Shelby County, Ohio - Chapter 6: Organization of Shelby County, 1913 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 6: Organization of Shelby County

Date of Organization - Naming of the Comity - Selection of County Scat - - Organization of Townships - Extracts from Commissioners' Journal - Court Minutes - Early Marriages - Pioneer Conditions - Land Entries - Population - Political' Parlies - County Officials.

Shelln- county was formed from Miami in 1819, and was named for Gen. Isaac Shelliy, an officer of the Revolution, who, in 179-', when Kentucky was admitted into the Union, was almost unanimously elected its first governor. Miami county, including Shelby, was a part of Montgomery county until January 16, 1807. When Shelby was formed from Miami county, it included Auglaize and Allen counties, which were subsequently detached. Allen county in 1831, and Auglaize in [848. The population increased rapidly and on May 17, 1819, a court of common pleas convened in Hardin,* which was conducted by the lion. Joseph H. Crane, of Dayton, as presiding judge, and Robert Houston, Samuel Marshall and William Cecil, associate judges. Harvey I!. Foote was appointed clerk of court and Henry Bacon, prosecuting attorney and. at this time, the first grand jury was called and reported. The term adjourned December 14th, and this sealed the doom of Hardin as a seat of justice, for the next term of court was held in Sidney, -with the same judicial executive and clerical officers, on April 24, 1820.

A hoard of commissioners convened at Hardin on June 17, 1819, consisting of Robert McClure, William Berry and John Wilson, with David Henry as clerk of hoard, and James Lenox, treasurer of the county. They entered at once upon their respective duties. Archibald Defreer was appointed collector. On June 12th the bonds of John Craig, as coroner, and Daniel V. Dingman, as sheriff, were accepted and' after some routine business the board adjourned to September 2d. and Shelby county, armed and equipped, started on its full-Hedged career and has been in motion ever since. The epitaph on a dav-old baby's tombstone might appropriately be applied to Hardin: but everything has to have a beginning and Hardin, the peaceful hamlet on the Indian trail portage, between the Miami and Maumee rivers, was a suitable place as a starter.

A permanent location for the county seat was sought and the general assembly of Ohio appointed Thomas Van Horn and James Steele to view the different sites and make a report. After an extensive looking-over of sites, they settled upon Sidney, five miles east of Hardin, on the beautiful Miami, and named in honor of Sir Philip Sidney. Their report was as follows :

The undersigned commissioners appointed by the legislature of Ohio at their last session, to fix on the most eligible site for the seat of justice for the county of Shelby, met at the town of Hardin, in said county, on the 22d inst., agreeable to appointment - previous notice having been given as the law directs, said notice being acknowledged and having been duly qualified - proceeded to examine the different sites pointed out by the inhabitants of said county; and after traversing the county to ascertain the most proper place, have selected part of a fraction number 36 in township 8, range 6, west of the Great Miami river, belonging to Charles Sterrett; commencing at a creek or run of water southeastward^ of a house in said fraction, occupied by a Mr. Cannon, running east of north with the bank, and westwardly for the quantity of seventy acres, offered as a donation by the said Charles Sterrett. as will appear by the inclosed bond, proposal, etc.

The donation referred to in this report is fully explained by the subjoined article of agreement, made by Charles Sterrett, proprietor of the plat chosen as the site of the county seat :

I, the undersigned subscriber, proprietor of fraction No. 36, in township eight, range six, east of the meridian line, and on the west bank of the Great Miami river, do make a donation to the commissioners of Shelby county of seventy acres of land, for the use and benefit of said county, on any part of the above-named tract of land that the commissioners appointed by the legislature see proper to locate the seat of justice for said county; provided the commissioners for fixing the said seat of justice see proper to fix said seat permanently in said fraction; provided that I do receive one-half of the proceeds of the sales of the lots after the said county commissioners locate, lay off, and sell the lots which may he laid off on said donatii >n.

X. li. I also bind myself to give the privilege of all the springs within the bounds of said fraction as above described, for the use of the town, and the privilege of conveyance to the town. C. S.

I, the said Charles Sterrett, do make the following reserves out of the seventy acres proposed to the commissioners for the seat of justice for the county of Shelby to wit: One acre for the public square; two half acres for two different denominations of religious societies; one acre for each of two different denominations of religious societies for graveyards; and one acre for use of schools.

In accordance with the provisions of the articles of donation, Charles Sterrett executed to the commissioners a bond in the sum of $3,000, dated September 25, 18 19.

In consideration of securing the seat of justice at Sidney other donations than that of the proprietor were made by several citizens, who were favorable to the project. These are exhibited by the following certified agreement :

We the undersigned bind ourselves to the county commissioners of Shelby county, to pay the several sums annexed to our names, provided the seat of justice for the county of Shelby is established on the above tract of land as described, and the conditions as above are complied with :

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 \Y. Ruckman, his sureties, in the sum of $6,000. The court further order that the director proceed to lay off a town upon the premises aforesaid in lots of five rods by ten. in blocks of eight lots each, with alleys one rod in width, running through the center of each block at right angles with each other and with the streets; the alleys to divide the blocks into four equal parts. The streets be laid out six rods in width, and that a public square be laid out in said town by striking out the center block of lots.

That the director, as 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 lie paid; reserving one lot upon or adjacent to the public square, to he selected by the commissioners, for the purpose of erecting temporary buildings for the county.

In accordance with the instructions of the court, the director of the town procured the survey of the plat by Benjamin S. Cox, who, after making the survey, submitted the following report:

I do hereby certify that, being called on by David Henry, Esq., director of the town nf Sidney, to survey said town plat, I executed the same under his directions, by running the exterior boundaries agreeably to the following courses and distance, to wit.:

Beginning at a stake - the northwest corner of said town - standing four rods due south of the northern boundary line of the fraction witnessed by a small white oak standing north 7 cast. 7 links distant; then south 5 east. 27 poles, to a stake in the cornfield; then south 85 west. _'<>'_> poles. t,> a stake witnessed by two small buckeyes; one bearing due north, at 6 links distance; the other south 471 _- west. () links also; thence south 5~ east. 108 poles, to a stake - the southwest corner of said town plat - witnessed by a large blue ash tree standing north 64 west. S poles and H>'j links distant; thence north 85 cast. So poles, passing Abraham Cannon's house and cornering at a stake, the southeast corner of said town; said stake standing a few rods s,,uth of a run. and witnessed by a large blue ash standing south $&/> east, l8j4 links distant; thence north 5 west, Si pules, to a stake at the upper end of the cornfield; thence north S5 : east, 14!^ poles, to a stake standing 22 links north of a large beech, and 34 links east of a smaller one; thence north 50 west, 27 poles, to a stake having for witnesses a blue ash, standing north 68° east, 21 links and a small buckeye, south 55° west, 12 links distant; thence north 850 east, 1334 poles, to a stake witnessed by a large white oak standing south 75 ° east, 4 links and a blue ash north 82 ° west, 17 links distant; thence north 5: west, 27 poles, to a stake - the northeast corner of said town - witnessed by a beech standing south 400 west, 271/ links distant; thence south 850 west, 81 54 poles, to the beginning: containing by calculation 70 acres and 2534 poles. The above courses were run for a supposed true meridian, and at right angles to the same ; believing the true meridian, when running north, to be five degrees west of the magnetic one.

Personally appeared before me, a justice of the peace for said county, the above-named Benjamin S. Cox, who qualified the above town plat of the town of Sidney to lie a true survey made to the best of his ability.

The next action was an order of sale directed by the court to David Henry, director of Sidney, and providing as follows: State of Ohio, Shelby County, ss. Court of Common Pleas, April Term, 1820 :

It is 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 newspapers published at Troy, one-third of the lots nowremaining unsold in Sidney, on the following terms, viz. : One-fourth of the purchase-money in hand; one-fourth in nine. months; one-fourth in fifteen months; and the remaining fourth in two years; the purchaser giving bond and approved security for the payment of the last three 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 in the terms prescribed by this order.

The director of Sidney having represented to the court that certain lots in said town, ordered to be sold in December term last, have reverted to the county, in consequence of the failure of the purchasers to comply with the terms of sale, it is, therefore, ordered by the court that the director sell the said lots which have so reverted on the follow ing terms, viz. : One-fourth of the purchase-money in hand; one-fourth thereof in nine months; onefourth in fifteen months; and the remaining fourth part in two years from the day of sale. The purchaser giving bond and approved security for the payment of the last three instalments, and to receive from the director a certificate for the lot or lots purchased, stipulating that a deed shall be executed to the purchaser, his heirs, or assigns, on the completion of the payments. The said sale to take place on the 6th instant, public notice having been given thereof heretofore in the newspapers printed at Picjua; and the director is further authorized to dispose of at private sale any of the said lots remaining unsold at the public sale hereby ordered in the terms prescribed by this order. I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the minutes in my office this sixth day of September, 1820.

In pursuance of these instructions, the director offered the designated lots for sale; after which he submitted the subjoined statement in account w ith the county :

The conditions of the sale of lots to be sold this day in Sidney, agreeable to an order of the court of common pleas for Shelby county, last term :

Article 2d. The purchaser agrees to pay one-third of the purchasemonev in hand: one other third part in six months: and the residue in one year from this date.

Article 3d. On payment of the first third part, the purchaser will be entitled to a certificate, conditioned to make a deed, on completing the above payments, at the end of one year, as aforesaid: still it is fairly understood and agreed that if the purchaser, or his assigns, fails to make payment at the cud of one year, as aforesaid, then the lots thus sold is to revert back to the county, and money paid to forfeit.

Four townships in Shelby county retained the name and area when a part of Miami county. They are Clinton. Turtle creek, Cynthian and Loramie.

Clinton, in which Sidney, the county seat, is situated, was reorganized by the commissioners in 1825. It is irregular in outline., being bounded on the south by the tortuous Miami river.

Turtle creek township, named after a creek which traverses it, was reorganized in 1825. The Big Four railway is its southern boundary. Its center is the hamlet of Hardin, the seat of Justice in 1819, one year, and named after Mr. Hardin, who was killed by the Indians.

Washington township was organized in 1825 under the name of Grayson, but the name was soon changed. It was watered by the Loramie, Turtle creek and by the canal feeder. Its principal town is the village of Lockingtun through which runs the Western Ohio electric line.

Loramie township was reorganized in 1825. It was named after Loramie, the French trader, who had a store at the mouth of the creek at Lockington as early as 1752. It contains four villages - Mt. Jefferson, Houston, North Houston and Russia. The last two are Big Four railway stations. The principal streams are the Loramie, the Nine-Mile run and the Miami and Erie canal.

Cynthian township was reorganized in 1825. Newport is the only village. Its streams are the Loramie, Lick run and Lawrence run and the Miami canal.

Orange township was organized in the year 1820 and is very fertile. It is bounded on the north by the Miami river. It has one village, Kirkwood, which is a station on the Dayton and Michigan railway.

Green township has two small villages, Palestine and Plattsville, which were laid out in the early thirties. The name of Palestine has been changed to Tawawa. It is watered by Mosquito creek and the Leatherwood.

Perry township was organized about 1824 and has a very productive soil. Pemberton, a small village, which is a station on the Big Four railway, seven miles east of Sidney, is its largest town. It is bounded on the north bv the Miami river

The township of Salem was stricken from Perry in 1826. Port Jefferson, a pretty village, and being at the head of the feeder, nine miles in length, of the Miami and Erie canal had brilliant prospects before the day of railways, but collapsed upon their advent. The Miami river runs through the town! The township has one other village, Maplewood, a station on the Lima and Northern railway.

Dinsmore township was organized in 1832 and the board of commissioners ordered the election to be held in the house of Joseph Green on Christmas day. The township contains the village of Botkins and one-half of

Jackson township was organized in 1833 and is one of the most fertile in the county. It contains the thriving village of Jackson Center, a railway station and the hamlet of Montra.

McLean township was organized in 1834. It has a large German element of excellent farmers who vote wet when local option is before the people. McLean is watered by the Loramie which heads in Dinsmore township and contains Loramie reservoir of 6,000 acres. Being on the summit it is a feeder to the Miami and Erie canal. It also contains Mile creek and Second run. The land is very fertile

Van Buren township was organized in 1834. Rumley was settled .by a colony of negroes but is now owned by white people. The land is very fertile and productive.

Franklin township was organized in 1835 and contains one-half of the village" of Anna. The principal streams are Turtle creek and Plum creek.

Court House And Jail

As soon as the first court of justice was established at Hardin in 1819 in an old block house it was evident that a provision must be made for a suitable building. As the county seat was removed to Sidney after one year the county commissioners held a session February 1, 1820, and action was taken for" the erection of a court house and jail, the latter being necessary when the court found culprits guilty of criminal misdemeanors.

The following plans were adopted and recorded : The court house to be of frame. 24 by 30 feet, roofed with joint shingles, and weatherboarded : two doors through the middle of the first story; four eighteen-pane windows; the story ten feet between floors; a place for two fireplaces six feet wide; second storv eight feet high with six fifteen-light windows; window frames and doors underpinned with stone eighteen inches above the ground.

The jail was t<> he 16 by 18 feet, with two stories of seven feet between the floors, and to he built of timber 1 2 inches square, laid completely close.

The first and second floors to be made of square timber, laid close, the same as the wall; one window. 18 inches square in each story, well grated with iron bars; one door in each story sufficientlv ironed and locked; third floor to be of hewed timber; roof of joint shingles ; a chimney at one end with a fireplace in each room.

These building contracts were ordered to be sold in Sidney on the 22d of February. On June 16. 1821. an additional contract was sold to John Snvder for $130.

This building served its purpose until 1831, when, on June 22, the commissioners met for the purpose of adopting a plan for a new court house, to be built in the center of the public square. The building was to be of brick 44 feet square and two stories high, and a belfry. The foundation was to be of stone, the lower story to have 16 windows of 15 lights each and the upper story 20 windows of 12 lights each, 12 by 16 inches in size. It was further ordered that the old court house be sold in May, 1832 and the proceeds be applied to the new building. On July 25, 183 1, the contract was let to Charles Bush, William Dock and George D. Leckey. The building was completed and accepted March 30, 1833.

The building, viewed in the light of the present day, as it was neither Ionic, Doric, Corinthian nor Composite, had all the artistic beauty of a store box, but it served for 50 years and the ablest legal arguments and most eloquent appeals and stirring political speeches ever made in Sidney were echoed from its walls.

The New Court House

For fifty years the squatty and inconvenient building in the public square had withstood storm and fire and flood and seemed to have a charmed hold on life unless human hands should remove the monstrosity which was devoid alike of beauty or utility.

At the April election in 1880 the question of building a new court house was submitted to the people of the county and resulted in a vote of 2,024 for it and 1.786 against the same. The old court house was then sold to the highest bidder, which was $295, he to remove the building by March 10, 1881.

On August 14, 1880, the board of commissioners, consisting of John E. Bush, Christian Kingseed and John Linker entered into .a contract with G. H. Maetzel. architect, of Columbus, to furnish plans, specifications, details and working designs for the contemplated building, Maetzel to have sole superintendency of the work and to see that all the materials used were according to specifications. Maetzel's compensation was to be five per cent of the cost, estimated at $140,000.

The original contracts for materials and work were let as follows: Cast and wrought iron work to H. P. Clough & Co., of Middleton, Ohio, for $30,050; brick work to Henry Gucker. $13,623; carpenter work to John Houser, $10,086.30; cut stone work to Wittenmeir Bros., $35,500; tin, galvanized iron and slating to W. R. Kinnear & Co., $9,998; painting and glazing to Philip Knapf, $4,977; plastering and stucco work to Michael Hayes, $2,900; gas-piping to Andrew Shwartz, $330; plumbing, same, $998; drainage, same. $392.

The building is located in the center of the public square, which was enlarged from its original donation of one acre, made by Charles Sterrett, to a little less than three acres. The site is a beautiful one, and is richly ornamented by forest trees, while delicate, flowering shrubs of many hardy varieties are massed around the walks, with the four sides of the building furnishing the background, thus making the situation for a public building one of the best in the state.

The court house being centrally located in the square, fronts all the cardinal points, is substantially built, very commodious and elegantly finished and furnished. It is heated by air, conducted in pipes from the heating building in the rear of the jail, and is practically fireproof. The four corners rise into towers, while the center tower, about 150 feet in height, looks down upon all other buildings within the city, there being no 55-story sky-scrapers within its limits. It is furnished with a clock which presents a dial mi four faces. The contour of the public square was uneven as in a state of nature, requiring over 5.000 loads of dirt to make it perfectly level as it is to-day.

The celebration of July 4, 1881. was made more imposing in Sidney than ever before by the laying of the corner stone and brought a large crowd from the county and surrounding towns, though the death of President Garfield cast a gloom over the occasion. No fewer than 5,000 people were present. The display of flags and bunting all over the city was very fine. The arrival of the train and band over the Big Four from Union City was met by Tappe's band and the band from Anna came. The hotels were crowded and a large number took dinner at the Methodist church. Orders of Knights of Pythias and Masons came from Lima, Bellefontaine and other points. They appointed their own marshals, but all were under the direction of Chief Marshal E. M. Green and his assistants, J. S. Laughlin, W. H. Taylor, E. E. Nutt. J. B. Edgar and H. M. Lehman, and the order of procession was as follows: The Anna band; county and city officials in carriages; pioneers and citizens in carriages; Martial band; Grand Army of the Republic; Piqua band; Knights of Pythias; Union City band; fire department ; Odd Fellows ; Lima band ; Shawnee and Coleman commanderies; Bellefontaine Lodge of Masons, with band; Tappe's band; and. Sidney Lodge of Masons No. -3, which included Stokes Lodge of Port Jefferson and Epler Lodge of Jackson Center. The grand marshal proclaimed as follows: "By authority of the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in the state of Ohio, and in obedience to his order, I do now command and require all persons here assembled, to preserve silence and to observe due order and decorum during the performance of the cere- 1 lonies of this occasion."

The following articles were deposited in a receptacle made in the cornerstone: A list of the present officers of the county; a copy of the Constitution and Bydaws, and a list of the present members and officers of Temperance Lodge No. 73, F. & A. Masons ; a list of the officers and members of Stokes Lodge No. 305, F. & A. Masons: a list of the members of Summit Lodge No. 50, Knights of Pythias; and the name of the architect, and a list of the names of the contractors and workmen employed on the stone and brickwork of the new court house; a list of the members of Tappe's cornet band; a copy of the Shelby county Democrat; a copy of the Sidney

The following is a copy of the report of the first three courts in the county : The first court of common pleas for Shelby county met in the village of Hardin, in Turtle Creek township, on the 16th day of May, 1819: President, Judge Jos. H. Crane, of Dayton; Robert Houston, Samuel Marshal, William M. Cecil, associates ; Harvey B. Foote, clerk. The term lasted only one day. The journal of the court mentions no one as sheriff. Henry Bacon, of Dayton, was appointed by the court as prosecuting attorney. The next term was held September 13 and 14, 1819, at same place, by the foregoing named judges and officers. The third term was held at the same place, beginning December 13, 1819, same judges and officers, and also Daniel V. Dingman as sheriff. At the close of the December term, 1819, the court ordered the next term to be held at the then newly situated county seat, viz., the village of Sidney, where the courts have all been held ever since.

The covering was then lowered to its place with appropriate ceremonies by Past Grand "Master of the State, A. H. Newcomb, and the ceremonies closed with prayer by Grand Chaplain O. Kennedy.

The oration was delivered from the stand erected by A. L. McKinney, of Troy, and was a brilliant, eloquent address. The ceremonies closed about half -past four o'clock.

These journals, replete with information touching the development and growth of the county, as well as the course of justice, are submitted in their entirety for the formative period, or first years of the organization. They will both be found to differ widely from the board and court records of to-day, and although lacking system will be found possessing breadth enough to embrace almost everything of a public nature. The two journals comprised very largely the scope now embraced by the board of commissioners, common pleas court, probate court, recorder's office, and sheriff's office. Possessing this comprehensiveness the records of the board and the court are reproduced for that period with a completeness which will show not only the business transacted, but also the methods of transaction.

June 17, 18 19. The board of commissioners for Shelby met at Hardin. Present, Robert McClure, William Berry, and John Wilson. David Henry is appointed clerk of the board, who appeared and took the oath of office.

Order No. 1. Ordered that the county treasurer pay Samuel McClure for four days' service as lister for Loramie township for this year, $4.00.

Order No. 2. Ordered that the county treasurer pay Charles Botkin for his service as lister and appraiser of property, for Perry township and the fractional part of Essex township this year, $9.00.

Order No. 4. Ordered that the county treasurer pay Richard Defrees for six days' service as lister and appraiser of property for Turtle Creek township this year, $6.00.

Order No. 5. Ordered that the county treasurer pay John Francis for one day's service as clerk of election for Perry and fractional part of Essex township on 1st of May last, $1.00.

Order No. 6. Ordered that the county treasurer pay Peter Musselman for one day's service as judge of election for Perry and fractional part of Essex township on the 1st of May last, $1.00.

Order No. 7. Ordered that the county treasurer pay William Berry, Jr., for one day's service as judge of election, and one day's service taking returns to Hardin for Perry and fractional part of Essex township on the 1st of May last. S2.00.

Order No. 8. Ordered that the county treasurer pay George Berry for one day's service as appraiser of property for Perry and fractional part of Essex township lor this year, $1.00.

Order No. 9. Ordered that the county treasurer pay David Henry for one day's service as clerk of election for Perry and fractional part of Essex township on the 6th of April last, $1.00.

Charles Botkin, lister and appraiser of property for Perry and fractional part of Essex township, appeared and made return of his duplicate for said township.

Tune 11, 1819. The board of commissioners met pursuant to adjournment. Present : Robert McClure, William Berry. John Wilson, and David Henry, clerk.

On the petition of Alexander Jackson, Caleb Goble, Joseph Donaldson. Elisha Kirtland, and Jesse Jackson, accompanied with the consent of a majority of the inhabitants of town. 1, range 7 east: Ordered that John Lenox, Philip Coleman, and Edward Jackson, taking to their assistance a skilful surveyor, two chainmen, and one blazer, proceed on Monuay, the

28th inst., to view and lay out into convenient lots (agreeable to the laws in such cases made and provided) the school section in township No. 1, range 7 east, and carefully value the same, and make report of your proceedings to the board of commissioners at their next meeting.

Ordered that the county treasurer pay Abraham Davenport for one day's service as judge of election for Turtle Creek township on the 1st day of May last, $1.00.

Ordered that the county treasurer pay Jeremiah White for one day's service as judge of election for Turtle Creek township on the 1st day of May last. $1.00.

Ordered that the county treasurer pay Wm. Herrald for one day's service as appraiser of property for Turtle Creek township this year, $1.00.

Ordered that the county treasurer pay Daniel Vandemark for one day's service as judge of election for Perry and fractional part of Essex township on the 1st of May last, $1.00.

Ordered that the county treasurer pay Harvey B. Foote for one day's service as clerk of election on the 1st of May last for Turtle Creek township. Si. 00.

Ordered that the county treasurer pay Samuel Stewart for one day's service as judge of election for Turtle Creek township on the 1st of May last. Si. 00.

Ordered that all the fractional part of 'Essex township that falls in Shelby county be attached to and incorporated into Perry township, and is in future to be considered as composing a part of the said township of Perry.

Know all men by these presents that we, John Craig, Robert Aldrich, and John McClure, of Shelby county, are held and firmly bound unto Robert McClure. Wm. Berry, and John Wilson, commissioners of Shelby county, or their successors in office, in the sum of two thousand dollars, current money of the United States, to the payment of which we bind ourselves, our heirs, and assigns, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents; sealed with our seal, and dated the 12th day of June, one thousand eight hundred and nineteen.

The condition of the above obligation is such that the above named Tohn Craig shall faithfully discharge all the duties enjoined on him by law as coroner for the aforesaid Shelby county; then this obligation to be void and of no effect ; otherwise to remain in full force and virtue in law. Given under our hand and seals the day and year above written.

Know all men by these presents that we, Daniel V. Dingman and James Dingman, of the county of Shelby and state of Ohio, are held and firmly bound unto Robert McClure, William Berry, and John Wilson, commissioners of Shelby county, and their successors in office, in the sum of four thousand dollars, lawful money, to the payment of which we bind ourselves, our heirs, and assigns, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents; sealed with our seals, and dated the 12th day of June, 1819.

The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bound Daniel V. Dingman has been duly elected and commissioned sheriff for Shelby county; now if the said Daniel V. Dingman does well and truly collect, and pay over all moneys that the law makes it his duty to collect to the proper person to receive it, and perform all the duties of sheriff of said county faithfully; then this obligation to be void and of no effect;' else to remain in full force and virtue.

Hardin, Ohio, September 13, 1819. The board of commissioners met per adjournment. Present : Robert McClure, Wm. Berry, John Wilson, and David Henry, clerk.

The report of the freeholders appointed the nth of June last to lay out and appraise the school section in township 1, range 7 east, is received and ordered to be recorded.

A petition of part of the inhabitants of Shelby county praying to vacate part nf the county road through Turtle Creek township was read and laid over until the next meeting of the hoard.

It is ordered that Perry township be divided as follows : Running through the middle of the 13th range, and that the south part of said township be organized into a new township by the name of Orange, and that the election for township officers be held at the house of Wm. Minnear, on the 23d inst.

Ordered that David Henry have an order on the county treasurer for four days' service as clerk of the hoard, and $1.00 for extra service, in all. Sio.oo.

Hardin, October 29, 1819. The board of commissioners met as per adjournment. President : Robert McClure, Wm. Berry; Joseph Mellinger, and David Henry, clerk.

The board of commissioners proceeded to draw their allotments for their terms of service. Robert McClure is for one year, Wm. Berry for two years, and Joseph Mellinger for three years, who each took the several oaths required by law to qualify them for the duties of their said offices.

Ordered that John Francis. John Manning, James Lenox, Joseph Mellinger, Conrad Pouches, Zebediah Richardson, Joseph Steinberger, Henry Hershaw, John Stevens, Archibald Defrees, Cephas Carey, Peter Musselman, John Bryan, R. Lenox, and Abraham Davenport each have $1.50 for services as grand jurors; and that George Carey, constable, have 75 rents for one day's service at last September term.

Ordered that Thomas Hurley, Wm. Cecil, Wm. Berry, Nathan Coleman, Jacob Wise, Alexander Miller, John Miller, Benjamin Blankinship, John Craig, Robert Aldrich, James Crossman, Elisha Kirkland each have 50 cents for services as petit jurors; and that James Moore, constable, have 25 cents for attendance at one trial at last September term.

Ordered that John Manning have for one day's service as judge of election for Orange township, and one day for taking in the returns of the same at last October election, $2.00.

Ordered that John Hathaway, Jacob Lemasters, Rodham Talbot, judges, and Peter Musselman and George Morrison, clerks, each have $1.00, for judge and clerk's fees for one day's service at the last annual election for Perry township.

On petition of sundry inhabitants of township 7, range 6 east, it is ordered that Daniel Vandemark, John Stewart, and Robert Hurley, taking to their assistance a skilful surveyor, two chainmen, and one blazer, proceed, on the 10th day of October next, to view and lay out into convenient lots - agreeable to law in that case made and provided - the school section in township 7, range 6 east, and carefully value the same, and make report of your proceedings to the board of commissioners at their next meeting.

That Wm. Johnston, John Francis, and Dan Dingeman proceed to view a part of the road from Dingmansburg on the division of Wapakoneta that leads through Rodham Talbot's land, as he wishes, and make report agreeable to law to the hoard at their next meeting.

Ordered that Abraham Cannon, John Lenox, and Daniel V. Dingman, together with Benjamin S. Cox, taking to their assistance two chainmen and one blazer, proceed on the 22d inst. to view and lay out a road as follows : Beginning on the state road from Piqua to Wapakoneta where it crosses Mill creek, in Turtle Creek township, running northwesterly to Abraham Cannon's, and make report of their proceedings to the next board of commissioners.

Ordered that Peter Princehouse, John Medaris and Thaddeus Tuttle, together with Benjamin S. Cox, surveyor, taking with them two chairmen and one blazer proceed on the 29th inst. to view and lay out a road as follows : Beginning at or near the 5-mile-tree on the Mosquito creek road, thence to the county line on the east side of section 5, township 2, range 13, at the most proper point for a road to the seat of justice of Logan county, and make report of your proceedings to the next board of commissioners.

The report of the board of viewers appointed by the last board of commissioners to view the school section in township 7, range 6 east, was received and ordered to be recorded.

Ordered that all that part of the county of Shelby situate north of a base line that crosses the Big Auglaize at or near the mouth of Hog creek, east and west, be incorporated into a separate township, to be known by the name of Auglaize, and that the electors of said township assemble at the house of Moses Rice on the first Monday in April, to elect township officers.

Know all men by these presents that we, Thomas W. Ruckman, John Lenox, Archibald Defrees. and Wm. Johnston, are held and firmly bound unto Robert McClure. Wm. Berry, and Joseph Mellinger, commissioners of Shelby county, and their successors in office, in the just sum of $4,000, lawful money of the United States, and for the true performance of which payment we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, and administrators, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals' and dated the 14th day of January, 1820.

The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bound Thomas W. Ruckman has been duly elected and commissioned sheriff of Shelby county: now if the said Thomas W. Ruckman does well and truly collect and pay over all money that the law makes it his duty to collect, to the proper person to receive the same, and perform all the other lawful duties of sheriff of Shelby county, faithfully and honestly, then this obligation to be void and of no effect ; else to remain in full force and virtue in law.

Plan of the jail to be erected for the county: To be 16 by 18 feet: two stories, each seven feet between the floors; built of timber twelve inches square, laid completely close: the first and second floors to be made of square timber laid close, the same as the wall ; one window eighteen inches square; in each story, well grated with iron bars; one door in each story sufficiently ironed and locks; third floor to be of hewed timber; roof of joint shingles; a chimney in one end, with a fireplace in each room.

The house for the court to be a frame, 24 by 30 feet, roofed with joint shingles and weatherboarded ; two doors through the middle of the first story; four iSdight windows; the story ten feet between the floors; a place for two fireplaces six feet wide; second story eight feet high; six 15-light windows; window-frames and doors underpinned with stone eighteen inches above ground. The above buildings are ordered to be sold on the 22d inst. at Sidney.

Ordered that the following bills be allowed : William Minnear, James Bryan, Daniel Yandemark. Joseph Bennett, John Mellinger, Zachariah Hurley, John Wilson, Robert Aldrich, Wm. Bush, David Crow, John Shennard, Gideon Wright, Charles Weeks, John Hathaway, each have $1.50 for one day's service as grand jurors at December term, and that James Moore have 75 cents for services as constable.

Ordered that John Johnston, Joseph Aldrich. James Buchanan, David Mellinger, Aaron Cecil, Isaac Robins, William Robinson, Wm. Marrs. James Green, John Hathaway. Joseph Bennett, have each 50 cents for attending a trial at December term, and that James Moore, constable, have 2^ cents for attending same trial.

Ordered that Benjamin S. Cox have for his service as surveyor of a road from Mill creek to Sidney, two days and plat, $4.50; for chairmen and blazers, same time, S4.50.

Ordered that Benjamin S. Cox have for his service in surveying a road from the 5-mile-tree in the Mosquito creek to the county line, two days and plat, $4.50; for chainmen and blazers, $4.50.

Ordered that John Medaris, Thaddens Tnttle, and Peter Princehouse each have $2.00 for two days' service viewing road from 5-mile-tree, on the Mosquito creek road, to the line of Logan county.

Ordered that Jacob Wise, Samuel Marshall, and Daniel V. Dingman, viewers, and Benjamin S .Cox, surveyor, and assistants, proceed and lay out a road from Dingman's through Sidney and Hardin, to Cynthian, on the 20th instant, and report to the next board.

Ordered that Robert Aldrich, John Mellinger, and Samuel McClure, viewers, and Benjamin S. Cox, surveyor, and assistants, proceed on the fourth Monday of this instant to view and lay out a road from the state road at or near William Morrow's; thence to Steinberger's mill; thence a northeasterly course to intersect the road from Mill creek to Sidney, and report to the next board.

Ordered that Abraham Cannon, James Thatcher, and Samuel Stewart, viewers, and Benjamin S. Cox, surveyor, and assistants, proceed on the first Tuesday in April to view and lay out a road, beginning at or near Hardin; thence to the state road at or near the Nine-mile creek, in Loramie township, and report to the next board.

Ordered that David Larue, Charles Johnston, John Ellsworth, Aquilla Ellsworth, William Ellsworth, viewers, and Benjamin S. Cox, surveyor, and assistants, proceed on the second Monday in April next to review the following part of the road from Honey creek to Mosquito creek, to wit: Beginning at the county line, thence to Peter Princehouse's, and make such alteration as may be necessary, and report to the next board..

Hardin, March 7. 1820. The commissioners met pursuant to adjournment. Present : Robert McClure, William Berry, Joseph Mellinger, and David Henry. Clerk.

The viewers appointed by the commissioners, on the 14th of December last, to lay out and view a road from the 5-mile-tree, on the Mosquito creek road, to the county line of Logan county, with the surveyor of said road, have made their reports, which, being openly read yesterday and today at the board, and no objections being made, the said road is ordered to be recorded a public highway.

Ordered that all that part of Orange township that is east of the west tier of sections in the second township of Bath, 12th and 13th range, be erected into a new township, by the name of Green township and that the qualified electors of said township meet at the house of John Medaris, on the first Monday in April next, to elect township officers. Adjourned sine die.

We, John Lenox. Philip Coleman, and Edward Jackson, viewers appointed by the board of commissioners of Shelby county to view and appraise section Xo. 16, township i, range 7 cast, being lir-^t duly sworn according to law, have proceeded to view and lay out the same into lots, and appraised the same as follows, towit: Lot No. 1, ^2)A acres at $3.25 per acre; lot No. 2, 4<>'_, acres at $2.75 per acre; lot No. 3. 99 3 100 acres at $4.00 per acre: lot No. 4, 60 98/100 acres at $2.50 per acre: lot No. 5, 104 acres at S4.50 per acre; lot No. 6, 78 18/100 acres at 82. 00 per acre. All of which we have viewed and appraised to the hest of our skill and ability. Given under our hands and seals the nth day of September, 1819. The plat herewith annexed made by James Crugan, surveyor of Miami count)', September 11, 1S19.

We, the undersigned, do hereby certify that we did, by order of the commissioners of Shelby county, go, on the 10th day of November. 1819, with a surveyor and two chainmen and one blazer, and divided section 16. in range 3. township 7, into six lots, containing as follows: No. 1, 98^4 acres; No. 2 and No. 3, each 102 }< acres; No. 4 and No. 5, each 1061/; acres; and No. 6. I02TS acres; which lots we valued at $2.00 per acre, each lot separately.

Ordered that James Thatcher. John Wilson, and William Davis, together with Benjamin S. Cox, taking to his assistance two chainmen and one blazer, proceed on the first Wednesday in May to view and lay out a road, beginning at Cynthian. thence to intersect the road leading from Greenville to said town, at the Darke county line, and make report to the next board of commissioners.

The report of the reviewers, appointed the 6th of March last, to review the road from Honey creek to Mosquito creek, beginning at the county line to Peter Princehouse. is received ; and being read in open meeting yesterday and today, and no objections being made, the same is established a public highway, agreeable to survey made and returned with said report.

The report of the viewers, appointed in March last, to view and lay out a road from Hardin to the state road, at or near Nine-mile creek, is received; and being read in open meeting yesterday and today, and no objections being made, the same is established a public highway, agreeable to survey therewith returned.

The report of the viewers, appointed in March last, to view and lay out a road from Dingmansburg, through Sidney and Hardin, to Cynthian, is received: and being read yesterday and today in open meeting, and no objections being made, the same is established a public highway agreeable to survey therewith returned.

Tlit- report of the viewers, appointed in March last, to view and lay out a road from the state road, at or near William Morrow's, past Steinberger's mill, thence northeasterly to intersect the new road to Sidney, is received; and being read in open session yesterday and today, and no objections being made to the same, it is established a public highway, according to survey therewith returned.

That Robert Aldrich, Samuel McClure. and John Mellinger have each for two and one-half days' services in viewing road from William Morrow's to Sidney, $2.50.

That James Thatcher and Samuel Stewart have each for two days' services in viewing the road from Hardin to the state road at nine mile, $2.00.

That Benjamin S. Cox have for his service in surveying the road from Hardin to the state road at nine mile, two days' and plat, $4.50. For chainmen and blazer for same. $4.50. Surveying the road from Dingmansburg to Cynthian, three days and plat, $6.25. For chainmen and blazer for same, $6.75. For a road from Morrow's to Sidney, two and one-third and plat, $5-37//2- For chainmen for same, $5.i2T//>. For surveying a road from Honey creek, two days and plat. $4.50. Chainrnen for same, one and onehalf days. $3-37K>-

That David Henry have for twelve days' service as clerk of commissioners and writing at home up to this time inclusive, $1 00 per quire of paper,

Ordered that William \V. Cecil have for his service as associate judge at May term, 1819, one day; at September term, two days; at December term, two days; and at April term, one day, $18.00.

Ordered that Harvey Foote have for his extra fees as clerk of the court of common pleas up to May 16, $25.00. For copies furnished the April term inclusive, $2.93.

Ordered that John Lenox, foreman, Samuel Stewart, Richard Lenox, Jacob Wise, John Houston, Henry Hershaw, John Bryan, Archibald Defrees, George Barker, John Underwood, John Manning, John Stewart, Philip Coleman, William Johnston, and William Cecil have each $1.50 for services as grand jurors at April term ; and Samuel Marrs for attending same, 75 cents. J

Lessees of school land lots: James Barnett, lot No. 1, Thomas Kyser, lot No. 2, Henry L. Jackson, lot No. 3, Henry Jackson, lot No. 4, Jacob Tackson, lot No. 5, and Joseph Porquetts, lot No. 6. Above all in school section township 7, range 6. They have each received leases; rent to commence from this date.

The report of the viewers appointed to view the road from Cynthian to Darke county line is received, and being read in open meeting yesterday and today, and no objections being made, the same is established a public highway agreeable to survey to be opened forty feet wide.

Jonathan Beatty is appointed county treasurer; he appeared, gave bond, and took the oath of office according to law. The duplicate of the county levy is made out and ordered to be recorded.

Commissioners" office, June 7, 1820. Alexander Jackson took lease for lot Xo. 1, in school section township 1. range 7; interest from 13th of September. Joseph Donaldson took lease for lot No. 4, same set, and interest same time as above. Elisha Kirtland paid his quota of expense for surveying, etc., of the above section for lot No. 5 ; interest from same time.

Bond. - Know all men by these presents that we, John Stephens, Abraham Davenport, William Davis, and Ebenezer D. Stephens, all of Shelby county and state of Ohio, are held and firmly bound unto Robert McClure, Joseph Mellinger, and William Berry, commissioners of said county, in the sum of $2,000, lawful money of the United States, to be paid to said commissioners or their successors in office, to which payment well and truly to be made we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, and administrators firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals this tenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty.

The condition of the above obligation is such that if the above bound John Stephens - who has been duly elected coroner of Shelby county - shall well and truly execute the duties of said office, then this -obligation to be null and void: otherwise to remain in full force and virtue.

Commissioners' office, July 31, 1820. John Lenox, collector for this vear of the county levy, gave bond agreeable to law for the faithful discharge of the duties of his said office, together with Daniel V. Dingman and William Drake his surety, in the sum of $445.02. and took the oath of office, and received the duplicate of levy.

Ordered that Matthias Sturm. Henry Princehoiise, and William Bothel, together with Benjamin S. Cox. surveyor, taking to his assistance two chain- men and one blazer, proceed on the 16th inst. to view and lay out a road, beginning at or near the southwest corner of section 2, township 2, range 13; thence east to the county line, and make report to the board at the next meeting.

On application of James Botkin, Levi Johnston, William Botkin, John Carpenter et ah, it is ordered that William VV. Cecil, Henry Levalley, and Jacob Wise, taking to their assistance a skillful surveyor, two chainmen, and one blazer, proceed on the 13th inst. to lay off the school section in township 9, range 5, into convenient lots, and appraise the same agreeable to law, and make report of proceedings to the board at next meeting.

Ordered that Benjamin Manning, Philip Coleman, and Edward Dwire, viewers, together with Benjamin S. Cox, surveyor, taking to his assistance two chainmen and one blazer, proceed on the 20th inst. to view and lay out a road as follows, towit : Beginning at the north end of Main street of Sidney; thence up the river to the road from Dingmansburg to Wapakoneta, near Rodham Talbott's ; thence with said road to the hill near Elisha Kirtland's; thence an easterly course to William Hathaway's; thence to the ford of Miami above George Morrison's; thence the nearest and best way to the county line between Logan and Shelby counties to intersect the road from Mosquito creek to Bellefontaine and make report to next meeting of the board.

Ordered that Robert Houston, Sr., William Morrison, Charles Johnston, together with Benjamin S. Cox, surveyor, taking to his assistance two chainmen and one blazer, proceed on the 29th inst. to view and lay out a road to Sidney ; to begin at the bridge on the road from Ruckman's ; thence north to the south end of Main street of Sidney, and make report at the next meeting of the board.

Ordered that Robert Houston, William Morris, and Charles Johnston, together with Benjamin S. Cox, surveyor, and assistants, proceed on the 29th inst. to view and lay out a road from the southward of Ohio street, in Sidney: thence south to the Muddy run; thence down the run to the new bridge on the road to Ruckman's mill, and make report to the commissioners at the next regular meeting.

John Lenox, collector of the state tax, gave bond, with Daniel Vandemark and Rodham Talbott, his sureties, for the faithful discharge of the duty of his office in the sum of $4,000, and took the oath of office according to law.

Samuel McClure, road commissioner, deposited a bond in this office for the faithful discharge of his duties, with Samuel Stewart and Eleazer Hathaway as securities, in the sum of $1,000.

Ordered that Aaron Harkness, Henry Levalley, Gideon Wright, Cephas Carey. Jeremiah White, Abraham Minnear. Alexander Miller, William Gibson. Thomas Hurley, Samuel McClure. William Morrow, Collin Aldrich, Isaac Robins, Hezekiah Hubble, Philip Coleman, have each, for one day's service as grand jurors for September term, 1820, $1.50.

Samuel Marshall, road commissioner, deposited his bond in this office, with Robert Aldrich and Thomas McClish as sureties, in the sum of $1,000 for the faithful discharge of his official duties.

David Henry appeared and produced a certificate of his election as commissioner in this board, and of his qualification, and accordingly took his seat.

Ordered that the qualified electors in the second township in range 13 west, meet on the second Saturday in January next, to elect three trustees and a treasurer for the school section in said township.

The report of the viewers appointed to view and lay out a road from tlie south end of Ohio street, in Sidney, to Frenchman bridge, is received; they have performed their service and. the same being read in open meeting yesterday and today, and no objection being made, the same is established a public highway and made sixty feet wide.

the river to the Logan county line, is received and, the same being read in open meeting yesterday and today, and no objection made, the same is established a public highway, to be opened forty feet wide.

The report of the viewers appointed to lay out a road from the Mosquito creek road to West Liberty is received and, the same being read in open session yesterday and today, and no objection being made, the same is established a public highway, forty feet wide. Adjourned sine die.

March 31, 1821. The board of commissioners met. Present: William Berry and D. Henry. Settled in full with Samuel Marshall, road commissioner on the road from Piqua to Wapakoneta, and find that he has judiciously filled his obligations of office.

The petition of a number of the inhabitants of Loramie and Turtle Creek townships, praying to alter the road from William Morrow's, by way of Steinberger's mill to Sidney, was read and laid over until the next meeting. Record of Rodham Talbott's road, between Miami river and Plumb creek, as altered by William Johnston, John Francis, and Daniel Dingman, on the 3d of March, 1820. Established under date of March 3, 1821.

Received the list for county levy for Perry, Green, Orange, Turtle Creek, and Loramie townships. Settled with Robert Aldrich, late county auditor, and allowed his final amount of $12,12^2, and direct the present auditor to draw an order on the treasurer for the same.

Received a petition, signed by Jesse Jackson, for an alteration of the road near his house, leading from Sidney to Bellefontaine, which being granted, ordered that Daniel Vandemark, James Dingman, and John Francis, together with Benjamin S. Cox, surveyor, and assistants, proceed on the 9th instant to alter said road, beginning at the corner of George Morrison's fence; thence northwesterly to the top of the bank; thence along the bank to or near said Jackson's house, an easterly course across the run and river above the road and usual place of crossing.

Settled with Samuel McClure, road commissioner for the state road from Piqua to Fort Loramie, and find that he has faithfully performed the duties assigned him.

Allowed Samuel McClure $45.00 for his services as road commissioner for above-named road, and direct the auditor ' to draw an order for the same on the county treasurer.

Allowed Elisha William- for work on the court house as per bill, $57.25^; and ordered that the county auditor draw on the treasurer for the same.

Appoints Thomas \V. Ruckman collector of the state and county tax. The county levy at 8 per cent., and the state tax at 4 per cent.; and directs the auditor to take security, agreeable to law. in $2,000. for the state tax; and $1,000 for the county levy.

Tune 9, 1 82 1. This day Gideon Wright appeared and gave bond on his "appeal from the decision of the board of commissioners, rejecting the petition for an alteration of the county road leading from Steinberger's mill to Sidney.

June 16. 1821. The board met pursuant to adjournment from the 5th instant, for the purpose of contracting for the building Of a chimney and filling the walls of the court house. Present: William Berry, David Henry, and James Wells, clerk.

December 3. 1821. The board convened at the court house, in Sidney. William Berrv'- time of service having expired, and David Henry having resigned, an election for two commissioners was held in October last. John Wilson appeared, presented his certificate of election, and. being duly sworn, took his seat. Present: Joseph Mellinger, John Wilson, and James Wells, clerk.

Received a petition of sundry inhabitants of Clinton. C.reen and Orange townships for a county road from Ruckman's. by John Francis to the east line of the county.

Ordered that William Berry, Matthias Stums. Jr.. and Isaac Parks, taking to their assistance a skillful surveyor, two chainmen, and one marker, proceed on the 13th inst. to view and locate a road from Ruckman's saw mill easterly through John Francis'- land; thence to Bush creek, below Sycamore bottom: thence to or near Jonathan Nichols; thence to John Medaris'

Ordered that the clerk grant receipts, one to George Childs for plank furnished for public buildings, to offset against donation to the county seat ; one to Peter Musselman for the same. George Childs, $20.00. Peter Musselman, $12.25.

Ordered that John Snider be allowed $130 for work on the court house, and direct the auditor to draw on the treasurer for the same, $130.00.

An order of court having been served on the board: Ordered that the clerk certify the records appertaining to the alteration of the road petitioned for by Gideon Wright and others.

A report was received, submitted by James Dingman, Daniel Vandeniark. and John Francis, viewers, for the location of a road from Sidney to Bellefontaine, which report was duly considered, and the viewed and platted road established a public highway.

Upper Piqua, November 30, 182 1. Gentlemen : In pursuance of an act of the last general assembly authorizing the establishment of a state road from Wapakoneta to Fort Meigs, the undersigned, commissioners appointed for the purpose, have discharged the duties imposed on them by law. An account of their proceedings will be found in the Piqua Gazette of the 18th of October, 1821, which was communicated for public information, a paper containing their report is herewith transmitted, and to which we beg leave to refer as forming a part of this our official return as required by law.

A report was made from Fort Meigs to the commissioners of Wood county, and a plat of the road has since been forwarded to them in obedience to the law.

Mr. Benjamin S. Cox will hand to your board a plat of the road, which with their communication will constitute our report to the commissioners of Shelby county. An account of the expenses will be furnished to your board hereafter.

this board, and being duly sworn to discharge the duties of the office, took his seat. Present : John Wilson, John Lenox, and James Wells, clerk.

Received the petition of sundry inhabitants of Perry and Clinton townships, praying for a road beginning at the east end of South street in Sidney, and thence to Water street in Dingmansburg.

Ordered that Abraham Dingman, Elisha Williams, and Robert McClure, viewers, with legal assistance, proceed to view said road on the 9th inst., and make report at next session of the board.

The board settled with Thomas W. Ruckman, collector of the state tax for 1 82 1, and find he has performed the duties, and is discharged from his bond fur the same. Also settled with said Ruckman as collector of county levy for 1821, and discharge him from his bond for same.

Received the petition of sundry inhabitants of Loramie township praying for a division of said township, and said petition being granted : Ordered that a record be made thereof agreeable to the prayer of the petition, and an election for township officers be held at the house of Alexander Miller in said township, on the 4th day of July next.

The report of the viewers appointed to locate a road from Ruckman's saw-mill to the east line of the county was read yesterday and to-day, and no objection being made the same is declared a public highway to be opened forty feet wide, and so recorded.

John Wilson and John Lenox determined the term of their service as commissioners by lot resulting in Wilson holding for three and Lenox for two years from date of election.

The report of the viewers appointed to view and locate a road from South street in Sidney to Water street in Dingmansburg was read in open session yesterday and to-day, and no objection being made the same is ordered to be recorded a public highway to be opened sixty feet wide.

The commissioners examined the auditor's vouchers and accounts, and approve the same, and direct him to publish an exhibit of the county's expenses from June 4, 1821, to June 4, 1822.

December 2, 1822. The board convened at the house of John Blake. Present : John Wilson and William Berry, commissioners, and James Wells, clerk.

Since last session, Joseph Mellinger's time having expired and John Lenox having resigned, Wm. Berry and Joseph Mellinger were elected at the last October election to fill said vacancies.

Received the petition of Charles Sterrett et al. to vacate the road running from Ohio street south and Main street north, in the town of Sidney, leading to Barbara Tilburg's, which was read this day without objections.

Received the petition of Charles Sterrett et al. to vacate a road leading from South street in Sidney, to Dingmansburg ; also, one running up the west side of the river, which was read this day.

Allowed the bill of expenses laid in this day by John Johnston and Samuel Marshall, road commissioners, who located the state road from Wapakoneta to Fort Meigs.

Received the petition of Jeremiah Redinbaugh et al. praying a road to be laid out, commencing at the south boundary, at the end of the road leading from Dayton up Lost creek, near Fleming Jones', and running thence northwesterly to or near Michael Young's; thence through John Stoker's lane; thence to or near the southwest corner of the southeast quarter of section 1, town. 1, range 13; thence north to intersect the road leading from the east boundary line to Ruckman & Stewart's mill.

Received the petition of Wm. Richardson and others praying for a road commencing at the road leading from Sidney to Urbana, at or near the Bellefontaine road; thence south across Mosquito creek; thence along the high bank of Leatherwood to the old ford; thence the best way to the northeast corner of Jonathan Nicolas's land; thence south along hjs line; thence southwesterly to Byron Wilson's; thence to John Stoker's; thence to Michael Young's north line; thence west to intersect the Piqua road.

Received the remonstrance of John Blake and others against vacating the road from the northeast corner of the public square in Sidney to the ford near Henry Bryan's; whereupon John Lenox, John Johnston, and Richard Lenox were appointed viewers to view said road on the 14th inst. and report at next session.

The petition of Jeremiah Redinbaugh and Wm. Richardson was read this day, and no objections being made, viewers were appointed to view said road on the 25th inst.

John Lenox, John Johnston, and Richard Lenox were appointed to view, on the 14th inst., the road petitioned to be vacated by Charles Sterrett and remonstrated to by John Blake, to report at next session.

Received a transcript from the docket of James Lenox, Esq., certified by the clerk of the court for costs in state cases before said Lenox, which is laid over to the next session.

Received the report of the viewers appointed to view and report the expediency of vacating the road leading from the northeast corner of the public square in Sidney to Henry Bryan's ford; and they report that it is inexpedient to vacate said road; signed by John Lenox and John Johnston, viewers.

Received the commissioner's report and surveyor's plat of a state road from Bellefontaine, in Logan county, to Sidney, and the sarne is ordered to be recorded.

June 2, 1823. The commissioners convened at the court house in Sidney. Present: John Wilson, Joseph Mellinger, Wm. Berry, and James Wells, clerk.

Allowed Joseph Bennett, a commissioner in same, five days. Thomas Thompson, surveyor in the same, six days and a half. Wm. Minnear and Jacob Woodcock, chainmen in same: 2 2/3 days to Minnear; 2>Va days to Woodcock, Thomas Dickson, and Benj. Schoder, blazers; one day to Dickson, and 2/4 days to Schoder.

The petition of Elisha Kirkland and others praying to alter to state road leading from Sidney to Logan county-seat, so as to save the fence and spring of said Kirkland, beginning at the Four Mile Tree, thence to the top of the ridge west of his house; the same was granted at his own expense. Benjamin Manning, James Dingman, Jr., and G. W. Wilkinson were appointed viewers to view the same the 18th inst., and report at next session.

Received the petition of sundry citizens of Allen county praying that said county may be organized into a separate township, said petition being granted: Ordered that record be made thereof agreeable to the prayer of the petition, and an election for township officers be held at the house of Samuel Washburn in said township on the 4th day of July next ; said township to be known by the name of Amanda.

Joseph Mellinger and Win. Berry, both elected commissioners in October last, Mr. Mellinger 's time expires in October next, and Mr. Berry's in October, 1825.

Monday, December 1, 1823. The board convened at the home of John Blake in Sidney. Present : John Wilson, Wm. Berry, and Joseph Mellinger (re-elected) commissioners, and James Wells, clerk.

Received the surveyors' plat and field notes of the state road located from Wapakoneta to Fort Brown, at the mouth of the Little Auglaize river.

Received and accepted the report of the viewers appointed last June session to review and alter the state road passing by Elisha Kirkland, and ordered said alteration recorded.

Received the plat and field notes of the survey of the county road from the south line of the county, and terminating on the road leading from Ruckman's mill to the east line of the county.

Allowed Robert Houston and John M. Corkle, commissioners who located the state road from Fort Loramie to St. Mary's, each five days at $1.75 per day.

First Monday of March, 1824. The board convened at the home of John Blake in Sidney. Present : Wm. Berry and Joseph Mellinger, commissioners, and James Wells, clerk. John Wilson, commissioner, , also appointed.

the rents due on the school section No. 16, in township 7, range 6 east, of the principal meridian line drawn from the mouth of the Great Miami river, in the district of lands sold at the land office at Cincinnati.

Ordered that the road commencing near Fleming Jones's, at the south line of the county, and terminating at the road leading from Ruckman's mill to the east line of the county near John Francis's, be recorded and opened a public highway to be thirty feet wide.

Allowed John R. Medaris for one day viewing road from south line of the county, intersecting the road from Ruckman's mill to the east line of the county, 75 cents.

Elisha Williams is appointed keeper of the county seal, and authorized to procure a standard half bushel, and seal S. C. S., at the expense of the county.

Ordered that the clerk give public notice that if the donors of the county seat of Shelby county do not pay their several donations previous to the first Monday in June that legal steps will be taken to recover the same.

Same time as above allowed Elisha Williams (a transcript of certain state cases wherein the state of Ohio failed) to receive orders from the auditor on the treasurer for the costs on his obtaining the certificate of the clerk of the court of common pleas as to the correctness of the same.

The board having received the resignation of James Wells, late auditor for Shelby county, and appointed David Henry to fill the vacancy, who appeared and gave bond according to law, with Wm. Pratt and James Dingman, Jr., his security, for the faithful performance of the duties of said office, and took the oath of office.

Allowed Thomas W. Ruckman, late sheriff, for his extra services from the 14th of January, 1823. to the expiration of his term of service. $30.

Allowed Samuel Marshall, lister of Turtle Creek township, $4.00. James Steinberger, appraiser, $1.00. Robert Swaney, lister of Amanda township.

$3.00. G. F. Wilkinson, lister of Perry township, $4.00. Thomas E. English, appraiser as above, $1.00. John Botkin, lister of Green township, $4.00. Jonathan Nicols, appraiser, 50 cents. Stever Julian, lister of Loramie township, $3.00. John Beck, appraiser as above, $1.00. Wm. Hicks, lister of Cynthian township, $3.00.

Allowed Joseph Stewart, surveyor, for surveying the road from Mosquito creek to Michael Young's, three days, $4.50. Booth Burdette, two days' viewing same, $1.50. Peter Musselman, same service, $1.50. Chas. Johnston, chainman, $1.50. Wm. Montgomery, chainman, $1.50. Peter Princehouse, as viewer, 75 cents. Robert- Cunningham, marker, 75 cents. John Stoker, marker, 75 cents.

Ordered that Charles Sterrett, proprietor of Sidney, have an order for $520.66, his full half of the proceeds of sale of lots sold in Sidney, that is now made. Except three-fourths of three lots considered forfeited for non-payment, to wit, lots Nos. 13, 88, and 91, one-fourth of which has been paid and accounted for; the other three-fourths depend only on the lots for payment, which, when collected, is to be accounted for, or one-half of what the lots may bring.

Allowed James Wells, late auditor, for one day's service for bringing his account up to the date of his resignation, $1.50; also for measure seal, $1.50. $3.00.

The report of the viewers appointed to locate a road beginning at the Bellefontaine road on Mosquito creek, thence past Jonathan Nichols, John Stoker, and Michael Young, to intersect the Piqua road ; and the same being read in open meeting yesterday and to-day, and no objections being made, the same is established a public highway, to be opened thirty feet wide.

Received the petition of James Dingman, Jr., and others, praying the vacation of a part of the state road from Sidney to Bellefontaine, from Plumb creek to E. Kirtland's; the same being read yesterday and today, is laid over to next meeting.

Received the petition of Francis Kendall and others, praying the vacation of the above state road from E. Kirkland to Alex. Jackson's; and the same being read yesterday and to-day, is laid over to next meeting.

Francis Rook has varied his donation subscribed to the commissioners by giving a note for a barrel of whiskey, payable the first Monday in December next.

reappears and gave bond, with John Johnston, Robert Blakely, Jonathan Beatty, and Nathan Coleman, his sureties; the county levy in the sum of $1,000; and the state tax same securities, in $2,000, and took oath of office in both.

The petition of George Carey and others was received and read, praying for an alteration of the Mill creek road running through Carey's land, beginning twelve rods below the branch, at Rufus Carey's; thence to Rufus Carey's rope works; thence to a white oak four rods east of Elias Carey's house ; thence to George Carey's land ; thence to intersect the old road at or near the mile end. And Aaron Cecil-, John Furgus, and Jeremiah White are appointed to view the same, and make report according to law on the third day of July.

June 9. Ordered that the auditor procure the eaves of the court house to be boxed, the windows not glazed to be boarded up, the doors hung, and house cleaned, and steps made for the jail door; also locks put on court house doors.

To the balance due county per settlement, $38.47. exclusive of the county portion of state tax for 1823, and other collections for the same year.

Jonathan Beatty is appointed county treasurer, who appears and gave bond according to law, with William Beatty, John Whitmore, and James Roby as his sureties, and took oath of office.

John Hathaway and Charles Johnston produced their certificates of election and were sworn into office, and proceeded to business. Repairing the court house and jail was the object of the meeting. The contract with Nicholas Smith to plaster the room for the clerk's office in the manner stipulated in his contract, in which he agrees to do the work for $12.00. The repairing on the jail was laid over until their regular session in December.

Asa Hinkle, commissioner on said road, is allowed $6.63. John Johnston, commissioner, $5.70. Christ F. Tilberry and Parker, $3.80. Jos. Blake and Henry Bryan, chainmen, $5.70. Henry Smith, marker, $2.85.

The petition of Matthew Sturms and others, praying for a road beginning at the West Liberty road, thence through the land of E. Sargent and P. Locker to the Dayton road, was received and read ; and Philip Locker, Jacob Kyser, and Henry Sturms are appointed viewers of the same ; or any two of them, together with Joseph Stewart, surveyor, and legal assistance,

The petition of Francis Kendall and others, praying for a vacation of that part of the state road leading from Sidney to Bellefontaine, that runs through said Kendall's and Jpckson's land, that was read last session, was again read, and no objections made, and it appearing to the board to be reasonable, the same is hereby declared vacated.

The petition of James Dingman and others, that was read last session, praying for the vacation of the state road through said Dingman's land, was taken up and read; no objections being made, the said petition was granted.

The report of the viewers, appointed last session, to view the county road past Rufus Carey's to Sidney, was received with plat of survey, which being read, and no objections made, the same was granted.

John Hathaway and Charles Johnston, the late commissioners elected, drew lots for their term of office. John Hathaway drawing for one year, and Charles Johnston for three years.

Ordered that the qualified electors of the original surveyed township Xo. 7, range 6, to be notified to hold an election, on the first day of January next, at the house of James Barnett, to elect three trustees and one treasurer, to take charge of the school section.

The board appointed Win. W. Cecil, Benj. Blankinship, and Samuel Marshall, appraisers to view and revalue school fraction No. 16, town. 1, range 7 east, on the tenth day of March next, in accordance with an act of the general assembly.

Ordered by the board that the inhabitants of township 8, range 6 east, meet at John Stephens' on the 19th instant and proceed to elect three trustees and one treasurer for school section 16, for the purpose of organizing the said original surveyed township.

Ordered by the board that a new township be created out of the townships of Turtle Creek, Clinton, and Loramie, beginning at the N. E. corner of fraction n, township 7, range 6 east on the river, and running west to the S. E. corner of section 4; thence north along said line to the centre of said line ; thence west to the centre of the west line of section 2, township 9, range 5 east ; thence south along the section line to the county line ; thence east to the Miami river; thence up the river to the place of beginning, be organized into a new township by the name of Grayson, and that the qualified electors meet at the house of Joseph Stewart on the first Monday of April next to elect township officers.

March 8. The board met pursuant to adjournment. Received the report of the viewers appointed last session to view and lay out a road from the West Liberty road south to the county line, and being real in open session, and there being no objection, the same was granted.

Ordered that the auditor procure the following work to be done in the court house : to fit the banisters on the south side of the doors and make sufficient benches from the banisters to the south end of the house on each side to mage a bench for the judges on the south end of the house, to be raised two feet from the floor; a writing desk ten feet long and four feet wide, with sloping top ; and fill the windows with glass.

Samuel McClure, of Loramie township, appeared and gave notice of his taking an appeal from the commissioners to the court of common pleas, respecting the creating of Grayson township in Shelby county, and also gave bond for costs, with James Wells as security.

Commissioners' Office, Sidney, June 6, 1825. The board met. Present: Toseph Mellinger, John Hathaway and Charles Johnston, and Thos. W. Ruckman, clerk.

Received the petition of George Layman and others, praying for a road to be established, beginning at the east line of section 5, where the road crosses leading to Dayton from Sidney, and running south with said line to the southeast corner of section 4, town. I, range 12, to intersect a road leading from Troy up Spring street.

The board appoints John Lucas, John Miles and Wm. Bireley viewers, to view and locate the above-named road, taking to their assistance the county surveyor and other assistance necessary, on the 18th day of June inst.

Also the state auditors receipt for receipts paid into the county treasury, to wit: for road purposes, $168.00.7; for county purposes, $66.85.9; f°r tne proportion of land tax due Shelby county from state, $102.00.6; for expenses printing, etc., $40.11.0; also the county treasurer's receipt for the county levy of 1824, $285.48.0.

Ordered that the auditor take bonds of said collector, with good and sufficient security, to the amount of $2,000.00 for the state and road taxes, and $1,000.00 for the county levy.

The board appointed Jonathan Beatty treasurer of the county for one year from this date. He appeared and gave bond, with W'm. Beatty, Abraham Dingman, Amos Evans, and Win. Drake, Jr., to the amount of $3,000.00

Ordered that a publication be put in the Piqua Gazette for the building of a new jail at Sidney, to be let out on the 16th day of July next, to be 22 feet by 30 feet; one story high; with a cell; the walls to be hewed timber and double; filled in with stone. Conditions made known on day of sale.

Ordered that notice be given to the commissioners of Logan and Mercer counties that the county surveyor of Shelby county will be ordered to proceed to run that part of the bounds of Shelby county which lies in the new purchase, north of the old boundary line; to commence on the nth day of July next, at the old boundary line on the east line of Shelby county, and run it agreeable to the law for the division and creation of Shelby county.

Ordered that Francis Rook be notified by the auditor to produce a barrel of whiskey due the county on the 16th day of July next in Sidney, to be sold.

Ordered that the auditor be authorized to cause cases to be put on the inside of the windows of the court house that have sash in, and also strips to hold the sash in, and to procure shutters to the under windows.

John Blake produced the receipts for his collections of 1823 for state and county purposes of Shelby county, and is discharged from said office, errors excepted.

The board proceeded to sell to the lowest bidder the building of a new jail in Sidney, agreeable to the plan and conditions on file in the auditor's office, and Augustus Richards became the contractor for $793; one- fourth to be paid when the work is commenced, as appears by his bond with Samuel McClure and Amos Evans, his securities, for the completion of the building by the 25th day of December next, in a good, substantial, workmanlike manner.

The board entered into an additional agreement with Augustus Richards, for the jail to be raised two feet higher, and to cheek three doors with iron, to make the windows in the criminal room to be as large as the iron in the old jail will answer, and the windows in the debtor's room to be two feet square. Also to check the outside wall at the windows with iron, as entered on plan or conditions. It was also agreed Augustus Richards should have orders for the additional iron that will be required at cash value, and to be advanced for raising the wood wall two feet inside and two feet outside, and the stone wall between one foot; the said Richards is to have, agreeable to the first undertaking, the iron in the old jail at cash rate, to be deducted out of the additional iron required.

The board authorized the auditor to make a calculation of what additional iron will be required, and to issue orders on the treasurer to the amount required by selling the orders at sixty-two and a half cents on the dollar, or the best price they will command, and to furnish the orders or the amount they will bring in cash to the contractor when wanted to go after the iron, after deducting the iron furnished out of the old jail.

It is ordered by the board, in consequence of an appeal taken by Samuel McClure from the decision of the commissioners of March 7, 1825, creating Grayson township, to meet the court of common pleas, which was continued by the court under advisement until August term last, when it was dismissed by the court, as appears by the the clerk's certificate, dated August 13 ; therefore it is ordered that the clerk of the board advertise an election to be held in Grayson township on the 26th day of September inst, for the purpose of electing three trustees, one clerk, one treasurer, two overseers of the poor, two fence viewers, and one constable for said township.

Ordered by the board that all that part of Perry township lying west of the following line be attached to the township of Clinton, beginning as follows: At the southeast corner of section 4, town. 1, range 13, thence north with the surveyed township line to the northeast corner of section 5, town. 1, range 13. on the river, and ordered to be recorded.

The board agreed with the contractor to give him $100 in addition to the amount of the first contract for the additional contract, exclusive of an order issued for the additional iron, making in all $893 for building the jail. The board orders that the auditor issue orders for $694.75, being the balance due

The board orders that one tier of sections be struck off the north side of Green township and attached to Perry, and that all that part of Perry lying on the northwest side of the Miami river be created a new township by the name of Salem, and that the qualified electors of said Salem township meet at the house of John Hathaway on Saturday, the 24th day of June inst., for the purpose of electing three trustees, one clerk, one treasurer, two overseers of tlie poor, two fence viewers, and one constable for said township.

Ordered that all that part of Grayson township lying east and north of the following lines be attached to Clinton township: Beginning on the line of said township at the northwest corner of section 10, town. 7, range 6 east; thence south to the southwest corner of said section; thence east with the section line to the Miami river; ordered also that this be duly recorded.

Ordered by the board that the auditor give public notice and attend to the selling of the old jail on Saturday, the 16th day of this instant, on a credit of six months, with good and sufficient security for the payment. The purchaser to remove the building in twenty days after date.

June 4, 1828. Ordered that the auditor take bond of James Forsythe, treasurer of the county, in the sum of $4,000, for the faithful performance of the duties of his office.

December 1, 1828. Samuel Marshall appointed and took his seat as commissioner. Present also Peter Musselman, John Francis and Clerk Ruckman.

June 3, 1829. The board allows James Wells, postmaster, the privilege to keep the post office in the court house; he paying therefor the sum of $3.00 in compensation, from the 1st of June, 1829, to the 1st of June, 1830; said postmaster is in no wise to interrupt the court or lower room of said court house, but to have privilege to pass and repass through said room.

March 8, 183 1. The board appointed Amos D. Kennard assessor of Shelby county for the year 183 1, to fill the vacancy of Amos Evans, removed from the county.

Thomas W. Ruckman. elected auditor in October, 1830, entered into bond with Rodham Talbott, David Henry and Bazell Burton, as sureties, on the 7th instant.

July 23, 1 83 1. The commissioners met for the purpose of forming the plan of a new court house, to be built on the centre of the public square, in the town of Sidney. Shelby county, Ohio. The following is the plan and condition of said building: The walls above the foundation to be built of brick, forty-two feet square and two stories high. The foundation to be of stone, well laid in lime and sand mortar, eighteen inches under ground, and eighteen inches above ground, and two and a half feet thick. One foot of the top of the said wall to be range work jointed on the outside. The sleepers on lower joist to be three by ten inches of oak timber, laid twenty inches from centre to centre, and put in three lengths long, and supported by two walls of stone or hard brick across the building at the ends in from the out walls. The said two walls to be sunk one foot in the ground. The first story to be sixteen feet high in the clear, and the walls twenty-three inches thick, and the second story eleven feet high in the clear, and the walls eighteen inches thick. The joist at the top of the first story to be three by ten inches, laid eighteen inches from centre to centre, and the upper joist three by eight inches, laid twenty inches from centre to centre. The second and third tiers of joist to be good, sound, durable timber, both put in two lengths' long, framed into one girder in each story, supported by two columns in the lower story, to be turned in a proportion to the height of the story, and set upon sufficient pillars of stone or laid brick, and the upper column a sufficient square size. Two pieces of good strong timber, six by ten inches and forty-four feet long, to be laid at right angles across the upper girder in a proper position to build a cupola on. The building to be covered with a hip roof ( framed with a space in the centre of twelve feet square for the purpose of building a cupola hereafter, but well covered for the present). The roof to be covered with joint shingles eighteen inches long. The eaves' to be finished with a good cornice all around. There are to be three doors with eight panels in each. One in the north, one in the south, and one in the east, four feet wide, with elliptical tops, and a blank door in the west side with an elliptical top. The door tops to be finished with a transom, a circuling frame and sash filled with glass, and the door1 frames finished on the inside with single architraves, and hung with substantial hinges fastened with sufficient fastenings.

The lower story to hav^ sixteen windows, four in each side, to be placed at proper distances from the doors and each other, to contain fifteen lights of glass twelve by sixteen inches in each, and put double window shutters to them, panelled and lined, hung with substantial hinges and fastenings, and fastenings to hold the shutters open. The upper story to have twenty windows, five in each side, with twelve lights in each twelve by sixteen inches size in each ; all the windows to be finished in the inside with single architraves, and sills to the windows for architraves to stand on; all the doors, including the blank door, and all the windows to be recessed four inches in the walls on the outside, and circuling at the top. To be one fireplace in the lower story, four feet wide in the clear, and two fireplaces in the upper story, two and a half feet wide in the clear. The lower floor to be laid with oak or ash plank, sawed one and one-eighth inch thick, not more than eight inches wide, well seasoned, and laid with a square joint. The upper floor to be laid with the same description of plank, and ploughed and grooved, to be fourteen squares of partition in the upper story, with one and a fourth inch poplar plank, planed on both sides, making four rooms, with a button door to open into each room, finished with single architraves, hung and fastened \\ ith sufficient hinges and locks. A flight of open newal stairs, rampt and kneed, to be run from the lower floor to the second. The walls to be painted outside a good brick color and penciled. The roof to be painted with two coats of Spanish brown, except the part over where the cupola will be built. The doors, door frames, and window frames to be all painted white with white lead, on the outside with two coats. The window shutters to be painted with two coats on both sides. The sash to be all painted white with two coats of white lead.

The whole of the material for the building to be of a good substantial quality, and the work all done in a good substantial workmanlike manner.

The undertaker to receive $350 when the brick is burnt, $650 when the walls are up, $200 when the roof is on and painting of the roof and walls done, and the balance when the work is done and received, to be paid in orders issued on the treasury of the county. The proceeds of the sale of the present court house and lot to be applied, when sold, to the undertaker of this one. The whole work to be completed by the 1st of October, 1832.

The purchaser or undertaker to give bond and security for the performance of the work of said building and completion of the same, the centre of the building to be in the centre of the public square.

The commissioners also propose that $150 in cash shall be advanced in January next, and that the present court house and lot should be sold in May next, with conditions that the payments should be paid in cash, a certain portion at time of sale, and the remaining part within twelve months, and the payment when made to be applied to the use of said contractors.

July 25, 1 83 1. The board offered the building of the new court house agreeable to the foregoing proceedings, and Charles Bush, Wm. Doak, and George D. Leckey became the contractors agreeable to the conditions of the proposals offered on day of sale as recorded.

The commissioners met for the purpose of making an alteration in the building of the court house, with the consent of the contractors, and making provision for selling the old court house and lot. On consulting with the contractors it is agreed that the stories shall each be thirteen feet high in the clear for the purpose of the court up stairs, thereby deducting one foot from the height; also that the entry in the lower story shall run north and south twelve feet wide; to partition the lower story in five rooms, three on the west of the entrance and passage of equal size, and two on the east side, the northeast room to be fourteen by twenty-six feet; to put in a window in the west side in place of the blank door, the same size as the other lower windows. The fireplace down stairs to be in the large room. It is agreed that the difference in expense caused by this alteration shall be calculated when the building is completed.