Shelby County, Ohio - Chapter 6: Organization of Shelby County, 1913 (part 2 of 2)

The commissioners and contractors sign the minutes so far as relates to said alteration, and said minutes to be considered binding in law and in fact.

May 16, 1832. James Wells is this day appointed recorder of Shelby county by the board, such appointment to continue until the next annual election in October.

October 20, 1832. Description of a Cupola to be built on the court house in Sidney. - The octagon to be framed into timbers resting on the upper joists, extending fifteen feet above the top of the roof, ten feet in diameter, a window in each square inclosed Venetian blinds from the bottom of the windows to the floor; there is to be a door which, together with all the window blinds are to be hung with hinges and to have iron fastenings on the inside; the joists on the top of the roof to extend one and a half feet outside of the octagon, making the floor fifteen feet square, with posts set upon the roof, framed into and extending two and a half feet above the floor, finished with Chinese balustrading, and weather-boarded from the floor down to the roof, the lower edge to be scalloped. The octagon ro be finished with a Doric cornice in full, round the top. On the iron part of the spire there are to be a brass or guilt ball 20 inches in diameter, 2V1 feet from the wood work, and a weather vane two feet in the clear above the ball. The outside to have two coats of white lead, except the blinds, which are to be painted green. Also, a conducting iron rod to extend from the ground eight inches above the top of the spire, safely secured and cased with boards six feet high from the ground. The frame to be put up and the floor laid tight by the 15th of December next, and to be completed by the 1st day of June next. One half w ill be advanced in county paper by orders issued on the treasurer when the frame is up and floor laid, including the subscription by individuals, and the remaining half in county paper when the work is completed. John Xiswonger became the purchaser at $390.

Ordered that a new township be created, beginning at the southwest corner of town. 8, in the Piqua Land District, on the old boundary line at the range line dividing ranges 5 and 6; thence north with the said range line to the north line of Shelby county; thence east on the Shelby and Allen line to range line dividing ranges 6 and 7 ; thence south with the said range line to the old boundary line ; thence west with said boundary line to the place of beginning: and further, that all included in the above described bounds be organized into a township under the name of Dinsmore.

Ordered also that the inhabitants of said township meet at the house of Joseph Green on the 25th day of December, inst., for the purpose of electing township officers according to law : and further -

Ordered that the electors of the original surveyed township Xo. 7 south, range 6 east, in the Piqua Land District, meet at the house of Joseph Green on the 25th of December, inst., and then and there elect three trustees and one township treasurer for the original surveyed school section of said township.

March 30, 1833. At a special meeting of the commissioners for the purpose of receiving the new court house on the contract entered into by Charles Bush. Wm. Doak, and George D. Leckey, contractors for building said new court house, present, full board.

The board received the new court house as being built according to contract, with the exception of the moulding around the doors and windows, and the glazing of the sash above the doors. The moulding to be put on and the sash to be glazed on or before the 1st clay of August next.

The board contracted with Charles Bush and Wm. Doak to put on the base around the brick wall, above and below, at two cents per foot ; and also pay said Bush and Doak the customary price for the materials. The said Bush and Doak agree to have said work completed on or before the 1st day of August next, and take county paper in payment.

The board order that the auditor issue orders on the treasurer to the contractors for the building of the new court house' to the amount of the balance on the contract.

May 12, 1833. At a special meeting of the commissioners for the purpose of receiving the cupola built on the new court house in the town of Sidney upon the contract entered into by John Niswonger as contractor for building said cupola : the board received the cupola as being built according to contract, and also allow the said contractor $9.50 for extra work on said cupola, and for hindrance of the hands at court in May, 1833.

The board orders that the auditor issue orders on the treasurer to the amount of $204.50 (to the contractor), said sum being the amount due for building said cupola.

At a session held June 4, 1833, the board allowed the contractors for the building of the court-house their account for extra work done to said courthouse, and for forty-three panes of glass - said account amounting to fortysix dollars and seventy-five cents in full.

December 2, 1833. Present: Samuel Gamble, John Francis, Wm. W. Cecil, and Wm. Murphy, clerk. The board of commissioners, upon being petitioned to erect a new township, ordered that a new township be created, bounded as follows, to wit : beginning at the place where the Indian boundary line intersects the east boundary line of Shelby county; thence north with said east boundary line of Shelby county to the county line between Shelby and Allen counties; thence west with the line between said counties to the place where the east boundary line of Dinsmore township intersects said boundary line between Shelby and Allen counties ; thence south with said east boundary line of Dinsmore township to the place where said east boundary line of said township intersects the Indian boundary line; thence easterly with said Indian boundary line to the place of beginning; and further, that all included in said bounds be organized into a township under the name of Jackson.

The board orders that the inhabitants of said new township meet at the house of Andrew Naggle in said township, on the 25th day of December inst. for the purpose of electing township officers for the said township of Jackson, according to law.

The board being satisfied that it is necessary to-erect a new township, and being petitioned for that purpose, they proceeded to erect a new township of the following bounds, to wit : beginning at the county line between Darke and Shelby county where the old Indian boundary line (made at the Greenville treaty in 1795) intersects said county line, and running thence with said Indian boundary line in an easterly direction to the southeast corner of section 8 in town. 8 south, range 5 east; thence north with the section line to the county line between Shelby and Allen counties ; thence west with said line to the northwest corner of Shelby county; thence south and west with the west boundary line of Shelby county to the place of beginning; and the board order that said township be known and designated by the name of McLean : and the board do further order and direct that notice be given (by advertisement, according to law) to the electors of said township to meet at the house of Hezekiah Hubble on the first Monday of April next, for the purpose of electing township officers for said township.

December 1, 1834. The board received a petition signed by sundry persons, to the number of seventeen, praying for the setting off of a new township of the following bounds, to wit: commencing on the old Indian boundary line at the southeast corner of McLean township; thence east with said line to a point so as to take one tier of sections off the west side of range 6: thence north to the Allen county line ; thence west to the northeast corner of McLean township; thence south to the place of beginning: and the board being satisfied that legal notice of the presentation of said petition has been given, and that said petition was signed by a majority of the householders residing within the boundary of the said proposed new township; and believing it necessary to erect said township, they therefore order that said new township as described and bounded as, aforesaid, be set off and known by the name of Van Buren : and the board do further order and direct that notice be given (by advertisement, according to law) to the electors of said township, to meet at the house of Moses E. Baker, in said township, on the 1st day of January, 1835, for the purpose of electing township officers.

The hoard of commissioners received a petition praying for the following alteration in Perry township, to wit : to attach the whole of fractional township No. i, in range 14, which is in Perry township, to Salem township; and, the board being satisfied that said petition was signed by a majority of the householders residing within the boundaries of said proposed alteration, and also that 30 days' previous notice of the presentation of said petition had been given, the beard therefore makes the alteration as prayed for in said petition, by attaching to Salem township all of fractional township number one, range fourteen, which is in Perry township.

June 6. 1837. The board proceeded to estimate the annual income of each of the practising lawyers and physicians residing in Shelby county, as returned in the assessor's list in 1837, and to charge a tax on each according to his income, as follows, to wit : -

The board received a petition praying for the following described alteration in Orange township, to wit : to strike off from Orange township all of fractional section 9, town. 1, range 13, and attach the same to Clinton township: and the board being satisfied that said petition was signed by a majority of the householders residing within the boundaries of said proposed alteration, and being also satisfied that legal notice of the presentation of- said petition had been given, and the board believing that it was necessary to make the proposed alterations, did therefore order that fractional section No. 9, town. 1, range 13, be stricken off from Orange township, and attached to and included in the bounds of Clinton township.

June 5, 1838. The board, together with the auditor, estimated the annual income of each of the practising lawyers and physicians residing in Shelby count v, as returned by the assessor in 1838, and charged a tax on each as follows : - ing described alteration in Orange township, to wit: to strike off from said township the north half of section 3 in town. 1, range 13, and attach the same to Clinton township; and the board being satisfied that said petition was signed by a majority of the householders residing within the boundaries of said prayed alteration; and being also satisfied that legal notice of the presentation of said petition had been given, and the board being of opinion that it was necessary to make said proposed alteration, did therefore order that the said north half of section 3 in town. 1. range 13, be stricken off from Orange township, and attached to and included within the bounds of Clinton township.

June 4. 1839. The board together with the auditor, estimated the annual income of each of the practicing lawyers and physicians residing in Shelby county, as returned by the assessor of said county in 1839, and assessed a tax on each as follows, to wit : -

June 1. 1840. The board, together with the auditor, did estimate the animal income of each of the practising lawyers and physicians residing in Shelby count)-, as returned and listed by the assessor and deputy assessors of said county in 1839, and did assess a tax on each as follows, to wit : -

March 5, 1845. The board made final settlement with James Blair, contractor for the building of the jail, per John W. Carey, sub-contractor, when it was found that a balance of $52.50 was due said contractor on the original contract and supplemental contracts for extra work performed, which made an aggregate cost of $3,750.18, inclusive of said balance due of $52.50.

June, 1846. Under section 20 of an act for levying taxes on all property in the state according to true value, passed March 2, 1846, the full board and auditor present, proceeded under said law to divide the county into districts as follows : District No. 1 to include Orange, Green, Perry, and Salem townships. No. 2 to include Clinton, Turtle Creek, Franklin, Dinsmore, and Jackson townships. No. 3 to include Washington, Loramie, Cynthian, McLean, and Van Buren townships.

Assessors were appointed as follows: 1st district. David Buchanan; 2d district, Samuel A. Croy : 3d district, Elijah Stoker. The per diem allowance of assessors was fixed at $1.50.

It was ordered, under provisions of "An act to authorize county commissioners of the state to lay out and establish state roads," passed February 27, 1846, that all free turnpike roads within the county of Shelby be and are hereby declared to be changed into state roads, to be constructed and repaired as other state roads are by law constructed and repaired.

October 30, 1848. Under "An act for incorporating the Bellefontaine and Indiana Railroad Company," passed February 25, 1848, an election was held on the second Tuesday of October, 1848, to vote for or against the subscription for capital stock in said road.

The returns of said election showed that 1659 of the qualified voters at said election voted for said subscription, and 350 voted against it, being a majority of 1309 in favor thereof.

The board then proceeded, agreeably to the will of the people of said county thus expressed, to subscribe the amount of $50,000 to the capital stock of said road as the law provided ; and the auditor, Andrew Waucop, was directed to subscribe the same on the books of said company.

March 6, 1850. A petition was received from citizens of Cynthian township, praying for the following alterations in said township, to wit: That fractional section 34, in town. 12, range 4 east; also sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, and 12 in town. 11, range 4 east ; also fractional section 35 in town. 11, range 5 east; also sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 in town. 10, range 5 east, be attached to McLean township in said county ; and the board being satisfied that said petition was signed by a majority of the householders residing in the bounds of said proposed alteration, also that thirty days' notice of the presentation of said petition had been given, do order and direct that the alteration as prayed for be granted, and that the above described territory be attached to McLean township for all civil purposes.

April 9. 1850. Under an act entitled "An act to authorize the commissioners of Shelby county to subscribe stock in the Bellefontaine and Indiana Railroad Company," $60,000 was subscribed by the board.

Abstract of votes cast for and against the subscription of $60,000 to the capital stock of the Bellefontaine and Indiana Railroad: election held April 1, 1850.

December 6, 1850. The board authorized the council at Sidney to erect a market-house in the northeast corner of the public square, said building to front on Poplar and Main streets, and to be a good substantial brick, at least as large as the one at Piqua.

June 9, 1852. Under the act of April 13, 1852, providing for the assessment and taxation of property, the county was divided into four districts, as follows: First district to embrace Clinton, Orange, Green, and Perry townships. Second, to include Washington, Loramie, and Cynthian townships. Third, to embrace Turtle Creek, Van Buren, and McLean townships. Fourth, to embrace Salem, Jackson, Dinsmore, and Franklin townships.

December 8, 1852. The board being satisfied by the testimony of John C. Elliott, of Jackson township, that there are more than twenty legal voters residing in the original town. 7 south, range 7 east, in Shelby county, it is ordered and directed that an order be issued, requiring the qualified electors residing in said original township to meet at some place as near the centre of said township as is convenient (five days' notice having been given) for the purpose of electing three trustees and one treasurer, to perform all and singular the duties of trustees and treasurer as pointed out by law.

April 8, 1835. Election ordered in original town. 2, range 12, M. R. S., situate in Shelby and Miami counties, to be held at some place near the centre of the township, for the election of three trustees and one treasurer, under act of March 14, 1831.

September 5, 1853. The board sold six hundred shares of Bellefontaine and Indiana Railroad stock to the incorporated village of Sidney for $30,00x5 in village bonds, to be issued under the act incorporating the D. & M. R. R. Co., said bonds to bear interest at the rate of seven per cent, and be redeemable March 15, 1865.

March 6, 1855. Joseph Elliott presented the following petition: To the commissioners of Shelby county, Ohio. Your petitioners, inhabitants of sections 31, town. 6 south, range 6 east, sections 6, 7, 18, 19, and 30, town. 7 south, range 6 east, of Van Buren township, would respectfully represent that that public convenience and wants require that the above-named sections be attached to Dinsmore township; also to attach sections 31, town. 7 south, range 6 east, and section 6, town. 8 south, range 6 east, to Franklin township. This petition was granted.

May term, beginning May 17, 1819. Court at Hardin. Present: Honorables Joseph H. Crane, president; Robert Houston, Samuel Marshall, and Wm. W. Cecil, associate judges.

Harvey B. Foote was appointed clerk of the court' pro tempore, and gave bond in the sum of two thousand dollars, with Daniel V. Dingman and Samuel Stewart his sureties, approved of by the court, and took the oath of office, and the oath to support the constitution of the State of Ohio and that of the United States.

The court order that an election be held according to law in Turtle Creek township, for the election of an additional justice of the peace for that township.

Monday, May 17, 1819. The court grant a license to Teagle Trader to keep a store in Perry township, on his paying intp the county treasury the sum of ten dollars.

On petition and proof of publication the court grant a license to Hezekiah Stout to keep a tavern at his house in Hardin for one year, on his compliance with the law.

Shelby county, court of common pleas of September term, 1819. Monday, September 13, 1819. Present: Honorable Joseph H. Crane, president; Robert Houston, Samuel Marshall, and YVm. W. Cecil, associate judges. Harvey B. Foote, clerk pro tempore. Daniel V. Dingman, sheriff. Henry Bacon, prosecuting attorney.

The sheriff returned the following venire to serve as grand jurors: John Francis, foreman ; John Manning, James Lenox, Joseph Mellinger, Conrad Pouches. Zebediah Richardson, Joseph Steinberger, Henry Hushan, John Stevens. Archibald De Frees, Cephas Carey, Peter Musselman, John Bryant and Richard Lenox.

John Kennard, who was summoned, not appearing, the sheriff was ordered to fill the panel from the bystanders, whereupon Abraham Davenport was summoned, who, with the jurors aforesaid, was sworn and charged, and retired to perform the duties assigned them by the court.

Monday, September 13, 1819. Thomas McClish and James Wells appeared and surrendered Hugh Scott to court, for whom they were bondsmen, and the recognizance was therefore declared void.

Application being made for the appointment of an administrator for the estate of Robert Hardesty, deceased, Nancy Hardesty is appointed with James1 Marshall and "Jacob Wise as her security, to give bonds in the sum of four hundred dollars. Administratrix was sworn in open court. The court also appointed John Houston, John Wilson, and Conrad Ponches as appraisers of said estate.

Jacob Wise was appointed guardian of Elizabeth Philips, aged nine years, Mary Philips, aged eight years, Wm. Philips, aged seven years, and George Philips, aged six years, minor heirs of George Philips, deceased; the bond of one hundred dollars was given, with Leonard Danner as security.

There haying been no jurors returned from the proper offices of the different townships to serve as jurors as appears to this court, it is ordered that a venire issue, commanding the sheriff to summon twelve good and lawful men to try the issues aforesaid ; the sheriff thereupon returned that he had summoned Thomas Hurley, Wm. Cecil, Wra. Berry, Benjamin Blankinship, John Craig, Nathan Coleman, Robert Aldrich, Jacob Wise, James Crossman. Alexander Miller, and Elisha Courtland, who being duly elected, tried, and sworn, say upon their oaths that the defendant is guilty in manner and form as she stands indicted.

The defendant with Thomas McClish recognized in the sum of one hundred dollars conditioned for the appearance of said defendant to answer to said indictment from day to day during the present term.

State of Ohio vs. Hugh Scott. Assault and battery. The defendant personally appeared, withdrew his plea of not guilty, and entered a plea of guilty. Judgment, to pay a fine of $10.00 and cost of prosecution.

State of Ohio vs. Rebecca Gerrard. Indictment for larceny. Defendant set up a motion for a new trial. Motion granted. The defendant with Wm. Cecil recognized in the sum of $200 conditioned for the appearance of said defendant to answer to said indictment at the next term to be held in and for the county of Shelby, and not to depart the court without leave, and abide the decision of said court, then this recognizance to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue in law.

It appearing to the satisfaction of the court, that there are no justices of the peace, in the township of Orange, the court orders that an election be held, according to law, in the said township of Orange for two- justices of the peace.

Robert Broderick was appointed inspector for the county, who, with James Lenox, his surety, is to give bond in the sum of $500, conditioned as the law directs.

Shelby county, court of common pleas, December term, 1819. Monday, December 13, 1 819. Present: Joseph H. Crane, president; Robert Houston, Samuel Marshall, and Wm. W. Cecil, associates. Harvey B. Foote, clerk pro tern. Daniel V. Dingman, sheriff. Henry Bacon, prosecuting attorney.

State of Ohio vs. James Jackson. Assault and battery. The defendant being arraigned pleads, and says he is guilty in manner and form as he is charged, whereupon it is considered that he pay a fine of $3.00 and costs of prosecution.

Wm. Richardson being several times called and not appearing, the sheriff was ordered to fill the panel from among the bystanders, whereupon the sheriff summoned John Wilson, who, with the jurors aforesaid, was sworn and charged, and retired to enter upon the duties assigned them.

The sheriff returned the venire, whereupon came a jury, to wit: John Tohnston, Joseph Aldrich, James Buchanan, Daniel Mellinger, Wm. Mellinger, A. Cecil, Isaac Robins, Wm. Robinson, Wm. Marrs, James Green, John Hathaway, Joseph Bennett.

The aforesaid jurors being elected, tried, and sworn, say, upon their oaths, that the defendant is guilty in manner and form as she stands indicted.

On petition, the court grant a license to Michael Dickey to keep a house of entertainment at Cynthiana, by his paying into the county treasury the sum of $5.00.

On petition, the court grant a license to Wm. A. Houston to keep a house of entertainment at St. Mary's, by his paying into the county treasury the sum of $5.00.

The court appoints David Henry director of the town of Sidney, to be laid off upon the ground selected by the commissioners for the seat of justice of Shelby county, who gave bond with Rodham Talbott, Edward Jackson, and Thomas W. Ruckman, his securities, in the sum of $6,000.

The court further orders that the director proceed to lay off a town upon the premises aforesaid, in lots of five rods wide by ten rods long, in blocks of eight lots each, with alleys one rod in width running through the centre of each block, at right angles with each other and with the streets, the alleys to divide the blocks into four equal parts; that the streets bt laid out six rods in width, and that a public square be laid out in said town, by striking out the centre block of lots.

That the director, so soon as the said town shall be laid out, shall, after giving one month's notice thereof in six of the most public places in this county, and in the Gazette printed in Dayton, shall proceed to sell, at public sale, one-third of said lots, upon the following terms, to wit: one-fourth in ninety days, one-fourth in nine months, and one-fourth in fifteen months, and the residue in two years ; to be secured by a lien upon the lots until the whole shall be paid; reserving one lot upon or adjacent to the public square to be selected by the commissioners for the purpose of erecting temporary buildings for the county.

The court appoints Harvey B. Foote clerk of the court of common pleas for Shelby county for the term of seven years, who gave bonds with Daniel V. Dingman and Samuel Stewart, his securities, approved by the court, and took the oath of office and the oath to support the constitution of the state of Ohio and that of the United States.

The court orders that an election be held in the township of Auglaize for two justices of the peace. The court orders that the inspector be directed to fix the bounds agreeable to the bounds of Miami county - only substituting the word "Shelby" instead of Miami. The court orders that the next court of common pleas for Shelby county be held at the town of Sidney, the seat of justice established by the commissioners appointed by the legislature to fix the seat of justice of said county.

On application by petition, license was granted Abraham Cannon to keep a tavern at his house in Sidney for one year, on his paying $5.00 into the county treasury.

It appearing to the satisfaction of the court that there are no justices of the peace in the township of Green, lately laid off by the commissioners, it is therefore ordered by the court that the trustees of said township order an election according to law. for the purpose of electing two justices for said township.

The last will and testament of Charles Botkins was proved by the oaths of Aquilla Ellsworth and William Ellsworth, subscribing witnesses thereto, and ordered to be recorded. David Henry and George Chiles, executors therein named, were sworn in open court. Wm. Marrs, Samuel Robinson, and Charles Johnston were appointed appraisers.

Ordered by the court that the director of Sidney offer for sale at public vendue, giving one month's previous notice in six public places in the county and in the newspaper published at Troy, one-third of the lots now remaining unsold in Sidney, on the following terms, viz., one-fourth of the purchasemoney in hand, one-fourth in nine months, one-four in fifteen months, and the remaining fourth in two years ; the purchaser to give bond and approved security for the payment of the three deferred instalments, and to receive from the director a certificate for the lot or lots purchased, stipulating that a deed shall be executed on the completion of the payments; and the director is further authorized to dispose of at private sale any lots remaining unsold at the public sale hereby ordered, on the terms prescribed by this order.

State of Ohio vs. Abraham Cannon. Adultery. Plea of not guilty continued on affidavit of defendant. The defendant, with Robert Aldrich and William Johnston, is recognized in the sum of $200 conditioned for the appearance of said defendant to answer said indictment at the next term of court to be held in and for the county of Shelby, and not to depart the court without leave, and abide the decision of the court, then this recognizance to be void; otherwise to remain in full force and virtue in law.

State of Ohio vs. Jacob Trout. Larceny. Plea of not guilty. Continued on affidavit of defendant, whereupon the defendant with John A. Cavan is recognized in the sum of $300, conditioned for the appearance of said defendant to answer to said indictment at the next term to be held in and for the county of Shelby, and not depart the court without leave, and abide the decision of the court, then this recognizance to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue in law.

State of Ohio vs. Justus Cooper. Assault and battery. Defendant taken into custody of sheriff, and recognizance of Thomas Hurley declared void.

Upon application, the court appoints Wm. Robinson guardian to Thomas Ralph Robinson, aged seven years, and Sally Robinson, aged eleven years, to give bond in the sum of $200 with David Henry his security.

State of Ohio vs. Justus Cooper. Assault and battery. Plea of not guilty. Tried before a jury consisting of John Medaris, John Gilbert, Jas. Coleman, James Lenox, Conrad Poucher, Wm. Skillen, Azariah Julian, James McCain, Isaac Minnear, Robert McClure, Thomas Young, and Edward Jackson. The jury returned a verdict of guilty as charged, whereupon the defendant was sentenced to pay a fine of $5.00 and costs, and be imprisoned in the county jail for a term of ten days.

Peter Pallanque, an alien, formerly a subject of the king of France, now a resident of this county, came into court, and gives notice of his intention to Income a citizen of the United States, and took an oath of such his intention, and to renounce forever all allegiance and fidelity to every foreign prince, potentate, or sovereign, and particularly to Louis XVIII., king of France.

Win. Dunlap. an alien, formerly a subject of Great Britain, now a resident of this county, came into court, and gives notice of his intention to become a citizen of the United States, and took an oath of such his intention, and to renounce forever all allegiance and fidelity to every foreign prince, potentate, or sovereign, and particularly to the king of England.

Robert Montgomery is appointed by the cour* administrator of the estate of John Bennett, deceased, - the widow having relinquished the administration thereof - and gave bond in $300, with Alexander Miller and Archibald Defrees his sureties, conditioned as the law directs. John Miller, Wm. Gibson, and John Houston were appointed appraisers.

State of Ohio vs. Abraham Cannon. Adultery. Jurors : Richard Bush, Win. Flinn, Thomas McClish, Jacob Crane, Wm. Buirley, Abraham Medaris, Wm. Kendall, Wm. Mellinger, Jr., Henry Sturms, Rufus Carey, Aaron Cecil, and John Johnston. Verdict of not guilty, and judgment of acquittal.

Upon application the court appoint Samuel Robinson guardian to Wm. Robinson, aged fifteen years, minor heir of Thomas Robinson, deceased, who gave bond with Wm. Robinson in the sum of $200.

The court, an application, grants a license to John Blake to vend merchandise at his house, in Sidney, for one year, on payment of $10.00 into the county treasury.

David Henry, director of the town of Sidney, presented his account for moneys expended and services performed as director aforesaid, which account, amounting to $121.00, is hereby allowed.

The state of Ohio, Shelby county, court of common pleas, September term, 182 1. Tuesday, Septemher 4, 182 1. Present: Hon. Joseph H. Crane, president ; Hon. Samuel Marshall, Hon. Wm. W. Cecil, associates. Harvey B. Foote, clerk. Thomas W. Ruckman, sheriff.

License is granted to John Blake to keep a tavern at his house, in the town of Sidney, for one year from the 4th day of Septemher, 1821, upon the payment of $5.00.

The court grants that Robert Montgomery, administrator of the estate of John Bennett, deceased, be allowed until next session of the court to settle the accounts of the estate aforesaid.

On motion the court orders that Charles Roby, administrator of Ruel Roby, deceased, show cause why he should not be removed, and account to the court at 2 P. M. tomorrow to answer affidavit filed.

Samuel Marshall, treasurer of Turtle Creek township vs. Wm. Flynn. Action for debt. In this case it appears to the court that one of the associate judges is the father-in-law of the defendant and one other of the associate judges is plaintiff in the case, and there not being a sufficient number of disinterested judges to try the cause, it is therefore ordered that the cause be certified to the next supreme court for the county.

The state of Ohio vs. John Mathews. Assault and battery. Verdict of guilty. Sentenced to pay a fine of three dollars and costs, and a recognizance of $100 for his good behavior for the time of twelve months.

Thomas McClish and Jeremiah White vs. Charles Roby, administrator of Ruel Roby, deceased. On rule to show cause why defendant should not be removed. Administrator removed and ordered to account at next term.

The court appoints Elisha Williams and John Kennard administrators of the estate of Ruel Roby. deceased, in the stead of Charles Roby, removed.

The state of Ohio vs. Charles Roby, James Wells, Ralph Roby, Elizabeth Roby, Thomas Dart, Thomas Safford and Wm. Davis. Recognizance taken before James Lenox, J. P., for appearance of Charles Roby in $500. Recognizance forfeited.

Court of Common Pleas. At a called court, held on the 12th day of November, 1821, to grant letters of administration, etc. Present: Hon. Robert Houston, Samuel Marshall, Wm. W. Cecil, associate judges; Harvey B. Foote, clerk

Susanna Porches, widow of Conrad Porches, deceased, having relinquished her right to administer the estate of the deceased, therefore letters of admin- tration are hereby granted to Henry Hushaw, who, together with Robert McClure. Jr.. and Thomas Butte, his securities, entered into bond in the sum of $600, conditioned as the law directs, and the administrator was sworn in open court. Appraisers: Win. Gibson, Esq., John Houston, Esq., and John Miller.

Shelby county, court of common pleas. Tuesday, December II, 1821. Present, Hon. Joseph H. Crane, prest. ; Samuel Marshall, Wm. W. Cecil, associate judges; Harvey B. Foote, clerk; Thomas W. Ruckman, sheriff; Henry Bacon, prosecuting attorney.

The court grant letters of administration to Mary Hurley, administratrix of Thomas Hurley, deceased, who gave bond with Robert Hurley and Zachariah Hurley in the sum of $300. Wm. Gibson, John Miller and Alexander Miller were appointed appraisers of said estate.

Snow Richardson is appointed administrator of the estate of John Mangan, deceased, and gave bond accordingly. Robert McClure, Jr., Henry Hushaw and William Gibson were appointed appraisers of said estate.

Abraham Glassmire vs. Robert Miller. Appeal. Continued. The state of Ohio vs. Charles Roby. Theft. Set for tomorrow. The court then adjourned until Wednesday at 9 A. M.

On motion, further time is granted to Charles Roby, administrator of Ruel Roby, deceased, to settle the account of said estate until next term of this court.

The state of Ohio vs. Charles Roby, James Wells, Ralph Roby, Elizabeth Roby, Thomas Dart. Thomas Lafford and Wm. Davis. Recognizance. Dismissed.

The court appoints Harvey B. Foote. administrator of the estate of \-a I kibble, deceased, to give bond with Wm. Drake and James Forsythe, sureties, in the sum of $200. Appraisers. John Johnston, Robert McClure and Win. Richardson.

Jeremiah Bodkin, aged fifteen, and Lydia Bodkin, aged thirteen years, minor heirs of Charles Bodkin, deceased, came into court, and chose John Bodkin, their guardian, who gave bond accordingly.

Thomas W. Ruckman produced in court a commission as sheriff of the county of Shelby, and gave bond in the sum of $2,000, conditioned as tne law directs.

Upon application the court appoints John Bodkin guardian of Saul H. Bodkin, aged eleven, and Moses T. Bodkin, aged ten years, minor heirs of Charles Bodkin, deceased; said John Bodkin to give bond in the sum of $300, with D. Henry and Wm. Richardson as securities.

. Shelby county, court of common pleas. Monday, May 20, 1822. Present: Hon. Joseph H. Crane, president; Hon. Samuel Marshall; Hon. Robert Houston and Hon. Wm. W. Cecil, associate judges. Harvey B. Foote, clerk. Thomas W. Ruckman, sheriff. Henry Bacon, prosecuting attorney.

The sheriff returned the venire facias, and had summoned as grand jurors John Manning, Esq., foreman; Daniel Vandemark, George Berry, Abraham Minnear, Frederick Steinberger, Conrad Fink, John Houston, Thomas Wyatt, /Wm. Marrs, Aquilla Ellsworth, Edward Conroy, David Jerome, James Forsythe, Joseph Steinberger and John McCreight.

Upon application the court orders that an election be held in Clinton township for an additional justice of the peace, public notice having been given according to law.

the administration of the estate of John Bennett, deceased, on account of the removal of said Montgomery from the state, and appointed Alexander Miller administrator de bonis non of said estate.

Shelby county, common pleas court, Tuesday, May 21, 1822. Present: Hon. Joseph H. Crane, president ; Hon. Robert Houston, Hon. Win. W. Cecil, associates. Harvey B. Foote, cterk. Tlios. W. Ruckman, sheriff. Henry Bacon, prosecuting attorney.

George C. Johnston, Robert Johnston and James Johnston, former aliens subjects of Great Britain, but now residents of this county and state, severally came into court and gave notice of their intention to become citizens of the United States, and severally took an oath of such their intentions, and to renounce forever all allegiance and fidelity to every foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, and particularly to George IV., King of Great Britain and Ireland.

On motion leave is granted to withdraw from the file of the court a promissory note, executed by James and Daniel Dingman in favor of John Alexander, whereon judgment was entered against said James Dingman at the December term, 1821.

Charles Roby, former administrator of the estate of Ruel Roby, deceased, produced his accounts and vouchers for settlement, agreeable to the order of the court, by which it appears that assets in the hands of said administrator amount to $542.5854. Vouchers and credits allowed by court, $617.43^. Leaving a balance in favor of the said Charles Roby against the estate of the said Ruel Roby, deceased, of $74.83^2.

Ira Dickson vs. Elisha Williams. Trespass, assault and battery, and false imprisonment. Damages claimed, $500. Pleadings filed and cause continued.

On motion of Charles Roby, it is ruled and ordered that Elizabeth Davis, formerly the wife of Ruel Roby, deceased, and Wm. Davis, her present husband, show cause, on the first day of next term, why a guardian should not be appointed for Ruel, Augustus, Adeline and Harriet Roby, children and heirs of the said Ruel Roby, deceased.

The state of Ohio vs. Abraham Glassmire. Perjury. Continuance set aside by agreement and consent. The jury returned a verdict of guilty. Motion for a new trial.

The state of Ohio vs. Abraham Glassmire. Perjury. Motion for new trial. On motion, in arrest of judgment, the case was continued, and the defendant, failing to give bond, was committed.

It appearing to the court that Alexander Miller, appointed at this term as administrator of the estate of John Bennett, deceased, was one of the sureties of Robert Montgomery, removed, and as the said Alexander Miller has not yet received letters of administration, it is ordered that the clerk withhold the letters until the further order of the court and the said Miller show cause at the next term of this court why he should not be removed from the said administration, and some suitable and disinterested person be appointed administrator of the goods and chattels yet remaining to be administered of the said John Bennett, deceased.

Ordered that Alexander Miller be removed from the administration on the estate of John Bennett, deceased; and, on application, Samuel McClure is appointed said administrator.

At a session held September 20, 1822, letters of administration were granted Isabel Russell, who gave bond and was sworn to perform the duties of administratrix of the estate of Andrew Russell, deceased. Robert Broderick, James Thatcher and Thomas McClish were appointed appraisers of said estate.

At a special session, held September 28, 1822, letters of administration were granted unto Aaron Hicks and Lyman Myers upon the estates of Moses Hicks and George Myers, both deceased.

Probate Court Records

A search among these records revealed some things which are deemed worthy of permanent record on account of the interest attaching to them by many of the citizens of today. Among these things are the records of early marriages, of which a full list is given for the first few years which the records embrace. Aside from this, the record of one marriage and that of a will are given, not because of their antiquity, but on account of their curious natures. While the one may provoke a smile at its seeming incongruity, the other must carry with it a sadness which will impress itself upon the reader who contemplates the murmur of despair which escapes the testator. It is the wail of undone manhood and expiring hope.

Early Marriages

1824. June 3 - Lewis Xevite and Charity Mason, by Augustus Richards, M. G. October 14 - Archibald Defrees and Jane Wilkinson, by Augustus Richards, M. G. November 25 - Hiram I. Wilson and Elizabeth Vandemark, by Augustus Richards, M. G. December 28 - John Widney and Caroline Brodrick, by Arthur W. Elliott.

1825. June 23 - Michael Kizer and Amelia Jackson, by James Kinkennon, E. C. C. June 28 - Abel Grossley and Ann Rouse, by Elisha Williams, J. P. July 3 - Elisha Grady and Maria Schoonover, by Levi White, C. P. July 10 - David Mellinger and Sarah Safford, by John McClure. J. P. August 11 - James Cannon and Nancy Hardesty, by John McClure, J. P. September 29 - Thomas Wilkinson and Nancy Jackson, by Philip Locker J. P. October 6 - Benjamin Crov and Mary Holmes, by James Kinkennon. E. C. C. October 13 - Reuben Jackson and Christena Le Fevre. by D. Henry, J. P. November 3 - Robert Chambers and Hannah Movers, by John Houston, J. P. November i~ - j0hn Marrs and Elizabeth Johnston, by John McCreight, J. P. Novem- ber 21 - Wesley Ditts and Cynthia Kennard, by G. W. Maley, M. G. November 29 - Thomas Wilkinson, Jr., and Annie Kirtland, by John McCreight, J. P. November 26 - James McKinney and Catharine Longworth, by Joseph Bennett, J. P. December 1 - John Blakely and Mary Weeks, by John Francis,

1826. January 5 - James Thatcher, Jr., and Abby Carey, by Abraham Davenport J. P. January 17 - Thomas Weeks and Eliza Henderson, by John Francis, J. P. January 22 - John Julian and Caroline Powers, by John McCreight, J. P. February 9 - Wm. Ruggles and Sarah Cecil, by Joseph Bennett, J. P. February 14 - Benj. Coleman and Margaret Tilberry, by J. H. Coleman, J. P. March 6 - Wm. Wright and Elizabeth McCune, by James Coe, V. D. M. March 16 - Clark Levally and Susan Childers, by Joseph Bennett, J. P. March 21 - George Morgan and Eliza McKee, by John Francis, J. P. March 30 - John Matthews and Priscilla Clayton, by

E. C. C. April 26 - Jonathan Julian and Mary Matthews, by Augustus Richards, M. G. April 20 - Wm. Young and Margaret Madden, by Jno. Francis, J. P. Joseph Garver and Eliza Ann Foote, by Augustus Richards, M. G. May 14 - Charles Mason and Sidney Shaffer, by D. Henry, J. P. May 18 - Wm. Carey and Phebe Levally, by Joseph Bennett, J. P. June 10 - Samuel Day and Hannah Jackson, by J. H. Coleman, J. P. June 15 - John Adams and Mary Flinn, by John Francis, J. P. August 3 - Christopher Tilberry and Mary Moore, by J. H. Coleman, J. P. August 18 - Joseph Baltzel and Minerva Kisling, by John Francis, J. P. August 15 - J. R. Caldwell and Elizabeth Stewart, by A. Davenport, j. P. August 28 - John Carey and Catharine Kennard, by George Gatch, M. E. M. September 12 - Samuel, Cannon and Susan Ham, by Robert Houston. Jr., J. P. September 21 - Wm. Miller and Lucinda Gabble, by J. H. Coleman. J. P. December 6 - Samuel Blakely and Elizabeth Latterell, by Joseph Steinberger, J. P. December 28 - Livius Matthews and Sally Brown, by D, Henry, J. P.

1827. February 19 - Aaron Harter and Sally Miller, by Samuel Washburn, J. P. February 2j - M. Withers and Drusilla Carey, by Joel Frankeberger, J. P. March 2j - Samuel Tilberry and Polly Tilberry, by J. H. Coleman, J. P. April 12 - Joseph Hughes and Hannah Black, by James Coe, V. D. M. April 12 - Benj. Skillen and Catharine Hartman, by D. Henry, J. P. June 5 - Wm. Taylor and Mary Cannon, by D. Henry, J. P. June 21 - Thos. Leally and Elizabeth Hubble, by Joel Frankeberger, J. P. July 19 - James Fugate and Miller Brown, by John Francis, J. P. July 26 - Abraham Bunlett and Catharine Hearn, by Booth Burdett, J. P. August 9 - Elisha Freeland and Wilmot Medaris, by J. Nichols, J. P. September 18 - J. S. Luttrell and Elizabeth Mellinger, by Joseph Steinberger, J. P. September 27 - R. D. McKinney and Mary Levally, by James Lenox, J. P. September 2j - Joseph Cox and Anna Thompson, by James Coe, M. G. October 4 - Jabez Lucas and Osi Peace, by Jonathan Nichols, J. P. October 6 - Henry Jackson and Drusilla Bush, by Joel Frankeberger, ' J. P. October 18 - J. H. Pepper and Sally Ellsworth, by Jonathan Nicols, J. P. November 1 - Isaac

Minnear and Lydia Weaver, by Joseph Bennett, J. P. November I - Wm. Steinberger and Elizabeth Kenuse, by Joseph Steinberger, J. P. November 3 - Joseph Barnett and Betsey Bluejacket, by Samuel Washburn, J. P. November 30 - John Buffington and Sarah Hurley, by J. Kinkennon, E. C. C. December 6 - Abraham Goble and Effa Drake, by John Francis, J. P. December 18 - David Mellinger and Mary McVay, by Joseph Steinberger, J. P. December 2j - Jesse Ruggles and Amanda M. Lambert, by John Francis, J. P. December 31 - George Barker and Polly Phillips, by John Miller, J. P.

1828. January 3 - Isaac Botkin and Elizabeth Sargent, by J. Nichols, J. P. January 24 - Abner Gerrard and Susan Taylor, by Joel Frankeberger, J. P. January 24 - John Turner and Jane Blakely, by James Lenox, J. P. January 31 - David Shipley and Anna Harvey, by Robt. Houston, J. P. March 18 - Edward Ladd and Susan Tilberry, by Joel Frankeberger, J. P. April 17 - Joel Johnston and Elizabeth Cecil, by Joseph Bennett, J. P. May 15 - John Schooler and Elizabeth A. Randall, by Booth Burdett, J. P. June 26 - John Bush and Elizabeth Henshaw, by John Miller, J. P. September n - Thomas Holmes and Jane Childers, by John Francis, J. P. November 7 - Hiram Coon and Nancy Levally, by Solomon McKinney, E. C. C. November 21 - Samuel Wise and Malinda Enos, by Robert Houston, J. P. December 2 - James Wilson and Elizabeth Duprey, by James Lenox, J. P. December 9 - John Blake and Matilda Kennard, by W. H. Raper, M. G. December 18 - Nicholas Sturm and Catliarine Davis, by Ezekiel Leavgeant, J. P. December 25 - Wm. Carey and Hannah Jackson, by D. Henry, J. P.

1829. January 1 - John Minnear and Jane McKee, by John Francis, J. P. January 1 - Richard Henry and Barbara Jackson, by D. Henry, J. P. January 8 - Thomas Hubble and Alary Harrison, by Joel Frankeberger, J. P. January 8 - Robert G. Sturgeon and Rosanna Marshall, by James Coe, M. G. January 18 - James Davis and Jane McCullough, by James Lenox, J. P. January 26 - John McCullough and Eleanor Marshall, by Joseph Steinberger, J. P. February 18 - -John Valentine and Rebecca Kinkinnon, by Solomon McKinney. February 19 - Hiram Young and Charity Clauson, by John Francis, J. P. March 17 - George Butte and Lucinda Mann, by John Miller, J. P. March 18 - George H. Ward and Mary Robinson, by John Miller, J. P. March 19 - Wm. Hawkins and Nancy Williams, by J. Kinkinnon, E. C. C. March 22 - Benjamin Keneese and Catharine Mellinger, by Joseph Steinberger. April 7 - John LeFevre ami Margaret Stout, by R. M. Cannon, J. P. April 1 1 - Samuel Butt and Leah Hathaway, by John Miller, J. P. April 14 - Jesse Jackson and Susanna Jones, by John McClure, J. P. April 29 - -Win. Skillen and Fannie Crumer. by E. Hathaway, J. P. April 23 - Henry Levally and Mary Funks, by Jonathan Nichols, J. P. May 30 - Levi Houston and Permelia Cassel. by Wm. Wright, J. P. May 30 - David Coon and Mary Bush, by James Lenox. June 9 - Richard W '. Valentine and Ann Eliza Cecil, by David Clark. M. G. June 1 1 - Alexander Beers and Margaret Sargent, by D. Henry, J. P. July 12 - Solomon LeFevre and Sally Stout, by Joel Frankeberger, j. P. July 15 - James Houston and Desdemona Sample, by William Wright. T. P. July 16 - Robert Graham and Polly Burditt, by Joel Frankeberger, J. P.

September 24 - Milton Keyser and Silence B. Ellsworth, by John Furrow, M. G. October 6 - Joseph Hamilton and Mary Gamble, by W. H. Roper, M. G. October 8 - John Hetzler and Margaret Redinbaugh, by J. W. Valentine, J. P. October 8 - J. R. Ellsworth and Mary Parke, by John Furrow, M. G. October 31 - James Thatcher and Elizabeth Manning, by J. H. Coleman, J. P. November 5 - Silas Richards and Elizabeth McClanahan, by Caleb Worley, M. G. November 1 - Jesse Jackson and Hannah Masters, by J. H. Coleman, J. P. November 30 - Wm. Thatcher and Sarah Masters, by J. H. Coleman, J. P. December 1 - Wm. C. Dills and Nancy Carey, by Joshua Boucher. December 24 - Joseph Wyatt and Catharine Ellis, by William Wright, J. P.

Marriage Certificate

The last will and testament of James Cook, of Shelby county,' Ohio. Having been left ten times by a wife whom I took in poverty from necessity, and who after having slandered me and charged me with every crime that disgraces humanity; who has destroyed my character by her infamous lies; robbed me six times, and cost me directly and indirectly more than three thousand dollars, and now having stolen my property six times, and broke my heart, and then left me without cause; now know that I, James Cook, do make this will.

Item. If I die before Susan W. Cook gets a bill of divorce then it is my will that Susan gets one-half of my personal property in the house by choice or sale ; one-third of my other personal property, including notes after paying my debts, which are small, and one-third of the rents and profits of my real estate, and so to remain while she is single, and if Joshua Peck outlives her then to him during his lifetime. If she gets a bill of divorce then the law to decide.

Item. If I die before she settles our case, then I wish the gold watch to he left, and Mary, mare, and the buggy taken as an offset to the watch, as I do not wish my name on anything she keeps.

Item. I wish after complying with the former provision that all my other estate be properly disposed of, and that the interest be equally divided between Allen Cook and Thomas Cook, and when one dies all the interest to go to the children, leaving out the heirs entirely of any brothers I ever had, as they before have been provided for.

Item. My gold watch to be given to the best daughter of Allen Cook, to be left to Win. E. Cook, now of Rock Island City, Illinois, to decide.

Item. I do not wish to be buried on my land nor here, but make a place in some burying ground, or by my codicil to be left to certain M. D.'s to make an examination, etc.

Item. I leave my wife to the tender mercy of an everlasting God, and may he forgive as I have forgiven her, for I have forgiven her not only seventy times but one thousand times.

Item. I will not place on record my curse. God will do that. I pity a poor half-deranged woman whom I have loved, deeply loved, and truly love now. if pure and free from vice.

Item. In making this will I am not intending to cast any reflections on humanity. All have their faults. May God assoilzie the guilty. I am not.

Before me, an acting justice of the peace for Turtle Creek township, personally appeared Ebenezer Stevens, who being duly sworn according to law, produced a wolf scalp over the age of six months, killed within the state of Ohio, for which he is entitled to four dollars.

Personally came before me, the undersigned, an acting justice of the peace of Turtle Creek Township, Cephas Carey, who being duly sworn according to law, produced two wolf scalps over the age of six months, killed within the State of Ohio, for which he is entitled to eight dollars.

July 19, 1819. I hereby certify that Thomas Young produced a wolf's scalp under the age of six months, and took the necessary oath according to law, that he killed it in Shelby county. Perry township, for which the law allows him two dollars.

I do hereby certify that James Pertu, living at Camp No. 3, near Fort Defiance, is entitled to receive sixteen dollars for killing four wolves over the age of six months, agreeable to an act of the General Assembly to encourage the killing of wolves.

You, Benjamin Wallingford, do solemnly swear that the five scalps now produced are the scalps of wolves taken within the county of Shelby, Ohio, by you within twenty days last past and that you verily believe the same to have been over six months old and that you have not spared the life of any she wolf within your power to kill, with a design to increase the breed.

Records of the metes and bounds of the different townships in Shelby county, as they have been established by the commissioners, and entered by their orders.

Begins on the southeast corner of section 4, town. 2, range 13, east line of Shelby county; north with the aforesaid county line to the northeast corner of the county; thence west with the county line to the line between sections 29 and 30. town. 1. range 7; thence south with the line between the aforesaid sections, continued on to Miami river, and across the river; thence with the river down to the land between sections 10 and 9, town. 1, range 13; thence with the last said line east, to continue on to the place of beginning.

Begins at the southeast corner of the county; thence north to the south line of Perry township, between sections 3 and 4 of town. 2, range 13; thence west with the sections line to the east line between sections 33 and 34 in the aforesaid town. 2, range 13; thence south to the country line between sections 34 and 28, town. 2, range 12 ; thence with the county line east to the beginning.

Begins at the south line of the county, on the Miami river; thence east to the west line of Green township, on the line between sections 34 and 28, town. 2, range 12; thence north to the south line of Perry township, in the middle of the 13th range; thence west with the line through the middle of the 13th range aforesaid to the Miami river; thence down the river to place of beginning.

Begins at the northwest corner of Perry township, on line between sections 29 and 30, town. 2, range 5; thence with the line between said sections south, and continued on to the Miami river; thence down the river to where the line between sections 15 and 18, town. 7, range 6, intersects the same river; thence north between said sections 15 and 16, and continued on to the county line; thence east with said line to the beginning.

Begins at the Miami river, between sections 15 and 16, town. 7. range 6; thence north with the west line of Clinton township to the county line ; thence west to the line between sections 35 and 36, town. 11, range 5; thence south between sections 34 and 35 to the south line of the county, between sections 26 and 25, town. 9, range 5 ; thence east to the river, and thence up the river to the place of beginning.

Begins between sections 25 and 26, town. 9, range 5, at the county line at southwest corner of Turtle Creek township; thence north with said Turtle Creek township line to the line between sections 35 and 36. town. 10. range 5 ; thence west to the county line ; thence south to the southwest corner of the county ; thence east to place of beginning.

Begins on the west line of the county, between sections 27 and 34, town. 11. range 4; thence east to the west line of Turtle Creek township: thence north to the county line; thence west to the northwest corner of the county; thence south to the beginning.

Record of Cynthian township, agreeable to the petition for the organization of the same : Beginning at the west line of the county, on the line between towns. 10 and 41, range 4 east; thence east to the west line of Turtle Creektownship; thence north to the county line; thence west to the northwest corner of the county ; thence south to the place of beginning.

The record of this township was found to be incorrect, and ordered by the commissioners to be corrected. All the numbers marked to be on the north line of the county are on the old Indian boundary, there being no numbers known on the north line. Still, in that case the north line of the county is to be considered the north boundary of such townships.

And Representative Citizens 159 Pioneer Conditions

In pioneer days there was not a top buggy in Shelby county and but very few spring wagons, even fifty years ago, the highways being so execrable, that the sturdiest kind of a farm wagon did service for church or market or pleasure outings or joy rides, although an alleged turnpike, thinly graveled, subject to toll, had been constructed for 20 miles north to W'apakoneta.

The rich earth, shaded by the primeval woods, were avenues of mud and the corduroying of them with logs of various sizes made it possible to travel only at the slowest pace. Grain had to be hauled to Cincinnati or Sandusky 100 miles distant and the trip took more than a week. The price obtained was very low and only the necessities of life were purchased with the scant receipts.

In 1865 a toll turnpike was built from Sidney to Palestine, eight miles east, but in the latter part of the sixties a state law was passed permitting the building of free turnpikes to be paid for by taxing lands two miles each side of the pikes to be paid in yearly installments. This started pike building and a boom in real estate. At this time there are about 300 miles in the county, costing nearly two millions, so that now joy riders, in their automobiles raise the dust at a speed of twenty miles an hour, or more, where jaded horses at a snail's pace with lumher wagons bounced over the corduroy or mired in the mud. These pikes in many instances provided outlet for farm underdrains and there are now thousands of miles of tile drainage and the swampy lands, worthless in an undrained condition are the richest in the county. Farms can not be bought under $100 an acre, some bringing $150, where buildings are good. The luxuries of civilization on a higher plane have come to stay, with high cost of living. Those who have to buy grumble, while those who have things to sell rejoice.

Since pioneer days, fever and ague, with break-bone accompaniments, has become a thing of the past, of which the present generation know nothing and mosquitoes are on the road to ultimate extinction.

There was no surplus money in Shelby county when it started on its career. The earth, by dint of labor, ministered to life's necessities but luxuries had no place on the daily bill of fare which probably inspired the poet to give birth to the immortal stanza "Bean porridge, hot, bean porridge, cold in the pot, nine days old." The wardrobe was in keeping with the homely diet, "neat, but not gaudy." Some money had to be obtained to get the country under headway, pay the officials, etc. The first financial exhibit, the debts and credits were a little more than $1,100, with a deficit of $708 in the year 1 8 19, which remained the same until June, 1820. The county treasurer's settlement for 1822 made a better showing and the sum of $769 was on each side, no surplus and no deficiency. In 1823 there was a credit surplus of $5.91 and in 1825. $128.

Land Entries

The numerous land entries prior to 1822 show that the settlers were not adventurers but came for permanent homes, and here follow the names of the loriginal proprietors:

Political Parties

The politics of Shelby county date back to the organization of the county, though for some years the voting population was small and elections were not held in all the townships as they are constituted today. About the first elective officers of the county were justices of the peace, or "squires" as they were commonly called. These officers were selected from among the most intelligent citizens; they were known as the peacemakers of their respective localities and often settled neighborhood disputes out of court. They held "court" in the largest room of their houses, and the yard was taken up with the vehicles of those who came to hear the trials. There was very little "wirepulling" for the early settlers met irrespective of party and put the best men in the field, then went to the different polls, traded horses, voted and went home. However, excitement rose to a high pitch when it came to state and national elections and Shelby county could generally be depended upon to give a whig majority.

The first real exciting campaign in this county was the presidential campaign of 1828. Partisanship became very bitter; there were Jackson and Adams meetings everywhere, the schoolhouses resounded with praise and defamations and before this campaign closed there were many bloody noses and blackened eyes.

The next great contest was that of William Henry Harrison in 1840. Harrison ,was the idol of the whig party and his name raised the greatest enthusiasm. / The county did not see another great campaign until that of 1866 when the political club came into existence. There were barbecues, torchlight procession's, turpentine balls, and the air was made melodious with the singing clubs and their political songs. But the most exciting political battle ever waged in the county took place in 1864. Meetings were held day and night; the highways were thronged with political processions and gaily decorated wagons filled with girls were a part of the parade. The following episode may give its reader an idea of the state of the times. It was during the Brough- Vallandigham campaign of 1864, when Ohio was still an October state, that Frank McKinney, of Piqua, an ardent democrat, who represented this district in congress, and C. L. Vallandigham, of Dayton, member of congress, and candidate for governor on the democratic ticket, were advertised to address

A meeting' at Sidney. Thousands were gathered to hear the speaking. A regiment of soldiers was in the town awaiting transportation to their homes in Michigan and were encamped in Poplar street. When the carriage containing Air. Vallandigham and Mr. McKinney passed by the soldiers they commenced yelling and shouting their guns over the top of the carriage which frightened the horses causing them to run down a hank and almost upset the vehicle. However, the carriage reached the hotel. Mr. Vallandigham was hurried in and the doors were closed. Mr. McKinney remained on the sidewalk and addressed a mob of soldiers who demanded the surrender of Vallandigham and attempted to enter the hotel. A riot was imminent. More than two thousand democrats, armed, surrounded the hotel waiting for the soldiers to make an attack. A message was sent to S. B. Walker, the mayor of Sidney, and he and the leading republicans were informed by Mr. McKinney that if blood was shed and property destroyed they would be held responsible. The mayor persuaded the soldiers to return to camp; they were gotten on trains and rushed out of town and the meeting was held. When the soldiers departed they took with them a cannon named the "Swamp Angel." which the democrats were using for the celebration and which was cast by Philip Smith in his own foundry for the occasion. This cannon was thrown into a pond up in Michigan and years afterwards was raised by Philip Smith himself and brought back to Sidney. The feeling against Vallandigham was caused by the fact that he was a southern sympathizer and had been sent through the rebel lines and found refuge in Canada.

This campaign represented the high-water mark of political excitement, for Shelbv county is overwhelmingly democratic and hut few times since the birth of the republican party have any members oi that faith been elected to countv offices. The instances are: Jacob S. Conklin, prosecuting attorney. 1858 to 1880; James A. Irwin, recorder, 1856, clerk, i860; J. P. For-. sythe, auditor from 1873 to 1875; G. E. Allinger. sheriff, 1887 to 1889; John P. Brown, commissioner. 1895 tn '898, and J. C. Rosser, auditor from 1905 to 1909.

The townships of Orange. Perry. Salem. Turtle Creek and Washington give reliable republican majorities, while Cynthian. Dinsmore. Green, Jackson, Loramie. McLean and Van Buren are almost unanimously democratic with Franklin and Clinton furnishing smaller majorities for the party of Jefferson.

The county is in the Fourth Congressional District composed of the counties of Auglaize, Allen, Mercer, Darke and Shelby and is now represented in congress by J. Henry Goeke, Democrat, of Auglaize, whose plurality in the district at the last election was [1,245: majority 3,029. It is in the Twelfth Senatorial District made up of Miami. Darke and Shelby counties and has just elected to the legislature Dr. I. C. Kiser. of Miami, whose plurality in the district was 3.517 for the 1912 election.

Shelby county, as it exists today with its fertile farms and nearly one thousand miles of turnpike of gravel, of which there is abundance to keep them in repair, with its happy prosperous people, is in strange contrast to what it was a century ago.

From 1805 to 1812 at the advent of the first pioneers what is now within its limits was an unbroken forest, a free run-way for wild animals and the untutored Indian. Much of the surface was covered with water' in a rainytime and got dry by slow evaporation, as most of the land was level, with little natural drainage. It was a paradise for mosquitoes .and frogs and a delightful abode for the festive turtle.

The bravery, which verged on desperation, of the original settlers, may well excite wonder, for it is almost impossible to conceive of any inducement for their removal from the environment of civilization with its comforts and social pleasures. They were almost uniformly men of superior type, who had been comfortably situated, and were not men who had suffered from penury or escaped from crime, nor did they come to seek a life of ease, for their arrival here only meant fhe beginning of the most arduous toil, with little prospect of any immediate reward.

They came to carve out their own destiny - the forerunners of civilization, the pioneers of progress - with a stern determination to cope with the vigors of nature, to rear homes in the wilderness, and to dedicate temples of religion, education and justice in the midst of savagery and wildness. They subjugated the new conditions which confronted them and conformed to the better ideas and stern principles which prevailed in the communities which they had left, renouncing all their old associations. They came to build homes and that meant to plant the seeds of civilization and enjoy the benefits of organized society. Gradually the wilderness gave way to the sturdy arm and untiring frame of the pioneer, who never knew rest until the forest was made to blossom with fruit and grain. Along the stream he built his mill and in the protected valley he laid out his village - now the city with its thousands of people. He met the howling woif with defiance and dined upon venison and wild turkey. As the virgin forest yielded before his axe, cattle, sheep, hogs and horses flourished in his meadows. The meadows in turn gave place to the corn, and later to the wheat and we have the snow-white loaf superseding the "johnny cake." Their only garments were "linsey-woolsey" made by their own hands. The mothers were as untiring as the fathers - the daughters as capable as the sons for everybody worked from daylight until late in the night. The pioneer was his own manufacturer. He could build a chair or a house. He could shoe a horse or "iron" a wagon. He could make his children's shoes or a spinning-wheel and the female contingency of the household could cleanse and card the wool, hackle the flax, spin and weave the cloth for the family and make the garments without the aid of a sewing machine or any other labor saving device. These garments, if not pretty, had amazing strength and durability. The pioneers had little aesthetic or agricultural taste and but scant knowledge of hygiene, and had it not been for their huge fireplaces would have well-nigh suffocated for lack of pure air by ventilation. It was a pioneer, but perhaps not a Shelby county one, who, when his family were all sick with typhoid fever, and his doctor said the trouble was caused by a faulty drain, replied th^.t it could not be, for there wasn't any drain.

But they were men of thought, of enterprise, of resolution. Such traits of character were necessary to bring the young man of strong purpose, or the head of a family, to break up the old associations of life, and. dare the hardships and privations of a new settlement in the wild woods of the West. Of such qualities were the early pioneers of our noble state. They were the men of nerve, of intellect, and strength of purpose that led the way over the Alleghenies to the borders of our beautiful streams and teeming valleys. Nor were they ignorant or uncultured in the rudiments of a fair education. They had been brought up in a land of schools and churches, and brought with them their education and religion. The early settlers were worthy of the land, they were not Goths and Vandals seeking conquest but our own countrymen speaking our own Anglo-Saxon language. They came from Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Virginia and Pennsylvania. What a grand combination !

Well might General Washington in his eulogy upon our first settlement sav, "No other colony in America was ever' settled under such favorable circumstances as that which has just commenced upon the Ohio river. Information, property and strength will be its beginning."

Any apparent discrepancies in the length of terms of service of the different county officers are due to changes in the law affecting the same.

State Senators

Divorces brought during the year ending June 30*, 1912, 2^; pending July 1. 191 1, 11 ; number decided during the year, 24 /number still pending, 12; cases brought by the wife, 26; by the husband, 10.

There have been 8237 civil cases filed in the common pleas court since the organization of the county in 1819; 2320 criminal cases, 6365 cases brought up from justices courts and 302 cases filed in the circuit court.

The report from the recorder's office for the year ending June 30, 1912, gave agricultural lands, deeds recorded, 166, with a valuation of $721,723.24, at an average price per acre of $60.68.

The number of mortgages recorded of agricultural lands, 208, on 15,630 acres, with a consideration of $526,807.00. The number of mortgages recorded on city, town or village lots, 324, consideration, $217,671.96.

The report from the probate judges' office for the year ending March 31. 1912, shows 198 marriages for the year; 183 by license. 15 by bans. Six persons were sent to insane asylums, 5 male, 1 female. Forty-six wills admitted to probate ; 30 letters testamentary, 24 letters of administration. About 20 cases considered by the juvenile court; all but two held as wards by the judge who keeps a watchful eye on his charges. One boy sent to the Boys Industrial School, one to the Reform Farm.

Personal Property Valuation

The following figures were taken from the abstract of personal property in Shelby county on file at the auditor's office, as returned by the different assessors for the year 1912: Horses, 10.144, value, $1,153,387: cattle, 14,425.