CIRCUIT COURT. In 1868 circuit courts were created having jurisdiction in all common law cases together with probate jurisdiction.  The circuit comprised the same counties composing the district court - Scott, muscatine, Clinton and Jackson.  Henry H. Benson, then of Muscatine, but later of Scott, was the first circuit judge in this circuit, being elected in the fall of 1868 and beginning the discharge of his duties in January, 1869. D. W. Ellis succeeded Judge Benson January, 1873, and was reelected in 1876.  In 1878 the district was divided into two circuits, Clinton and Jackson, comprising the first circuit, and Scott and Muscatine the second circuit.  Mr. Ellis, living in Clinton county, was continued as judge of the first circuit of the seventh judicial district; D. C. Rickman was elected for the second circuit.  Following him came Nathaniel French, of Davenport, who served from 1883 until 1886, shortly after which the court was abolished. Debbie Clough G-erischer G-erischer Family Web Site http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/ Assistant CC, Iowa Gen Web, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ List Manager for: IASCOTT-L * G-erischer-L * D-encker-L Fitzpatirck-L * V-lerebome-L * Huntington-L * Otis-L * Algar-L EIGS-L * Pickens-L * McNab-L * Patris-L - Rankin-L