History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc, Part 86

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 199-?]
Publisher: [Salem, Mass. : Higginson Book Co.]
Number of Pages: 954


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 86
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 86
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 86


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


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COUNTY SCHOOL OFFICERS.


Micajah Newby, Commissioner, 1835: John Nixon, Commissioner,


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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.


1841; James G. May, Jeremiah Rowland and John H. Butler, Examin- ers, 1840; same 1841; B. M. Nice. J. G. May and J. N. Heylin, 1842; J. H. Butler, Lindley Sears and Jeremiah Rowland, Examiners, 1843; John H. Butler, Jeremiah Rowland and James G. May, 1844; Elijah Newland, Commissioner, 1845; J, H. Butler, Elijah Newland and John L. Morrison, Examiners, 1946; John M. Lord, Dewitt C. Thomas and James J. Brice, 1850; .


* * Zacharias S. Garriott, Examiner, 1854; Thomas N. Jordan, 1854; 'Z. S. Garriott, 1856; James B. Wilson, 1856; W. C. McClosky, Examiner, 1860; Hamilton S. McRae, 1861; C. L. Paynter, 1861; John L. Williams, 1864; M. D. L. Prow, 1864; A. A. Cravens, first Superintendent, 1873; James M. Caress, 1875; John A. Beck, 1879; W. C. Snyder.


TREASURERS.


Noah Wright, 1816; Jonathan Lyon, 1817; James R. Higgins, 1818; Jonathan Lyon, 1821; William Rowland, 1823; David G. Campbell, 1832; Burr Bradley, 1834; Thomas Forsey, 1836; Elijah Newland, 1838; John McMahan, 1845; John L. Menaugh, 1850; John L. Morrison, 1854; Z. S. Garriott, 1858; John L. Menaugh, 1860; W. P. Green, 1864; William M. Alvis, 1864; Andrew J. Parker, 1872; F. M. Garriott, 1874; William M. Alvis, 1878; Henry Streaker, 1882.


AUDITORS.


William Lee, 1841-45 (office vacated); John J. Hardin, 1852; Will- iam Williams, 1856; James B. Wilson, 1864; Lewis Casper, 1868; W. W. Stevens, 1869: John L. Williams, 1870; William G. Jumison, 1878.


CLERKS.


Isaac .Blackford, February, 1814; Basil Prather, September, 1814; John Kingsbury, 1820; John De Pauw, 1821; Jonathan Lyon. 1823; William C. Carter, 1827; Eli W. Malott, 1838; Washington C. De Pauw, 1844; James B. Wilson, 1855; J. F. Cutshaw, 1863; John J. Hardin, 1870; James M. Taylor, 1878.


RECORDERS.


Isaac Blackford, February, 1814; Basil Prather, September. 1814; John Wolfington, 1817; Eli W. Malott, 1821; W. H. Carter, 1837; Alexander Attkisson. 1838; B. C. Shanks, 1858; W. C. McClosky, 1862; James H. Johnson. 1866; Leander G. Davis, 1870; Preston Bryan, 1878.


SHERIFFS.


William Hoggatt, 1814; Noah Wright, 1816; Levi Wright, 1820; Noah Wright, 1824; Levi Wright, 1828; Alexander Attkisson, 1832; Stephen Hole, 1836; John McMahan, 1840; John L. Menaugh, 1844; Josiah Burwell, 1848; G. W. Logan, 1850; David C. Shanks, 1854; D.


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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.


D. Hamilton, 1858; Benjamin F. Nicholson, 1862; George Fults, 1866; T. J. Meadors, 1870; E. Craycraft, 1874; George Fults, 1878: William McPheeters, 1880; Andrew McIntosh, 1882.


SURVEYORS.


William Lindley, 1814; Jacob Lowe, 1816; James McKinney, 1818; James Denny, 1820; Moses Martin, 1828; John I. Morrison, 1849; R. W. May, 1854; W. C. McCloskey, 1856: Isaac N. Caress, 1862; J. L. Williams, 1864; W. C. McCloskey, 1869; E. H. Wright, 1870; W. C. McCloskey, 1874.


ASSOCIATE JUDGES.


Jonathan Lindley, 1814; Moses Hoggatt, 1814; Simeon Lamb, 1814; James Young, 1814; Joseph Ketchell, 1815; Alexander Little, 1815; William Lowe, 1815; Godlove Camp, 1816; Samuel Huston, 1816; Ebenezer Patrick, 1823; H. W. Hackett, 1823; William Phelps, 1830; H. W. Hackett, 1830; Enoch Parr, 1834; George May, 1837; R. Schoon. over, 1844; Enoch Parr, 1846: William Wilson, 1848; Valentine Baker, 1851; Jehu Hungate, 1851.


CORONERS.


Jeremiah Lamb, 1814; Archibald Mckinney, 1818; Samuel Hender- son, 1822; Bartlett Scott, 1828; Samuel Day, 1836; Adam Ribble, 1840; John Arnold, 1841; William Robertson, 1858; A. L. Bartlett, 1862; Samuel McClanahan, 1866; John Holsapple, 1870; Samuel McClanahan, 1873; Walker Paynter, 1882.


PROBATE JUDGES.


Thomas Denny, 1829; Jeremiah Rowland, 1830; Samuel Beck, 1833; Isaac Thomas, 1840; Thomas D. Weir, 1846; Townsend Cutshaw, 1851.


COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.


On June 18, 1852, there was organized in the Presbyterian Church at Salem, Ind., the Washington County Medical Society. There were present that day Drs. Samuel Reid, Edmund Albertson, Elijah New- land, W. A. Huston, J. J. Brice, J. R. Bare, J. B. Wilson, E. L. Kemp, Joseph G. Stuart, R. W. Shaw and H. D. Henderson. Of these only two-J. R. Bare and H. D. Henderson- are now living in the county. The first officers elected were Samuel Reid, President; Edmund Albertson, Secretary, and Elijah Newland, Treasurer. A constitution and code of by-laws was adopted naming the society as above, to meet regularly, to be governed by a President, Secretary, Treasurer and Board of Examiners, and entitling the physicians of Washington County to a membership by paying $1, presenting a diploma from some recog- nized medical college or passing a satisfactory examination before the examining committee. The first Board of Examiners was Drs. James


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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.


B. Wilson, John R. Bare and William A. Huston. Up to June, 1860. the membership was increased twenty-nine names, as follows:


Drs. R. B. Child, James Cochran, S. H. Brittain, Bryant, Ducate, W. C. Flank. D. G. Kay, Robert Kay, J. A. Kelso, Kimble, S. H. Harrod, J. R. Harrod, R. Mattingly, Alex McPheeters, J. S. McPheeters, A. C. McCoy. G. F. Nicholson, G. L. Neal, W. S. Patton, C. L. Paynter. R. W. Sherrod, A. C. Still, John Sloan, D. W. Voyles. W. H. Smith, C. T. Wilson, Todd, T. A. Wilson and - Wilson. From June, 1860, to June. 1870, the following members were added: C.


F. Barnett. J. W. Berkey, W. H. Bright, E. S. Crosier, C. C. Clark, J. Ellis, J. H. Layman. S. A. Price, J. W. Hollingsworth, J. H. Oatley, B. Newkirk, J. S. Simons, C. Rathbun, T. M. Tucker, B. W. Tucker, J. J. Taylor, T. W. Wilson, J. Sherrod. From the last date to June, 1875, inclusive, fourteen namen were added: N. C. Burge, - Lee, B. F. Stalker. - Workman. W. W. Spiers, H. H. Chase, R. J. Wilson, - McCowan, T. Hudson, M. W. Smith, T. H. Baker, G. S. Hancock, A. N. Spurgeon and B. R. Graham. Since 1875 the record has not been preserved as accurately as it should have been and only the names of Charles Rathbun. George L. Neal, Harvey Voyles, Samuel W. Duff, W. R. Avery, R. S. Rutherford. G. M. Morris, B. B. Brannock, Spencer Byen. A. E. Bradshaw, G. W. Dewees and Weir are found as additional members. From the beginning the society has accomplished much good. Their annual and called meetings bronght together the best physicians of the county, and by exchanging views in friendly debate, reading essays on different subjects and diseases, it not only brought enlighten- ment with it, but placed members of the profession on more friendly and intimate terms besides elevating the dignity of the profession among the members as well as throughont the county. Since its organization the Dra. society has had five trials for mal-practice and unworthy conduct.


Shaw and Ducate were suspended and not again reinstated; Dr. D. G. Kay was expelled in 1860; Drs. J. A. C. McCoy and B. W. Tucker were each honorably acquitted of charges brought against them. From June, 1832. to December. 1855, thirty meetings were held; from that time to 1862. six meetings were held; to 1870, twelve meetings were held, and from that to 1876, five meetings were held. Altogether there have been in the neighborhood of 100 members since the organization. Fifteen of these served their country in the Rebellion. The society in 1884 is in a prosperous condition with the following officers in charge: President, T. M. Tucker; Secretary, S. W. Duff.


AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.


In May, 1835, a meeting was called at the court house to organize an agricultural society. A large delegation of farmers and others were present, and permanent organization was effected, and a constitution and


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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.


by-laws adopted. Other meetings were held from time to time, on which occasions essays and addresses were read or delivered on subjects of interest to the husbandman. It is possible that a stock fair was held in the fall of 1835, but this is not definitely known. In March, 1936. the County Board paid the society $50, but this did not prevent the organization from becoming defunct within a year or two later.


No other attempt was made in this direction until early in the fifties, when the Orange and Washington Society was formed, a full account of which will be found elsewhere. It was a very successful society, but in 1855 it was determined to organize one for Washington County alone. A meeting was held at Salem December 1, 1855, for that purpose. Dr. E. Albertson was Chairman of the meeting, and Robert Morris, Secretary. A committee was appointed to report upon the advisability of the project. The report was favorable, and permanent organization was completed at a subsequent meeting. with the following officers: Oliver Albertson, President; John W. Rayman, Vice-President; Robert Morris. Secretary; Lewis J. Reyman. Treasurer. During the year 1956. six acres of land were leased for ten years. upon which to hold annual fairs. The first fair of this organization was held October 15-17. and though on a rather small scale was highly successful. there being 650 entries. The fair of 1857 was excellent, but that of 1958 was inuch more so. There was offered in premiums $1,000; there were 1,007 entries, and fair was held four days. The best corn yielded 66} bushels to the acre. The receipts were 8941, and the membership of the society 432. each paying an annual fee of $1. There was paid in premiums $767, and $235 was spent on improvements, leaving in the treasury, with the balance from the previous year, $542. At this time, Lewis J. Reyman was President. and Richard Clark. Secretary. The fair continued to be held annually, with gratifying success until during the war, when it was abandoned, and for nearly twenty years slept, like Rip Van Winkle, a dreamless sleep. In 1881, it was awakened, or rather an entirely new organization was formed.


THE ASSOCIATION OF 1881.


The Washington County Agricultural, Horticultural, Mechanical and Industrial Association, was organized February 12, 1881, with the fol. lowing officers: John A. Bowman, President: Dawson Lyon, Vice-Pres. ident; W. M. Clarke. Treasurer: Fred L. Prow, Secretary; B. F. Nich- olson, Robert Morris, Azariah Lanning, George Fults, Adam Wright, George Peugh. J. L. Rutherford. John Craycraft and Albert M. Fleenor, Directors. The first fair was held September 13-17, 1881. A premium list of $2.126.50 was paid, and a surplus of $500 was left of the receipts. The entire expense of the land and all improvements the first year was $10,323.07. The grounds have an excellent half-mile track and an abundance of stalls, sheds and buildings of display. The fairs of 1882,


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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.


1883 and 1884 were equally successful. Horse and sheep fairs were held additional the first two years. In 1882, the association won the silver medal offered by the State Board of Agriculture, for the best report on fair held in the State. The present officers are: E. W. Shanks, Presi- dent; S. B. Peugh, Vice- President; Fred L. Prow. Secretary; W. M. Clarke, Treasurer. The premiums offered in 1884 aggregated over $2.500, and the fair was one of the best in the State.


RAILROADS.


The county has but one railroad, and has had it for a long time. In 1848-49 the New Albany & Salem Railway was built through the county. which event was the most important ever in the history of the county. Its appearance was hailed with joy by all the citizens, and the right of way, worth not less than $100,000, was given without any return. In addition to this, about $50,000 stock was taken in the project, of which amount! $20,000 was subscribed by the County Board in 400 shares of $50 each. The stock was paid for in installments each month. Prior to June, 1849, the county had paid $7,200. The following year it paid $6,280.20, and in 1851, $6,378, leaving only about $800 of principal and interest due. After this for several years, Washington C. De Pauw was selected to cast the vote of the county by right of the 400 shares. Sev- eral law suits grew out of the private subscription of stock, in most of which cases judgment was recovered by the railroad company. The road was completed to Salem in 1851, the first train reaching Salem January 15, 1851. The stock depreciated very much in value, and in the fall of 1853 sixty shares owned by the county were sold to W. C. De Pauw for $1.880. What became of the remainder can not be certainly stated. The road since its construction has been the Aortic artery of the county.


Several railroad projects have disturbed the county in later years. July 24, 1871, six of the townships were called upon to vote on the question of levying a two per cent tax to aid the Lake Erie, Evansville & Southwestern Railway, the following being the result : Brown Town- ship-for the tax, 137 ; against the tax, 119. Washington Township- for, 516; against, 137. Madison Township-for, 90; against, 71. Gib- son Township-for, 152; against, 81. Jefferson Township-for, 82; against, 130. Vernon Township-for, 19; against, 144. Total for, 996; total against, 682. In December, 1869, the following vote was polled on the question of taking stock in the Evansville & Seymour Railway: Gibson Township-60 for the stock, and 188 against ; Vernon-17 for and 116 against ; Madison-91 for, and 63 against; Washington -- 460 for and 227 against. Several other projects have been voted on, and in most cases aid has been thus granted, but the roads have failed to " materialize."


COUNTY POLITICS.


The early election returns cannot be given owing to the destruction


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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.


of the records. The following exhibit will illustrate the political situ- ation since 1844:


NOVEMBER, 1844.


TOWNSHIPS.


DEMOCRAT. Polk and Dallas.


WHIG. Clay and Frelinghuyseu.


Washington.


764


598


Gibson.


115


17


Jackson.


102


135


Posey.


166


62


Vernon


88


83


Brown.


91


130


Franklin


213


64


Monroe.


121


80


Totals


1660


1149


NOVEMBER, 1848.


PENAKRAT.


WII ...


FRER SOLL.


TOWNSHIPS.


and Butler.


Taylor and Van Buren Filmore. and Adams


Washington


244


265


5


Gibson


128


28


Jackson.


244


200


10


Posey


237


83


Vernon


161


143


7


Brown.


157


126


Franklin


309


170


. .


Monroe.


163


111


..


Totals


1643


1126


02


NOVEMBER, 1852.


TOWNSHIPS.


DEMOCRAT. Pierce and King.


WHIG. Scott and Graham.


FREE SOIL Hale and Julian


Washington


249


269


5


Gibson.


147


35


. .


Jackson


230


171


Posey ..


210


92


Vernon.


142


151


0


Brown.


167


121


..


Franklin


319


148


. .


Monroe.


149


106


Totals


1613


1093


11


In 1856, for Governor, Willard (Democrat), received 1,643; Morton, 1,021; McClure (Democrat), for Secretary of State, 1,658; Dawson (Republican), 1,010; for Congress, English (Democrat), received 1,643; Wilson (Republican), 1,023.


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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.


NOVEMBER, 1856.


DEMOCRAT. REPUBLICAN. AMERICAN.


TOWNSHIPS.


Buchanan and


Fremont and


Filmore and Donelson.


Breckinridge. Dayton.


Washington


323


196


127


Gibson


175


4


32


Jackson.


51


54


33


Posey


28


3


77


Vernon


101


17


71


Brown


129


3


67


Franklin


154


8


78


Monroe.


105


4


51


Jefferson


147


10


· 47


Polk.


159


8


14


Pierce


96


8


60


Howard


143


73


17


Madison


67


8


17


Totals.


1678


331


091


NOVEMBER, 1860.


DEMOCRAT. REPUBLICAN.


DEMOCRAT.


UNION.


TOWNSHIPS.


Douglass and Johnson.


Lincoln and Hamlin.


Breckinridge and Lane.


Bell and Everett.


Washington


385


434


1


11


Gibson


211


60


1


..


Jackson


56


115


. .


.1


Posey


134


104


. .


. .


Vernon


115


106


5


Brown.


166


98


16


1


Franklin


147


117


7


Jefferson


178


65


5


..


Polk ..


140


40


16


Pierce.


113


84


1


2


Howard.


159


31


1


5


Totals


1988


1378


48


31


. .


6


Monroe.


106


92


. .


..


Madison


89


29


In 1858, for Secretary of State, McClure, Democrat, received 1,538, and Peelle, Republican, 1,074. In 1860, for Governor, Hendricks, Dem- ocrat, received 1,944, and Lane, Republican, 1,354; and for Secretary of State, Schlater, Democrat, received 1,948, and Peelle, Republican, 1,345. In 1862, for Secretary of State, Athon, Democrat, received 1,888, and Peelle, Republican, 1,289. In 1864, for Governor, McDonald, Dem- ocrat, received 1,840, and Morton, Republican, 1,830; and for Secretary of State, Athon, Democrat, received 1,843, and Trussler, Republican, 1,325.


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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.


NOVEMBER, 1864.


TOWNSHIPS.


DEMOCRAT. Mcclellan and Pendleton.


REPUBLICAN. Lincoln. and Johnson.


Washington


329


895


Gibson ..


181


45


Jackson


38


92


Posey


119


93


Vernon.


83


68


Brown


155


8


Franklin


143


114


Monroe ...


107


57


Jefferson


188


73


Polk ...


144


33


Pierce.


97


93


Howard.


142


48


Madison.


78


47


Totals


1799


1242


In 1866, for Secretary of State, Manson, Democrat, received 2,020, and Trussler, Republican, 1,737. In 1868, for Governor, Hendricks, Democrat, received 2,015, and Baker, Republican, 1,603; and for Sec- retary of State, Kise, Democrat, received 2,010, and Hoffman, Repub. lican, 1,600. At the Presidential election of 1868, the Democratic elect- ors received 2,038, and the Republican electors 1,650. The result by townships can not be given. In 1870, for Secretary of State, Eddy, Dem. ocrat, received 1,822, and Hoffman, Republican, 1,346. In 1872, for Governor, Hendricks, Democrat, received 2,064, and Brown, Republican, 1,624; and for Secretary of State, Eddy, Democrat, received 2,056, and Curry, Republican, 1,630.


NOVEMBER, 1872.


REPUBLICAN.


BOURBON DEMOCRAT.


TOWNSHIPS.


LIBERAL BEPUBLICAN. Greeley and Brown.


Grant and WUsOD.


O'Conor and Julian.


Washington.


342


436


1


Gibson.


214


99


2


Jackson


46


118


..


Posey


154


99


..


Vernon.


97


101


1


Brown


159


135


..


Franklin


149


135


..


Monroe.


122


83


Jefferson


182


88


Polk


139


54


Pierce.


90


118


Howard.


146


65


2


Madison


95


63


..


Total


1935


1583


6


..


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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.


NOVEMBER, 1876.


TOWNSHIPS.


DEMOCRAT. Tilden and Hendricks.


REPUBLICAN. Hayes and Wheeler.


INDEPENDENT. Cooper


Washington.


123


459


Gibson.


237


92


1


Jackson


61


112


. .


Posey


181


108


...


Vernon


122


86


Brown.


227


110


1


Franklin


162


140


Monroe


146


99


. .


Jefferson


202


107


Polk.


149


48


..


Pierce.


120


124


..


Howard


181


70


..


Madison


125


69


. .


Totals.


2336


1618


2


In 1876, for Governor, Williams (Democrat) received 2,344, and Har- rison (Republican) 1,637; and for Secretary of State, Gray (Democrat) received 2,342, and Robertson (Republican) 1,644. In 1878, for Secre- tary of State, Shanklin (Democrat) received 2,045, Moore (Republican) 1,209, and James (Independent) 271. In 1880, for Governor, Landers (Democrat) received 2,333, Porter (Republican) 1,746, and Gregg (Inde- pendent) 31.


NOVEMBER, 1S80.


REPUBLICAN. INDEPENDENT.


TOWNSHIPS.


DEMOCRAT. Hancock and English.


Garfield and Arthur.


Weaver and Chambers.


Washington.


451


484


1


Gibson.


259


111


1


Jackson


67


114


Posey


200


101


21


Vernon.


120


88


Brown.


187


125


1


Franklin


169


151


Monroe


141


Jefferson


212


102


..


Polk ..


170


69


Pierce


123


128


Howard.


175


1


Madison.


120


67


..


Totals


2400


1709


25


FIRST ELECTION IN THE COUNTY.


In August, 1814, one of the first elections held in the county, if not the first, for Congress, Jonathan Jennings received 382 votes, and Elijah Sparks 45; and for the Legislative Council (same as the State Senate) to represent the counties of Washington and Knox, John De Pauw received 320 and John Johnson 107, the total vote of the county being 427. In 1880, for President, the vote was 4, 134.


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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.


CHAPTER V.


BY PROF. JAMES G. MAY.


HISTORY OF THE BENCH AND BAR-THE FIRST CIRCUIT COURT-THE FIRST INDICTMENTS-THE EARLY COURT BUILDINGS-ATTORNEYS AND COURT OFFICERS-A NOTABLE LARCENY CASE-SLAVERY IN THE COUNTY- THE " FIST AND SKULL AGE"-IMPORTANT COURT ITEMS-PROFESSIONAL CHARACTER OF ATTORNEYS-MURDER-GRAVE ROBBING-MAN STEAL- ING-THE PEARSON HOMICIDE-THE HOUSE-BERKEY AFFAIR-OTHER ATTORNEYS AND OFFICERS-THE WOOD-KEPLEY MURDER - OTHER CRIMINAL CASES-LATER MEMBERS OF THE BAR-THE HEFFREN CASE -THE JOSEPH-GOLLAHIAN SUIT-THE KNOWLES-LYNN FORGERY


A T best, the absolute necessity for the permanent existence of both bench and bar, tells a painful story on every civilized community. The history of Washington County on every page records doings of some evil hand. When Indiana was a Territory a bench and bar had a lively work. The first court of record was called into being on the 2d day of February, 1814. Then there was no Salem, but there were men and women claiming that they had been wronged, and eagerly crying for speedy vindication. Accordingly, Jonathan Lindley, Moses Hoggatt and Simeon Lamb, bearing the grave title of Judges, held what the old records call a session of the Circuit Court for the county of Washington, Indiana Territory. By what authority these men held court the records do not reveal. However, they wrought as properly authorized men of business do work. It is proper to remark that none of these Judges were members of the legal profession. They were all careful, prudent men, of good common sense. The instructions of the court to their chosen agent show this. The agent was required to advertise the sale of the town lots in the Western Eagle and the Western Courier at least thirty days before the time of sale. Again, they tell their agent that the con- templated seat of justice must be called Salem. After providing that the Clerk of the Circuit Court should deliver to their agent the title bonds given by Benjamin Brewer and William Lindley, conditioned for the conveyance of certain lands therein named, the court adjourned with- out day. Such were the doings of the first session of the first Circuit Court of Washington County. But on the 3d day of February, 1814, a special session by the same Judges was held, and at which Samuel Lind. ley and Godlove Kemp were appointed Trustees to lease Section 16 for school purposes, and another adjournment without day was ordered.


On the 3d of March, 1814, occurred another special session of the court, with Judges Moses Hoggatt and Simeon Lamb present. No busi-


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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.


ness was transacted at this term except what had reference to lessees of school lands. On the 11th of April, 1814, another session of the Circuit Court was held at the house of William Lindley, Judges Jonathan Lindley and Simeon Lamb being present. At this term of the court the first grand jury was empaneled. It consisted of George Beck, foreman, together with Christopher Marrs, Amos Thornburg. Edmund Hensley, Godlove Kemp. Andrew Housh, Jesse Spurgeon, David Denny, Samuel Lindley. Alexander Little, Joseph Latta, David Colglazier, James Young, William Kennedy. John McPheeters, Jesse Durham, Thomas Denny and Amos Wright. Having received an appropriate charge, they withdrew, with Constable Jonathan Hensley attending them. At this time, a dis- tance of three score and ten years, it is well to call up in mind the men- tal and moral composition of that first grand jury of Washington County. In mental ability, in moral worth and in practical intelligence has any grand jury ever empaneled in Washington County stood above the mighty one of 1814? At this term of the court John F. Ross was appointed Prosecuting Attorney, and the records of the court say that "Henry Hurst, Davis Floyd, John F. Ross, Alexander Dunn and George F. Pope. attorneys and counsellors at law, respectively took the oath to sup. port the Constitution of the United States. the ordinary oaths of office, and the extraordinary oath prescribed by the act more effectually to sup. press the practice of duelling."


THE FIRST INDICTMENTS.


The grand jury reported two indictments. Susan Deem was indicted for forgery and John Ramsey for assault and battery. At a subsequent term of the court John Ramsey entered a plea of not guilty, but on trial a jury returned a verdict of guilty. Ou application a new trial was granted, and at a subsequent term a second jury found the party not guilty. At the April term of the court, 1816, the action against Susan Deem for forgery was dismissed. From papers appearing in the file record of the court, it is manifest William Hoggatt filled the office of Sheriff. At the same term, John McCampbell, in an action of trover against Henry Dawalt. obtained a verdict of $46.80. Also at this term the first libel for divorce. John Fleener instituted suit against Elizabeth Fleener for the dissolution of matrimonial bondy. By affidavit accom. panying the libel. it appears that the said Elizabeth was not a resident of Indiana Territory. At a subsequent term of the court George F. Pope appeared for the plaintiff and the Prosecuting Attorney for the defendant, and after the testimony in the case was submitted the Court gravely decided that " the circumstances relating to this case are such as warrant them in granting the divorce prayed for, and order this decision to be placed on the records of the court."


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734


HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.


THE FIRST BUILDINGS.


The officers of the court were strictly law-abiding, and as the Terri- torial Legislature made it the duty of the court when arrangements had been made for a seat of justice, to provide all necessary public buildings as soon as sufficient funds for building could be obtained, and finding upon examination, that the means in the county treasury were ample, it was promptly resolved to build a court house. The Court insisted that " the very flourishing situation of the town of Salem warranted and required the erection of handsome, convenient and durable public build. · ings." It was accordingly ordered that " a court house be erected on the public square, to be built upon an arch not less than eight feet high, supported by fourteen pillars of stone." The specifications for the court house and juil are exceedingly minute. In the erection of both build- ings the specifications of court were followed by the mechanics to the very line and plummet. Persons whose memories run back to 1825, can readily call to mind what a resort the old court house archway afforded sheep, cattle, hogs and fleas.




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