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 11
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 11
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 11
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
Mr. Fisher all except $250 of the $1,000, and had made complete arrange- ments for building, fencing, etc. The original subscription of stock for the purchase of a fair ground was $50 each by the following men:
David Sears, Noah Kern, Louis Ront, Samuel A. Rariden, Jesse H. Baily, Caswell Donica, Frederic R. Nngent, Daniel Pafford, John C. Cavins, John Reed, Henry Culbertson, Anderson Fish, Bolivar Duncan. Dixon Cobb, Israel Judah, William Duncan. Jesse Johnson, M. A. Malott. George A. Thornton, John Baker, George G. Dann, Noah Boone, John Boyd, Logan Fish, William Sherrill, Greenberry Owens, Jesse Steven. son. Samuel Scoggan, George Whitted, John Y. Dunlavy, Isaiah Lamb, Alexander Cox, Jack Williams, Bartemus Williams, Denton Sheeks, Ezra Kern, Isaac Denson, Levi Houston, Jesse A. Mitchell, William Fisher, William Ragsdale, Jobn Ragsdale, Alexander H. Dunihue. Humphrey Anderson, James Wilkerson. Johu R. Nngent. The total amount of this subscription was $2,300. a portion of which was never collected.
THE FIRST AGRICULTURAL FAIR.
The first fair of the Lawrence County Agricultural Society was held in the autumn of 1857, and was successful. The total receipts from all sources were $2,369. 15, which amount was mostly from the stock sub. scriptions. The value of the real estate and improvements was $2.090.83. showing, if the land cost $1,000, that the improvements put thereon had been $1,090.83. The liabilities of the society were $1,941.75. The grounds, ten acres, were surrounded with a tight board fence, seven and a half feet high, had 150 stalls for stock, had a track for trotting and had an amphitheater capable of accommodating 2,000 persons, besides several smaller buildings for floral and agricultural displays. The second fair was held in 1858, and was also highly successful. The total receipts were $1,200. The premiums cost $470. There were 520 entries and 170 premiums awarded. The President in 1857, was Robert Boyd; in 1858. Isaac Denson. At this time the grounds and improvements were covered by a mortgage. While this society existed the total number of persons belonging was 228. The debt of the society was so great that all attempts to hold a fair in 1859 was abandoned. The same of 1860, bnt in November of that year a joint stock company was formed to pay the bank debt and the debt due the estate of George G. Dunn. A new constitution was adopted at this time and other arrangements made to place the society on a firm basis, but the war coming on the project was temporarily dropped.
THE RE-ORGANIZATION OF THE SOCIETY.
October 8, 1869, a meeting was held to re-organize the society, Henry Davis being called to the chair, and Isaac Rector made Secretary. A Committee was appointed to prepare a constitution, etc., to be reported the following night, and another Committee was appointed to solicit
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
additional members or stockholders. At the next meeting the constitu- tion was adopted, and the following permanent officers elected: Jesse A. Mitchell, President; Henry Davis, Vice. President; C. T. Woolfolk. Sec- retary: W. C. Winstandley, Treasurer: William Daggy, Superintendent; James Ragsdale, W. A. Holland. Dodridge Short, Daniel Boone. Wesley Ront. F. R. Nugent, J. A. Smith, Wilson Anderson, Alfred Guthrie, William Duncan, William Ragsdale, Robert Kelly, Henry Culbertson, William Daggy and S. W. Short. Directors. Several other meetings were held, one on the 30th of October, when a Committee was appointed to select a fair ground, and shares of stock were fixed at $25 each. July 14, 1870, the society after receiving the report of the special Committee ordered bought of Thomas A. Whitted the following tract of land: The south part of the west half of the east hall of the southwest quarter of Section 11, Township 5 north, Range I west. in all 13.75 acres: also 2} acres of the same tract of Stever Younger. These grounds were ordered improved. A fair seems to have been held in 1869, the gross receipts being $1,304. It was the first under the present organization, which makes the coming one of 1854 the sixteenth. The fair of 1870 was of four days' duration. the gross receipts being $1,159.50, all of which was awarded in premiums as follows: horses, $774; mules, $25; cattle, 8141: hogs. $46; sheep, 831: poultry, 83; farming implements. $74: domestic manufactures. $19: equestrianism. 816.50; mechanical department. $20: other, 840. The Treasurer reported that 82,377.75 had been spent on the grounds, and that the expenses of conducting the fair were $278.70. In August, 1571, two acres of adjoining timber land were purchased of Mrs. George A. Thornton for $200. Extensive arrangements were made for the fair of 1871. This fair awarded $1,128 in premiums on 470 entries, and in special premiums raised the awards to $1,443.90. The total entries in the live stock department in 1869 were 99; in 1870 were 206, and in IS71 were 245. The Treasurer's report was as follows:
Receipts of falr 1971 $1.626 .30)
Stock receipts
2.059 %5
Total
.$4.296 35
Premium expenses, etc $1.443 90
Improvement of grounds, etc 2.5.0 95
Total. *4,314 85
Debitor balance. : 29 50
In October, 1972, the Treasurer made the following report:
RECEIPTS. EXPENDITURES.
From stockholders ... 2. 1)
Land of Younger .. .$ 175 00
Show license.
Land of Whitted. .. 825 00
Lumber. 13 50
Land of Thornton. .. 150 00
Fair of 15;1 (not) 14) .15
Improvements, etc .. 2.539 77
Total
Total. $3,699 77
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
At this time there were 120 stockholders, and the debt of the society was about $313. The total receipts of the fair of 1872 were $1,479.65, and total expenses $1,462.65; total entries, 557; total premiums award- ed, $1,186. The total receipts of 1873 were $1,763.35, and expenses $1,698.90; entries, 545; premiums awarded, $1,539. In 1874 the re- ceipts were $847.53, expenses $767.68; total entries, 461; premiums awarded, $586 50. The receipts of 1875 were $321.65; expenses, $293.75. In 1877 the entries were 246, and awards $1,014.50; receipts, $1, 120.61; expenses, $1,031.33. In 1878 the receipts were $1,596.45, and expenses $1,427.80. In 1880 the receipts were $1,056.45; expenses, $1,033.15. Other and later statistics cannot be given. The following is an imper- fect list of the stockholders: S. W. Short, Robert Kelly, C. F. Wool- folk, Hostetler & Co., Cosner & Glover. T. H. Malott, Lycurgus Dalton, W. A. Ragsdale, A. A. Malott, E. E. Johnson, R. H. Carlton, J. P. Francis, Fred Stipp, M. N. Messick, A. H. Dunihue. James Meglemeric, Jesse A. Mitchell, William Daggy, Wilson & Voris, W. C. Winstandley, Palmer & Thornton, W. W. Malott, G. H. Ragsdale, Jefferson Ragsdale, Parks & Lane, J. W. Palmer, J. H. Bailey, Gordon Bailey, Aylett Hous- ton, Wesley Rout, W. H. Bryant, Thomas Stipp, Daniel Boone. C. C. Williams, A. J. Williams, Abner Armstrong, A. G. Gainey, J. H. Rags- dale, H. H. Batman, R. L. Rout, D. R. Bowden, W. A. Holland. Ander- son Fish, Hugh Erwin, Stephen Fountain, John Younger, Michael Stipp, Alfred Guthrie, E. N. Ikerd, Alfred Grayson, Homer Rawlins, Henry Culbertson, Samuel Bristow, Charles Kramer, J. D. Knight, J. D. Thom- asson. John Owens, ML. A. Malott, Alexander Bivens. Lycurgus Duncan, William Duncan, G. W. Glover, Logan Fish, Wesley Armstrong. James Watson, William Day, G. G. Dunn, J. L. Campbell, Samuel Bennett, P. W. Younger, R. H. Ellison, E. C. Newland, John Holland, Peter Myers, Moses F. Dunn, James Stipp. H. M. Batman, Mrs. G. A. Thorn- ton, John Bass, E. E. Embree, G. T. Starr, J. W. Newland, Ziba Hop- kins, Daggy, Hodge & Co., John Riley, G. W. Friedley, J. P. Parks. D. Harrison, B. W. Lee, Felix Armstrong. W. W. McFadden, H. C. Dun- can. Samuel Judah, T. N. Stevens, D. F. Tilford, Jesse Mann, W. Mcknight, J. MeKnight, Alexander Starr, M. D. Lyon, V. V. Williams, Eb. Jeter, Noyes E. Strout, N. L. Hall, Bolivar Duncan, William Ed. wards. G. P. Lee, W. C. Mitchell, William Smith, Robert Mitchell. Dan- iel Myers, William Tannehill, John Short and Alfred Short.
THE COUNTY FINANCES.
Statements of the early finances of the county cannot be given. as no record was kept. The following are the receipts and expenditures from January 7, 1833, to November 4. 1533:
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
RECEIPTS.
EXPENSES.
Store licenses.
₹ 200 37
Elections .. * 12 75
County revenue. 2.836 89
Wolf scalps. 3 00
Extra revenue. 40 00
Improper 6 65
Road tax
59 00
Poor ... 187 29
Improperly collected. . 26 32
Attorneys ..
40 00
County Board.
48 00
Bailiffs, etc.
41 50
Court house, third pay-
ment. 1,333 33
Jailor's fees.
2 31
Assessors
50 00
Fuel, etc .. 19 50
Road viewers 3 00
Contested election. 14 94
Road Supervisors. 102 25
Associate Judges.
36 00
Grand jurors.
67 50
Petit jurors 88 50
Delinquencies 246 95
Treasurer's fees. 79 00
Collector's fees
161 46
Orders redeemed.
450 73
Cash on hand.
124 27
Total. .83.145 25 Total $3,145 25
From November 3, 1834, to November 3, 1835, the store license was $357.72: county revenue, 81,470.53; total receipts, $2,207.76: county orders paid were $1,556.05; county offices cost $310.50; total expenses, 81.936.11: leaving on band, $271.65. From this date nothing can be given until the fiscal year 1544-45 as follows: Receipts from merchants', grocers' and other licenses, $3SS.53; delinquent tax receipts, 8693.16; county revenue, $3.775.65; total receipts, $4,956.90. Roads cost $137.38; bridges. $811: county offices, $300.S1: total expense. $3,541.46. leaving on hand. $1.415.44. For the year 1545-46 there was on hand at the be- ginning $1.415.44; received for merchants' license, $166.47; grocers' license, $35.46; county revenne, 82.442.06; delinquent revenues, 8514.44; total receipts, $4,617.72. The courts cost $114; the poor, $165.02; county officers. $406.17; total expense, $2.807.65; leaving on hand, $1.810.07. In 1846-47 the receipts for merchants' license were $185.75: grocers' license. $47.32: county revenue. $2.646.S9; total receipts, 84,787.33. The poor cost $335.47; county officers. 8464.79; total expense, 82.487.98; leaving on hand. $2,209.35. In 1849-50 there was on hand $1.352.61; merchants' and grocers' license, $294. 15; ferry license, $20; county rev- ente. $2.251.54. The total expenses were 82,730.19, and balance on hand. $1.1SS.11 less 802.75 in old orders redeemed. In 1852-53 there was on hand $509.31; received from licenses, $311.55; county revenue, $3,333.05: totul receipts. 84.548. 16: poor cost, $706.65; county officers,
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
$800.05; total expense. $3,697.79: old orders redeemed. 855 81: leaving on hand SS04.56. In 1855-56 there was ou hand $1.669.65: county rev. enue, including delinquency, $7.203.52: the poor cost $1.619.93: county officers. $842,43; total expenses, $5.170.40: total receipts, $9.281.68; leaving on hand, 84. 111.28. In 1857-5S there was on hand $4. 154.25: connty reveune receipts were $8.353.52: total receipts. $12.873. 75: coun- ty officers cost $1, 782.59; poor, $1,940.26: courts. 81.975.27: total ex- pense. 89.319.60, leaving on hand. 83.553.15. The cash on hand in 1859-00 was $4.836.65; county revenue received. $4.923.23: receipts from connty bonds sold, $2,763; total expenses, $13.203.54. The courts cost $1,574.63; county officers, $2.848.05: total expense. $12.400.55; leaving on band $803.01.
In 1562-63 there was on hand 80.679.13: county revenne. 88.086.56: total receipts, 814.795.69; courts cost. $1.100.36: county officers. $1,840.12: total expense, 87,821.69: leaving on hand $6.872. In 1904- 65 there was on band $6.831.43: county revenne. $11.370.91: from the sale of county bonds. $16.245.13: total receipts. $34,930.34: the courts cost $1,325.77; county officers, 83.320.76: soldiers' families, 81.260.92: paid on county bounty bonds, $13.500; total expense. $20.203.19. leaving on band $5,667.15. In 1867-68 there was on band $9.999.91 : county revenue. $11,122.53: bond tax receipts. $10,616.55: new bonds soll. $12.000; total receipts, $42,943.69; bridges cost. 85.250.96; courts. 82.303.21: bonds redeemed, $11,800; county officers cost, $5,315.46: total expense. $36,998.79, leaving on hand $5,954.90. In 1969-70 there was on hand $4.09$.66; county revenue. 839.554.06: total receipts. 844,270.61; the courts cost, $3,965.92; public buildings cost. $4.522.10: county officers. $4,079.29; agricultural society, $360; total expense, $26.987.57. leaving on hand $17,283.04. In 1871-72 the receipts from the sale of the old court honse were $552.50; county bonds sold, 850.000; county officers cost, 87.444.03; public buildings cost, 800.456; public square cost. $2,707.61, there was left on hand $11,932.82. The next year 820.443.71 was spent on public buildings, and $2,453.76 on the public square. In 1872-73 there was on hand $11,932.32; receipts from bonds sold, $7,000: county revenue, $42,630.76; total receipts, 863.305.99; county officers cost, $6,427.71; the courts. $2,002.09; county bonds redeemed, $7.000; interest paid on county bonds. $5,375: total expense, 830,141.14: leaving on hand, 827.164.74. In 1875-76 there was on band 822,140.67; county revenne, $40,357.63; bonds paid, $17.1)W): interest on bonds. 83,513.86; the courts cost, $4, 448.20; county officers cost. $6.211.34: balance on hand, $15,766.71. In 1877-75 the receipts from the sale of bridge bonds were $19,800; county revenue was $49,001.43: bridges cost, $23,402.07; county officers, $3,993.40: balance on hand. $1.454.79. In 1879-80 the county revenue was $29,250.92. there being on hand at the beginning of the year 86,212.89. the total receipts being $50.549.84.
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
Bridges, including $5,000 worth of bonds, cost $7,094. 13; county officers cost. 83.453.55: poor, $7,251.51; total expense, 852,930.08; balance on band. $6,619.70. In 1552-53 there was on hand $9,584.50; county rev- enne was $25.150; borrowed from Jesse Johnson, $2,000; total receipts, $37,257.62: county officers cost. 84.268.85; poor, $7,437.15; bonds redeemed. $4,000; total expenses, $33.353.01. The following is the full report of the county for 1SS3-84:
RECEIPTS.
Balance in treasury June 1. 1~$3.
3.934 61
Bridge bon Is soldi ..
62,000 00
Bridge orders soldl.
4.000 00
Costs from Monroe County
524 00
Costs in roadl cases.
20 85
Interest rebated on bonds -old.
12 50
From Ferguson and Benzel.
3 00
From land redemption
344 91
Costs from Orange County.
454 35
Common school fund interest.
413 04
Congressional school fund interest.
501 ×7
Special Judges.
250 00
Costs from Greene County.
192 80
Jury fees received ..
9 00
Damages and costs received.
12 20
Erroneous tax receipts.
35 36
County revenue.
24,215 73
Bridge revenue.
6,144 14
Total
8103,078 36
EXPENDITURES.
Pour ..
% 6.300 23
Circuit Court ..
5,366 51
Assessing property
1,438 00
Tax refunded ..
55 36
Bridges.
55,668 01
Specific.
1,485 06
County offices.
5,157 33
Jail.
353 30
Public buildings
159 20
Fox scalps. .
36 50
Special Judges
250 00
Board if Equalization.
10 00
Benevolent institutions.
238 30
Redemption of land.
328 18
Printing
228 10
Costs and damages.
4 70
Stationery.
1,675 96
Insanity . .
1,240 23
Attorney's feet ....
338 50
County Superintendent.
1.054 95
Roads ...
142 50
Interest on county orders
319 74
Fites
423 91
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
Inquest.
37 10
Insurance .
60 00
County Institute.
50 00
Mileage of Justices.
7 85
State and county revenue.
154 93
Negotiation of bridge bonds.
370 00
Total.
$82.950 05
Bonded indebtedness.
$62,000 00
County orders outstanding.
6,248 00
Total county debt.
$69.248 00
ISAAC H. CRIM. Auditor.
POPULATION OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
In 1820
4.116
In 1830.
9,234
In 1840. 11,782
In 1850
12,097
In 1860
.13,692
In 1870.
14,628
In 1880
19.543
In 1884 (estimated).
20,000
RAILROAD PROJECTS.
The first railroad built across the county was the New Albany & Salem Railway in 1851-53. So far as known no funds of the county were appropriated to assist this project. The citizens, however, individually contributed largely to the success of the enterprise. In every instance, 80 far as known, the right-of-way was given. Aside from this, the citi- zens in subscribed stock and labor, contributed over $100,000, and gave their hearty support to the speedy completion of the road. The next project was the Ohio & Mississippi Railway across the southern portion of the county, in 1855-57. No funds of the county were appropriated for this enterprise, but, as in the other case, the citizens gave in subscribed stock, labor and the right-of-way, a consideration worth more than $100,000. In 1870 Marion Township voted 264 for and 169 against a tax of two per cent to assist the Rockport & Northern Central Railroad. The tax was levied, but not collected, the road having been abandoned. In 1872 the question again came up, the township voting 359 for and 239 against a two per cent tax. The tax was levied. It was at this time that an effort was made to create a new township out of the northern half of Marion, to be called White River, but without success. As the road was not built the collection of tax was abandoned. Other questions of this nature have come before the county, two being the question of aiding the Indianapolis & Evansville Mineral Railroad, and the Bedford, Browns- town & Madison Railroad.
THE BEDFORD & BLOOMFIELD RAILWAY.
The Bedford & Bloomfield Railway (narrow gauge) was built under
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
the name the Bedford, Springville, Owensburg & Bloomfield Railway. The capital was fixed at $1,000,000, divided into 20,000 shares of $50 each, and the route covered a distance of thirty-six miles. Clark, Buel, Donahey & Co. organized in November, 1874, contracted to build and equip the road and secure the bonds for the individual stock sub- scriptions, the right of way and the township tax of two per cent. The first Directors were Jesse A. Mitchell, T. H. Malott, Nathan Hall, John D. Thomasson, S. A. Rariden, James W. Palmer, Davis Harrison, Felix Armstrong, Wesley Short, J. N. Conley, W. H. Irwin, Alexander Hat- field and Seymour Cobb. The question of furnishing a two per cent tax in Shawswick Township, when voted upon in February, 1875, resulted 402 in favor and 160 against the tax. Perry voted 92 for and 55 against a two per cent tax. Indian Creek voted 157 for and 75 against. The tax in Shawswick amounted to $42,000; in Perry, to $10,900; in Indian Creek, $13,000. In June, 1875, one per cent of this tax was ordered levied. In 1875 Conley, Mason & Co., residents of Greene County, bought the railroad in its then unfinished condition, but soon afterward went into bankruptcy, and the Indianapolis Rolling Mill Company, as assignees, took the road in July, 1876, and completed it by October of that year, but did not get complete ownership until December, 1882. This company, in turn, February, 1853, sold all the stock, bonds, fran- chises, and equipments of the road to the Bedford & Bloomfield Railway Co. a local organization, which yet owns the property. The first officers of the road were: W. O. Rockwood, President; W. C. Winstandly, Vice President and Treasurer; C. B. Parkman, Secretary; E. Hul. bert, Superintendent. In February, 1884, the company bought the short line from Bloomfield to Switz City. The road cost the present company a consideration of about $400,000. The principal stockholders at pres. ent are: John Thomas, President; W. C. Winstandley, Vice-President and Treasurer; J. W. Kennedy, General Superintendent; Aquilla James, W. W. Manson, Frank Landers, W. P. Malott, A. C. Voris and others.
COUNTY BRIDGES.
As early as 1819 a bridge 280 feet long and 16 feet wide was built over Guthrie Creek on the Palestine & Bono Road, by Samuel and Thomas A. Dale, at a cost of over $2.000. The next bridge of note was one over Salt Creek, which cost $1,258.15, built in 1832-33. Various other bridges in the county prior to 1870 cost a total of over $25,000. Since then the following costly bridges have been erected:
On Salt Creek, 1570. $ 2.400
On White River at Davis' Ferry. 27.000
On White River at Tunnelton. 27.000
On White River at Dawson's Ferry 25.000
On White River at Williams' Ferry 19.000
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
THE MITCHELL DISTRICT MEDICAL SOCIETY.
In February, 1874. the Mitchell District Medical Society was organ. ized at Mitchell, and comprised the following counties: Lawrence. Orange, Washington, Martin. Monroe. Owen. Brown, Jackson. Jennings and Greene. The first officers were S. A. Rariden, President; E. D. Laughlin. Vice-President; G. W Burton, Secretary; M. D. Crim, Treasurer; Joseph Gardner, Corresponding Secretary. In organizing a district society, it was thought that by getting together the lea.ling physicians over a large tract of country, the causes which usually prove the death of country societies within a few years could be avoided. Among the members of the profession present at the organization were the following: Ben Newland, Hiram Malott. B. J. Hon, A. W. Gray, H. C. Dixon. Royce Davis, J. W. Pearson, A. W. Barr, A. L. Berry, W. F. Homer. F. Lee, G. S. Hancock, W. H. Smith, John Burton, L. A. Crim, E. S. McIntire, J. C. Pearson, J. L. W. Yost, J. B. Lar- kin. W. A. Burton. Gradually the bounds of the district were enlarged until now several States are included. Semi-annual meetings are held alternately at Mitchel and Seymour. The charter members (so to speak), of this society, were Ben Newland. E. S. McIntire, G. W. Burton, J. B. Larkin, H. L. Kimberlin and S. A. Rariden. The society is now very strong, with 175 members from over a large section of country. From this society, as a branch, sprang the Tri-State Medical Society of Indiana. Illinois and Kentucky, the limits of which have been enlarged and changed, the organization being now known as the Mississippi Val- ley Medical Society, comprising twenty-two States. The present officers of the Mitchell District Society are J. S. Arwine of Columbus. Indiana, President; J. B. Shipman of Seymour, Secretary and Treasurer. Much of the time of the society is spent in the discussion of scientific subjects. This is the most important organization of the kind in this portion of the country, but was at first very weak, and largely the laughing stock of the local profession.
THE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.
The first organization of this kind in the county was in 1833 mal-practice suit brought together many physicians, who thereupon held a meeting, effected a partial organization, and adopted a code of ethics and a fee bill. This organization was short-lived, though many interesting meetings were held. In 1864, a meeting was held at Bedford to revive the society; the physicians present being: John C. Cavins, W. H. Smith. Ben Newland, S. A. Rariden, J. W. Newland. Joseph Stillson. W. Burton, J. B. Larkin, Isaac Denson, John A. Blackwell, G. W. Burton, W. B. Woodward, F. W. Beard, John Burton, James Dodd, P. G. Pugh, A. W. Bare. T. P. Conley, H. C. Malott, H. L. Kimberlin, J. T. Biggs, J. J. Durand, Hiram Malott. John Gunn and perhaps others. The organ- ization seems to have been postponed to 1866, at which time it was
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
effected. and was then conducted for several years with much protit to the members. It has continued until the present. In about 1875, it became a branch of the State Medical Society, and is thus at present. The officers of 1883, were E. D. Laughlin, President; E. S. McIntire, Vice-President; G. W. Burton, Secretary; C. E. Rariden, Assistant Secretary: S. A. Rariden, Treasurer; W. H. Smith, A. L. Berry and Hamilton Stillson, Censors. This very short and imperfect sketch can- uot be improved, owing to the loss of the records.
COUNTY POLITICS.
So far as can be learned the county during its early history was Demo- cratic with a majority varying all the way from very small to several bundred. The election returns were not preserved and definite statements cannot be given. The vote given below during the fifties, exhibits the average Democratic majority. In some cases if the man was unusually prominent and popular, he went in though a Whig. This was often the case as will be seen elsewhere in this chapter. The free soil movement in the forties had but little following in the county. From 1858 to 1860 this county gradually became Republican and has thus remained to the present. The Greenback or Independent party has had respectable sup- port. The following exhibit illustrates the political situation since 1852 :
NOVEMBER, 1852.
Towsuits.
DEMOCRAT. Pierce and
WHIG. Scott and Grabam.
Shawswick
317
244
Bono
64
84
Marion.
109
248
Spice Valley
32
136
Indian Creek
112
100
Perry
130
159
Pleasant Run.
161
41
Flinn
158
42
Total.
1113
1054
NOVEMBER, 1856.
DEMOCRAT. Buchanan and Breckicridge.
REPI'BLICAN. Fremont and Payton.
AMERICAN. Fillmore and Donelson.
Shawswick
288
190
92
Pleasant Run
158
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