The following document is a petition from residents of Graham County asking Kansas Governor St. John to declare Millbrook, Kansas as temporary County Seat for said county. Accompanying the petition is a letter from the Clerk Supt. Court informing the Governor the 650 signatures are from residents and legal electors of Graham County. In the late 19th century the location of County Seat was important to residents in towns of Kansas. Supporters of numerous locations within the counties of Kansas believed if their town was selected as County Seat, the success of the town would be guaranteed. The establishment of County Seat meant a courthouse would be built as well as bridges, roads, and schools. The competition of the location of County Seat among towns often resulted in bribery, fraud, and even violence.

Creator: Kansas. Governor (1879-1883 : St. John)
Date: March 5, 1880