USA > Indiana > LaPorte County > History of La Porte County, Indiana, and its townships, towns and cities > Part 23
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BENJAMIN MCCARTY.
Appointed Sheriff."
272
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Under and in pursuance of this notice. elections were held at the two designated places in the county, the records of which are as follows:
"At an election begun and held at the house of Arba Heel [Arba Heald is intended, ] in the county of LaPorte, and State of Indiana, on the' 9th day of April, 1832, for the purpose of electing two Associate Judges, a Clerk of the circuit court. a Recorder for said county and three County commissioners, being one of the election districts appointed by the Sheriff of said county by virtue of law, at which time and place the following number and named persons voted :
William Morgan, Jesse Morgan, Elisha Newel, Alden Tucker, Adam Keith, John Welsh, Jonathan Morgan, Stephen Brayton, Horace Markham, Wm. Phillips, Joseph P. Osborn, John White, William Thrall, Daniel Jessup, Isaac Morgan, Charles West, John Barnet, John Whitaker, Judah Leaming, Joseph Osborn, Elijah H. Brown, Wm. Garwood, Lewis Shirley, James Huckins and Henly Clyburn."
The returns are signed by James Hutchins and Judah Leaming, clerks.
"At an election begun and held at the house of Nathan B. Nichols in the county of LaPorte and State of Indiana, on the 9th day of April, 1832, for the purpose of electing two Associate Judges, a Clerk of the circuit court, a Recorder for said county and three County commissioners, being one of the election Districts appointed by the Sheriff of said county by virtue of law, at which time and place the following number and named persons voted :
Charles Egbert, Lyman Robbins, Joseph Bay, Wm. H. McCarty, Asa M. Warren, Nathan B. Nichols, Jesse N. West, George W. Barnes, Arthur Irwin. Levi Brown. James Highley, John Wills, Peter Low, John Garrard, Ezekiel Provolt, Alfred Stanton, Wm. Clark, Elijah Stanton, Philip Fail, Amos Stanton, John Stanton, George Thomas, Joseph Lykins, Aaron Stanton, Wm. F. Stanton, Michael Billings, Richard Harris. Aurea Sperry. Jacob Miller and Chapel W. Brown."
The returns? are signed by Jacob Miller, Alfred Stanton and John Wills, clerks.
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After which the following return was made :
" At an election held pursuant to a writ of election directed to me, as Sheriff of La Porte County, Indiana, on the ninth day of April, 1832. It appears from the returns of said election made to me at the house of Jacob Miller, the proper place as appointed by me, and on the day recognized by law and within the proper hours. Jacob Miller for Associate Judge, received forty-two votes; Judalt Leaming, twenty-three votes; Daniel Jessup, twenty-three; Elisha Newel, eight; Elijah H. Brown for County Commissioner, received forty-two votes; Chapel W. Brown, twenty-nine; Aaron Stanton, twenty-nine; Isaac Morgan, thirty-five; John Wills, four: Joseph Lykins, fifteen votes. For Clerk and Recorder, George Thomas received forty-one votes; and for Clerk, Jesse Morgan received twelve votes, and for Recorder he received thirteen votes ; Judah Leaming and Daniel Jessup having an equal number of votes for Judge, and casting lots the lot went in favor of Leam- ing. Chapel W. Brown and Aaron Stanton having an equal num- ber of votes for County Commissioner, lots being cast the lot went in favor of Brown. Such appears from the certificates of election as returned. Therefore Jacob Miller and Judah Leaming are elected associate Judges for said County of LaPorte. Elijah H. Brown, Isaac Morgan and C. W. Brown are elected Commissioners for said County, and George Thomas is elected Clerk and Recorder."
Other elections were held in 1832, as follows :
SCIPIO TOWNSHIP.
On the sixteenth day of June, an election was held for the first Justice of the Peace in Scipio Township. The following were the votes cast : A. P. Andrew, Judah Leaming, Joseph Osborn, Ben- jamin McCarty, Christopher M. McClure, Ira Richardson, Elijah H. Brown, James Hutchins, Wm. M. Cort, Benjamin Dewitt, John Mann, Wm. Powers, I. M. Wilson, Jacob Coleman, Arthur McClure, Samuel Hardiston, Absalom Rambo, Stephen Brayton, Richard Harris, John Stanton, Arba Heald. Arthur McClure re- ceived sixteen votes and was declared elected Justice of the Peace. Absalom Rambo received three votes. The returns were signed by James Hutchins, Joseph Osborn and Elijah H. Brown, Judges, and Judah Leaming and Wm. Gibson, Clerks.
18
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
NEW DURHAM TOWNSHIP.
The following is the first record of an election in New Durham township, after the County was organized :
ยทยท Poll book of an election begun and held at the house of Elisha Newell. on the sixteenth day of June, 1832. The following per- sons voted in the following order for Justice of the Peace for New Durham Township, La Porte County, Indiana: Alden Tucker, Peter Lowe. Chas. West, John W. Cole, John Barnett, Wm. Thrall, William Garwood, Isaac Morgan, Jonathan Morgan, Joseph Orr, Nathaniel Steel, William Morgan, Daniel Jessup, Henly Clyburn, Elisha Newell.
We the undersigned judges of the above election do certify the above to be a true poll book of the above election.
ELISHA NEWHALL, DANIEL JESSUP, Judges. HENLY CLYBURN.
J. BARNETT. Clerks.
JOHN W. COLE,
Not on the face, but as filing to the above returns there is the simple announcement : "E. Newhall elected," signed by G. Thom- as, C. L. C. C." We are left in ignorance as to whether Mr. Newhall had a competitor. or how many votes he received."
KANKAKEE TOWNSHIP.
The first general election in Kankakee Township of which there is any return on file is the one held on the sixth day of August, 1832, when the candidates voted for were. for State Senator, Sam- uel Hanna. Pleasant Harris and Jeremiah Smith : for Representa- tive, Elisha Egbert, George Crawford, and Wm. Bissell : for Sheriff, Nathan B. Nichols, and Adam G. Polke; for Coroner. John Gar- rard: for School Commissioner, Wm. Clark: for Probate Judge. Benj. McCarty and Jesse Morgan : for Justice of the Peace, Ezekiel Provolt. The names of the voters at this election are James High- ley, E. A. Brown, Judah Leaming, H. F. Janes. John Garrard. John Wills, Andrew Shaw, James McCormick, Charles Egbert, Asa M. Warren, Joseph Lykins, Joseph Bay, Jesse Willets, Lyman Robbins, Samuel Webster, George W. Barnes, Jacob Miller. Alex- ander Blackburn. Aurea Sperry. Ezekiel Provolt. Levi Brown,
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POLITICS.
Wm. Clark, Noble Mckinstry, Chapel W. Brown, Jesse N. West, Martin Baker, N. B. Nichols, Michael Billings, Amos Stanton. At this election, John Wills was inspector, Ezekiel Provolt and H. F. Janes were Clerks, and Lyman Robbins and C. W. Brown, Judges.
The first election held in Michigan Township occurred on the twenty-eighth day of September, 1833, at which twenty votes were cast for Justice of the Peace. The names of the voters are as follows:
"Elijah Casteel, Willis Hughes, James Laughlin, George Olinger, Joseph C. Orr, James Knaggs, I. C. Elston, Wm. Conant, J. Bar- tholomew, Amos Dyer, Squire Clark, Eliakim Ashton, Samuel Masterson, Peter Ritter, Silas Gregory. B. Sims, James Waddle, Gilbert Baldwin. Caleb Nichols, Samuel Olinger. Of these votes James M. Scott received eight, and Samuel Olinger, twelve. The election was held at the house of Joseph C. Orr, who was the In- spector: and James Laughlin and Willis Hughes were Judges."
SPRINGFIELD.
"At an election held on Monday, the sixth day of April, 1835, at the house of Judah Leaming in Springfield township, in LaPorte County, Indiana, for the purpose of electing one Justice of the Peace, one Constable, one or more Supervisors of roads, two Over- seers of the poor, two fence viewers, and one inspector of elections, where the legal votes given stand thus :
Erastus Quivy, David S. Murray, Robert Wilkinson, Levi Young. Geo. Sanford, John Griffith, Judah Leaming, Orrin Lewis, Harvey Leaming, John Brown, John Wilbur, Timothy Fosdick, Asa Pease, Samuel J. Havens. Alfred Stanton, William Cormack, Jo- seph W. Foster.
STATE OF INDIANA, LA PORTE, CO.,
We the undersigned, Inspectors and Judges of the within named election do certify that Joseph W. Foster, received fourteen votes for Justice of the Peace, and Harvey Leaming received twelve votes for Constable ; David T. Murray, fourteen votes for "Supervisor; Orrin Lewis, twelve; Hiram Griffith, eleven; Erastus Quivy, four; Alfred Stanton, three: and John Smith one vote for Supervisor.
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
For Overseer of poor, Judah Leaming. cleven votes : John Enos, ten : John Griffith. six: Wm. Cormack, two. Fence Viewers, Wm. Cor- mack, thirteen votes; Erastus Quivy. nine: Hiram Griffith, four: John Enos. one vote. For Inspector. Judah Leaming. fourteen votes : Timothy Fosdick, five votes for Constable.
Given under our hands and seals this sixth day of April. 1875.
JUDAH LEAMING, Inspector. JOHN GRIFFITH. DAVID S. MURRAY.
WM. EARMARK, Clerks "
ORRIN LEWIS.
NOBLE.
The first election held in Noble Township took place on the fourth day of April. 1836. There were to be chosen two Justices of the Peace, one Inspector of elections, two Constables, two Fence View- ers, two Overseers of the poor, and tour Supervisors of highways. The following is the poll list in the order in which the votes were cast :
"John Pool, Arthur McClure, John S. Decker. Ward Blake. Abraham Charles. Martin Houseman, Edward Kennedy. Calvin Worrell. T. H. Wells, Horace Wood, Wright Loving. Edward O'Hara, Joseph Sterrett. Amos G. Webster, Silas Loving, John McLane, Samuel O'Hara. Timothy C. Everett. Wm. Callison. John Harding, Michael O'Hara, Samuel Sample. Ira Birch, Rich- ard Worrell, Joseph Wheaton, Burton Sweringen, Nimrod Phillips, David Powers. Thomas Burch, Calvin Burch, Admiral Burch. Samuel Higley. John Pratt, John F. Allison, John Marford. John Underwood."
The elections resulted in the selection of the following township officers :
Justices, John F. Allison, Josiah Grover. Inspector of Elections, Arthur McClure; Constables, John Pratt. Rezin Everts: Fence Viewers, John Pool, Horace Wood; Overseers of the Poor, Ad- miral Burch, Joseph Wheaton; Supervisors of Highways, David Powers, John Underwood. Joseph Sterrett."
CLINTON.
'. The first election held in Clinton Township was on the fourth
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POLITICS.
day of April. 1836, at the house of Charles Eaton. The officers to be elected were two Justices of the Peace, one Inspector of elections, two Constables, two Fence Viewers, two Overseers of the Poor, and one Supervisor of Highways. Twenty-six votes were cast by the following named persons in the order in which they are given : John Warnock. Daniel Robertson, Isham Campbell, John Eaton, James Tuley, John Bailey, Jeremiah Sherwood, Wm. O. Vicory, Jno. Harris. Jonathan Glimps. Jonathan Sherwood, Simpson Ray, David Ray. Peter T'uley. Joseph Morrison. Thomas Robinson, James Haskell. Ira Richardson, John Moorman, Jacob Iseminger, Archibald Moorman, Ransom Maddy, Francis Morrison, Joseph Osborn, Thomas B. Patterson. Benjamin T. Bryant. Hezekiah Robertson, Worcester B. Heath, Charles Eaton, Abram Eahart, Lykins Richardson, Nathaniel Steele. Jonathan Middleton, Marsena Clark. Jonathan Osman, and Aaron Wills." The following were the successful candidates :
" Justices. Charles Eaton. John Warnock: Inspector, Charles Eaton; Constables, Joseph Osborn, James Haskell; Fence Viewers, Thomas Robertson. Hezekiah Robertson: Overseers of the Poor, Jeremiah Sherwood, Wm. Ray: Supervisor of Highways. Daniel Robertson."
IIUDSON.
Hudson township was organized in May, 1836, and an election was held on the eighteenth day of the following June. The fol- lowing is the record :
"At an election held on the eighteenth day of June. 1836, at the house of J. F. Smith, in Hudson Township, La Porte County, and State of Indiana. for the purpose of electing one Justice of the Peace for Hudson Township, where the legal votes stood thus: Daniel Cross. David Shay, Nathaniel Maynes, Enos Lewis, Elijah Phye. Jonathan Edwards. Royal Cuthbert. J. D. Ross, Joseph W. Lykins, Robert Davis. Benjamin Hicks, Benjamin H. Howell, John McCormick, Nelson Moody, John Caldwell, John McLaine, John S. Baker, Samuel N. Vance, Samuel Turner, Joseph Bay, Gabrielle Druilliner, A. L. Wheeler, Joseph Sisney, James M. Hepner, James Hatfield."
On the next page is the following :
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
" Tally paper for an election held on the eighteenth day of June, 1836, at the house of J. F. Smith, in Hudson Township. LaPorte County, Indiana, for the purpose of electing a Justice of the Peace, where the legal votes given stand thus: J. F. Smith. thirteen votes; Charles Egbert, twelve votes.
STATE OF INDIANA, LA PORTE COUNTY.
We, the undersigned judges of the foregoing election, do certify that James Smith received thirteen votes for the of the Justice of the Peace, and Chas. Egbert received twelve votes for the same office.
'Given under our hands and seals the eighteenth of June. 1836.
JOHN D. Ross, Inspector. BENJAMIN HICKS, JOSEPH W. LYKINS, S Judges.
WALTER LIVINGSTON. J. W. COLLINS, Clerks."
279
POLITICS OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE.
CHAPTER XIX.
POLITICS OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE.
The incorporation of LaPorte as a village or town took place in the year 1835, and the following are the records appertaining thereto :
On the fourth day of November. 1835, the Board of County Commissioners passed the following order: "Ordered that in pur- suance of the statute, and the petition of the citizens of the town of La Porte for the incorporating of said town, this day legally pre- sented, comprising in the opinion of the Board, two-thirds of the whole number of legal voters in said town, an election be held at the usual place of holding elections in said town. on Saturday the fourteenth day of November, inst. for the purpose of electing trustees of said incorporation."
This is afterwards followed on the record by the following certifi .- cate of the election of corporation Trustees :
"STATE OF INDIANA, LA PORTE COUNTY.
We the undersigned, President and Clerk of an election held at the house of Robert S. Morrison in the town of La Porte, in the County of La Porte, and State of Indiana, for the purpose of elect- ing Trustees for the several wards or districts in the incorporation of the town of La Porte, do certify that, (after we were appointed President and Clerk of and for said election, agreeable to the statute in such case made and provided,) Amzi Clark was duly elected Trustee for District No. 1; Jonathan M. Hacker for District No. 2; William Clement, District No. 3; Hiram Wheeler, District No. 4; and Jacob Haas, District No. 5; in the town of La Porte aforesaid :
Given under our hands and seals this fourteenth day of Novem- ber, A. D., 1835.
WM. DINWIDDIE, President, ss. WM. ALLEN, Clerk, ss."
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
The incorporation took place under Whig auspices, and the Board of Trustees remained of this party during most of the years that intervened between this time and the date when the town became a city. In the year 1852 a city charter was granted, the place having then a population of about 5,000, and in August of that year a charter election was held which resulted in the election of Wm. J. Walker, first Mayor of La Porte. This was a victory for the Whig party, and that party or its successor, controlled the administration of the city until 1856, Wm. Millikan being elected Mayor in 1855. But in May, 1856, the Democrats succeeded at the municipal election, and Benjamin Kress was elected. The next year the Democrats were again successful, electing Frederic McCollum Mayor, and Benjamin Kress the City Judge. Prior to this time, the Republican party here, as elsewhere, had acquired great strength. Most of the former Whigs and many Democrats now gave it their support, and at the city election in May. 1859, Wm. H. H. Whitehead was elected Mayor: Asa A. Whitehead, Marshall, and the candidates for the other city officers were successful. A majority of the City Council was also" Repub- lican. The next election occurred in May, 1861, and resulted in the general success of the Democratic ticket. Daniel Noyes being elected Mayor, though Asa A. Whitehead, was re-elected Marshal, and a majority of the City Council remained Republican. On taking his seat Mayor Noyes made the following address :
"GENTLEMEN OF THE COMMON COUNCIL:
In entering upon the duties of the office of Mayor-although it may be somewhat of an innovation upon what has been the custom of my predecessors-I deem it not inappropriate to submit to you some suggestions in writing. forshadowing at least my own views in regard to our future policy. We come into office untrammeled by party ties-being the representatives of no party organization, we have no partisan friends to reward or political foes to punish. Never since the organization of our City Government has there been a more favorable opportunity than the present for the inaugu- ration of that policy which shall redound to our common good, and bring about us those blessings which are the result of united and harmonious action.
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POLITICS OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE.
The oaths which we have severally taken, require of us as our paramount duty, first : That we support and preserve inviolate the Constitution of our common country-next to that the Constitution of our State, and that last. though not least. we faithfully and honestly discharge the duties assigned us in our several capacities. For the accomplishment of those purposes let mutual forbearance and respect be mingled with all our deliberations-exercising to- wards each other that measure of kindness and good will which should always pervade those to whom are confided a common trust, and who are seeking the perfection of a common cause.
The present deplorable and distracted condition of our National and State affairs-the unfavorable progress of the present season- the distress in financial circles-the universal paralysis of all busi- ness pursuits, all appeal to us in accents which we cannot disregard, that our expenditures should be attended with prudence and econo- my. By this it is not intended to recommend a niggardly parsi- mony unbecoming an enlightened public policy, but rather that we check that reckless spirit of extravagance which is a continued drain upon our Treasury. merely that it may appear that we are doing something.
Our streets, with a few exceptions, are in very fair repair : and it is far better in my judgment to suffer what inconvenience must arise from them, in the situation in which they might be left after a judi- cious expenditure of the road fund, and perhaps a small outlay besides, than at the present crisis to burden our citizens with a heavy tax. and that. too. injudiciously expended. South Main and Monroe streets, undoubtedly need repairs. and possibly many others may; but I cannot dismiss this branch of the subject with- out enjoining upon the Street Committee that they see to it them- selves-that the right thing be done in the right place, and that it be done in such a manner as to be of lasting benefit to our city. It is of no benefit to our streets that a large force may be concen- trated upon them merely for the purpose of removing the earth from one locality to another, rendering them impassable for a time, or working them day after day without system, order or object; but let the most feasible plan for the accomplishment of the necessary repairs be first well matured by the committee in charge-let them
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
superintend the work themselves-know that the services are ren- dered, and certify to the bills themselves. If it be objected to this suggestion that it takes too much of the time of the committee, and is too great a tax upon them, I answer the objection by recommend- ing that they be reasonably compensated for all their time devoted to such service.
It is highly probable also, that repairs to some extent, and of a substantial nature, will be required upon the public sewer. The im- portance of preserving this in substantial repair, and successful operation, must be evident to every one; but as that is within the jurisdiction of the Street Committee further comment upon it at this time is unnecessary.
I recommend to the favorable consideration of the Council as complete an organization and continuance of the Fire Brigade of the City as the circumstances of the case will admit. The import- ance of this subject must also be so apparent to every reflecting mind that it can scarcely need more to engage the attention of the Council, than barely to be brought to their recollection.
I also recommend to the immediate attention of the Council that some disposition of the property formerly purchased as a pest house site, and also of the City jail, be made for the purpose of liquida- ting the present indebtedness of the City, or that the proceeds be devoted to the repairs of the sewer or some other purpose which will be of permanent benefit to the City. The City has a contract with the county of La Porte by which she has the use of the county pest house guaranteed to her free of charge, and I am unable to see any good or sufficient reason why the lots which the City long ago purchased for that purpose, and are now of no use or practical utility to her, should not be disposed of and the proceeds be devoted to some useful purpose. I also recommend that the Council seriously consider the propriety of selling the City Jail building, and also of entering into a contract, if necessary, with the County Commissioners, for the use of the County Jail in all such cases as may be required for City purposes.
It is also in my opinion of great importance to the interest of the City, that the Council require that all the books and papers of the City. of whatever department, be kept strictly within the Coun-
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POLITICS OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE.
. cil room, and not be removed therefrom for any purpose like the accommodation of the officers of the several departments, or in fact, unless it be to obey some order of court. There can be no reason for removing any of the books or papers, unless it be merely to accommodate the officers, and the Council furnish convenient and suitable places for the transaction of all business-a receptacle for the preservation of their papers-and where their business is done is the proper place to keep the conveniences and necessaries for doing it. Any other system will certainly entail upon us the loss of important papers, furnish an excuse for the non-performance of duty. by the simple act of removing the books and papers necessary to the discharge of such duty, and in all probability become the source of great and irreparable injury to the interests of the City. As there are no regulations of the Council at present touching this matter I hope it will engage their attention without delay.
I also desire to remind the Council of the necessity of requiring prompt and energetic action from officers and committees, that un- finished business may not accumulate upon our hands.
Other matters of equal importance with those already enumera- ted, but which time is not given me now to mention, will be here- after made the subject of further communication.
DANIEL NOYES, Mayor. May 13, 1861."
In May, 1863, the Republicans carried the city, electing all the city officers and a majority of the council. The officers elected were as follows : Mayor, Wm. H. H. Whitehead; Treasurer, Thomas H. Phillips : Marshal, John Thompson, Jr. ; Clerk, Richard G. Ran- dall. The city government was again reversed in 1865. At the city election in May, Daniel Noyes was elected Mayor: Simon Wile, Treasurer; John Hinsey, Marshal; Wm. Whitman, Clerk, and J. H. Merrill, Assessor, by a majority varying from seventy- six to one hundred and twenty-six. At the election in May, 1867, Daniel Noyes was re-elected Mayor, and the city government con- tinued Democratic. Simon Wile was re-elected as Treasurer : Thomas S. Cogley was elected Clerk; Andrew Saylor, Marshal, and Levi Ely, Assessor. This was an active and spirited contest. Morgan H. Weir was the Republican candidate for Mayor, and
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
the voters on both sides were thoroughly aroused. The victory re- mained with the Democrats, their candidates receiving majorities ranging from eighty to one hundred and sixty. The council in- cluding those holding over, consisted of the following citizens. Holding over-Charles Fravel, Geo. W. Mecum. II. Treusdell, Reuben Munday, and Jacob Wile. Members elect-Davidson Patton, C. Hausher. Fred. Steigley, H. Druliner. H. Hausher. In the third and fourth wards, H. H. Benton and Hart L. Weaver contested the seats of Steigley and Druliner. having received an actual majority of the votes cast, but they never obtained the seats.
At the election of May, 1869, a portion of each ticket was suc- cessful. For City Marshal. Andrew Saylor. Democrat. was re- elected by seventy-four majority ; Levi Ely for Assessor, by thirteen majority ; Dr. L. C. Rose was elected Mayor: Charles Peglow. Treasurer, and Nathaniel S. Paul. Clerk-all Republicans. Rose's majority was twenty-seven ; Peglow's forty-three; Paul's twenty- three. The Democrats retained their majority in the council, electing their candidates as follows: from second ward, George W. Mecum ; from fourth ward. Albert Ribbe and H. Peters: from fifth ward, D. Soutter. The Republicans elected Gavin Campbell in the first ward, and A. H. Robinson in the third ward, which together with those who held over, caused the council to consist of seven Demo- crats and three Republicans.
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