[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 25 (Friday, February 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST COURT HELD IN SCOTT COUNTY, VIRGINIA

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                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 13, 2015

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the 200th 
anniversary of the first court held in Scott County, Virginia. The 
community will celebrate this anniversary at the Scott County 
Courthouse on Sunday, February 15, 2015.
  As noted in press reports by Wayne McClelland, president of the 
Overmountain Men Chapter Sons of the American Revolution, ``It's 
important to understand this 200th anniversary commemorates the 
government actually forming in Scott County.''
  Governor Wilson C. Nicholas on January 4, 1815 signed a commission of 
the peace for Scott County, which was formed from parts of Washington, 
Lee, and Russell Counties and named in honor of General Winfield Scott, 
the most important American military figure of the War of 1812 (news of 
Colonel Jackson's victory in the battles surrounding New Orleans would 
not be known of for weeks after the signing of the commission of the 
peace). ``Old Fuss and Feathers'' served as Commanding General of the 
United States Army for twenty years, commanding forces in the Black 
Hawk War, the Mexican-American War, and the Second Seminole War. He was 
the leading military figure in the country up to the eve of the War 
Between the States.
  The commission of the peace signed by Governor Nicholas authorized 
citizens to organize the first court and the first county government. 
The county's new court first convened on February 14, 1815, and met 
again the following two days. Governor Nicholas had signed a commission 
appointing John Anderson to serve as Sheriff and, after taking the oath 
of office, Sheriff Anderson on February 14, 1815 opened the Court of 
Scott County. William H. Carter was elected to serve as the first clerk 
of the court. The court appointed citizens to serve in county 
leadership positions, and also arranged for the county's first 
election.
  I am proud to honor the history of Scott County and recognize all 
those who have served and continue to serve this community since it was 
founded more than 200 years ago.

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