USA > Indiana > Orange County > History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc > Part 10
USA > Indiana > Washington County > History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc > Part 10
USA > Indiana > Lawrence County > History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc > Part 10
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
sold to get means to grade the square; they were payable nine months after date. The court house is a fine two-story structure, with court room above and county offices below, with a roomy basement containing the water-closets, which are thoroughly washed by water from the roof and drained by an ample sewer. It was built of the famous St. Louis gray limestone or "Bedford stone," cost, including everything, about $100.000, and is a credit to the county.
THE COUNTY, TOWNSHIP AND M'CLURE LIBRARIES.
The law creating the county provided for the appropriation for a county library of 10 per cent of the proceeds of the sale of town lots. As the proceeds were considerable, the library was early placed on a firm footing, and has endured until the present. Its usefulness during this long period cannot be told in language. Every old resident of the coun- ty has read over those antiquated books until their contents are part and parcel of himself, and are diffused through society with his intelligence. The information they contain has left its permanent impression on the manners and comprehension of the county. The first books were pur- chased in 1819, and were kept in the court house by John Lowrey, Coun- ty Clerk, and consisted of about 100 volumes of the standard books of that day, such as Josephus' Works, Curran's Speeches, Pope's Essay on Man. Simpson's Plea, Cowper's Poems, Shakespeare's Poems, Life of Washington, Life of Franklin, American Constitutions, Dialogue of Devils. Clark's Travels. Encyclopedias, Rollin's Ancient History, Wes. ley's Philosophy, Paradise Lost, Polite Learning, etc., etc. Late in 1810 the library fund amounted, with what had already been spent, to $530.35, and by February, 1821, to $749.13. The greater portion of this was put out at interest. In 1821 a neat book-case was made and placed in the northeast room of the court house at Palestine, and in this the books were kept. Nearly all the prominent early residents of Palestine and Bedford were at times members of the Library Trustees. In 1-40 there were about 500 volumes of books, and this figure has been about the height of the collection. In 1524 the fund was $895, and its probable extent was about $1.200. Not more than half of this amount, if that much. was spent, the remainder being loaned out at interest. At one time the library owned a lot in town. which was finally sold. The permanent fund now amounts to about $2,000, and the books are kept in the Recorder's office. In 1550 the State furnished the county with eight township libraries, which were distributed in proportion to population. Each library comprised about 300 volumes of general matter. Some of these are yet in good shape. though the most are scattered and useless. Late in the fifties the MeClure Libraries were received-two or three in the county, and laboring men's institutes were formed for their manage- ment, but after about six years the design of the benevolent testator was
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
carelessly thwarted by the distribution of the books to the members, or possibly by their actual sale at public auction.
THE COUNTY PAUPERS.
The first order that appears upon the records as having been paid by the county for the relief of the poor was in the summer of 1819. and was for $30, to James H. Johnson, of Bono Township, who furnished the relief. The pauper was Matthew Rose, who continued upon the county for several years. In November $20 more was paid to Johnson for keep- ing. Dr. Winthrop Foote was paid $5 for medical attendance upon this poor person. Later Allen Brock was paid for keeping Rose. Dr. Ezra Child was also paid for attending Rose. In 1820 Robert Dougherty was paid $41.11 for care of one Ritter, a pauper. Foote was paid $10) for medical attendance on this pauper. Other reports began to be received. Each township had Overseers of the Poor, who hunted out poor persons, farmed them out to the lowest responsible bidders, received and audited the expense accounts of the keepers, and sent the bills to the County Buard for final arbitrament and settlement. In 1820 there was spent for paupers $73.20, and in 1822 $103. In 1525 the amount was $122.65; in 1827, was $130; in 1830, was 8157.80; in 1833, was $187.29, and in 1835 was $467.45. By this time the poor were quite a burden. Dr. John C. Cavins was county physician about this time.
THE FIRST POOR ASYLUM.
In June, 1842, William Newland was appointed agent to select and purchase a site for a poor asylum, in amount not to exceed 160 acres nor be less than 80 acres, and to be within eight miles of Bedford. By November he had accordingly bought a farm of 160 acres. of Green- bury Owens, for $800. Upon this farm was an ordinary dwelling of that period, which was immediately fitted np with new floor, etc., for the reception of paupers, with Mr. Owens as Superintendent. The Superin- tendent was to have charge of the farm, and was to care for all paupers, and be furnished all necessary supplies by the county. Winthrop Foote was employed as County Doctor at $1 per visit. medicine extra. In March, 1843, there were seven inmates. Owens filed his bills which were paid by the Board, the bill in March, 1843, being 897.35 for the quarter for pork, lard, corn, coffee, sugar, dressed deerskins, etc. In March, one cold night, an inmate named James Bird, a worn-out old man, who was about half demented, ran away from the asylum, and when found the next day was dead, frozen to death. The Superintendent in 1543 sowed thirteen acres of oats, and planted fifteen acres of corn. In the spring of 1944 there were four inmates, and in 1845 only one. In 1945-46 James W. Freeman. Greenbury Owen and John Colwell were Poor Superintend- ents jointly. They gave a hired man charge of the farm. The poor of 1840 cost about 8320. and of 1841-45 only $322.50. M. A. Malott was
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
one of the Superintendents in 1846. New and detailed arrangements for the management of the paupers were adopted about this time. The poor expense of 1845-46 was only $165.92, a great falling off. Free- man, Malott and Owen were yet Superintendents. An orchard of apple, peach and cherry trees was planted on the poor farm in 1847. There were six inmates in 1846, and seven in 1847. The expense of 1846-47 was $335.47. J. T. Woodward was Poor Doctor in 1847. The poor of 1848-six in number in the asylum -cost $469.21. One man, Jonathan Loveall, became Superintendent in 1849, for three years. A new rouf was put on the old building in 1849. The poor expense of 1849-50 was $648.93. A new frame building was erected on the farm in 1851, by Levi Overman, for $790, and was moved into in November of that year. A visiting committee at this time had general charge of the asylum and farm. Eli Wilson leased the poor farm in 1853 for three years. He was paid $60 each year for each permanent pauper, and given the free rent of the farm. Wilson had enemies who endeavored to oust bim from bis position, but failed. The question was settled in the Circuit Court. He resigned and was succeeded by M. W. Medearis, Dr. D. J. Hostetter being the physician. The expenses of 1835-56 were $1,619.93. Joseph Stillson was also county physician. Each permanent pauper cost $80 per year. Daniel Baker was Superintendent in 1857-58. Ben Newland doctored the paupers. John Henderson was Superintendent in 1859-60. There were twelve inmates in 1860. The rules for the keeping of the paupers and for the management of the farm adopted in 1855 continued to be the guidance until within the last ten or fifteen years. The poor of 1859-60 cost 82,132.60; of 1562-63 cost $1,941.85. W. C. Mitchell was Superintendent from 1861 to 1870. He was paid $75 for each pau- per, and was to pay $75 for rent. This price was changed from time to time, being in 1867 the rent of the farm free and $140 for each pauper. The expenses of 1864-65 were $4,412.90; of 1867-68 were $5,004.79. William Day became Superintendent in 1870, and was to receive $2.15 per week for each pauper, and to pay $275 for the use of the farm. There were eighteen permanent paupers in March, 1873. Early in the seventies Archibald Anderson contracted to erect a two-storied frame poor-house for $1. 700. This house was built and is yet in use. Early in the eighties John Scaggan served as Poor Superintendent. There are at present about thirty inmates. The number admitted during the aver- age year lately is about fifty. William Day is the present Superintendent.
ORIGIN OF THE COMMON SCHOOL FUND.
Surplus revenue ¥10,202 91
Saline fund. . 500 44
Bank tax fund. 758 26
From sale of county seminary.
1.066 30
Sinking fund of 1-72-13 ...
5.55~ 64
Fines, forfeitures, etc .. to June, 18-4.
10,833 28
Total.
$28,977 53
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
ORIGIN OF THE CONGRESSIONAL FUND.
Section 16, Township 3 north, Range 1 east.
317 55
Section 16. Township 3 north, Range 2 east
327 89
Section 16, Township 4 north, Range 1 east.
880 65
Section 16, Township 4 north, Range 2 east.
615 53
Section 16, Township 5 north, Range 1 east 2,391 20
Section 16, Township 5 north, Range 2 east.
737 00
Section 16. Township 6 north, Range 1 east.
1,240 00
Section 16, Township 6 north. Range 2 east.
590 01
Section 16, Township 3 north, Range 1 west
829 90
Section 16, Township 3 north, Range 2 west.
1.503 00
Section 16, Township 4 north, Range 1 west.
1.016 66
Section 16, Township 4 north, Range 2 west.
1.048 60
Section 16. Township 5 north, Range 1 west.
1.255 60
Section 16, Township 5 north, Range 2 west.
810 00
Section 16, Township 6 north, Range 1 west.
557 30
Section 16, Township 6 north, Range 2 west.
1,22: 00
$15.327 00
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
Samuel G. Hoskins, Isaac Anderson, Edward Moore. Daniel Pyle. James Fidler, Daniel Green, Joel Conley. Absalom Fields, Samuel Owens, William Tweaky. William Kelsey, 1818; John Short. William Elrod, William Dale, 1819; Robert McCann, Christian Zabrisky. 1820; Rollin C. Dewey, 1821; John Vestal. Robert Gartain, Adamı House, Basil Gaither, Simon Gilbert, 1822; Isaac Fish, Daniel Pyle, James Taggart, John Williams, William Flinn. Lewis Roberts. Robert Ander- son, 1823; John Donaldson, Reuben Rainey, John Hammersly, Robert Millsap, William Blair, 1824; William Dale. 1825; Jonathan Todd. Josiah Beasley, 1826; R. C. Dewey, Jacob Roberts, Olly Crooke, Jobu J. Barnett, Robert Anderson, 1827; Francis Williams. Joel Conley. Sanders McHoward, John R. Crooke, Robert Flinn, Daniel Pyle, Mark Trueblood, S. G. Hoskins, 1828; James Batman, Drury Davis, 1829; Stephanus Hoggatt, Thomas Jolly, William Paterson, Matthias Lemon. 1830; Alfred Athon, Alfred Alexander, John Humston, Robert Porter, Samuel D. Bishop, 1831; S. G. Hoskins, Granville Crump, Noah Boone, Olly Crooke, William Blair. Thomas W. Stephens, Jacob Roberts, 1832; Alexander H. Dunihue, P. G. Panghl, George Carr, James Henderson, J. R. Crooke, Mark Trueblood. Joseph Henderson, Robert Flinn, 1833; Lyman Gould, John Chestnut, 1834; William Fish, Dean Barns, Mat. thew Borland. Felix G. Rawlins, Daniel Dunihue, John Rains, 1935: James Wilder, David R. Lilly, Alexander H. Gainey, J. J. Barnett, James W. Freeman, 1836; James Davis, R. M. Alexander, Samuel Pot. ter. Granville Crump, Reuben Simpson, 1837; William Blair, Johnson Fitzpatrick, James Ellison, William Shields, James Henderson, Russell Mitchell, John Winfrey, 1538; Alexander Sutherland. Robert Flinn. Olly Crooke, L. Q. Hoggutt, Elias P. Kennedy, Mortimer Bostick, James Batman, James Erwin. 1839: Eli Burton, Alonzo S. Wilcox. Dean
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
Barnes, Matthew Borland, Zachariah Whitted, John Rains, 1840; Will. iam Rains, A. H. Burton, William Templeton, 1841; John R. Nugent, Henry Withers, 1842; Robert Ellison, John Rains, James Henderson, Henry Davis, Jesse Keitley, 1843; John D. Thomasson, Olly Crooke, William H. Anderson, 1844; Russell Mitchell, James Batman, Arthur Hastings, Lewis J. Baker, Dean Barnes, William Root, Matthew Borland, Robert Holaday, James Hughes, 1845.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
Ambrose Carlton, Thomas Beazley and James Stotts, March, 1818; James Fulton. 1819, vice Carlton; Richard Williams, 1919, vice Fulton; Jacob Wagoner, 1820, vice Stotts; James S. Mitebell, 1820, vice Wag. oner: Benjamin Blackwell, 1821, vice Beazley; Winthrop Foote, 1821, vice Blackwell; William MeLain, 1821, vice Williams; Moses Lee, 1822, vice MeLain; John R. Crooke, 1823, vice Mitchell: John D. Laughlin, 1823. vice Foote; John Brown, 1824, vice Crooke: Winthrop Foote, 1524, vice Laughlin. In September, 1824, the Justices of the Peace took the place of the County Commissioners in the transaction of county business, but were replaced by the following Commissioners in Septem. ber. 1831: Samuel F. Irwin, Absalom Fields, John Newland, 1831; Hugh Hamer. 1833, vice Fields; Joseph Rawlins, 1834. vice Irwin; Vin- son Williams, 1835. vice Rawlins; Thomas Lemon and William Fish, 1836, vice Williams and Newland; William Johnson. 1838, vice Lemon; Felix G. Rawlins, 1839, vice Hamer; Vinson R. Williams, 1840, vice Fish: Thomas Dixon, 1841, vice Johnson; Ephraim Brock, 1842, vice Rawlins; Vinson Williams, 1843; Thomas Dixon. 1844; Ephraim Brock, 1845; Vinson Williams, 1846; Thomas Dixon. 1847: David S. Lewis, 1548, vice Brock; Abraham Kern, 1849, vice Williams: Thomas Dixon, 1850; John Rains, IS51, vice Lewis; David McIntire, 1852, vice Kern; Thomas Dixon, 1853; Uriah Dilley, 1854, vice MeIntire; John Rains, 1854: Lewis J. Baker. 1855, vice Rains: Thomas Dixon, 1856; David MeIntire, 1857, vice Dilley: James W. Prow. 1858, vice McIntire, resigned; John Rains, 1858, vice Baker; Robert R. Stewart, 1858, vice Prow: Henry C. Huston, 1839; J. W. Prow, 1960. vice Stewart; Am. brose Kern, 1861, vice Rains; W. A. Holland, 1801, vice Huston: Allen C. Burton, 1862. vice Huston; William H. Anderson, 1564, vice Kern; H. M. Guthrie, 1865, vice Holland; Allen C. Burton, 1865: Alfred Guthrie, 1806, vice H. M. Guthrie; Oliver P. Anderson, 1967, vice W. H. Anderson; Thomas J. Reed, 1569, vice Guthrie; Allen C. Burton. 14BS: David L. Sheeks, 1870: Ari Armstrong, 1870; William A. Hol. land. 1871; Wesley Edwards, 1872. vice Sheeks: Ari Armstrong, 1873; William Hunter. 1874, vice Holland; Wesley Edwards. 1875: Alexander C. (Hlover, 1576, vice Armstrong: Cranston T. Dodd. 1877: David L. Sheek -. 1875, vice Edwards: A. C. Glover 1879: William Stickles, 1880,
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
vice Dodd; Tilghman H. Williams, 1881, vice Sheeks; A. C. Glover, 1882; William Stickles, 1883.
REPRESENTATIVES.
Samuel Chambers (of Orange County), 1818; Joseph Glover, 1922; Vinson Williams, 1823; William Erwin. 1824; Lewis Roberts, 1826; Vinson Williams, 1828; Pleasant Parks, 1829: Hugh L. Livingston and William B. Slaughter, 1832; John Brown and Absalom Fields, 1S33; Pleasant Parks and Richard W. Thompson, 1834; R. W. Thompson and Noah Boone, 1835; Vinson Williams and Noah Boone, 1836; V. Williams and Melchert Helmer, 1837; M. Helmer and George W. Carr, 1838; Hugh Hamer and Robert M. Carlton, 1839; H. Hamer and G. W. Carr, 1840; Ralph G. Norvell and John J. Barnett, 1841; same 1842; R. G. Norvell and William Burton, 1843; W. Burton and Lucian Q. Hoggatt, 1844; G. W. Carr and John Edwards, 1845; same 1846; Samnel W. Short, 1847; G. W. Carr, 1848 (Speaker of the House); G. W. Carr, 1849; George Isom, 1850; Melchert Helmer, 1851; David S. Lewis, 1852; * D. S. Lewis. 1854; - Robert Bord, 1856: Nathaniel Williams, 1861; Robert Boyd, 1864; Moses F. Dunn, 1866; William H. Edwards, 1872; A. J. Williams, 1874; Alfred Guth- rie. 1876; Mr. Dalton. 1878; Joseph Gardner, 1880; James McClelland, 1882.
SENATORS.
John DePauw, 1818; (see Orange County History), James Gregory, 1821; Samuel Chambers, 1822; John Milroy, 1826; John G. Clendenin, 1829; Samnel Chambers, 1832; Richard W. Thompson, 1836; Gustavus Clark, 1838: George W. Carr, 1841; Hugh Hamer, 1844; M. A. Malott, 1847; George G. Dunn, 1850; * * A. J. Hostetler, 1855; Thomas R. Cobb (Lawrence and Martin Counties), 1858; Aaron Houghton (Martin and Lawrence Counties), 1867; James Hughes (Lawrence and Monroe Counties), 1869; George W. Friedley (Lawrence and Monroe Counties), 1872; W. B. F. Treat (Lawrence and Monroe Counties). 1877; William Taylor (Lawrence, Martin and Dubois Counties), 1881; James H. Willard (Lawrence, Martin and Dubois Counties), 1883.
SCHOOL EXAMINERS.
Wiley Dison, Newton F. Malott and James T. Shields, 1S58; Newtou F. Malott, Eli Baldwin and Wiley Dixon, 1859; A. C. Voris, John L. Stewart and Dodridge Short, 1560; W. N. Bullett, A. C. Voris and Dodridge Short, 1861: George Sheeks, June, 1861, under the new law for three years alone. A. D. Lemon, September, 1861, vice Sheeks gone to the war; J. M. Stalker, 1566; William M. May, 1867; James B. Crowe, 1868; William B. Chrisler, 1572; James P. Funk, 1573; first Superintendent. William B. Chrisler, 1574; E. B. Thornton. 1979; W. B. Chrisler, 1581; W. D. Ellison, 1853.
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
PROBATE JUDGES.
Benjamin Blackwell, 1824; William Erwin, 1829; Rollin C. Dewey. 1832: Asher Wilcox, 1833; William Duncan, 1836; Isaac N. Senter, 1844: William Newland, 1846.
ASSOCIATE JUDGES.
John Milroy and William Erwin, 1818; William Fields, 1820; vice Milroy; Joseph Athon, 1831; Pleasant Padget, 1831; Elzy Woodward, 1835: John Whitted, 1838; Joseph Hostetler, 1841; Alexander Butler, 1845: John Whitted, 1849; Zachariah Whitted, 1851.
TREASURERS.
John Anderson, March, 1818; Samuel W. Biggs, 1819; William Kelsey, 1819; Rollin C. Dewey, 1822; Ezekiel Blackwell, 1823; Rollen C. Dewey, 1824; John Brown, 1828; R. C. Dewey, 1829; Francis F. Williams, 1831; Edward C. Moberly, 1832; William Templeton, 1934; A. H. Dunihue, 1835; Joseph Rawlins, 1836; Winthrop Foote, 1839; John W. Thompson, 1841; Henry Davis, 1853; George Sheeks. 1856; Dean Barnes, 1858; Thomas H. Malott, 1862; Hugh Erwin, 1864; John B. Glover, 1868; Robert Kelly, 1872; E. C. Newland, 1874; F. A. Sears, 1877; J. D. Moore, 1880; Robert Kelly, 1882.
RECORDERS.
Robert C. Stotts, March 2, 1S18; John Lowrey, 1819; John Brown, 1829: John Vestal, 1831; John Lowrey, 1845; Andrew Gelwick. 1852: Charles G. Berry, 1860; W. A. Mathes, 1864; John F. Richards, 1868; William Erwin, Jr., 1875.
CLERKS.
John Lowrey, May 5, 1818; John Brown, 1829; Robert Mitchell, 1832; Gustavus Clark, 1845; George A. Thornton, 1852; David Harrison, 1860; John Riley, 1864; John M. Stalker, 1872; Robert H. Carlton, 1880.
AUDITORS.
Before 1841, the clerk was ex-officio Auditor. John Peters, 1841; James A. Pender, 1855; John MI. Harson, 1959, Andrew Gelwick, 1963. Charles T. Woolfolk, 1867; J. E. Dean, 1874; Isaac H. Crim, 1878.
SHERIFFS.
Joseph Glover, January 13, 1818; Moses Fell, 1882; Joseph Glover, 1826: Robert Mitchell, 1828; Joseph Glover, 1831; Isaac Fish, 1835; Lucian Q. Hoggatt, 1841; Felix L. Raymond, 1843; Andrew Gelwick, 1847: Jesse K-, 1851; William W. Cook, 1952; Thomas S. Enochs, 1852: Dixon Cobb, 1855; E. S. Thompson, 1956; J. R. Glover, 1858; Joseph Tincher, 1862; William Daggy, 1964; V. V. Williams, 1968; Isaac Newkirk. 1872; M. A. Burton, 1876: F. T. Dunihue, 1878; J. M. McDowell. 1882.
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
CORONERS.
Thomas Henton, August, 1818; Peter Harmason, 1819; Joseph Raw- lins, 1820; Samuel F. Irwin, 1824; T. H. Briggs, 1826; Elbert Jeter, 1828; Russell Mitchell, 1S32; E. P. Kennedy, 1833; Lewis Younger. 1837; E. P. Kennedy, 1941; James W. Freeman, 1845; Henry Ander. son, 1847; L. W. Thompson, 1850; Henry C. Hardy, 1852; Christian Seibert, 1854; Henry Anderson, 1856; William A. Cook, 1857; J. P. Potter, 1S60; H. C. Hardy, 1961; John Reath, 1803; A. G. Young, 1964; Charles Cramer, 1505; W. C. Carson, 1867; Lewis Younger, 1870; Joseph Stinehazen, 1872; Ezekiel Stout, 1874: Joseph Stinehazen, 1576; Alfred C. Harrison, 1517: Alfred Hamm, 1878.
SURVEYORS.
Robert Mitchell, May, ISIS; William Duncan, 1S23; Boliver Dun- can, 1552; Lycurgus Duncan. 195S; Dodridge Short, 1870; John B. Malott. 1872.
COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.
At a preliminary meeting held at Bedford July 4, 1851, a committee was appointed, of which William Duncan was Chairman, to prepare a constitution and by-laws of a proposed agricultural society. On the 9th of August, 1$51, a large meeting was held at the court house in Bedford, to effect a permanent organization and adopt the constitution prepared by the committee. John McCrea was made Chairman and Leonard Green Secretary. The constitution and by- laws, after discussion and amend. ment. were adopted. The following men then enrolled their names as members of the organization: John McCrea, William Duncan. Jesse Johnson. G. M. Brown, Ralston Ferguson, H. C. Houston, Ambrose Kern. Robert Boyd, Pleasant Parks, Samuel F. Irwin, Edward MeCrea. John Whitted, Daniel Johnson, Leonard Green, Boliver Duncan. Lewis Ront, Charles Miller, Austin Hubbard, J. W. Newland, David Ikerd. John Glover, William Fisher, Caswell Donica. William Malott. Enoch Fanbion. John Borland, Jesse A. Mitchell, Isaac Denson, George G. Dunn, G. H. Monson, Ezra Kern, David Long, J. R. Nugent, George .A. Thornton. The following permanent officers were elected: John Me- Crea. President: John Borland, Vice- President; G. A. Thornton. Secre- tary: Samuel F. Irwin, Treasurer; Ralston Ferguson, Caswell Donica. J. R. Nugent. Lewis Rout, Charles Miller, Robert Boyd, William Dun- can and Austin Hubbard. Directors. No fair was held in 1851. Full arrangements were made for the fair of 1552. During the early part of the year F. R. Nugent. J. M. Bishop. Ben Newland, James T. Parks. W. M. Tannehill, T. L. Carlton, Winthrop Foote, Edmund Reed, William Smith, Isaac John-on. Lewis Carlton. S. W. Short. D. R. Laforce and Howard Ferguson became members of the society. It was determined that the fair should be mainly a stock show. to be held at Bedford. south-
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
west of town, on the land of Jesse A. Mitchell, on the 9th of November. The following awarding committees were appointed: On cattle-Stever Younger, William Duncan and John Borland; on sheep-William Dun- can, R. Ferguson and William Stipp; on horses-John Ragsdale, Henry Brown and G. G. Dunn; on jacks-Frank Houston, W. M. Tannehill and William Ragsdale; on mules -W. ML Tannehill, John Campbell and Franklin Houston; on hogs-John Whitted, William Henderson and Joseph Rawlins; on poultry-Jesse Johnson, Enoch Faubion and James Beaty. Thompson H. Biggs was appointed to prepare and read an essay on fruits, and R. R. Bryant one on fowls; on corn-Jesse Johnson, Elisha Boyd and James Woods; on manufactured articles-G. M. Brown, B. Duncan and William Root. The officers of 1852 were: Pleasant Parks, Presi- dent; John Whitted. Vice-President; Isaac Rector, Treasurer; R. R. Bryant, Secretary. The fair was held with quite a respectable attend- ance. Premiums on cattle were awarded G. M. Brown, Lewis Rout. Isaac Rector, Jesse Johnson, William Stipp and G. B. Owens; on sheep to Enoch Faubion and Jesse Johnson; on borses to Fred Stipp, William Fisher. John Rogers, William Duncan, G. M. Brown, Ben Newland and David Ikerd; on jacks to William Duncan and Daniel and Peter Myers; on poultry to R. R. Bryant; on manufactured articles, to Enoch Faubion. best plow; on agricultural products to Enoch Faubion, best white corn: Lewis Carlton, best yellow corn; John B. Buskirk, best beet, 8} pounds: Enoch Faubion, best wheat: H. B. Richardson, best pumpkin; Enoch Faubion. best sweet potatoes: Joseph Caldwell, best turnips. Judge Duncan read an essay on the management of stock, and R. R. Bryant on fowls.
No fair, except a public sale of stock. was held in 1853. This was quite interesting, however, and many leading farmers and stockraisers of the county were present. In 1554. strong efforts were made to merge the society into the joint fair of Orange and Washington Counties, bat without success. At none of the fairs thus far was there a gate fee. The membership dues in 1551 were 818: in 1852, were $14.75, and in 1533. were $13 In the spring of 1954, arrangements were made to purchase a fair ground by means of stock subscriptions. Grounds had been leased. only, heretofore. The plan was dropped until April, 1856, when W. Duncan, Hiram Londer, Denton Sheeks, Howard Ferguson. Jesse H. Bailey, Ezra Kern, Uriah Dilly, William Embree and Meek Beck were appointed to purchase a ground after getting subscriptions -nfficient to pay for the same. In June. the committee reported the pur- chase of a tract just west of, and adjoining, town. 30x40 rods, or nearly eight acres, of Jesse A. Mitchell. For some reason no fair was held here and the grounds were sold in 1557, and a tract northwest of town consisting of ten acres was purchased of William Fisher for $1,000. At this time (July, 1557), the society owed Mr. Mitchell $540, and had paid
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