1955 - This is Knox County - Illinois Ancestors

were Riggs Pennington, John G. Sanburn, Squire Philip Hash.Stephen Osborn, Dr. Charles Hansford, Henry Bell, the Rev.Jacob Gum, Nicholas Voiles and John B. Gum." Dr. Hansford, Riggs Pennington and John G. Sanburnwere appointed to draft a petition addressed to the HonorableRichard M. Young, Judge of the Fifth Judicial District,praying for the organization of the county. Another committeewas appointed to present this petition to the Judgeand address him in the interests of the organization. Vhiscommittee was composed of Pennington, Hash, Hansford, i. adOsborn. These gentlemen shortly afterwards proceeded toLewistown, Fulton County; and while the circuit court wasin session, laid their petition before the Judge, who, believingthe county contained 350 inhabitants, the numberrequired by law, and that the majority desired the organization,did, on the 10th day of June, declare, by virtueof the power invested in him, the said county of Knox to beorganized and entitled to the same rights and privileg.-s asthe other counties in the state." This step was soon supplemented by another of equalimportance; for there must necessarily be official heads toconduct the public affairs of the newly organized community.Accordingly, Judge Young issued an order for an electionfor the purpose of choosing three commissioners. This elect"tion was held on the 3rd day in July, 1830, being the firstelection ever held in Knox County. Riggs Pennington, PhilipHash, and Dr. Charles Hansford were elected county commissionerswithout opposition. "