The contract for the construction of the jail was let to Captain James Smith. R. E. Ruffini was employed to serve as architect for the project. The jail was completed in due time and it was considered a fine example of modern architecture. Its frontal width was forty-nine feet and its depth twenty feet. It was a two-story structure and the cells in the prison were "7'x8' wide and 7' high." The installed interior was of hardened iron and steel, some of which came from the old Calvert jail. The walls were of grooved stone, smooth on top, with close joints and the exterior was finished masonry.

The court paid Smith $862.00 for his work and issued a voucher to Ruffini in the amount of $302 for his supervision of the project. Commissioners, including the two Negroes in membership, were so pleased with the jail they authorized Smith and Ruffini to prepare plans for a courthouse that would not cost more than $30,000.00.

In January, 1881, John E. Crawford succeeded Simmons in office as county judge. Two months later, on March 16, 1881, a contract was let to Smith and Ruffini for the erection of the courthouse and the work was completed on January 7, 1882. When the court met in March, Judge Crawford insisted that the records show the gratitude of the people to the men who had built "the most handsome and splendid structure in the State."

The minutes of the commissioners court read as follows:

It is ordered by the court that we express our entire satisfaction with the said building considering it one of the most handsome and splendid structures in the State. We heartily recommend F. E. Ruffini as one of the most accomplished architects in the State of Texas.

In reference to Captain Smith, the Judge wrote:

Be it ordered and resolved that the court extend to Captain J. B. Smith a vote of many thanks and to recommend him to the public as a gentleman in whom the utmost confidence can be placed as a builder of rare ability.

After extolling the abilities of the architect and builder, Crawford liked the sound of his words and proceeded to praise an official of the railway in the following resolution, which he read, and which was adopted by the spellbound commissioners.

In view of the generosity and magnanimity Colonel H. M. Maxie extended the County in furnishing transportation for the materials used in the construction of the courthouse, thereby bringing citizens under lasting obligation to him . . .it is hereby ordered that we return to him many thanks for his unparalleled liberality and we will ever remember him kindly as one of the greatest, most magnanimous, and liberal railroad men of our age, and wish him great prosperity and success in life.

The flowing words of Judge Crawford transfixed the citizens of the new town and his orations were but a beginning. He remained in office through 1886 and his influence, both constructive and disturbing, remained for a generation. Even after his tenure as county judge he served in the State Legislature (1902-1903) and there was deep controversy then and for years thereafter.

The county seat had been at Franklin two years before the courthouse was completed. In that time, lots were sold by both the court and the landowners who had kept sections for themselves. An Austin newspaper reported in the fall of 1882, "Franklin seems to be a promising town, people are moving there daily, and they are building many stores and homes."