The Elk advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Elk Co., Pa.) 186?-1868, 1866-10-19


county seat when located legally and ju.
diciously with regard to present and tu
ture convenience, would be establishing
a precedent that in few years may
again agitate the citizens of the county
whenever aspiring and interested land
holders, or the more subtle and private
iDtrigueing Of the temporary sojourner,
may see fit again to disturb its location,
its prospects or permancncy."
Mr. Stokes must have felt chagrined
at this allusion to himself; aud he at a
subsequent meeting appeared and de.
manded the author Of that preamble"
q citizen Immediately arose announcing
its paternity. Mr. S. did not follow his
inquiries further than to say it was un-
| Just towards him. An Irishman upon
the levee at Pittsburgh, "spoiling for a
fight" had placed chip upon his
shoulder, and was stalking among the
"whart rats " daring any one to knock
it off. Soon was the chip flying in the
air ABOVE the head of the challenger.
Quick as wink, off went his coat, and
oquaring up to the offender, looking
fiercely-but suddenly quailing before
his antagonists sturdy figure and quiet
demeanor, aceosted him, Did you
knock that chip OFF," al did," was
the calm reply" " Well, you did it like
man." There was no fight,
The county seat was not removed
Mr.. Stokes did-he was evidently dis
gusted with the inhabitants and county.
He purchased a handsome place in
Greensburg, Westmoreland county, and
was for many years the distinguished
counsel of the Pennsylvania Railroad.
The people Of the county Of Elk lost
valuable man from their midst, as Mr.
Stokes was one Of more than ordinary
ability.
The first court ia the new county of
Elk was held at Caledonia, December
10Th, 1913. Ridgway was de tcucto the
proper place ; yet Mr.. Winslow, as a
chosen Commissioner, (the two others
yieldingl, claimed the authority to ap-
poiut the place for holding courts, as no
public buildings were yet erected.
Judges James L. Gillis and Isaac
Horton, Benz. r. Pctriken, George R.
Barrett ond Lewis B. Smith were sworn
in as attorneys, W. j. B. Andrews, Pro-
thonotary, and Reuben Winslow and
Chauncey Brockway as Commissioners,
Mr.. Brooks, the other one, not present
There was but little business done other
wise.
The second court was held at Ridg.
way in the school house on the 10Th of
Fepruary, 1874. Present-Alexander
M'Calmont, President Judge, Issac llor
ton, Associate, Eusebias Kincaid, Shcr.
if, and N. w. Goodrich, Prosecuting
Attorney Constables anl crier were
duly qualified, and all the paraphernalia,
and due observances of the duty AMI
dignity of court were strictly observed.
From its very simplicity; the person
al acquaintance among the aulience
the freedom from acrimony among the
litigants; the little mistakes of newly
appointed seryitors of the court the
innocent repartees among the kttle
crowd, all combined to render this little
Judiciary" an episode long to be re
memberei by the one who chronicles
its little history. Many who particpa-
ted in its actios, have passed away, 9th
ers have grown gray and retired, Wills
the wondering boys, who watched its
proceedings with SO much interest, are
now acting aud directing the affairs OF
courts and the political governments of
their county and State.
The proceedings of that little cou
will no doubt have made an impression
on those who attended it far more en-
during than any court thereafter held in
the county, being more near to the rem,
iniscences of childhood, which are SO
indeliblc, and remain the last.
The author of that little song, " Oh,
wish l were a Boy Again" exhibited
more the poet than the philosopher. 1t
would have been more appropriate, more
like an acquaintance with human nature,
to have said "Oh, would / were m old
Man Cor Woman,)" for then would bub.
bic up the fountains of memory - then
would the childish plsything be enjoyed
without the snxieties for their sc,Iuisi,
tion OF tears for their loss,-tke plea