The following documents are petitions from citizens of Roscoe, Kansas requesting Kansas Governor St. John to designate Roscoe in Graham County as the temporary County Seat on March 20th, 1880. The petitioners list reason why Roscoe should be elected as temporary County Seat for the County of Graham. Accompanying the petitions are letters from Notary Public informing the Governor the names on the petitions are genuine 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 20, 1880