OFN May 18, 2020

Page 10

ozarks

roots

the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home

JUSTICE PREVAILS By Neoma Foreman

Submitted Photos

An unsuccessful railroad venture halted construction on the St. Clair, Mo., County Courthouse for a time Many years of civic and social experiences surround courthouse squares and have transformed them into special places in small town Missouri. This continues to be the case in Osceola, but it survived an awkward history during its construction. St. Clair County, Mo., was organized in January 1841, but the first courts met

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in homes until 1842 when a courthouse was built. This courthouse was at least partially destroyed by Gen. James Lane in September 1861. It was repaired, but burned in November 1864 in Civil War conflicts. An appropriation of $15,000 was approved by voters in June 1866 for a new courthouse. The architects for this courthouse was A.G. Clarke and

Thomas Sutherland, with contractors Hicks and Bacon. The 44-foot-square structure was built on the foundation of the previous courthouse. The two-story building had covered porches with stairways leading to the second floor. Four, two-story brick pillars supported the roofs covering the porches. A 16-foot cupola was added to serve as a bell tower. Cut stone was

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

used for the caps and sills of the doors and windows. The building was dedicated with flowery speeches given by prominent people of the area. Progress, wealth and growth were mentioned as county ideals and goals. However, separate celebration balls and dinners were held for African-Americans, remembering the remaining conflicts of the Civil War. MAY 18, 2020


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