USA > Ohio > Union County > The History of Union County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its townships, towns military record; > Part 34
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The new court house was dedicated, with appropriate ceremonies, January 27, 1883, and from an account in the Union County Journal, of February 1, is taken the following description of the building:
" The building is approached from the north, east and south by three mas- sive and elegant porticos, 22x28, and 35 feet in height, composed entirely of Berea stone, elegantly ornamented. Here the Commissioners deserve great credit for the change made in the original contract from galvanized iron to that of Berea stone in the construction of the porticos.
"The style of the new building is essentially modern in its leading feat ures, and presents an example of 'renaissance' architecture, modified and
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.
adopted to suit an American structure of this character. The building proper covers an area of 96x109 feet, and the three fronts are similar in design. In construction, a continuation of pressed brick and Berea stone have been used. The basement, to the line of the water table, is laid in courses of heavy rock face range work, forming a fitting base for the vast superstructure it supports, and the center and corner pavilions are carried up in stone pilaster work, the first story rusticated. The two stories are divided by a lintel cornice, elegant- ly molded of stone, which extends entirely around the building. and at the center of the street fronts project so far as to form the roofs of the porches. each of which is supported by four stone columns 20 feet high, the porches being surmounted by a stone balustrade of neat design. The main cornice. pediments and whole exterior of tower are of galvanized iron, painted and sanded in imitation of stone. Each of the street front pediments is sur- mounted by an eagle with spread wings, six feet from tip to tip, resting upon a globe and pedestal. A prominent feature of the exterior of the building is the tower, which rises 168 feet from the ground, and is surmounted by a figure of Justice, ten feet high. Properly speaking, it is divided into four stories, constructed entirely of wrought iron, and contains a striking tower- clock with illuminated dials, each seven feet in diameter, manufactured by Howard & Co., of Boston, Mass. The roof-construction-trusses, purlins. rafters, etc. - is entirely of wrought iron, sheathed with corrugated sheet iron. and covered with slate laid in asbestos cement, making it a thoroughly sub. stantial and fireproof and Mansard roof, which is pierced on two sides by ap- propriate dormer windows, lighting the attic. The window openings on all sides of the building are unusually large, and none but the best French plate glass has been used. The basement story proper is about two feet below the grade, and twelve feet in the clear in height. It is reached upon all four sides, and contains Surveyor's office, engine and store rooms, janitor's room. vault room, besides other apartments.
" Entering the building from the Center street front, the visitor passes through a massive arched doorway and finds himself in a well-lighted hall, 11 feet wide, with a ceiling 17 feet high, extending through to the opposite side. with a cross hall leading from the West street door, and giving entrance to the Commissioners' room located in the center of the west side of the building. The floor of the halls is laid with marble tile, alternate black and white.
" The Auditor's office is located to the right on entering from the Center street front. The main office is 22x26, and opening from that on the west is the Auditor's private office, 15x26. The office is supplied with a large fire- proof vault. A doorway connects the private office with the Commissioners' room on the south side, which is 18x20.
" On the right, in entering from the West street front, is the Treas- urer's office. The main office is 22x33 feet, with an arched alcove opening from the west side, in which is found the private office and safes, but in the main room is also found a burglar-proof vault. This might be, and we be- lieve is, the most pleasant room in the building.
" Directly opposite, and in the southeast corner of the building, is found the office of the Probate Judge, the entrance to which is immediately to the left of the West street entrance. The private office is 22x32, and is supplied with a lavatory and vault. Adjoining this one on the west is the Probate Court room, which is reached from either the private office or the hall. It is 22x35 feet in size and has a neat desk for the Judge, a bar rail and seats for spectators.
" The Recorder's office is located in the southwest corner of the building. the first door to the left on entering from the South street entrance, which con-
321
HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.
tains two rooms, the main room being 20x25, with vault, and well-lighted; the private room, 15x22, is gained by a door in the west side.
" Returning again to the hall, the grand staircase was reached either from the Center, West or South street corridor by an almost imperceptible wind, meeting upon a platform half way up and then uniting to form a single flight. six feet wide at the base and widening to ten feet at the top, at the landing in the rotunda on the second floor.
" The most striking feature of the interior is the rotunda, a feature which is one in a thousand. It is 26x36, and is oval in form, lighted from the top through stained cathedral glass, and at night by a chandelier containing twelve beautiful gas jets. The floor is of marble tile, like that of the halls below, and the sides contain heavy pilasters with elegantly molded and enriched capitals and bases, resting upon a massive pedestal. The pilasters are surmounted by a classic entablature, with molded ribs, extending to the top of the vault or dome, which is 40 feet from the floor. From the rotunda, access is had to all the rooms on the second floor. Opening from it on the east side is a corridor, eleven feet in width, and twenty feet high, lighted at the end by an arched window. From this corridor an entrance leads to the office of County Clerk. which occupies the northeast corner. The main room is 22x32, with a private office 12x15, and vault and closets. The Clerk has direct access to the court room through a lobby, and a private entrance to his office through the rotunda. In the passage way to the court room through the lobby is the private office of the Judge, elegantly fitted up with washing, heating and lighting apparatus, and before entering the court room, on the east side entrance, is a private con- sultation room.
"Opening immediately from the rotunda on the east by large double swing- ing doors, is the court room, 43x65 foet in size, and 30 feet in height. The ceilings are elegantly and elaborately frescoed, and in the background on the ceiling in the rear of the Judge's stand is a life-size picture of "Justice," giv- ing the whole a most animating appearance. The Judge's desk rests upon a platform, which is gained by a flight of steps. In front and on the right side are found the Clerk's and Sheriff's desks. which, like that of the Judge, are finished in black walnut. Stretching across the room, in oval form, is the bar rail, of solid black walnut. inclosing a space of about 20x43 feet. This space contains the jury box on the left facing the Judge. The seats for spectators are raised to the rear, in four rows, twelve seats in each row, capable of seating six persons in each seat, or about three hundred persons in all. They are ap- proached by an aisle extending entirely around them, and by two center aisles.
" The rich, frescoed ceiling contains two 60-inch double cone reflectors, of silvered glass. The walls are plain tinted, with a heavy dado and border of rich maroon.
" In the northwest corner is located the Sheriff's office, and in the southeast corner the male and female witness rooms and grand jury room; the latter adjoining the court room, a private entrance connecting the two. All the rooms contain water closets and lavatories.
" Every room in the building is well lighted, while the ventilation and sanitary appliances have all been carefully attended to. The building is heated throughout by steam, the apparatus being contained in the basement of the building, and is lighted brilliantly by gas, furnished by Clingman's patent. The building is fire proof throughout, the floors being constructed of wrought iron beams, corrugated iron arches and concrete. All stud partitions are of iron, and the ceilings and partitions lathed throughout with iron latb.
" The furniture throughout was made to order for each room, by a Toledo firm, ont of black walnut, and is beautiful in design and rich in manufacture.
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.
" The entire cost of the building, including grounds, furnishing, lighting and heating, is about $135,015.50."
Following is the statement of Auditor W. L. Curry, regarding the work of the Commissioners, the detailed cost of the new building, etc., read on the day of dedication :
MR. CHAIRMAN: I have the honor in behalf of the Commissioners, to submit the fol- lowing report in regard to their proceedings in the matter of the erection of this court house.
The law authorizing the Commissioners of Union County to issue bonds for the pur- pose of erecting a court house was passed by the Legislature of Ohio on the 1st day of April, 1880.
On the 6th day of June, 1880. the Commissioners, J. B. Whelpley, J. T. Mahaffey and J. K. Dodge purchased of the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Marysville the Methodist Episcopal parsonage grounds, including the buildings, for the sum of $3,000. They also at the same date purchased the old John Cassil property, including buildings, for the sum of $4,500. for additional court house grounds. The buildings on these grounds were sold for $743.10, and the money paid into the County Treasury. Another lot was purchased from D. C. Winget on the 22d day of September, 1882, for $500, making total cost of grounds after deducting amount for which buildings were sold, $7,256.90.
On the 16th day of July, 1880, the Commissioners employed David W. Gibbs, archi- tect, to make plans to be submitted for the consideration of the board. On the 14th day of August, 1880, D. W. Gibbs having drawn up plans, this day submitted said plans to the Commissioners, together with the building committee, consisting of the Probate Judge. J. B. Coats, Clerk of the Court, W. M. Winget. Sheriff, J. J. Miller and R. L. Partridge. The plans submitted by D). W. Gibbs were approved and accepted, and he was employed as architect of the building.
The board having advertised and received bids, awarded the contract of erecting the court house, on the 22d day of September, 1880, to Jacob Karst and William Woodruff for the sum of $84,350.
The board having issued the bonds of the county in the amount of $65,000, bearing interest at the rate of 5 per cent per annum, and having advertised to receive bids, said bonds were on the 15th day of January, 1881, sold to R. M. Henderson, representing the Bank of Marysville, for $66,275, or at a premium of $1,275. Said bonds were delivered and money paid into the County Treasury on the 9th day of March, 1881.
After careful consideration, it was determined by the board to change the porticos, cornice and window caps. The specifications and contract calling for galvanized iron, it was decided to change to stone, and this change was made at a cost of $16,620.
The specifications called for excavation for the foundation of 4 feet and 6 inches, but in order to get a good foundation it had to be made in some places to the depth of 14 feet at a cost for stone, labor and material of $3,822.70.
A law was passed on the 11th day of April. 1882, authorizing the Commissioners to issue the bonds of the county in the amount of $25,000 for the completion of court house. Said bonds were issued in the amount of $25,000 bearing interest at the rate of 6 per cent per annum, and on the 24th day of May, 1882, they were sold to A. T. Carpenter for the sum of $25,550, or at a premium of $550.
On the 1st day of April, 1882, the old court house grounds were sold for $15,050, the buildings being reserved and are yet to be sold.
The building is now completed with the exception of a few days' labor, and the fol- lowing is an itemized statement of the cost of the building, including heating, lighting and furnishing, subject to a few changes:
First contract .. $84,350 00
Change in porticos, cornice and window caps from galvanized iron to stone. . 16,620 00
Extra labor and material in foundation. 3,822 70
Repairs of walls. 418 00
Tower cornice. 26 80
Moving bell. 2 00
Extra brick vault under safe and changing arches.
123 50
Gas-pipes on porticos.
77 92
Difference in hardware, bolts and plates, vault walls.
129 76
Filling vault fronts.
2 50
Flooring in attic.
38 54
Scuttles . ..
11 00
Masonry under steps.
13 50
Carpenter work in basement ..
845 49
Extra work on stairway
350 00
Extra on graining. 300 00
266 00
Plate glass.
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.
Flooring, basement stairs.
26 01
Siding and ceiling attic stairway.
51 80
Vault doors.
950 00
Steam Heater
4,300 00
Furniture
5,964 00
Clock.
2,500 00
Bell
803 92
Gas machine and chandeliers.
1,731 00
Sewer
608 58
Grade.
727 58
Painting rotunda.
400 00
Plastering basement.
270 00
Mantels
360 00
Cistern ..
60 00
Watchman, court house
29 00
Painting basement.
135 00
Concrete basement floor
360 00
Pump and well.
84 00
Court House grounds.
7,256 90
Total.
$135,015 50
Deduct amount for old court house grounds and buildings sold 15,793 10
Balance. $119,222 40
The changes made were, in our judgment, for the best interests of the citizens of the county, and were only made after carefully considering matters in all their bearings as to economy and durability.
The Commissioners who have served during the erection of the building are J. B. Whelpley, J. T. Mahaffy and J. K. Dodge. J. K. Dodge's term expiring December, 1880, N. Howard was elected as his successor; J. T. Mahaffy's term expiring December, 1881, Uriah Cahill was elected as his successor ; J. B. Whelpley's term expiring December, 1882, Luther Liggett was elected as his successor. J. B. Whelpley had immediate super- intendence of the building from the beginning of the work until the expiration of his term of office, and most of the time since.
We take pleasure in saying of the contractors, Karst & Woodruff, that they have per- formed their contract in a satisfactory manner; although they were well aware, for many months, that they would lose heavily on the contract, they have, in our judgment, filled the specifications, both in material and workmanship, except one item of iron work which they refused to accept from the sub-contractor.
We have in all matters connected with the erection of this building done what, in our judgment, was for the best interest of the whole county, and feel conscious of having kept clear of all parties, cliques or factions, and time will tell whether our work has been well done. Although we have been subjected to the usual criticism that is poured down upon the heads of those having in charge the erection of public buildings, we have the consola- tion of feeling confident of the fact that in transferring this beautiful building to the citi- zens of Union County, that as evidenced by the testimony of many County Commission- ers and contractors from all parts of this State, who have examined the building, that for beauty of architecture, good workmanship, convenience and completeness in equipment, it is not excelled, if equaled, by any court house in the State of Ohio.
The first spade of earth was turned September 22, 1880, and the building was com- pleted and dedicated January 27, 1883.
Respectfully submitted, by order of County Commissioners.
W. L. CURRY, County Auditor.
JAILS.
The first jail was a double log structure, which stood on the lot on the south side of East Center street, in the rear of the court house It was used not only for a jail, but occasionally for a residence; Philip Snider, now of Marysville, lived in it for a time when he moved to the town, in 1849. On the 5th of March, 1856, the Commissioners ordered that the old jail lot (No. 50) be sold, with the view of purchasing a lot in another location, on which to build a new jail. At the same time, it was ordered that an advertisement for proposals for erecting a new building be inserted in the Marysville Tribune. The part of Lot No 50, owned by Union County, and occupied by the old jail, was sold April 2, 1856, to E. J. Nugent, for $1.000.50. A new lot was pur-
.
$127,758 60
324
HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.
chased by G. A. Cassil at the same time, for $600, and the new building was at once erected upon it. This was destroyed by fire. on the night of December 22. 1870, having been for a number of years practically worthless as a place of detention for offenders against the law. July 13, 1872, the following entry appears upon the record of proceedings of the County Commissioners:
"In the matter of purchasing a site for county buildings, and building a county jail thereon: It appearing to the Commissioners that due notice has been given by publication in two newspapers published in the county of Union, and by circulation of handbills, of their intention to purchase a site for a county jail and court house for said county of Union. at Marysville, Ohio, and of their intention to build a county jail thereon as soon as practicable; there- upon. those matters came on for hearing upon the petitions for and the remon - strances against the proposed purchase of such site and building of such jail. and said petitions and remonstrances were heard and examined by the Com- missioners: upon consideration whereof, the said Commissioners are of the opinion that a site should be purchased and a jail built thereon as soon as practicable. They have. therefore, this day purchased Lot 55 [or 65], and one-third of Lot 66. in the town of Marysville, Ohio, of H. Campbell. for the sum of $2,500, for the purposes and uses named above." Bonds were issued to the above amount August 10, 1872. For the purpose of building the new jail. bonds were issued to the amount of $20,000. The contract for constructing the jail was let by the Commissioners, March 28, 1873, the successful bidders being H. Rice and I. Grummons, and the contract price $18.644. This sum covered the necessary exeavations, the stone, briek and carpenter work, and everything complete except heating apparatus. By the last of June. 1873. the stone foundation had been completed and the range work set, and the building was rapidly carried to completion. The entire cost of the structure was about the same as the amount of bonds issued-$20.000. It is of tasteful design. the front portion being finely fitted for the residence of the Sheriff.
In AAngust, 1878, a new safe was purchased for the County Treasurer's office, of the Hall Company, of Cincinnati, Ohio, at an expense of $2,500, the old safe being turned in on account for $600. The new safe weighed ten tons - 20.000 pounds-and stood in the office in the rear of the block at the south- west corner of Main and Center streets, until the third week in October, 1882, when it was removed to permanent quarters in the now court house.
COUNTY INFIRMARY.
June 7. 1849. the Commissioners, after due consideration, agreed unani- mously to levy a tax for the purpose of purchasing land on which to erect a county poor-house, and a tax of one-half mill on the dollar of valuation, or a total of about $850. was ordered. In December. 1850, seventy-five acres of land were purchased of Josiah Kelsey, to be used as a poor-farm. January 5. 1850, the contract for erecting a building on the premises had been let to James McIlroy, for the sum of $1,400. In a report mado by the County Treasurer, on the 10th of June. 1551. are found the following items:
Paid Josiah Kelsey, principal and interest, for farm. . $ 978 50
Paid James W. Evans, for erecting house and outhouse. 1.457 61
Paid Robert Gibson, for repairing fences .. 20 00
Paid for furniture, fixtures and provisions 30, 56
Total to that date. $2.763 61
The building, as constructed. was 40x31 feet in dimensions, two stories high, with a hall across the middle: also a wing, one story high, with a cellar under, and a porch in front of the wing eight feet wide: the whole building constructed of brick. MeIlroy, to whom the contract was first awarded, was
FOURTH UNION COUNTY COURT HOUSE, FINISHED JANUARY, 1883.
327
HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.
subsequently put under bonds for an offense against the State, and the Board of Commissioners re-awarded it March 4, 1850, to James W. Evans, for $1,409. Final settlement was made with him March 5, 1851, and at the same time John Johnson, John W. Cherry and Joshua Marshall .were appointed Poor- House Directors. Mr. Cherry died early in 1857, and Thomas E. Brown was appointed to fill the vacancy. In the winter of 1866-67, an amount of land equal to the original purchase was bought of G. W. Kent, making the present size of the farm 150 acres. May 19, 1870, the Commissioners advertised for proposals for 500,000 brick, and on the 6th of June following authorized the levy of a tax of two mills on the dollar for the purpose of building a new In- firmary. January 30, 1871, Commissioners Joseph K. Richey aud James Ful- lington, and Infirmary Directors, John F. Sabine, Daniel G. Cross and John Guthrie, met and considered plans for the new building, and adopted the one presented by Jones & Gartner, architects, of Columbus, Ohio. March 31, 1871, the Commissioners met to consider bids for erecting the building, and the contract therefor was awarded to R. N. Jones & Co., of Delaware, Ohio, for $27,600; their bid not including heating appliances. Several other firms competed for the work. Several changes were made in the plan, and the entire cost, exclusive of heating apparatus, was increased to $29,200. June 1, 1871, bonds were issued to the amount of $25,000, to procure funds for proceeding with the work of construction; they were disposed of in New York City, by W. W. Woods, for $24,500. which sum was placed to the credit of Union County in the Bank of Marysville. The building was completed and occupied in 1872, and the old one is now utilized as a barn.
The first Superintendent of the Infirmary, in 1851, was William Porter, father of Judge John L. Porter, of Marysville. His successor was George Mills, followed by Levi Keeran, William Olds, O. W. R. Ingman, Robert Sharp; Ingman and Sharp served alternately, three years each. R. S. Bon- nett is the present Superintendent, having held the position since March, 1882. The first inmate admitted after the farm was ready was a woman from Paris Township. The journal of the first Secretary of the Board of Directors has been lost, and, doubtless, much that might have been interesting is lost with it. It is the recollection of John F. Sabine, Esq., the present Secretary, that the institution had but three inmates when first opened in 1851. The health of the inmates has always been remarkably good; no epidemic has ever occurred, the deaths being mostly from chronic diseases or old age. But about one-fifth of the farm is uncultivated. In September, 1882, when the Secretary made his report, the institution contained 32 male and 31 female inmates, a total of 63; 19 persons had been received during the year then ended, 14 had been discharged, 2 ran away, 5 died and 2 were sent to other in- stitutions. The total expenditures for the year were $5,024.90; receipts, $627.29; net expenses, $4,379.61. The Infirmary building is one of the finest for the purpose in the State.
C
328
HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.
1
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CHAPTER VI.
COUNTY SOCIETIES.
UNION COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY .*
A T the time our Agricultural Society was organized. our county was thinly populated and one of the most backward counties in the State, very little tillable land, but little cultivated, not enough of grain products or stock raised to supply home demand-no thoroughbred stock of any kind, bnt on the con- trary, very inferior horses, cattle, sheep and hogs of every kind. and the farm- ing implements used were very few and primitive in kind. Our county in its earliest day was settled with men of strong moral convictions, industrious and enterprising, and at an early date advocated the importance of organizing an agricultural society. The first meeting to organize was held in the old court house during the summer of 1847. at which time the society was organ- ized and officers elected, and the time fixed for holding the first fair in the county was in the second week of October of the same year.
The first fair was held in the public square of Marysville, using the old court house for the display of fabrics. The second year the ground for ex- hibiting was about two squares south on Main street and continued in that vi- cinity until the year 1852, using the court house for the fine art hall. After- ward the fair was held on the grounds now owned and occupied by the so- ciety for that purpose.
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