“Judges of Winnebago County 1850 – 1864” by Robert Lindvall
Seldon M. Church was the first Winnebago County Judge, elected in 1849. He served two 4-year terms
Church’s successor on the County bench was Anson S. Miller
Miller served 8 years on the bench, from 1857 – 1865
Abram S. Van Dyke, a Pecatonica lawyer, succeeded Judge Miller
Van Dyke served eight years 1865- 1873
Following Van Dyke was Rufus C. Bailey, who held the position for 32 years
Source: Nuggets of History, Spring 1988
