Indiana County Courthouse Histories
- Results
Allen County
Named for: Colonel John Allen - Kentucky Indian Fighter
Organized: 1824
County Seat: Fort Wayne
Number of Courthouses: 5
| Number | Years | Type | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1832-1841 | Brick | 40x40 - Never finished - poorly built $3321.75 |
| 2 | 1842-1847 | Frame | Single Story - Meant to be temporary Supported by two other office buildings and a jail, all on square |
| 3 | 1847-1861 | Brick | Builder: Samuel Edsell & Co. < $15,000 Very little is known of this CH except that it too was totally inadequate |
| 4 | 1862-1896 | Castle | Arch: Edwin May Builder: Samuel Edsell & Co. Supt: Samuel McElfatrick, bid $63,613, paid $74,271 $78,000 65x120 Cornerstone 5/1/1861, Accepted 7/23/1862 |
| 5 | 1902-Present | Castle | Arch: Brentwood S. Tolan Builder: James M. Stewart & Co. Supt: Wm H Goshorn Cornerstone 11/17/1897 Dedicated 9/23/1902 $817,553.19 |
From 1824 to 1832 courts were held in a spare room in a tavern of Charles Ewing, Washington Hall. Other business was transacted in the offices of Alexander Ewing, Esq. and William Suttonfield.
Edwin May designed the 1862 Courthouse in conjunction with the County Engineer, Samuel McElfatrick. May was hired as construction superintendent at 3.5% of the construction cost but was fired in 1862 and replaced by McElfatrick at 3% of the construction cost. This structure was very well built but had serious design flaws particularly with its plumbing that led to significant odor problems. The structure also had no fireproof record keeping capability.
The 1902 Courthouse was built between 1897 and 1902. The interior has been restored to its original magnificence and is one of the most beautiful in the country. The Courthouse Architect was Brentwood Tolan. The firm of Wing and Mahuran may have assisted with this project.
Court was held in a Presbyterian church in 1842 between the 1st and 2nd Courthouses and would have remained there until the third courthouse was completed had the church not terminated their agreement and forced the county into the second courthouse which was not built or intended for such purposes.