Plainsman archive hosts breakdown of sheriffs’ lives
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Located at a familiar site, the Hamilton County Courthouse, this photo was taken in the 1895-96 era. It captures Sheriff A. J. McConaughey sitting at his desk (far left) across from his son, and deputy, B. E. McConaughey. Also pictured is janitor Charles Davis (far right). The fourth man, located in the back, is unknown.
One of the many agencies in Hamilton County that has been a part of its history since incorporation, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department has seen its fair share of years.
In a compiled folder of historical records at the Plainsman Museum in Aurora, the Sheriff’s Department sees its own history unfold.
“Hamilton County was organized at a general election, held May 3, 1870, at the house of John Harris, called for that purpose by a proclamation of Gov. David Butler, issued March 18, 1870,” reads a prepared “History of the State of Nebraska” printed in Chicago by the Western Historical Company.
This meeting officially signified the organization of the county, and with it, the first appointment and election of the clerks, judges, county commissioners, superintendent of schools, coroner, surveyor and, of course, the sheriff.
“In accordance with this proclamation 18 citizens, the voting population, assembled at the house of John Harris, in what is now known as Farmer’s Valley Precinct on the Blue River, May 3, 1870, and organized Hamilton County,” the document explains.
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