First Court Held in Fort Bend County, Texas 

In book A of the records of Fort Bend County the following is the first entry made: February Term, 1838.

Be it remembered that on the 27th day of February, 18381 the Honorable the District Court four the County of Fort Bend was opened agreeable to law; present, the Honorable Benjamin C. Franklin, Judge of the Second Judicial Circuit.

At which time John V. Morton, Sheriff of this county, returned the venire (heretofore issued), executed on the following persons, to-wit:

First Jurors

From this list of thirty-five men were drawn the

First Grand Jury

First Case

John Colvin VS. James Wilson.
"The defendant not appearing when called, it is ordered by the Court that James W. Smith, Esq., be appointed curator ad hoc letum, and that the case proceed as though the defendant had appeared."
Farther on is this entry.

"It is ordered by the Court that H. E. Hudson and James W. Smith, Esq., be appointed a committee of examination during the present term to examine the claims of all applicants to plead and practice law in the several courts of this Republic." * * * "We have examined the claims of Wiley Martin to plead and practice law in the several courts of this Republic, and find that he is entitled to all the privileges of a member of the bar, and recommend his admission."

"The foregoing report appearing, it is ordered by the court that the clerk of this court issue such a license to the said Wiley Martin as is usual, and the court adjourn until tomorrow, 9 o'clock."

Next Term Jurors

"February 28th, 1838.
"Wednesday morning, 9 o'clock, court met pursuant to adjournment, when the following jurors were drawn to serve at the next regular term of court: