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CHAPTER XI. COMMISSIONERS' EARLY PROCEEDINGS Some Curious and Interesting Notes From the Journal of the Board County Commissioners. The first Board of County Commissioners was appointed at the Mardi term of the Court of Quarter Sessions, held at Adamsville, 1798. Two members of the first Board, Henry Massie and Joseph Darlinton, met at Adamsville, June thirteenth, and adjourned until the twenty-seventh, on account of the absence of James Scott, the other member. At the meeting on the twenty-seventh, Mr. Scott still did not put in an appearance. After appointing Mr. Darlinton Clerk of the Board Mr. Massie and he transacted some business for the county and adjourned on the twenty-eighth, to meet at Manchester August 9, 1784 Mr. Scott took his seat at this meeting. The Board held its meetings thereafter at Manchester until March session, 1799, when the Board met at Washington, where it held its meetings until the location of the county seat at West Union, in 1804. First Entry on Journal. Territory of the United States, Northwest Territory, Adams County, S. P. At the Court of General Quarter Sessions held for the county aforesaid, March term, 1798, the following appointments were made: Commissioners. James Scott, Henry Massie, and Joseph Darlinton. Assessors. Simon Reeder, Cedar Hill Township. Aaron Moore, Manchester Township. Noble Grimes, Iron Ridge Township. James Edeson, Union Township. Thomas Dick, Scioto Township. John Watts, Upper Township. Collectors. Adamsville, June 27, 1798. Joseph Darlinton appointed Clerk to the Board of Commissioners. The following persons were appointed Collectors for the several townships in the county : David Mitchell, Union Township. (104) COMMISSIONERS' EARLY PROCEEDINGS - 105 John B. Genett, Upper Township. Stephen Beach, Iron Ridge Township. Samuel Smith, Scioto Township. John Ellison, Manchester Township. William Rains, Cedar Hill Township. First Levy. Having calculated the public debts and demands of this county, m find it necessary for defraying the expenses of building the county jail agreeable to the plan of the Court of Common Pleas at their last session, as well as all other expenses which have or may be brought against the county, to levy the sum of two thousand four hundred dollars on the several townships in this county. Manchester, August 9, 1798. James Scott, Esq., being appointed Commissioner by the Court of General Quarter Sessions, held at March term, this day exhibited a certificate of his qualifications, and took his seat. First Tax Refunder. Manchester, Sept. 7, 1798. It appeared to the satisfaction of the Commissioners that John Crawford, of Iron Ridge Township, who was taxed as a single man, is married, and that his property is taxed to, and paid by his son, Moses Crawford; ordered to refund the money. Allowances of Accounts. Samuel Harris, Constable and guard, for taking Patrick Creighton, prisoner, from Chillicothe to
Manchester $19 912-3 Ditto, for taking Thomas Thompson as above 36 00 Thomas McDonald, Constable, for guarding Hugh McDill from Chillicothe to Manchester 22 41 Josiah Stout, Constable, for taking Peter Walker prisoner 3 11 Sundry guards for keeping Hugh McDill 20 25 Manchester, August 11, 1798. Received the returns from the assessors of the different townships as follows : Scioto Township $412 87 Iron Ridge Township 179 10 Manchester Township 155 74 Union Township 147 36 Cedar Hill Township 52 69 Upper Township 17 18 $964 94 106 - HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY Sum appropriated on June 27, by the Commissioners and Assessor to he levied on the county, $2,400.00. Balance, $1,435.6. Court of Appeals appointed to be held at Manchester on the seventh day of September next. Notice to Assessors and Collectors. Washington, March 30, 1799. Drew advertisements to be set up in the most public places in each township, requesting all persons who had business to transact with the Board of Commissioners, to attend at Washington on the twenty-ninth day of May next, and required the punctual attendance of each assess at that time and place. Also notified the collectors of '98, that if they did not appear on that day and settle up their respective balances, they could not expect any longer indulgence. First Fee Fixed for Sheriff. Sheriff's fee for serving each grand jury, established at three dollar' each court. Jos. Darlinton received $36.99 for services as Clerk of Commissioners, one year. Washington, January 2, 1800. The Commissioners thought proper to advertise the burning of the jail on Friday night, the twenty-seventh of December last, and offering a reward of two hundred dollars in order to find out the incendiaries In consequence thereof, wrote five advertisements. James Edison Clerk of Board. Joseph Kerr appointed Clerk of Board of Commissioners for one year. First Seals. William Jennings presented his account for making seals and prey: for the county, amounting to $25.0o for which sum an order is granted First Allowance for Wolf Scalps. George Harper presented the certificate of Thomas Kirker, Esq. for having killed an old wolf, agreeable to law, for which he is allowed the sum of $1.25. Isaac Wamsley, 5 wolves $6 25 Jonathan Wamsley, 1 wolf 1 25 Christopher Wamsley, 1wolf 1 25 Jacob Utt, 1 wolf 1 25 John Polock, 1 wolf 1 25 Daniel Bayless, 1 wolf 1 25 Robt. Wright, 2 wolves 2 50 Jno. Wright, 1 wolf 1 25 Jno. Beckman, 1 wolf 1 25 COMMISSIONERS' EARLY PROCEEDINGS - 107 Resignation and Appointment. Washington, November 17, 1801. Jos. Kerr, Secretary, and one of the Board of Commissioners, resigned on the seventeenth of November, 1801. Jno. Beasley appointed Commissioner December 10, 1801. George Gordon appointed Secretary to the Board. Two Dollars Each for Wolf Scalps. Washington, December 18, 1801. Jesse Cain presented the certificate of Jos. Moore that he killed a grown wolf, and an order is issued for two dollars. Cornelius Cain, 1 old wolf $2 00 .Chris Beekman, 1 old wolf 2 00 Jno. Pollock, 1 old wolf 2 00 Robt. Bennett, 3 old wolves 6 00 Jno. Brewer, 3 old wolves 6 00 Wm. Creel, 1 old wolf 2 00 Jas Lawson, 1 young wolf 1 25 Rent for Court House. Washington, March 8, 1802. Noble Grimes & Co. presented an order of the Court for the house, fuel and candles, attendance amounting to $6.00, and the Commissioners concluding the order did not come properly before the Board, referred the order again to the Court for their decision, being of the opinion that it ought to be $10.00. Sheriff Made Collector. Washington, September 11, 1801. Nathan Ellis, Esq., was qualified as the Collector of the county taxes, for the year 1801, and was furnished with a duplicate thereof, which amounts to $1,262.97 1/2. First Order Issued to Clerk of Courts. Washington, March 15, 1800. George Gordon obtained an order on the Treasurer for $43.37, for his services as Clerk of the Court from September session, 1797, to September session, 1798, inclusive. Collector Exonerated. August 11, 1800. Stephen Cary, Collector of Union Township, has also made to appear that Joseph Darlinton is unable to pay his tax, he is therefore exonerated in the sum of twelve and one-half cents. it Court House Rent. Noble Grimes, Esq., presented two accounts for his furnishing louse room for four terms of court, also repairing court house, $40.00 and $5.00 108 - HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY Prosecuting Attorney Fees. September 8, 1801. William Creighton, Esq., presented the certificate of the Court that he proSecuted the pleas for the county at September session, 1801, and was allowed the sum of $15.00. Francis Taylor, Esq., presented the certificate of the court that he prosecuted the pleas of the county, at June sessions, 1801, and was allowed $15.00. Jailor and Court Crier. December 28, 1801. John Stevenson, jailor, presented his account as Crier of the Court at September term, four days, and attending the stray pen one day, Crier of the Court at December term, one day, and attending on the stray pin one day, amounting to $7.00. Prosecutor's Fees. June 1, 1802. Thomas Scott, Esq., presented the certificate of the court for prosecuting the pleas of the United States in behalf of the county at March term, amounting to $15.00. Grimes' Rent. June 1, 1802. The account of Noble Grimes & Co. was returned from the court with a certificate that he was entitled to $10.00 for the use of his house, etc., at the December sessions, 1801. Survey of County Lines. June 1, 1802. James Stevenson presented an account for running the line between Ross, Clermont and Adams Counties, amounting to $65.50. Wolf scalps raised to $3.0o each in 1802. Sheriff Lodwick, Tax Collector. July 6, 1802. John Lodwick was appointed Collector of the county rates and levies for the year 18o2, and at his own offer bid to collect at $5.47 per $100. Jailor's Fees. John Stevenson presented the certificate of the Clerk of the Court of General Quarter Sessions at June term, 1802, certifying that John Stevenson was allowed $20.0o as jailor for the year last passed, which certificate was protested, and appeal granted at the request of said John Stevenson. Duplicates. Washington, September, 16, 1802. The Commissioners order the secretary to immediately make out the duplicate for the tax of 1802, in which duplicate he must put the tax of the town property and Cedar Hill Township agreeable to the rates of 1801, as the appraisers neglected to make a return of that year and to; COMMISSIONERS' EARLY PROCEEDINGS - 109 take bond and security of the Collector for the true collection and paying over the same. Peter Shoemaker presented an account for taking care of a poor person farmed out to him, and was allowed $50.00, agreeable to his account as filed. Peter Platter, for taking care of Moses Massie, a poor person, while sick, was allOWed $31.50, Allowances for Wolf Scalps, March, 1803. Edmund Wade, 2 wolf scalps $6 00 John Bailes, 1 wolf scalp 3 00 Andrew Clemmer, 3 wolf scalps 9 00 Daniel White, i wolf scalp 3 00 William Wade, 1 wolf scalp 3 00 Peter Wycoff, 1 wolf scalp 3 00 Joseph Shepherd, 1 wolf scalps 3 00 Daniel Collier, 2 wolf scalps 6 00 Isaac Smith, 5 young ones 7 50 George Hise, 1 wolf scalp 3 00 Thomas Tong, 1 wolf scalp 3 00 William Pittinger, 1 wolf scalp 3 00 Jonathan Wamsley, 1 wolf scalp 3.00 Peter Shoemaker, 1 wolf scalp 3 00 John Strickler, 3 wolf scalps 9 00 William Russell, 1 wolf scalp 3 00 James Milligan, 1 wolf scalp 3 00 Soloman Froman, 1 wolf scalp 3 00 Peter Bakus, 1 wolf scalp 3 00 John Walling, 1 wolf scalp 3 00 Panther Scalps. Phillip Lewis, Jr., 2 panther scalps $6 00 William Duduit, 1 panther scalp 3 00 Elijah Rinker, 1 panther scalp 3 00 Branding Irons. William Jennings produced the certificate of the court allowing him $14.00 for a set of branding irons for the use of the county. Election Boxes. John Mitchell presented a certificate from the court allowing him for four election boxes, $14.70. Estrays. Four head of neat cattle taken up by me some time in January, 1801, Were claimed on the tenth of September ensuing by Thomas Young, living in Hamilton County, waters of Little Miami, twentieth of September. 1802. David Bradford. These are to certify that a cow and calf taken up by me last February have been claimed by and proven to be the property of Mary Harrison. of Kentucky, August 26, 1802. David Edie. 110 - HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY I do certify that a bright bay mare taken up by me, is this day restored to the owner, Henry Andrews, living in South Bend Township, Hamilton County. Given under my hand this ninth day of August, 1802. Geo. Hutton. John Lodwick, Sheriff, exhibited a receipt from the Treasurer for $30.25. it being the net proceeds of an estray mare sold by the said Lodwick, which was taken up by Thos. Grimes. Tax Levy. Ordered that the tax for the present year be laid to the extent of the law. John Lodwick appointed Collector for 1803 at a commission of six per cent. Court Prosecutor. December 20, 1803. Levin Belt, $15.00 for prosecuting on behalf of State at December term. County Seat Commissioners. December 10, 1803. Isaac Davis, John Evans and James Menary, Commissioners, who, in obedience to law, viewed the county in order to report to the Legislature the most eligible situation for the seat of justice for this county, had their amounts exhibited and were allowed $49.00. First Meeting Held at West Union. West Union, June 11, 1804. Nathaniel Beasley, Moses Baird and Robt. Simpson this day produced certificates of their being duly elected Commissioners of Adams County, and also of their being duly qualified according to law, and took their seats. Jos. Darlinton appointed Clerk to Board. New Townships Established. June 23, 1817. Monroe Township established. December 2, 1817. Liberty Township cut off of the north end of Sprigg. February 25, 1818. Scott Township cut off of the north end of Wayne Township. March 10, 1828. Franklin Township cut off of the north side of Meigs Township. County Strong Box. January 6, 1830. Ordered that the County Auditor and County Treasurer procure a strong chest to be lined and bound with iron, for securing the funds in the county treasury. Sheriff's Office. October 3, 1831. Andrew Ellison allowed $12.00 for rent of house for Sheriff's office one year. COMMISSIONERS' EARLY PROCEEDINGS - 111 First Infirmary. March, 1837. The Commissioners purchased the farm of G. L. Compton on Beasley's Fork, of 211 acres, for $2,000.00, for a poor farm. Maysville and Zanesville Turnpike Subscription. November 10, 1838. After weighing the subject, the Commissioners of Adams County subscribe to the Zanesville & Maysville Turnpike Road Company $8,000.00, which sum is to be obtained from the Bank of West Union when called on at a rate of 6 per cent. per annum, and is not to be called for until the year 1840. Scrip Issued. December 8, 1840. The Commissioners of Adams County have come to the conclusion to issue Adams County scrip for the special benefit of the Zanesville and Maysville Turnpike Road Company, to the amount of $8,000.00, in the following manner: $1,500.00 in ones year, $1,500.00 more in eighteen months, $2,500.00 in two years, and $2,500.00 in three years, all bearing legal interest from the issue until paid. Old Market House. March 1, 1841. The Commissioners have come to the conclusion to have the market house of said county cleared out and kept clean and free henceforth from fodder, hay, oats, or straw of any kind and every kind. June 6, 1844. The Board then proceeded to assess the tax on the practicing attorneys and physicians in Adams County as follows, to-wit : ATTORNEYS—Tiffin Township. Geo. Collings, $4; James Armstrong, $1; Nelson Barrere, $5; Joseph McCormick, $2. PHYSICIANS—Tiffin Township. Dr. T. M. Sprague, $2; Dr. Clark, $2; Dr. W. F. Wilson, $2. Sprigg Township. Dr. W. R. Robinson, $2; Dr. Stableton, $2; Dr. D. McConaha, $1. Meigs Township. Dr. Sever Little, $1; Dr. Eph Wheaton. $1. Green Township. Dr. T. M. Wood, $2; Dr. John Evans, $2; Dr. J. M. Tweed, $2. Jefferson Township. Dr. Daniel Burley, $0.50; Dr. Daniel Peggs, $2. 112 - HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY Franklin Township. Dr. W. G. Johnson, $1 ; Dr. William Shields, $2; Dr. Wm. Holderness, $2. Winchester Township. Dr. N. D. Thompson, $1.50; Dr. Abraham Baker, $1; Dr. A. C. Lewis, $2. Resolution of Censure. March 4, 1850. The Commissioners adopted the following resolution, to-wit : Resolved, that the County Commissioners of the county of Adams are opposed to the enactment of the proposed law providing for the sale of the Maysville and Zanesville Turnpike road, as a gross act of injustice to the people of the county, and hereby respectfully but firmly remonstrate against the same. Resolved, that the Auditor be directed to forward an authenticated copy of the foregoing resolution to our member of the House of Representatives, to be by him presented to that body. Oliver Township. March 8, 1853. Oliver Township established. Cut off of Wayne and Scott. First election held at the house of W. B. Brown near Unity. Was named in honor of John Oliver, of Meigs Township. Jail. March 3, 1858. The stone work of the jail and Sheriff's residence was let to William Killen for $994.50. The completion of the building to Rape & Moore for $2,498.00. Manchester Township. March 3, 1858. Manchester Township established from Sprigg Township. Composed of Manchester Corporation and Manchester S. S. D. November 16, 1858. The Commissioners appointed William E. Hopkins Clerk of Courts to fill vacancy occasioned by death of A. C. Robe. Plans for Infirmary. March 8, 1859. A. W. Wood, of Aberdeen, paid $40.00 for making plans and specifications of county infirmary. West Union Incorporated. December 5, 1859. A petition to incorporate West Union was presented by J. K. Billings et al. Remonstrance presented by G. D. Darlinton et al. December 6, 1859. Petition to incorporate West Union granted. COMMISSIONERS' EARLY PROCEEDINGS - 113 Arm., Etc., for First Regiment. September 3, 1861. E. P. Evans presented a bill for T. R. Cockerill and I. H. De Bruin, for $30.00 cash paid by them for transporting arms and accouterments from Columbus, Ohio, to this county for use of the First Regiment, First Brigade, Fifth Division, O. V. M., which was allowed. Also a bill for $63.00 for repairing old arms, which was not allowed. County Lunatic Asylum. April 25, 1863. The contract for building a county lunatic asylum was let to A. L. Loyd for $398.00, to be built on infirmary grounds. Morgan Raid Claims. September 7, 1863. Allowed William E. Hopkins $50.00 and Mrs. Ann Marlatt $69.00 boarding men and horses during the Morgan Raid. Commissioners' Contest. December 7, 1863. The Commissioners met pursuant to law. Present : Jos. R. Stevenson, John Pennywitt, and J. C. Milligan, the latter two claiming the same seat. In consequence of the Commissioners being unable to agree as to who constituted the Board, they adjourned until tomorrow. [John Pennywitt obtained the seat as Commissioner, but the record does not state how.—Ed.] Army Substitute Brokers. February 6, 1865. This day the Commissioners of said county appointed L. E. Cox and Smith Grimes to act as agents for the different townships of this county, to procure substitutes, etc., in pursuance of an act of the General Assembly, passed at the present session, restricting and legalizing substitute brokerage. |