Vernon County, Wisconsin - Chapter 13: County Government, 1884

Chapter 13: County Government

Unlike many of the western States, Wisconsin's system of county government has always l)een that of either the bnard of supervisors or commissioners. This system was brought to its present state of perfection when the territory became a State, but this system was in vogue years prior to this, the territorial counties being governed by the same system. In the winter of 1850-1 the Legislature passed an act creating the county of Bad Ax. It was set off from Crawford county, and organization of the territory so set off was authorized. The first election was held in April, issi, at which county officers were elected.

It is to be presumed that the first meeting of the board of supervisors was held shortly after the April election; but the records do not throw any light upon it. According to the record the first meeting of the board of supervisors was held on the 11th of November, 1851, at Viroqua. The only business transacted was to canvass the votes cast at the November election of 1851. The following officers were declared elected:

County clerk, William C. McMichael; sheriff, James M. Bailey; register of deeds, Jacob Higgins; di.strict attorney, Lorenzo A. Pierce; coroner, Clement Spaulding; surveyor, Samuel McMichael; assemblyman, Andrew Briggs. The records were signed by O. Wisel, clerk of board, and AV. F. Terhune, deputy.

On the nth of November, 1851, the next meeting of the board of supervisors was held at the house of Moses Decker. At this time taxes were levied; the whole valuation of tlie county being $32,897.

One month later another meeting of the board was held, at which the following bills against the county were allowed: W. F. Terhune, services as deputy clerk, $24.86; Oi'rin Wisel, services as clerk, $5.57; Oliver Langdon justice of the peace, $3.87; James M. Bailey, deputy sheriff, $16.22; Westfall Decker, assisting sheriff in arrest, $2; Rnfus Gillett, sheriff, $25.61; L. A. Pierce, district attorney, $39 - donated to county; Abraham Cyfert, $4.50; Abraham Stiles, supervisor, $9.70; Moses

Decker, services of his son Thomas, 75 cents; Eldad Inman, constable, $;^; Peter La Morse, supervisor, |3. It was ordered that the office of the clerk of circuit court be kept at the house of William F. Terhune until further notice.

At this time the entire county was organized as one civil town. From the records, it would appear that the board of town trustees also composed the board of county supervisors, and frequently the board would meet as town trustees, then organize themselves into the board of supervisors and proceed to the transaction of county business. The records do not disclose the names of the members, but from the bills allowed it would appear that Abraham Stiles and Peter La Morse were members of the board in 1851.

At a meeting of the board of supervisors held on the 3 1st of July, 1852, it was ordered that the clerk of the board "post up notices for letting the contract for building a room for the county offices to be kept in; also for painting the outside of the court house, with lime mortar, and further, that the 14th of August, next, beset for hearing proposals." In August the contract for building was let to Orrin Wisel, for $65; that of painting the outside of the court house with "lime mortar" was let to Moses Decker for 17.50.

At the same session the record states that "Thomas J. De Frees be, and is hereby appointed a commissioner, to survey and sub-divide into a town plat, the land which was donated by Moses Decker, Solomon Decker and Isaac Decker to Bad Ax county."

On the 12th of November, 1852, the board examined the assessment rolls and ascertained that the aggregate valuation of real and personal property in the county was $64,432.

On the 29th of March, 1853, the board of supervisors divided the county into four townships named respectively: Bergen, Jefferson, Bad Ax and Kickapoo. Up to this time the whole county had constituted one township. This matter is treated at length in another chapter.

In the spring of 1853, the name of Thomas J. De Frees appears signing the records as chairman of the board, although it is not disclosed when he was chosen as such.

A regular meeting of the board was held on the 3d of May, 1853, at which Andrew Briggs was chosen chairman of the board upon motion of William H. Austin. The minutes of this meeting were signed by Andrew Briggs, chairman, W. H. Austin and Orin Caulkins.

At the same session they granted Orrin Wisel a license to keep and maintain a toll bridge for ten years across the Kickapoo river, on section 8, township 11, range 3. The toll rates were fixed as follows : Footman, three cents ; horse and rider, ten cents ; each additional horse, mule or ass, five cents; two horses and wagon, twenty-five cents; horse and buggy, fifteen cents ; yoke of oxen and wagon, thirtyfive cents ; for each additional yoke of cattle, ten cents.

At the regular May session, 1854, the board organized by the election of Andrew Briggs as chairman tor the ensuing year. The board was composed of Andrew Briggs, town of Bad Ax; Isaac Spencer, Jefferson; T. J. De Frees, Viroqua; Benjamin Hill, Kickapoo, and John Warner, Bergen.

during 1S54, and suggested 30x38 feet, two stories high as the size. T. J. De Frees drew plans and specifications for the building and proposals were advertised for.

A special session of the board was held on the 9th of March, 1855, at which the town of Viroqua was divided, and the towns of Forest and Hillsborough were created. A petition from the citizens of township 13 north, of range 1 east, to be set off as a civil town, was rejected.

On the 13th of November, 1855, the board of supervisors of "Bad Ax" county convened in annual session, and organized by the election of William H. Goode as^chairman for the ensuing year. The board was composed of the following named gentlemen representing the various towns in the county. Andrew Briggs, Bad Ax; W. H. Goode, Viroqua; Isaac Spencer, Jefferson; William H. Austin, Kickapoo; Joseph N. Martin, Hillsborough; John M. Mc- Lees, Bergen.

At this session, the former resolution of the board creating th e town of Forest was repealed, and the town of Union was created embracing the territory of township 13, ranges 1 and 2 west. Forest was again created embracing the territory of township 14, ranges 1 and 2 west. At the same session the towns of Webster, Christiana, Greenwood and Harmony were created. Sections 1,2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of township 12, range 5, were detached from the town of Bad Ax and annexed to Jefferson.

On the 5th of September, 1856, the board of supervisors convened for the regular fall term. William A. BuUard was elected chairman for the ensuing year. The record states that the board was composed of the following gentlemen:

There seems to have been quite a change in the the pei'sonnel oi the board at the November term, 1856 : Engelbrit Bjorseth appeared from Christiana; Giles White from Forest ; and R. S. McMichael from Harmony :

For the first time the question of what should be done with the county poor came to tiie notice of the board at the November term, 1 856, audit was declared that all distinction be abolished between county and town poor. Three county superintendents of the poor were elected, who were to hold their offices three years. Tliey were Isaac Williams, Robert Adams and T. J. DeFrees. It was also ordered that a tax of two mills on the dollar, amount ing to $1876.76 be levied for the purpose of purchasing a poor farm and erecting suitable buildings.

At the March session, in 1857, R. S. McMichael was chosen chairman of the board to fill the vacancy occasioned by the removal of William A. Bullard, the former chairman, from the town of Viroqua, which he had been elected to represent.

creation of two new civil towns ; one was from William S. Purdy et. al.; the other from E. B. Houghton, et. al. The chairman appointed Aaron White, of Viroqua, J. R. Savage, of Jefferson, and James Allen, of Webster, a committee to investigate, and they reported in favor of granting the Purdy petition. Accordingly the new town of Sterling was created and ordered organized. The boundaries of the towns of Bad Ax, Jefferson and Viroqua, were all changed somewhat ; the new civil towns of Wheatland, Whitestown and Masterson were created, and the name of the town of Bad Ax was changed to "Lockhaven," at the same session. Wheatland, White and Masterson (now Clinton) was organized at the same session.

The regular fall session of the board of supervisors, for 1857, convened at Viroqua on the of August. The organization of the board was effected by the election of Aaron White, of Viroqua, as chairman for the ensuing year. The following named gentleman constituted the board:

Among the first acts of the board at this session was to change the name of the town of Lock Haven to Franklin. Later in the session the name of the town of Masterton was changed to Clinton.

On the 26th of August, 1857, the board authorized the county clerk to advertise for plans and specifications for a jail, which was to cost not more than $4,000 and not less that $1,500.

At the annual meeting of the board in November, 1857, Joel T. Shaw presented his credentials and took his seat as member from the town of Wheatland.

At the same session a petition for the division of the town of Kickapoo, from Chancey W. Lawton and others, was laid upon the table. The towns of Hamburg and Coon were created at the same session.

At the June session, in 1 858, the board met on the 7th and proceeded to organize for the ensuing year, by the election of Alson Keeler, of Viroqua, as chairman. The following members elect appeared and qualified, as supervisors from their respective towns: Levi Pierson, of Hillsborough; C. A. Hunt, of Clinton; Allen Rusk, of Liberty; George Spurrier, of Kickapoo; Alson Keeler, of Viroqua; Jones P. Sawyer, of Franklin; W. T. McConnell, of Jefferson; C. G. Allen, of Sterling; O. Chaney, of Hamburg; Levi Shorey, of Bergen.

A set of rules were adopted at this session, many of which are still in force, having been adopted in each successive year, since that time. The committee, which drafted them, was composed of Adam Carlisle, C. A. Hunt and Uriah Gregory.

Nothing having been done regarding the building of a jail for the county, since their former resolution regarding it, the board on the second day of the session resolved that a jail be built at a cost of $1,500. An effort was made to raise the amount to $2,500, but the motion was out-voted. W. T. McConnell, Charles A. Hunt and A. Keeler, were appointed a commit tee to attend to building the jail.

The annual fall meeting of the county board, began on tlie 9th of November, 1858, pursuant to law. At this time the board of supervisors was composed of the following gentlemen, representing the various towns in the county: Uriah Gregory, Greenwood; J. B. Nof singer. Forest; Josiah Newburn, Union; S. H. Seanion. Hillsborough; Giles White, Whitestown; Charles A. Hunt, Clinton; James Allen, Webster; Allen Rusk, Liberty; George Spurier, Kickapoo; David Wilt, Christiana; Alson Keeler, Viroqua; Jonas P. Sawyer, Franklin; W. T. McConnell, Jefferson; C. G. Allen, Sterling; John T. Brlnkmann, Hamburg; R. S. MoMichael, Harmony; Adam Carlisle, Wheatland; Levi Shorey, Bergen.

After allowing a great many bills and destroying several hundred county orders, upon motion of W. T. McConnell, the board proceeded as, a committee of the whole to examine the jail. It was then resolved that they "do accept the county jail as now completed by the contractor, Mr. Fretwell, agreeable to his contract, and that a county order do issue for the sum of 12,000 to said Fretwell, and that one additional sum of $60 be allowed and paid said Fretwell, for extra work on said contract."

From the report of the county treasurer, which was presented to the board at this session, it appears that the total indebtedness of the county was $6,641; total assets, $4,044; balance against the county, $2,596.

On the last day of the session a petition was presented from citizens in the town of Union, asking that congressional township 13, range '2 west, be set off and organized as a civil town. It was granted, and the name of Stark was bestowed upon it. At the same time a petition was presented from citizens in the town of Bergen, asking that their town be divided.

A report presented by Isaac Williams and Thomas J. DeFrees, superintendents of the poor, stated that there was $569.25 worth of personal property upon the county poor farm; that there was twenty-three acres broke; that

It appears that the town of Coon did not take advantage of the act of the board, passed in November, 1857, creating and authorizing the organization of that town. On the 13th of November, 1858, it was resolved as follows:

"That, whereas, the town of Coon has failed and neglected to organize under a resolution of this board, passed at its last annual meeting, setting off said town from Jeffersoti, by not electing officers pursuant to the statute, in such cases made and provided; therefore, resolved, that this board issue a warrant to the assessor and treasurer of the town of Christiana, (that being the town next adjoining Coon), requiring them to assess and collect respectively the quota of tax due from said town of Coon. *

It seems that at this time the board began to feel nervous over the county's finances, and that the famous crash of 1857 was affecting this region, as they passed a resolution requiring the county treasurer to receive nothing in payment of taxes, save gold and silver.

At the June ses.sion, 1859, the personnel of the board was but little changed from the preceding November : Levi Pearson took his seat as member from Hillsborough ; succeeding S: H. Seamon.

At this session J. P. Sawyer presented a resolution to the effect that the county treasurer be authorized to receive county orders in the payment of county tax, but after a len^^thy discussion the resolution was rejected.

On the 9th of March, 1859, Adam Carlisle presented the following bill, to modify what had formerly been resolved concerning taxes, which was adopted :

"Sec. 2. - The county treasurer is further authorized to take town orders for delinquent town tax up to that time, provided, the town orders offered for payment of taxes shall be applied to lands within the town issuing tlie same.

" Sec. 3. - The treasurer is further directed and required to receive only gold and silver, or currency of the State of Wisconsin, for all delinquent State, school, highway, district school and other local taxes.

"Sec. 4. - The county treasurer is further directed to keep separate and disburse to the several towns the taxes paid on the lands in each town ; so that each town shall receive its quota of taxes paid on the lands included in the same."

At the same session a license was granted to Cyrus F. and Ransom P. Gillett, to maintain and operate, for ten years, a ferry across the Mississippi river, in township 12, range 7.

On the 11th of July, 1859, the board met pursuant to law, and organized by the election of A. Carlysle as chairman for the ensuing year. The board was composed of the following gentlemen : John Michelet, Christiana ; Peter Olson, Coon; J. B. Nof singer, Forest; E. Klop- Heisch, Hillsborough ; R. S. McMichael, Harmony ; Elisha Page, Bergen ; J. Newburn, Union ; George Waltz, Stark ; A. Carlysle, Wheatland; Giles White, Whitestown; C. A. Hunt,Clinton; J. H. Lay ne, Franklin; J.Waddell, Greenwood ; J. T. Brinkmanu, Hamburg; W. H. Officer, Jefferson; S. Graham, Liberty ; Joseph Harris, Kickapoo; W. S. Purdy, Sterling; James Allen, Webster; Thomas Fretweil, Viroqua; Joseph O. Parker, Stark.

At the November session in 1859, the matter of electing superintendents of the poor came before the board, and resulted in the choice of Thomas J. DeFrees for one year; Thomas Fretwell for two years, and John M. McLees for three years. The boundaries of the towns of

A special session of the board was held in June, I860, to take into consideration the swamp lands donated to the county by the Legislature. Thomas Fretweil, of Viroqua, was appointed commissioner to investigate, locate and detetermine as near as practicable the amount and value of such lands. At this ses- -ion Adam Carlysle, of Wheatland, was reelected chairman for the ensuing year.

Pursuant to law the board of supervisors convened for their regular session on the 13th of November, 1860. The former chairman, Adam Carlysle, bad removed from the county, leaving the board without a chairman. This vacancy was tilled by the election of Charles A. Hunt, of Clinton. The members at this time were : Ransom Bennett, Bergen ; John Michelet, Christiana; Charles A. Hunt, Clinton; Peter Oleson, Coon; James H. Layne, Franklin; William C. Steltling, Forest; Joseph M. Waddell, Greenwood; Edward Kloplieisch, Hillsborough; John T. Brinkmann, Hamburg ; Hartman Allen, Harmony; W. H. Officer, Jefferson; Joseph Harris, Kickapoo ; Samuel Graham, Liberty ; Alexander Latshaw, Sterling; James O. Parker, Stark; C. W. Adams, Union ; Thomas Fretwell, Viroqua ; G. G. Van Wagner, Wheatland ; James Allen, Webster ; Giles White, Whitestown.

At this session Thomas Fretweil, who had been appointed agent to investigate the swamp land matter, reported that he hati received no maps or charts of the land, and that he had learned nothing of importance concerning the same. The chairman then appointed a committee, consisting of Alexander Latshaw, G. G. Van Wagner, C. W. Adams and Hartwell Allen, to investigate the matters relating to the land grant.

Ax county is in general but small ; therefore, resolved, that the lion. George Gale, judge of the sixth judicial circuit, be memorialized, and he is hereby memorialized, to order that the clerk of the circuit court of Bad Ax county draw but sixteen names of persons to serve as petit jurors at said court, and that the order remain in force until otherwise ordered."

"The memorial of the board of supervisors of Bad Ax county respectfully shows that the present mode of transacting county business by means of a county board of supervisors, as is now done throughout the State, is burdensome to the people and cumbersome in its operations, and we would therefore ask that the present system of governing the counties be abolished, and that known as the commissioner system, as now in use in tii© States of Pennsylvania and Ohio, be adopted."

"The memorial of the board of supervisors of Bad Ax county would respectfully show to your honorable bo<ly that it would be much to the advantage of this county to have the south half of township 1 1, ranges 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, now in Crawford county, attached to the county of Bad Ax, to become a part thereof for all purposes, the same as any other portion of sai<l county of Bad Ax."

On the 8th of July, 1861, the board of supervisors met for the purpose of forming the commissioner districts and equalizing the assessments of the county. Charles A. Hunt, of Clinton, was elected chairman for the ensuing year. Upon calling the roll the board was found to be composed of the following gentlemen from the various towns in the county:

After a great deal of discussion, wrangling and receiving the reports of a number of committees, the board agreed upon a plan for the division of the county into commissioner's districts as follows:

It seems that at this session the message of the President in relation to the opening war measures was brought before the board. The only action taken regarding the matter is revealed by the following entry upon the records of the board;

"At this time a message from the President of the United States arrived, and the business of the meeting was suspended while it was read aloud to the members of the board by Samuel Graham, and received the applause of the board by three hearty cheers."

On the first day of the session the board created a new town under the name of Genoa. It was also ordered that sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 and the norih half of sections 9,10, 11 and 12 in township 12, range 6, be detached from the town of Wheatland and attached to Harmony. And it was further ordered that sections 13, 14, 15 and 16, and the south half of sections 9, 10, 11 and 12 of township 12, range 6 west, be detached from the town of Wheatland and attached to the town of Sterling. The committee recommending these changes was composed of John T. Brinkmann, Joseph M. Waddell and J. O. Parker.

On the 16th of November, 1861, the board passed the first resolution in the shape of a war measure. It was drawn up by C. B. Whiting and read as follows:

"Whekeas, many of the citizens of this county have gone to the war, leaving families only partially provided for, and we, believing that if some provision be made by this board for the support of such families, that many more will enlist; and whereas, many of the counties in this State have come up nobly to the relief of such families, we deem it due to Bad Ax county not to be behind in this patriotic w^ork; in consideration of which the boanl of supervisors, do order and determine, that there be an appropriation made of $1,000 to be distributed as follows: Any volunteer who has enlisted, or who shall hereafter enlist in the service of the United States, leaving a family of children under twelve years of age, the wife or head of such familj', by making an affidavit before some justice of the peace, of the fact, and presenting the same with the certificate of the chairman of the town where the family resides, that they are actually needy, to the county treasurer, shall receive |il per month for each child under the above mentioned age. The affidavit shall also contain the number of children and age of each."

On the 20th of November, it being made to appear that an efl:ort was being made to raise a company of volunteers, and as the county, with her large population, had the credit of only one company, it was resolved tliat the members of the board act as a committee in their respective towns to give encouragement and assistance to the proposed company, and to open their residences to the use of all recruiting officers andthose engaged in the work free of charge. The resolution setting forth these sentiments was drawn up and presented to the board by R. S. McMichael.

"The board having finished the business of the last session to be held under the present system of county government, and having diligently attended to the interests of the people of the county during a most laborious session of eight days, on Wednesday evening, Nov. 20, 1"<61, adjourned sine die."

County Commissionees

As will be inferred, the system of county government throughout the State of Wisconsin had undergone a revolution. The Legislature, during the winter of 1860-61 had passed an act abolishing the board of supervisors and creating the board of county commissioners. Under the former system the county board was composed of one member from each civil town in the county, while under the new system the board consisted of three commissioners. The county had been divided into three districts (as has been stated), and each was entitled to one commissioner. The election for members of the board occurred in the fall of 1862. The creating act provided that the annua! meetings should be held on the second Monday in January, of each year.

Pursuant to law, the first meeting of the board of county commissioners, began on the l'5lh of January, 1862. The members were John W. Allen, representing the first district; C. G. Allen, the second; and John T. Brinkmann, the third. Organization was permanently effected by the election of John T. Brinkmann, as chairman for the ensuing year.

On the 20th of November, 1862, the board ordered and determined that the wife of every volunteer and drafted man, from Vernon county in the service of the government, or State, be entitled to draw from the county treasurer |!2 per month from and after Jan. 1, 186.3, and also $1 per month for each child under the age of twelve years.

At this session war matters largely occupied the attention of the board. It was ordered that: "Whereas, there had been appropriated the sum of |2,500 for the benefit of the families of volunteers and drafted men, the resolution in relation to the distribution of that fund be amended so as to give to the families of deceased soldiers the benefit of the same, families of commissioned oflieers excepted.'' This order was modified somewhat, however, by a resolution, to the effect that "families of deceased soldiers, who had already received the $1 bounty promised, or pension, from the TJnited States, and also the families of discharged soldiers were not to share in the distribution of the Fund."

Another order of importance made at this session was to authorize the issue of coiinty orders to the amount of |!4,000 in denominations from five cents up to three dollars.

A special meeting of the board was held in January, 1864. The members at this time were: Charles Searing, from the first district; C. G. Allen, from the second district, and John Michelet, from the third district. C. G. Allen was elected chairman of the board for the ensuing year.

In November, 1864, the board authorized Sheriff Clayton E. Rogers to sell a number of stolen horses which had been captured from horse-thieves.

W. H. Goode was elected to fill a vacancy in the board of commissioners of poor, occasioned by the absence of Herman Greve. E. A. Stark was re-elected a member of the board.

"Elijah Powell, of Viroqua, having been appointed and cfimmissioned by the governor to serve a.s supervisor from the second district in place of C. G. Allen, who had removed from the State in 1864, received the appointment on the last day ©f the session and came in and took his seat with the board, in time to assist for one day only."

At a special session of the board in May, 1866, the resignation of James Lowrie, county treasurer, was received and Col. C. M. Butt was appointed to fill the vacancy.

The supervisors in 1866 were John Michelet, chairman, Hugh McDill and C. M. Carr. The latter was appointed by the governor to fill a vacancy in the board from the first district.

At a session on the 1st of January, 1867, C. W. Lawton, member-elect from the first district, succeeding Mr. Carr, qualified and took his seat.

In April, 1867, it was decided to submit to the qualified electors of the county the question of abolishing the county's system of supporting the poor.

In July, 1867, by order of the board, the north half of township 14, range 7 west, was detached from the town of Hamburg and attached to Bergen.

On the 14th of November, 1S68, the annual salaries of variotis county ofiicers were fixed as follows: County treasurer, $1,000; county clerk, $1,000; superintendent, l^iOO ; county judge, 1500 ; district attorney, $400.

On the ad of January, 1869, the bounty for killing wolves and wild cats was re-established, the rate fixed being $5 for each wolf and $2.50 for each wild cat killed.

In November, 1869, James E. Newell was appointed commissioner of the poor to succeed Elijah Powell. Thus the board of commissioners was made to consist of J. 11. Layne, Enoch Enochson and J. E. Newell.

Supervisors Again

During the year 1868 the Legislature passed an act changing again the system of county government throughout Wisconsin. This act abolished the commissioner system, or board of three, and reinstated the old system of a board made up of one member from each civil town and incorporated village. This law is still in force.

The first meeting of the board under the new dispensation was held in the court house at Viroqua, in May, 1870. J. W. Greenman, of Genoa, was elected chairman for the ensuing year. The board consisted of the following named gentlemen, representing the various towns and villages:

The annual meeting for 1871 began on the 14th of November. J. W. Greenman was reelected chairman for the ensuing year. The following members were present:

At this session the supervisors abolished the board of commissioners of the poor, and resolved that hereafter the duties of that board should be performed by a superintendent of the poor, who should be annually elected by the board of supervisors. It was further provided that the superintendent should receive $2 per day for his services. After these resolutions had been adopted, D. A. Barnard was elected superintendent of the poor for the ensuing year.

The taxes levied at this session for the ensuing year, were as follows: For county purposes, $18,919.88; for State purposes, $8,029.24; for school purposes, $3,783.97.

The annual meeting of the board for 1872 was held in November. J. W. Greenman, of Genoa, was elected chairman for the ensuing year. The following members answered to their names upon the roll being called : Thomas Kingston, John Michelet, Ole Anderson, B. F.

A report from D. A. Barnard, superintendent of the county poor, revealed some interesting facts regarding the poor farm. The following is an extract from the report :

" There has been furnished at the county house during the year, 988 weeks of board, at an expense of $1,'2'70.02, embracing provisions, clothing, bedding, fuel, furnitu'-e, lights, medicines, medical attendance, and salary of steward and supervision - a cost of $66.84 for each pauper a year, or 11.27 for each pauper per week. Of the number remaining at the county house at this date, (Nov. 1, 1872) ten are idiotic, two blind, one insane and four, the remainder, are old, infirm, or otherwise incapable of self support.' The whole number receiviiigaid from the county, outside the county house, during the year, was 102, at an expense of $1,. 321. 02. 'J he whole number receiving aid outside the county house at the expense of the county at date of this report is twentj; of this number three are insane, two are idiotic, five over eighty years of age, seven under six years, and three are otherwise incapable of self support."

The salary of the county judge was fixed at $1,000 per annum ; that of county tre.asurer, at $1,000; county clerk, $1,200; district attorney, $400; clerk of court, $400 and fees ; superintendent of poor $2 per day for each day worked, I and ten cents per mile for each mile traveled ; superintendent of schools $4 per day, not to exceed $920.

The board of supervisors convened for the annual session of 1873, on Tuesday, November 11. Van S. Bennett, of Rockton, was elected chairman for the ensuing year. The following members were present :

At this session D. A. Barnard, superintendent of county poor, made his second annual report. From it the following facts are gleaned : The number of inmates at the county house at date of last report was seventeen ; number admitted during the year, twenty-two ; total number at county house during the year, thirty-nine ; two had died ; two sent to the hospital ; four children were put out ; four otherwise discharged ; twenty-seven remained at the county house; the average number there during the year was twenty-two. All this was at a total cost yearly per capita of $63.57, or a weekly cost per capita of $1.22. The whole number receiving aid from the county outside the county house was 105, at a total cost of $1,122.52. Of this number, four were insane, and three idiotic. Of the twentyseven in the county house, Nov. 1, 1873, nine were idiotic, one a cripple for life ; one insane ; two blind ; four over seventy years of age ; five under seven, and the balance are otherwise incapable of self-support. Total value of farm income and on hand, $1,747. D. A. Barnard was re-elected as superintendent of the poor.

The b arc! resolved that all the territory belonging to the town of Genoa, Ij'ing on the south side of the south fork, and the main stream of the Bad Ax creek be taken from Genoa and attached to Wheatland. This, however, was limited by the proviso that the question be submitted to the people of Genoa, at the next election, and in case a majority were in favor of tiie division it should take effect April 15, 1874, but it seems the proposition was rejected, as the change was never made.

The annual session for 1874 convened on the 10th of November. Hon. W. F. Terhune was elected chairman for the ensuing year. The following gentlemen represented the various towns in the county : Henry Sharp, Bergen ; John Michelet, Christiana ; Anton VonRudeii, Coon ; H. W. Knapp, Clinton; W. C. Stelting, Forest; John Fopper, Genoa; Martin Rodgers, Greenwood; Peter Johnson, Hamburg; William Webster, Harmony ; Roger Williams, Hillsborough; William Frazier, Jefferson ; George Spurrier, Kickapoo; J. H. Smith, Liberty; Ely McVey, Stark ; P. Mclntyre, Sterling ; T. S. Jordan, Union; J. E. Newell, Viroqua ; W. F. Terhune, Village of Viroqua ; Philip Adams, Webster; David Wilt, Wheatland ; Henry O'Connell, WhitestowD;P. McManny, Franklin.

The board made the following apportionment of taxes for 1874: ForState purposes, $8,195.76; for county purposes, $13,025 ; for county school purposes, $3,513. The total assessed valuation of the county was $3,721,583.

At this session a resolution was passed to the effect that the county would pay an additional bounty of $5 per head for full grown wolves killed, making the bounty $10.

The taxes for the year were apportioned as follows : For State jmrposes, $9,150.09 ; for county purposes, $15,613.30 ; for county school purposes, $3,760. The total assessed valuation of the county at that time was $3,903,325.

On the 14th of November the board met for the annual session of 1876. William Frazier, of Enterprise, was elected chairman for the ensuing year. The following comprises a list of the members of the board for this year : Goodman Olson, Bergen; C. H. Ballsrud, Christiana; H.W. Knapp, Clinton ; Anton VonRuden, Coon ; W. C. Stelting, Forest ; Christian Ellefson, Franklin; F. A. Wallar, Genoa ; Mathias Hansberry, Greenwood ; John T. Brinkmann, Hamburg ; Simon Clauson, Harmony; Roger Williams, Hillsborough ; William Frazier, Jefferson ; Joseph Harris, Kickapoo; Stanley Stout, Liberty; A. W. De Jean, Stark ; A. D. Chase, Sterling ; T. S. Jordan, Union ; Elijah Tilton, Viroqua ; R. S. McMichael, Village of Viroqua ; John Snyder, Webster; Jacob Eckhardt, Jr., Wheatland; Henry O'Connell, Whitestown.

The salaries of the various county officers were fixed as follows ; County clerk $800 per annum ; county treasurer, $800 ; district attorney $300 ; superintendent of poor, $2 per day,

D. A. Barnard was re-elected superintendent of the poor. The board apportioned the taxes as follows: For State purposes, 110,186.09; for county purposes, $17,138.92; for county school purposes, |3,7'58. The total assessed valuation of the county for that year was $3,808,- 651.

The annual session for 1877 began on the 13th day of November, 1877, and continued until the '21st. N. McKie, of Viroqua, was elected chairman for the ensuing year. The members of the board were as follows : Goodman Olson. Bergen ; Jeremiah Conway, Clinton ; C. H. Ballsrud, Christiana ; Ole Anderson, Coon ; W. C. Stelting, Forest; Christian Ellefson, Franklin; E. L. Oakes, Genoa; M. Hansberry, Greenwood; J. W. Hoyt, Hamburg; Simon Clauson, Harmony; Roger Williams, Hillsborough; William Smith, Jefferson; C. E. Smith, Kickapoo; Stanley Stout, Liberty ; H. H. VVyalt, Stark ; A. D. Chase, Sterling; T. S. Jordan, Union; E. Tilton, Viroqua; N. McKie, Village of Viroqua; John Snyder, Webster; Erastus Cilley, Wheatland ; Henry O'Connell, Whitestown.

Taxes were levied for the year 1877 as follows : For State purposes, $8,862.74; for county purposes, $16,997.26 ; for county school purposes, $3,845.50 The total assessed valuation of the county was, $3,777,170.

The board of supervisors met for the annual session of 1878 on the 12th of November. Van S. Bennett, of Whitestown, was elected chairman for the ensuing year. The board consisted of the following members : Goodman Olson, Bergen ; Jeremiah Conaway, Clinton ; John Michelet, Christiana ; Ole Anderson, Coon; R. S. Sherman, Forest ; Christian EUefson,Franklin; E.L. Oakes, Genoa; M. H.Fitzpatrick, Greenwood; J. W. Floyt, Hamburg; J. M. McLees, Harmony; Roger Williams, Hillsborough ; William Smith, Jefferson ; Irvin Fox, Kickapoo; Allen Rusk, Liberty; A. W.DeJean, Stark; Joseph Morgan, Sterling ; T. S. Jordan, Union ; E. Powell, Viroqua ; R. S. McMichael, Village of Viroqua ; John Snyder, Webster ; D. H. Pulver , Wheatland ; Van S. Bennett, Whitestown.

At this session taxes were levied as follows : For State purposes, $8,672.16; for county purposes, $13,275 ; for county school purposes, $3,590; The total assessed valuation of the county, $3,792,999.

D. A. Barnard was re-elected superintendent of the poor. The name of the office was changed to " commissioner of poor." $2,600 was appropriated to the poor departments.

The annual session for 1879 began on the 11th of November. Van S. Bennett was reelected chairman, and the rules of order governing the board in 1878 were adopted. The board was composed of the following gentlemen: Henry Schlong, Bergen; D. C. Yakey, Clinton; C. J. Skough, Christiana; Ole Anderson, Coon; R. S. Sherman, Forest; Christian Ellefson, Franklin; E. L. Oakes, Genoa; Martin Rodgers, Greenwood; J. W. Hoyt, Hamburg; J. M. Mc- Lees, Harmony; Roger Williams, Hillsborough; Wm. Smith, Jefferson; Irvin Fox, Kickapoo; G. W. Wise, Liberty; Eli McVey, Stark; Joseph Morgan, Sterling; T. S. Jordan, Union; E. Powell, Viroqua; R. S. McMichael, Village of Viroqua; John Suyder,Web8ter; H. H.Morgan, Wheatland; Van S. Bennett, Whitestown.

At this session resolutions were passed asking the senator and assemblyman from this district to use their influence to have the Legislature pass an act providing for the biennial instead of annual se^ssions of the Legislature.

Taxes were levied as follows: For State purposes, $6,085.06; for county purposes, $15,- 210.85; for count}- school purposes, $3,420. The total assessed valuation of the county this year was $3,802,714.

Resolved, That the court house contemplated to be built in the county of Vernon, be built at a cost of seventeen thousand dollars ($17,000), and the jail at the sum of six thousand dollars ($6,000), and that the committee to contract for and superintend the construction of the same, be and are hereby authorized and instructed to have the same fully completed and I'eady for occupation, at the prices above named.

That the cost of said court house and jail is hereby limited to said sum of twenty-three thousand dollars ($23,000), and the committee hereafter to be elected shall not exceed said amount, and that said committee give a bond to said county in this penal sum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) to be approved by the board of supervisors of said county to secure and indemnify said county against the payment of any excess above said sum of $-23,000 for said couit house and jail.

The special committee to whom was referred the petitions asking that the question of building a new court house be submitted to a vote of the people, reported the same back to the board without recommendation. Received and placed on file.

Your committee to whom was referred preamble and resolution in relation to acceptance of a loan of the trust funds of the State, have had the same under consideration, and resj)ectfully recommend their passage.

Committee. The report of the committee was adopted and the following preamble and resolutions passed. On this question the ayes and nays were called for. Those voting in the affirmative were: Messrs. Anderson, Bennett, Hoyt, Fox, Jordan, McLees, McMichael, H. H. Morgan, Michelet, Oakes, Powell, Rogers, Schlong, Sherman, Smith, Snyder and Williams, - seventeen.

WJiereas, The Legislature of the State of Wisconsin, at its annual session, A. D. 1880, passed a law approved Jan. 29, 1880, authorizing the commissioners of public lands to loan a jiortion of the trust funds of this State not exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars ($25, 000), to the countv of Vernon, in this State, and authorizing the board of supervisors of Vernon county to borrow a sum not exceeding the amount above named, of said commissioners, and to issue to said commissioners certificates of the indebtedness so contracted ; said indebtedness to bear interest at the rate of seven per cent, per annum :

Resolved, That we, the board of supervisors of Vernon county, duly assembled according to law, do hereby accept a loan of twenty-three thousand dollars ($23,000), according to the provisions of said act and the terms and limitations therein provided : and be it further do issue to said commissioners certificates of the indebtedness so contracted, and that the chairman and clerk of this board be and are hereby fully authorized and empowered, in the name of the county of Vernon to make, execute and deliver to said commissioners of the public lands, the certificates of said indebtedness, in such form as required by said commissioners, for any and all sums of money that may be loaned to said county, hereby fully empowering the said chairman and clerk of said board to do and perform all necessary things to be done by them to carry out the provisions of said act and these resolutions.

Resolved, That a certified copy of this preamble and resolutions be filt'd by the clerk of this board with the secretary of State of the State of Wisconsin.

Resolved, That the new court house be built of stone, and that the roof of said court house be made of tin or iron, whichever to the building committee shall seem most proper.

Mr. Michelet moved that the vote by which the board refused to adopt the resolution offered by Mr. Ellefson in relation to recording his vote, be re-considered. Motion prevailed and the vote was re-considered and the resolution adopted as follows :

Resolved, by the board of supervisors of Vernon county that Christian Ellefson have permission to record his vote on the resolutions relating to building a court house.

Mr. Smith moved that a committee of five be appointed by the chair to view grounds for location of new court house and jail, and report to the board to-morrow morning. Motion prevailed.

Mr. Williams moved that a committee of three be appointed to examine the title to the lots on which the old court house and jail are located. Motion prevailed. Messrs. Williams, Michelet and H. H. Morgan were appointed such committee.

Thur.sdaj', Feb. 13, 1880, 9 o'clock a. m. Board met, called to order by the chairman. Members all present except Mr. McVey. Journal of yesterday read and approved.

The special committee appointed to examine title to lots 1, 2, 7 and 8, block 6, made the following report, which was received and placed on file :

Your special committee to examine tiie records, in the register's oflice, in relation to the court house lots, beg leave to report that they have made the necessary examination and find that the county is the legal owner of said lots.

We, your committee on ways and means, to whom was referred the resolution for the election of a building committee, beg leave to report that they have had the same under consideration and recommend its passage.

On motion of Mr. Iloyt the report was adopted and the resolution passed by a vote of ayes and nays, all the members ])resent voting aye except Messrs. Sherman and Williams, who voted nay.

Resolved, By the board of supervisors of Vernon county, that this board elect a committee of five persons to be designated as a building committee. Said committee shall have power to contract for the building of a court house, the cost of which shall not exceed the sum of $17,000, and for a jail and jailors' house, the cost of which shall not exceed $6,000. Said committee shall employ a competent architect to prepare plans and specifications, and superintend the work of construction of said buildings; they shall cause public notice to be given that sealed proposals will be received for the construction of said buildings, and the material of which the same .shall be constructed, and shall reject any and all bids exceeding the amount above stated. Said building committee shall require of the party or parties to whom contracts are awarded, to give bonds for the faithful performance of their contracts, as follows: For the construction of the court house, in the sum of $34,000, for the construction of the jail and jailors' house, in the sum of $12,000. Said committee shall give bonds to Vernon county in the sum of $50,000, conditioned for the faithful performance of their duties and the proper disposition of all moneys of the county, placed in their hands, for the construction of said buildings. Said committee shall receive for their services, the sum of $2 per day each, for each days time actually spent in the performance of their duties, and six cents per mile, for each mile necessarily traveled. Said committee may elect a treasurer who shall give bonds in the sum of $26,000, for the faithful performance of his duties, and may make such rules and regulations for the government of their body as they may deem proper, provided such rules do not exceed the authority granted said committee by the several resolutions of the county board. All the bonds mentioned in this resolution (excepting the bond of treasurer of the building committee) shall be approved by the chairman and two other members of this board, and the bond of the treasurer of the building committee shall be approved by a majority of said building committee.

On motion of Mr. McMichael, the board proceeded to elect by ballot a building committee of five members. Messrs. Hoyt, Snyder, Powell, McLees and Anderson were elected such committee.

Jiesolved, That Col. C. M. Butt be requested to draft an order defining and limiting the powers and duties of the building committee, so that said committee shall not be able to make the cost of court house, jail and jailors' residence exceed the sum of $23,000, without being liable upon their ofiicial bond, for the excess of the said amount of $23,000.

Your committee, to whom was referred the order, in relation to electing building commissioners to superintend the construction of county buildings, have had the same under consideration, and respectfully recommend its passage as amended, by inserting two in place of one.

That there be two special commissioners elected by this board, by ballot, whose duty it shall be, to watch over and care for the proper erection of the court house and jail, and report in writing to the chairman and clerk of this board, of any irregularities in the performance of the work, selection of the materials or disbursements from the fund appropriated for building purposes.

That the said special commissioners shall have the further power, and it is hereby made their duty to inform the architect and chairman of the building committee, of any defects in the construction of said buildings, or deviations in the work upon said county buildings, from the plans and specifications of the architect pertaining to the same.

Your committee, to whom was referred the resolution in relation to employing an architect and superintendent of the new court house and jail, have had the same under consideration, and respectfully recommend its passage.

Resolved, That we hereby elect C. F. Struck, of La Crosse, Wis., the architect and superintendent of the new court house and jail, and that the building committee make a written contract with him for his compensation as such.

Your committee appointed to select a site for new county buildings, have looked at various sites, and have selected as the most appropriate place for such buildings, a piece of land belonging to Mr. Minshall, seventeen rods and thirteen and a half feet wide, on the east side, running the full width of his land, back to the

The undersigned, a member of your special committee, to whom was assigned the duty of viewing the several locations in and about Viroqua, proposed as suitable places on which to erect the new county buildings, and report to this body, begs leave to report that, in his opinion, the location occupied by the present county buildings is better adapted to that purpose, and all things considered preferable to any other, and would respectfully recommend the adoption of the resolution hereunto attached.

Itcsolved, That the court house and jail, to be erected, be located on the grounds occupied by the present buildings used for those purposes.

Mr. Williams moved to reconsider the vote by which the resolution in relation to building committee was adopted. Motion lost by the following vote: Affirmative, 10. Negative, 10.

H. H. Morgan moved to reconsider the vote on the resolution adopted in relation to loc tion of new buildings. Motion prevailed by the following vote: Those voting in the affirmative were: Messrs. Anderson, Hoyf, Hanson, McLees, H. H. Morgan, Michelet, SeliJong Sherman. Smith, Snyder, Williams and Wise 12. Those voting in the negative were: Messrs Bennett, Ellefson, Fox, Jordan, Mc.Vlichael Joseph Morgan, Oakes, Powell and Rodgers, 9

Mr. Williams moved that the resolution be laid on the table. Mr. McMiohael moved to amend by postponing action thereon, until tomorrow morning. Amendment lost. The original motion prevailed, the resolution was tabled.

Mr. McMicliael introduced an order authorizing county treasurer to pay over funds to the building committee. Referred to the committee on finance.

Mr. Williams moved to reconsider the vote on the order passed in relation to electing two building commissioners. Motion prevailed. The vote was reconsidered and the order laid on the table.

Mr. Anderson offered a resolution authorizing the building committee to purchase ground for new county buildings. Referred to oommittee on ways and means.

The committee on ways and means reported the same back to the board for their action. Mr. McLtes moved that the resolution do now pass. Motion prevailed. The ayes and nays were called for. Those voting in the affirmative were: Anderson, Fox, Hoyt, MeLees, Michelet, Rodgers, Schlong, Sherman, Smith, Snyder, Williams and Wise, 12. Those voting in the negative were: Bennett, Ellefson, Hanson, Jordan, McMichael, Joseph Morgan, H. H. Morgan, Oakes and Powel, 9.

Resolved, By the board of supervisors of Vernon county, that the building committee be and are hereby instructed to negotiate with the proper parties, for seventeen rods, thirteen and a half feet, by thirty-five to fifty rods of ground upon which the new court house and jail shall be located in the west portion of the village of Viroqua, on the site recommended by a special committee of this body and upon the lands of Mr. Minshall.

Friday, Feb. 13, 1880, 9 o'clock a. m. Board met. Called to order by the chairman. Members all present except Mr. McVey. Journal of yesterday read and approved.

Your committee on ways and means, to whom was referred the resolution authorizing the building committee to sell grounds, beg leave to report that they have had the same under consideration and offer the order hereto as a substitute, and recommend its passage.

The report was adopted and the substitute was passed by the following vote. Those voting in theaffirmative were: Anderson, Bennett, Ellefson, Hoyt, Hanson, Jordan, McLees, McMichael, H. H. Morgan, Michelet, Oaks, Powell, Rodgers, Schlong, Smith and Snyder, 16. Those voting in the negative were: Fox, Joseph Morgan, Sherman, Williams and Wise, 5.

It is hereby ordered and determined, by the county board of supervisors of Vernon county, that the building committee of this board, is hereby authorized and empowered to sell lots 1, 2, 7 and S, in block 6, of the original plat of the village of Viroqua, on such terms as shall seem to them for the best interests of the county, and apply the proceeds of such sale or sales, to the payment for the grounds purchased from Edward Minshall and wife, for the location of the new county buildings, and in constructing fences, walks, out houses, cisterns and in planting trees, or otherwise improving the grounds. Upon the committee making such sale, it shall be the duty of the county clerk, when notified, and requested by the chairman of said committee so to do, to execute to the purchaser or purchasers, good and sufficient warrantee deeds in the name and on behalf of Vernon county, for the lot or lots so sold.

All moneys arising from such sale or sales, shall be paid over to the building committee who shall render an account for the same to the county board of supervisors.

Your committee, to whom was referred the order authorizing the building committee to receive the |!23,000 of the trust funds, have had the same under consideration, and respectfully recommend that it do not pass. The report of the committee was adopted. The board refused to pass the order.

Mr. Schlong moved to strike out the words " said committee shall grant bonds in the sum of $50,000 " in the resolutions passed by this board in relation to building committee, which motion prevailed.

Resolved, By the boaid of supervisors of Vernon county, that chairman of the county board shall have power to fill any vacancy on the building committee caused by the death or resignation of any member of said committee.

Mr. McMichael moved that the rules be suspended and the resolution adopted. Mr. Williams moved to amend by striking out the words "Ten thousand" and inserting the words " Twenty-five thousand."

The amendment was lost by the following vote: Affirmative, five ; negative, fifteen. Mr. McMichael's motion prevailed, and the resolution adopted as follows :

Hesolved, By the board of supervisors of Vernon county, that the members of the building committee be required to give a joint bond for the sum of 110,000 for the faithful performance of their duties, said committee shall have power to draw orders on the treasurer for the funds in his hands, said orders to be signed by

The annual session for 1880 began on the 9th of November. R. S. McMichael, of Viroqua, was elected chairman for the ensuing year. The following gentlemen represented the various towns and villages in the county :

At this session the bounty upon wolves was raised as follows: On a full grown female wolf, $15, bounty; on a full grown male wolf, $10 bounty; all whelps, $5 bounty.

The board fixed the salaries of the various county officers as follows: County clerk, $800 per year; treasurer, $S00; district attorney, $300; commissioner of poor, $i! per day and eight cents per mile; county superintendent, $3 per day not to exceed $800; clerk of circuit court, $300 and fees; comity judge, $500.

Taxes were levied as follows: For State purposes, $12,811.29; for county purposes, $15,871.88; for county school purposes, $3,609. The total assessed valuation of the county at that time was $3,967,970.

On the loth of November, 1881, the board met again in annual session. J. W. Hoyt, of Hamburg, was elected chairman for the ensuing year. The following members of the board were present: Henry Schlong, Bergen;

Taxes were assessed by the board as follows: For State purposes, $10,242.07; for county purposes, 818,067.25; for countyschool purposes, $3,788. The total asse.ssed valuation of the county in 1880 was 44,014,945.

For the annual session in 1882, the board met on the 14th of November. J. W. Hoyt, of Hamburg, was re-elected chairman. The board consisted of the following gentlemen:

Equalization: E. Tilton, L. S. Rabbitt, Patrick Brody, H. H. Morgan and T. Madden. D. A. Barnard, commissioner of poor, presented his report, in which he stated that there had been forty-two paupers at the county house during the past year. The average number at the house during the year was thirty-one. The cost per capita of $1.24 per week. The number at the house Oct. 31, 1882, was thirty; of this number six were insane, fourteen idiotic, one epileptic, two cripples; four over seventy years of age; one under ten years, and of the others, two are incapable of selfsupport. The number receiving aid from the county outside of the county was 195. Mr. Barnard was re-elected to the office of poor commissioner.

The salaries of the various county officers were fixed as follows: County clerk, $900 per annum; treasurer, $800; district attorney, $400; clerk of circuit court, $300 and fees; county judge, $500; poor commissioner, $2 per day and 10 cents per mile; county superintendent, $3 per day.

On the 13th of November the board of supervisors convened for the annual session of 1883. J. W. Hoyt, of Hamburg, was re-elected chairman for the ensuing year. The following gentlemen were members of the board, representing the various towns and incorporated villages in the county:

County Buildings

The first building used as a court house stood upon the site now occupied by the Masonic Hall in Viroqua. It was erected in 1850 by Moses Decker. This building is fully described in the chapter upon the courts of Vernon county, the first term of circuit court being held in it. This building was used for the purpose of a court house until 1856.

In May, 1854, the board of supervisors of the county expressed themselves as in favor of the erection of a new court house. T. J. De Frees drew the plans and specifications of the proposed building and proposals were advertised for. In July, 1854, the proposition of Samuel Mc- Michael to erect a building 30x38 feet in size, and two stories high, for the sum of $2,100, was accepted.

The erection of the building was at once commenced. It was finished in 1858, having cost somewhat more than the original contract. This building still stands just back of the store of Rogers, Williams & Henry. For several years after its erection it was the finest county building in the sixth judicial circuit. When it was first built the first floor was divided into six oflice rooms; later the partitions were taken out, making four rooms. The upper story was occupied by the court room.

In 1857 the contract for building a jail was let to Thomas Fretwell, of Viroqua. It was finished in November, 1858, at a cost of $2,060. It stands directly west of the old court house building.

The court house and jail were occupied until November, 1880, when the county oflices and records were moved into the new court house, the one now in use.

The present buildings were erected in 1880; the contract for building the court house, jail and sheriff's residence being let for $23,000. The actual cost only overrun this amount $168, and this was paid by the county. The reason of this excess was that the sheriff's residence was veneered with brick, while the contract called for a frame building. This made the entire cost of the court house, jail and sheriff's residence $^3,168.

The court house is built of stone; about 60x70 feet in size, two stories and basement. In the basement are two large Ruttan furnaces which heat the entire building. There are half a dozen large rooms in the basement which are used for storage purposes ; partitions are of massive stone, making a secure support and foundation for the building. The first story is divided into cozy rooms which are occupied by the county officers. The upper story is divided into four rooms - court room, consultation room and two jury rooms. The court room is 42x58 feet in size, neatly furnished and well arranged.

Just southwest of the court house stands the jail and sherift"'s residence. The former is of stone ; the latter frame, with brick veneering.

Matrimonial

The first marriage that appears on the record books of Vernon county was solemnized on the 16th of May, 1851, more than thirty -two years ago. The contracting parties were Nels Nelson and Martha Olson, and the marriage ceremony was performed by Oliver Langdon, justice of the peace.

It would doubtless be of interest to many to give the record of marriages for the first ten years of the county's existence; but they are too numerous, therefore, only the first four years are given as taken from the records in the office of the register of deeds.

County judge, William Terhune; Revs. James Bishop, Daniel Parkison and H. A. Stub ; justices of the peace, Sylvester C. Lincoln, Henry Waters, J. P. Harkness, N. W. Saxton, Robert Nelson, Orrin Wisel, Augustus H. Older, C. Cheatham, Oliver Langdon and A. Nelson.

During the last few years the records of marriages, show the names of many, both ladies and young gentlemen, who are sons and daughters of the parties mentioned above, who have themselves taken partners to their joys and