USA > Ohio > Adams County > A history of Adams County, Ohio, from its earliest settlement to the present time, including character sketches of the prominent persons identified with the first century of the country's growth > Part 14
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115
Francis Taylor, Esq., presented the certificate of the court that he prosecuted the pleas of the county, at June sessions, 1801, and was al- lowed $15.00.
Jailor and Court Crier.
December 18, 1801.
John Stevenson, jailor, presented his account as Crier of the Court at September term, four days, and attending the stray pen one day, Crier of the Court at December term, one day, and attending on the stray pen one day, amounting to $7.00.
Prosecutor's Fees.
June 1, 1802.
Thomas Scott, Esq., presented the certificate of the court for prosc- cuting the pleas of the United States in behalf of the county at March term, amounting to $15.00.
Grimes' Rent.
June 1, 1802.
The account of Noble Grimes & Co. was returned from the court with a certificate that he was entitled to $10.00 for the use of his house, etc., at the December sessions, 1801.
Survey of County Lines.
June 1, 1802.
James Stevenson presented an account for running the line between Ross, Clermont and Adams Counties, amounting to $65.50.
Wolf scalps raised to $3.00 each in 1802.
Sheriff Lodwick, Tax Collector.
July 6, 1802.
John Lodwick was appointed Collector of the county rates and levies for the year 1802, and at his own offer bid to collect at $5.47 per $100.
Jailor's Fees.
John Stevenson presented the certificate of the Clerk of the Court of General Quarter Sessions at June term, 1802, certifying that John Stevenson was allowed $20.00 as jailor for the year last passed, which certificate was protested, and appeal granted at the request of said John Stevenson.
Duplicates.
Washington, September, 16, 1802.
The Commissioners order the Secretary to immediately make out the duplicate for the tax of 1802, in which duplicate he must put the tax of the town property and Cedar Hill Township agreeable to the rates of 1801, as the appraisers neglected to make a return of that year .and to
Digitized by Google
COMMISSIONERS' EARLY PROCEEDINGS
109
take bond and security of the Collector for the true collection and pay- ing over the same.
Peter Shoemaker presented an account for taking care of a poor person farmed out to him, and was allowed $50.00, agreeable to his ac- count as filed.
Peter Platter, for taking care of Moses Massie, a poor person, while sick, was allowed $31.50.
Allowances for Wolf Scalps, March, 1803.
Edmund Wade, 2 wolf scalps $6 00
John Bailes, I wolf scalp. 3 00
Andrew Clemmer, 3 wolf scalps. 9 00
Daniel White, I wolf scalp. 3 00
William Wade, I wolf scalp. 3 00
Peter Wycoff, I wolf scalp. 3 00
Joseph Shepherd, I wolf scalp. 3 00
Daniel Collier, 2 wolf scalps
6 00
Isaac Smith, 5 young ones.
7 50
George Hise, I wolf scalp. 3 00
Thomas Tong, I wolf scalp. 3 00
William Pittinger, I wolf scalp.
3 00
Jonathan Wamsley, I wolf scalp. 3 00
Peter Shoemaker, I wolf scalp 3 00
John Strickler, 3 wolf scalps. 9 00
William Russell, I wolf scalp.
3 00
James Milligan, I wolf scalp. 3 00
Soloman Froman, 1 wolf scalp 3 00
Peter Bakus, I wolf scalp. 3 00
John Walling, I wolf scalp. .
3 00
Panther Scalps.
Phillip Lewis, Jr., 2 panther scalps.
.$6 00
William ' Duduit, I panther scalp.
. 3 00
Elijah Rinker, I panther scalp. . 3 00
Branding Irons.
William Jennings produced the certificate of the court allowing him $14.00 for a set of branding irons for the use of the county.
Election Boxes.
John Mitchell presented a certificate from the court allowing him for four election boxes, $14.70.
Estrays.
Four head of neat cattle taken up by me some time in January, 1801, were claimed on the tenth of September ensuing by Thomas Young, living in Hamilton County, waters of Little Miami, twentieth of Sep- tember. 1802. David Bradford.
These are to certify that a cow and calf taken up by me last Feb- ruary have been claimed by and proven to be the property of Mary Harrison, of Kentucky, August 26, 1802. David Edie.
.
Digitized by
1
110
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY
I do certify that a bright bay mare taken up by me, is this day re- stored to the owner, Henry Andrews, living in South Bend Township, Hamilton County. Given under my hand this ninth day of August, 1802. Geo. Hutton.
John Lodwick, Sheriff, exhibited a receipt from the Treasurer for $30.25, it being the net proceeds of an estray mare sold by the said Lod- wick, which was taken up by Thos. Grimes.
Tax Levy.
Ordered that the tax for the present year be laid to the extent of the law.
John Lodwick appointed Collector for 1803 at a commission of six per cent.
Court Prosecutor.
December 10, 1803.
Levin Belt, $15.00 for prosecuting on behalf of State at December term.
County Scat Commissioners.
December 10, 1803.
Isaac Davis, John Evans and James Menary, Commissioners, who, in obedience to law, viewed the county in order to report to the Legis- lature the most eligible situation for the seat of justice for this county, had their amounts exhibited and were allowed $49.00.
First Meeting Held at West Union.
West Union, June 11, 1804.
Nathaniel Beasley, Moses Baird and Robt. Simpson this day pro- duced certificates of their being duly elected Commissioners of Adams County, and also of their being duly qualified according to law, and took their seats. Jos. Darlinton appointed Clerk to Board.
New Townships Established.
Monroe Township established. June 23, 1817.
December 2, 1817.
Liberty Township cut off of the north end of Sprigg. February 25, 1818.
Scott Township cut off of the north end of Wayne Township.
March 10, 1828.
Franklin Township cut off of the north side of Meigs Township.
County Strong Box.
January 6, 1830.
Ordered that the County Auditor and County Treasurer procure a strong chest to be lined and bound with iron, for securing the funds in the county treasury.
Sheriff's Office. October 3, 1831.
Andrew Ellison allowed $12.00 for rent of house for Sheriff's office one year.
Digitized by Google
111
COMMISSIONERS' EARLY PROCEEDINGS
First Infirmary.
March, 1837.
The Commissioners purchased the farm of G. L. Compton on Beas- ley's Fork, of 211 acres, for $2,000.00, for a poor farm.
Maysville and Zanesville Turnpike Subscription.
November 10, 1838.
After weighing the subject, the Commissioners of Adams County subscribe to the Zanesville & Maysville Turnpike Road Company $8,000.00, which sum is to be obtained from the Bank of West Union when called on at a rate of 6 per cent. per annum, and is not to be called for until the year 1840.
Serip Issued.
December 8, 1840.
The Commissioners of Adams County have come to the conclusion to issue Adams County scrip for the special benefit of the Zanesville and Maysville Turnpike Road Company, to the amount of $8,000.00, in the following manner: $1,500.00 in one year, $1,500.00 more in eighteen months, $2,500.00 in two years, and $2,500.00 in three years, all bearing legal interest from the issue until paid.
Old Market House.
March 1, 1841.
The Commissioners have come to the conclusion to have the market house of said county cleared out and kept clean and free hence- forth from fodder, hay, oats, or straw of any kind and every kind.
June 6, 1844.
The Board then proceeded to assess the tax on the practicing at- torneys and physicians in Adams County as follows, to-wit :
ATTORNEYS-Tiffin Township.
Geo. Collings, $4; James Armstrong, $1; Nelson Barrere, $5; Joseph McCormick, $2.
PHYSICIANS Tiffin Township. 1
Dr. T. M. Sprague, $2; Dr. Clark, $2; Dr. W. F. Wilson, $2.
Sprigg Township.
Dr. W. R. Robinson, $2; Dr. Stableton, $2; Dr. D. McConaha, $1. Meigs Township. . .
Dr. Sever Little, $1 ; Dr. Eph Wheaton, $1. Groen Township. Dr. T. M. Wood, $2; Dr. John Evans, $2; Dr. J. M. Tweed, $2. Jefferson Township. Dr. Daniel Burley, $0.50; Dr. Daniel Peggs, $2.
Digitized by
112
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY
Franklin Township.
Dr. W. G. Johnson, $1; Dr. William Shields, $2; Dr. Wm. Hol- derness, $2. Winchester Township.
Dr. N. D. Thompson, $1.50; Dr. Abraham Baker, $1; Dr. A. C. Lewis, $2.
Resolution of Censure.
March 4, 1850.
The Commissioners adopted the following resolution, to-wit:
Resolved, that the County Commissioners of the county of Adams are opposed to the enactment of the proposed law providing for the sale of the Maysville and Zanesville Turnpike road, as a gross act of injustice to the people of the county, and hereby respectfully but firmly remon- strate against the same.
Resolved, that the Auditor be directed to forward an authenticated copy of the foregoing resolution to our member of the House of Rep- resentatives, to be by him presented to that body.
Oliver Township.
March 8, 1853.
Oliver Township established. Cut off of Wayne and Scott. First election held at the house of W. B. Brown near Unity. Was named in honor of John Oliver, of Meigs Township.
Jail.
March 3, 1858.
The stone work of the jail and Sheriff's residence was let to William Killen for $994.50. The completion of the building to Rape & Moore for $2,498.00.
Manchester Township.
March 3, 1858.
Manchester Township established from Sprigg Township. Coni- posed of Manchester Corporation and Manchester S. S. D.
November 16, 1858.
The Commissioners appointed William E. Hopkins Clerk of Courts to fill vacancy occasioned by death of A. C. Robe.
Plans for Infirmary.
March 8, 1859.
A. W. Wood, of Aberdeen, paid $40.00 for making plans and speci- fications of county infirmary.
West Union Incorporated.
December 5, 1859.
A petition to incorporate West Union was presented by J. K. Bil- lings et al. Remonstrance presented by. G. D. Darlinton et al. December 6, 1859.
Petition to incorporate West Union granted.
Digitized by Google
113
COMMISSIONERS' EARLY PROCEEDINGS
Arms, Etc., for First Regiment.
September 3, 1861.
E. P. Evans presented a bill for J. R. Cockerill and I. H. De Bruin for $30.00 cash paid by them for transporting arms and acoutrements from Columbus, Ohio, to this county for use of the First Regiment, First Brigade, Fifth Division, O. V. M., which was allowed. Also a bill for $63.00 for repairing old arms, which was not allowed.
County Lunatic Asylum.
April 25, 1863.
The contract for building a county lunatic asylum was let to A. L. Lloyd for $398.00, to be built on infirmary grounds.
Morgan Raid Claims. September 7, 1863.
Allowed William E. Hopkins $50.00 and Mrs. Ann Marlatt $60.00 for boarding men and horses during the Morgan Raid.
Commissioners' Contest.
December 7, 1863.
The Commissioners met pursuant to law. Present: Jos. R. Stev- enson, John Pennywitt, and J. C. Milligan, the latter two claiming the same seat. In consequence of the Commissioners being unable to agree as to who constituted the Board, they adjourned until tomorrow.
[John Pennywitt obtained the seat as Commissioner, but the record does not state how .- Ed.]
Army Substitute Brokers.
February 6, 1865.
This day the Commissioners of said county appointed L. E. Cox and Smith Grimes to act as agents for the different townships of this county, to procure substitutes, etc., in pursuance of an act of the General Assembly, passed at the present session, restricting and legalizing sub- stitute brokerage.
8a
·
.
Digitized by Google
CHAPTER XII.
PUBLIC ROADS AND HIGHWAYS
The First Public Highway-The Kyte Fork Road-The Roads to Ellis' Ferry-The Whiskey Road-Zane's Trace from Treber's Tavern to Tod's Crossing.
The first public road surveyed and established in Adams County was the old post road over that portion of Zane's Trace from opposite Lime- stone or Maysville on the Ohio River to the north line of the county near the Sinking Spring. This road,however,was established under authority of Hamilton County, in 1796, the year preceding the organization of Adams County. It was known by the name of Zane's road, the Limestone road, and the Limestone and Chillicothe road, and is as variously designated in the early road records of Adams County. Afterwards the "New State Road," as it was called, was laid out over the same general line, but so changed and altered in many parts as to form a new road. The most notable change was that beginning at the old ford of Brush Creek where the Sproull bridge now spans that stream. Here the new State road crossed the creek and passed by the way of the Steam Furnace and in- tersected the old Chillicothe road to the east of Locust Grove. In later years the Maysville and Zanesville turnpike was constructed along the general route of the old post road over Zane's Trace before mentioned, passing through Bradyville, Bentonville, West Union, Dunkinsville, Dunbarton, Palestine, Locust Grove, and Sinking Springs.
Under the Territorial Government the Court of Quarter Sessions heard petitions, granted views, and ordered surveys for the location of public roads; and upon proper hearing ordered or refused the estab- lishment and record of such roads. The early records of this court dis- close the fact that all roads petitioned for were granted without reference to the number of petitioners or their place of residence in the county. But after settlements began to dot the valleys of the water courses through- out the county, and rivalry between them was aroused for improved roads to the county seat or principal market points, the Court acted with much formality and great deliberation in the establishment of these public highways.
The first step in the establishment of a public road was the filing of a proper petition praying for the granting of such improvement, sub- scribed by more than twelve resident freeholders of the county. After a second reading of the petition, if there was no remonstrance against the proposed road, viewers were appointed and a survey of the route or- dered; after the report of the viewers and surveyors, if favorable to the petitioners, and there still being no remonstrance filed, the Court, after due consideration, would order the establishment of the road as a public highway, and a record of the same made by the Clerk of the Court.
(114)
Digitized by Google
115
PUBLIC ROADS AND HIGHWAYS
All the early roads in the county began at some one of the many ferries across the Ohio River and extended into the interior to settle- ments on Brush Creek, Eagle Creek, Red Oak, Scioto Brush Creek, the Scioto River, or to intersect Zane's Trace leading to the settlements on Paint Creek. There was but one east and west road across the county, other than the roads from Logan's Gap to Ellis' Ferry, and from Manchester via Washington to Alexandria, at the mouth of the Scioto, and that one was established in 1799 from Manchester to the settlement made by Capt. Feagins near where Georgetown in Brown County is now situated. There was a trail thence to Williamsburg and the settle- ments on the Miami. This excepts the post route from Chillicothe to Cincinnati, which passed through the old town of New Market and ter- ritory at that time within the limits of Adams County.
At the organization of the county in September, 1797, the following orders with reference to public roads were made by the Court:
"Upon petition of sundry persons the Court admit and order a road laid out from Manchester to the east fork of Eagle Creek (in the vicinity of the Kirker settlement) and appoint Joseph Kerr, surveyor, and William Hannah and Daniel Robbins, reviewers."
"On petition of sundry persons the Court admit and order a road laid out from Manchester to the land opposite the mouth of Bull Creek, to take the bottom from Lawson's road. Andrew Ellison, surveyor, Adam Pennyweight and William McGarry, reviewers."
"On the petition of sundry persons the Court order a road laid out from Manchester to the Lick Fork to where it meets the Limestone road, from thence to the crossing of Brush Creek, and appoint Andrew Ellison, surveyor, and Robert Ellison and Joseph Eyler, reviewers."
"The Court order a road laid out from Ohio Brush Creek where the Limestone road crosses it to Chillicothe. Duncan McArthur, surveyor (afterwards Governor of Ohio), and Henry Abrams and William Carr, reviewers."
"The Court order and allow a road laid out from Nathaniel Massie's mill to Joseph Collier's on Scioto Brush Creek. Benjamin Lewis, surveyor; James Williams and Hector Murphy, reviewers."
No more roads were granted until the June session of the court in 1798, when the following entry was ordered: "On petition of sundry persons for a road from the mouth of Brush Creek to Adamsville, granted."
At this session of the court the road from Manchester to the Rock House (Ellison's) on Lick Fork was established and made a matter of record. This road began at a beech tree at the upper end of Manchester, crossed Island Creek, continuing in a northerly course to Killinstown; thence crossing Lick Fork at the town of Waterford; whole distance, twenty miles.
Parmenus Washburn, viewing, seven days.
Lazeleer Swim, viewing, five days.
Joseph Kerr, surveying and plotting, five days.
Caleb Wells and Edward Wells each, chain carriers, four days.
The Court appointed Joseph Collins and Simon Shoemaker, super- visors of this road.
Digitized by Google
.
116
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY
The Court also ordered at this session a road laid out from Capt. Brook's road (which began at the river five miles above Ellis' Ferry) to Ellis' Ferry opposite Limestone, and also a road from Manchester to Henry Moore's mill.
Adams County at this date included what is now Ross County, and the record shows that the Court ordered a road laid out from the Falls of Paint Creek, afterwards known as "the Falls road," to *Ellis' road near John Shepherd's on Brush Creek, and appointed Duncan McArthur, surveyor, and Daniel Hare and John Brown, viewers.
At the December session, 1798, the return of the survey of the road from Adamsville to the Scioto, whole distance from the court house twenty-four miles, was made and the plat ordered recorded. William Russell, surveyor.
The following quaint record was ordered at the March session, 1799:
"The Court order that the road leading from Manchester to Scioto Brush Creek shall be altered around David Lovejoy's fence not to ex- ceed ten rods until it intersects James Naylor's line, and then with his line until it intersects the old road."
John Edgington, brother of Asahel Edgington, who was killed by the Indians on Lick Fork, and Edward Thomas were appointed view- ers of a road from Osler's or Beasley's Ferry below Limestone to St. Clairsville, now Decatur in Brown County.
A road was granted beginning at John Shepherd's crossing of Brush Creek, extending along the Falls road (Falls of Paint Creek) to the Sinking Spring. Simon Shoemaker and Thomas Aerl, viewers.
The Kyte Fork Road.
The following petition could not fail to bring the Court to its senses and cause it to act immediately to relieve the "awful" condition of affairs in the Kyte Fork "vicinitude."
"The petition of the inhabitants of the east fork of Eagle Creek and the vicinitude thereof prayeth that Your Honors would grant us a survey for a highway from Edwards' Ferry, opposite Maysville, on the nearest and best ground, to the mouth of Kyte's Fork, of Eagle Creek and thence to the junction of the State road at or near the fifteen-mile tree from Maysville. Your petitioners being well aware of the necessity of a public highway being laid out on that ground for the accommo- dation of the public and neighborhood or settlement such highway will pass through, and more especially as Mr. Edwards by the insinuations of one or two of the inhabitants of this creek who for their own private emoluments have persuaded him to decline having the survey made agreeable to your order of the last session for laving out a highway from his ferry to the State road from the eleventh to the thirteenth mile tree, and intend superseding it by a petition for a road from Lime- stone to the mouth of Thomas' Run of the east fork under the head of accommodating that settlement which will open a door for carrying it on through an unknown tract of rough country and join the State road
* Ellis' road was that portion of Zane's trace which Nathan Ellis had improved at his own ex- pense from his ferry opposite Limestone to John Shepherd's on Ohio Brush Creek row known as Fristoe's.
Digitized by Google
117
PUBLIC ROADS AND HIGHWAYS
between Brush Creek and the Falls of Paint which if necessary would be burthensome to our inhabitants; therefore, we pray that you would grant us a survey, as we are sensible of its being the most eligible ground for the benefit of the public and this settlement as it crosses the east fork where Seth Foster is building a grist and saw mill, and also there intersects the road from Manchester to New Market, which roads will tully supply the present and future settlements, for which our most earn- est desire is that you would grant our request, for which we in duty bound will ever pray." Granted, and ordered that Thomas Middleton be surveyor and Stephen Beach and R. Smith, reviewers. John Lod- wick, security for costs.
At the March session, 1799, a petition was granted for a new road "on better ground and nigher way from Manchester to Killinstown, to intersect the old road near Robert Ellison's. John Barritt, surveyor ; Job Dening and James Collins, reviewers. John Killin, for costs.
A road also granted from mouth of the Scioto to Lucas' Ferry (Lucasville, Scioto County). Joseph Lucas, for costs.
The road from the mouth of Thomas' Run to Limestone so greatly deplored by the "Kyteforkers" in a petition heretofore noticed, was granted at this session. John Thomas, for costs. Nathaniel Beasley, surveyor, and John "Kingsawley" (Gunsaulus) and Ellis Palmer, re- viewers.
A road was petitioned for at this session from John Stinson's ferry opposite the mouth of Svcamore Creek to the town of Washington at the mouth of Brush Creek. Hector, Murphy for costs : Joseph Kerr, surveyor, and Richard Grimes and John Sherley, reviewers.
The Roads to Ellis' Ferry.
The September term, 1799, was mostly consumed in considering pe- titions for and remonstrances against proposed roads. James Edwards had the year previous established a ferry opposite Limestone in oppo- sition to Nathan Ellis who had, in 1796, settled where Aberdeen now stands, and conducted a ferry and later a tavern for the accommodation of prospectors and emigrants to this portion of the Northwest Territory. After the opening of Zane's road, which terminated at Ellis', his ferry became the source of immense revenue, and as he owned the landing for some distance above and below the termination of the road, he monopolized the ferry on the Ohio side of the river, to the envy of James Edwards and John West, who owned lands fronting the river below Ellis' possessions. So these two citizens conceived the idea of gettting a public road located from a point on the river bank below the lands of Ellis, and across his lands to intersect Zane's road in the rear of Ellis' landing and residence. By this means they would not only be enabled to maintain a ferry, but also to turn the traveling public from toward Ellis' to their own ferry. The following petition had been presented to the Court at the previous March session: "Your petition- ers, inhabitants of Cedar Hill Township, and county aforesaid, most re- spectfully showeth that the emigrants by the route of Limestone, Ken- tucky, to the said township and county, labor under various inconven- iences in landing below the road of Nathan Ellis, Esq., which being drove down the Ohio by the current of the river as low as will be opposite to
Digitized by Google
118
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY
the southwest street that leads from the house of Benjamin Sutton who occupies all the ferries in Limestone aforesaid; and that a road may be readily had from opposite said street (in Limestone) on the land of James Edwards, to run about ninety poles in the same, thence through lands of Nathan Ellis, Esq., along the hillside about twenty poles to where it will intersect the road now established. Your petitioners therefore pray that Your Worships will appoint suitable persons to view the above re- cited desired road and make a return of their proceedings in the same to Your Worships for confirmation, and your petitioners will ever be in duty bound, etc. Granted and ordered that Philip Lewis be surveyor, and Wm. Dunbar, and Stephen Beech, reviewers. John West, security · for costs."
At this September session, as aforesaid, Judge Ellis sat as a mem- ber of the Court, and through his attorney, William Creighton, first Secretary of State of Ohio, moved the Court not to receive the return of the viewers and surveyors then filed with the Clerk of the Court, John S. Wills. But notwithstanding the protest of Judge Ellis, the Court overruled the motion. Then his attorney moved for a review of the road, which motion was granted, and Peter Shoemaker, Daniel Collier, and John Collins were appointed reviewers.
At this time the celebrated Thomas' Run road, which was a matter of contention between Ellis and Edwards and their respective adherents, was before the Court for confirmation of the survey, and the Court or- dered a review of that proposed thoroughfare. The remonstrances, among other matters, allege that "there is no necessity for any such road (to Edwards' Ferry) as there is a very good road established, sixty- six feet wide, by the Court of Hamilton County, and is now opened at least twenty feet wide and made commodious for travelers and on as good ground as ever can be got through the same neighborhood and as near ; and must run within a small distance of the above (Zane's) road the whole length of the way, and can never serve the public if opened, but if opened will just serve to draw the benefit of Capt. Ellis' public labor to Edwards' Ferry, which we, your petitioners, conceive to be too hard and unjust, and therefore object to the opening of the said survey, and pray that Your Honors (the petitioners for the improvement addressed the Court as "Your Worships") may appoint three disinterested men to re- view the above survey and make report to your next Court of General Quarter Session of the Peace whether the said survey is of public utility or not, and your petitioners in duty bound shall ever pray, etc."
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.