Huntington County, Indiana - Chapter 3, 1887

Chapter 3

County Organization - Act of the Legislature - Early Acts op the County Board - Building op the County Jail - The Court House - The Poor Farm - Bridges, Roads, Etc. - County Finances - Medical Society - County Oppicbrs - Early Land Entries - Elections - Agricultural Society, Etc.

HUNTHSrGTON COUNTY", oae o£ the norbheastera counties of the state, was so named in honor of Samuel Huatington, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and was organized May 5, 1834, in accordance with an act of the Legislature.

The members of the organizing board were John Burke, Stearns Fisher and Lewis Rogers, and held their first meeting in an old log house. The Territory embraced in the new county included what is now known as Wabash and Whitley counties.

Prior to the organization of the county, Gen. Tipton, of Logansport, who was then the owner of a certain tract of land entered by the Helveys, proposed to transfer to the new county upon its organization, a number of valuable lots in the newly laid out town of Huntington, and to erect a suitable building in which to hold courts, on condition that the county seat should be located in said town. His offer was accepted, and the Legislature appointed a committee to locate said county seat by an act of their body, of which the following is a copy, viz.: "An Act authorizing the location of the Seat of Justice of Huntington County, and for other purposes.

"Section 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana: That the County of Huntington shall hereafter enjoy all the rights and privileges, benefits and jurisdictions, which to separate or independent counties do or may properly belong or appertain.

" Section 2. Philip Moore, of the County of Delaware; Joseph Holman, of the County of Miami; David Rankin, of the County of Allen; Daniel R. Bearss, of the County of Elkhart, and Benjamin Berry, of the County of Grant, be, and they are hereby appointed commissioners agreeably to the act entitled, ' an act fixing the seat of justice in all new counties hereafter to be laid off.' The commission as aforesaid shall meet on the second Monday in May, next, at the house of Elias Murray, in said county of Huntington, and shall immediately proceed to discharge the duties assigned them by law, and it shall be the duty of the Sheriff of Grant County to notify said commissioners either in person or by writing of their appointment, on or before the 15th of April, next, and for such service he shall receive such com- pensation as the board, doing county business in said county of Huntington may, when organized, deem just and reasonable, to be allowed and paid as other county claims.

" Section 3. The Circuit Court and the Board of County Commissioners, when elected uader the writ of election from the executive department, shall hold their sessions as near the centre of the county as a convenient place can be had, until the public buildings shall have been erected; and the said county commissioners shall each be entitled to the sum of $2 per day for their services whilst transacting county business.

" Section 4. The agent who shall be appointed to superintend the sale of lots at the county seat of said county of Huntington, shall reserve ten per cent, out of the proceeds thereof, and pay the same over to such person or persons as may be appointed by law to receive the same for the use of a county library.

" Section 5. The Board of Commissioners at their first meeting after they are elected, shall apooint some suitable person to assess and collect the county and State revenue of said county -of Huntington (and the county of Wabash which is hereby attached to the County of Huntington for judicial and all other -civil purposes), in the assessing and collecting of which, the said assessor and collector shall be governed by the provisions of ' an act for the assessing and collecting of the revenue,' except that he shall not be required to complete the assessing before the 1st -of Maj'^, as by that act provided.

The first oiEcial act of the board was the division of the county into commissioner's district, as follows: "That all that portion of the County of Huntington being and lying east of Range 8, shall compose the first commissioner's district, viz. : No. 1. That all that portion lying in Range 7 and 8 shall compose the second commissioner's district, viz.: ISTo. 3. And all that portion lying west of Range 7 shall compose the third commissioner's district, viz.: No. 3."

At this meeting it was ordered that the County of Huntington compose the Township of Huntington, and an election was ordered to be held at the house of Jonathan Keller, in said township on the first Monday in June for the purpose of electing two Justices of the Peace for said township.

On each 100 acres of first rate land, 40 cents; second rate, 30 cents; third rate 30 cents; town and out-lots each $100 valuation, 50 cents; for each yoke of work oxen over three years ojd,

County Organization

50 cents; brass clocks, gold, silver and composition watches, 50 cents each; horses and mules, 50 cents each; every white male citizen over the age of 31 years, not exempt from taxation by the statute of the State of Indiana, 50 cents.

The board met again on the 37th day of August, 1834, at the same place and with the same officers. At this session the clerk was ordered to advertise the building of a jail, to be let to the lowest bidder, sale to take place on the first Saturday in October, 1834. The following certificate was filed and ordered spread upon the records, viz. :

"I hereby certify that I have assessed a fine of $3 against Daniel Johnson for swearing three profane oaths, and have collected the same. Given under my hand and seal this day and date above written.

It was ordered that Elias Murray be appointed trustee of county Seminary for one j'ear. At the October term 1834 a contract was entered into with William H. Wallis for building a jail for the sum of $400, he being the lowest bidder. And at same term an order was issued to Wm. G. Johnson, in the sum of $5 for services rendered the county as sheriff. At the February term 1835, a new township was established taken off the south end of Huntington County and was designated and known by the name of Salamonie; its boundary was as follows: Beginning at the northeast corner of Township 36, north of Katige 10 east, thence west sixteen miles to the western boundary of the county, thence south six miles to the southern boundary, thence east sixteen miles to the eastern boundary, thence north to the place of beginning. An election was ordered to be held at the house of Samuel Jones on the 6th day of April, 1835, to elect a justice of the peace for said township, and Samuel Jones was appointed inspector of elections. At this term of the court, Capt. Ehas T. Murray, county treasurer, made report showing that there had come into his hands as treasurer from all sources the sum of $155.33 and that'he had expended the sum of $147.63. He was allowed the sum of $4.50 for his services as treasurer for that year. The following persons were selected to serve as grand jurors at the August term of the Circuit Court, viz.: Elias Murray, Joel Grover, John F. Merrill, John Burke, Paul Burke, Thomas Brackenridge, George A. Fate, Obediah Ward, John Thompson, Channing Madison, Edwin Madison, William Delvin, Richard Adams, John Emley, James Delvin, Obediah Brown, Samuel Jones and Louis Purviance. At the same term of court the petit

At the May term 18H5, the license fee for wooden and brass clock peddlers was fixed at $10 per year. The rate of taxation for the year 1834 was adopted for 1635. W; G. Johnson was allo"v\ed $70 in full for his services as Sheriff, and John Thompson was allowed $20 for making assessment for Huntington County for 1835. The following addition to the Township of Salamonie was ordered to be made viz.: "Commencing at the northeast corner of Section 24, Range 10 east, thence running west by the section line to the western boundary sixteen miles, thence south three miles to the northwest corner of Section 4, in Township 36, Range 8; thence east 16 miles to the eastern boundary of Huntington County, thence north to the place of beginning. At the September term 1835, the county agent made report showing that he had received the sum of $906.33, and that the same had been fully disbursed by him. The commissioners at the November term 1835 accepted the county jail, the same having been completed. At the January term 1836, Riley Madison was elected a student to the Indiana College for the time prescribed by law. The County Treasurer made report that he had received the sum of $11.25 and expended the same, and at the November term of the same year, he reported that he had received the further sum of $357.90, making a total for the year of $269.15, all of which had been duly expended for the benefit of the county. At the May term 1837, it was ordered that a newtownship be struck off from the original Township of Salamonie and to be bounded as follows, "To commence at the section line dividing Sections 14 and 15, in Township 27, Range 9 east, running south along said line to the south line of Huntington County, said township to be called Lancaster. In February, 1838, Clear Creek Township was organized. It was six miles wide, north and south, and sixteen miles long. John R. Emley was appointed Inspector of Elections, and election ordered to be held on the first Monday in April, at the house of said Emley. The tax levy for 1838 was 60 cents poll, 60 cents county tax, and 35 cents for roads. Isaac N. Harlan was allowed $8, for making the assessment roll of 1837. The amount of taxes collected for the year 1840 was $764.11, all of which was expended. At the May term 1841, the commissioners adopted a seal as follows: The seal shall be a "circular metalic seal with the words on the margin Board of Commissioners, Huntington County, Indiana," including in the centre, a sheaf of wheat, plow, harrow, rake and fork. In September, 1841, it was ordered that "Congressional Township 39 north, of Range 10 east, be constituted a body politic and corpo- rate, and be named Jackson Township. An election was ordered to be held at the house of Samuel Gettis. Andrew Boggs was appointed Inspector of Elections. The County Agent was ordered at the June term 1842, to build an eslray pen to be located on the northwest corner of the public square, and notice was given of the time of letting the contract for the same. At the September Term the Board ordered that Township No. 27 north, of Range 10 east, be organized as a civil township, and assume the name of Rock Creek. An election was ordered to be held at the house of George Poff. Willian^ Clark was appointed Inspector of Elections. On the day set for the election, the ballot box used was a hat, and twelve votes were cast. At the same term it was also ordered that Township No. 28 north, of Range 10 east, be organized as a civil township and that the same be called Monroe. An election was ordered to be held at the house of John A. Freel who was appointed Inspector of Elections. This Township was reorganized in 1845, and name changed to Union. At the March term 1843, it was ordered by the Board that Township 26, Range 9 east, be organized as a civil township and to be called Jefferson Township. William Parviance appointed Inspector of Elections and an election ordered to be held at his residence. John Roche appointed County Treasurer and filed bond in the sum of 820,000.

At the June term, 1843, Warren Township was organized, and an election was ordered to be held at the school house near John Altman's. Jacob Shall was appointed Inspector of Elections. In June, 1884, it was ordered that Township 26, Range 8 east, be organized as a civil township, to be called Wayne, that name being suggested in honor of Wayne Countv, Indiana. The first election was held at tUe house of Joseph Weaver. Henry Kline was appointed Inspector. Polk Township was organized at the March term, 1846. Samuel Jennings was appointed Inspector, and an election was ordered to be held at the house of Willis Jeffery. At the March term, 1847, it was ordered that Township 28, north of Range 8 east, be organized as a civil township, to be known as Dallas Township. Joseph Chesebro was appointed Inspector of Elections, and an election ordered to be held at the house lately occupied by Alexander McClain. The tax levy for 1848 was made at the March term, and was 35 cents on each $100 valuation, and 50 cents on each poll. The same rates of taxation were adopted for 1849.

Court House. - In 1854, at the September term, the County Commissioners offered a reward of $25.00 for the best plan and specifications for a court house, jail and jailer's room combined, the cost not to exceed $15,000, the dimensions to be 50x60 feet, the plans to be presented at the next term in December. Nothing further was done in regard to the court house until June, 1857, at which time the commissioners entered into a contract with WiUiam McGrew and David J. Silvers for the erection of a suitable building for the sum of $23,000. Subsequent additions and alterations increased the cost to about $28,000.

The corner stone was laid April 5, 1858, with imposing ceremonies by Mystic Lodge A. F. & A. M., No. 110, under the direction of S. D. Bayless, G. M., and J. R. CoflEroth, W. M. This building still stands, and while not built in the most most modern style of architecture, is a very substantial and commodious building, having two stories above the basement and a tower twenty-four feet in diameter and eighty feet in height at the front of the house. It is sixty feet wide and seventy feet long, and stands in a beautiful little park filled with trees, and surrounded by a neat and substantial iron fence. The first floor is arranged for the county offices, and the second floor contains the court room, commissioners' room and rooms for jurors. The basement is built of heavy stone work and was used for some time as a jail, having cells suitably arranged, but as the damp atmosphere, usual in such under-ground rooms, was detrimental to those whose ill- fortune it was necessary to confine there, the jail part was abandoned and the county erected a new and large brick jail and jailer's residence.

County Jail. - The first jail built by the county was situated on the southeast corner of the public square. It was about twenty feet square and built of hewed logs spiked together. The floor was the same. There were two walls, with a space of about six inches between, and this was filled with concrete, making a very strong wall. There were two very small, strongly ironed windows, but no door in the lower story ; but in the second story there was a door, reached by stairs on the outside. In the floor of the upper story there was a small opening or trap door, with a ladder leading below. The prisoners were made to descend through this opening to the room beneath, and the ladder then withdrawn. There was also a room on the upper floor called the debtor's room, in which persons were kept for debt, that being the law in an early day. In 1853 the commissioners purchased a farm of 160 acres and designed locating the infirmary there, but concluded to sell this i^ract. (See Record O, p. 451.) They then purchased another farm of 200 acres, and in 1859 entered into a contract with John Kenower for the building of a house to cost $722.50. The contract was filled and the poor of the county were given a home.

Bounties. - In 1861, as many of the citizens of the county had enlisted andhad left families at home who were in need of many things necessary for their comfort and mamtenance, the commissioners ordered the auditor to issue orders to the wives and children of such volunteers at the rate of $1 per week for the wives and 50 cents for each child under twelve years of age. In 1862, a bounty of $10 was ordered paid to each volunteer who enlisted after June 21st, whichorder was rescinded in 1863, and the bounty increased to $50 for each volunteer, and at the same time the order allowing $1 to the wives and 50 cents to the children of volunteers was annulled and a new order made allowing wives $2, and children under twelve years $1 each per week.

poorhouse was destroyed by fire, and it became necessary to provide for the keeping of the poor. The commissioners thereupon employed divers persons to take charge of the paupers until a suitable building could be provided; and at a special term in January, the board employed J. S. Goshorn to draft plans and specifications for a temporary poorhouse, and authorized him to advertise and receive bids therefor, the building to be 18x40 feet. A contract was afterward made with John Zeigler for $480, and a bond filed. At this term the order of the board granting a bounty to volunteers was rescinded. At the March term, 1864, it was ordered that a loan of $8,000 be contracted, to build a new and permanent poorhouse; and the auditor was ordered to issue bonds in the sum of $100 each for that amount, payable in three years, and to advertise and receive bids for the same. At the March term, 1868, the board of commissioners leased to Michael Houseman and John Morrow a strip of land five rods in width off of the poor farm, and granted them the privilege to mine for lead, oilver and gold or any other valuable substances, and to erect all suitable buildings or machinery to carry on such mining, the lessees to pay to the county ten per centum of the gross amount of any and all minerals so mined. The records do not show that the county ever received any valuable remuneration from that source. At the March term, 1876, a contract was entered into with William H. Myers for the building of a county infirmary to cost, as per contract, $17,000, he being the lowest bidder; the estimate of the aroliitect being 818,296. ThQ building is in modern style of architecture, well arranged, for the comfort of the inmates, has all the modern improvements, and has a good system of ventilation. In 1885 the expense of the county infirmary, including the superintendent's salary, was $2,786.08; the number of inmates in the house during the year was sixty; the total cost per capita per day was 17i cents. John Long was the superintendent. During that year the commissioners purchased a property situated a short distance north of the limits of the City of Huntington, for which they paid $1,100, and established an orphans' home. The home was opened August 5, and Mrs. Sarah Sickafoose was chosen as matron, at which time there was admitted: boys, 11; girls, 4; the home seems to be in good condition. There has been very little sickness there, and no deaths; the expense of the institution for the first year was $2,959.24; Mrs. A. H. Shafer, Mrs. James H. Ewing and Samuel F. Day were the visiting committee.

County Bridges and Roads. - The following taken from the records in the auditor's office shows the amounts expended in building and repairing bridges in Huntington County, since 1873.

Huntington and Liberty Mills Plank Road. - In 1850 an association was formed having for its object the building of a plank road, located as follows : Commencing at the intersection of Jefferson and Matilda Streets, in the city of Huntington, running thence on the line of the Goshen road, or as near thereto as may be found practicable, for about the distance of six miles, thence to Liberty Mills, in Wabash County, allowing for such variation as may be found necessary. Articles of association were adopted, and an agreement and subscription drawn, whereby the subscribers agreed to build the road, and subscribed the sum of $25,000 stock, to be divided into 500 shares, of $50 each. The agreement and subscription was dated September nth, 1850, and James R. Slack was the first secretary of the association.

Gravel Boads. - The first gravel road was the Huntington, Mount .^tna and Grant County line road. November 23, 1867, a meeting was held to organize, directors were chosen, and a subscription of $800 was secured. The construction was commenced, but met with such serious opposition, was abandoned for a time, but has since been completed. In 1868 the road from Andrews to the Salamonie river was begun, but was not vigorously prosecuted; it is six miles in length. The Huntington, Kelso & Warren road was begun in 1874, and is completed; its length is about ten miles, and it is considered one of the best in the county. The Huntington & Lancaster road runs from the Wabash River, one mile west of the city of Huntington, to the town of Lancaster, and is eight miles long, and is considered a good road. The above were toll roads, with rates of toll fixed by law, but have since, on petitions by the residents along the lines, become free roads.

Free Gravel Roads. - In March, 1877, the Legislature passed the Free Gravel Road Law, by which act the Commissioners of any county were empowered and authorized to issue bonds, not to exceed $50,000 to aid in the construction of such roads, and the lands on either side of said proposed roads for a distance of two miles, being taxed for the payment of the principal and interest of said bonds. Immediately after its passage, a boom in gravel roads sprang up, and the people proceeded to organize for the construction of all roads that could be built under the law. There are quite a number already finished, and others in process of construction.

southeast to the town of Markle, eight miles in length, was let January 31, 1878, and the Commissioners issued bonds to the amount of $20,000 for the construction.

The Mishler gravel road, was built during the summer of 1878, by contract awarded to McKay & Myers, of Ft. Wayne, and Morrisay & Kelly, of Peru. This load extends from Huntington, northeast eight miles to the Whitley County line. Bonds to the amount of §16,000 were issued by the Commissioners, June Term, 1878.

The Stults gravel road, starting at Huntington and running due north to the Whitley County line, eight miles, was built by contract. Messrs. Bratton Brothers, of Huntington, Morrisay & Kelly and McKay & Myers being the contractors,- $13,000 in bonds were issued, with interest at seven per cent, payable in eight years.

The Columbia City gravel road, was built by contract let to Morrisay & Stults for $15,168; and the Commissioners issued bonds to the amount of $8,000 in aid of the same; the road is about seven and one-eighth miles in length.

The Ft. Wayne gravel road, was let to McCarty Bros., et. ah, May 23, 1881, for $11,831.72, and was accepted by the Commissioners as finished September V-l, 1881; it is six and seven-eighths miles loDg.

Roanoke & Christian gravel road contract was awarded to Messrs. Shearer Nesbit, et. al., August 11, 1882, and bonds to the amount of $9,000 drawing six per cent, interest, were issued at June Term, 1883.

Union Township gravel road, was contracted to Morrissay, Stults & Co., September 13, 1881. The contract price was $17,500, the road is completed and ranks as one of the best in the county.

Polk Township gravel road, was let to Bailey, Fisher, et. at., contractors, November 5, 1881, for $6,872.78. The road was completed and accepted October 19, 1882.

The Huntington, Warren & Montpelier gravel road, was let to Stewart & Stewart for $10,483, and wa? completed in 1883. The length of this road is six and three-fourths milef.

Huntington & Zanesville gravel road, was let April 21, 1883, to James Radcliffe, and is completed. The bonds outstanding, issued in aid of this road, amount to $9,000.

The Roanoke and Jackson gravel road was contracted to Hiram Gill, for $9,875, and bonds to the amount of $13,000 were issued at September term, 1883. Road completed in 1884 and accepted by the Commissioners. The bonds issued for this road are still outstanding.

sued to the amount of $24,000, at six per cent, interest, payable in eight years, which are still outstanding. The road was completed in 1886, and accepted by the Commissioners.

These are the principal lines of gravel roads, although there are others in course of construction and in contemplation, which, when completed, will make so complete a system of roads that Huntington County will be second to no other county in the State as to roads.

County Finances. - At the February term, 1835, of the Commissioners' Court, the treasurer made a report showing that he had received as treasurer from all sources, including license fees and permits, the sum of $155.23, and that he had expended the sum of $147.63, leaving a balance in the treasury of $7.60, of which sum he was allowed for his services the sum of $4.50. At the February term, 1836, there was reported the sum of $11.25, and at the November term the further sum of $257.90, making a total for that year of $369.15, all of which was expended. For the year 1840, there was collected as taxes, $764.11, from other sources, $219.75, making a total of $983 86, all of which was expended. For 1841 the receipts were $1,175.37', expenditures not given. For the year ending May 31, 1842, the receipts were: from county revenue. $2,414.14; delinquent taxes of 1838, 1839 and 1840, $113.00; taverns and groceries, $300.00; vending merchandise, $65.75; peddlers' licenses, $40.00; estrays, $4.35; total, $2,837.14. Expenditures, $2,041.11; balance, $796.03. In 1843 the receipts, including balance on hand, were $3,559.69; expenditures, $2,012.30; balance, $1,647.39. From this date the receipts and expenditures of the county increased steadily. The following table will show the financial condition of the county for the years named :

Bonded Indebtedness

Medical Society. - In July, 1853, the first medical society was organized with the following officers: President, Dr. F. W. Sawyer; Vice President, Dr. A. M. Lewis; Secretary, Dr. L. C. Pomeroy; Censors, Drs. L. A. Castor, A. M. Lewis, F. W. Sawyer. Resolutions were adopted a-t this meeting, favoring monthly meetings, and all physicians and others interested in the medical work were invited to become members. After a short time the organization was abandoned. An effort was made in 1853, to reorganize but without success. In 1854, an organization was effected and the following officers elected. President, Dr. A. Laramore; Vice President, Dr. N. S. Wickersham; Secretary, Dr. F. S. Grayston; Censors, Drs. Hammond, Wickersham and W. B. Lyons. A constitution and by-laws, and the American Code of Ethics were adopted. The society extended an invitation to all physicians in good standing to become members, and its membership soon increased beyond the expectations of its projectors. During the war the society was not kept up to its proper standard, but at the close of the war, an unusual interest sprang up, which was soon injured by a certain discordant element, and the society again ceased to exist. In 1880, the society was revived, and for the last three or four years there has been a steady and encouraging increase in the membership, and great benefits have been attained by the scientific contests and investigations had by the members.

Asfiociate Judges. - Jonathan Keller and Murdock McLean, 1834; George A. Fate, 1836; Samuel B. Gales and William C. Parker, 1842; John D. Pulse and Daniel James, 1849; Benjamin Orton, 1851.

Probate and Common Pleas Judges. - William Shearer, 1834; James Gillece, 1838; William Shearer, 1841; David Garlick, 1848; William B. Scheiicke, 1850; W. B. Loughridge, 1853; Joseph Breckenridge, 1861: James W. Borden, 1865; R. S. Taylor (appointed), 1867; David Studebaker, 1868; R S. Taylor, (appointed) 1869; W. W. Carson, 1870; Samuel E. Sinclair, 1872. The Common Pleas Court was abolished by the Legislature in 1873.

Prosecuting Attorneys Circuit Court. - Since 1834, the follovs^ing persons have served as prosecuting attorneys, either by election or appointment.

Surveyors. - The persons named below have acted as surveyor of the county since 1850: S. C. Putnam, Samuel H. Swain" F. Calvert. John Roche, G. S. Brinkerhoof, Thomas Bolinger, William G. Bratton, Aaron Sprinkle, H. C. Black, J. M. Hatfield, J. W. Gasman, John C. Altman, H. H. Wagner, Thomas B. Hart.

Commissioners. - John Burke. Stearns Fisher, Lewis Rogers, 1834; John Burke, Paul Burke, John S. Merrill, 1835; Channing Madison, Rufus Adams, Peter Wise, 183(3. In May, 1837, Jesse Clevelan, John S. Merrill and Leander Morrison were elected a Board of Justices and had control of all county business for about one year. At the end of the year Samuel Moore was elected in place of John S. Merrill. In 1839 the office of County Commissioner was established, and Joseph Wiley, J. R. Emly and Nathan Fisher were elected. Nathan Fisher, Alward White and John Leyman were elected in 1841; Alward White, Samuel H. Purviance and John Leyman in 1843; James C. Best, Samuel H. Purviance and John Leyman in 1844; James C. Best, James Taylor and S. H. Purviance in 1845; James C. Best, Nathan Fisher and James Taylor in 1846; James Taj lor, Nathan Fisher, J. R. Emly, 1847; James Taylor, Albert Draper, Peter Emery, 1849; Peter FiOiery, John Heiney, Albert Draper, 1851; Peter Emery, John Heiney, Hugh Montgomery, 1853; John Heiney, Hugh Montgomery, Sexton Emley, 1853; John Alexander, 1854; John Kenower, 1856; James Taylor, 1856; Samuel Emley, 1858; Enis Boyd, 1858; John Miller, 1860; WilliamO. Jones, 1861; Andrew Wiley, George Keefer, 1862; John Miller, 1863; Samuel Emlev, 1864; Enos Boyd, 1865; John Boriebraker, 1866; Martin W. Little, 1868; Daniel Kitch, Oliver H. Fisher, John W. Baker, 1870; Oliver H. Fisher, 1874; Joseph Wagoner, George Buzzard. Henry Heaston,1876. Present Board, Henry Dinius, George W. Bell and A. B. Shideler.

Prosecuting Attorney Common Pleas Court. - The following persons acted (either by appointment or election) as Prosecuting Attorney for the Common Pleas Court:

John R. Coffroth, November term, 1852; Benedict Burnes, April term, 1853; L. P. Milligan, July term, ]853; Isaac DeLong, July, 1854, to January, 1855; L. P. Milligan, January and October term, 1855; William C. Kocher, January term, 1856; J. R. Coffroth, June term, 1856, to January term, 1857; Samuel Mahon, January term, 1857, to June term, 1859; Frederick P. Lucas, June term, 1839, to March term, 1860; Newton Burwell, March term, 1860, to January term, 1861; David T. Smith, January term, 1861, to February term, 1863; David Colrick, February term, 1863, to Februarv term, 1867; Joseph S. Dailey, February, 1867, to February, 1869; Benjamin P. Ibach, February, 1869, to February, 1873; A. H. Bittenger, February term, 1873; that being the last

Presidential Elections

The source of information from which the following returns were taken is not to be relied upon entirely and it is probable they contain some errors:

November, 1848

In 1840 the Township of Huntington (that being the only record of that election found) gave Van Buren and Johnson, Democratic, 56 votes, and Harrison and Tyler, Whig, 78votes.

Independent

Agricultural Society. - In the fall of 1852, the citizens of the county held the first Agricultural Fair in the old Court House, on the corner of Jefferson and Franklin Streets, in the town of Huntington. There was no regular organization at that time, but the fair was under the direction of Albert Draper, John Becker and others. In December, 1852, it was decided to organize a society, and a call was published for a meeting on the 1st day of January, 1853. On the day set for the meeting, the ciDizens met and Jacob Snyder was appointed chairman, L. P. Milligan, Secretary, and William G. Sutton, Treasurer. After a thorough discussion of the matter a permanent organization was decided upon, and February 5th fixed for the election of the officers, at which time Charles H. Lewis was elected President; Warren Hecox, Vice President; William Norton, Secretary; William G. Sutton, Treasurer, and a board of directors composed of the following persons: Albert Draper, James Purviance^ Sexton Emly, Edward Coles, Thomas Moore, Jacob Snyder, David Chambers, James Miller, Thomas Fisher, Peter Weese, E. Fleming and Eobert Tyson, Sr. For the fair of 1853, a premium list was prepared by Albert Draper, offering premiums to the amount of $99.75, which the society adopted, and on the 18th and 19th days of October, 1853, the society held its first fair under the new organization, on grounds on the south side of Little River just below the old bridge near where the residence of Samuel Buchanan now stands. Financially the fair was a success, the receipts being $180.60, and the expenditures being $94.12, leaving a balance in the treasury of $86.48. Qn the 4th of February, 1854, a new election was had, and John Becker was elected President; Robert Tyson, Sr., Vice President; William G. Sutton, Secretary, and S. W. Hawley, Treasurer. On the 17th and 18th days of October of that year, a fair was held in the eastern part of Huntington, in a meadow belonging to Orrin Brown. On the 16th and 17th days of October, 1855, the society held a fair on the south side of Little River. James M. Bratton was President, and A. W. DeLong, Secretary. The society was abandoned soon after, and was not re-organized again until in June, 1857, when a permanent organization was completed with Peter Weese, President; L. P. Milligan. Vice President; A. M, Lewis, Secretary, and William L. Steele, Treasurer. The society held no fair this year. On the 12th day of August, 1858, an election was held, and Jacob Stultz was elected President; John Becker, Vice President; A. M. Lewis, Secretary, and William G, Sutton, Treasurer. At this meeting it was determined to canvass the county thoroughly with speakers and a company of singers, and William L. Steele was selected to direct the same.

On the 26th, 37th and 28th days of October, a fair was held on grounds secured by the society, just west of Huntington, and on the north side of the canal, which was a decided success. June 4th, 1859, L. P. Milligan was elected President; Elijah Snowden, Vice President; A. M. Lewis, Secretary, and William G. Sutton,

Treasurer. A fair was held on the society's grounds on the 28th^ 29th and 30th days of September. In the year 1880, WiUiam Oden was President; Joseph Chesebro, Vice President; A. M, Lewis, Secretary, and Jacob Snyder, Treasurer, and a fair washeld on the 8d, 4th and 5th days of October. In 1861, the officers were Dr. H. S. Heath, President; Robert Tyson, Sr., Vice President; A.M. Lewis, Secretary, and William Stults, Treasurer, and afair was held on the 25th. 26th and ..'7th days of September. In 1862, Dr. H. S. Heath was President; Silas Jones, Vice President;: A. M. Lewis, Secretary, and John Roche, Treasurer. In December,1863, Dr. H. S. Heath was re-elected President; L. P. Milligan^ was elected Vice President; A. M. Lewis, Secretary, and Tiptoni Allman, Treasurer. With much trouble the society kept up itsorganization until in January, ls65, when it was again abandoned. The society has held no fairs subsequent to 1861. On the 4th day of January, 1868, a. meeting was held at the court house, in Huntington, and it was determined to re-organize, which was done by electing Peter W. Zent, President; O. W. Sanger, Vice President; John Roche, Treasurer, and Robert Simonton, Secretary. Grounds were secured, and in 1869, a fair was held, with the same officers, they having been re-elected. Fairs have beea held regularly every year since 1868.

In 1876 - President, Frank McKeever; Vice President, Jacob Stultz; Treasurer, Daniel Kitch; Secretary, Robert Simonton; who resigned and T. L. Lucas was elected to fill the vacancy.

The Fair of 1886 was held on the new grounds of the society, and with gratifiying results, notwithstanding the inclement weather, the receipts being about $4,600 and the expenditures about $:j,7G0. The new grounds are very beautiful, there being plenty of nice shade, good water, and with the nice, commodious buildings which the Society has erected thereon, makes it second to none in the northern part of the state. The science of farming is becoming better understood, and the condition of agriculture is improving. Underdraining is being rapidly pushed, which is a greater benefit than any other improvements on the farm.