John Thompson
Hon. John Thompson comes first in the order of time. We have been unable to find anything further regarding the life of Judge Thompson than that he lived at Chillicothe, and occupied the bench in this county from 1810 to 1815 inclusive. Old settlers tell us that he was a small, compactly built man, a good Judge and a well read lawjer. In August, 1811, he adopted the following rules for the government of those practicing law in the courts of Madison County, and which we here give for the sake of "auld lang syne." " First—Attorneys and counselors shall never make amotion unless they ask the court if they will hear such, and shall always stand in the place appointed for them. Second—They shall be orderly and treat each other with respect at the bar, make no noise or contradict any gentleman addressing the court or jury unless moving the court to interfere, and if the gentleman thus contradicted talk back, he shall suffer suspension at discretion of the court. Third—No gentleman is to interfere with the papers of the court or Clerk. Fourth—Counsel shall consult and agree on separate and distinct points of law and fact, otherwise only one on each side will be permitted to speak. Fifth—Only one counsel shall be admitted on each side to examine and cross-examine witnesses. Sixth—In all causes, one counsel, before the introduction of testimony, shall open the nature of the issue and the testimony to be offered." Similar rules were laid down by Judge Thompson for the guidance of the prosecuting attorney and other officers of the court. The judicial business in those early days was insignificant compared with the present, but with the passing years it gradually increased, and the duties of the Judge became more arduous.
From History of Madison County - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]