Our History

Courts of Common Pleas are the only trial court created by the Ohio Constitution.  There is a court of common pleas in each of Ohio’s 88 counties. The Holmes County Court of Common Pleas, in its present form, was established by the Ohio Legislature effective February 9, 1955, designating a single judge to be elected to six-year terms commencing on February 9th. Prior to 1955 it was customary for judges to serve six-year terms.  Prior to 1897 judges were elected to serve Coshocton, Wayne and Holmes Counties. Prior to 1852 Holmes County was served by a panel of Circuit Judges who presided over cases from multiple counties.  The Court of Common Pleas is housed on the third floor of the Holmes County Courthouse. 

There have been three courthouses serving Holmes County since it was established in 1824.  The first was built in 1825 and burned down nine years later.  The second courthouse stood until 1884 when it was torn down to make room for the current courthouse which was completed in 1886.  The courthouse still stands today and looks substantially the same with a few minor alterations.  The copper clock tower was renovated in 2024 and still keeps the time with a clock face on all four sides.  Because of Holmes County’s Amish population, the courthouse still features a hitching rail on the east side of the courthouse for exclusive use by horses and buggies.  Both the courthouse and old jail that sits on the courthouse lawn are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and most of downtown Millersburg comprises the Millersburg Historic District on the National Register. 

The Holmes County Court of Common Pleas stands ready to serve the public.  The Court continues to uphold its mission of ensuring fair and impartial justice for all who invoke its jurisdiction, preserving its legacy as a vital institution in the Ohio judicial system.