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Decatur County organization records

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Creator: Kansas. Secretary of State

Date: 1879-1880

Level of Description: File unit

Material Type: Government record

Call Number: Kansas. Secretary of State's Office, County Organization Files, ca. 1861-1912

Unit ID: 216693

Summary: In order for an unorganized county to be recognized by the state of Kansas, a certain number of householders/legal electors had to petition the governor. The governor would appoint a census taker. Initially, unorganized counties were required to document that they had at least 600 inhabitants in order to be recognized as a county by the state legislature. Over time the number of residents needed to organize a county changed to 1500 and later to 2500 residents. The census was submitted to the governor who then issued a proclamation indicating that the requirements had been met, appointing county commissioners and a county clerk, and naming a county seat. Not all of these documents are available for each county.

Included in this file is the proclamation from the governor appointing county officials and designating Oberlin as the temporary county seat. Also, a letter certifying the county seat results between Decatur Center and Oberlin, with Oberlin having the most votes. A complete transcription is available by clicking "Text Version" below.

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Title (Main title): Decatur County organization records

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Creators and Contributors


Agency Classification:

    Kansas State Agencies. Office of the Secretary of State.