The "Great Bend of the Tennessee" having been thickly settled, and formed into Madison County (now in North Alabama,) Congress provided, March 2, 1810, a judge to have jurisdiction therein, and to this position Obadiah Jones was appointed. Both Toulmin and Jones served during existence of the territory.[99]
During the whole territorial period, 1798-1817 the nisi prius courts, and the appellate courts were held by these judges, three in what is now Mississippi, and two in what is now Alabama.[100]
For the three groups of judges in the Mississippi section, the following is the probable order of succession:
- 1. McGuire, Lewis, Rodney, Martin, Campbell, Poindexter.
- 2. Tilton, Ker, Jones, Mathews, Leake.
- 3. Bruin, Fitts, Simpson, Archer.
TERRITORIAL ATTORNEYS AND MARSHALS.
Until the Act of Congress, Feb. 27, 1813, providing for territorial attorneys and marshals, all persons holding these positions in Mississippi did so under local regulations. Following the passage of the law, appointees were named who seem to have held office during the remaining years of the territory.[101]
FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT.
The Act of April 3, 1818 marks the establishment in the State of the Federal Judiciary proper.[102] A judge, attorney and marshal were authorized. The judge was given authority to appoint a clerk. During its whole existence the number of judges has never been increased.
Natchez was appointed as the place for the sitting of the Court, twice annually, and so continued until March 3, 1835, when there was a change to Jackson, where sessions have since been held.[103]
From April 3, 1818, to June 18, 1838, the whole State constituted one District. On the latter date it was divided into the Northern, with the place of holding court fixed at Pontotoc, and the Southern District, with Jackson as the place for holding the sessions.[104]