Randolph County, Indiana - Chapter 6: Public Roads, 1914

When the first white settlers entered the boundaries of what is now Randolph county, there were no roads, not even trails, except one or two made by the Indians in their travels from one village to another. The principal Indian village in eastern Indiana was at "Mont-See-Town," where the city of Muncie now stands. Another was near Camden, Jay county, and the third colony was in or near Greenville, Ohio. The trails that crossed the county led from Mont-See-Town to Greenville and from Greenville to Godfroy's, near Camden. The Mont-see-town - Greenville trail was traveled more than the other, because the Delaware Indians of Mont-See-Town and Strawtown (now Anderson) went to Greenville to receive the bounty which the government paid them after the Treaty of Peace in 1795 at that place. This trail crossed the county somewhere near Windsor, Huntsville, Springborough and South Bartonia. This, of course, is only approximate, as no definite records of this trail have been left by either record or tradition. Jesse Way, one of our earliest settlers, claimed that Springborough was south of the trail. Jere Smith claimed that the trail passed near Springborough. Each of these men were thoroughly familiar with the early times, so we see that a definite location of this trail is impossible. Relative to this subject. Tucker says: "On the third road (Winchester to Bloomingsport) is a point of some interest, Joseph Gass." Mr. Smith says : "His house stood on the north side of a brushy prairie in Section 29, Town 19, Range 14, some three miles north of Bloomingsport. He built there in early days on teh main Indian trail between Muncie (an Indian town at that time) to Greenville, where the Indian annuities were paid from Wayne's treaty in 1795 to 1815 or 181 6, at which time the place of payment was changed from Greenville to Fort Wayne. The Indians traveled from Muncie (which they called Montsee-town) up White river on the south side till they crossed Prairie creek at its mouth. They then took a 'bee line' for Greenville, which none but an Indian can do. The trail passed north of Huntsville and Spartanburg, and was about as straight as a surveyor could have made it. The trace was quite a plain one and was much traveled even by whites in those days.

"Joseph Gass was a brother of the Gass who went with Lewis and Clarke across the continent to the mouth of the Columbia river (1805-07), and who published a journal which he kept on that expedition. Joseph Gass built and settled on that trace at that point when there was no white settler from six miles west of Greenville to 'JMont-see-town,' and he lodged travelers who passed on that trace, and hence his house was a noted place to mention on the route of that road. Mr. Smith says he had often seen him and the house he built there.

"The town of Springboro was afterward laid out February 15, 1834, at the point where J oseph Gass lived, but the towii was not a success, and it is now extinct.

"j\lr. Gass probably settled there before he entered his land. He was there when the 'Way Company' came through from Carolina to White River, March, 1817. But the date of his land entry is August 11, 1817. How mucii earlier than March, 181 7, Air. Gass settled at that place we are not able to state. He seems to have been one of that enterprising class cjuite common in those days, whose activity took the form of trading with the Indians, which, perhaps, might have been well enough except that it often included the practice of selling strong drink to the poor redmen. That business, whether among white men or Indians, however lucrative it may be to the trader, brings evil and only evil to him who uses the fearful fluid. And as now, so of old, the traffic in strong drinks was one great source of trouble between the settlers and the savages. A sober Indian was commonly peaceable but a drunken savage was an object of fear and dread.

"However, in those days, the manufacture of intoxicating liquors and the traffic in them was not regarded as otherwise than proper and honorable." The otiier trail crossed the county through Jackson and Ward townships, but, like the other, left no impression upon the minds of the early settlers sufficiently to identify."

The early roads were nothing more than trails, traveled almost exclusively by men afoot or on horseback, and marked by blazes made upon the trees by scouting parties. Naturally, these parties would follow the lines of least resistance, traveling the hign ground, thus avoiding swamps and crossing the streams at the easiest fords, which oftentimes necessitated irregular paths to get to these fords. These trails naturally led from one settlement to another, which would make them run in all directions, as no attention whatever was paid to section lines, or would lead from some community to a mill or to a church.

One of the first, and perhaps the first regular trail through the county, was what is known as "The Quaker Trace." This was a direct route from Richmond to J^ort Wayne, and being the first established trail through the county, gained a reputation that made it the county's first thoroughfare. Of this trace. Squire Bowen sa3\s :

"The 'Quaker Trace' was begun in 1817. James Clark and twenty-five or thirty others took three wagons with provisions and a surveyor with his compass and chain and measured distances and blazed trees and marked mile trees, cutting out the road wide enough for a wagon to pass. They wound around ponds and big logs and trees, and quagmires, forded the Mississinewa and the Wabash, and so on to Fort Wayne. James Bowen went as one of the company twenty-five miles to beyond the Mississinewa crossing, till one wagon load had been used up. That team returned, and James came back with them. The route passed through Arba, Spartanburg, Bartonia, South Salem (west of) Union City, through Mount Holly, through Allensville, crossing the Mississinewa just north of that place, through North Salem, and crossing the Wabash at Jay City, Jay county, near Corydon. There was but one house between (what is now) Dan Comer's, one mile north of Spartanburg and Fort Wayne, viz., at Thompson's Prairie, eight miles north of the Wabash."

This is said to be the only thoroughfare of any consequence whatever in the counvy up until May, 1819. Of course, many paths led from one settler's home to another, but these were simply private paths and no more.

At an early meeting of the county commissioners in 1819, perhaps in March, ('not definitely known, because no date appears in the record,) the county commissioners made the following record : "Jesse Johnson presented the petition of himself and Sundry Inhabitants of the south end of Randolph County Praying that a Public Road may be laid off -Begining at the town of Winchester, thence Nearest and Best way to go Between Jesse Johnson an Paul Beard, thence Nearest and Best Way to the County line at the southwest Corner of Section 14 in Township 18 and Range 14. Ordered that Francis Frazer, James Wright and William Plockett are appointed to lay off and Mark .Said Road and make Return of their Proceedings to the Board of Commissioners at their next session to be held for said County." It is certainly to be hoped that Jesse and Paul stood still the day the viewers were there to go between them. The viewers performed their duty and reported at the May term, of 1819, to the county commissioners, as they make the following report : "Received the Report of Francis Frazier and William Hock- ett, who were appointed to Lay off and mark a Publick Road from the town of Winchester to Between Jesse Johnsons & Paul Beards, etc." This road followed in a general way the present Lynn pike, but, of course, was crooked, angling and "zigzaggy." But with all the latitude offered for judgment and discretion, the viewers failed to satisfy all those interested, as is shown by the record of the same date, as follows : "and on the Remonstrance of Albert Banta Stating that the Way the said Road is laid off and Marked through his land will be Injurious to him. Ordered that John Balanger, John William Haworth, Joshua Cox and Henry Hill are appointed to Review Said Road through the land of Albert Banta and assess the damages if Any that may be due to said Banta and the said Viewers are to meet for that Purpose on the last Saturday in June Next at the house of said Banta and make Report of their Proceedings to the Board of Commissioners at their August term Xext." The viewers completed the work assigned them, and evidently did not agree with Banta concerning the damages, for in the August term we find the following entry; "Reed the Report of John Way, Joshua Cox and Henry Hill, who were appointed to Review that Publick Road laid off through Albert Bantas Land and assess the Damages, &c.. Who Report that there is no damages Sustained By the said Banta." The road was established and the commissioners "Ordered that Paul Baird be supervisor of the Road laid off By Francis Frazer and William Hockett Through Greensfork Township." (Greensfork township at that time extended two miles west of ^vhere Lynn now is). This road, of course, was no exception and wound in and arfjund hills where the path could easiest be made. It had not been used a great while until changes and alterations were a.sked for. But even these changes and alterations were very indefinite, but. no doubt, were made to suit the needs of the time. Just how indefinite they were is shown by the following report of the May term of 1834: 'In obedience to an order to us directed; from the commissioners Court, March term, 1834. to view and mark out an alteration in the Fort Wayne road, commencing where the said road crosses the south line of Richard Corbit; thence nearly north a Strait directeon in a few rods of his fince, thence east 18 or 20 rods to the old road through the lane to the north end of Sd lane, thence a Strait course to the prairee branch about 2 or 3 rods west of where the old road crosses Sd Branch, thence a Strait course & nearly north a few rods north a Malachi Nichols house, thence East 18 or 20 rods to the old road, intersecting said road where the said Nichols line crosses Sd. road, and we the commissioners after viewing the above named ground, believe the ground better than the ground where the old road now goes also we think it will be as convenient for the public, and as to the distance there will be but little if any difference, this 2nd May, 1834. (Signed) Isaac Wood, Jeremiah Horn, William Hill. And ordered that said road be opened a necessary width not exceeding 40 feet and made in all other respects convenient for the passage of travellers." It was straightened south of Lynn in 1849 and from Lynn, north. The last change was made on the farm now owned by Zimri Hinshaw in 1847. Evidences of the old road still exist on Mr. Hinshaw's farm, as the old house and barn on the south side of this farm were built parallel to the old road and are still standing in that position.

It will be noticed not only in the records of Randolph county, but in the state records as well, as we shall show later, that Winchester was the starting point for many roads. Settlers were entering the county very rapidly, which necessitated many new roads being formed. Great activity in that line is shown, as no less than three roads which eventually became real thoroughfares, were petitioned for in the August term, 1819. It will be noticed that upon the receipt of a petition, the commissioners appoint viewers to "lay off and mark said road and fix the time of their report to the commissioners." The second, third and fourth roads petitioned for, together with the disposition made of such petitions, will illustrate the usual form of such petitions and methods of their disposal. "Reed the Petition of sundry Inhabitants of Randolph Praying a Publick Road may be laid off leading from the town of Winchester of said County Directly West as near the Middle of Section 19-24-23, &c. as suitable Ground Can be an to the Indiana Boundary with an offset of 28 rod North a few rod West of Henry H. Ways Dividing hedge, thence west on the line between said Ways and John Samples to the Boundry. Ordered that Judge John Wright, John Wright Senr, and Henry H. Way Lay off and Mark Said Road and Report to the Board of Commissioners at November term, 1819. Reed the Petition of sundry Inhabitants of Randolph County praying that a Publick Road may be laid off from the town of Winchester in said County the nearest and Best Way to go west of Joseph Guess and East of Jonathan Hoskins and on the West side of William Hocketts farm and on the best and suitabest Direction to the County line of Wayne one mile East of the thirteenth Range line. Ordered that Joseph PTockett, Jonathan Edwards and Nathaniel Kase lay off and Mark said Road and Report to the Commissioners at November term 18 19. Reced the Petition of simdry Inhabitants of Randolph County Greensfork Township Praying that the Road Known by the name of the Lawrenceburg Road may be Continued from the house of Ephraim Overman to the house of WiUiam Yates and that Overseers may be appointed to lay off and mark said Road. Ordered that Ephraim Overman, Junr. and David Boivel, sen. lay off and mark said Road and Report to the Commissioners at November term 1819." The second road is what is known now as the Windsor pike from Winchester to a point north of the Lincoln school. The third road is what is known as the Bloomingsport pike, and the fourth road is the road north through Arba, as Ephraim Overman lived near Arba and William Yates lived northwest of Spartanburg on the north half of section 9, township 16, range i.

In November, 1819, the southwest part of the county began to petition for roads as follows : "Reed the Petition of Sundry Inhabitants of Greensfork Township Praying that a Public (Road) may be laid off Beginning at the line of Wayne County where the Jacksonburg Road Intersects the same, thence by Way of William Smiths the nearest and best Way to the town of Winchester. William Blunt, William Smith and Paul W. Way are appointed to lay off and mark said Road according to Law." These roads and others later petitioned for, connected with the Jacksonburg road, so named because it lead to Jacksonburg, a small town in Wayne county. White River township was not organized until after these roads had been petitioned for, hence Greens fork township is the name used in these petitions. West River township was. petitioned for during the same session of the commissioners that the fifth and sixth roads were petitioned for.

The sixth road was an irregular affair, which proved to be very unsatisfactory and was vacated in 1833, when a change was made in the Winchester and New Castle road. The seventh road, petitioned for in February, 1820, is what is known as the "Pocket Road," and was "laid off begining where the road from the town of Winchester to Jesse Johnsons 8z:c Crosses the Congressional Township line between Township Nineteen and twenty, thence the neareist and Best Way that a Road Conveintly Can be made to the state line Where the Road from Greenville Intersects the same." The eighth road, petitioned for in February, 1820, went in a northeasterly direction, as is shown by the petitioned record, as follows : "Reed the Petition of sundry Inhabitants of Randolph praying that a Road may be laid off from the town of Winchester and to Run thence to James Masseys and to intersect near fort recovery With the St. maries Road the nearest and best Way. Ordered that Richard Beason, James Wright and James Massey Lay off and Mark said Road and Report to May term, 1820." James Massey lived in what is now Ward township, W. S. W. 11, 21, 14. This road was afterward abandoned.

The ninth road was petitioned for in May, 1820, and was to run from Sample's mill, located on the northwest quarter of section 22, township 20, range 13, south to Huntsville. The tenth road was petitioned for in May, 1820, and was to run from Winchester to John Foster's. Mr. Foster lived on the Griffis farm, on section 25, township 17. range i, Wayne township. This land was entered in 181 7 by Mr. Chenoweth. About this time the state had begun a policy of constructing thoroug^hfares throughout the entire state. Canals were built in many parts of the state, but none touched Randolph county. This part of the state was provided for in two ways; by the opening and building of public highways and by the maintaining of open waterways. The first road provided for by state legislation was what is now known as the Bloomingsport pike. This road was provided for on the 22d of January, 1820, and was to run from Lawrenceburg, on the Ohio, to Brookville, Franklin county, Connersville, Fayette county, Waterloo, Wayne county, Centerville, AVayne cotmty, to Winchester. Three commissioners, of whom John AVright, of Randolph county, was one, were appointed to oversee the construction of the road. It was to be built by the nearest and best way and not to be over seventy feet wide. The extreme width allowed for was the importance that the state attached to this road as a thoroughfare. In fact, this was to be the principal road of eastern Indiana, and connected the civilization along the Ohio river to that of the northern part of the state, namely : Lawrenceburg to Fort AA'avne. This road, however, was never built as a state road through Randolph county, although the state provided later on for its construction from AA^inchester to Fort AA^ayne, and named Charles Conway as the commissioner. On December 31, 1821, a law was approved providing for an east and west road known ai the AA'inchester and Indianapolis state road. This law provided "that -a road from the Ohio line dividing this state from Ohio from a direction from Greenville, in said state, to AAlnchester, to intersect the Richmond road to a point not exceeding twenty miles from Indianapolis, in length sixty miles, be, and the same is hereby established and that the sum of $2,672.56 be, and the same is hereby appropriated to the opening of the same, and that Joshua Foster, John AA'ay and Ishem Puckett, of Randolph county, be, and they are hereby appointed commissioners on said mad." These commissioners were further given the right to exercise their discretion in the location and building of all bridges. ~Slr. Puckett failed to serve as commissioner and Jesse Aloorman was appointed in his place. These men made their report January 10, 1823. Of this road and its making, -Air. Jere Smith says:

"In ]\Iay, 1820, \ie\vers were appointed to mark out a road from Winchester to the state line, near Foster's (Griffis farm). The road was reported and established in August, 1820. John Coates was made supervisor from ^^'inchester to the ford of \A'hite river, and Wmos Peacock from \\"hite river to the state line. In 1822 or 1823 the Legislature authorized the laying of a state road from the state line near Foster's, through Winchester to Indianapolis. Joshua Foster, John Sample and John Way were appointed commissioners to la)- the road, They took Paul W. Way for their surveyor, and started from Foster's to run to Winchester. But they ran too much south, so they made a 'bend' to the north before reaching White river. But being still too far south they veered again northward, west of George Hyatt's, and came in at the end of Broad (now Washington) street and ran on that street through Winchester. Then diverging to the south till they got opposite (west of) the middle of the public square in Winchester, they struck west on the route of the present state road (pike now) to the west side of the county. Thence down White river (south side) to Old Town (Indian town) six miles above Muncie, thence down the river by Anderson, Strawtown, etc., to Indianapolis. The county road from the state line west to ^^'inchester was merged in this state road."

Other interesting stories are told concerning this road. It is said that when the viewers were "marking and laying out the road," the pioneer viewer, the one who went ahead to direct the blazers, carried a cowbell, which he would ring when he had decided on a certain route. The blazers would then travel toward the sound, blazing the trees as they went. It is said that the variance in direction, of which Mr. Smith speaks, was due to the fact that the blazers failed to locate the cowbell and that the bend in this road just out of Winchester is the result of such error. But this story, like many others, lias to be taken with a grain of salt.

This state road was eventually built but was cared for by the county. Joshua Foster served on this board until his removal from the county in 1826, Avhich made it necessary to appoint a new commissioner. This was done during the May term by the board of Justices, who "proceeded to Elect a commissioner to fill said vacancy, whereupon counting Ballots it appeared that John Nelson is duly Elected State road commissioner as aforesaid." Mr. Nelson served only two years, when his successor, John Sample, was elected. (July term, 1828.) It will be seen from the above that Mr. Smith's statement is not in accordance with the records, as the form of the report of (24) the viewers and the disposition of the report by the commissioners, is shown by the following record of the report on road No. 2. "John Wright Senr. John Wright and Henry H. Way, who were appointed to lay off and mark a Public Road from the town of Winchester west to the Indian Boundry line Report that they performed that Duty according to order. John Wright senr. is hereby appointed Supervisor of said Road and all the hands in Whiteriver Township south of Whiteriver and West shugar Creek includeing David Wright and David Stout Except Ezekiel Williams Do Work on Said Road." This road gave a great deal of trouble, especially west of Winchester, due to the swampy conditions of the ground. It is said that at one time there was no less than one mile of continuous causeway of corduroy in this road. John Wright, the first supervisor, paid but very little attention to the building of this road, but, perhaps, he paid all the attention that could be paid b}' anyone at that time. That he did something, is shown by the following report: "Reed, the Report of John Wright, supervisor, Stateing that he had performed his duty and that all the hands had performed their service according to Law Except William Haworth son of George who is Delinquent four days." The commissioners evidently did not intend that Mr. Haworth should escape, because they immediately "Ordered that William Haworth son of George be supervisor in the Place of John Wright and that the hands south of said Road and west of Shugar Creek to the 13 Range line thence north with said Range line of Whiteriver Township thence west to the Boundry thence south with the Boundry line to Eight mile Creek thence up said Creek to the line of Whiteriver Township line thence a Direct line to where said Road Crosses the 13th Range line do work on said Road and order Issued." Just how long Haworth served can not be known, as the county records from February, 1821, to November, 1825, are lost, but Wright was reappointed. Later, when the road had been extended by the state, Littleberry Diggs was appointed supervisor in the place of John Wright on the state road' "from the town of Winchester west to the 14 Mile Stake." This stake was located about two miles west of Winchester. The road had in the meantime been divided into sections of a certain number of miles each 'indicated by mile stakes. This road, like all the early roads, has been changed and straightened many times. The first change was petitioned for on Tuesday, November 14, 1820, the record of which is : - "Reed, the petition of Sundry Inhabitants of Whiteriver Township praying that from the Town of Winchester west may be so altered as to tern North between Henry Way and John Sample Eighteen poles Thence west by said Samples house to the Boundry line of the twelve mile Purchase Which is Granted and Paul W. Way, John Sample and Robinson Mclntire appointed to lay off and mark said Road and Report to February term, 1821, and Order Issued." This board of viewers reported as instructed, the record of which is made in the February term of 1 82 1, as follows: "Reed, the Report of Paul W. Way and Others who Were appointed to lay off and mark the Road from the house of Henry Way through the lane Bearing Eighteen poles North thence west by the way of John Samples to the Boundry line of the twelve mile Purchase and Ordered that the Supervisor work on said Road the way that it was last laid off." Strange to say, one of the latest, if not the last, change in this road, was made at the same place where the first change was made. This change is where the road angled suddenly to the northwest in the middle of section 22, township 20, range 13, east, where the house of Elmer Franklin now stands. The first change reported by Mr. Way, caused the road to leave the present road at a point near the east line of section 22, where the road runs south. From, this point it angled in an almost direct line to the turn just north of the middle of the section. The last change was made abou^ 1852. This was one of the most traveled roads of the county, because of the western emigration, and it is said that the travel on it at tim.es, almost equals that of the National road.

The eleventh road, petitioned for in August, 1820, was "laid off Begining at the south End of the main Street West of the Public Square in the town of Winchester thence along said street and in a Direction towards Fort Wayne to the North Boundry of the twelve mile Purchase." This road was more commonly called the Winchester and Ridgeville road or by some-, the Winchester and Addington's Mill road. This road followed the Deerfield pike to the crest of the hill north of White river, thence in a northwesterly directon to Ridgeville. One small section of this road still exists near Stone Station, and another section, which was a continuation of this road, exists northwest of Ridgeville. Sample's Mill was the principal objective point of travel at this time. The tenth road passed it, running'east and west, the ninth road ran south, and the next, or twelfth road, petitioned for in May, 1825, was to run from Sample's mill to Lewallyn's mill, which was at Ridgeville.

The twelfth road, petitioned for in May, 1825, was from the southeast corner of section 35, township 16, range i west, to Obadiah Small's. The point of beginning was on the county line, two miles east of Arba and Obediah Small owned the land where Spartanburg now stands. This road is thought to be the one that used to run from Bethel, Wayne county, by "pinhook," Charles Crist's and Jeremiah Middleton's to Spartanburg. This road is now abandoned. No doubt, many roads had been petitioned for and established, the records of which are contained in the book that has been lost.

We note that in the May term, 1826, "Nathan Hockett is appointed Supervisor on Hockett's road from the line of Wayne Cotmty to Joseph Gass old place and also on the Road .that passes by cherry grove meeting house that lies in Westriver Township." "Benjamin Luallen is appointed Supervisor on Luallens road from the ling Dividing Township Whiteriver and Ward and all the hands in Luallens Settlement including Kizers Settlement Except those attached to oldhams District do work on said road."

The next road, which we shall call the fourteenth, proved to be a road of a great deal of importance. Just when it was petitioned for is not known, but in May, 1826, the following record is made: "Reed, the Report of ^Villiam Massey, Daniel B. Miller & John Odle. who were appointed to view and mark a public road from the State line in a Direction from Greenville in the State of Ohio to Luallens mill on Missessinewa Stating that they had performed that service whereupon William Odle is appointed Supervisor on said road from Luallens ^lill to William Masseys Creek and ordered that all the hands in Ward Township from Burkett Peirces to the East and west line of the School Section in Township 21 do work on said road. Daniel B. iMiller is appointed Supervisor on the Road from Luallens mill towards Greenville from William Masseys creek to the .State line and that all the hands in Ward Township East of the School Section in Township 21 do work on said Road." Of this road, Mr. Jere Smith says :

/'September, 1825, a road was reported beginning at the Greenville road northwest from Greenville (Connor's old trace to his trading post) by Daniel B. ]\liller's to Lewallyn's mill. This was not opened and worked till 1832. February 2, 1832, the Legislature passed an act appointing Daniel B. Miller commissioner to lay out a state road from the state line (same point as the thirteenth roadl to Parson's mill, thence to Lewallyn's mill, thence to intersect the Miamisport road, near Sanders', in Delaware county. Judge Miller appointed me surveyor, and in August or September, 1832, we began the survey.

"We started where Connor's trace crossed the state line, a little north of Union City, went nearly straight to the east side of Deerfield, thence to Parsons" mill, half mile below Deerfield, thence to Lewallyn's mill, near RidgevilJe, thence onward beyond Emmettsville, keeping in a straight line to Sanders' in Delaware county, passing north of Fairview. The county road from the state line to Lewallyn's mill was merged in this state road. The

This road crossed the Mississinewa river near the Reitenour Cemetery, at the cabin of Burkett Pierce, going from there directly where Ridgeville now is.

The next road of record is in Alay, 1826, and is certainly a very peculiar record, and is as follows : "Reed, the petition of Sundry inhabitants of this county praying that a Public road may be laid off beginning at Hocketts road about j4- of a mile North of Guesses, thence leading Down Sugar creek by the Likinses and D. Heastons, thence to the widow Pucketts lane by Dunkirk meeting house and on to the Southwest corner of Wm. Ways field, thence .along the west side of said field to intersect the State road in meridian Street in the Town of Varnon. John Likins, David Heaston & Tarlton Moorman are appointed to view and mark said road and Report to July term, 1826."

Our sympathies are certainly with Curtis Clenney, Thomas Hester and William Peacock, whose duty it became to "lay out and mark" the following road in November, 1827: "Received the petition of sundry inhabitants of Randolph County praying that a Public road may be laid out beginning at the road leading from Richmond to Winchester at the line between Obadiah Harris and John Moorman, thence the nearest and best way to William Connors, thence the nearest and best way to Hezekiah Hocketts, thence through Samuel Sm.iths lane, thence to the end of Thomas Phillips lane, thence to the Meeting house near William Hunts."

For some reason the viewers did not report at the January term, 1828, as instructed, but made their report in the May term of said year, and Thomas Phillips was appointed supervisor on the road through White River township. This road was extended in September, -1828, as is shown by following record, November, 1828 : "Jonah Heaton, Bazaleel Hunt and David Vestal, who were appointed to view and mark a public road from the meeting house near William Hunt the nearest and best way so as to pass some where near Joseph Rooks then the nearest and best way to the line dividing Randolph and Delaware counties in a direction towards Moncey town, now verbally report that they have performed that servise it is therefore ordered that the same be cut out as a public road or highway."

lows : "Received the petition of Sundry citizens of Randolph county praying that a public Road may be laid out beginning at the west end of Hezekiah Hocketts lane the nearest and best way to the Wayne line at the Southeast corner of ]\Iartindales dedning. Which is granted, and Isaiah Rodgers, James Smith and David Frazier are appointed to view and mark said roa<l and Report to this Board at March term 1830."

In November, 1830, the commissioners "Received the petition of Elijali Arnold and others praying for a public foad to be laid off beginning at the Xorth end of Wm. Smiths lane the nearest and best way to Jonathan Cleavengers on Rooks old place." Jeremiah Smith, Joshua Beer and Elijah Arnold were appointed to view and mark said road.

In March, 1831, John Wilson and others 23etitioned for a road "beginning at the Richmond road at or near John Moorman Sr. S. E. corner the nearest and best way to Arby meeting house, thence the nearest & best way to the State of Ohio line which is granted."

In ^lay, 1831, Samuel Jackson, William Davidson and William Peacock were appointed to view and mark a road, the record of which is as follows : "Received the petition of Sundry citizens of Randolph county praying that a public road may be laid out Beginning at the South west corner of Samuel Smiths fence, thence the nearest best way to crossway south of Samuel Jacksons, thence the nearest and best way to the new road at the north end of William Smiths lane."

In September, 183 1, a cartway was petitioned for, from Winchester across the ford of White river to Sample's mill. The distinction between a cartway and a road seems to be a difference in width, a cartway being what is ordinarily called a lane. ^lany roads of local importance only were petitioned for at each session of the legislature.

In January, 1832, another very interesting road record was made, as follows: "This day the petition of A^'i!liam Peacock and others was ptiblickly read And John Boroughs, Jesse Johnson and David :Moore are appointed to view and mark a publick road beginning at the west end of Hezekiah Hocketts lane from thence on the open line south of Samuel Smith's fence until it intersects ihe road leading from Johnson's mill to Sample's mill from thence the nearest and best way through Joseph Hollingsworth's lane, from thence the nearest and best way until it intersects the road leading from Economy to Winchester at or near Jackson"s perarie and report to the next term of this board."

roads by any survey tintil 1832. During that year Jere Smith was at that time surveyor, and recorded his "field" notes of that part of the state road, leading from \A'^inchester to New Castle, which lies in Randolph county, Indiana. This was a state road. In October of the same year he filed his "field" notes of that part of the state road leading from Richmond to Fort Wayne, which lies in Randolph county, and the territory attached to it.

It will be interesting to note that this road went "to the township line between township 25 and 26 north, near the one-half mile stake on the south side of section 32 of township 26., range 14, it being the north line of the territory attached to Randolph county." This township line passes through the present town of Berne, and the one-half mile stake referred to is just east of that town.

On N^ovember 16, 1832. Mr. Smith filed his "field" notes of that part of the state road, leading from the Ohio state line to Saunders', which lies in Randolph county and the territory attached to it. This is the road of which Air. Smith speaks, as running "from the state line to Parson's mill, thence to Lewallyn's mill, thence to intersect the Miamisport road near Saunders' in Delaware County." From that time on all state roads were surveyed and the surveys made a matter of record.

The early roads were petitioned for, largely to meet local conditions. Afterward, many of these same roads were taken up by the state and made state roads. For example, the Winchester and Addington's Mill road, petitioned for in 1820, was taken up by the state in 1839, and was known as the "State Road," from Winchester, Randolph county, via Ridgeville, Randolph county, Mt. Pleasant and Camden, in Jay county, to Bluffton, the county seat of Wells county. The road one mile west of Farmland was taken up by the state in 1840, and was known as the Hagerstown and Camden road. The Jesse Johnson-Paul Beard road became a part of the Richmond and Fort Wayne road. Many roads that were of importance have since been abandoned, because of the building of other roads. The Steubenville and Winchester road, which angled from Steubenville to Maxville, has long since disappeared, as has another road in the same part of the county, known as the Rockingham road, which leads from Rockingham, Green township, to Winchester, merging into the Steubenville and Winchester road. The road granted in 1840, running "to Jericho meeting house, from thence to the most approved route to White River meeting house." has long since disappeared, as has also the road approved in February, 1841, known as the road joining the Cherry Grove meeting house, Byum meeting house and Arba meeting house, "commencing on the Williamsburg and Winchester road, in Section 3, thence East by Cherry Grove meeting house on the line dividing the lands of Nathan Thornburgh and Elijah Hinshaw, thence on same course between Stilwell and Reece, thence the same course between Reece and Way to the corner thence angling south 30 rods across William & Obed Beards land to the West line a corner between Paul Beard senr. and Jesse Johnson, thence with their line East to the road thence south to Beards saw mill, thence the line between Paul Beard Jr. and Obed Beard east to near the Branch, thence up the Branch to the east fence, thence on a marked line on North side of Ljmn Meeting house to the line Between Silas Johnson, Isaac Pearson, thence with said line east to David McCrackins' line until near the school house, thence North of said school house a few rods until it intersects the line between Johnson and Farmer, thence East with said lines to the line between Moody and Willis C. Willmore, thence same direction until it strikes the line Between Odle and Calfer, thence due East until it intersects the Boundry at a corner Between Overman and Semans as Specified in said order, thence south and west, the boundary to a point opposite John W. Thomas, thence nearly east a marked line to the mouth of said Thomas' lane, thence on same course across the creek, thence on nearly the neighborhood road a marked line to a lane Between the Lands of Jeremiah Horn and Cammack's heirs, thence East to where it intersects the Fort Wayne road near Arba Meeting house."

The winding path south from Huntsville has become the Economy and Huntsville road, while the road from Huntsville through Unionsport, Maxville and Fairview into Jay county, is only a matter of history. Many other roads and petitions for the same might be mentioned, but we have given sufficiently to show the nature of our early roads. These petitions seem queer and unusual, but they served their purpose and what more, could be asked? The country was new, and roads of any consequence were impossible. Trails were all that was necessary, because travel Avas almost wholly by foot or horseback. When wagons were used, the loads were light, which was necessary if they traveled at all, a man putting his small grist upon the "hounds" and making his way to the nearest mill as best he could.

"These roads, laid out, as we have said, by public authority, were opened and worked to some extent, yet for a long time most of them were but poor indeed. The trees were cut away somewhat, a few bridges were made, and log ways were built in some places, yet for the most part they were horrid enough. David Lasley relates in his 'reminiscences' how he (with another man) built three-quarters of a mile of 'log-way' on the road west of Winchester. As late as 1859 there was one and a quarter miles of log-way, nearly in one 'string,' north between Winchester and Deerfield. Often logs a foot or eighteen inches through would be laid down and sometimes absolutely nothing on them, and the wagon had to go 'bumping' across that continuous log-heap. Each new road would be divided into districts, an overseer appointed, and 'hands' given him for his 'gang' to open and work the highway."

Travel being heavy, the location of towns and distances from one to another being practically unknown, the Legislature as early as 181 7, enacted a law requiring that road supervisors should place "at the forks of every public road or highway, directing the way and mentioning the most remarkable places on each road." Knowing the frailties of man, this law carried with it a penalty of a ten dollar fine for anyone convicted of destroying or altering" these sign boards in any way. This law has never been repealed, but the sign board has long since ceased to exist. At the present time (1914), there is but one set of these boards left in place in the county, and these are at the site of the old town of Randolph, long since out of existence. These boards axe one-half mile west of Bartonia, inscribed, "To Winchester, 7 miles, to State line, 2V2 miles."

The author of this article recently had occasion to take a photograph of these sign boards, and while taking them was forcibly reminded of the progress made in community life since these boards were placed in position, years and years ago. Instead of "muddy roads," with their corduroy and almost bottomless mud holes, traveled over by the conestoga wagons, pulled by two six yoke of oxen, the traveler today travels a macadamized road in the most modern vehicles. While taking the picture a school boy rode to the crossing on a bicycle, thus reminding one of the new in that mode of travel, to deposit a letter in a free rural mail delivery box, thus calling attention to the modern means of communication by mail, then rode on to a modern, consolidated school, equipped with all modern appliances, maintaining a commission course, thereby reminding one of the old-time schools in its comparison with the new. Before the picture could be taken it was necessary to wait for the settlement of dust from a passing automobile, traveling, perhaps, fifty miles per hour. Only one thing was necessary to make the picture complete, and that would have been the shadow of a "Limited" aeroplane.

great means of transportation, and to that end the Mississinewa and west fork of White river were declared navigable streams, and were put in the care of supervisors for that purpose. We do not know how far the west fork of \\'^hite river was considered navigable, but it was as far up the river as Sample's mill. In the May term, 1826, the following entries were made: "John Samples is appointed Supervisor on the west fork of Whiteriver from said Samples mill to the mouth of caben creek. John G. Deeds is appointed Supervisor on the west fork of whiterK^er from the mouth of Cabin creek to monsey town on said river." One year from that time, May 8, 1827, we find that the purpose of appointing supervisors for these districts was to clear the rivers of snags, cut out the shallow places and otherwise make the rivers so that flat-boats might be taken down them, especially in the spring. We do not know that this was ever done on White river, at least we have never heard any old settler ever speak of White river as being navigable. Yet, in May, 1827, the river was no doubt worked and certain hands were ordered out for that purpose, as is shown by the following: "Henry T. Sample is appointed Svipervisor on A\"hiteriver from John Sample's mill to the mouth of Stoney creek and ordered that all the hands opposite said district and within 2 miles of said river do work thereon under the direction of said Sample." We have failed to find in the records any report of these supervisors on White river. The ?ilississinewa. however, was declared by law to be navigable, as far as the section line between range 14 and 15 east, which is the line dividing Ward and Jackson townships. There is no doubt about the jNIississinewa having been "worked" and used as a navigable stream. We find that in May, 1835, it was "Ordered that Alexander Garrin-- ger, Supervisor in Green Township, work all the hands that live in his district and within one mile of Alississinewa river one day of their time on said River. Ordered that Jehu I\IcPherson, Supervisor, work all the hands that live in his district within one mile of INIississinewa and west of Lawellins mill one day of their time on said Ri\'er." The IMississinewa was used for transportation purposes as far up the river as Deerfield, but no further than that, as we have been able to learn, as is shown by the reminiscences of Mr Edger, spoken of elsewhere. Xo mention is made of any appointments of supervisors to work the rivers after this time, it being seen, of course, that such was useless.

As the county became more thickly settled and commercial interests were correspondingly enlarged and complicated, more attention was paid to the subject of roads. It is said that the civilization of any nation can be determined by its roads. This saying is certainly true of the middle West.

It is only a step from the blazed trail to the path, from the path to the lane, the lane to the cartway, the cartway to the open highway, through its various steps of mud road, graded road, gravel road, crushed stone and macadam.

A problem through the forties and fifties was one of straightening old roads or establishing new ones upon section lines. The old roads had emanated from certain centers and the problem of e.stablishing new ones in and around these centers became a very complex one. Among these centers were Rockinghams, in the eastern part of Green township; Robinson Mc- Intire's farm, which is at Maxville, Huntsville, West River township, Cherry Grove, in Washington township, Arba, in Greensfork township. Cox's Mill, in White River township, John Massacs, Ward township, Lewallyn's Mill, Franklin township, and Marian's Mill and Georgetown, in Stoney Creek township, but this problem has been successfully solved, until today there are very few roads that do not follow section lines.

The establishing of roads has always been directly or indirectly in the hands of the county commissioners and must, of necessity, depend upon their judgment. It was seldom that a petition for a road was rejected, but one exception to this occurred the third of May, 1838. On that day petition for five roads were received, five of which were rejected, all of which were afterwards established. The commissioners, John Coats, Abraham Adamson and George A. G. McNees, were evidently not feeling very well that day.

As time went on it became evident to all people that the success of the country depended upon the condition of its roads. It further became evident that roads could not he built without money and it was further shown that laws must be enacted v.'hereby the progressive few could compel the backward majority to build good roads. Out of this grew the gravel road law and the "three-mile road law." Another great movement in the road management is what is known as the toll road. These were a system of roads built by companies organized for that purpose for the use of which toll must be paid. These turnpike and plank road companies were organ^ ized, practically, all over the county in about 1856. x\mong them were the Union City and Spartanburg; Morristown and Fairview; Williamsburg and Blooming-sport; Winchester and State Line; Winchester and Bundy's Mill;. Winchester and Jay County Line; Lynn and Winchester; Bloomingsport and

Winchester; Salem and Jericho; Bloomingsport and Economy; Mt. Holly and AUensville, and Huntsville and Boundary. This is only a partial list.

It was soon learned by the people, however, that public roads should be built and maintained at public expense and that they should be open to any and all who cared to drive over them. Consequently, these roads were either voluntarily abandoned and the management assumed by the county or were sold to the various townships or the county. The last of these turnpikes disappeared in the early nineties.

In spite of the slipshod methods by which the roads have been handled there is no source of greater mismanagement of any public affairs than that of the roads. More money has been spent injudiciously and more work done without intelligent guidance and more time squandered upon the public roads than upon any other matter of ]Dublic utility. This fact is recognized by everyone who gives the question any study. The problem of county management today is the management of its roads.

A solution of this has been attempted in the passing of a law whereby the county commissioners appointed a county superintendent of roads, who appoints sub-superintendents, who, with the county superintendent of roads, becomes responsible for the care and management of all county public highways.

In January, 1814, the county commissioners appointed Robert Jellison coimty superintendent of roads. Mr. Jellison proceeded immediately to the appointment of his various able superintendents and the work or organization was begun immediately. As to what the ultimate result of this management will be is of course problematical, but it must be said that the plan bids fair to be the best ever devised. The success of this plan, however, will depend largely upon the ability of the men appointed as various superintendents. If ability, knowledge and skill is to be the determining factor, the roads will be benefited by it.

Another great factor in the public highway question of this county has been its bridges. Formerly the streams were crossed at some suitable place called "fords," but the traveling public has long since demanded public bridges. Randolph county, having so many streams, makes the building ot its bridges a very important one. Formerly all bridges were built of wood and the county had several "covered bridges" or bridges that were enclosed by roof and siding.

These bridges served their purpose well, but at this time, 1914, only two of any consequence are standing. These are the bridge southwest of Farmland across White river, and at the Steubenville crossing of the Mississinfewa. These bridges were built in 1883 and are still in a splendid state of preservation.

Among the important bridges of the county are those crossing the Mississinewa at Fairvie\v, Emmettsville, Ridgeville, Ritenours, Deerfield, Shakerag and at each section line east to the state line. White river is crossed at Windsor, Dick's, Farmland, Maxville, Moormans, Harpers, Winchester and at each place where it is crossed by a public road. Stoney creek has two large bridges near Windsor and smaller ones further up stream. Cabin creek is spanned by three large bridges. Bridges of lesser size are to be found over West river and Nolan's Fork, Greenville creek, Little Mississinewa and various other streams. The smaller bridges are practically all built out of concrete and the wooden floors of the steel bridges are being replaced by reinforced concrete.

Bridges of modern times are of such stability that it is not necessary to slacken sp.eed. while crossing them. Formerly this was necessary, as early as 1868, when it was a iineable offense to cross a bridge "faster than a walk," and all bridges had fastened on them somewhere in public view the statement: "$5.00 fine for traveling over this bridge faster than a walk."

Paul Way was ordered to sell to the lowest bidder the erection of a stray pen in Winchester. "Ordered that Paul W Way as agent sell to the lowest bidder the erection of an estray pen in Winchester form as agreed on by himself and the board of commissioners, said estray pen to be completed against the first Monday in May next." We do not know what it cost to build it but it was sold in 1851 to Mr. Way for $4.00.

The county agent was ordered in November, 1839 to: "Repair the upper story of the county jail by lining it with two inch oak plank; must be ploughed and grooved and the plank must be fixed in a perpendicular position and spiked fast to the wall with sufficient durable nails and also to have a good lock put on said jail door. It is further ordered that the trap door of said jail be sufficiently secured to guard against the escape of convict.-." The trap door referred to was in the floor of the upper room and was the only means of putting prisoners in the lower story.

Evidently things had been going wrong about the jail for at the same session it was "ordered that the county agent have the hinges on the jail door made sufficiently strong to secure all prisoners that may be put therein instanter."

In August, 1840, Jesse Way was paid $15.00, Anderson D. Way $15.00, \^'m. D. Smith, Si 5.00 and Michael Aker Si 5.00, for assisting to convey prisoners to Jeffersonville. At the same time Elisha Martin and Jacob Remmel were paid $3.33^ each, "for assisting to convey prisoners as far as Centerville who were on their way to State prison." Evidently they were taking a "bad lot" for Michael Aker was "allowed out of the county treasury one dollar fifty cents for furnishing chains to secure prisoners, to take them

Three noted prisoners of 1841 were Austin, Munden and Combs. Thos. W. Coats was paid $30.00 for helping to take them to State prison. Joseph Kelly, Samuel Burres and Asahel Stone were paid $1.00 each for guarding these prisoners "in jail one night." George Clark and John Way were paid "one dollar each for their horses service in arresting David Combs." ' Robert Irvin, jailor, is paid $1.00 for gloves and candles for use of Munden, Austin and Combs, prisoners.

In 1843, Asahel Stone was "allowed $30.50 for building a privy for the use of Randolph county." The building was situated on the northwest corner of the square.

In 1843, 't was "ordered that the court house of Randolph county be kept for the purposes of holding courts therein and political speaking only and that the sheriff of said county have the care of the same.

Tn June, 1844, Paul W. Way, county agent, was ordered to "cause horse racks to be erected on each corner of the public square and other places where he may deem necessary on said public square in the town of Winchester."

June 9, 1844, Elias Kizer, one of the county commissioners, was "appointed to furnish a stove for the court house and piping for the same also to get piping for the stove for the jail within and for Randolph county. Also to repair said jail if needed and report to the next term of this board." Mr. Kizer, evidently did this work immediately as the next item is the order for $25.00, paying him for the same.

A reminder of "old times" is shown in an order of 1846, when Thomas W. Reece was "allowed the sum of $1.10 for quills and sand boxes furnished for Randolph county up to February 17, 1846." Steel pens were not bought for the county until 1851, when A. J. Ru.st was allowed $1.50 for steel pens. Sand boxes were used to hold sand in which the quills were "stuck." The sand was also used for blotting.

December 11, 1846, the board ordered that "David J. Cottom procure a clear toned bell for the use of the court house, weighing two hundred and fifty pounds, the said bell to be paid for out of the first money paid into the (25) county treasury." This bell was hung on the outside of the tower which is shown in the picture of the court house and was afterward removed and placed on the town hall and became the property of C. E. Magee when he purchased that building. Mr. Magee still owns the bell.

December 11, 1846, the board of commissioners entered into a contract with A. D. Way which said that he "be and he is hereby authorized to care and take charge of the keys of the court house for the term of five months from the date hereof for which he is to have the use of the jury room in the northeast corner of the said house, also he obligate himself to keep said house in good order." On the same day it was "ordered by the board of commissioners that division No. 26 of the .Sons of Temperance have the privilege of holding their meetings in the second story of the court house for the term of one year for the sum of $12.00, also the said Sons of Temperance are to have the privilege of running a partition across the said second story of the court house for which they are to be allowed a reasonable compensation."

In December, 1848, the board ordered "that D. W. Frazer be allowed to occupy the grand jury room up stairs in the court house (excepting when the circuit court is in session at which time said Frazer is not to be entitled to the use of said room) for the sum of one dollar per month."

A plague broke out in the town of Winchester in the summer of 1849. It was claimed by many to be cholera. People were very much frightened as a great many people died.

"By a citation issued from the county auditor for the purpose of having the place of holding lections changed in White River township at the annual August election, A. D. 1849 Present the Honorable Philip Barger, Abraham Adamson, Esqrs. members of said board.

To the honorable the board of commissioners of Randolph county in special session we the undersigned citizens respectfully represent to your honors that sickness prevails in the town of Winchester the usual place of holding the elections in White River township to such an extent that it is thought to be dangerous to hold the coming August election in said town. We therefore pray your honors to change the place of holding said election to some suitable point in said township where the voters may not incur said danger and your petitioners will ever pray, etc. : Silas Colgrove, Jno. R. Turner, Edmund Thomas, D. J. Cottom, M. L. Jones, J. A. Steele, A. O. Neff, J. Y. Howard, J. M. Hill, A. J. Rush, H. Y. Kizer, Wm. Allen, M. A.

Whereas, by the foregoing petition we deem it a sufficient cause for the changing of said election; we therefore order that the next annual August election be held at a house on Jesse Smith's land near Isaac Ray's about one mile west of Winchester in said township.

"Ordered by the board that Paul W. Way be and he is hereby appointed to sell to the lowest bidder the fencing of the public square in the town of Winchester with a good and sufficient plank fence composed of post and plank, the post to be of good white oak timber to take bond and security of the undertaker for the faithful performance of his contract, said public square to be so enclosed as ten feet on the east side and ten feet on the north side next the streets unenclosed on the west side enclosed so as to take the market house into the enclosure and on the south side on the same line that the present fence now stands, and also that said Paul W. Way have the necessary removed and permanently set on some site as best suits his own judgment concerning the same and make report of his proceedings in the premises to the next term of this board."

In 1850, Martin A. Reeder was "appointed to take charge of the court house in Randolph county for the term of one year and keep the same locked up except on public occasions and the Union Sabbath school will be permitted to hold Sabbath school in the same."

At the same meeting it was "ordered by the board that the Sons of Temperance be permitted to occupy their rooms upstairs at the court house for one year at the former rate of rent provided that said Sons shall. collect all their dirt and floors cleaning out of the court house."

In 1851, Haller Skagg was allowed $14.10 part pay for fencing the public square. John H. Leake was allowed $14.10 for the same. Ludy & Aker were allowed $6.35 for nails and spikes for fencing public square. Paul W. Way was allowed $5.50 "for his services superintending building new fence and selling old fence all round public square, etc." Solomon Yunker was allowed fifty cents, "pay for mending saddle bags for county treasurer." It must be remembered at that time the county treasurer collected the taxes by calling on the various tax payers over the county.

Thomas M. Brown rented the grand jiir}' room in 1851, "for the term of twelve months (except when the grand jury shall be in session) for the sum of one dollar per month to be paid into the county treasury quarterly."

The Sons of Temperance had to give up their room in 1853 and the county recorder "took that room as his office for the purpose of recording deeds, etc., and other instruments required to be recorded in the said recorder's office in the county of Randolph." The deed and marriage record was not indexed by general index until 1852. This work was done by Willis C. Wilmore for which he received $203.18.

In 1853, Joseph Anthony, circuit judge, reports having examined the records of the clerk's office and finds "on such examination the records to be kept in a fair and legible hand and the papers mostly neatly filed and in good state for convenience and preservation."

December 4, 1853, Wm. A. Peele appeared before the board of commissioners and moved : "The court to order what kind of animals should be allowed to run at large upon the unenclosed land or public country of any township, which motion is continued for further evidence to the term of this board."

In December, 1853, Wm. Burris was allowed: "Sum of $118.12, pay for 78744 words in making up the general index of deeds and marriages of Randolph county."

In 1858, Elias Kizer was to furnish twenty-five cords of wood for the county at $1,40 per cord, "to be corded up on the west part of the public square between the court house and the market house."

December 6, 18 18, the first appointment of assessor was made as follows: "George Bowls appointed lister for the county of Randolph for the year 18 19 who gave bond according to law and took and subscribed the following affirmation: I George Bowls do solemnly affirm that I will as - lister for the county of Randolph to the best of my knowledge and judgment diligently and indiscreetly honestly and faithfully execute and discharge the duties of lister according to law. George Bowls." Mr. Bowls

The first tax levy was made in 1819 and was as follows : "Ordered that the taxes for the year 1819 on each and every horse beast, 25 cents." A second tax levy was made in May, 1820, as follows: "Ordered that the following rates of taxation be paid for county purposes for the year on each horse creature over three years, etc., 37/^ cents; on each house of entertainment, $10.00." The tax levy of 1826 was as follows:

The rate in 1835 was fixed in the January term of that year when it was "ordered that the rate of taxation for the year 1835 be as follows, to wit:

The writer of this article, in looking through some rubbish in the attic of the court house in 1912, found the original tax duplicate of that year. It consists of a book of fifty-six pages, eleven and one-half by fourteen inches, bound in hog skin, sewed by hand, and made by C. Conway, clerk at that time. It contains the items of descriptions of land, number of acres, value of land and taxable buildings, names of towns, in lots and out lots and value of same, cattle over two years old, hogs over one year old, merchants' capital, value of corporation stock, value of law libraries, value of medical libraries, money at interest and aggregate value of all other taxable property not specified the number of polls, total amount of taxables and remarks. In that year there were 1,248 people assessed in the county. The poll tax was 37^ cents; value of land and taxable buildings, $232,184.00; value of lots and improvements, $6,931.25; value of horses and mules, $48,291.50; value of cattle over two years old, $10,363.50; value of hogs over one year old, $7,097.25; there were nine merchants, and their capital totaled $7,624.00; value of corporation stock, $682.00; value of law libraries, $150.00; value of medical libraries, $97.00; money at interest, $4,063.50; aggregate value of all the other taxable property not specified, $20,105.50.

November, 1828, "William Mann is acquitted of 75 cents tax on a horse improperly assessed for the year 1828." September, 1827, Albert Banta was acquitted of 13 cents tax on a town lot improperly assessed for the year 1827. In the same year John Coats was acquitted of 16 cents.

In 1830 it was "Ordered that county treasurer pay Isaac Overman 75 cents, the tax improperly assessed and collect on two work oxen for the year 1829."

June, 1830, David Frazer was paid "twenty-five cents for one quire furnished at election prior to date and fifty cents for making return of the election in the year 1829."

In 1826 Joseph Pierson was paid $7.80 for assessing Greensfork township. Robert Way was paid $11.20 for assessing White River towrjship. Wm. Hunt paid $7.00 for assessing West River township. Riley Marshall $4.50 for assessing Ward township. These were all the townships in what is now Randolph county, but that same year David Vestal was paid $5.00 for assessing Liberty township, being part of Delaware county. May, 1827, James Clayton was given an order for $30.00 as assessor for the year 1827. In November, 1827, Mr. Clayton appeared before the board and the following entry was made: "This day James Clayton came before the board in open session and made affirmation that a county order granted to him for assessing the county for the year 1827 is lost or so mislaid that he can not get the same therefore ordered that an order issue in the place of the one so lost or mislaid."

The Treasurer reports in May, 1826, a balance of $9.19^.. A balance in January, 1829, of $7.04. In ]\Iarch, 1830, the treasurer reports $9.4114- In May, 1832, he 'had $1.91. As late as May, 1840, the treasury was so depleted that it was "ordered that Goodrich Brothers & Company be allowed $6.00 for a record book for surveyors office out of the first money that comes into the county treasury." In August of the same year George M. Monks was to receive "$13.00 out of the first money that comes into the treasury for money by him expended for paper and books." When the treasury would get into this condition they would have a lot sale.

One hundred fifty-eight acres of land, donated to the county by the gentleman referred to in the first part of this chapter, was divided into town lots, the sales of which were to replenish the treasury of the county, all remaining lots in Winchester were also ordered sold in 1827. Paul W. Way had this in charge and Way received pay for selling these in 1828.

William Connor was the first to be granted license to vend merchandise. He paid $20.00 for a license for twelve months from November, 1818, to November, 1819.

To keep a tavern one had to have a license which must be obtained by twelve disinterested freeholders petitioning the county commissioners to grant license to some specified person. The conditions of these petitions is shown by the following entry, made in March term of 1840: "Herman L. Searls now comes and files a certificate of good moral character signed by at least twenty-four freeholders of Ward township, in the county of Randolph, Indiana, and also a petition praying the board of commissioners to grant him a license to keep a tavern in the town of Deerfield, in said county, for one year from this date. And the board of commissioners being satisfied that it is the bona fide intention of the said petitioner to keep a tavern for the accommodation of the public and that he is furnished with the spare rooms and bedding in his mansion house and stabling and good stalls .for at least four horses and all things required by law for a tavern keeper and having filed a bond and security as required by law, and having produced the county treasurer's receipt for the sum of twenty-five dollars the tax legally assessed by. the board of commissioners on tavern license. It is therefore ordered by the board of commissioners now here that the said Herman L. Searls have license to keep a tavern in the said town of Deerfield for one year from this date." Petition of Herman L. Searls. The rates were fixed by the county commissioners. The first rate was fixed in November, 1819, for Mr. McCool, who had the first tavern in Winchester :

In 1833, license for peddling wooden clocks was fixed at $10.00 per year. In 1847, non-resident peddlers were charged $10.00 per year. In 1844, Pomeroy & Fleming were granted a license to vend merchandise and wooden, brass and composition clocks in Randolph county for nine months. In 1833 John Beard paid $2.50 for a permit to sell goods in Ward township for three months. Robert Taylor was granted a license to keep a tavern in the town of Deerfield in 1839. Thomas & James Burk were granted a license to keep a grocery in the town of Winchester for one year, 1834.

The first attorney for the county commissioners was appointed in 1840. Mr. Smith Elkins at that time was paid $26.00 for thirteen days' services.

The first woman to be placed in jail was Jemima Mann. Jemima was evidently an "old oft'ender," as in January, 1831, the county treasurer was "ordered to pay Wm. M. Way, jailer, the sum of $17.00 for confining Ishmael Bunch in jail and dieting same four days and confining Jemima Mann in jail

The first weights and measures procured for the county was in November, 1819, when Charles Conway was "appointed to procure one measure of I foot English, one measure of three feet English measure and half bushel, one gallon mea^sure and set of weights of lead avoirdupois weight and the an initials letters of the county for the use of the county of Randolph." In May 1840 Paul W. Way county agent, was ordered to procure a half bushel measure one foot one yard measure also scales and weights as provided for by law for clerks office.

Formerly fines and forfeitures must be recorded with the county commissioners. The principal offense at 'that time seems to have been betting.

Be it remembered that John Stephenson did on the 13th day of June, 1829, come before me, John Odle, a Justice of the Peace for Randolph county, in the town of Winchester, who did then and there swear one fineable oath, swearing by God in a violent and angry manner for which I assessed one dollar as a fine. June 20th, John Stephenson paid me one dollar for his fine. John Odle^ (Seal.)

On a charge for committing as assault and battery on the body of Marget Cox of Randolph county. West River township, at the house of said Hoglin on the 14th day of December, 1829. One dollar fine assessed against said Nancy lioglin of the above county and township on the 6th day of February, 1830, fine, $1.00.

In September of 1830, William Hunt, justice of the peace, fined Harper Hunt $1.00 "on a charge of stripping and offering to fight." Joel Ward made his report on March, 1832, as follows: "January the 3rd, 1832, the defendant paid in the above fine and cost of suit. Paid over the above fine to Michael Aker, seminary trustee. I certify the above to be a true copy from my docket this 3rd day of March, 1832.

It frequently happened that feuds would be carried on between men or families and difficulties were certain to arise whenever they met and this meant business for the squires. .This was true of Edward McClue and Ezekiel Roe. November, 1832, they were fined one dollar and July, 1833, were fined one dollar. November, 1833, they were again fined onfe dollar and March of 1834, a fine of four dollars and in May, 1834, ten dollars.

In 1850, Robert P. Budd fined Mary Life "for committing assault and battery on the body of Catharine Woods in the sum of $1.00 and costs," but he offers the suggestion that "this is doubtful whether it will be collected."

"Ordered that an election be held in Stoney Creek township for a justice ')f the peace on the last Saturday in this month if they should get their corn planted." George W. Smithson was appointed inspector of the election.

A partition was built in the jail in 1830. John Way received the sum of $1,871^ for mending the jail and making hinges for the partition door.

As late as 1861 George Stevenson and others filed articles in association of the Blcomingsport Vigilance Society, which was inspected and approved by the board. The purpose of this society was to detect "horse thieves and other cnmmals.' The "other criminals" are said to have been Knights of the Golden Circle.

State roads were provided for January 15, 1844. Under that act the Huntsville, Maxville and Fairview road was made a state road. The Mont-see-iown and Camden road and the Deerfield and Steubenville roads were also state roads.

Bridge was built over White river on the old State road in 1846. Hands were allowed fifty cents per day, team and driver one dollar per day.

December 5, 1845, it was "ordered by the Board of Commissioners that the premium allowed for wolf scalps for the year 1845 be and the same is $1.50 for each seperate scalp." Jacob Linkle is allowed $1.50 for a wolf's scalp on that same day.

Originally the county commissioners appointed the jurors. The first set of grand jurors was appointed during the first meeting, August, 1818. "The following men are appointed grand jurors to the October term of the circuit court : William Diggs, John Wright, John Way, Jonathan Edwards, John BaUenger, William Wright, Jeremiah Meek, Gideon Frazer, William Haworth, Curtis Clenney, Isaac Wright, Jesse Johnson, William Canada, Travis Adcock, James Massey, William Way, Sr., Jesse Roberts, Armsbee Diggs." The following men were appointed petit jurors to the October term of the circuit court : "Meshach Lewallyn, Paul W. Way, James Jacobs, William Way, Sr., Abraham Wright, Solomon Wright, Jesse Green, James Wright, David Stout, Joshua Cox, Samuel Lea, Jonathan Heath."

In November, 1819: "The following men are appointed grand jurors to March term of the circuit court, i§i9 : John Way, James Massey, William Way, Jr., Tence Massey, John Ballenger, Jonathan Heath, William Diggs, David Stout, Samuel Lee, William Haworth, John Wright, Jesse Green, John Wright, Joshua Cox, William Wright, Armsbee Diggs, Isaac Wright, James Wright. The following men are appointed 1818, petit jurors to March term of the Circuit court, 1819: Meshach Lewallyn, William Haworth, Jesse Roberts, Jonathan Edwards, Solomon Wright, Daniel Petty, William Canaday, John Elzroth, James Wright, Isaiah Cox and Henry Wise."

Commissioners were very obliging in 1872 when they allowed George Irvin the privilege of setting his fence out seven feet in the Huntsville and Winchester road with the purpose of planting a hedge along said road. Mr. Irvin agreed to move the fence in case they wanted to greater improve the road but agreed to move it only long enough for such grading or improvement to be done."