 Among the first orders made by the new county government was a survey of 40 acres ( 16 ha ) of wilderness located to the north of Boggs ’ cabin , parts of which had been donated for the purpose of housing the seat of government . A public square was to be located on 1 acre ( 0 @.@ 4 ha ) of land , on which the seat of justice was to be located . It was also ordered that the seat of justice was to be named Hartford . The 40 acres ( 16 ha ) were owned by three individuals living in an adjacent county . The owners donated every other lot to the county as part of a plan to ensure that the county seat was located there — and increase the value of their property . Despite the county government 's orders and plans , no action was taken on constructing a courthouse . In September 1839 , the county commissioners began conducting business in the home of Jacob Emshwiller . For a few months , the Emshwiller home was the new capitol of Blackford County . 
