History of the Baylor County Courthouse

 
Ingram Perrin Store used as court room from 1879-1884
Drawings by Mark E. Tucker.

Before the courthouse was built, court was held in the Ingram-Perrin store at the corner of McLain and Washington Streets. While holding court, Judge Morris was murdered there, by a saloon keeper.

The following petition for a new courthouse was filed in 1883.
To The Hon. County Commissioners Court
of Baylor County, Texas

We the undersigned citizens and tax payers of Baylor Co. Texas would respectfully ask that at the February Term 1883 of your court you levy a tax for the purpose of building a courthouse in and for said county of Baylor believing that public necessity demands such an action on your part.

Very Respectfully,
(signatures appear below photo of petition)

Corner stone from original 1884 courthouse includes the names of J.E. Flanders, Architect, from Dallas, Texas H. S. Melven, County Judge and County Commissioners J. W. Tolson, T. P. Reeder, W. B. Irby and J.J. Drew (This stone lies on the lawn on the West side of the present courthouse)

1884 date from original courthouse
These stones, from near the top of the original building, are located at the North and West entrances to the present day courthouse.

Baylor County Courthouse 1884-1912
Drawing by Mark E. Tucker

Built of native stone, with walls three feet thick, the county's first courthouse was constructed in 1884. In 1912 a dome replaced the original cupola.

1890

1890

Before 1912
(Horses and wagons in street)

About 1910

Baylor County Courthouse, Seymour, Texas
Published by The Baylor Drug Store

1910 photo of Baylor County Courthouse

1910 photo of Baylor County Courthouse

This painting of the original Baylor County Courthouse with its dome by Betsy Jones is on display at the Baylor County Clerk's Office in the present courthouse.