William Dummer Powell
1755-1834

The first professionally trained lawyer appointed a judge in what is now Ontario, Powell was born in Boston and educated abroad. He opened a legal practice in Montreal in 1779 and quickly gained a reputation as a brilliant advocate able to conduct cases in French and English. Powell was appointed sole presiding judge of the Court of Common Pleas here in the District of Hesse in 1789. When the district courts were abolished five years later, he was instrumental in establishing the province’s Court of King’s Bench. Steadfast in his adherence to the principles of English Common Law, Powell resisted political pressure throughout his career. In 1816 he was appointed Chief Justice of Upper Canada.

Ontario Heritage Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario

District Court House and Gaol

When the British withdrew from Detroit in 1796, they transferred the courts of the Western District to Sandwich (Windsor). An abandoned blockhouse, relocated from Chatham, served briefly as the court house and gaol until fire destroyed it in 1797. Its replacement, built soon afterwards, was burned by American soldiers during the War of 1812. A brick court house and gaol, completed in 1820, served until 1856 when the present building was constructed. Designed in the Renaissance Revival style by Albert H. Jordan of Detroit, it was built by stonemason Alexander Mackenzie, who later became Canada’s second prime minister. It housed the Essex County courts until 1963. Renamed Mackenzie Hall, the restored building opened in 1985 as a community and arts centre.

Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Recreation

The 24th day of May – 1855

Alexander Mackenzie – and Brother (contractors) Albert H. Jordan, Architect

The laying of the cornerstone for the 4th Court House to stand on this site. Dignitaries ~ Hon. Archibald Maclean (Judge) ~ Rev. E. H. Dewar ~ Warden S.S. McDonell ~ Sheriff Wm. Duperon Baby ~ Col. John Prince ~ Treasurer George Bullock ~ Judge J.A. Wilkinson ~ Clerk Charles Baby ~ Col. Arthur Rankin ~ Alexander Chewett (Judge) ~ John McEwan & Col. James Askin (Registrar).

View of 3rd Court House still standing (background). A reception was held in the Marquee with the Luker’s Band.