Did you know that for many years, 155 North 3rd Street in Jacksonville was the site of law offices? By 1856, Paine Page Prim, Supreme Judge and ex-officio Circuit Judge of Jackson County’s 1st Judicial District, hung out his shingle here. Prim subsequently was elected to the Oregon Supreme Court and served on it for 21 years including 3 terms as Chief Justice.
In 1862, Joseph Gaston, lawyer and editor of the “Sentinel” took over the space. After leaving Jacksonville, he was a pioneer in Oregon’s railroad building efforts and for many years editor of the “Portland Oregonian.”
Prominent local lawyer Charles Wesley Kahler acquired the property in 1874, but it was 1877 before he and his partner, Edward B. Watson, moved their offices to the site. Watson also served as Jackson County Clerk prior to being elected in 1880 to the Oregon Supreme Court, becoming its 12th Chief Justice.
In 1886, Kahler erected the current brick building, replacing what was by then one of Jacksonville’s vintage wooden structures. Kahler was a long-term resident of Jacksonville, arriving with his parents at age 11. He became a prominent lawyer and District Attorney. He was fondly recalled as “a complete gentleman, always cordial and gracious.”