Copywright USGenNet Inc., 2004, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 1884 CHAPTER IV Prior to the 17th. of January, 1814, that portion of Indiana now known a Washington County was comprised within the old territorial counties of Clarke and Harrison. At that early date, when Indiana was yet a territory and while the war of 1812-15 was yet in progress, Washington County came into existence by the following enactment: And Act of the Formation of a New County out of the Counties of Harrison and Clarke: Be it enacted by the Legislative Council and House of Representatives, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That from and after the seventeenth day of January, eighteen hundred and fourteen, all that part of the counties of Harrison and Clarke included within the following bounds to-wit: Beginning at Freeman's corner, on the meridian line; thence southwardly with said line to the intersection of a east and west line running through the center of Township 1 south; thence with the same eastwardly to the summit of Silver Creek Knobs; thence north eastwardly with the extreme height of the same between the waters of Silver Creek and Blue River to the line dividing Ranges 6 and 7 east; thence with said range line northwardly to the Indian boundary: thence with said boundary to the place of beginning-shall compose one new County called and known by the name of Washington. Section 2: And be it further enacted that the county of Washington shall enjoy all the rights and privileges appertaining to the counties heretofore established in the Indiana territory; and it shall be lawful for the Coroners, Sheriffs, Constables, and Collectors of said counties of Harrison and Clarke to make distress for all taxes, levies and officers fees remaining unpaid by the inhabitants within the bounds of said new county at the time such division shall take place, and they shall be accountable for the same in like manner as if this act had never been passed; and the courts of Harrison and Clarke Counties shall have jurisdiction in all sues, pleas, plaints and proceedings which may be before the said 17th day of January next have been commenced, instituted and depending within the present counties of Harrison and Clarke shall be prosecuted to final judgement and effect, issue process and award execution theron. Section 3: And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That Joseph Paddox, Peter McIntosh and Ignatius Abel of Harrison County, Mason G. Clarke and Joseph Bartholew, of Clarke County, be, and they are hereby appointed Commissioners to designate the place for the permanent seat of justice of Washington County, agreeable to an act entitled. "An Act for fixing the seats of Justice in all new Counties hereafter to be laid off." The Commissioners above name or othrs appointed by the proper Court, shall convene at the house of William Lindley on Blue River 17th day of January next, and then proceed to discharge the duties assigned them by law. Section 4: And be it further enacted. That the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the new County aforesaid shall within six months after the permanent seat of justice be established, proceed to erect the necessary public buildings theron. Section 5: And be it further enacted. That until suitable accommodations can be had(in the opinion of said Court) at the seat of justice of said new county, all courts of justice for the same shall be holden at the house of William Lindley. This act to be in force and take effect from and after the 17th. day of January A.D. 1814. Approved December 31, 1813 Speaker of the House of Representatives James Beggs President of Legislative Council Organization of the County In the month of February, 1814, the Commissioners named in the above enactment met at the house of William Lindley, and after viewing several locations bought 174 acres where Salem now is, of Benjamin Brewer and William Lindley, and took title bonds for the conveyance of the same to the county. On the 7th. of January, 1814, Isaac Blackford was commissioned Clerk and Recorder of Washington County by thr Governor, and a dedimus was issued to him to swear into office all civil and military officials of the county. At the same time a dediums was also issued to Col. John DePauw to take and oath of all members of the Ninth Regiment of Territorial Militia just organized in the new county. There were eight companies, the following, being the Captains: Thomas Denny, Samuel Huston, George French, Absalom Sargent, John Beck, Henry Dewalt, Charles Busey and John Royce. About this time also William Hoggart was commissioned Sheriff; William Lindley, Surveyor, Jeremiah Lamb, Coroner; Jonathan Lindley, First Judge; Moses Hoggart, Second Judge and Simeon Lamb, Third Judge, of the Washington Circuit Court. The land purchased of Brewer was "the southwest quarter of Section 17, Township 2 north, Range 4 east; thence south 7 degrees, east 28 poles, to the middle of Blue River; thence down the same westwardly to Brock's Creek; thence north to the section line; thence by the same east 7 degrees, north 78 poles to the beginning." was purchased by William Lindley for $50, and comprised 14 acres, the deed bearing date March 21, 1814, and shows 142 lots of the usual size and six large ones. In November of the same year the first addition wa laid out, mostly in the west side of the creek- in all forty four lots. The First County Board The three judges, Jonathan Lindley, Moses Hoggart, and Simeon Lamb, met for the transaction of county business at the house of William Lindley, just south of Salem, February 2, 1814. Their fist act was to appoint John DePauw County Agent, with bond at $5,000. The second Tuesday of April was fixed for the first public sale of town lots. Town land under cultivation not to be sold was ordered leased. At the March session held at William Lindley's Superintendents were appointed to lease the school sections in the county. Various township officers were appointed at the April election. The following townships was created: The First Townships Madison Township-Beginning at where the line between the first and second townships north crosses the meriden line; thence east unto the second and third range line; thence south to Harrison County line; thence west to the corner of said county; thence to the beginning. Lost River Township- Beginning at the same place; thence east to the line between the second and third ranges; thence north to the boundary of the county. Blue River Township- Beginning at the second and third range on the south line of this county; thence north on said line to the north line of the second township north; thence east with said line to Clarke County line. Washington Township- Beginning at the north east corner of Blue River Township; thence north along the Clarke County line to the main branch of Muscatatuck, thence down the white River; thence down the same to Lost River Township. Driftwood Township- Beginning where Washington Township strikes the main branch of Muscatatuck, thence with the Clarke County line to the bounds of this county; thence with said bounds to the beginning. Important Proceedings It will be seen from this that Madison Township comprised all of southeastern Orange County and all of southwestern Washington County; Lost River Township all of northeastern Orange County and all of northwestern Washington County; Blur River Township all of the southern and southeastern Washington County; Washington Township all of central, eastern, northern and northeastern Washington County; Driftwood Township, all of the country attached to Washington County north of White and Muscatatuck Rivers. As soon as these townships were created the necessary officers were appointed. During the April session of the County Board several roads were ordered viewed; several licenses to keep taverns and to sell goods were issued. The tavern and grocery rates were fixed as follows: Bed 6 1/4 cents, meals 25 cents, horse overnight to hay and fodder 12 1/2 cents, rum, peach brandy or wine 37 1/2 cents per half pint, all other spirits 12 1/2 cents per half pint, cider or beer 16 2/3 cents per quart: tavern license, $2 per annum. Alexander Little was appointed County Lister for 1814. At the July session the Board first met at William Lindley's, but adjourned immediately to meet again in fifteen minutes at the temporary courthouse in Salem. Reports were numerously received on many roads that had been ordered viewed. A tax of 18 3/4 cents was levied on horses. Complete arrangements to build a permanent court house and a jail were made at this term. Here at this interesting point the county records are missing, and no more can be said until February 1817, when the records again are in existence, but the business was now in the hands of three Commissioners. The following enactetment extended the bounds of Washington County. Be it enacted by the Legislative Council and House of Representatives and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That all the tract of country contained in the boundary following be attached to and constitute a part of the said county of Washington to wit: Beginning at Freeman's corner on the meridian line; thence north to the present Indian boundary line; thence with said Indian boundary to the line established by the treaty of Grouseland; thence with said line to the place of beginning: and the same so attached shall be deemed and taken as part of the said county. In the same manner and under the same regulations a are prescribed for the said county of Washington. Approved September 1, 1814 By the act creating the county, given a few pages back, Washington County had about the following limits: Beginning at about Orleans, thence south on the meridian line to the present projected south boundary of the county, thence east to the Clarke County line; thence with the same to near Seymour on the Indian boundary; thence southwestwardly to near Orleans. By the act last quoted above there was added to this a triangular tract of land bounded about a follows: Beginning at near Orleans, thence on the old Indian boundary to near Seymour; thence on the new Indian boundary northwestwardly to about seven miles north east of Bloomingon, Monroe County, on the meridian line; thence south to the beginning of near Orleans was known a "Freeman's Corner," which point was established in June 1803, by the treaty of Fort Wayne. Freeman wa either the name of the surveyor or of a ssquatter who located there at a very early date. In December 1815, both Orange and Jackson Counties were created, thus taking a large tract from Washington, reducing it practically, with the exception of Scott County stricken off in January, 1820, to its present limits. It is well to mention at this point that in the Constitutional Convention of 1816 held at Croydon, then the capital of the Territory or State, Washington County was ably represented by John DePauw, William Graham, William Lowe, Samuel Milroy and Robert McIntire. Scott County was created in January 1820, and the following December the following act waw passed by the General Assembly: Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, That so much of the County of Scott as is south of a line commencing on the boundary line between the counties of Washington and Scott at the southwest corner of Section 20, Township 2 north, Range 6 east; thence running east with the sectional line until it intersects the Clarke County line, be and the same is hereby attached to and shall form a part of the county of Washington in the same manner as if it had never formed a part or been attached to the county of Scott. This act to take effect and be in force from and after its passage. Approved December 26, 1820 For many years the boundary between Clark and Washington Counties was in doubt. owing to the extreme roughness and wildness, but a few years ago three Commissioners were appointed by each county to have a definite line surveyed, which was done, and the line thus established was sent to the Legislature with a petition that the same be permanently established as the division, and the Legislature accordingly so enacted. This is the present line. Re-Formation of Townships On the 10th. of February 1817, the first Board of Commisioners met at the court house in Salem for the transaction of business. They were Robert McIntire, Alexander Huston and Nathan Trueblood. The first act was to redivide the county into townships as follows: WashingtonTownship- Beginning on the township line one mile west of the line dividing Ranges 4 and 5; thence north on said line two miles into Township 3, Range 4; thence west two miles into Township 3, Range 3; thence south to the line dividing Townships 1 and 2; thence to the beginning. Franklin Township- Beginning on Muscatatuck one mile west of the line dividing ranges 4 and 5; thence south to the line dividing Townships 1 and 2; thence east one mile to the line dividing ranges 4 and 5; thence by said line south to the Harrison County line; thence by said line to the beginning. Posey Township- Beginning on the Township line dividing one and two; thence one mile south; thence west to Orange County; thence south to Harrison County; to the line dividing Section 14 and 15, Township 1, Range 3; thence north to the beginning. Jackson Township- Beginning at the southwest corner of the county; thence north to the line dividing Townships 1 and 2; thence two miles west to the line dividing Ranges 3 and 4; thence on the Section line dividing Sections 2 and 3, Township 1, Range 3 south to the line of Harrison County; thence east to the beginning. Vernon Township- Beginning on the line dividing Townships 2 and 3, two miles west of the line dividing ranges 3 and 4; thence west to Orange County; thence south one mile south of the line dividing Townships 1 and 2; thence east to the line dividing Sections 2 and 3; Township 1, Range 3; thence north to the beginning. Brown Township- Beginning on the Orange County line at the line dividing Townships 2 and 3; thence east to the line dividing Sections 34 and 35, Township 3, Range 3; thence north two miles; thence east on the line dividing Sections 23 and 26 Township 3, Range 4, until within one mile of the line dividing Ranges 4 and 5; thence north to White River; thence with the same to Orange County; thence south to the beginning. Important Early Times Officers for all the townships were appointed, and places of election fixed. A "scrawl" was adopted as the temporary seal of the Board. Christopher Harrison was employed to make three maps of the county on a scale of half an inch to the mile. In May the County was divided for the first into road districts and about thirty Superintendents were appointed. The making of roads was the most important feature in the early history of the county. It continued on a extensive scale for many years. The county tax of 1816 had brought this revenue Horses, $617.81, town lots, $123.17, stallions, $19.50, store licenses, $173.25, tavern licenses, $20 total $953.73. This amount with that derived from the sale of town lots and from the levy on land, furnished the county with ample revenue. In November 1817, James Harbinson was given the contract to erect a bridge over Blue River at Salem, for $475; the work was completed the following June. Burr Bradley, instead of C. Harrison, made the maps for $15. A water closet for the court yard was built by Adam Cauble for $129.90. John Smiley was County Lister in 1818. Books for the Clerks office were bought of James R. Higgins for $50.37. Tavern Keepers in Salem were taxed $10; outside of Salem $7. Dr. Burr Bradley was the first poor or pauper physician. In May 1819, Jonathan Lyon was appointed inspector of flour, beef and pork. He was succeeded by Edward Carom the same year. Alexander Huston was the Census Taker of 1820. The court house was kept locked, only to be occupied by the Courts and for divine worship. Beebe Booth succeeded John DePauw as County Agent in 1821. The Clerk's office was in the southwest room of the court house. Joel Coombs was County Collector in 1824. During these years important roads were laid out from New Albany to Salem, and on to Bono and Bedford; from Salem to Vernon; from Salem to Charlestown; from Salem to Scottsburg, and connecting various points in the county. Later Events of Interest In 1833 John Hardin was appointed Three Per Cent Commissioner. The books of the Fredericksburg Bridge Company were ordered examined. License was granted the Washington County Trading & Manufacturing Company to do business. Before this (1831) the bridge over Blue River at Salem was declared a nuisance by the Board, and ordered removed. In 1835 the Salem & Ohio Turnpike Company was given the right to occupy any road in the county. In 1835 Livonia was incorporated. Elijah Newland was Three Per Cent Commissioner in 18410, the total fund being $4,522.75, used in the construction of roads. No record seems to have been kept of the creation of new townships. In 1841 J.O. McKinney was appointed student to the State University; Dennis McMahon was appointed in 1842. In September, 1842, in special session, the Board refused to receive Indiana State Treasury notes in payment of taxes. In 1842 the grade of the Salem & Jefferson Turnpike was declared a State road. In September 1843, Peter Nogle and henry Young contracted to build a county seminary for $600. In 1844 there was spent of the three per cent fund $200 for the bridge over Blue River on the Salem & Jefferson Turnpike Upon Petition A.H. Cheever and fourteen others, Hardensburg was incorporated in 1849. In March 1851, the County Board, out of the three per cent fund, took $1,500 stock in the Salem & Millport Plank Road Company. At the same time the right of way was given the Brownstown & Charleston Plank Road Company . March 3, 1853, the townships of the county were reorganized with new boundaries, and new townships were created, all as nearly as possible to coincide with the Congressional townships. The following were the townships: Gibson, Monroe, Jefferson, Brown, Vernon, Washington, Franklin, Polk, Pierce, Howard, Madison, Posey and Jackson. Gibson and Monroe had been created between 1820 and 40. The others not new had been formed in 1817. The townships created as above stated, they were substantially as they are at present. March 3, 1853, the line between Clark and Washington Counties was ordered surveyed. Dennis McMahan was agent of the three per cent fund, in 1853; the fund amounted to $6,575.21. In September 1853, the question of incorporating Salem was carried by a large majority; accordingly a tract of 298 acres was ordered incorporated. In 1854 the Washington Guards, with Wiley Reeves, Captain, had 100 muskets, and drilled quite regularly. In 1855 Hiram Wilcox wa given the right to manufacture liquor in Brown Township. In 1859 Fredericksburg with 642.48 acres wase incorporated. In 1860, P. O'Beirne & Co. of New York City made a wall map of the county. During the war of 1861-65 the Board experienced much trouble in the management of the stand of arms in the county; sometimes the guns were kept under lock and sometimes were delivered to companies of home guards. In 1862 there was spent on the bridge over Blue River, near McPheeter's Mill $200. In September, 1864, so prevalent had become the commission of crime, such as horse stealing, burglary, highway robbery, etc. that an association was formed in Washington Township to check and stop all unlawful depredations. At the close of the war the County Board appropriated large amounts out of county treasury for county and relief, an account of which will be found in the military chapter. In 1865 a board fence was built around the court house, mainly by citizens of Salem. In June 1866, it was decided to revive the municipality of Salem. In June also $240 were spent in grading, grassing and improving the public square. The deferred question of reviving the corporation of Salem again in 1868. In June 1874-, the County Board sold $7,000 of county bonds to liquidate the existing county indebtedness. In 1873-74 the State Board of Equalization illegally raised the revenue $5,743.20, which amount was collected but refunded under court orders, the right of the act having been referred to that tribunal for settlement. In 1872-73, the boundary between Clarke and Washington Counties was definitely established by legislative enactment. In 1877-78 the County Board having in view the erection of a county jail, and the ultimate erection of a new court house, levied a tax of 5 cents on each $100 and 50 cents on each poll. In 1878, D. J. Lake & Co. of Philadelphia, prepared a large atlas of Washington County, with handsomely colored maps of all townships and the county on a large scale, showing every road, stream, section, farm, farm houses, town, schoolhouse, cemetery and church in the county, besides much other valuable information. Nearly 300 were sold in the county. In 1884, a heavy iron fence with thick stone posts was built around the square at a cost of about $600. Population of Washington County In 1810 (estimated)-----------250 In 1820 --------------------9,039 In 1830 -------------------13,064 In 1840 -------------------15,269 In 1850 -------------------17,040 In 1860 -------------------17,909 In 1870 -------------------18,495 In 1880 -------------------18,955 County Paupers When the county was organized and divided into townships, three Overseers of the Poor were appointed annually in each, whose duty was to provide for the transient and permanent paupers, and to present the bills of cost to the County Board for allowance. This continued to be the custom until a recent date. Permanent paupers were annually "farmed out" to the lowest bidders, which speices of hubandry similar, not doubt to that sung of by Little Buttercup. " A many years ago, When I was young and charming, As some of you may know, I practiced baby farming. " The earliest allowances cannot be given. In 1822-23 the allowance waw $119.06; in 1825-26, $123.30; in 1827-28, $153; in 1830, $187.38; in 1835, $217.50; in 1838, $233.62; and in 1841- 42, $345.03. Monday July 5, 1830, a Committee of eight (Joel Coombs, John C. McPheeters, Stephen Hole, John Peugh, Andrew Housh, Thomas D. Young, John Hardin and William Purdue.) was appointed to inquire into the expediency of buying a poor farm. The Committe reported in November that such a farm should be bought, that not more than $1,000 should be paid, and not less than a quarter section of land should be bought, where upon Stephen Hole, John C. McPheeters and Joel Coombs were appointed to select and buy a farm in accordance with the recommendations of the former committee. January 3, 1831, they reported that they had bought for $1,000 of Noah Wright, the southwest quarter of Section 25, Township 2 north, Range 4 east, the purchase price to be paid in three annual installments, and part of the house to be surrendered March 1831. Soon after this a code of by-laws was adopted, and Thomas Hodge, Henry DeWalt and Rhodes Mead were appointed directors to employ an agent to take charge of the farm. Tilman Hartley was hired, as was Doctor Charles Hay, to administer to the medical wants of the poor. For some reason Hartley was superseded in 1832 by Andrew Hinkle, but he appealed to the Circuit Court, and waw reinstated in September 1832. The agent at this time was paid $350. Samuel M. Huston became agent in 1834 for two years, but James McKinney succeeded him in 1835, and continued without intermission until 1853, when Obadiah Thomas took his place. In 1838 Robinson & Huston built a frame addition to the poor house. In November 1838, there were 11 paupers in the asylum; there were 9 in 1841, 8 in March, 1843 5 in September 1844, 11 in June 1846, 9 in 1849, 15 in 1850, 16 in 1852, 14 in 1853, 19 in 1854, 23 in 1857, 19 in 1859, 22 in 1861, 24 in 1862, 25 in 1865, 29 in 1869. In 1856 Thomas was paid $42 annually, and continued until 1865, and was than succeeded by George Williams at $50 per year each pauper. This amount was raised to $60 in 1870, and reduced to $55 in 1876. Thomas Seton became Superintendent in 1878 for $650 per annum. In 1843-44 the poor cost $544.47; in 1846-47, $636.27; in 1848-49, $411.21; in 1850-51, $803.20; in 1853-54, $1,412.54; in 1855-56, $1,878.98; in 1859-60, $1,960.57; in 1862-63, $2,817.92; in 1865-66, $2,733.46; in 1867-68, $2,598.93; in 1869-70, $2,397.83; in 1872-73, $2583.21; in 1874-75, $2,885.39; in 1877-78, $3,777.64; in 1879-80, $4,397.27; in 1881-82, $4,287.62; in 1883-84, $359.58. Dr. Elijah Newland was Poor Physician in 1834, and for several years. Dr. C.L. Paynter was hired in the fifties, and continued until recently. Others have been Drs. W.C.Flack, Samuel Reed. In 1878 John P. Strouse, for $593, erected on the Poor Farm a residence for the Superintendent. The building was a frame structure and was completed in December. In 1872 George Williams built a mad-house on the Poor Farm for $245. For several years past the average annual number of paupers at teh asylum has been about sixty. Undr the management of the present Superintendant, Thomas Seton, the asylum is almost self supporting. Origin of the County School Fund Surplus Revenue --------------------$12,687.08 Bank Tax Fune -------------------- 955.56 Saline Fund -------------------- 785.12 Sinking Fund -------------------- 539.72 Seminary Fund 1853 ----------------- 302.70 Sale of Seminary ----------------- 518.00 Other Fund in 1853 ----------------- 104.23 Sinking Fund of 1871-73 ------------ 7,028.10 Fines, forfeitures, etc. of the various Courts from 1853 to 1854--------------------14,335.34 Total ---------------------------$37,255.85 Origin of the Congressional Fund Section 16, Township 1 south, Range 2 east ------------$ 909.60 Section 16, Township 1 south, Range 3 east ------------ 2,309.69 Section 16, Township 1 south, Range 4 east ------------ 1,450.80 Section 16, Township 1 north, Range 2 east ------------ 1,838.50 Section 16, Township 1 north, Range 3 east ------------ 804.00 Section 16, Township 1 north, Range 4 east ------------ 901.90 Section 16, Township 1 north, Range 5 east ------------ 825.00 Section 16, Township 2 north, Range 2 east ------------ 1,185.13 Section 16, Township 2 north, Range 3 east ------------ 1,074.50 Section 16, Township 2 north, Range 4 east ------------10,646.23 Section 16, Township 2 north, Range 5 east ------------ 1,260.00 Section 16, Township 3 north, Range 2 east ------------ 2,609.25 Section 16, Township 3 north, Range 3 east ------------ 1,632.95 Section 16, Township 3 north, Range 4 east ------------ 715.45 Section 16, Township 3 north, Range 5 east ------------ 800.00 Section 16, Township 4 north, Range 3 east ------------ 702.74 Total* ---------------------------------------------$29,664.94 The County Finances The earliest receipts and expenditures of the county cannot be given, owing to the non- preservation of the records. The following exhibit extends from November 14, 1822 to November 12, 1823, inclusive. Receipts County revenue ---------------------------------$ 318.96 1/2 John DePauw, County Agent ---------------------- 414.12 1/2 From James Coffin ------------------------------ 98.00 Store License----------------------------------- 127.50 Tavern License---------------------------------- 90.00 Tax on writs, seals, etc.----------------------- 34.00 Total ------------------------------------------$1,082.59 Expenditures Circuit Court-----------------------------------$ 414.12 1/2 County Commissioners---------------------------- 113.00 County Clerk and Office------------------------- 67.62 1/2 Sheriff----------------------------------------- 81.00 Roads------------------------------------------- 65.50 Poor-------------------------------------------- 119.06 1/2 Elections--------------------------------------- 5.50 Jail and Jailors-------------------------------- 49.62 1/2 County Listers---------------------------------- 86.00 Repair of Court House--------------------------- 14.50 Improper Tax------------------------------------ 2.00 Depreciated bank paper-------------------------- 2.00 Treasurer's percentage-------------------------- 37.97 Total---------------------------------------$1,058.90 1/2 At the beginning of the calendar year 1827, there was on hand $50.06, and this with $2,066.46 received during the year made the total receipts $2,116.28, the county revenue being $1,635.46 The total expense was $2,180.42, showing a deficit of $64.14. In 1833 the county revenue waw $1,596.33, and the total receipts $1,983.88. The total collections including a small delinquency were $1,962.69. The county revenue for 1837 waw $939.34, and the total receipts $2,630.61, there being on hand at the beginning $1,363.08, making total cash in the treasury in 1837 a $3,993.99. The total expenses were $2,980.33, leaving on hand $1,013.66. For the fiscal year 1841-42, the receipts and expenditures were a follows: Receipts Expenses Store license------$ 97.40 Jury----------$ 921.00 Grocery------------ 73.75 Old orders---- 682.82 Peddlers----------- 20.80 Specific------ 316.60 Delinquency-------- 621.64 Officers------ 470.00 Estrays------------ 19.12 Assessors----- 503.81 Miscellaneous------ 13.75 Bailiffs------ 59.00 Revenue------------ 4,710.17 Public Buildings 202.54 __________ Poor Asylum--- 264.78 Total $5,556.63 Poor---------- 80.25 Criminal------ 158.75 Elections----- 27.25 Roads--------- 15.75 Printing------ 8.00 Jailors------- 78.40 Interest on orders 15.24 ___________ Total $3,804.19 For the fiscal year 1844-45, there was on hand $3,316.34. The county revenue waw $3,306.05 and the total receipts were $7,178.72. Public Buildings cost $1,157.50; county officers, $1,032.05; total expenses $3,782.02, leaving $3,396.70. In 1848-49 there was on hand $2,534.17. Merchants licenses brought $295, grocery licenses $93.45, and peddlers licenses $85. The county revenue was $5,949.67, and total receipts $9,025.67. County Officers $540.72; New Albany - Salem Railroad stock, $6,800; total expenses, $8,894.31; leaving on hand $131.48. In 1852-53 there was on hand $1,683.02. Merchants and grocers' licenses brought $205. The total receipts were$5,355.52. County officers cost $951.10. Total expenses were $4,921.26, leaving on hand $434.26. In 1856-57 there was on hand $1,452.06. The county revenue was $7,694.11, and the total receipts $9,455.07. The total expense was $7,692.52, county officers costing $1,829.68. In 1860-61 there was on hand $3,932.34. County revenue was $8, 140.29, and total receipts $12,552.79. Public buildings cost $1,201.76; county officers $1,726.54, the total expenses being $8,530.47, leaving on hand $4, 022.32. In 1864-65 there was in hand $2,380.29. the county revenue was $11,138.80, and total receipts $13,793.49. County Officers cost $2,596.38, the total expense being $12,655.18. In 1865-66 owing to the heavy levy for bounty and relief, take a larger shape. There was on hand $1,138.31; total county revenue including delinquency was $48,766.75; soldiers relief fund received, $18,948.17; total receipts, $63,316.08; leaving on hand $13,137.05. In 1866-67 the county revenue was $47,259.27; total receipts $60,995.32. County officers cost, $3,212.72; total county expenses $21, 124.85; paid on military bonds and interest, $50,059.61. In 1869-70 there was on hand $10,269.20; county revenue, $19,529.23; total receipts, $29,983.95. County officers cost $5,108.87; total expenses $20,274.58, leaving on hand $9,709.37. In 1872-73 there was on hand $2,568.75; county revenue $17,197.03; total receipts $20,203.99. The total expenses were $14,877.92, leaving on hand $5,326.07. In 1874-75 there was on hand $8,091.58; borrowed $7,000; county revenue, $16,056.52; total receipts, $32,112.64. County officers cost $5,758.15; insane, $924.02 total expenses $26,341.61,leaving on hand $5,771.03.In 1877-78 there was on hand $5,680.56; county revenue, $17,198.12; building fund $1,502.74; total receipts, $24,491.79. County officers cost $4,099.98; total expenses $16,255;leaving on hand $8,236.79. In 1879-80 there was on hand $9,752.01; county revenue, $18,996.80; total receipts $28,944.63. County officers cost $3,562.02; Total expenses $18, 068.62; leaving on hand $10,876.01. In 1881-82 there was on hand $10,982.42; county revenue $$18,743.87; total receipts $30,530.84 County officers cost $3, 294.93; total expenses $18,463.62; leaving on hand $12,066.62. There was on hand building fund of $1,955.70, and received of same fund during the year , $17,374.45; Total building fund, $20,330.15. The following is the report of the County Auditor for the fiscal year 1884. Receipts June 1, 1883, balance in treasury-----------------------------$ 11,746.54 Received per December settlement, 1883------------------------ 8,047.16 Received per May settlement, 1884 ---------------------------- 8,544.77 Received on account Jury fees -------------------------------- 18.00 Received from public sales of public commons------------------ 1,017.50 Received on account of ferry licenses------------------------- 8.50 Received on school fund loans (costs)------------------------- 29.60 Received on delinquent taxes (costs)-------------------------- 1.20 Total receipts------------------------------------------------ $29,413.27 Expenditures Assessing--------------------------$ 1,399.50 County Attorney-------------------- 125.00 County Officers-------------------- 3,686.76 Criminals-------------------------- 566.10 Courts----------------------------- 1,251.79 Deaf and dumb---------------------- 1.15 Elections-------------------------- 777.45 Feeble minded---------------------- 56.40 Fox scalps------------------------- 76.00 Fuel and lights-------------------- 274.85 House of Refuge-------------------- 167.60 Inquests--------------------------- 237.00 Insane----------------------------- 1,527.02 Jurors----------------------------- 1,552.15 Poor------------------------------- 969.75 Poor asylum------------------------ 2,549.83 Public Buildings------------------- 777.64 Printing,Stationary etc.----------- 709.75 Miscellaneous---------------------- 114.35 School Superintendent-------------- 822.00 School Funds----------------------- 1,585.99 Roads------------------------------ 1,858.09 Stationary and Books--------------- 646.72 Board of Health-------------------- 50.00 _____________ Toatal Expended $21,783.69 _______________ Balances in Treasury $ 7,629.58 Bridge Fund, Receipts June 1, 1883, balance on hand--------------------------$ 2,883.23 Received from taxes as per December settlement 1883---- 2,704.53 Received from taxes as per May settlement, 1884-------- 8,198.99 ___________ Total Receipts-----------------------------------------$ 13,786.75 Expended on account of bridges------------------------- 10,775.04 ____________ Leaves balance in treasury----------------------------- 3,011.71 Approved June 10, 1884 Daniel W. Gray John Smith Hiram Zink Commissioners Attest: William G. Jamison A.W.C. Plank Raod Companies During the thirties several plank road companies, obtained permission to occupy certain public roads in the county. The Salem & Ohio and the Salem & Jefferson Companies secured this right. To some extent work on one or more roads was begun, but the projects were abandoned at this juncture. The last named Company partly macadamized their road-bed. In 1851 The Salem & Millport Plank Road Company secured the right a way north from Salem, in which Company the County Board took $1,500 stock from the three per cent fund. The Directors were: W.C. DePauw, Dawson Lyon, Elijah Newland, John L. Menaugh, Spencer B. Peugh, David G. Campbell and H.D. Henderson. DePauw was president, and John H. Butler Secretary. Planks were put down over the route at a total cost of about $25,000. Three toll-gates were established and 2 cents per mile was charged for the privilege of riding over the road. Money was lost on the enterprise, and it gradually fell into decay and disuse. The Harrison & Brownstown Plank Road Company did little else than organize and become defunct. James L. Thompson wa the President. Justices of the Peace Jesse Spirgeon, James Young, Robert Ellison, John Wright and David Fouts, January 10, 1814; Robert Catlin, Junary 27, 1814; Amos Thornburg, William Robertson, Jesse Beck, Enoch Parr, John M. coleman, Godlove Camp, Samuel Huston, John Ketchum, Cornelius Williamson, April 18, 1814; James McKinney, Thomas Ewing, Robert McIntire, July 25, 1814; Thomas Beesley, John G. Clendenin, Edward Millis, Jesse Lucas, Cyrus Douglas, Matthew Robertson, Tyre Harris, 1815; Hugh McPheeters, William Kelso and Alexander Huston 1816; John Curry, John Gregg, Samuel Wright, Christopher Morris, Lewis Roberts, William Heron, Tertius Fordyce, Aaron Vandeveer, David Deweese, John McCullough, William Marrs, John Sapp, Thomas Denny, James McCoy, Dandridge Overton, William Royse, Robert Williams 1817; Willis McCoy, Phillip Shull, Robert Ellison, Elias Williams, William Baird, 1818; Francis McGuire, Hugh Graham, John Denny, William Richards 1819; William Watts, John DePauw, Elijah Wright, Joseph Green, Joel Coombs, William Phelps, Joseph B. Harbert, Elijah Driskell, Matthias Lemon 1820; William Newland, James C. McKinney, James Rose, Brice Miller, Phillip Langdon, James Milroy, Aaron Harding, Thomas Weathers, Joseph Murphy 1821; Robert Scott, H.W. Hackett, Robert McKneely, William Garriott, George L. Trabue, Hugh McPheeters, John McMahan, John Denny, James Crawford, Hugh Kelso, Roger Sutherland, William Heron, Thoma Denny, Jacob Hattabaugh 1822: John Gregg, Asher Wilcox, Ezekial Logan, Stephen Hale, Abner Martin, John Scott, Benoni Armstrong, 1823; William Hartley, Andrew Housh, Alexander Williams, John Sapp 1824; William Richards, Henry Davis, William Newland, William Watts 1825; Simeon Matthews, John Early, Richard Rubeson, James Cauble, Aaron Hardin, Phillip Langdon, Godfrey Ratts 1826: James Hammersley, William Perdue, Enoch Parr, Nathaniel Moss, John McMahan, Samuel Peck 1827; John McPheeters, Robert Smith, William Logan, John DePauw, John Hardin, Asher Willcox 1828; Stephen Hole, George May, Joel Coombs, Thomas D. Young, Levi P. Lockhart, Andrew Housh, Allen Poor 1829; John Kingsberry, Henry W. Davis, William Allison, Jacob Bixler, William Newland, Nelson Britt 1830: Thoma Denny, John Mitchell, Isaac Thomas, Richard Rubeson, Nathan Mandlin, Jacob Grubb, William Richards 1831; James McKinney, Samuel M. Huston, William Perdue, Godfrey Ratts, James Hammersley, Jacob Stripp 1832; John Hardin, N. Hamilton, 1833; Henry Westfall, Samuel Catlin, David Fouts, Joel Coombs, Peter Cauble, Charles Downs, John Boling, Stephen Elrod 1834; George May, Phillip Huffman, Townsend Cutshaw, John Beck, Henry Davis, James Smith 1835; Peter Draper, Hugh W. Kelso, Jesse Crim, Jacob Wiseman, Charles Neal, Benoni Armstrong, Jonathan Winslow, James Carter, Jacob Stripp, Isaac Thomas, John Ellis 1836; William Perdue, Charles Herman 1837; Henry B. Hammersley, Daniel Logan, David Owen, John Early, John Gilstrap, John Hardin, Joseph Stripp 1838: Godfrey Ratts, William Driskel, Peter Cauble, Samuel Catlin, Royal B. Child, John Hartley, David Fouts, John Mittchell, Alfred Pringle, Henry Davis, William Thompson, Jacob Roberts, Miles Talcodk, Jacob Hattaburg 1840; William Wilson, Hugh W. Kilso, John Watts, John Hardin 1841; John Ellis 1842; John Parr, Roger Martin, Jacob Wiseman, John Wilcox, H.B. Hammersley, John Beck, Hutchinson Brown, John Gilstrap, Leonard Harbett, John Early, Aaron Craycraft, Gideon Coulter 1843; Charles Haryman, Joseph Still, Absalom Garrison, Richard Robinson, Stephen Elrod, 1844; Samuel Early, Royal B. Childs, John Mittchell, James Gassaway, George Denny, Alfred Pringle, Henry Davis, William Baker, T. Cutshaw, henry Paynter, James Dixon 1845. Representatives Samuel Milroy and Alexander Little, 1817; Samuel Milroy and Jonathan Lyon, 1818; Samuel Milroy and Marston G. Clark, 1820; Noah Wright, 1822; Ezra Childs and Alexander Huston, 1823; Robert McIntire and Alexander Huston, 1824; Ezra Child and William Baird, 1825; Alexander Little, Abraham Sargent and Abner Martin, 1826; Alexander Little, John DePauw and Hugh McPheeters, 1827; Robert McIntire, Ezra Child and Hugh McPheeters, 1828; Alexander Little, John Kingsbury and Charles B. Nayler, 1829; Hugh McPheeters, Ezekiel D. Logan and Rodolphus Schoonover, 1830; E.D. Logan and Henry P. Thornton, 1831; R. Schoonover and Gustavus Clark, 1832; Henry C. Monroe and Woodbridge Parker, 1833; Robert Strain and Levi P. Lockhart, 1834; M.G. Clark and Robert Strain, 1835; John DePauw and Robert Strain, 1836; Henry C. Monroe and Samuel Huston, 1837; H.C. Monroe, W. Parker and Valentine Baker, 1838; H.C. Monroe and John I. Morrison, 1839; R. Schooner and William Shanks, 1840; H.C. Monroe and George May, 1841; E.D. Logan and Valentine Baker, 1842; E.D. Logan and John Kelly, 1843; William Shanks and John Kelley, 1844; William Shanks and H..C. Monroe, 1845; Cyrus L. Dunham and Thomas Green, 1846; C.L. Dunham and George May, 1847; James A. Cravens and William Thompson, 1848; James A. Cravens and John L. Menaugh, 1849; James T. Campbell and Henry Paynter, 1850; R. Schoonover, 1851; John Hartley, 1852; E.D. Logan and R. Schoonover, 1854; John A. Bowman and J.W. Reyman, 1856; John A. Bowman and William Hancock (joint representatives of Washington and Harrison Countes), 1858; Christian Prow and Horace Heffren (joint representatives of Washington and Harrison Countes), 1860; Jamison Lee and Aaron L. Hardin (joint representatives of Washington and Harrison Countes), 1862; John Lemon (representative of Washington and Harrison Countes), Erasmus W. Shanks and Frederick W. Matthis (joint representatives of Washington and Harrison Countes), 1866: John C. Lawler, 1868; John H. Oatley, 1870; James Rudder, 1872; Alfred B. Collins, 1874; A.B. Collins, 1874; A.B. Collins, 1876; Samuel Mitchell, 1878; S.H. Mitchell, 1870; Horace Heffren 1872. Senators John DePauw (Washington, Jackson, Orange, Lawrence and Mlonroe), 1818; Marston G. Clark (Washington County alone), 1821; Samuel Milroy, 1822; John DePauw, 1825; M.G. Clark, 1828; John DePauw, 1829; John DePauw, 1830; E.D. Logan, 1832; Henry W. Hackett, 1834; same 1835; same, 1836; same, 1837; same 1838; same, 1839; same, 1840; William Shanks, 1841; same, 1842; same, 1843; same, 1844, same, 1845, same, 1846; John L. Morrison, 1848; James A. Cravens, 1850; ** Townsend Cutshaw, 1855; Horace Heffren, 1857; same of Washington and Harrison Counties, 1857; same, 1858; same, 1859; Simeon K. Wolfe (Washington and Harrison Counties), 1860; John A. Bowman (same counties), 1865; same, 1867; G.W. Dembo (same counties),1869; same, 1871; John A. Bowman (same counties), 1873; same, 1875; B.H. Burrell (Wawhington and Jackson Counties), 1877; same, 1879; Samuel B. Voyles (Washington and Floyd Counties) 1881; same, 1883. County School Officers Micajah Newby, Commisssioner, 1835; John Nixion, Commisssioner,1841: James G. May, Jeremiah Rowland and John H. Butler, examiners, 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 I. Morrison, Examiners, 1846;*** John M. Lord, Dewitt C. Thomas and James J. Brice, 1850; *** Zacjarias S. Garriott, Examiner, 1854; Z.S. Garriott, 1856; James B. Wilson, 1856; W.C. McClosky, Examiner, 1860; Hamilton S. McRae, 1861; C.L. Raynter, 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 I. 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; William Williams, 1856; James B. Wilson, 1864; Lewis Casper, 1868; W.W. Stevens, 1869; John L. Williams, 1870; William G. Jamison, 1878. Clerks Isaac Blackford, February, 1814; Basil Prather, September, 1814; John Kingsbury, 1820; John DePauw, 1821; Jonathan Lyon, 1823; William C. Carter, 1827; Eli W. Malot, 1838; Wahington C. DePauw, 1844; James B. Wilson, 1855; J.F. Cutshaw, 1863; John J. Hardin, 1870; James M. Taylor, 1878. Recorders Isaac Blackfore, February 1814; Basil Prather, September, 1814; John Wolfington, 1817; Eli W. Malot, 1821; W.H. Carter, 1837; Alexander Atkinson, 1838; B.C. Shanks, 1858; W.C. McClosky, 1862; James H. Johnson, 1866; Leander G. Davis, 1870; Preston Bryan, 1878. Sheriffs William Hoggart, 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.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 Hiram 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 Hogart, 1814; Simeon Lamb, 1814; James Young, 1814; Joseph Ketchell, 1815; Alexander Little, 1815; William Love, 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. Schoonover, 1844; Enoch Parr, 1846; William Wilson, 1848; Valentine Baker, 1851; John Hungate, 1851. Coroners Jeremiah Lamb, 1814; Archibald McKinney, 1818; Samuel Henderson, 1822; Barlett 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; Walter 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 Newland, 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 and Treasurer and Board of Examiners, and entitling the physicians of Washington County to a membership by paying $1, presenting a diploma from some recognized medical college or passing a satisfactory examination before the examining committee. The first Board of Examiners was Drs. James E. Wilson, John R. Bare and William A. Huston. Up to June, 1860 the membership was increased twenty-nine names, as follows:Drs. R.R. Child, James Cochran, S.H. Britain, 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. Parton, 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. Rathburn, T.M. Tucker, J.J. Taylor, T.W. Wilson, J. Sherrod. From the last date to June 1875, inclusive, fourteen names 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 Rathburn, 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 brought 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 enlightenment 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 the county. Since its organization the society has had five trials for mal-practice and unworthy conduct. Drs. Shaw and Ducate were suspended and not again reinstated; Dr. D.G. Kay was expelled in 1860; Drs. J. H. McCoy and B.W. Tucker were each honorably acquitted of charges brought against them. From June 1852 to December 1855, thirty meetings were held, and from that 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 by-laws adopted. Other meetings were held from time to time on which occasion 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, 1836, 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 in 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 commit tie was appointed to report upon the advisability of the project. The report was favorable, and a permanent organization was completed at a subsequent meeting, with the following officers; Oliver Albert son, President; John W. Cayman , Vice President; Robert Morris, Secretary; Lewis J. Rayman, Treasurer. During the year 1856 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 1858 was more so. There was offered in premiums $1,000 there were 1007 entries, and the fair was held four days. The best corn yielded 661/2 bushels to the acre. The receipts were $941, and the membership of the society 432, each paying an annual fee $1. There was paid premiums $767, and $235 was spent on improvements, leaving the treasury with the balance from the previous year $542. At this time Lewis J. Rayman 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 Wunkle, a dreamless sleep. In 1881m it was awakened, or rather and 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 following officers: John A. Bowman, President; Dawson Lyon, Vice-President; W. M. Clark, Treasurer; Fred L. Prow, Secretary; B.F. Nicholson, 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, 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, President; 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.DePauw was selected to cast the vote of the county by right of the 400 shares. Several law-suits grew out of the private subscription of stock, in most of which cases judgement was recovered by the railway 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. DePauw 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 railway projects has disturbed the county in later years. July 24, 1871, six of the townships were called upon to vote on the question of levying g a two per cent tax to aid the Lake Erie, Evansville & Southwestern Railway, the following being the result: Brown Township for 516 against 137; Washington Township for the tax 137, against 137; Madison Township for 90, against 71; Gibson 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 poled on the question of taking stock in the Evansville & Seymour Railway: Gibson Township 60 for the stock and 188 against; Vernon Township 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 of the records. The following exhibit will illustrate the political situation since 1844: November 1844 Townships Democrat Whig. Polk Clay and and Dallas Frelinghuysen Washington ---------------------------- 764 598 Gibson ---------------------------- 115 17 Jackson ---------------------------- 102 135 Posey ---------------------------- 166 62 Vernon ---------------------------- 88 83 Brown ---------------------------- 91 130 Franklin ---------------------------- 213 64 Monroe ---------------------------- 121 60 Totals 1660 1149 November 1884 Townships Democrat Whig Free Soil Cass Taylor and Van Buren and Butler Fillmore 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 22 November 1852 Townships Democrat Whig Free Soil Pierce Scott Hale and and King and Graham Jullian Washington ------------------------- 249 269 5 Gibson ------------------------- 147 35 -- Jackson ------------------------- 230 171 -- Posey ------------------------- 210 92 -- Vernon ------------------------- 142 151 6 Brown ------------------------- 167 121 -- Franklin ------------------------- 319 148 -- Monroe ------------------------- 149 106 -- Totals 1613 1093 11 In 1856, for Governor, Williard (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. November 1856 Townships Democrat Republican American Buchanan Fremont Filmore and and and Breckinridge Dayton Donelson 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 3 14 Pierce ----------------------- 96 8 60 Howard ----------------------- 143 73 17 Madison ----------------------- 67 8 17 Totals 1678 331 691 November 1860 Townships Democrat Republican Democrat Union Douglass Lincoln Breckinridge Bell and and and and Johnson Hamlin Lane Everett Washington -------------------- 385 434 1 11 Gibson -------------------- 211 60 1 -- Jackson -------------------- 56 115 -- 1 Posey -------------------- 134 104 -- -- Vernon -------------------- 115 106 -- -- Brown -------------------- 166 98 16 1 Franklin -------------------- 147 117 -- 6 Monroe -------------------- 106 92 7 -- Jefferson -------------------- 173 65 5 -- Polk -------------------- 140 40 16 -- Pierce -------------------- 113 84 1 2 Howard -------------------- 159 34 -- -- Madison -------------------- 83 29 1 5 Totals 1988 1378 48 31 In 1858, for Secretary of State, McClure, Democrat, received 1,538, and Peelle, Republican, 1,074. In 1860, for Governor, Hendricks, Democrat, 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, Democrat, received 1,840, and Morton, Republican, 1,330; and for Secretary of State, Athon, Democrat, received 1,843, and Trussler, Republican, 1,325. November 1864 Townships Democrat Republican McClellan Lincoln and Pendleton and Johnson Washington --------------------- 329 395 Gibson --------------------- 181 45 Jackson --------------------- 38 92 Posey --------------------- 119 93 Vernon --------------------- 83 68 Brown --------------------- 155 84 Franklin --------------------- 143 114 Monroe --------------------- 107 57 Jefferson --------------------- 183 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 Secretary of State, Kise, Democrat, received 2,010, and Hoffman, Republican, 1,600. At the Presidential election of 1868, the Democratic electors received 2,038, and the Republican electors 1,650. The result by townships cannot be given. In 1870 for Secretary of State Eddy, Democrat, received 1,822, 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 Townships Liberal Republican Bourbon Republican Democrat Greeley Grant O'Conor and and and Brown Wilson Julian Washington ------------------- 342 436 1 Gibson ------------------- 214 93 2 Jackson ------------------- 46 113 -- 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 -- Totals 1935 1583 6 November 1876 Townships Democrat Republican Independent Tilden Hayes Cooper and and and Hendricks Wheeler Cary Washington ------------------ 423 459 -- Gibson ------------------ 237 92 1 Jackson ------------------ 61 112 -- Posey ------------------ 181 108 -- Vernon ------------------ 122 86 -- Brown ------------------ 227 110 -- Franklin ------------------ 162 140 -- Monroe ------------------ 146 99 -- Jefferson ------------------ 202 107 -- Polk ------------------ 149 48 -- Pierce ------------------ 120 124 -- Howard ------------------ 181 70 -- Madison ------------------ 125 63 -- Totals 2336 1618 2 November 1880 Townships Democrat Republican Independent Hancock Garfield Weaver and and and English Arthur Chambers Washington ----------------- 451 484 1 Gibson ----------------- 259 111 1 Jackson ----------------- 67 114 -- Posey ----------------- 200 101 21 Vernon ----------------- 126 88 -- Brown ----------------- 187 125 1 Franklin ----------------- 169 151 -- Monroe ----------------- 141 98 -- Jefferson ----------------- 212 102 -- Polk ----------------- 170 69 -- Pierce ----------------- 123 128 -- Howard ----------------- 175 71 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 Senator) to represent the counties of Washington and Knox, John DePauw received 320 and John Johnson 107, the total vote of the county being 427. In 1880, for President the vote was 4,134.