July 10, 1863
The Supreme Court of Appeals of the State of West Virginia met yesterday at the Court House and proceeded to an organization. Samuel Irwin, Esq., was appointed Crier, and Sylvanus W. Hall was appointed Clerk. The Judges then cast lots for the terms. Judge Harrison drew twelve years, Judge Brown eight, and Judge Berkshire four. It was agreed before the lots were cast that the gentleman who drew the short term should be the Presiding Judge during his term, and Judge Berkshire is therefore the Presiding Judge. The following gentlemen were sworn in as Counsel: Zachariah Jacob, Col. Benj. H. Smith, Daniel Peck, N. Richardson, Gen. James S. Wheat, A. B. Caldwell, M. C. Good, Hannibal Forbs, John J. Brown, Edwin Maxwell, E. C. Hooker and Ellery Hall.
The regular terms of the Court, according to the act passed yesterday, commence on the second Thursday of January and the second Thursday of July of each year.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: July 1863