USA > Wisconsin > Richland County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 114
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 114
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799
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY,
sessed $4.15 per aere; Henrietta, valuation $122,735, land assessed $4.25 per acre; Ithaca, valuation $214,564, land assessed $5.50 per acre; Marshall, valuation $150,735, land assessed $4.75 per acre; Orion, valuation $94,964, land assessed $3.60 per acre; Richland, valuation $320,163, land assessed $6.25 per aere; Rich- wood, valnation $209,236, land assessed $5.85 per acre; Rockbridge, valuation $140,452, land assessed at $4.50 per acre; Sylvan, valuation $118,755, land assessed at $4.25 per acre; West- ford, valuation $145,205, land assessed at $4.65 per acre; Willow, valuation $116,711, land as- sessed at $4.25 per acre.
In the report of the county treasurer, under the date of Nov. 15, 1873, appears the state- ment that the total receipts for the year just closed were 834,483.28; total disbursements, $32,348.59; total cash on hand, $2,136.69.
The following statement will show the taxes in the various towns of the county, as appor- tioned by the board of supervisors in Novem- ber, 1873 :
Totals.
Willow
Westford ..
Rockbridge.
Richwood ...
Richland
¡Orion ..
Ithaca
Forest.
Eagle.
Dayton ..
Buena Vista.
Bloom
Akan.
TOWNS.
87.010 00 85500 00 85535 00
316 54
393 82
322 09
380 93
567 59
868 31
+ 45
408 82
581 94
332 88
538 85
523 30
312 48
612 32
8302 48
383 82 477 53
300 54
15 00
400 00
350 00
150 00
200 00
250 00
180 00
200 00
-NE) (H)
170 00:
250 00!
250 00
$150 00
36 14 44 95
43 4%
61 70
99 11
29 330
46 65
37 89
40 30
50 73
41 80
119 88
$34 58
dent's salury. County Superinten-
$194 29
5 87
3 90
£184 52
Illegal certificates ...
$273 00 820,312 29
892 37
1, 166 30
941 40
1, 135 31'
1,520 46
2,370 37
742 14
1,216 19
1,603 99
1.087 28
1,4422 Du
1.087 09
1,674 67
1,233 44
81,088 31
PRODUCTS OF RICHLAND COUNTY.
In this connection is presented a statement of the crops grown and acreage thereof in Richland county, for the years 1873, 1882 and 1883. The statement is given at length, show- ing the results in each town, for the purpose of making the table valuable as a means of ref- erence.
In the year 1873, there were 21,346 acres sown to wheat in the county; 7,320, sown to oats; 18,240 to corn; 159 to barley; 1,019 to rye and 395 to hops. These amounts were distrib- nted among the various towns as follows:
TOWNS.
Wheat ...
Oats ...
Corn .....
Barley
Rye ..
Hops ....
Akan
889
208
925
Bloom
1,831
447
1,319,
31
8.18
Buena Vista
1,003
703!
1.758
327 73
Daytou
1,229
390
944
4 3
Eagle.
2,432
369
1,830
23 1014
Forest
1,317
401
947
6| 3 3
Heurietta
837
396
802
5
9 814
Ithaca
2,011
1,022
1,377
194 8411
Marshall
1,69]
529
1,186
4 1614
Orion ..
838
307
733
15 12
Richland
1,089
403
5
17 22
Richwood
1,460
283
1,739
159 22
Rockbridge.
1,056
378
1,034
10 15
Sylvan.
1.730
445
1,193
7
Westford
1,243
567
527
43
9 5544
Willow
690
374
629
27,47%
Totals
21,346
7,323 18, 240
159
1,019 395
634 54
475 91
412 47
479 16
8366 78
County tax including
County school tux ...
150 00
:50 00
461 901
#58 11
952 92
311 30
498 79
705 63
403 63
4229 04
#4 00
64 00
$64 00
2181
17 00
tioned by board in JoddR sumup pron
Total amount of all
...
1000
64
. .
Marshall
Henrietta
395 17
State Tax ...
45 11
The following table shows the aggregate num- ber of aeres of land assessed in the several towns of Richland county, with the price per acre as fixed by the county board of supervisors at their annual session, 1883; also their aggre gate valuation, the valuation of village and per- sonal property, and the aggregate valuation of all property in said county, as cqualized ; to- gether with the State, county, county school and county superintendent's salary tax as appor- tioned to the several towns ; also the amount of delinquent personal property and illegal tax sale certificates charged back to towns, and the amounts due the State on loans to school districts :
954 45
800
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.
STATEMENT FOR 1883.
Land ..
equalized.
Value per acre as
acres of land ....
Value of aforesaid
Property ....
Value of Village
al Property ...
property ...
State Tax ..
County Tax.
County School Tax.
dent Salary Tax ...
County Superinten-
Tax charged back ..
Personal Property
tit. charged back.
Illegal tax sale cer-
Loans to School Dis-
Akan.
23.000
$4 00
$ 92,000
$ 1,310
8116,223
167 40
522 45
250 00
31 42
23 14
$994 41
Bloom
23,964
5 50
131,802
31,829
213,559
307 56
959 98
300 00
57 75
3 93
284 97
1,914 19
Bu'na Vista
22,623
5 65
127,820
13,145
208,037
299 60
935 16
275 00
56 26
3 96
26 94
1,596 92
Dayton .....
22,861
4 75
108,590
8,095
154,253
222 15
693 40
250 00
41 72
13 24
1,220 51
Eagl
22,200
7 50
166,500
14,031
223,556
321 95
1,004 90
300 00
60 46
12 00
2 27
114 00
1,815 58
Forest ..
22,718
5 00
113,590
4,920
2,970
140,055
201 70
629 56
275 00
37 88
4 83
1,148 97
llenrietta ..
21,106
4 25
93,500
5,825
10,882
229,903
331 10
1,033 43
300 00
62 18
59
3 28
2,096 01
Marshall
23,078
5 75
132,699
13,573
185,361
266 95
833 22
275 00
50 23
11 67
1,437 07
Orion.
18,619
3 25
60,512
169,960
41,553
433,481
624 25
1,948 52
600 00
117 20
35 23
3,367 28
Richland ...
22,439
7 00
157,073
20,766
12,701
216,314
311 52
972 37
450 00
58 50
29 57
2,042 96
Richwood ..
26,643
5 50
146,537
2,026
6,280
156. 424
225 28
703 15
350 00
42 30
17 65
1,397 98
Sylvan ...
23,035
5 00
115, 175
10,563
157,463
226 77
250 00
42 48
14 17
1,241 12
Westford.
20,575
5 00
112, 875
6,424
2,529
144,268
207 77
648 50
250 00
39 01
10 66
1,155 94
Willow ....
22,112
4 00
88,448
1,910
1,636
115,270
166 02
518 17
200 00
31 06
9 11
174 50
1.098 86
Total
367,043
81, 925, 141 8262, 624 8190, 995 $2, 959, 045 84261 50 $13, 301 18 84750 00
$800 00
8211 04
85 55 81369 30 824,698 57
. ..
-
Value of all Person-
Total value of all
Total.
TOWNS.
Number of acres of
..
$ 8,775
26,816
6,650
12,705
172,590
248 56
775 82
225 00
46 67
4 05
16 87
1,316 97
lthaea ...
29,450
5 60
164,920
4,502
7,193
92,288
132 92
414 85
200 00
24 88
17 24
63 911
42 08
221 00
Rockbridge
22,620
5 00
113.100
59 60
Dated, Richland Centre, Wis., Nov. 20, 1883.
H J. CLARK, County Clerk
tricts
365 43
853 80
4,050
801
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.
STATEMENT
Showing the Principal Farm Products Growing in Richland County in July, 1883.
Number of Acres.
Milch Cows.
Wheat ..
Corn ..
Oats
Barley.
Rye.
Potatoes.
Root Crops.
Aeres.
trees ..
bearing
Number of
·
Akan
772
1,453
631
2
54
4412
19
909
1,144
234
4,432
Bloom
1,894
2,048
1,065
26
61
62
70
3,281
1,350
437
7,340
Buena Vista
217
1,469
933
4
314
53
13
919
11%
4,367
3,590
770
18,500
Dayton
914
2,506
537
15
46
47
2.430
7.352
320
3,707
Eagle.
1,215
2,781
891
40
65
3,669
2,018
4,919
428
12.840
Forest.
1,600
1,401
1,046
3112
5934
2,805
1,468
8,390
360
6.500
Henrietta
813
877
716
8
9
5312
19
1,198
1,052
4,365
302
3,634
Itlinca
327
851
841
11
143
520
722
7,034
20
2,488
3,690
975
19.500
Marshall
1,521
1,575
1,165
34
62
7316
3,495
1
1,483
462
6,041
Orion
505
1,150
634
3
82
52
451%
1,522
886
2,727
258
3,547
Richland
575
1,411
700
8
36
79
4134
1,269
557
14,085
Richwood
987
2,531
1,152
4
230
114
8
33
1,651
1,384
9,026
425
10,389
Rockbridge.
860
1,228
978
44
73
34
1,200
1
1,857
374
6, 166
Sylvan
1,701
1,230
813
1441/2
5521
9216
3,191
2,157
9,916
416
6,511
Westford.
650
450
.750
65
150
10
80
600
20,200
368
5,520
Willow
578
1,132
800
38
48
2,091
1,543
412
8,240
Totals.
13,526
22, 784
12, 636,231
1,340
1,430
858
70931
32,600
2
24
211
30,941
58,8331
6,738
$130,452
Flax
Hops.
Tobacco.
Grasses ..
Growing Timber.
Number ...
Value.
Apple Orch's
TOWNS.
.. ..
. .
802
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.
PRINCIPAL FARM PRODUCTS OF RICHLAND COUNTY FOR 1882.
Wheat.
Corn.
Oats.
Barley.
Rye.
Potatoes.
Root Crops.
ries ...
TOWNS.
Ac's Sown.
vested ...
Bush. Har-
Acres ...
Bushels.
Aeres ....
Bushels ....
Aeres.
Bushels ....
Acres ..
Bushels ..
Acres.
Bushels .. ..
Acres.
Bushels ...
Akan.
846
8,641
1,172
35,550
461
15,900
32
12
298
17
3,863
325
Bloom
1,931
22,180
2,285
46,225
1,002
23,565
15
305
19
233
72
4,012
Buena Vista
150
1,846
1,369
49,410
-82
25, 189
188
1877
1,739
56
3,408
Dayton
986
15,289
1,684
30,597
878
20,903
262
20
225
90
5,737
308
Eagle.
1,111
17,556
3,449
113, 740
909
21,395
100
49
200
68
4,934
Forest
1.467
17,795
1,606
52,940
1,085
31,265
Henrietta
428
9,776
794
18, 140
495
18,381'1
18
170
19
350
60
352
2,997
Ithaca
467
7,151
1,620
45,660
1,168
28,332
32
120
95
1,665
79
6,008
380
Marshall.
1,327
20,024
1,60)
37,316
783
17,475
572
14,169
46
60
709
44
3,752
Richland
580
7,568
1,455
42,155
601
17,043
12
28
46;
73
5,574
Richwood.
977
10,025
2,800
90,341
874
24,871
25
260
1,783
75
6,653
67
Rockbridge.
970
9,387
1,848
37,040
845
19,943
5
24
100
107
4,921
1/2
297
Sylvan
1,695
16,259
1,825
44,390
1,472
27,084
13
84
104
397
95
3,359
75
Westford
718
6,195
808
19,885
83%
24,205
102
85
128
115
5,615
Willow
593
4,892
756
27,205
802
21,438
75
306
101
5,308
14,691
162,214
26,368
669,467
13,511
319,886
204. 2,492
1,039
8,758
1,191
68,249
416
5,251
2
70
45
3,915
550
Orion.
445
5,425
1,288|
31,813
5
64
4,753
4
Bushels of Cranber-
...
802
-
803
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.
Principal Farm Products for 1882- Continued,
Apple Orchards.
Flax.
Hops.
Tobacco
Grasses.
of Acres ..
Raised .....
Bush. of Clover Seed
Bu. Tim. Seed Rais'd.
for Sced.
Ac's h'y'a ! Timothy
Number ...
Value ..
Pounds of
Cheese ...
Pounds of
Akan
35
783
577
11,200
737
1,252
12, 760
463
$5,556
12,440
Bloom
80
3,170
1,700
1,735
1,380
1,986
10,720
95
65
432
6, 048
28,550
Buena Vista ...
1114
843
215
4,072
3,184
2.772
75
117
50.20
730
18,250
43,595 238, 397
Dayton
74
2,691
2,094 112
2,798
823
1,162
10,225
25
4
1
404
8,555
28,190
Eagle
48
2,419
1,301
500
2,297
1,22]
9,910
23
475
7,140
40,000
1,500
Forest
25
1,482
1,910
1,341
1,045
8,496
4016
49
357
7,270
24,480
llenrietta
170
245
129
1,670
10,413
Ithaca
40
1,308
933
2.100
5,909
2,627
4,532
43
11
1
956
23,940
64, 900 120, 000
Marshall
3,797
1,850
300
370
1,301
1,638
8,252
9
15
445
8,605
35,905
Orion
68
2.131
820
1,000
808
939
2,985
10
15
3,921
14,630
Richland
55
2,023
1.038
912
1,692
1,534
4,849
435
7.718
57,330
Richwood ..
90
3,055
3,278
1,550
1,360
1,485
6,036
135
1.27
330
4,732
37,560
Rockbridge
65
1,493
235
1,309
1,441
7.450
441
7.825
32,145
Sylvan
178
7,119
2,547
3,480
1,309
7,650
80
362
4,245
25,615
1,200
Westford
128
1,175
100
1,243
1.127
12, 848
6,330
14,145
Willow
20
1.357
3
77
6 1,000
1,016
1,749
2.892
277
6, 123
37,683
1,01014 35, 075 16, 933 13% 11, 200 912 2, 477 151/2 8, 953
29, 446 23. 692 121, 027 35212
277 241 72 6, 760 $127. 928 483, 101 361, 097
TOWNS.
Number of
Trees ....
BearIng
Number of
Bushels ..
Yield in
Acres. .
Pounds.
Acres
Pounds ..
Acres.
ed ..
Lbs. Yield-
Acres ..
Yield Tons
Growing Timber. No.
Milch Cows Dairy Prod'e.
Acres ....
Butter ..
. .
8,650
15
6
Clover ...
804
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.
ABSTRACT OF ASSESSMENT FOR THE YEAR 1883.
TOWNS.
No. of acres of Land.
Equalized.
Value per acre as.
Value of said Lands.
City Lots as equal-
Value of Village and
Horses.
Neat Cattle.
Mules and Asses.
Sheep and Lambs.
Number. ..
Value.
Number ..
Value. ..
Number.
Value.
Number ...
Value.
Akan
23,000
$4.00
$92,000
$
311
$9,330
942
$9,420,
8
$360
1,485
$1,850
Bloom
23,964
5.50
131,802
7,175
536
16,080
1212
12,120
8
360
3,475
4,340
Buena Vista
22,623
5.65
127,820
22,916
368
11,040
1684
16,840
9
405
1.287
1,609
Dayton ..
22,861
4.75
108,590
4,300
421
12,630
1037
10,370
1,215 1, 870
2,330
Eagle
22,200 1
7.50
166,500
572
17,460
1600
16, 000
29
990
1,805
2,250
Forest
22, 718
5.00
113,590
5,330
417
12,510
1216
12,160
4
180
3,258
4,073
Henrietta
21,406
4.25
93,500
4,570
367
10,060
1040
10,400
7
315
3,596
4,495
Ithaca
29,450
5.60
164,920
5,520
462
13,860
1862
18,020
23
1,035
1,945
2,431
Marshall
23,078
5.75
132,699
464
13,920
1149
11,490
8
360
6,043
7,554
Orion ..
18,619
3.25
60,512
3,850
264
7,920
642
6,420
10
450
901
1,126
Richland.
22,439
7.00
157,073
136,060
15,660
1314
13,440
11
495
2, 178
2,723
Richwood ..
26,643
5.50
146,537
9,130
561
16,830
1471
14,710
11
495
2,272
2,310
Roekbridge
22,620
5.00
113, 100
1,920
457
13,710
1165
11,650
990
3,532
4,415
Sylvan
23,035
5.00
115, 175
407
12,210
974
9,740
315
3,052
3,815
Westford
20,575
5.00
110,875
6,861
309
9,270
809
8,090
9
405
673
811
Willow
22,112
4.00
88,448
2,115
287
8,610
810
8,100
11
495
2,060
2 575
Total,
367,043
$1,925,141
229,690
6,725
$201,750
18,897
$188,970
197
$8,865 39, 432
1
$49,291
ized.
805
HISTORY OF RICHILAND COUNTY.
Abstract of Assessments for 1883 .- Continued.
Swine.
Wagons, Carri- ages and Sleighs. Watches.
Gold and Pianos, Melo- al. Merchandisell deons, Organs and Manufact'rers Silver
Stock.
sonal Property ....
Value of all other Per-
sonal Property .....
Total Value of Per-
Akan
917
$ 917
94
$ 940
3
30
$ 60
$
$
$ 1,310
$ 116,223
Bloom
1,799
1,799
319
3,190
32
320
18
540
1,835
4,000
31,8229
213,559
Buena Vista
827
827
213
2,130
45
450
53
1,855
8,785
9,000
13,145
208,037
Dayton
1,545
1,545
226
2,260
13
130
6
180
871
2,600
8,095
154,253
Eagle
2,189
2,189
255
2,550
26
260
14
420
1,200
1,200
14,031
223,553
Forest ..
1,212
1,212
187
1,870
13
130
11
330
10,400
8,500
12, 705
172 500
Henrietta
1,065
1,065
185
1,850
8
80
10
300
845
9,500
2,970
140,055
Ithaca
1,480
1,480
299
2,990
45
450
49
1,715
6,600
6,600
10,882
229,903
Marshall.
1,475
1,475
170
1,700
220
1
120
1,545
2,250
13,573
185,361
Orion
1,187
1,187
215
2,150
35
350
21
630
513
500
7,193
92,288
Richland
1,347
1,347
269
2,690
1,220
82
3,280
29,320
58,000
41,553
433,481
Richwood.
1,471
1,471
268
2,680
39
300
34
1,330
16,825
7,200
12, 500
216,314
Rockbridgo
1,519
1,519
162
1,620
15
150
9
500
800
6,280
156, 424
Sylvan
1,575
1,575
198
1,280
11
110
6
180
3,120
2,500
10,568
157,463
Westford.
594
594
52
520
. .
1
30
2,000
2,250
2,529
144,268
Willow.
1,241
1,241
105
1,050
?
20
6
180
800
800
1,636
115, 270
Total.
21,443
$21,443
3,147
₴31,470
431
$4,310
330
$11,420
$92,724
$115,700
$190,995
$2,959 045
TOWNS.
Number ...
Value
Number ..
Value.
Number ...
Value ..
Number ...
Value ..
Asssessed ......
Equalized ..
..
..
806
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.
POSTOFFICES AND POSTMASTERS.
According to the first number of the Riel- land county Observer, published Nov. 20, 1855, there were thirteen postoffices in the county, which are given here for the satisfaction of the curious, together with the respective postmas- ters: Richland Centre, Leroy D. Gage, post- master; Orion, B. Ferris, postmaster; Rich- land City, C. B. Pearson, postmaster; Sand Prairie, H. M. Miller postmaster; Sextonville, E. M. Sexton, postmaster; Loyd, B. Hileneoek, postmaster; Cazenovia, A. Perkins, postmaster; Neptune, J. Sippy, postmaster; Siresville, M. Satterlee, postmaster; West Branch, D. Bar- rett, postmaster; Fancy Creek, Josiah MeCas- key, postmaster; Forest, R. J. Darnell, post- master; Sylvan, A. Savage, postmaster.
POOR FARM.
It is not to be wondered at, that the hardy pioneer of these grand old forest lands, in his desperate struggle for very existence with the forces of adverse nature, should be ever ready to extend a willing hand to the poor and needy brother man, whose needs and necessities ex- ceeded his own, when we consider that his own condition was but one remove from that of pennry and want. The many deeds of kind- ness, the thousand acts of brotherly charity, done in those early days by. the hardy band of immigrants, who first essayed to hew them- selves ont homes in the vast primeval forest of onr county, are borne upon the page of no earthly annals. But the memory of their charity ex- hales around them like the sweet incense upon the altar. "The poor ye have with ye always" fell from the lips of the Incarnate Son of God coupled with the injunction of "help one an- other," and the promise that "whosoever gave unto these poor, were it but a cup of cold water" should be particularly blessed. And when we look around us and mark the fortunes of our fore- fathers, we know that they, many of them at least, have" gathered of life's fair sheaves," through the blessing of giving to their failing, fainting fellow creatures. Never once did the primal set-
tler hesitate to share his last erust with the poor and necessitious; never once did the cry of the widow and orphan fall upon deaf ears, but heartily and readily was the provision made for their comfort, and they were not suffered to linger in abject poverty and want. Many a deed, done in the dark by those rugged sons of toil, should be engraved in letters of gold, were they but known; but the dark mantle of time has covered them up to our finite sight, and earthly annals will never bear their impress, but let us hope that in the hereafter their good deeds may be returned to them.
After the organization of the county, the various towns took measures for a more regular and sustained effort for the relief of the poor and needy; and as the number of those seeking relief necessarily grew greater as the popula- tion increased, the members of the county board thought that by concentrating these charities it could be performed more satisfactorily and at a less expense. In pursuance of this idea a reso- lution was adopted by the board of supervisors, Nov. 20, 1865, which after stating that, "being de- sirous of ascertaining whether a majority of the people of the county wish to abolish the dis- tinetion between town and county poor, and purchase a poor farm," it was determined to submit the same to a vote of the qualified voters of the county at the next general election. The estimates made at this time showed that the probable eost of the purchase would be about $5,000. This was accordingly done, but the people of the county seemed to think that the old way was preferable and declined to sanc- tion the measure, and the matter was allowed to rest, for the time being.
In 1870 the matter again came to the front, and after much discussion the following resolu- tions were adopted on July 20, of that year.
"Resolved, That economy and duty de- mand the adoption of a county poor system, and the abolition of the present town system.
"Resolved, That a committee of three be ap- pointed to make inquiry, of other counties, re-
807
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.
lating to the county poor system, procure esti- mates of cost of farm and buildings, and report to this board at its next meeting.
Under this resolution, the chair appointed T. C. Clark, J. S. Elsworth and Vincent Harter, as the committee.
For some reason this committee failed to make any report, as far as the records show, and on Nov. 14, 1871, another committee was appointed for the same purpose, consisting of five members: J. S. Ellsworth, JJacob Brimer, William J. Bowen, O. H. Mallette and P. II. McCarthy. The gentlemen, after due consider- ation, returned two reports, the majority one being in these words:
"We, the undersigned, a committee appointed for the purpose of taking into consideration and reporting upon the subject of abolishing the distinction between the town and county poor system, beg leave to report as follows:
"We would recommend that the distinction now existing between the town and county poor system, be abolished, and that all poor persons in the county be supported at the cx- pense of the said county.
Signed, J. S. ELLSWORTH. W. J. BOWEN. J. BRIMER.
O. H. MALLETTE."
And the following resolution was placed be- fore them for action:
"Resolved, That the distinction between the town and county poor, in this county, be, and the same is hereby abolished."
This was, on motion, referred to a committee, consisting of William Dixon, James Washburn and J. W. Jones, who, after due deliberation reported that they labored under too great a difficulty in procuring any reliable data, upon which to base an opinion in regard to the dif- ferent systems, and recommended that the mat- ter be taken into consideration by the committee ' of the whole. On the reception of this report, the board, by vote, laid the subject on the
table, from whence it was not taken during the balance of the session.
The subject seems to break out chronically, all along through the records abont this time, for we find, that at the November session of the board, 1875, another resolution was presented, abolishing the town system of taking care of the poor.
The minority report was signed by P. H. Me- Carthy, and dissented from the opinion of his colleagnes.
Nothing further was done in the matter, however, and the question was left in abeyance, nntil in November, 1873, when a resolution was introduced, at a session of the board of supervisors, to adopt the county system of tak- ing care of the destitute and penniless of the county; but the vote, when taken, was against its adoption, being ten against the measure and seven in favor. This was for many years the vexing question, and opinions were so divided upon the utility and economy of it, that it seemed impossible for it to be accomplished, but its friends never onee gave up but upon every and all occasions brought it up for con- sideration.
The next year, November, 1874, it was once more presented to the board.
"Resolved, That the board should purchase a poor farm for the support of the poor and needy of this county;" but action on the matter was again indefinitely postponed.
There is an old proverb, that "constant drop- ing of water will wear a stone," and it is re- corded, that, at the session of the board, held November, 1877, a resolution was finally adopted abolishing the town poor system and substituting the county relief plan; the clerk of the board being also instructed, at the same time, to file the resolution with the register of deeds. The towns were, however, instructed to take care of their own poor, at the expense of the county, until the board had provided suita- ble buildings for the reception of such indigent persons.
808
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.
The first superintendents of the poor were also appointed by this board, Nov. 19, 1877, and were: A. M. Grumbeck-r, T. C. Clark and L. M. Thorp. The salaries of these officers were affixed, as being, 82 for every day of actual service, and mileage at the rate of six cents for every mile of actual travel. At the same time the following was adopted:
"Resolved, That the sum of $2,000 be, and the same is hereby appropriated by the board of supervisors of Richland county, to make part payment on a county poor farm, and to pro- vide suitable buildings for said farm." It was also
"Resolved, By the board of supervisors of Richland county, that the superintendents elect- ed by the said board to purchase a poor farm, and erect suitable buildings thereon, for the use of the county poor, be, and they are hereby in- structed not to purchase or locate said poor farm within two and a half miles of any village in said county." A tax was also ordered to be levied of $2,500, for the support of the paupers for the ensuing year.
At a special session of the board of super- visors, held Feb. 6, 1878, the superintendents of the poor made the following report :
" We, the superintendents of the poor for the county, most respectfully report to your honora- ble body, that under the directions and resolu- tions of the board passed in November last, we have spent several days in viewing places and situations, and are unable to procure a suitable and advantageous location for a county poor farm outside the limits prescribed for the loca- tion of the same; and we most respectfully submit for your consideration the recommenda- tion that the restriction be removed.
"Second, that the $2,000 appropriated for purchasing a poor farm, we deem inadequate for the purpose, as it necessitates the following expenditures :
" First, to make first payment on farm ; sec- ond, erecting necessary buildings; third, for furnishing the house ; fourth, to stock the farm;
fifth, to purchasing implements and seeds ; sixth, to paying overseer and labor on the farm. We, therefore, most respectfully recommend that the $2,500 appropriated at the last session for the support of the poor, be placed at the disposal of the superintendents to meet the above expenditures. All of which is most re- spectfully submitted.
A. M. GRUMBECKER, L. M. THORP, T. C. CLARK, Superintendents of the poor."
On motion, the report was received and the recommendations contained therein adopted by a unanimous vote of the board, leaving to the judgment of the superintendents the location of the poor farm, and placing at their disposal the money asked for.
T. C. Clark having tendered his resignation as superintendent of the poor, S. P. Kanable was elected in his place.
The land for the farm was then purchased by the superintendents, and consists of the north- west quarter of section 36, and the north- cast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 35, in the town of Bloom, and contains 200 acres. The price paid was $5,000, of which amount $1,000 was paid down, and the balance was to be made in two equal payments, in one and two years. The date of the purchase was March 9, 1878. The contract for digging the cellar, for the house, for the use of the indigent wards of the county was let to William Akan, Ira Monroe and W. H. Waters ; who agreed to do it for the sum of $250. The contract for the frame erection was let to Wil- liam Shepherd, whose bid for the same was $1,700. The following may be of some inter- est as showing the manner of ontlay of so much money, by the so-called servants of the people.
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