth Records from 1880, Marriage Records from 1851, Death Records from 1880 and Land Records from 1851.

The Recorder's Office was created in 1839 by the First Legislative Assembly. The Recorder continues to maintain official records of documents affecting title to real estate. Every real estate transaction that takes place begins in the Recorder's Office. One of the major duties of the office is the management of public records. As a result, accuracy and preservation of records are a must in the Recorder's Office. Instruments that are recorded are not only important for today, but serve as a historical library for all of the tomorrows.

In addition to real estate transactions, the Recorder's Office issues titles and liens; records veterans discharge papers; processes passport applications; accepts marriage applications and issues the subsequent license; issues certified copies of birth, death and marriage records as well as other numerous duties.

Wayne County Clerk of Court Office has Probate Records from 1851 and Court Records from 1873.

In each of Iowa's 99 counties, a clerk of district court office manages and maintains all trial court records, including pleadings, evidence and orders. The clerks of court have hundreds of administrative duties. They accept and process fines, fees and court costs owed to the state, child support checks, and civil judgments owed to litigants. They maintain a record of liens on all real estate in the county. Clerks help with involuntary hospitalization cases. They have the authority to dispose of scheduled violations which are not contested and do not require a court hearing. Clerks are also responsible for informing state and local government agencies of court orders.

The Iowa district court has general jurisdiction of all civil, criminal and juvenile cases and probate matters in the state. The district court, which is also known as the trial court, is the point of entry in the court system for most cases. The Iowa district court is composed of different kinds of judicial officers with varying amounts of jurisdiction-judicial magistrates, associate juvenile judges, associate probate judges, district associate judges, and district court judges.

Below is a list of online resources for Wayne County Court Records. Email us with websites containing Wayne County Court Records by clicking the link below:

  • Order County Court, Civil or Criminal Records Online
  • All Iowa Counties Clerks of Court Contact Information
  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
  • Wayne County, Iowa Court Books at Amazon.com
  • Court, Land, Wills & Financial - Court records are an often overlooked, yet very valuable tool for finding information to assist you in your research. Land records, such as deeds, allow you to tie an ancestor to a specific place at a point in time. Other court records like those dealing with finances and estates often list related family members or give interesting details like the total value of property owned by your ancestors to add interest to your family history.
  • Immigration & Emigration - As our ancestors moved from one country to another, details about their lives were recorded on passenger lists and government documents. Immigration and emigration records can help you learn where your ancestors originally came from, where they went, when they left, who they traveled with, and more.
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Wayne County Vital Records

See Also Vital Records in Iowa

Birth, marriage, and death records are connected with central life events. They are prime sources for genealogical information.

Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor, 321 East 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319, (515) 281-4944 recording, Iowa prefers you get all Vital Records from the State Office in Des Moines and NOT at the County Clerk's office. They have the following records:

  • Birth, Marriage & Death Certificates:In Iowa, official registration of births, deaths, and marriages began July 1, 1880. All original records that have been registered are on file with the Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.
    • Cost: $15.00 per birth certificate & $10.00 per death certificate.
    • Processing Time: Filled requests take 30-45 days, depending on seasonal demands and mail service. Genealogy requests take least 60 days. When ordered by mail (Application) or 2-5 Days when you order online
  • Divorces: Divorces on file are Brief statistical records only since 1906.
  • Order Online: You can also order Order Electronically Online to obtain a certified copy of a birth, marriage, death or divorce record with a credit or debit card and get the certificates within 2-5 days by ordering from VitalChek Express Certificate Service
  • Fees are payable by check or money order made out to the Iowa Department of Public Health. In-person requests may also be paid in cash. Checks must be drawn from the applicant's account; money orders must be in the name of the applicant. Fees must be paid at the time of the application.
  • Walk-In Service:  Walk-in service is available for in-person requests at the state vital records office between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for state-observed holidays. The office is located at the address listed below, just inside the main north entrance and to the right of the main lobby. The Lucas building is the first state office building east of the state Capitol building, on the south side of Grand Avenue. Written applications must be satisfactorily completed and signed. Applicants must also provide valid, current government-issued photo identification. Copies may either be picked up after two days or mailed to an entitled person.

Local registrars are located in county recorders offices and maintain records of birth, death and marriages that have occurred in that county. County registrars do not have code authority to have Birth, death, and marriage records between the years 1921 to 1941.

Below is a list of online resources for Wayne County Vital Records. Email us with websites containing Wayne County Vital Records by clicking the link below:

  • VitalChek Express Certificate Service - Some documents are just too important to wait six weeks for. With VitalChek Express Certificate Service you won’t have to. VitalChek is the fast and convenient way to order certified government-issued vital records online. They make it easy for you to purchase the documents to which you are legally entitled. Beware of other online services that do not have relationships directly with the agencies that store your vital records. VitalChek's order process usually takes less than 10 minutes --And you can select express courier service for even faster delivery when time is running out.
  • Click Here to Search the Social Security Death Index for FREEicon - Search over 82 million death records and get genealogical information crucial to your family research. New content added weekly! Most comprehensive SSDI site online!
  • Research Death records In The World's Largest Newspaper Archive at NewpaperArchive.com! - Find thousands of historical Iowa newspaper articles about deaths. Search for local articles about an old family friend that died many years ago or a celebrity that committed suicide. Historical newspapers contain a wealth of information about the deceased.
  • Wayne County, Iowa Birth, Marriage & Death Books at Amazon.com
  • Birth, Marriage & Death - Vital records (births, deaths, marriages, and divorces) mark the milestones of our lives and are the foundation of family history research. Vital records, usually kept by a civic authority, can give you a more complete picture of your ancestor, help you distinguish between two people with the same name, and help you find links to a new generation.
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Wayne County Census Records

See Also Research In Census Records & Statewide Records that exist for Iowa

Few, if any, records reveal as many details about individuals and families as do government census records. Substitute records can be used when the official census is unavailable

Countywide Records: Federal Population Schedules that exist for Wayne County, Iowa are 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1890 (fragment, see below), 1900, 1910, 1920 and 1930.Other Federal Schedules to look at when researching your Family Tree in Wayne County, Iowa are Industry and Agriculture Schedules availible for the years 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. The Mortality Schedules for the years 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880.There are free downloadable and printable Census forms to help with your research. These include U.S. Census Extraction Forms and U.K. Census Extraction Forms.

Below is a list of online resources for Wayne County Census Records. Email us with websites containing Wayne County Census Records by clicking the link below:

  • Census Online - Iowa Census Records
  • Iowa Census, 1838-70: This collection contains the following indexes: 1838 Territorial Census; 1840 Federal Census Index; 1840 Pensioners List; 1841-1849 Tax Lists; 1850 Federal Census Index; 1851 State Census Index; 1852 State Census Index; 1860 Federal Census Index; 1870 Federal Census Index.
  • Iowa State Census 1885: This database is an index to the 1885 Iowa State Census (U.S.A.). It covers several counties and contains the following information: the names of every member of the household, their genders, ages, birthplaces, lcation (town, county, state), marital status, and much more.
  • Iowa State Census, 1895: This database contains information for 91 counties from the 1895 Iowa State Census in the united States. Information listed includes the name of every member of the household, their sex, age, birthplace, and location (town and county).
  • Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925: This database contains Iowa state censuses for the following years: 1856, 1885, 1895, 1905, 1915, and 1925. It also includes some head of household censuses and other special censuses from 1836-1897. Information available for an individual will vary according to the census year and the information requested on the census form. Some of the information contained in this database though includes: name, age, gender, race, birthplace, marital status, and place of enumeration.
  • The USGenWeb Archives Iowa CENSUS IMAGES PROJECT
  • Wayne County, Iowa Census Books at Amazon.com
  • Census & Voter Lists - A census is an official list of the people in a particular area at a given time, while voter lists show those who were registered to vote in a certain area. The valuable information found on census records helps you to understand your family in their time and place. Voter Lists serve as a confirmation of residence in between the years that the census was taken.
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Wayne County Maps & Atlases

See Also Research In State Map Collections

Genealogy Atlases has images of old American atlases during the years 1795, 1814, 1822, 1823, 1836, 1838, 1845, 1856, 1866, 1879 and 1897 for other states.

You can view rotating animated maps for Iowa showing all the county boundaries for each census year overlayed with past and present maps so you can see the changes in county boundaries. You can view a list of maps for other states at Census Maps

You can view rotating animated maps for Iowa showing all the county boundary changes for each year overlayed with past and present maps so you can see the changes in county boundaries . You can view a list of maps for other states and State Department of Transportation Maps at County Maps. The Iowa Department of Transportation has county maps the show the locations of churches, cemeteries, roads, ect... free for viewing or download here

Below is a list of online resources for Wayne County Maps. Email us with websites containing Wayne County Maps by clicking the link below:

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Wayne County Military Records

See Also Military Records in Iowa

Military and civil service records provide unique facts and insights into the lives of men and women who have served their country at home and abroad.

The uses and value of military records in genealogical research for ancestors who were veterans are obvious, but military records can also be important to re-searchers whose direct ancestors were not soldiers in any war. The fathers, grandfathers, brothers, and other close relatives of an ancestor may have served in a war, and their service or pension records could contain information that will assist in further identifying the family of primary interest. Due to the amount of genealogical information contained in some military pension files, they should never be overlooked during the research process. Those records not containing specific genealogical information are of historic value and should be included in any overall research design.

Below is a list of online resources for Wayne County Military Records. Email us with websites containing Wayne County Military Records by clicking the link below:

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Wayne County Tax Records

See Also Research In Tax Records

The tax rolls for personal property and real estate were kept by the auditor or the treasurer of each county. A few of these records have been microfilmed and are available at the State Historical Society of Iowa. Original county tax rolls are usually not transferred.

Old age pension tax is a resource genealogists should consider in Iowa. A 1934 directive to collect an old age assistance tax was based on a list of all persons over twenty-one years of age. Although the tax was discontinued in 1936, the information included could be important: name, address, sex, date of birth, place of birth, and names of both parents. Many counties have had these lists microfilmed and they are available through the FHL.

Below is a list of online resources for Wayne County Tax Records. Email us with websites containing Wayne County Tax Records by clicking the link below:

  • Wayne County Tax Assesors Office, (641) 872-2515
    The Treasurer is responsible for collection of property taxes and other fees for state, county, city, school districts, community colleges, and other taxing entities such as townships, fire districts, and drainage districts.
  • Wayne County, Iowa Tax Books at Amazon.com
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Wayne County Genealogical Addresses

See Also Other Iowa Genealogical Addresses

The Repositories in this section are Archives, Libraries, Museums, Genealogical and Historical Societies. Many County Historical and Genealogical Societies publish magazines and/or news letters on a monthly, quarterly, bi-annual or annual basis. Contacting the local societies should not be over looked. State Archives and Societies are usually much larger and better organized with much larger archived materials than their smaller county cousins but they can be generalized and over look the smaller details that local societies tend to have. Libraries can also be a good place to look for local information. Some libraries have a genealogy section and may have some resources that are not located at archives or societies. Also, take a special look at any museums in the area. They sometimes have photos and items from years gone by as well as information of a genealogical interest. All these places are vitally important to the family genealogist and must not be passed over.

Below is a list of online resources for Wayne County Genealogical Addresses. Email us with websites containing Wayne County Genealogical Addresses by clicking the link below:

  • Wayne County Genealogical Society, 304 North Franklin, Corydon 50060-1330
  • State Historical Society of Iowa, Capitol Complex, Des Moines, IA 50319
  • Iowa Genealogical Society, 6000 Douglas, P.O. Box 7735, Des Moines, IA 50322
  • State Historical Society of Iowa Research Library, 402 Iowa Avenue, Iowa City, IA 52240
  • State Historical Society of Iowa Library, Capitol Complex, Des Moines, IA 50319
  • National Archives; Central Plains Region, Kansas City, 2312 East Bannister Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131-3011; Email: kansascity.archives@nara.gov; Phone: 816-268-8000
  • Newspapers & Periodicals - The Newspapers & Periodicals Collection lets you discover a wealth of information about your ancestors from many historical newspapers, magazines, and other periodicals. These types of sources can often supplement public records and provide information that is not recorded anywhere else. Here, you can learn more about your ancestor's possible daily activities by placing them in the context of their time.
  • Directories & Member Lists - Directories and member lists are typically compilations of information about people who belonged to various associations and groups or lived within city boundaries. They can be thought of as the predecessors to the modern-day phone book and usually list names, addresses, and sometimes the occupations of your ancestors.
  • Iowa Genealogical Society Books at Amazon.com
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Wayne County Church & Cemeteries

See Also Church & Cemetery Records in Iowa

Obituaries can vary in the amount of information they contain, but many of them are genealogical goldmines, including information such as names, dates, places of birth and death, marriage information, and family relationships.

There are many churches and cemeteries in Wayne County. Some transcriptions are online. A great site is the Wayne County Tombstone Transcription Project.

Predominant church groups in Iowa include Catholic, Methodist, Lutheran, and Baptist. Less in size, but equally important in religious history in the state are the Quakers, Mormons, Mennonites, and Congregationalists. The first church building in Iowa, a Methodist church built of logs, was constructed in Dubuque in 1834. A year later the Catholics erected a parish building in the same city. In 1843 the “Iowa Band” of Congregational and Presbyterian clergy began ministering to the settlers in Iowa. In 1854 a small group of the Community of True Inspiration arrived from Germany, settling along the Iowa River in the mid-section of the state. A year later additional members of their group joined them, establishing the unique Amana colonies of present-day Iowa.

Many of the local chapters of the Iowa Genealogical Society have publications of cemetery records in their respective counties which can be ordered through the chapter. A state-wide publication listing is available through the state society. A large number of cemetery transcription collections as well as records of funeral homes, casket lists, and obituary indexes are held by the FHL

Below is a list of online resources for Wayne County Cemetery & Church Records. Email us with websites containing Wayne County Cemetery & Church Records by clicking the link below:

  • Find Obituaries in The World's Largest Newspaper Archive at NewpaperArchive.com! - Find thousands of Iowa obituaries to help you research your family history. Search for a Iowa newspaper obituary about your ancestor or a celebrity. Begin your search today and find death notices and funeral announcements printed in newspapers from Indiana.
  • IOWA WPA GRAVES REGISTRATION SURVEY - These records contain burials throughout much of Iowa that were compiled by WPA workers in the 1930 s, including grave markers which no longer exist today. Records may be searched within a county or state-wide.
  • Iowa Cemetery Records: These cemetery records represent seventy-six counties and Graceland Cemetery of Sioux City, Iowa, in the united States, that were transcribed by the Works Project Administration. Records in this database generally include the page number where the record can be found in the WPA index, the name of the deceased, birth date, death date, age, cemetery name, town name, and additional comments if any.
  • Iowa Civil War Soldier Burial Records: Listing of 30,000 Civil War veterans who served or lived in Iowa following the war.
  • Wayne County, Iowa Cemetery Books at Amazon.com
  • Wayne County, Iowa Church Books at Amazon.com
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Family Trees & Genealogy Tidbits

 

The use of published genealogies, electronic files containing genealogical lineage, and other compiled sources can be of tremendous value to a researcher.

When view family trees online or not, be sure to only take the info at face value and always follow up with your own sources or verify the ones they provide. Below is a list of online resources for Wayne County Family Trees, web forums and other family type information. Email us with websites containing Wayne County Family Trees, web forums and other family type information by clicking the link below:

  • Search 60 Years Of Everton Data: For the first time ever you can get access to more than 150,000 pedigree files and family group sheets from Evertons. Learn More
  • Search the Family Tree DNA Project- Use DNA testing to break through your genealogical barriers!
  • Sites on USGenweb: [ Wayne County ] [ Iowa ] [ Main Page ]
  • [GenForum Message Boards] [Rootsweb Message Boards]
  • Genealogy Encyclopedia: General Abbreviations, Early Illnesses, Nickname Meanings, Worldwide Epidemics, Early Occupations, Common Terms, Censuses Explained, Free Genealogical Forms
  • Iowa Family Group Sheets
  • Nichols and Related Families of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virgina.
  • Family Trees - Ancestry has thousands of family trees shared by other members. They can help you identify how ancestors are related and give you clues about birth, marriage, and death information. Family trees are an excellent resource for filling in gaps in your research or even to simply know where to begin.
  • Pictures - One of the more exciting discoveries in doing family history research is finding a photograph of your ancestors or their residence. Finding historic postcard photos and drawings of towns and important events throughout history can also give you a visual look into your ancestors lives.
  • Reference Materials & Finding Aids - Reference materials, including dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other how-to books, can be tremendously helpful in finding and interpreting historical documents. Many of these books can help you learn where to look for more information and how to use what you've already found to uncover more clues.
  • Wayne County USGenweb Archives
  • Wayne County, Iowa Family Books at Amazon.com
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Extended History

 

From the A.T. Andreas Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa, 1875

Wayne is the fifth county west of the Mississippi River in the southern tier of counties. It comprises twelve full and four fractional congressional townships. The fractional townships border the state line, which cuts off two tier of sections and a little more from the south side, leaving the area of the county about 525 square miles, or 336,000 acres.

The first settler in what is now Wayne County was H. B. Duncan, who, after a tedious journey of two months from Kentucky, on the 13th of November, 1841, located near the present village of Lineville, in Grand River Township. At this point he erected a cabin, twelve by fourteen feet, himself and family sleeping in the wagons until his cabin was made ready for occupancy. Mr. Duncan supposed that he had settled in the State of Missouri, and had the honor of being one of the county commissioners of Putnam County, and also probate judge and representative in the Missouri Legislature for that county. Before his death, which took place several years ago, he filled several important positions in Wayne County.

Among other early settlers were Henderson Walker, Benjamin Barker, Hiram Mason, K. M. Hart, Isaac W. McCarty, Joseph Sullivan, George Garman, John Bay and the Nidays, Moses Baker, Joseph Raines, and Seth Anderson.

George Garman settled near the present village of Peoria in the timber on Chariton River, and Benjamin Barker in the northeast part of the county, at the place now called Barker's Mills. Joseph Raines and Seth Anderson pitched their tents on Locust Creek near the present village of Genoa, and Isaac W. McCarty on McCarty's Creek, near the present town of Corydon.

Among the first settlers in the different townships were the following; In Monroe Township, James T. Raines, Jesse Barr, and Ira B. Ryan; in Howard Township, Isaac Wilson, Joseph and Nathan Brown, and Thomas, Joel, and Kendall Rogers; in Clinton Township, A. A. Brown, Sr., Z. Alephin, William Ginn, S. L. Vest and D. J. Slaven, who all settled prior to 1856; in Grand River Township, H. B. Duncan, as already described; in Walnut Township, David Sharp, Solomon Sharp, and Jacob Chilcote; in Jackson Township, John W. Syferd, Thomas H. Richardson, and James Campbell; in Warren Township, George Wright, Hartley Bracewell, John K. Rankin, Nathan Wyat, and G. W. Wilkie; in Jefferson Township, William E. Swanson, and Mrs. Edgerman and family, who settled prior to 1851; in South Fork Township, A. Sager, I. R. Esteb, John Hannaman, and Josiah Fisher; in Corydon Township, Dr. Isaac W. McCarty and George Garman; in Benton Township, James Peck, J. Zimmerman, John Niday, and J. H. Crawford; in Clay Township, James Guinn, J. H. Surbaugh, Levi and Nicholas Caldwell, and Jacob, Henry, and Benjamin McVey; in Wright Township, T. S. Hancock, Hiram Mason, Ellis Wright and Greenwood Wright; in Union Township, the first settler was Henry McDaniel, in the Spring of 1849, and among the early settlers were Morgan Parr, Isaac Venosdal, Daniel May, and Jacob Morritt; in Washington Township, A. Nelson, J. M. Ryan, James B. Hogue, K. M. Hart, and James and Daniel Hammack; in Richman Township, Samuel Guinn, M. H. Richman, and James Fox.

Prior to its organization the county was attached to Appanoose for judicial, revenue and election purposes. On the 8th of November, 1850, Dr. Isaac W. McCarty was appointed organizing sheriff by Judge William McKay, and on the 13th of February, 1851, Wayne County was duly organized. At the August election of this year county officers were elected as follows; Seth Anderson, County Judge; Thomas McPherson, Clerk; D. Payton, Treasurer and Recorder; Isaac W. McCarty, Sheriff. At this election thirty votes were cast. The amount of revenue of all kinds the first year footed up $64.30.

The commissioners appointed by the Legislature to locate the county seat were George W. Perkins, William Davis, and Lancaster M. Boggs. They discharged their duty in the Spring of 1851, selecting the site of the present town of Corydon. During the Summer of this year the town was partly surveyed by Benjamin Barker, the county surveyor, and was finished by J. F. Stratton, of Appanoose County. The lots were owned by the county, and were sold at public sale, after being appraised. The first lot was sold to George Garman, November 8, 1851, for $38.

The name sected by the commissioners for the county seat was Springfield, but Hon. George W. McCleary, Secretary of State, wrote the clerk that there was another town in the state of that name, and suggested the name of Anthony. This name met the approbation of Mr. McPherson, the clerk, but Judge Anderson, being from Corydon, Indiana, preferred the name of Corydon. Being unable to agree, it is said they finally determined to decide the matter by a contest at poker. In this the judge proved the victor, and so the county seat of Wane County received the name of Corydon.

The first District Court was held in the Spring of 1852, in a cabin hastily constructed and still unfinished. The floor was laid down loosely, and only half the roof was on. The walls were neither chinked nor pointed, and the judge's desk was a keg. Judge McKay, however, expressed himself as satisfied, and was completely at home in the "cabin court house." A grand jury was duly empanelled and committed to the charge of the sheriff. Having no jury rooms here in those days, they were conducted down to the slough, or ravine, in the south part of the town of Corydon, where they seated themselves on the grass to make inquisition of such matters as might be brought before them. No person appearing to give evidence that any offense had been committed in the county, they returned in the evening and reported to the court accordingly. They were duly discharged, feeling none the worse for their labors. There were but three cases to be disposed of at this term. On the second day it rained, and a violent gust of wind carried away a portion of the papers, just as the first witness had been sworn, and as they could not be found the trials had to be postponed. Among the attorneys present at this term were A. Harris and H. Tannehill, both of Centerville.

A court house was built in 1856 by William F. Lancaster and John Davis, which cost the county $600.

The Wayne County Republican is a weekly newspaper published here by C. F. Lecompt. It is an enterprising local paper, and received a liberal patronage. This paper was formerly published at Corydon, and its early history has been given in connection with the sketch of that town. It has always been republican in politics.In July, 1875, the Wayne County News was removed from Corydon to Allerton by its founder and present proprietor, Mr. H. M. Belvel, who at the time of the transfer sold the old office material and purchased new type and presses. It is an enterprising journal, published weekly, anti-monopoly in politics, and enjoys a good patronage.

Corydon, the county seat of Wayne County, has a pleasant location near the center of the county on a dry and beautiful rolling prairie. Fine bodies of timber, within four miles on South Chariton, afford an ample supply of fuel. There are also some groves of timber within a mile and a half on McCarty's Branch, south and southeast of the town. The town plat embraces over two hundred acres. The two principal streets are each eighty feet wide, and the others sixty feet. It is surrounded by a rich farming region. The town was partly laid out, as elsewhere stated, in the Summer of 1851. The first house was brought upon the town plat by George Garman on an ox wagon, and he became the first resident of the place, and also kept in this house the first store. The first child born in Corydon was a son of Seth Anderson, and the first death a child of J. J. Phillips. The first marriage was C. C. Jackson and Rachel Greenman, September 30, 1853, Seth Anderson, the county judge, being the person officiating. John Hayes, Esq., was the first attorney in the place. The first sermon was preached by Rev. Morgan Parr of the Christian denomination. He was one of the early settlers at Bethlehem in the northeast part of the county. A Masonic lodge was organized June 3, 1857.

The town enjoys considerable mercantile trade, and contains several good stores hotels, an excellent flouring mill and other business advantages. Good schools are maintained under the supervision of competent teachers, and are liberally provided for. Good churches and Sabbath schools are among the institutions of the place.The first newspaper in the county was the South Tier Democrat, commenced in 1859 and continued until 1861, by Cutter & Binkley. In the Winter of 1862-3 the Corydon Democrat was established by M. Mann, but continued only about a year. In the Winter of 1863-4 the Corydon Monitor made its appearance under the control of Wm. Hartshorn, who continued it until his death in December, 1867. It was then continued by his widow, Mrs. Mary Hartshorn, for a year, when Lewes Miles became editor. It was afterwards purchased by C. F. Lecompt, and removed to Allerton. October 3, 1872, the first number of the Wayne County News made its appearance, H. M. Belvel, proprietor. It was removed to Allerton in July, 1875.

  • ALLERTON.- This is a thriving town about four miles southwest of Corydon, on the line of the Chicago and Southwestern Railroad, or southwestern line of C. R. I. & P. Railroad. It is very pleasantly located on high, gently rolling ground. Although one of the younger towns of the county, it is building and improving rapidly, owing to its numerous advantages. It is not far from the center of the county, and owing to this situation and the peculiar course of the railroad, it has a wide extent of rich farming country tributary to it both as a shipping and trading point. It is the most important shipping point in the county, and there are a number of good grain elevators and warehouses. Its retail trade extends to considerable distance each way, and maintains quite a large number of good stores and shops of various kinds. Excellent schools are maintained and well provided for. Churches are springing up, and the place is rapidly acquiring all the features of a first class town, with every prospect of continued growth and prosperity.
  • LINEVILLE. – This is a village adjoining the state line near the southwest corner of the county. It was laid out in 1848, and is the oldest town in the county. The Chicago & Southwestern Railroad passes through the town and gives it considerable advantages as a shipping point. It also has considerable mercantile trade, churches, schools, etc.
  • The nucleus of this settlement was originally composed of several families from Kentucky, and here the first school in the county was taught in 1850 by James M. Sullivan.
  • The Lineville Tribune is published every Thursday by Chas. H. Austin. It is a folio sheet, eight columns to the page, independent in politics, and has a good job office and a good patronage. It was established in July, 1873, and came into the hands of its present owner in March, 1874, by whom it was enlarged to its present size in June, 1875.
  • HUMESTON. – This is a station on the Leon Branch of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad, in the center of the northwestern township of the county. It is surrounded by a fine farming region, and is a growing village with considerable advantages as a trading and shipping point.
  • SEYMOUR. – This is a station on the line of the Chicago & Southwestern Railroad near the east line of the county. It is a thriving village and a shipping point of considerable importance with considerable local trade. The Seymour Head-Light is the name of an independent weekly newspaper, established here April 8, 1875, by H. M. Belvel.
  • CLIO is the name of a village and post office on the line of the Chicago & Southwestern Railroad between Allerton and Lineville, in a well settled portion of the county.
  • KNIFFIN is a station and post office on the same railroad line, between Allerton and Seymour.
  • CONFIDENCE is a village and post office situated on the prairie in the northeast part of the county.BETHLEHEM is a village and post office in the north part of the county.
  • The other villages and post offices are Cambria, Genoa, Lewisburg, New York, Promise City, Peora and Warsaw.
Wayne County Courthouse

The first Wayne County courthouse was built for $600 in the year 1856. This two-story building, which was located in Corydon, was sold after 20 years of service. County offices were then rented, and court was held in various churches and halls.

In order to fend off bids from other towns to be the county seat, Corydon's citizens raised $18,000 to build a second courthouse.

The third and present courthouse was completed in 1964 for under $450,000. It sits in the town square at the center of the business district.

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