The nineteen twenty returns of railroad property with the added Burlington railroad, seems to be considered worth less money than the value of eighteen eighty-seven. Personal property, by comparison seems to have about doubled, and real estate increased ten-fold.

On June twentieth, eighteen eighty-seven, the name Bowen was changed to Harrison.

The courthouse of Sioux county, while commodious, convenient and imposing, did not cost the county anything. Originally ii was built by Bowen and Hat creek precincts, which voted bonds for that purpose, and they presented the building to the county.

In April, eighteen eighty-eight, the first jury was called for Sioux county.

Till-; I HI I. I \l. I'" \MII.Y

As stated, C. K. \Yrit\ was tin- first county judge. IK- was also tin- local United States court commissioner, and hi- duties brought before him a large amount of land

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

business. That this was not without its troubles was shown by a charge in the Bodarc Record that he had shown gross favoritism in some hearing before him in the Bowen hotel. Minnie Shoneborn made an affidavit that was filed in the land office at Valentine, and G. L. Smith made charges' before the county commissioners. A hearing was had, and Verity was fully exonerated by the board. This goes to show that official berths are not always what they seem to be -- a bed of roses. Verity refused . to remain longer in the office, and resigned on Julv twentieth.

Following Verity, John W. Hunter was appointed and then elected. Sleightholme Barker was then judge for four years, and S. H. Jones was special judge in a few specific cases. Chas. Verity was in eighteen ninety-twc< also a special judge for a short time.