Green County, Wisconsin - Chapter 18: The County Board - Past and Present, 1884

Chapter 18: The County Board - Past and Present

There is much in the early government of Green county to demand attention and awaken an interest in the mind of the reader. Nor is that interest lessened to any great extent as we examine the proceedings of the "county legislature" down even to the present day. Only the most important of the measures adopted by the board, from the organization of the county to this date (1884), can be given in this chapter. But first we will mention the various changes that the board itself has undergone since its first creation and the names of all those who have acted as its members to the present day.

County Commissiokees

From the organization of the countyj in 1838, down to the date of the admission of Wisconsin into the Union as a sovereign State, in 1848, a period of ten years. Green, as well as other counties of Wisconsin Territory, was governed by a county board, formed of three commissioners. When in session, they held what was denominated a commissioners' court. The first terra is given in their proceedings as "commissioners' court, March term, 1838," and soon.

At the general election in September, 1841, the question as to whether the county would adopt the town government system was voted upon by the electors of the county and voted down by the following decisive majority:

County Supervisoks

From 1849 to 1861, inclusive, the chairman of each town board of supervisors in the county was ex officio a member of the county board; so that the number corresponded exactly with the number of towns in the county (if there were no vacancies and if all the members were present), at the meetings of the board.

The county supervisors present at the meetings of the board while it had an existence, with the towns and villages represented by them, were as follows :

Daniel S. Sutherland, chairman ; Thomas S. Bowen, E. Roby, A. D. Kirkpatiick, A. Broughton, J. W. Kildow, W. Osgood, George Gardner, William C. Green, John Wood, Jeremah ]>ridge, Samuel Kelly, Joseph Reeder and 11. Adams. L. Richards, clerk.

districts. Elections were to be held in November of each alternate year, and the term of office was to begin the first of the following January,

By a change in the law, supervisors elected in 1867 from the odd numbered districts held office for one year, while those from even numbered districts held office two years.

The Board Increased

Section 1. At the first annual town meeting after the passage of this act, to-wit, 1869, the electors of the supervisors representing the even numbered districts in said county shall elect two additional supervisors, whose term of office shall expire at the same time, and who shall be elected in the same manner as the supervisor for such district is now elected, and the electors of the supervisors representing the odd numbered districts in said county, shall elect two additional supervisors in each district, Avhose term of office shall expire at the same time and who shall be elected in the same manner as the supervisors for said districts are now elected, and at each succeeding general election thereafter for the election of county supervisors, three supervisors shall be elected for the term of two years in each supervisor district.

Section 2. The supervisors elected at the aforesaid town meeting shall meet with the county board of supervisors in the county of Green, at their first meeting after their election, and qualify by taking the oath of office as now provided by law in relation to county boards of supervisors, and shall thereby become members thereof, with all the powers and duties now conferred upon such county boards of supervisors.

Section 3. All acts or parts of acts contravening the provisions of this, so far as the same may relate to the county of Green, are hereby repealed.

An Act to repeal chapter sixty-two of the general laws of 1869, entitled: "An Act to increase the number of county supervisors in the county of Green, and to provide for their election."

Section 1. Chapter sixty-two of the general laws of 1869, entitled, "An Act to increase the number of county supervisors in the county of Green, and to provide for their election," is hereby repealed.

After the spring election of 1870, the county returned to the system of government wherein each town in the county, the city of Monroe, and the incorporated villages of Brodhead and Albany are represented by the chairman of the local board of supervisors - the city of Monroe sending two members to the county board; one from the first ward and one from the second ward. This was under the general law passed in 1868.

John Bolender, chairman, Monroe; W. Monteith, Adams; J. Phillips, Albany; F. R. Melvin, Brooklyn; H. Rush, Cadiz; W Beekman, Clarno; A. N. Randall, Decatur; C. W. Mitchell, village of Brodhead; E. C. Morse, Exeter; J. Roderick, Jefferson; S. Blackford, Jordan; A. C. Dodge, village of Monroe; A. H. Pierce, Mount Pleasant; J. Luchsinger, New Glarus;

Ordered^ That Hiram Rust be appointed clerk of the commissioners' court, in and for the county of Green, until the first Monday of July next, and until his successor be appointed and qualified to office.

Ordered, That James Riley, Julius Austin and James Hawthorn be appointed judges of the annual election, and all elections for 1838, and until their successors are appointed and qualified to office.

The county commissioners' court met pursuant to adjournment. Present: William Brown, Esq., Daniel S. Sutherland, Esq., and Daniel Harcourt, Esq., commissioners.

* Important orders and resolutions of the board, not griven in this chapter, are to be found in full in other chapters in connection with the subjects to which they relate.

" We, your petitioners, request that you grant us a road, as the law directs, on tiie following described route : Beginning at the [Illinois] State line, eighty rods west from the southeast corner of section 32, township 1 north, of range 8 east, thence on the most practicable route to J. W. Denniston's mill, in township 1 north, of range 1 east, on section 17, in said township and range.

Ordered, That William Rittenhouse, Henry Minor and Joseph Forbes, be, and hereby [are] appointed viewers of said road, beginning at the State line, eighty rods west from the southeast corner of section 32, in township 1 north, of range 8 east, thence on the most practicable route to J. W. Denniston's mill, in township 1 north, of range 7 east, section 17, and report to the next term of this court.

" We, your petitioners, citizens of said county, request that you grant us a county road on the following described route, as the law directs : Beginning at the public square in North New Mexico, from thence to the public square in South New Mexico, in said county, thence on the most practicable route to the State line, on a direction for Brewster's ferry, Stephenson Co., 111.

Ordered, That Joseph McCracken, Julius Austin and Jeremiah Bridge, be, and they are hereby appointed viewers of said road, beginning at the public square in North New Mexico, thence to the public square in South New Mexico, in said county, thence on the most practicable route to the State line, on a direction for Brewster's ferry, Stephenson Co., 111.

Ordered, That Jacob Ly Brand be licensed and permitted to retail merchandise in the county of Green to date from the first of April, 1838, for one year, upon the payment of the sura of $20.

Ordered, That James Churchman be allowed |50 as district attorney, for services rendered as per order of district court for April term, 1838, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.

Ordered, That Joseph Payne be allowed $15 on account of M. Bainbridge, clerk of the district court, as per request, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.

Ordered, That James Christie be allowed $5 on account of M. Bainbridge, clerk of the district court, as per request, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropi-iated.

Ordered, That Mortimer Bainbridge be allowed $40.32 for balance of services rendered as district clerk and clerk of the county commissioners, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.

Ordered, That the following described boundary shall constitute a road district numbered 1, to-wit : Beginning at the southeast corner of section 32, town [ship] 1 north, of range '1 east; thence north to the northeast corner of section 17, in said town [ship] 1; thence west to the Pecatonica river ; thence down said river to the State line ; thence east to the place of beginning; and that Bennett Nowlin be appointed supervisor of said district.

Ordered, That the following described boundary shall constitute a road district No. 2 : Beginning at the southeast corner of section 7, in town [ship] 1 north, of range 7 east ; thence east to the range line between [ranges] 7 and 8; thence north to the northeast corner of section 36, in town [ship] 2 north, of range 7 east ; thence west to the northwest corner of section 32 in said town [ship] 2; thence south to the place of beginning ; and that Elijah Austin be appointed supervisor for said district.

Ordered, That William Boyls be allowed |2 for services rendered as cleik of election out of any money in the treasury not otherwise apropriated.

Ordered, That A. J. Sutherland be allowed $2 for services rendered as clerk of election out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.

Ordered, That Thomas S. Bowen be allowed $4 for services on grand jury for the April and August terms last, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.

Ordered, That D. S. Sutherland be allowed $12 for services rendered as county commissioner out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.

Ordered, That Joseph McCracken be allowed $3 for two days' services as road viewer, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.

Ordered, That R. H. Palmer be allowed §60.50 for services rendered as commissioner to locate a Territorial road, and his expenses attending the same, out of any money in the treasury, not otherwise appropriated.

Ordered, That J. H. Palmer be allowed $16.50 for services rendered as commissioner, to locate Territorial road, out of any money in the treasury, not otherwise appropriated.

Ordered, That Josiah Pierce be allowed $1 6.50 for services rendered as commissioner, to locate a Territorial road, out of any money in the treasury, not otherwise appropriated.

Ordered, That the following described boundary shall constitute a road district No. 3: Beginning at the northwest corner of section 31, in town[ship] 2 north, of range 8 east; thence south to the southwest corner of said section 31; thence east to the southeast corner of said section; thence north to the northeast corner of section 31, in town [ship] 3 north, of range 8 east; thence west to the range line between [ranges] 6 and 7; thence south on said line to the southwest corner of section 30, in town[ship] 2 north, of range 7 east; thence east to the place of beginning; and ordered that George W. Reeder be appointed supervisor of said district.

Ordered, That the following described boundary shall constitute a road district No. 4: Beginning at the southeast corner of section 25, town[ship] 3 north, of range 8 east; thence north on range line to north line of the county; thence west to range line between [ranges] 6 and 7; thence south to the southwest corner of section 30, in town[ship] 3 north, of range 7 east; thence east to the place of beginning; and ordered that Josiah Pierce be appointed supervisor of said district.

Ordered, That the following described boundaries shall constitute a road district No. 5: Beginning at the southeast corner of section 33, in town[8hipj 1 north, of range 8 east; thence north to the northeast corner of section 16, in said town[sliip] 1 north, range 8 east; thence west to the northwest corner of section 16, in town[8hip] 1 north, of range 7 east; thence south to the State line; thence east to the place of beginning;

Ordered, That, whereas, Bennett Nowlin has refused to serve as supervisor in road district No. 1, that Andrew Clarno be appointed in his place.

William Bowen, Jamks Riley, Jeremiah Bridge, Commissioners. Attest: William Rittenhouse, Clerk. To the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Gi'een:

We, the commissioners, appointed by the legislative assembly of the Territory of Wisconsin, to locate the county seat of the county of Green, agreeably to an act entitled "An Act to divide the county of Iowa, as establishes the seat of justice of the county of Green at New Mexico, and to provide for the location of the seat of justice of the county of Green," approved Dec. 19, 1838, respectfully report:

That after having discharged the duties required by said act, in examining said county, have unanimously agreed to locate and have located the seat of justice of said county of Green, on the east half of the northeast quarter of section twenty-five (25), in town[ship] 2 north, of range seven (7) east, at a point designated by a stake, driven by us, on said east half of the northeast quarter of said section twentyfive (25) - to which we have given the name of "Roscoe." All which, is respectfully submitted.

Ordered, That the following nan.ed persons be selected to serve as grand jurors at the next term of the district court, to-wit: Julius Austin, Mathew Wells, Adam Starr, William Boyls, John Chadwick, Jacob Stair, William Brown, James Campbell, Joseph Woodle, Davis Bowen, Henry Minor, John Cain, John Chryst, William Draper, James Hawthorn, William Biggs, Robert Brazel, George W. Reeder, George Mc- Fadden, Daniel Baxter, David Davis, John Baker and Mordecai Kelly.

Ordered, That the following named persons be selected to serve as petit jurors at the next term of the district court, to-wit: William Wells, Peter Wells, Stephen Clarno, Charles Boyls, John Cameron, Augustus Chilton, Thomas Thompson, Joshua Whitcomb, William Woodle, Joseph Forbes, Joel DeCamp, Calvin Hale, Joseph Smith, Jarvis Ratten, Elijah Austin, William Brazel, Absolom Kelley, S. T. Brown, Jesse Mitchell, John Kline, Horace Griffin, Andrew J. Sutherland, Felix Conover and Michael Albin.

Ordered, That, whereas George W. Reeder has executed to the county of Green, a general warranty deed of conveyance for fifty acres of land off of the south end of the east half of the northeast quarter of section 25, in town [ship] 2, of range 7 east - it being understood before the delivering of said deed that said Reeder reserve the rails on said tract of land - that he have the privilege of taking tliem off.

Ordered, That Daniel A. Richardson be licensed and permitted to retail dry goods in the county of Green for the terra of one year from this the first day of April, by his paying into the county treasury the sum of $10.

Ordereel, That Jacob LyBrand be licensed and permitted to retail dry goods in the county of Green for the term of one year from this the first day of April, by his paying into the county treasury |30.

Ordered, That Daniel A. Richardson pay $6 for selling goods without license up to the first day of April, 1839, as per acknowledgement of John Hart without a knowledge of his duty as a retailer of mei'chandise in obtaining license.

Ordered, 'Jliat, whereas, Jacob LyBrand obtained an order to take out a license to vend merchandise in the county of Green, at the July term of this court, in 1838, and has failed to comply with the law in that case made and provided, therefore, ordered that suit be instituted immediately against said Jacob Lybi'and in the district court of said county in an action of debt to the damage of said county of llOO as the law directs; and that Elijah Austin, Jose))h Kelly, Robert Delap and Joseph Payne, be summoned as witnesses in said suit.

Ordered, That first rate land be valued at $3.50 per acre, and that second rate land be valued at $3 per acre. And ordered that there be one-half of one per cent, tax levied on all real property as valued, or $1.40 for every eighty acres of first rate land and $1.20 for every eighty acres of second rate land; and one-half one per cent, on all personal property and town lots.

Ordered, That the following named persons be selected as grand jurrors, to serve at the next term of the district court, to-wit: Julius Austin, Mathew Wells, Thomas S. Bowen, William

OnhreJ, That the following named persons be selected as petit jurors, to serve at the next term of the district court, to-wit: William Wells, Peter Wells, Stephen Clarno, Stephen G. Hale, John Cameron, Augustus Chilton, Thomas Thompson, Joshua Whitcomb, William Woodle, Joseph Forbes, John Bridge, Calvin Hale, Joseph Smith, J. Rattan, Elijah Austin, William Brazel, Absolom Kelly, O. J. White, Jesse Mitchell, John Kline, Horace Griffin, A. J. Sutherland, Felix Conor and James Sutherland.

Clerk. Extra session of the board of county commissioners held this 19th day of August, 1839; present: William Bowen, James Riley and Jeremiah Bridge:

Ordered, That the sum of $90. .58, the amount of the aforesaid five per cent., be set apart for the Territorial revenue for the year 1839, and that the clerk of said board of commissioners transmit by mail to the Territorial treasurer a certified copy of the duplicate for the current year.

Extra session of the hoard of county commissioners begun and held this 19th day of September, A. D., 1839; present: William Bowen, James Riley and William Boyls. William Bowen was elected chairman by ballot.

Whereas, This board failed at July session, 1839, to divide the county of Green into three districts for the purpose of assessing property for the revenue for the year 1840 for the want of the statute in such case made and provided now, therefore, be it

Ordered, That the said county be divided in the following form, to-wit: District No. 1 shall contain all that part of said county which lies in range 6 east, and two tiers of sections off of the west side of range 7 east. District No. 2 shall contain all that part of said county which is not included in district No. 1, in range No. 7 east, and four tiers of sections off of the west side of range No. 8 east. District No. 3 shall contain all that part of said county which is not included in the two first mentioned districts, or all of range 9 east, and two tiers of sections off of the east side of range 8 east, in said county. And be it further

Ordered, That David Davis be appointed assessor for district No. 3 and that George Connor be appointed assessor for the 2d district and that Stephen Clarno (elected) be assigned to district No. 1.

Ordered, That the clerk of the board shall certify to the governor of this Territory that the sixth section of the act entitled, "An act to l^rovide for and establishing the seat of justice of Green county," approved March 9, 1839, is

Ordered, That |3 be allowed for each wolf scalp as a bounty for the destruction of wolves? under an act of the legislature of this Territory, to provide for the destruction of wolves from and after this day up to the 1st day of January, 1841.

Ordered, That the legality of the title to the lands deeded to Green county, on which Monroe, the present county seat, is situated, be referred to the district attorney for said county for his legal decision on the same; and that all papers relative thereto be submitted to him by the clerk of this board, and that he report and iile said report with said clerk, and that the sheriff serve a copy of this order on said f,ttorney.

Ordered, That suit be instituted in the nan:e of the board of commissioners of the county df Green against John Porter for retailing spirituous liquors and wines from the 25th day of December, 1839, up to April 18, 1840, without first obtaining a license therefor, to the damage of said Green county of |50, before Joseph Kelly, Esq., a justice of the peace in and for said connty of Green; and that Calvin Hale, O. H. P. Clarno, Cutler Wilkins, Alfred Cannon and James Hawthorn be summoned as witnesses in said suit.

On application, Be it ordered, That Thomas Walsh is hereby allowed and permitted to keep a tavern in the house he now lives in, in the county of Green, and no other, for the term of twelve months from this day, by paying into the county treasury the sum of So.

Ordered, That suit be instituted before Joseph Kelly, Esq., a justice of the peace, against Jacob LyBrand, in the name of the board of commissioners of the county of Green and Territory of Wisconsin, for retailing goods, wares and merchandise from the 1st day of April, A. D. 1839, up to the 4th day of July, 1839, without first obtaining license therefor, to the damage of the said county of Green of $50; and that A. G. Houghton, Robert Delap, James Hawthorn and J. W. Deniston be summoned as witnesses in said suit.

On application of John Porter to this board for to compromise a suit ordered to be commenced at this session before Joseph Kelly, a justice of the peace, for retailing spirituous liquors and wines without first obtaining license therefor; and [who] proposes to relinquish an order made in his favor at this session for $20, for that purpose, - therefore, be it

Ordered, That Jesse W. Shull be and is hereby appointed assessor for 1840 in district No. ], to fill the vacancy of Stephen Clarno, who has left this county.

May 18, 1840. Whereas, Jacob LyBrand reserved to himself the choice of six town lots in the town of Monroe, in his deed to Green county, dated 24th day of August, A. D. 1839, Be i-t ordered. That said Jacob LyBrand be notified that the town plat of the town of Monroe is acknowledged and filed in the register's office for record, and that the said LyBrand make choice of said lots as aforesaid in said deed, and that the sheriff serve on the said Jacob Lybrand a copy of this order, and make due return thereof.

Ordered, That whereas J. W. Shull has failed to give bond as assessor in the 1st district, that Joseph Smith be and is hereby appointed assessor in said district No. 1,

June 1, 1840. Whereas, Jacob LyBrand was notified on the 18th day of May, 1840, to make clioice of six town lots reserved by him in a deed executed to the county of Green, dated Aug 24, 1839, which notice was returned by the sheriflp duly served; and

Whereas, No specified time is designated for the selection of said lots, and sufficient time having been given to the said Jacob Ly Brand to make such selection as by him provided in said deed, and has hitherto neglected, and by so neglecting, refused, and by so doing, waives his right to make said choice, and

Whereas, Provision is made in the above named deed that Green county, before offering any portion of the town of Monroe for sale, said county shall make a deed to said Jacob LyBrand for six building lots in said town as provided in said deed, - now be it

Ordered, That the following lots be selected, to-wit: lot No. 1, facing on the public square, and lots Nos. 80, 88, 89, 97 and 74, being lots not facing on the public square; and that a deed be executed to the said Jacob LyBrand for said lots on the part of said Green county and tendered to the said Jacob LyBrand by the sheriff, and return thereof made and filed in the office of the clerk of this board.

June 2, 1840. Ordered, That application be made to the land office at Mineral Point for the field notes of the United States survey for towns [townships] Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 north, of ranges 6, 7 and 8 east, by letter transmitted by the clerk of this board by mail or otherwise.

Ordered, That application be made to the land office at Milwaukee for the field notes of the United States survey for towns [townships] Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 north, of range 9 east, by letter transmitted by the clerk of this board by mail or otherwise.

of the United States surveys for towns [townships] Nos. i, 2, 3 and 4 north, of ranges 6, 7 and 8 east of the fourth principal meridian, together with plats of the length of the section lines, the meanderings of the Pecatonica river, as well as the exterior township lines, drawn as near like the official plats in the land office as can be, agreeable to said Taylor's proposals now on file in this office; and that the clerk of this board transmit a copy of this order to said S. Taylor by mail.

Ordered, That, whereas the assessment rolls returned by the several assessors for the year 1840, for the county of Green, as to the valuation of the lands in their respective districts, do not bear a just proportion to each other - that, in order to equalize said valuations, that all may bear just proportions to each other, the first rate land in all the districts be valued at $3 per acre, and the second rate land at |2.50 per acre.

Ordered, That, for the purpose of raising a revenue for the charges and expenses of this county for the year 1840, there be levied 1 per cent tax on the valuation of all the taxable property of this county, as returned by the assessors and proportioned by this board.

Ordered, That the clerk of this board give notice by posting up in three or more of the most public places in the county, notices that sealed proposals will be received by the clerk of this board at his office, until the first Monday of August next, for the building and enclosing a two-story frame house, 20x30 feet in the town of Monroe, for a temporary court house; said proposals to designate particularly the size and description of the timber, quality of shingles and siding, etc. Bond and security will be required to the faithful performance of said contracts.

dered that the said Joseph Payne be licensed and permitted to keep a tavern in the said house for the term of twelve months from this date by paying into the county treasury the sura of $5 therefor.

Whereas, Proposals were ordered to be received, and have been received by the clerk of this board, for the purpose of erecting a twostory building in the town of Monroe, for the purpose of a temporary court house, be it ordered that the proposals of James Campbell and J. Sutherland be accepted by this board, and that they give bond in the penal sum of $900 for the faithful performance of said contract to the board of commissioners of the county of Green, agreeable to the tenor and effect of said proposals on file, to be completed on or before the 1st day of December, 1840.

Ordered, That the clerk of this board transmit to the editors of the Wisconsin Enquirer an advertisement that there will be a public sale of lots in the town of Monroe, on the 8th day of October next, with instructions to the publisher of said Wisconsin Euqtiirer {:}i \y:i\^QV printed in Madison, Wis. Ter.,) to give the said advertisement an insertion for four weeks successively.

Whereas, A deed was executed to Jacob Ly Brand by this board for six building lots in the town of Monroe and presented to him by the sheriff of Green county in pursuance of an order of this board at the July session, 1840; and,

W^HEREAS, The said Jacob Ly Brand refused to accept said deed and chose other six lots in said town to-wit: lots number one (1), twentythree (23), twenty-four (24) and twenty-five (25), being lots on the land donated to Green county by Jacob Ly Brand ; also lot number three (3) on the land donated to said county by William C. Russell; also lot number seven (7) on the land donated by the said Jacob Ly Brand and facing on the public square in said town.

Ordered^ That a deed of conveyance be executed to the said Jacob Ly Brand by thi> board on the part of Green county, for the aforesaid described lots and tendered to the said Jacob Ly Brand by the sheriff, who is required to make return thereof forthwith to this board.

The sheriff returned into court the following return to-wit: "I hereby certify that I, this 8th day of October, 1840, presented a deed from Green county to Jacob Ly Brand for certain lots in the town of Monroe, and the said Jacob Ly Brand accepted the same."

November 4, 1840. Whereas, James Campbell and Andrew J. Sutherland are bound to the board of commissioners of the county of Green by bond dated Aug. 4, 1840, to erect a two-story building for the pui'pose of a court house in the town of Monroe, and in the opinion of the court the condition of the said bond has been complied with; it is

Ordered, That Frederick Betner be employed by this board to furnish points and oil, and to paint the court house in the town of Monroe, according to his proposals now on file in the clerk's office.

The board of county commissioners of the count)' of Iowa, in the Territory of Wisconsin, by their attorney, Robert C Hoard, produced to this board, a certified statement of debts against said Iowa county, up to March 4, 1837, in which said Iowa county demands of the said county of Green, her proportionable part thereof, under the act of the lea^islature to organize the county of Green, approved Jan. 15, 1838, which amounts to $51*7.53; and, after mature consideration, the adjustment of said claim is continued to the next January session of this board.

Upon an examination of the claim of Iowa Co., Wis., against Green Co., Wis., as exhibited to this board by Robert C. Hoard, Esq., the board here being sufficiently advised of and concerning the same, is of the opinion that it belongs to the treasurer of Green county to audit and pay over the same if any due, to the sheriff of Iowa county, and that the board here has not jurisdiction of the matter; and ordered that the clerk of this board transmit a certified copy of this order together with the said account on tile against Green county, to the clerk of the board of county commissioners of lov/a county.

Upon examination of the account of John P. Shields, Esq., district attorney for Green county for professional services - it appearing to this board that he ought to have the whole of the said account; therefore, be it

Ordered, That the clerk of this board give notice by posting up in three or more of the most public places in this county, notices that sealed proposals will be received by the clerk of this board at his office until the first Monday of April next, for the building and finishing a twostory frame building in the town of Monroe, 20x30 feet, two stories high, for the purpose of a temporary court house; the said proposals to designate particularly the size and quality of the timbers, quality of shingles, siding, etc.; and that bond and security will be required for the faithful performance of said contract.

J. W. Smith produced an account, with petitions of certain citizens of the county of Green, praying for an allowance of $206.50 to compensate, him, said Smith, for loss sustained occasioned by the burning of the court house in the town of Monroe. After hearing the evidence produced by said Smith and the matter being fully understood, the board here is of opinion that he ought not to have and recover any part of the said account.

Ordered, That Thomas Walsh be licensed to keep a tavern in the house he now lives in, for the term of one year from and after this date, by paying into the county treasury the sum of $5.

Ordered, That townships 3 and 4 north, of ranges 6, 1, 8 and 9 east, (or the north half of the county) be and is hereby struck off and set apart as an election precinct by the name of Sugar River; and that elections shall be held at the house of John Porter in said precinct, and that Josiah Pierce, John Porter and Leonard H. Ross be and are hei*eby appointed judges of election in said precinct.

Ordered, That Justus Sutherland, Jeremiah Bridge and Joseph Kelly be and are hereby appointed judges of election in Monroe precinct, which precinct, shall constitute the following portion of the county, to-wit : Townships 1 and 2 north, of ranges 6, 1, 8 and 9 east.

Whereas, at our February extra session, 1841, proposals were ordered to be received, and were received by the clerk of this board for the purpose of erecting a temporary court house, be it

Ordered, That the proposals of Demas Beach be received and accepted by this board, and that there be an article of agreement executed between the county of Green and the said Demas Beach, and that he give security for the faithful performance of said contract.

Whereas, The said Thomas Walsh has been convicted before James Howe, Esq., a justice of the peace, in and for said county, for an offense against the law of the Territory regulating taverns for keeping a disorderly house; and it appearing to this board that the clerk of this board has duly notified the said Thomas Walsh to appear and show cause, if any, why the said license should not be revoked ; and as the said Thomas Walsh has totally failed to appear ; therefoi'e, be it

Whereas, Frederick Betner purchased two lots in Monroe, and gave his note to the treasurer of the county for $30, for said lots, which said note was payable in work on the court house last winter ; and the said house having been burned, so that the work could not be done, therefore be it

Ordered, That he, Betner, shall receive the said note of the treasurer ; and that the said Betner be allowed $10 for work done on said court house (before burned), out of any money in the treasury appropriated for contingent expenses.

Ordered, That Josepfi Payne be and is hereby licensed and permitted to keep a tavern in the bouse he now lives in, in New Mexico, for the space of twelve months, by paying into the county treasury the sum of $5 therefor.

Ordered, That S. L. Summers be and is hereby licensed to keep a grocery and to sell spirituous liquors, in quantities less than one quart, in the

May 24, 1842. Upon application of Ezra Durgin, be it Ordered, That he be licensed to keep a tavei in the house he now occupies for the purpos in Exeter, at Sugar River Diggings, for tl space of twelve months from this date, by pa ing into the county treasury,the sum of $5 ther for.

Upon application of E. B. Blodget, be it Ordered, That he be licensed to keep a tavei in the house he now occupies for that purpos in the town of Exeter, at Sugar River Digging for the space of twelve months from this dat by paying into the county treasury, the sum ( $5 therefor.

May 24, 1842. Ordered, That the clerk of this board, recei\ sealed proposals, until the first Monday of Jul next, for the building of a jail in Monroe, agre( able to a plan agreed upon, and on file with th clerk, and that the clerk give notice of this ord( by causing notices to be posted up in three ( the most public places in this county.

July 7, 1842. Ordered, That elections of Sugar River pr cinct shall be held in the school house, in th town of Exeter, and that Leonard Ross, Ezr Durgin and Daniel Smiley be, and is hereby aj pointed judges of elections in said precinct fo the year 1842.

January 4, 1843. Ordered, That David Noggle be allowed $1 for services as an attorney, in a cause Iowa count vs. Green county, in Rock county court, payabl out of any money in the treasury appropriate^ for the payment of contingent expenses.

January 28, 1843. Ordered, That sealed proposals be received b; the clerk of this board, until the first Monda; of April next, for the purpose of building ! bridge across the Pecatonica river, at or nea the point on said river, where the survey of ; United States road from Smipee to Racine (b;

Capt, Craru), crosses Sugar river, at or near the point on said river, where a Territorial road from Rock Grove to Madison crosses said river. The above said bridges to be built according to the plats and plans on file in the office of the clerk of the said board, witli the exceptions that the abutments is to be filled with stone instead of earth, and be it further ordered that the clerk of this board make out copies of this order and cause the same to be posted up in three of the most public places in this county.

Ordered, That the following boundary shall constitute an election precinct by the name of Monroe, to-wit: Commencing at the northeast corner of section four (4), in town 2 of range 8; thence west on the township line to the west side of the county; thence south on the west line of the county to the southwest corner of the county; thence east to the southeast 'corner of section 33, town 1, range 8; thence north to the place of beginning, and that elections be held at the court house in Monroe, and that William Boyls, Sr., C. N. Sutherland and David C. Bridge be appointed judges of election in said precinct.

Ordered, That ranges Band 9 of townships 3 and 4, be, and is hereby constituted an election precinct by the name of Sugar River, and that Jacob Linzee, Gilbert McNaught and John B. Perry be appointed judges of election of said precinct, and that elections be held at the school in Exeter.

Ordered, That townships 3 and 4 of ranges G and 7, be, and is hereby constituted an election precinct by the name of Greenville, and that James H. Bailey, Amos Conkey and William Morrison be appointed judges of election for said precinct, and that elections be held at the house of Jonas Shook.

Ordered, That the following boundary constitute an election precinct by the name of Milcreek, to-wit : commencing at the northwest corner of section 3, of township 1, range 8, thence south to the southwest corner of section 34 of same township and range on the Slate line, thence east to the southeast corner of the county, thence north to the northeast corner of section 1, of township 1, range 9 east, thence west on the towns'iip line to the place of beginning, and that Solomon Overmayer, James Kildow and R. D. Deuck, be appointed judges of election for said precinct, and that elections be held at the house of Samuel Myres.

Ordered, That the following boundary constitute an election precinct by the name of Decatur, to-wit : commencing at the northwest corner of section 3, township 2, range 8, thence south to the southwest corner of section 34 in same township and range, thence east on the township line to the east line of the county, thence north to the northeast corner of section l,in township 2, range 9, thence west to the place of beginning, and that Erastus Hulbert, John Moore and Thomas W. Thompson, be appointed judges of election for said precinct, and that elections be held at the house of John Moore.

This day sold to John A. Bingham lots Nos. 05 and 67 in Ly Brand's donation in the town of Monroe, for the sura of |?60 for which he gave his notes for the same, i^ayable in six months and one year, and w)io Is to have a deed of conveyance for said lots when the purchase money shall have been paid.

This day sold to John R. Walling, lots Nos. 13 and 37, in Ly Brand's donation in the town of Monroe, for which he gave his notes,payable in six, twelve and eighteen months, "|!13.33 each," who is entitled to a deed of conveyance from Green county when the purchase money shall have been paid.

Sold to George I. Goodhue, lots Nos. 2 and 3 in Ly Brand's donation to the town of Monroe, for the consideration of llOO, payable in six and twelve months, and the said Goodhue is to build two houses on said lots, agreeable to a

Ordered, That the following named judges and clerks of election be allowed the amount carried out to each of their names respectively for their services at the general election held on the fourth Monday, the 25th day of September, A. D., 1843, out of any money in the treasury appropriated for court charges and fees of. officers:

Ordered, That township No. 1 north, range 6 east, be organized and set apart as a town, to be bounded by the outside line of said township as described in the congressional survey, including the fractions on the north side of said town and all the sections thereof, and tlie name of said town shall be Cadiz, and the first town meeting shall be holden at the house of Mrs. Denniston in the village of Cadiz.

Ordered, That township No. 1 north, range 7 east, be organized and set apart as a separate town, to be bounded by the outside lines of said township as described in the government sui'- vey, including the fractions on the north side thereof, and all the sections thereof, and that

Ordered, That township No. 1, of range 8 east, be organized and set apart into a separate town to be bounded by the outside lines of said township, as surveyed by Congress, including all the sections, and fractional sections in said township, and that the name thereof be Jefferson, and that the first town meeting be held at the house of Abram Sanburn.

Ordered, That township No. 1, of range 9 east, be organized and set apart into a separate town, to be bounded by the outside lines of said township, said town to include all the sections and fractions in the said township, and that the name thereof be Spring Grove, and that the first town meeting be held at Hosteller's Mill.

Ordered, That township No. 2 north, range 9 east, be organized into a separate town and bounded by the outside boundary lines of said township, as surveyed by the government, and that the name thereof be Decatur, and the first town meeting be held at the school house of William Jones.

Ordered, That township No. 2 north, of range 8 east, be organized into a separate town by the name of Sylvester and that the first town meeting be held at Sylvester's Mill, and that said town be bounded by the outside line of said township as surveyed by government.

Ordered, That township No. 2, of range 7 east, be organized and set apart into a separate town to be bounded by the outside lines of said township as surveyed by government and that the name thereof be Monroe, and that the first town meeting be held at the court house in Monroe.

Ordered, That township No. 2 north, of range 6 east, be organized and set apart into a separate town by the name of Jordan, and that it be hounded by the outside lines of said town as surveyed by government and that the first town meeting be held at the school house near Jacob Ostrander.

Ordered, That township No. 4 north, of range 9 east, be organized and set apart into a separate town bounded by the outside lines of the said township as surveyed by the government, and that the said town be known by the name of Brooklyn, and that the first town meeting be held at the house of Nelson Patterson.

Ordered, That township No. 3, of range 9 east, be organized and set apart into a separate town to be bounded by the outside lines of said township as surveyed by the government, and that the name of said town be Albany and that the first town meeting be held at the school bouse near Price Hills.

Ordered, That township No. 3 north, of range 8 east, be organized and set apart into a separate town to be bounded by the outside boundaries of the said township as originally surveyed by the government, and the name thereof be Mount Pleasant, and the first town meeting»be held at the house of William Boyls, Jr.

Ordered, That township No. 4 north, of range 8 east, be organized and set apart into a separate town by the name of Exeter and that it be bounded by the outside lines of said township as originally surveyed by the government and that the first town meeting be held at the house of L. D. Barnes in the village of Exeter.

Ordered, That township No. 3 north, of range 7 east, be organized and set apart into a separate town by the name of Washington, and that it be bounded by the outside lines of the said township as surveyed originally by the government, and that the first town meeting be held at the house of James Lang.

Ordered, That township No. 3 north, of range 6 east, be organized and set apart into a separate town by the name of Adams, and that it be bounded by the outside lines of said township according to the original survey by the government, and that tlie first town meeting be held at the house of James H. Bailey.

O^'dered, Thnt township No. 4, in range 6 east, and township No. 4, range 7 east, be organized and set apart into a separate town, and bounded as follows, commencing at the southwest corner of township 3, range 6, thence east to the southeast corner of town 4, range 7, thence north to the northeast corner of said last mentioned town, thence west to the northwest corner of the county of Green, thence south to the place of beginning, and that the said town be known by the name of York, and the first town meeting shall be holden at the tavern of Eli George.

November 16, 1849. A petition from the inhabitants of township No. 4, of range 7 east, in the county of Green, praying to be set off into a separate town for town purposes was presented to the board and referred to a special committee of three, con- jl sisting of Messrs. Green, Wood and Bowen, who made the following report:

We, the committee to whom was referred the petition, asking a division of tlie town of York, recommend that the petition be granted and that their first town meeting be held in New Glarus, on the first Tuesday of April next, at the school house in said New Glarus,

And on motion said report was adopted and said township is ordered set off and established for township purposes by the name of New Glarus, and bounded by the outside lines of said township No. 4 north, of range 7 east, as established by government survey.

Mr. Witter, from the town of Brooklyn, presented a petition from the citizens of said town and the town of Albany, praying that section 6, in said town of Albany be added to the town of Brooklyn, which, on motion, was laid on the table.

The committee to whom petitions were referred, respectfully report, that we have the ])etitions from the gentlemen from Brooklyn and Jordan under consideration and would recommend that the north half of section 6, in town 3 north, of range 9 east, be taken off from the town of Albany and attached to the town of Brooklyn, in said county, also that an appropriation of -fifty dollars be made by this board to the town of Jordan to aid in repairing road and bridges in said town, all of which is respectfully submitted.

On motion, the petitions asking for that portion of the town of Brooklyn which was attached to said town from the town of Albany, to be set back to said town of Albany, was taken up, and a motion to grant the prayer of said petitioners was lost.

Whereas, The Hon. Mr. West, late senator from the county of Green, did introduce into the Senate of the State of Wisconsin, in January, 1855, a bill asking for an alteration of the boundary line between the towns of Monroe and Clarno, and the said bill was introduced without the knowledge or consent of the inhabitants of said town of Clarno, the electors of Clarno did thereupon remonstrate by petition (signed 210), also from Monroe (signed 80), the Hon, Mr. West did thereupon withdraw from the said Senate bill and still affirms that he did withdraw and oppose said bill and that it was not again introduced until the Hon. Mr. West finally left and returned home, that after the return of Senator West some evil disposed person or persons did alter the title of said bill did then and there on the last day of the session by false pretenses procure a law taking from the said town of Clarno lots Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4, on sections 2 and 3, and attached the same to said town of Monroe, against the statute in such cases made and provided.

We, the undersigned, inhabitants of the town of Clarno, petition your honorable body, the board of supervisors of the county of Green, to establish boundary line between the towns of Monroe and Clarno to its original United States government survey, and your petitioners as in duty bound ever pray.

On motion of Mr. Smith, of Adams, L. Hurlbut, Israel Smith and Samuel Johnson were appointed by the chair a committee to report upon the petition and resolution.

On motion of Mr. Newton, voted to add two other members t© that committee, chair appointed as additional members W, C. Green and William Munson.

By leave of board, Mr. Smith, of Clarno, withdrew his petition, asking that the boundary line between Monroe and Clarno be restored to its original United States government survey.

To the board of supervisors of the county of Green: Your committee appointed to invest! gate the frauds practiced on the county commenced their investigation on Monday, Dec. 10, A. D. 1855. Calling to their assistance Asa Richardson and James Bintliff, they continued the examination of the records and papers belonging to the office of the clerk of the board of supervisors from day to day until the 21st in St.

The aggregate amount of which the county has been defrauded, so far as we are able to state from our imperfect means of ascertaining, including orders altered, orders wholly fraudulent, and the same raised for weiglits and measured, and exclusive of !S>895.17 of orders for the issuing of which no bills or resolutions can be found, is $2,541.28, from which deduct |69t).80, the amount cancelled by payor, and there remains a balance now due the county of $1,844. 48; all of which is respectfully submitted.

Resolved, That the town line between the town of Monroe and the town of Clarno, be so altered as to bring the town of Clarno back to its original government survey.

A motion to adopt the resolution was lost as follows: Aye - Thomas S. Bowen - 1. ISFays - E. A. Newton, William Blackford, William Brown, William Munson, E. T. Gardner, D. Smiley, Samuel Johnson, E. Roby, William C. Green, A. D. Kirkpatrick - 10.

"Whereas, The county of Green is the owner of, in fee, of lot No. 12, in Russell's donation, which lot has been used by the direction of the county for cemetery purposes; and. Whereas said lot is within the corporate limits of the village of Monroe; and. Whereas the said village lias purchased new cemetery grounds, of greater extent, and it is desirous that the dead be removed thereto. Therefore,

Besolved, That tlie said lot first described, be donated to the village of Monroe, in consideration that the said village, at their own expense, maintain and protect the same, or cause the dead to be removed, at their own expense. And it is hereby ordered, That the chairman of this board execute, and cause to be delivered to the president of the said village, a deed, in accoixlance with the above resolution."

By-Laws Of The Superintendents Of The Poor

Article 1. Application for relief or support of any pauper or paupers, may be made to the chairman of the board of supervisors of the several towns in this county, who are hereby authorized and empowered, and whose duty it shall be to receive the same, and notify the superintendent of the district, immediatel3\

A?'ticle 2. When application is made to any such supervisor, it shall be his duty to inquire into the circumstances of the applicant, ascertain his or her place of birth, age, occupation, length of residence in this county, length and place of previous residence and name and place of residence of his or her relations, if any, and ascertain if such applicant has any property or effects, and if so, make an inventory thereof and make report to the superintendent of his district, and also, if said applicant can be safely removed to the county poor house.

Article 3. The county of Green shall be divided into three districts, each of which shall have a superintendent residing therein, to whom all applications for relief or support of paupers in his district shall be referred.

Articled. No superintendent shall grant relief to any one person or family, to an amount exceeding $10, without the consent of the majority of said superintendents.

Article 6. The superintendents shall, at their lirst meeting after the presentation of any bill, audit and allow the same, if just and chargeable to the county poor fund, and j^ay the same out of any moneys in their hands, belonging to said fund .

Article 1. All services performed by any supervisor, in receiving and examining into applications for relief or support of paupers in his town, and reporting the same to the superintendent, and for removing paupers to the county poor house, must be at the expense of the town in which the said paupers reside, or make application for support.

Article 8. The annual meeting of the board of supei'intendents shall be held at the cowrt house, on Monday next succeeding the general election in each year, special meetings for the transaction of any business pertaining to their office, may be called at any time agreed upon by said superintendents.

Article 9. The superintendents of the poor shall, annually, and within four days after the commencement of their annual meeting, make a report to the board of supervisors of the county, of the number of persons received into the county poor house, and to whom outside relief has been granted respectively, and the amount paid for such support, and out-door relief separately. They shall also make out a full and complete inventory of all the property in their possession, or under their control, belonging to the county, and make a detailed report of all their transactions as superintendents, with a statement of accounts allowed and presented, their journal of pro'ceedings and books of accounts with their vouchers for the examination of the said board of supervisors.

Article 10, The superintendents shall cause to be kept at the poor house, in a book to be provided for that purpose, a registry in which shall be entered the name, age, place of birth, occupation, date of admission, date of discharge, by death or otherwise, of every pauper received

The select committee to whom was referred the districting the county ])reparatory to establishing the county poor system, made the following report, which was adopted, to wit:

Whole number of votes cast, 17; of which number H. Rust received 9 votes, Jacob Mason received 1 vote, T. S. Bowen received 1 vote, D. S. Sutherland received 5 votes, E. Wescott received 1 vote.

The whole number of votes cast was 17, of which number I, M, Bennett received 11 votes, H. Dunwiddie received 4 votes, T. A. Bennett received 1 vote, John Broughton received 1 vote.

Hcsolved, That the superintendents of the the poor just elected, now draw lots, one to hold his office one year, one to hold two years and the other to hold three years, in case either of the superintendents be absent, the chairman shall name some one to draw for them.

May 16, 1861. The committee, to whom was referred the matter of an appropriation for the support of the families of volunteers would respectfully recommend, that an appropriation of eight hundred ($S00) dollars be made to C. S. Foster, M. Marty and Allen Woodle for the support of such families, and for the payment of board of volunteers. We would also recommend, that the said committee have power to appoint agents, in the several towns to have charge of such families. We would also recommend the adoption of the following resolution :

Resolved, That in the opinion of this board the county will be willing to pay all the necessary expenses of maintaining the families of all those who may volunteer (that need such assistance) during the war.

The board then proceeded, pursuant to adjournment, to elect a superintendent of poor of Green county for district No. 2, in the place of I. M. Bejinett left vacant by his removal from| this county.

The committee, to whom was referred the apportionment of the county into three county supervisor districts, would respectfully report the following :

Committee. October 5, 1863. J. T. Dodge having tendered his resignation of the office as county surveyor, which was accepted ; the board, on motion, appointed A. L. Cleveland, as county surveyor.

October 20, 1863. In conformity with section 2, of chapter 399 general laws of 1862, the board of supervisors agreed upon and ordered the following division of Green county into three supervision districts, to-wit :