Perry County, Ohio - Chapter 7: Courts, County Officers, Public Buildings, Etc, 1883

Courts. - The act creating the county of Perry became a law in December, 1817, and the first Court of Common Pleas for the county convened at the house of John Fink in Somerset, April 26, 1818. This court consisted of Hon. Wm. Wilson, President, and C. C. Ilood, David Beckwith and John McMullen, Associate Judges. The Judges, Chief and-Associate, were elected by the legislature until the adoption of the new constitution in 1851, and of course this bench had been chosen in this manner. Judge Wilson resided at Newark, Licking county. History and tradition represent him as no great lawyer, but a man loving justice and dispensing it to the best of his ability. Hood, Beckwith and McMullen were well known citizens of the county at that time, but not members of the legal profession. The judges organized by appointing John Beckwith Clerk. Thomas Slaughter of Lancaster, was appointed Prosecuting Attorney. There was probably no resident lawyer in the county at that time. On the first Monday of April, 1818, an election for a number of county officers had been held, and Leonard Ream was elected Sheriff. He appeared and opened court with the '«' Hear ye! Hear ye!" that has been handed down for many gencrations. 'Chis term of the court appears to have been held for the purpose of hearing the report of the commissioners who had been appointed to fix the place for the seat of justice for the new county of Perry. Said commissioners made their report as follows: '* We, the comunissioners appointed, etc., having been duly sworn, and having satisfactorily explored and examined said county, have selected the eastern public square in the town of Somerset, as the most eligible place for the permanent seat of justice, and we do accordingly report that the seat of justice shall be fixed at that place."

The Court of Common Pleas convened again in July, 1818, the bench the same as before, excepting that George Trout appears in the place of David Beckwith as one of the associate judges. Beckwith had died, and the County Commissioners had probably filled the vacancy by the appointment of Trout. The first business at this term, with the exception of receiving the report of the locating commissioners, was an -application by Jacob Dittoe for an order vacating the town of Hanover, the first platted town within what 1s now the county limits. Hanover was laid out in 1804, fourteen years before the creation of Perry county. It was in Fairfield county and situated about four miles west of where Somerset was afterward located. The petition of Mr. Dittoe was ranted, and an order made, vacating and making null and void the plat of the town of Hanover. The second trial was for fighting. James Bullion was indicted and tried for assaulting Samuel Swinehart. "The indictment among other' allegations solemnly avers that at the time of said assault, '¢The body of Samuel Swinehart was tn the peace of God and the State of Ohio.' Bullion was fined one dollar and costs, amounting to ten dollars and ninety-nine cents. The following is the grand jury that indicted Bullion, and the first grand jury of the county : Joseph Beard, Joseph Shaffer. Jacob Beard, William Fate, Jac ob Jackson, Robert Colborn, William Keith, Thomas Carroll, Samuel Ream, Jacob Mechling, Caleb North, Owen Elder. Philip Crist, James Collins, Smith Goodwin, James Ritchey. The following is the first petit jury of the county, and the one which tried Bullion, the first prisoner at the bar before a Perry county court: Peter Cool, Amos Roberts, Jacob Long, Wim. Dusenbury. Evan Kelsey, John Wilson, James Henthorn. John Murray, John Lidey, Tuba Taylor, Joseph Ferguson, George Richards. At this term of court it also appears that at 'the instance of David J. Walters, Henry Warner and Wm. P. Darst had been arrested by the Sheriff and held for a debt claimed by Walters to the amount of $200. It does not appear that the defendants had been imprisoned, but thev were doubtless in the custody of the sheriff. The case was tried, and Walters obtained a judgment .of $800n debt, $3.34 damages, and $3-33 costs of suit. The court records indicate that this trial was the source of future trouble between the parties, and other litigation. The first session closed with a slander suit. It appears that two women had a quarrel, and as a consequence had related some disgraceful things concerning each other, and one of the husbands brings suit for character. The judgment in this case is, that the '' Defendant receive of the plaintiff the sum of $21.81, costs os suit, and that the plaintiff in mercy, etc." This is a curious verdict, and scarcely intelligible at the present day. The wickedness charged was alleged | to have occurred in one of the ancient towns of the county, which afterward assumed a different name. It is in the hearing of this slander case that attorneys first appear on the record. Beecher and Ewing for the plaintiff, and Sherman and Orton for the defendant. The early times seem to have been tolerably rough, for much of the court proceedings are concerning fights and matters of a kindred character. William Wilson served as President Judge from 1818 until 1820; and was succeeded by John A. McDonald. Little is now known of him, though he held court in Perry for about three years. Alexander Harper, of Muskingum county, succeeded him in 1823. Judge Harper resided in Zanesville, and was a well known, upright man and lawyer. He served two or three terms in Congress. He presided in the courts of Perry county about ten years. Judge Grimke succeeded him in 1834. Grimke resided in Chillicothe, but not much else appears to be known of him. It has been stated, however, that he was one of the most learned of all the judges. Tle was succeeded in 1836 by John LH. Keith, who served until 1840 or 1841. He was an able and popular judge. After leaving the bench, he practiced law successfully at Chillicothe, more than twenty years. He died only a few years since. Keith was succeeded by C. W. Searle of Zane esville, who served until 1847. Searle is highly spoken of as a judge and as aman. Tle died several years ago. Judge Sullwell, also of Zanesville, succecded Searle, and served NE 5t. Stillwell had his peculiarities. but he was an able, conscientious and uptight judge: He was succeeded by Henry C. Whitman of Lancaster. Whitman was first elected hy the legislature, as all former judges had been; but upon the adoption of the new constitution in 1851, providing for the election of the judges by the people, he became a candidate, and was elected in October of that year, for a term of five years. He was re-elected in 1856, and again in 1801; the last time without opposition. He resigned shortly after his last election, and went to Cincinnati to practice law, where he still lives. Whitman was remarkably quick in the dispatch of all public business, and was popular with the people. He served ten years and was succeeded by Philemon B. Ewing, also of Lancaster, who was appointed by Gov. Pod to fill the vacancy. Ewing served until the next general election, when he was succeeded by Philadelph Van Trump, who had been elected in October, 1862. Ewing gave very general satisfaction as a judge. Van Trump served for four years, and then resigned to run for Congress, to which body he was elected in 1866, 1868 and 1870. Van Trump was an able and painstaking Jawyer and judge, and had the confidence of the people and of the bar. He died a few years since. Van Trump was succeeded by James R. Groghan of Logan, who was appointed by Gov. Cox to fill the vacancy. 'He held only one term of court in Perry county. Groghan had abilities of a high order, both general and legal, but his term of judge was too brief to fairly test or develop his capacity on the bench. Groghan was succeeded by Silas I]. Wright of Logan, who had been duly elected in October, 1866. Judge Wright was reelected in 1871, 1876 and 1881, and is still upon the bench, with nearly five years yet to serve. His long service and repeated indorsements by the people. are the testimonials to his uprightness as a Judge, and his worth as a man. At the session of the legislature for 1878-79, a Jaw was jassed creating an additional judge for this judicial district, whereupon at the October election in 1879, J. S. Freisner of Logan, was duly elected to said office for the constitutional term of five years. Judge Ireisner is a young man (one of the youngest judges in the State), but he appears to have the requisite qualificafions, and up to the present time is fully meeting the expectations of the people and the bar. 'The judicial work of the district is now divided, and sometimes Wright, and at other times Freisner, holds the Common Pleas Courts of Perry county.

The most important trial ever held in the county, was that of the State of Ohio vs. David Work, indicted for the murder of Christopher Hocker. The alleged crime was committed in Fairfield county, of which Work was a citizen, and he was indicted by a Grand Jury, in the Fairfield Court of Common Pleas. On motion of the defendant's counsel, Stanbery, Reber and Orton, the court ordered a change of venue to Perry county, for the alleged reason that the prisoner, under the condition of public excitement, could not receive an impartial trial in Fairfield. So the trial came on in Perry county, Judge Keith on the bench. The crime alleged was committed in April 1836, and the trial came on at the September term following. The jury impanelled to try the case consisted of the following named persons : Michael Dittoe, Peter Bugh, James Gorden, Samuel Parkinson, John Reed, Andrew Walker, David Cap, Thomas Wright, James A. Clark, Joseph Good, Moses Goodin, Peter Bowman. The trial occupied about two days, andthe jury, after deliberation, brought ina verdict of Murder in the First Degree. On the 16th of September, Judge Keith sentenced him to be hanged on the 14th of October following, which sentence was. duly carried into execution by Daniel Kishler, who was then Sheriff of the county. The evidence against Work was wholly circumstantial, but no one appeared to doubt his guilt, though he asserted his innocence to the last, and carefully wrote a manifesto to that effect, only fortyeight hours previous to his execution:

Another murder trial was that of the State of Ohio, vs. John Phillips, charged with killing John Dodds, at New Straitsville. This trial was heard at the January term, 1877, and occupied about one week. Dodds was killed in the back room of a saloon, with none but the two present. Phillips admitted the killing, but claimed that it was accidental. Many witnesses were examined, and long arguments were made by counsel. . The jury, after considerable deliberation, brought in a verdict of Murder in the Second Degree. A new trial was about to be granted, when it was agreed that the defendant should plead guilty to Manslaughter, which he accordingly did, and was sen'enced to the Penitentiary forfive years.

Yet another murder trial, was that of the State of Ohio, vs. David Davis, indicted for the murder of John A. Davis, at Shawnee, Jan. Ist, 1879. The trial was heard at the May term of the same year, and occupied several days. The defendant admitted the killing, but claimed justification on the{ground that John A. Davis was, at the time of the fatal shot, forcibly attempting to enter the house of the Defendant. The jury returned a verdict of Manslaughter, and the prisoner was sentenced to the state prison for four years.

The execution of David Work was the only one that ever took place in the county, and he and his victim were both residents of Fairfield county, and the crime was also committed there.

The litigation in Perry was very much the same from 1830 to 1870, but soon after the latter date, the civil and criminal business both began to increase to such a degree that an additional judge was soon thought of, and eventually secured, as before stated.

The Associate Judges were elected by the Legislature, and the first three - C. C. Hood, David Beckwith, and John McMullen - have been named; also, George Trout, successor of David Beckwith, deceased. Their successors were in the order named: Ernest Richman, Thomas Davis, Thomas King, Wm. McClure, James Wilson, John Lidey, Charles Campbell, John McGinley, N. UH. Taylor, John Heck, Patrick McDonald, Joseph G. Wiseman and George Kishler. The three last named sat at the June term in 1851, which was the last appearance of the Associate Judges. Those Judges usually held what was called Orphan Court, in the absence of the President Judge. The new Constitution turned over all this business to the Probate Court.

The Probate Court was organized as soon as practicable after the election in October, 1851. Wm. M. Brown was, at said election, duly elected Probate Judge for Perry county, when he became qualified, and the papers and records pertaining to the administration of his office were turned over to him by the clerk of the Court of Common Pleas. Mr. Brown was Probate Judge three years, and was then succeeded by Robert F. Wickman, who was elected in October, 1854. In 1857, Robert F. Hickman and Wm, M. Brown were candidates and their vote was atie. They cast lots, as the law directed, Hickman won aud was sworn in for the second term. Brown contested on the ground of illegal votes, and the Court of Common Pleas, Judge Whitman presiding, declared Brown the legally elected Probate Judge, and he accordingly took possession of the oflice. There were a dumber of votes, on both sides, which the Court of Common Pleas pronounced illegal, but a majority of them were for Hickman, which, of course, Vnder thesis cumstances, elected Brown. In 1860, Robert Fy Hickman was again elected, and also in 1863. Hickman was suceceded by Robert Vi. Huston, who was elected in 1866, and re-clected in 1809. ~ Thuston was succeeded by James E. Finck, who was elected in 1872, and re-elected in 1875. Finck was succeeded by John If. Kelley, who was clected in 1878. Judge Kelley died in the Jast year of his term, and his son, Frank A. Kelley, was appointed by Governor Foster to fill the vacancy. In October, 1881, Frank A. Kelley was elected tora full term, and also to fill the unexpired portion of the vacancy.

ohn Beckwith was the first Clerk of the Court, appointed by the Bench; his appointment dates July, 1818. Ile served until 828, when W. P. Darst was appointed. He served until 1832, when John Beckwith was again appointed. John W. Davis was appointed in 1830, serving until 1845, when he was succeeded by James Culbertson. In May, 1848, Judge Stillwell found the records behind, discontinued Culbertson, and appointed Wm. Ff. Finck. Finck served but a short time and was succeeded by John Beckwith. Beckwith was subsequently elected in October, 1851, in accordance with the provisions of the new Constitution, which made the oflice of Clerk clective, and re-elected in 1854. Ovid Spencer was elected in 1857, and re-elected in 1860 and 1863. Spencer died a few months before his term expired, and Wesley C. Hickman was appointed to fill the vacancy. Peter Duffy was elected in 1866, and re-elected in 1869 and 1872. John IE. Marlow was elected in 1875, and was re-elected in 1878. John A. McGonagle was elected in 1881. ,

For the first few years the Clerk of the Commissioners was County Auditor, and was appointed by the Commissioners. Roswell Mills was appointed as such Clerk at the first meeting of the Commisstoners 1 signed or attested by any Clerk, and appears to be in the hand writing ken persons, one of whom was John Murray. dward Adams was elected Auditor in October, 1821, and presented his bond and was qualified at the March term of 1822. Adams died after a few months, and in November, 1822, the Commissioners appointed John Lidey to fill the vacancy. John Lidey was elected Auditor in 1823, and also in 1824. Lidey resigned in October, 1826, and Jonathan Babb was appoihted to fill the vacancy. Babb appears to have served by appointment and election until January, 1829, when John Lidev presented his certificate of election and was again qualified as Auditor. Jonathan Babb was again elected in 1830 and re-elected in 1832. Stephen Barnes was elected in 1834, and re-elected in 1836 and 1838. William Ross was elected in 1840 and re-elected in 1842, 1844 and 1846. Robert M. Brown was elected in 1848 and re-elected in 1850. William Meloy was elected in 1852 and re-elected in 1854. John Weimer was elected in 1856 and re-elected in 1858. Archibald M. Huston was elected in 1860. 'Theodore Ogle was elected in 1862, and re-elected in 1864. George W. Binkley was elected in 1866 and re-elected in 1868, and the term was extended by legislative enactment until 1871. [édward T. Rissler was elected in 1871 and re-elected in 1873. A. T°. Stinchcomb was elected in 1875 and died in August 1878. I. T. Rissler was appointed to fill the vacancy. Orrin Thacker was elected in 1878 and re-elected in 1881 and is the present incumbent.

The early Treasurers are difficult to trace, complete records not being available. James Patterson a merchant, was appointed Treasurer soon after the county was organized, and was re-appointed every rear until June, 1827, when he was succeeded by Jacob Catterlin, also bs appointment. Henry Filler was elected to the office in 1829, 1831 and 1833, and was succeeded by Thomas Ritchey in 1835, who was also re-elected in 1837 and 1839. Joseph Ramsey was elected in 1841 bui died in office, and Thomas Ritchey was appointed to fill the unexpired term. In 1843, Wm. M. Brown was elected and served three terms. James Culbertson was elected in 1849. and served one térm. George Redmond was elected in 1851, but resigned before the expiration of his term, and Michael D. Forquer was appointed to fill the vacancy. George Williams was elected in 1853 and re-elected in 1855. M. D. Forquer was elected in 1857 and re-elected in 1859. Torquer resigned before the close of this term, and the vacancy was filled by the appointment of Wm. Meloy. C. T. Brush was elected in 1861. George Pherson was elected in 1863. C. T. Brush was again elected in 1865 and re-elected in 1867. Jacob J. Johnson was elected in 1869 and re-elected in 1871. John B. Overmyer was elected in 1873, and re-elected in 1875. Noah Karr was elected in 1877. Wm. I. Shriver was elected in 1879, and re-elected in 1881, and is the present occupant of the office.

The Prosecuting Attorneys were at first appointed by the Court. An attorney by the name of Slaughter, residing at Lancaster, was appointed Prosecutor at the June session, 1818. Various attorneys were appointed from time to time to conduct the crimjnal prosecutions, until the office was made elective by legislative enactment. Jeremiah Lovell was elected Prosecuting Attorney in 1833, and re-elected in 1835, 1837,

From 1818 until 1827 there was a Lister appointed or elected for each township, aud these officers were the forerunners of the present Township Assessors. The Legislature of 1826-27 provided for the election of County Assessors, and in the fall of 1827 George IWishler was elected Assessor for Perry, and re-elected in 1829; William Dempsey was elected in 18313 Jacob Petty, in 18333 Moses Riley, 1 8353 Hleury Sherlock, in 1837; Robert Green, in 1839; Henry Sherlock, in 4842, who continued to hold the office until it was abolished by Jegislative enactment in 1845. i

The first Surveyors were by appointment of the County Commissioners, and for temporary purposes. Roswell Mills appears. to have been the principal Surveyor of the early days. James Brown was elected County Surveyor in 1832 and re-elected in 1835 ; I. M. Davis was elected in 1838; Miles Green was elected in 1841 and re-elected in 1844; James Brown was elected in 1847 and re-clected in 1850; Peter McMullen was elected in 1853 5 Samuel Curran, in 1855; "Thomas >. Spare, in 1858, 1861, 1864, 1867, and 1870; I. Hl. Binckley, im 1875 ; and Samuel McCourtney, in 1874 and 1877: Frank J. Aid, in 1880, and he is the present incumbent.

The County Commissioners, the most important body in the oraniziution of the county, date back, of course, to the very beginning. The first election was held for Commissioners in April, 1818, and Joel Strawn, Peter Buyh, and Thomas Wilson, were chosen. The board met on the second day of May following and held one session at the house of John Wilson. They met again, June 1st, atthe house of John Finck, which continued to be their place of meeting until the erection of a public building. In October of the same year (1818) another clection for Commissioners was held, resulting in' the election of 'Vhomas Wilson, Peter Bugh, and Joel Strawn. In 181g Adam Binkley and Thomas Nesbit were elected. Adam Binkley was elected in 1820. There appears to have been no election in 1821. Subsequent, clections were as follows: #

Poter Dittoe was the first County Recorder, serving by appointment from 1818 to 1832; John Lidey ser ved a few months in 1832. William F. Moeller was elected in 1832, and re-elected in 1835; Daniel Kelley was elected in 1838; Jacob Costigan was elected in 1841, and re-clected in 1844 and 1847; Henry Sherlock was elected in 1850; Joseph Bowman was elected in 1853; P. J. Ankney was elected in 1856; George Henricks was elected in 1859; William G. Bucknor was elected in 1862, and re-elected in 1865-68-71 ; George W. Moore was elected in 1874, and re-elected in 1877; Charles H. Tinker was elected in 1880, and is the present incumbent.

LEcIsLATIVE. - Jacob Catterlin of Perry, was elected to the Senate in 1822, for the Senatorial district composed of Muskingum and Perry counties, and was re-elected in 1823. Jacob Catterlin was also re-elected in 1824, for the district composed of Morgan and Perry. Roswell Mills was elected 'for the same district in 1825, and re-elected in 1826, but dying soon after, John Beckwith was elected to fill the vacancy.

John Beckwith was re-clected for the same district in 1827, and also in 1828 ; John B. Orton was elected for the same district in 1830 and 1832; John Lidey was elected tor the same district in 1835, and re-elected for the district of Morgan, Perry and Washington in 1836. John Ritchey was clected for the same district in 1841, and re-elected in 1842. Aaron Johnson was clected tor the same district in 1843, and re-elected in 1844. William E. Finck was elected for the district composed of Muskingum aud Perry in 1851. Idi A. Spencer was elected for the same district in 1855, and lzekiel Vannatta in 1857. William ie. Finck was elected for the same district in 1861. Thomas J. Maginnis was elected for the same district in 1863, but had removed from Perry to Muskingum a few months before his election. William IT. Holden was elected in 1869, and re-elected in 1871. Lymon J. Jackson was elected for the same district in 1877, and re-elected in 1879. The foregoing are the Senators elected from Perry. Those elected from other counties in the district are not given. There is no citizen of Perry at present servings in the Senate. Mr. Jackson was the last one to serve in that position.

The Representatives from the county are as follows: Sometimes they represented Perry in connection with another county or counties, but usually they stood for Perry alone, Thomas King was the first Representative for Perry coanty, and was elected in October, 181g, and re-elected in 1820. -Roswell Mills was elected in 1821, and re-elected in 1822 and 1823; Thomas King was again elected in 1824. John B. Orton was elected in 1825, and re-elected in 1826; James Patterson was elected in 1827: Benjamin Eaton was elected in 1828, and re-elected in 1829; Peter Odlin in 1830; John Vanatta in 1831, and re-elected in 1832; John Lidey was elected in 1833; Robert McClung in 1834: Joshua Brown and William Trevitt in 1836 5 and William 'Trevitt was re-elect~ ed in 1837 and 1838; James J. Wilson was clected in 1839, and re-clected in 1840; Daniel Kelley was elected in 1841, and pokes: in 1842. Perry had no direct Representative in 1843, but Morgan, Washington and Perry were represented by William Glines and John C. Clark, neither of whom were citizens of Perry. James Brown was elected in 1844, and re-clected in 1845 3 Tsaac Larimer was clected in 18463 John Lidey in 1847; Isaac Larimer in 1848; Napoleon B. Colborn was elected in 1849, und re-elected in 18503; John IT. O'Neill was elected in 1851, and re-elected in 1853, but his seat was contested and Solomon Nunucmaker was seated in March, 1854; Franklin L. lowers was elected mn 1855 3 Thomas B. Cox in 18573 Joseph Thompson in 18593 William H. Holden in 1861; William TH. Free in 1863; George Henricks in 1865 and 1867; Lewis Green in 1869 and 18713 1. &. P. Baker in 1873 and 1875 5 Curtis Trovinger in 1877; Wenry C. Greiner in 1879 and 1881. Greiner is the present Representative of the county.

The first record of the County Commissioners bears date May 2d, 1818, and is as follows: "At a meeting of the Commissioners of Perry county, in the State of Ohio, held at the house of Mr. John Wilson, 19 the town of Somerset, 0n Saturday the 2d day of May, 1918. Present, oel Strawn, Thomas Wilson and Peter Bugh, Sen., Commississtoners 'duly elected, who were sworn to the faithful discharge of their duties by Roswell Mills, an acting Justice of the Peace in said county. The Commissioners appointed Roswell Mills their Clerk, who was duly

They also agreed and ordered that the rates of tavern license should.be as follows: For a stand in Somerset, or within a fourth of a mile thereof, ten dollars per annum; for any other stands on the main Wheeling and Lancaster road. eight dollars per annum ; and for any other stand,

This record is in the handwriting of Roswell Mills. as well as subsequent records for three or four vears. The penmanship is good, and the orthography, capitalization and punctuation equal. if not: superior, to any that has succeeded it. Ttis very evident that Mills was a scholar, as well as a man of information and intelligence.

The Commissionet PSG Oss: at the house of John Fink, Monday, June rst, 1818, and re-appointed Roswell Mills Clerk, and James Patterson Treasurer. Naiteenas it is recorded that '* The Commissioners having made a new township of the 13th township in the 14th range, by the name of Bearfield, and attached thereto the 12th township in the same range. it is ordered that the election be held on the 13th day of July next, at the house of Lloyd Teal.'

At this session '¢ The Board also ordered that the rates of county taxes should be as follows, for the present year: For each stud horse the rate for which he stands for the season; ov all other other horses, mares, mules and asses, three years old and upward, thirty cents per head; on each head of neat cattle, three years old and upward, ten cents ; and on town property one- half per cent of its appraised value. No taxes shall be laid on houses not in towns.'

Leonard Ream presented his bond for Sherif, with John Fink and John Trout security ; and John Trout, Coroner, presented his bond with Leona rd Ream and George Trout security.

The Board ordered that the rates of tavern license should remain as heretofore fixed, and that a Merchants' or Peddlers' license should be fifteen dollars

John Lidey, Lister, Reading township.. $10 00- James Patterson, Appraiser sass Saseeees 38 4 00 Lewis Wilson, Lister, Hopewell township 9 00 Samnel Clayton, Lister, Pikeltownsltt pits eeeceec see octet rete ee 7 50 David Carroll, Appraiser... fone 3. eGo aceite Seu hc Sera eer ee 1 00 David Rusk, Lister, Clay ton township. Neileniacwn Sac s Sn 1 00 Charles Frizz, Appraiser... A aeBcpniat soe cobs dente cazceniatondbss 1 00 Wm Keith, Lister, Thorn township.. Seiba donate neal Dae daeaee eee ane ; 9 00 John Henthorn, At DE GLSOR SAE Ossiss oh I sas ody cde as ees Bye Sees 1 00 Ifenry Dusenbury, Lister, Madison Townshipy...... 00... .ccceeceeeceeee 7 00 John Eby, Appraiser Scene Soest sana toate ucwasCh orcas en steea seegeig 1 00 James Forsythe, Lister, Jackson township .. 6 00 Joshi? Brown Alp praisem scssecsscee oe epee eee eee oe bp WERE Retaee 1 00 $68 50

Roswell Mills for Blank Books, Stationery for Comaimissioners' OME Slee cacikes.qeeecr rence sence totes Sane Ree seneae teease teateaes eee eeee #8 874

Several things are made to appear by this list of accounts audited at the June session, 1818. It is evident that Harrison is yet a pait Clavton ; and Bearfield, Monroe, Saldlick, and Monday Creek, have no official existence. Clayton was at this time the largest township in the county, and contained one row of sections more than Reading.

At the December session, 1818, Joel Strawn, Thomas Wilson and Peter Bugh. who had been elected on the second Tuesday of October previously, decided by lot that the term of Peter Bugh should expire in the year 1819, that of Joel Strawn, in 1820, and that of Thomas Wilson, in 1821. The Commissioners met December 16th, and sold lots belonging to the county, in accordance with advertisement, as follows: Lot No. 166 to Lawrence Curran, for $72.75 3 168 to John Fisher, for $5 75125 159 to John Fisher, for $49.50; 176 to John Kishler, for $62.00 ; "172 to John Hlumberger, $56.00: 160 to John Basore, for $58.00. Atthe March session, 1819, 'The Commissioners proceeded to appropriate the money lying in the Treasury of Fairfield county, for roads and highways in this county, as follows; Cooper Road, in Thorn township, $39-80 ; Cooper Road, in Hopewell township, $30.20, and Joel Strawn was appointed to expend the.same ; on Witmer's Bridge, so called, $18.- 60; and John Wolf was appointed to expend the samez on the road from Somerset to the south end of ID. Parkinson's lane, *10.00; from the same lane on the Newark road, $16.00; on the Lebanon road from same lane, $10.00; on the Lexington road, $20.00; on the Rehoboth road, $10.00; and Smith Goodin was appointed to expend the same: on the State Road, through Reading township, $70.00; and William Darst was appointed to expend the same."

At the June session 1820, "The Commissioners proceeded to appropriate the nine hundred dollars of the three per cent fund, appropriated tor roads in this county, by an act of last General Assembly, and to appoint Commissioners to expend the same. On the Great State Road through the county, £347.00, and Charles C. Hood is appointed to clistribute the same; on the Cooper Road, $77.00, and Thomas Nesbit 1s appointed thereon; on the road from Somerset to Thornville, 37-00. and Bernard Poorman is appointed thereon; on the road from Somerset to Lexington, $67.00, and Smith Goodin is appointed thereon; on the road from Somerset, by Miller's Mill, to the west line of the county,

47.00 and Adam Binkley is appointed thereon; on the road from the hite Bear Tavern, to John Skinners. $47-00- and Samuel Goodin is appointed thereon: 07 the road from Somerset by Hood's Mill, to the north line of the county, $47.00, and George Trout, Sr., is appointed thereon; on the road from Lexington road, near Brants, to Robert Pherson's, $31-00 and Jehu B. Jones is appointed thereon sen the road from Rehoboth to the east line ot the county. $60.00, and Amos Roberts is appointed thereon ; on the road from Turkey Run to Andrew Cusacks, Iesq., $17.00, and Joseph Cookson is appointed thereon 3 on the road from Somerset to Witmer's Bridge, to the south line of the county, $93-00 ; of which $48.00 shall be expended this side of the bridge, and $45-00 beyond, and Michael Bugh is appointed thereon 2 on the road {rom Somerset, by Wood's Mill, to the north line of the county, $30.00 and C. C. Hood is appointed thereon." 'The Commissioners adjourned

The oun of the County Commissioners shows that four fifths of all their business, during the early years of the county, was in relation to the establishment or alteration of roads. The names of a large majority.of the early land owners of the county appear on the records, in some way or other connected with roads. It can be readily observed that the value of roads was duly appreciated, and to the early and persistent efforts of the fathers, who have passed away, are the people of to-day indebted for the large number of roads that traverse the county in almost every direction. No county, perhaps, has more of them, in proportion to territory. It was sometimes difficult to establish aroad, but it was far more more difficult to vacate one, after it had been located and traveled. Several of the leading roads, of course, were located and opened before the formation of the county of Perry.

Pusiic Burtpines. - The first session of the Commissioners was held at the house of John Wilson, but the next and subsequent sessions for about two years, were held at the house of John Fink, and the Commissioners ordered that the Courts be held at the same place, and they were held there for more than a year, and until the ' Jail," generally so called, was built, which had aroom in the second story, for the use of the Court.

'The house of John Fink" was atavern, of good dimensions, situated where the school house now stands, at the corner of Main and Iligh streets, in Somerset. There may be a few persons still living, who were present and saw the Court of Common Pleas in session at Fink's Tavern, but none are absolutely known. The Court was probably held in the large corner room of the house, and there the '* Hear Ye! Hear Ye! The Honorable Court of Common Pleas, of Perry county, is now in session,'' was cried out by Leonard Ream, the first Sheriff of the county.

These facts entitle 'John Fink's House," or so much of it as was used for Court purposes, to be considered a 'Public Building," for the time being. This was convenient for the Judges and Attorneys, for when Court was over, they did not have far to travel to their meals and beds.

The first record in relation to the erection of a Jail or other Public Building, was on June 3rd, 1818, when this appears: 'The Commissioners having digested a plan for a Jail, and having called for an installment of the subscription for erecting County Buildings, to be paid on or before the ist of July next, they adjourned to the ist of July next."'

The following is from the proceedings of the Commissioners of Wednesday, July rst, 1818: After auditing various accounts, and examining the situation of the County Revenue, and the prospects of paying for a Jail, they adjourned until to-morrow morning, at 8 o'clock A. M."

It does not appear whether the sale was made by public outery or otherwise, but in the recorded proceedings of the Commissioners of June 3d, 1818, is found: 'The Commissioners having sold the building of the jail to Jobn Bugh, John Murray and George Jackson for $2,335- and entered into obligations with them for their performance, with Daniel Lidey, George Richards and John Jonas as security for contractors, and having called for another installment of the substription money to be paid on or before the 3d of September next," &c., &e.

On Monday, September the 14th, 1818, the Commissioners gave the jail contractors an order for five hundred dollars in part pay on their contract.

August 20th, 1819, Messrs. Thomas Anderson and Richard Grubb, of Fairfield county, to whom the contractors and Commissioners had agreed to submit the workmanship of the jail, reported that it was properly dove, according to contract, and thereupon the Commissioners received the jail and gave it into the care and keeping of the Sheriff.

The Jail, so-called in most places, was built of stone and brick, the first story, being stone and the second brick. It was a jail more than anything else, and the Commissioners and other people did not like to call it 2 court house. Yet a court-room was provided in the second story, as well as room for.qume of the Coury:, Ollicers. It also was provided with Jury rooms. Court was held in this room for about ten years, or until the Court Llouse was built on the public square.

At a special session held: June 20th, 1828, itis recorded that «The Commissioners purchased lot No. tt, in Somerset of George Prout, for the use of the county." Atthe December session, 1825, 'Phe Commissioners authorized the Auditor to have all repairs made to the Court House and Jail until the next session." Ilere the old) stone and brick building on South Columbus street is spoken of as both a Court [louse and Jail.

At the regular March session of 1826, 'The Commissioners agreed to erect public buildings for offices for the county, and order the ane tor to give notice in the Perry Record that the said Commissioners will sell the erection of said buildings to the lowest bidder, and and at their option, on the tgth day of April, between the hours of ten o'clock a. m., and four o'clock p.m., on said day.' This proposition was. to erect buildings for public offices. At this time most of the County offices, probably, were in rented rooms, on Main street or near the public square. * The Commissioners met April rgth, 1826, and proceeded to the special business for to receive proposals for the erection of Public Offices for said county, in accordance of a notice given by their order. They were oflered and bid off at $897.25. "The Commissioners refused to accept said offer."

At the regular June session of 1826, "The Commissioners agrecd lo meet on the 1st day of July next to receive plans for a Court House, &c., for Perry County and some day thereafter agree to sell out the building of the same." Nothing was accomplished at this meeting of July tst, but ata special meeting held August 8th, 1820, The Comuinissioners received a plan for a Court House, drawn by James Hampson, Esy., and Tee said plan for a Court [louse for said County, and have ordered the. Auditor to give notice for the sale of the building: of said Court House on the 29th day of August next, to be published in the Perry Leecord, in Somerset; the Alushingum Messenger and [emocratic Republican, in Zanesville ; and Lancaster Gazel/e, in Lancaster.

August 2gth, 1826, the Commissioners **Proceeded to business aud sold the building of the Court Louse for Perry County to Wm. P. Darst, and George Jackson for the sum of three thousand four hundred ae fifty dollars, they (the contractors ) are to attend on Saturday, the 2d day of Se 'ptember, 1826, and five bond and security in dhe sum of six thousand six hundred dollars."'

Ata mee tings in September, 1826, the "Commissioners proceeded to business, which was to receive bonds and security for the building of the Court House, for said County, to be finished by the tst day of Se ptember, 1828. Week P. Darst and George Jackson, contractors for the building of the Court House for said County, gave bond with Jocl Beckwith, Charles C. Hood, Peter Overmyer PAS Y Benji unin Eaton as securities for the faithful performance of satd contract.

Ata special session in January, 1829, the Commissioners found the Court House not yet finished, but being desirous that the next session of Court should be held therei 'in, they agreed to accept the building so far as completed, and the next session of the Court of Commen P leas was held in it.

The Commissioners met in special session May 15th, 1829, and made an order as follows: 'The Commissioners do hereby receive the Court House, final and forever, from the contractors, Jackson and Darst, the same being completed according to contract, to the full satisfaction of the Cummissioners," and the Naditer was ordered.to issue an order to the contractors for the amount remaining unpaid, and the transaction became, indeed 'final and forever.

Maly period. The first Noor was for the Court Room, and the secoud was for jury rooms and public offices, though it was never altogether sufficient for the latter purpose. The old jail on South Columbus street continued to be used as a prison, and the Sherif? sometimes had his residence and oflice in the upper story, where the courts were held from - 18tg until 1829. Some of the public oflices were situated in the second story of the new Court House as stated, and others were located in rooms built for the purpose, in the neighborhood of the public square. The old jail became very insecure, and was finally burned down, and anew jail became imperative. -

_ What has been usually termed the new jail was erected in 1846 nud 1847, north of the Court ITouse, on Columbus street. Joseph Bell was the contractor and he received six thousand one hundred and ninetyfive dollars, and ninety-two cents. Vhis is a large stone structure with a large court or open space next to the outer walls, and cells in ne central part of the building. The oflices of the Auditor, 'Treasurer, Recorder and) Sherif were located in' the second story, and were reached by a stairway from the outside. The Sherif! did not use his room very much, as he found it more convenient to ollice with the Clerk at the Court Llouse. This building was not accepted by the Commissioners until February ue 1848, at which time Joseph Bell, the contractor, was paid in full. The Court House and new jail were used, in the manner described, until the removal of the County seat to New Lexington in 1857. The old jail on South Columbus street was torn down and not a vestige of it remains. "The lot on which it stood) was sold to private parties. A number of associated persons bought the Court House of 1829, and the new jail on North Columbus street, and a large and commodious town hall has been made in the upper story of the two buildings combined. Other parts of the old public buildings are used as oflices, business houses and for other purposes.

~The Court-house in New Lexington was, until accepted by the County Commissioners, a private enterprise. Subscriptions were secured and the money collected by a committce appointed by the '¢ Friends of Removal,' and said committee entered into contract with Samuel Feigley. of New Lexington, for the erection of a suitable Court-house and Jail. The edifice was planned chiclly after a court house at Circleville, Pickaway County. The building is principally of brick, but the part designed for the Jail, on the first Noor in the rear, is of stone. On the first floor there is a hall extending from the tront, through the center, as far back as the Jail. The offices for the Probate udge, Auditor, Treasurer, and Recorder, are located to the right and left of the hall. 'The Jail has cells and an outer hall, which communicates with the main hall, before described, by means of a double iron door. 'The principal portion of the second floor is occupied by the court-room, though there are grand and petit jury rooms in' the rear, and a Clerk's and Sheriff's oflice in front, at the head of the stairway. The building is roofed with slate. It stands at the corner of Main and Brown streets. A section of the removal law of 1851 provided that the "Friends of Removal" must erect, free of cost to the county, a suitable Court-house and Jail, which were to be accepted by the County Commissioners before an actual removal could take place. The building committee formally presented the Court-house and Jailin 1857, and they were duly accepted by the County Commissioners and soon thereafter occupied. With sundry modifications and improvements, they have continued to be used until the present time. Phe ground on which they stand was donated to the town of New Lexington by James Comly, who laid out the village. and by the town was turned over to the

When the county records were removed trom Somerset to New Lexington Henry C. Whitman was Judge of the Court of Common Pleas ; Robert F. Hickman, Probate Judge ; John Beckwith, Clerk ; Nathaniel Skinner, Sheriff; William Meloy, Auditor ; George Williams, Treasurer : Perry J. Ankney, Recorder ; Leonard I'. Muzzy, Proseenting Atlorney; and Isaac Yost. Thomas Iliff, and Henry Greer, County Commissioners.

The Directors of the Poor purchased a quarter section of land. ot William Brown in 1836, said farm being, situated one mile northwest of New Lexington. The Infirmary Directors decided to ercet an infirmary building, and in 1839 entered into contract with Peter N. \ ansickle and Patrick McDonald for the erection of such building. "Phe house was erected in 183g and 1840, and was built adjoining the farm-house already there, which old part was for a long time used and occupied by the Superintendent. A very large addition was made to the original buildings a few years ago, In corisequence of pressing demands for more room and better accommodations for the friendless and infirm,

The County Commissioners have purchased of T. 1¢. Morehead forty acres of land one-half mile west of New Lexington for a Children's Home. It is an elevated, handsome location, and before this book is delivered to subscribers, in all probability, a suitable and commodious building will be erected, and the orphaned and friendless children of Perry provided with a home.