Saline County Courthouse reclaims historic 1836 circuit court seal

The Saline County Quorum Court meeting on May 19, 2025, focused on several key topics, including upcoming events and historical discussions regarding the county's seals.

Justice Bellinger announced a scheduled meeting for September 27, emphasizing the importance of coordinating with the road and sheriff's departments. He expressed hope for favorable weather conditions in September, encouraging attendees to mark their calendars for the event.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussions about the county's historical seals. Justice Kellen had previously recommended members for a flag committee, which sparked further conversation about the county seal's history. Justice Ingle raised concerns about the location of the county seal marker, prompting Trevor Valines to investigate. Valines discovered that the county court seal, used on marriage licenses and court documents, has a rich history.

The old county court seal, featuring a detailed depiction of a riverboat and ferry, is currently held by Clerk Curtis. The modern circuit court seal, similar to the old one, is actively used today. A particularly intriguing story was shared about the old circuit court seal, which was believed to have been lost during the Civil War. In 1863, as Union troops advanced, an emergency order was issued to protect court records, leading to the seal's removal.

In 1996, Gary Smith discovered the missing seal while metal detecting in Grant County. He returned it to the Saline County Courthouse in 2012, where it has since been preserved for future generations. Circuit Clerk Dennis Milligan now displays the seal in his office, allowing residents to appreciate this piece of local history.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of the contributions made by those involved in uncovering and preserving the county's historical artifacts, highlighting the importance of local heritage in Saline County.