BURLINGTON
The first county seat of Lawrence County, Ohio.
For many years, I have accumulated little stories about my favorite little village of Burlington. The Kouns's, Brubakers, Davidsons, Shutes, etc., were among the first settlers of this village.
This file, when printed, is more than 100 pages long.
I hope to continue adding to this file again.
(c) 2006 Sharon M. Kouns
Postmasters in Burlington:
Burlington had the only post office in the county until 1821.
Thomas Kerr was first postmaster
Dr. Camillus Hall held the office of postmaster from 1844-1886
Burlington -FIRST COUNTY SEAT
Township: Fayette
Extinct: No
Named: The town was originally located on lands owned by John Ferguson and Wm. Elkins, and was owned at that time by E. B. Greene, now known as the Delta, the school house and church of that name being on or nearby the same land. There were several log cabins erected, but the question of title arose, and upon examination, they concluded to move their location and selected the present site; John Davidson and William Burton each giving 25 acres of land, in all 50 acres, which now composes the present town of Burlington. Several of the houses which had been built on the Delta lands were torn down and hauled to and erected at the new place, which was named Burlington for a Burlington in Vermont.
Ironton Register July 11, 1895. Burlington was named by E. B. Greene and Carpus Clark for Burlington, Vt., and Carpus Clark and S. M. Browning named Burlington, Iowa, for our chief town. Burlington was organized in March of 1817 as thecounty seat of Lawrence county. Burlington was the only post office in the county until 1821. Thomas Kerr was the first postmaster. Burlington was the first town laid out. The brick tavern at Burlington, was the first brick house.
The first road surveyed was from Burlington to the mouth of Symmes.
LAWRENCE COUNTY.
CONTINUATION OF HISTORY OF EARLY TIMES.
A Glance into Pioneer Ways and Customs, Aid township Finished and Fayette Begun.
(Copyrighted by T. A. Walton.)
Ironton Register, March 30, 1905
William, son of James Peyton married Bridgett, daughter of Geo. Turner and moved from Va. to Madriver thence to Scioto county, and thence to and settled in N. E. quarter of S. 7 where he died. His child, Marinda married Sm., son of Daniel Kirkendoll and died in Ind. Wm. Sr’s child Nelly married Joseph, son of Geo. Beloat and is dead; her son William married Polly, daughter of Ben. A. Brown; Mary married James, son of John Delwader. Wm. Sr’s child Zachariah married and died in Boone county, Mo.; Samuel G. married Sarah Ann daughter of Jno. Whitt, she died and he married Eliza daughter of Richard Martin; his child John Peyton married Susan daughter of Anderson Vitito; Sarah Ann married John Lewis and died in Boone county, Mo.; Tiressa married Warner Nourse and is dead. Mary married Anderson, son of Daniel Neal and lives on Aarons Creek, her child Mary married Alfred son of Alfred Donahue and lives on Aarons Creek; Enoch married Manerva and lives in Va. Isaac son of James Peyton, Sr. Married Rebecca Liston and lives on Aaron’s Creek in S. 10 where he died. His child, Mary Ann, married Wm. son of Jacob Powell and is dead. Perry married Susanna, daughter of Robert Rucker, and is dead. He married Barbara Dugan daughter of Henry Enoch and died in the army. James and Margaret died single; Jane married Wm., son of Jno. Arbaugh and lives in S. 13, her child, Isaac, married Nancy Ellen, daughter of M. Calvery Aldridge. Allen married Sarah, daughter of L. Gibson.
Jesse Sr’s child Mahala married Wm., son of Thos. Lambert, Asa married Lucy, daughter of Joseph Washburn, George married Anna Miller (?) and lives in Decatur county, Iowa. Rebecca married Chas., son of Thos Dalton. Her child, Jennie, married Lawrence Shadly. Isaac Sr.’s child, Pheba married Mar___, son of _____ Dinnen. Aaron Brown married Catherine Yingling and lived on Johns Creek. His children, Christian Yingling married. Their child Emily married Silas Reenburg. Levina married Jno. son of Robert Boggs. Aaron and Catherine’s child Andrew married Katherine, daughter of Peter Kingery and lives in Windsor township. Their child Amanda married Daniel Burnburg. Alfred married Phoeba daughter of Lewis Doughty, and lives in Aid township. Henry married Arminta daughter of Henry Dalton and lives in Aid; Rebecca married James son of J. M. Dean.
FAYETTE TP. POLL BOOK 1815-16.
Election held Oct. 10, 1815. Thos. Johnson, Wm. Wilson, A. Joshua Bruce, judges. Chas. McCoy and Dan’l Brubaker, clerks. Names of voters Jno. Branden, Jno. Brown, Edw. Simmons, S. Imes, Jno. McCoy, Thos. Johnson, Wm. Lynd, Wm. Wilson, Saml. Abrams, Thos. Kerr, David Brubaker, Joshua Bruce, Stephen Hodges, Wm. Holt, Geo. H. Otis, Abram Davidson, Thos. Hilt, G. Kerr, Jacob Lewis, Chas. McCoy, Jos. Isaminger, Jas. Collier, Mosback Collier, E. Phillips, Jno. Davisson - 31 votes. The vote stood for Representative to the state Legislature David Ridgeday 30, J. P. R. Burrow 1; For Commissioner, Nathaniel Gates 31: for Sheriff, S. R. Holcob 28; Jos. W. Ross 2. Another election held Oct. 8th, 1816, Thos. Johnson, G. Kerr and Edward Simmons, judges. The vote stood for Governor Thos. Worthington got 29 votes out of 31; Henry Brush got all the votes for Congress. Robt. Armstrong got the majority for County Commissioner and James Jones for Coroner. Names of Voters. Edw. Simmons, Robt. Boyd, Jno. Brandon, Wm. Holt, A. Moore, Jno. McCoy, Stephen Ballard, Jos. Davidson, Jno. Davisson, Chas. McCoy, Geo. Kouns, Wm. Johnson, Wm. Lynd, C. Hall, Thos. Johnson, Jas. Collier, Thos. Kerr, Jos. Sloan, Sam Kouns, Jno Francis, Jas. Gibson, M. Colliers, G. Kerr, E. Phillips, Thos. Davidson, Jno. Brown, J. Kouns.
In Oct. 1817, six candidates in the field for County Commissioner: 48 votes cast, Js. Davidson 15; Edward Billops 26; Joel Brown 26; D. Spurlock 22. Nathaniel Davisson 19, Peter Lionberger 1. An election held June 7th, 1817 for Justice of the Peace, 35 votes cast, Chas. McCoy and Daniel Brubaker elected.
Gabriel Kerr married Jane, daughter of Wm. Crawford in Washington Co., Pa. About 1809 and in 1812 he and his brother Thos. Kerr removed down the river in a flat boat loaded with apples, flour and cider and landed at the mouth of Big Sandy Dec. 24th 1812. In the Spring of 1813 moved over and settled on the farm now owned by Abrams and Campbells.
1816 - Lawrence county was created December 20, 1816 from Gallia County and a small part of Scioto County. Lawrence county was organized March 24, 1817.
1817 - The first justice of the peace for Lawrence county was James Webb. The same day Webb was sworn in, Joseph Davidson made oath to perform the duties of county commissioner. This was the 12th day of April 1817. Joel Bowen and David Spurlock were the other two commissioners.
COUNTY HISTORY.
Record of Contract Awarded for the Burlington “Jail House.”
No. 4.
(Continued from last week.)
Ironton Register, December 4, 1902.
The second session of the first board of commissioners of Lawrence county was begun on June 2, 1817, at Burlington, and the minutes of the session are as follows:
“Board met persuant to adjournment last April session. Present Joel Bowen, David Spurlock, Josiah Davidson, Commissioners. Ordered that the first business to be acted upon is to perceed to make sale of the jail house of the town of Burlington to be sold to the lowest bidder and the clerk of said board to make sale of the same at two o’clock in the afternoon on the said day. Perceeded to make sale of the log part of the jail house and made sale of the same to John Morrison, the legal purchaser to build the log part of the said jail agreeable to contract for the sum of three hundred and thirty four dollars. Further perceeded to make sale of the frame part of jail house, and made sale of same to William Templeton, who is legal purchaser, for three hundred and thirty eight dollars.
“Ordered that Thos. Kerr be reappointed clerk for this board of commissioners for one year from this date, and that he shall receive eighty dollars payable quarterly, further ordered that Thomas Kerr be reappointed treasurer of Lawrence county for one year from this date, and that he shall be allowed four per centum for the money received by him till this date. Board then adjourned till nine o’clock tomorrow morning.”
The journal record of the second day’s session follows:
“Tuesday, June 3rd. Board persuant adjournment. Ordered that John Kelly’s bond as road commissioner be put on record with two securities, Charles Kelly and Wm. G. Robinson securities, bound in the penal sum of one thousand dollars for the true performance as commissioner as above stated appointed by this state for to expend five hundred and twenty five dollars on the road from Burlington down to the lower line of Lawrence county. Bond bearing date June 2, 1817.
“HIGHWAY. On a petition for a new road leading from Scioto county line at the county road; from thence to or near the house of John Strouper; thence to cross the creek; thence to or near the north line of Misses Howands quarter section; from thence state road running from Portsmouth to Gallia county and that the same be established; ordered that the said petition be granted and that Thomas Blythe, Andrew Wolf and David McFan be viewers and John Russell, surveyor, to meet at Edward Partlow’s on the twentieth of this inst. And make report at next meeting of this board in July. Ordered that David Rally’s bond for a new road be recorded; bond for seventy five dollars payable to the county treasurer for the cost of said road if the same should not be established at the expense of the county. Wilson Lynd, security. Further, that David Rally’s bond for road commissioner for expending one hundred dollars on a new road to be laid in the back part of the Lawrence county. Bond for the penalty of two hundred dollars, payable to the commissioners of Lawrence county, with John Davidson, security; bond bearing date June 2, 1817. Ordered that Edward Simmons’ bond for coroner, bound in the penalty of two thousand dollars, payable to Commissioners of Lawrence county for the faithful performance to his said office, with Edward Billups and Gabriel Kerr as securities; bond bearing date of June 2, 1817. Board adjourned till nine o’clock tomorrow morning.”
(To be continued.)
COUNTY HISTORY.
Additional Notes of Commissioners’ Doings in 1817.
No. 5.
(To be continued.)
Ironton Register, December 11, 1902.
Wednesday, June 4th 1817. Board met pursuant to adjournment as yesterday. On Petition for a new road to be begin at Abraham Miller’s ferry on the Ohio river, thence running to intersect the county road leading from Burlington, at or near long Creek, was read the first time and laid over till next sitting. On the assent of the trustees and application of a number of the inhabitants of the Fractional Surveyed Township No. 1 in the 16 range, wishing to have freeholders appointed to appraise and lay off section sixteen in said township, order the said application be granted, and the following freeholders be appointed to appraise the same: John Davidson, Owen Russell, George Kouns, or by us appointed for the purpose to meet at the home of John Billups on the fourth Monday of the inst., and then and there perceed according to law. Ordered that Thomas Kerr, clerk of the board be allowed six dollars for his services as clerk, from the 21st of Apriel 1817 till this present June session 1817.
“Licenses. Ordered, that the merchants license or retailers offering goods in the county be ten dollars, this year; further that Taverns and ferry licenses be the same as was established in April session, 1817; that is, for tavern license this year, six dollars, ferry licenses this year, two dollars.
Wolf Sculps. Ordered that David Spurlock be allowed for ten wolf sculps under six months old, the sum of one dollar for each sculp; certified by James Webb, Esqr., to us, and there be an order ishued for the sum of ten dollars order allowed. Ordered that Thomas Kerr, Treasurer of Lawrence county be allowed nine dollars and sixty two and a half cents for expense going to Gallipolis, and by buying and making two books for said commissioners and paper for county orders. Allowed. Agreed, that Henly Webb, constable, be allowed one dollar for retuning a list of Grand and petit jurors from Lawrence township to the clerks office. Board adjourned till tomorrow morning nine o’clock. Thomas Kerr, clerk, June 5, 1817.
1. Order Ishued Thomas Kerr for expenses $9.62 ½
2. Order Ishued David Spurlock for wolf sculps 10.00
3. Order Ishued Henly Webb for Jury returns 1.00
$20.62 ½
“Board ordered viewed and surveyed from the mouth of Symmes Creek down on the bank of the Ohio river to the first cross street of the town of Burlington. John Davidson, George Koons, and Charles McCoy, viewers, and John Poang surveyor. Ordered that Gabriel Kerr and Jeremiah Wescott bond be entered for the expense of new roads if not established at the expense of said county ….Bond $75.
“Highway, beginning at the town of Burlington thence to Jacob _oons on Buffalo Creek, thence up said creek to Bazzells or Willis mill, thence intersect the line of Jackson and Gallia county. Viewers Edward Miller, Christian Koun and William Miller and William Buffington surveyor.
“Order is ishued to Thomas Kerr for service as clerk for this board from Apriel session till June annual meet and paid when *cold on order allowed. Ishued $6.90 on petition of a number of the inhabitants of Lawrence county praying for a new road beginning on the bank of the Ohio river at Burlington thence to Jackson county seat the nearest and best way. Ordered that the prayer be granted and that James Webb, Edward Simmons and Masheck Collier viewers and John Poang surveyor or some other suitable surveyor that can be had to meet at Burlington on Friday the 27th of the instant and make report at the next meeting of this board. Order Ishued.”
(Here comes a list of election expenses paid June 6, 1817, total amount $37.)
“Ordered that Wm. Robinson be allowed three dolars for employing Nathaniel Davison for carrying the laws from Portsmouth to Burlington. Order ishued 3.00. Attest Thos. Kerr, clerk.”
At this point in the record comes a list of what are now called assessors, with their fees as paid by the county, Saturday, June 7, 1817. The record shows the following:
LISTERS OF TAXABLE PROPERTY
Upper Tp. 41 x Samuel Clark, lister 7.00
Fayette Tp. 42 x Solomon Imes, lister 3.00
Lawrence Tp. 43 x Isem Blankenship, lister 5.00
Union Tp. 44 x Samuel McCorkle, lister 4.00
Centerville Tp. 45 x James Wilson, lister 4.00
(This indicates that all north of Union township was called Centerville township, which formerly included all territory back from the river and above **Strums Creek.)
* Probably “called.”
** Likely intended for Storms creek.
COUNTY HISTORY.
More Extracts From Records of First Board of Commissioners.
No. 5 (note he had two No. 5’s - smk)
(To be continued.)
Ironton Register, December 18, 1902.
The records of the first board of commissioners of Lawrence county are followed out in this issue and a few of the items entered on the journal are given, the time being June, 1817:
“Ordered that Joseph Davidson for procuring a house for the commissioners and court building till the present time, 1 quire paper till June 7, 1817. 46. Order Ishue and allowed, 3.00 47X ordered that Joel Bowen be allowed for a letter lifted for board of commissioners 0.18 ½. (can’t make out total - smk)
“A road beginning at high way at the town of Burlington on bank of the Ohio River; then down on the bank of said river past the house of Barbary Davidsons, thence past D. Brubaker’s mill down to the old Gallia county line to entersect road at the mouth of Lick Creek * * * John Davidson, George Koons, & Charles McCoy viewers and John Poange surveyor or some other suitable surveyor. Monday, June, 1817.
“Ordered that Charles McCoy be appointed road Commissioner instead of Joel Bowen, who has declined the appointment of the legislature and said McCoy be given bond agreeable to few and taken the oath of office. Further that Charles McCoy and George Koon bond be out____ bound in the penalty of twelve hundred dollars for the true performance of laying out and expending six hundred & twenty five dollars on the road leading from Burlington to the upper line of Lawrence county on the bank of the Ohio river, date June 9, 1817. Agreed that the money appropriated by the legislature for the use of the road leading from Burlington to the upper line of Lawrence county be expended in the following plan on the first creek above Burlington on Buffalo creek and on Indian Guyan and the ballance on some other creeks or branches toward the upper line as above stated of road. Order That Joseph Davidson be appointed as sealor and keeper of the standard of measures for Lawrence county and that he be authorized to procure a seal and a half bushel measure at the expense of the aforesaid county and he has taken the oath of office.
“Ordered that there be advertisement set up in each tp. in Lawrence county for all resadence proprietors of lands subject to taxation to be fetched forward forthwith to the clerk of the board of commissioners for taxation. June 9, 1817.
“Ordered that the rates of taxation on taxable property in this county shall be as follows to witt on each stud horse (as high as the law admits on all other horses, mares, mules & asses per head……..30 cents. On all meat cattle per head ten cents ……10. On all other taxable property in the county one half of one per cent on the appraised value.
“On settlement with the county treasurer up to this date and remains in Treasury after all expenditures out of Treasury $353.35 ½.
“July 8, 1817. Fees of the first grand Jurors drawn were Daniel Laffoon, John Billups, Peter Lionbarger, Richard Sumpter, William Bruce, Joshua Imes, Nathaniel Morrison, Thomas Singer, John Lunsford, Augustin Smith, Elisha Hall, Edward Miller, Edward Billups, Adam Farler, Charles McCoy, each $__ (looks like 3 - smk). Solomon Imes, constable for grand jury, $2.
“October 16, 1817. Fees of grand jurors: William Templeton, John Cartwell, John Stover, John Frances, John Brown, Charles McCoy, Andrew Blankenship, James Collier, Robert McCorkle, John Billups, Edward Miller, Peter Wakefield, Moses Chaplin, Jacob Fudge, Patten Walker, each $4.50. Solomon Imes, constable for grand jurors, $3.00.
“Nov. 17, 1817. Nathaniel Davidson, Edward Billups, David Spurlock, having been elected commissioners took their oaths.
“Feb. 7, 1818. Contracted with Asa Kimble to build a break (probably brick) court house to stand on the north side of Washington st. & west side of Court street and to stand precisely in the center but not to obstruct the street. Price $1696. (This is the old Burlington court house used in recent years as a school house.)
“Billups road ordered to be established as a publik road and to be opened fifteen feet wide and made in other convenient for the passage of wagons and carriages. August 22, 1818. Asa Kimble sold the court house building to Gabriel Kerr. February 8, 1819. Gabriel Kerr sold out court house building to Jeremiah Westcott, and today is paid off. March 3, 1819. $36.32 appropriated for road up buffalo creek. Aug. 5, 1819. Paid J. Wescott another court house bill. April 27, 1820. Sold court house to Joel Gillett for $240. (This appears to have been the wood work contract.)
“Wednesday, June 7, 1820. E. B. Green, N. Davidson, Thos. Kerr, commissioners chose Joseph Wheeler clerk of the board of commissioners, to be allowed $60.00 to be paid quarterly and Wm. G. Robinson appointed collector for the county for 1820, to be paid six per cent of his collections for his fees.
{Note - It is intended to give the records as near verbatim as possible, hence the reader may at times be shocked at spelling and construction, some of which may have been accepted as correct early in the last century. - Editor.}
1818 - Feb. 20 - The town of Burlington was laid out. Named for Burlington, Vt. Was first located at Delta but a dispute arose and John Davidson and William Burton each donated 25 acres each and moved the houses to form the town of Burlington.
1819
COUNTY HISTORY.
Interesting Items Gleaned From the Old Records.
No. 6. (Continued.)
Ironton Register, January 8, 1902.
Following is a list of some of the payments made to the county for various purposes during the years of 1819 and 1820:
W. G. Robinson, clerk, fines $32.50; I. and M. Frampton, permit, $1.25; Wm. C. Johnson, permit, $2.50; Edward Miller, tavern license, $6.00; M. & J. Frampton, permit, $6.78; John Davidson, permit, ferry, $0.33 /3; Jeremiah Wescott, permit tavern, $1.06; Wm. C. Davidson, store license, $10; Abraham Miller, ferry, $2.00; John Davidson, for ferry, $2.00; William Ventraux Hurson, store, $13.00; Calvin Record (probably Reckard), for tavern license, $6.00.
June 8, 1820. County levy on horse, mule and ass, three years old and upward, 30 cts. per head; on all meat cattle, three years old and upward 10 cts per head; on each stud horse, the rate he stands at the season and in all other property made subject to taxation, one half per cent on the appraised value thereof.
Jacob Miller, John Pierce and Sylvester Fuller were judges and E. B. Green and Solomon Churchill were clerks of Rome township election in Presidential election of 1820.
The records show that on November 19, 1820, $14 was allowed for 10 wolf scalps.
Regarding the organization of townships, the commissioners’ record has the following:
“June 2, 1817. On petition of a number of the inhabitants for a new township to be laid off as follows, viz: Beginning at the N. west corner of said county, thence south with said line to Township No. 2, thence E. with said Tp. line as far as to the N. E. corner of Township No. 2, range 18; thence N. with said range to the north end of said county; thence west to the N. E. corner of Sect. No. 5 in sd. Tp., thence south to the N. E. corner of Section No. 29 in ad. Tp. thence west to the place of beginning. Ordered that the same be set apart by the name of Vernon Township.
“June 2, 1817. T. 2, R. 16 organized as Windsor township. Electors meet at school house near Owen Russell. Agreed by the board that the Tp. of Lawrence be as follows off Township No. 3 and range 17, be the same bounds and that the qualified electors meet at James Webb’s to elect etc. Ordered that the original surveyed township No. 3 of range 16 and the original and the original Tps. No. 4 & 5(or 6?) in range 17, shall form one Tp. by the name of Symmes Township and the same to be the bounds * * * Electors to meet at the house of Seriah Vermillion to elect officers.
“June 4, 1817. On petition of a number of the inhabitants of Lawrence county and Upper Tp., praying for a new Tp. to be set off bounding as follows: Beginning at the southeast corner of Tp. No. 2, range 19, thence running E. to the 17 range lines, thence N. to the N. E. corner of Township 2, range 18; thence W. to the county line; thence south to the French Grant line; thence S. easterly to the east corner of said Grant; thence westerly to the pace of beginning. Ordered that the said Bounding be set apart in a separate Tp. by the name of Elsabeth Tp. ** Electors to meet at William Jones.
“Order that the fractional Township No. 1 in the fifteenth range be attached to Union and the bound shall contain of Union Tp. as follows: The fractional Tp. in range 15, and the fractional Tp. 1 in range 16, be the same the bound of Union Tp.
“Ordered that the bounds of Fayette Tp. be as follows, viz: containing the original surveyed Fractional Tp. No. 1 & 2 of range 17 be the same bounds of the aforesaid Tp.
“Friday, June 6, 1817. Ordered by the board that the following be the boundary of Upper Tp., containing the original fractional Tp. No. 1 in the eighteenth range and the original fractional Tp. 1 in the nineteenth range (Here follows an entry dated March 11, 1818). Ordered that the part now remaining of Vernon Tp. in the county of Lawrence be and the same is hereby attached to Elizabeth Tp., said county as above stated to be under the rules and regulations of Elizabeth Tp.
“April 21, 1819. Upon the petition of the inhabitants of the first and second fractional Tp. and fifteenth Range in the county of Lawrence, praying to be set off as new township by name of Rome, ordered that the same be set off as a separate Tp. by the name of Rome Tp. and that the electors meet at Grall Hull’s on 15 day of May.
August 3, 1819. Upon the petition of the inhabitants of the original surveyed Tp. No. 3 of range 16, praying for to be set apart as new Tp. ordered that the same be granted and that the bounds consist of the original surveyed township No. 3 in range 16, be the same set apart as a new Tp. by the name of Mason * * * Electors to meet at Thomas Moore’s.
“June 6, 1820. Upon the application of the inhabitants of Tp. number three and four of range number eighteen now belonging to Elizabeth Tp. Ordered that the application be granted and that the township number three and so much of Tp. four as lies in Lawrence county be and the same are hereby set off, as a separate Tp. to be known and designed by the name of Decatur Township. Meet (the electors) July 6th at the home of Rees Thompson.
“December 2, 1828 (?). Be it remembered that this day the citizens of the fourth and fifth Tps now composing the Tp. of Syms, praying for a division of said Tp. as aforesaid, it is therefor ordered that the same be granted and that the aforesaid Tp. be divided and that the Tp. number four be an is hereby struck off composes a new Tp. by the name of Aid and that the qualified electors of said Tp. number four meet at the house of Charles Cooper on Saturday, the 27th of his inst., to elect * * *”
The records do not show when Washington township was originated.
(To be continued.)
COUNTY HISTORY
Directory of Old Burlington Court - The First Marriage
No. 7
Ironton Register, Jan. 15, 1902
Harmond Howe finished the Burlington court house and received his pay for the same August 6, 1839, at a special session of the county commissioners. C. Scoville and Richard Jones.
March 5, 1839. Report of survey of Proctor store and Patriot road by act of legislature of February 23, 1838: Joshua Louk, Charles Neal and Winchester Wakefield, commissioners to lay out said road. Ordered recorded by C. Scoville, R. Jones and S. Reckerd.
In 1837 the following persons were taxed for their professions: Solomon Beckley, as lawyer, $4; John H. Wells, as lawyer, $1; John S. Kelvy as ________ $___. R. M. McDowell, as doctor, $4; Dr. Brown, $4; Dr. Case, $4; Dr. Hollingsworth, $4. (The reason for the difference in assessing is not stated.)
The county directory in 1821 contained the following list of officers:
Court - Hon. Ezra Osburn, president; Judges John Davidson, William Miller and Gabriel Kerr, associates; Joseph Wheeler, clerk pro tem; Joseph Davidson, sheriff; Solomon Beckley, attorney at law; William G. Robinson, recorder; William Carpenter, surveyor (by appointment); justices of the peace - Fayette, Daniel Brubaker, Thomas Kerr and Solomon Beckley; Union, Thomas Templeton and Edward Miller; Rome, Joel Bowen and Jacob Miller; Windsor, Peter Wakefield and Bazil Lewis; Symmes, David Spurlock; Mason, Jacob Powell and Henry Spear; Lawrence, Jas. Webb and Elias Webb; Upper, Peter Linebarger and John Kelly; Elizabeth, Thomas Triggs and Andrew Wolfe.
At this time, Burlington, the county seat, had two stores, three taverns, one English school, one hatter’s shop, one blacksmith shop, one tailor, five carpenters, two tanners and a horizontal flour mill, propelled by oxen. There were 685 voters in the county. Thomas Kerr, postmaster at Burlington, and Thomas Waller, at Portsmouth, were the only postmasters in the two counties. The population of Portsmouth at this time was 570.
The clerk used the same book in which records of the court were kept for his licenses and affidavits, but he turned it upside down and commenced in the back part for these matters of record.
The first justice of the peace for Lawrence county was James Webb. The same day Webb was sworn in, Joseph Davidson made oath to perform the duties of county commissioner. This was on the 12th day of April, 1817. Joel Bowen and David Spurlock were the other two commissioners.
The following is a copy of the first marriage license issued after the organization of the county:
“These are to license and permit any licensed Minister of the Gospel or Justice of the Peace duly commissioned and sworn in and for said county, to join together in the holy state of matrimony, John Ferguson and Elizabeth Mccoy, and for so doing this shall be your warrant. Given under my hand and the seal of my office this 14th day of April, 1817. “W. G. Robinson, “Clerk pro tem.”
The following is the certificate of marriage of the persons named in the foregoing and is the first written in the marriage book of the Probate Court:
“I do hereby certify that on the 11th day of April, 1817, I joined together in the holy state of matrimony, John Ferguson and Elizabeth McCoy. Given under my hand. “John Lee.”
It will be observed that the date of the above certificate is prior to that of the license, but it is to be presumed that the minister who tied the knot was satisfied that a license would be forthcoming. At any rate the worthy couple were properly united three days before the authority for the union was granted. Whether legally or illegally, under the circumstances is a question for technical dispute.
In the next paper will be given a list of the earliest marriages of the county, with the dates and names of the officiating ministers.
(To be continued.)
A HISTORY OF LAWRENCE CO.
Copyrighted by Thos. A. Walton.
No. 8
Ironton Register, January 22, 1902
I hereby give a list of the marriage returns with date of, and by whom married:
June 27, 1817. Samuel Hensley to Katherine Leftridge, by James Webb, J. P.
June 5, 1817. John Riddle to Susannah Colyer, by John Lee (he was a Baptist minister).
June 27, 1817. David White to Sarah Passons, by James Webb, J. P.
Sept. 8, 1817. Richard Adams to Fanny Murrel Credle, by Stites Parker.
June 22, 1817. George Trumbo to Polly Austin, by John Lee.
July 13, 1817. Joseph Brammer to Nancy Collins, by John Lee.
Sept. 8, 1817. Hugh Forgey to Elizabeth Kneff, by Stites Parker.
July 24, 1817. Thomas Martin to Francis Sumpter, by James Webb, J. P.
Sept. 30, 1817. James Carter to Elizabeth Scarborough, by Edward Billups.
Oct. 17, 1817. Robert Ball to Sarah Wilson, by Charles McCoy, J. P.
Oct. 20, 1817. Joseph Kelly to Elizabeth Steth, by Charles McCoy, J. P.
Oct. 31, 1817. Joseph Davis to Elizabeth Bowers, by Daniel Brubaker, J. P.
Nov. 3, 1817. Isaac Lambert to Nancy Sperry, by Peter Lionbarger, J. P.
Nov. 11, 1817 Henry Warply to Elizabeth McKinsey, by Thos. Templeton.
Nov. 13, 1817. Jas. Jones to Mary Crane, by Peter Lionbarger, J. P.
Nov. 13, 1817. Burton Lucas to Elizabeth Stith, by Charles McCoy, J. P.
Nov. 19, 1817. Wm. Lewis to Elizabeth Oscar, by Edward Billups.
Dec. 17, 1817. William Tull to Hannah Cyie, by Joel Bowman, J. P.
Dec. 18, 1817. Isham Rowley to Catherine Snell, by Joel Bowen, J. P.
Dec. 30, 1817. James McMahon to Elizabeth Monahan, by Peter Wakefield, J. P.
Jan. 22, 1818. John Fudge and Pricilla Porter, by Bazel Lewis, J. P.
March 4, 1818. Enoch Williams and Sarah Keller, by Peter Lionbarger, J. P.
March 8, 1818. Elias Webb and Jane Gillium, by Lewis Conway, J. P.
March 8, 1818. Chas. Ward and Amy Kelly, by Lewis Conway, J. P.
March 11, 1818. George McCommas and Catherine M. Connel, by Thos. Templeton, J. P.
March 20, 1818. Joseph Morrison and Rebecca Stephenson, by T. Templeton, J. P.
March 28, 1818. Robert Ross and Hannah Conway, by Peter Wakefield, J. P.
April 15, 1818. Solomon Adams and Susannah Overstreet, by T. Templeton, J. P.
May 10, 1818. Simon Drewyer and Cyntha Billups, by Joel Bowen, J. P.
June 11, 1818. Sinkler Petry and Elizabeth Cyntha Billups, by Joel Bowen, J. P.
June 11, 1818. Moses Preston and Elizabeth Harvey, by T. Templeton, J. P.
July 19, 1818. Asa Hughs and Sarah Neal, by Peter Wakefield, J. P.
July 20, 1818. John Copenhaven to Elizabeth Bumgarner, by T. Templeton, J. P.
Sept. 5, 1818. Thomas Gardner to Cloe Gillett, by Joel Bowen, J. P.
Oct. 14, 1818. James Clarke to Martha Lambert, by Peter Lionbarger, J. P.
July 31, 1818. John Martin to Stiny Fredge by Bazel Lewis, J. P.
July 15, 1818. Thomas Carpenter to (does not give name - smk)
Oct. 20, 1818. Wm. Brammer to Elizabeth Clarke, by Bazel Lewis, J. P.
Nov. 29, 1818. Archibald Rese to Cindarella Rice, by D. Brubaker, J. P.
Dec. 8, 1818. Patrick Collins to Nancy Griffy, by Joel Bowen, J. P.
Dec. 18, 1818. Joseph Hawkins to Agnes Collier, by D. Brubaker, J. P.
Dec. 27, 1818. John Falkner to Susannah Spears, by Peter Wakefield, J. P.
Jan. 8, 1819. John Malone to Eunice Neff, by David Spurlock, J. P.
Jan. 7, 1819. James Dix to Elsey Bivens, by Jacob Powell, J. P.
Mar.11, 1819. Charles Rader to Elizabeth Johnson, by Charles McCoy, J. P.
Mar. 5, 1819. Charles Conway to Mary Collins, by James Webb, J. P.
Mar. 30, 1819. Thomas Tackett to Winny Sampson, by Bazel Lewis, J. P.
Apr. 15, 1819. John Millan to Susannah Burcham, by Bazel Lewis, J. P.
May 2, 1819. George Holladay to Agness Huddleson, by Bazel Lewis, J. P.
May 12, 1819. Wm. Jones to Martha Howard, by Bazel Lewis, J. P.
June 17, 1819. Samuel E. Pease to Harriet Gillett, Thos. Kerr, J. P.
Sept. 9, 1819. Samuel McCorkle to Elizabeth Simmons, by Bazel Lewis, J. P.
Oct. 16, 1819. Samuel Lewis to Mary Burcham, by Bazel Lewis, J. P.
Oct. 7, 1819. George Bowen to Letishe McFan, by Thos. Trigg, J. P.
Oct. 13, 1819. William M. Suiter to Elizabeth Sparling, by Rev. John Lee.
Nov. 19, 1819. Phillip Suiter to Sally Shour, by Rev. John Lee.
Oct. 29, 1819 . James White to Wealthy Falkner, by Bazel Lewis, J. P.
Dec. 17, 1819. Wm. H. Lane to Sally Frampton, by Solomon Beckly, J. P.
Dec. 30, 1819. Armstrong Dunn to Polly Brandon, by Solomon Beckly, J. P.
Jan. 6, 1820. Sartin McCommas to Henrietta Howard, by Henry Spears, J. P.
Jan. 9, 1820. Thomas Davidson to Polly Creedle, by Daniel Brubaker, J. P.
Jan. 23, 1820. John Vermillion to Elizabeth Cumpston, by Henry Spears, J. P.
Jan. 25, 1820. Thomas Edmund to Nancy Leftwick, by Daniel Brubaker, J. P.
Jan. 27, 1820. John Boyd to Sarah Moore, by James Webb, J. P.
Jan. 9, 1820. Asael Neal to Polly Hull, by Peter Wakefield, J. P.
Feb. 21, 1820. Stephen McMahon to Polly Lunsford, by Peter Wakefield, J. P.
April 23, 1820. Theodore Blanagnell and Florida Harrison, by Jacob Miller, J. P.
Feb. 27, 1820. Richard Nance to Betsy Dodd, by Joel Bowen, J. P.
Feb. 27, 1820. Daniel Staley to Rebecca Bowen, by Joel Bowen, J. P.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A HISTORY OF LAWRENCE CO.
Copyrighted by Thos. A. Walton.
No. 9
Ironton Register, January 29, 1902
Following is a continuation of the list of early marriages in Lawrence county:
July 10, 1819. Leroy Garrett to Elizabeth Allison, by Thos. Kerr, J. P.
July 11, 1819. Ira Huel (should be Huet) to Rebecca Bardsley, by Joel Bowen, J. P.
July 29, 1819. Benjamin McAniess to Sarah Loar, by Joel Bowen, J. P.
Aug. 16, 1819. John Newbury to Sarah Loar, by Thos. Kerr, J. P.
Sept. 10, 1819. Skelton Bradshaw to Mary Violetta McCoy, by Joel Bowen, J. P.
Dec. 5, 1819 . James Sheltontaitt to Sarah Fudge, by B. Lewis, J. P.
Apr. 27, 1820. George Rice to Isabel Albright, by Jacob Spurlock, J. P.
June 12, 1820. Terry Wilson to Artey Nance, by G. H. Spears, J. P.
June 13, 1820. Isem Blankenship to Elizabeth Dilly, by H. Spears, J. P.
May 11, 1820. Isam Blankenship Jr. to Hannah Collier, by Hanly Webb, J. P.
June 15, 1820. Benjamin Yates to Ann Delong, by Hanly Webb, J. P.
Feb. 10, 1820. Reubin Vermillion to Rebecca Cumpsten, by Henry Spears, J. P.
Mar. 10, 1820. John Stewart to Sally McCartney, by John Kelly, J. P.
May 29, 1820. John W. Sterns to Miami McCane, by Andrew Wolfe, J. P.
May 3, 1820. James A. Poage to Sarah C. Campbell, by Daniel Brubaker, J. P.
June 18, 1820. Joel Gillett to Zuba Risley, by Joel Brown, J. P.
Feb. 3, 1820. Emanuel Comer to Palsey Smith, by Thomas Templeton, J. P.
June 3, 1820. George Holton to Sarah Holley, by Peter Wakefield, J. P.
June 18, 1820. Alexander Forgey to Lucy Elkins, by Peter Wakefield, J. P.
June 29, 1820. George Graves to Lucy Childers, by Peter Wakefield, J. P.
June 29, 1820. John Billups to Hetty Wilgus, by Peter Wakefield, J. P.
April 24, 1820. David Ripley to Esther Griswolds, by Jacob Miller, J. P.
Aug. 16, 1820. James McCorly to Polly Price, by Thos. Kerr, J. P.
Aug. 27, 1820. George Cartwright to Caulina Walbridge by Wm. Jones, J. P.
Nov. 16, 1820. Joshua Henwood to Anna Knight, by J. Miller, J. P.
Nov. 25, 1820. Josiah Beckett Beckett to Henrietta King, by Peter Wakefield, J. P.
July 15, 1820. James G. Sherman to Nancy Hawkins, by John Lee.
June 4, 1821. Charlie Markins to Nancy Sampson, by Thos. Hatfield, J. P.
Oct. 22, 1820. William Smith to Tabitha Haws, by Hanley Webb, J. P.
Jan. 11, 1821. John McKee to Nancy Ankrum, by Daniel Bradshaw, J. P.
Nov. 26, 1820. Isham Blankenship to Moody Keeny, by Thomas Templeton, J. P.
Feb. 15, 1820. Josiah Lambert to Elizabeth McIntire, by D. Bradshaw, J. P.
Mar. 6, 1821. David Gandy to Olivia Vanbibber, by Sol Beckley, J. P.
Dec. 28, 1820. James Cox to Nancy Noble, by Wm. Burk, J. P.
Jan. 18, 1821. Valentine Sampson to Nancy Higgins, by Jacob Powell, J. P.
Jan. 18, 1821. Joseph Davidson to Betsey Westcott, by S. Berkley, J. P.
March 16, 1821. Jeremiah Kilgore to Nancy Fullerton, by Wm. McMann, J. P.
March 14, 1821. Abraham Smith to Celia Clark, by Sol Berkley, J. P.
Jan. 31, 1821. James Williams to Rebecca Davidson, by John Kelly, J. P.
Jan. 16, 1821. John H. Chaffin to Susannah Wolf, by Rev. John Kelly.
Jan. 14, 1821. Paerpoint Blowers to Sarah Piles, by Hanley Webb, J. P.
April 20, 1821. Jacob G. Licero to Elizabeth Momun, by Daniel Brubaker, J. P.
Feb. 21, 1821. John Beckett to Nancy King, by P. Wakefield, J. P.
Jan. 18, 1821. Joseph Perkins to Ruth Walls, by P. Wakefield, J. P.
April 27, 1821. Pleasant Jourdan to Anna Burchett, by Casper Clark, J. P.
Feb. 15, 1821. James Alford to Mary Hatfield, by John Lee.
Jan. 25, 1821. Wm. Powell to France Yingling, by John Lee.
March 1, 1821. Andrew Holladay to Mary Stover, by John Lee.
April 30, 1821. John Compston to Sally Triggs, Wm. Burk, J. P.
May 8, 1821. Solomon Beckly to Laura Scoville, by Casper Clark, J. P.
May 28, 1821. James Campbell to Nancy Stewart, by Caspus Clark, J. P.
May 31, 1821. Wm. Davidson to Sarah Short, by Caspus Clark, J. P.
April 21, 1821. John Baber to Elizabeth Maxey, by Wm. McMann, J. P.
July 5, 1821. George Irwin to Jemima Russell, by Wm. F. Goldcamp, J. P.
July 26, 1821 Jacob Fudge to Margaret Tait, by Thos. Hatfield, J. P.
June 25, 1821. David Jones to Barbary Brumfield, by Henry Spears, J. P.
May 10, 1821. Sanford Russell to Barbery Losey, by Jacob Miller, J. P.
(To be continued.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A HISTORY OF LAWRENCE CO.
Copyrighted by Thos. A. Walton.
No. 10
Ironton Register, February 5, 1902
A continuation of the list of early marriages with one certificate where the humorous and the serious are blended.
July 19, 1821. Thomas Canter, Jr., to Anny Canter, by P. Wakefield, J. P.
June 28, 1821. Abraham Miller, Jr., to Nancy Lowry, by P. Wakefield, J. P.
Sept. 6, 1821. Eleaser Kinny to Caroline Clark, by Caspus Clark, J. P.
Sept. 27, 1821. John A. Taitt to Docia Breeding, by Thos. Hatfield, J. P.
July 2, 1821. Martin Fisher to Lovey W. Tunnell, by Rev. Jacob Young.
Sept. 13, 1821. John C. Shute to Nanny Koons, by Caspus Clark.
July 26, 1821. Thomas Sowards to Rosannolo Spears, by H. Spears, J. P.
July 27, 1821. Jacob Stuck to Betsy Baird, by Luther Doolittle, J. P.
June 8, 1821. Samuel Vancony to Jane Thurston, by Peter Lionbarger, J. P.
Oct. 2, 1821. Andrew P. Koons to Hanna Hisey, by C. Clark, J. P.
Oct. 11, 1821. David McLaughlin to Pheba Gillett, by P. Wakefield, J. P.
Sept. 26, 1821. Banister Nance to Barsheba Wells, by H. Spears, J. P.
Dec. 29, 1821. Luis Pritchet to Lucy Fowler, by D. Brubaker, J. P.
Feb. 18, 1822. Wm. Nixon to Jane Hopkins, by Thos. Kerr, J. P.
Feb. 17, 1822. James Rice to Elizabeth Kinner, by D. Brubaker, J. P.
Feb. 12, 1822. John McCoy to Jane Cambell, by D Brubaker, J. P.
March 5, 1822. John Ferris to Polly Murphey (here follows the certificate):
The State of Ohio, } Union Town-
Lawrence Co. ss. } ship
March 5, 1822. I joined together John Ferris and Polly Murphey in the holy state of matrimony according to law, both of lawful age and handsome _____, by virtue of advertisement. Given under my hand and seal this 9th day of March 1822. Thomas Templeton, J. Peace.
Feb. 24, 1822. Wm. Collier to Hannah Snider, by Thos. Kerr, J. P.
Jan. 21, 1822. Peter Iams (?) to Jermima Bagley, by Thos. Kerr, J.P.
Mar. __, 1822. John McGinnis to Mercy Lockhart, by advertisement, L. Doolittle, J. P.
Mar. 7, 1822. Joel Simmons to Nancy Mannon, by P. Wakefield, J. P.
Jan. 10, 1822. Moses Mannon to Polly Simmons, by P. Wakefield, J. P.
March 21, 1822. Martin Miles to Bestsey Smith, by P. Wakefield, J. P.
April 4, 1822. James Collier to Mary Hisey, by D. Brubaker, J. P.
April 21, 1822. Lewis Sprouse to Cyntha Doolittle, by advertisement, J. Hilyard, J. P.
Feb. 6, 1822 Thomas Cooper to Mary Nelson, by David Spurlock, J. P.
March 14, 1822. Thomas Golden to Christianne Brammer, by Wm. F. Golden, J. P.
May 28, 1822. Benjamin Bell to Lavina Webb, by Luther Doolittle, J. P. (They were reported as married by Luther Doolittle, but in reality were married by Peter Wakefield, J. P. See E. W. Wakefield’s tales in Windsor.)
June 16, 1822 Elihu Frances to Sarah Radford, by James Wheeler, J. P.
July 7, 1822. Wm. A. Sprouse to Matilda Graham, by Jonathan Hilyard, J. P.
July 4, 1822. Paulus Emilius Wood to Adaline Augusta Fuller, by P. Wakefield, J. P.
May 2, 1822. William Perkins to Ebby Veal, by P. Wakefield, J. P.
June 2, 1822. George Webb to Genne Coleman, by P. Wakefield, J. P.
May 28, 1822. Benjamin Bell to Lavina Webb by Peter Wakefield, J. P.
Aug. 4, 1822. Oty Martin to Elizabeth Earles, by Peter Wakefield, J. P.
Aug. 15, 1822. John Fred to Zibia Blavens by Nathaniel Morrision, J. P.
Aug. 28, 1822. Richard Nance, Sr., to Jinny Wells, by advertisement, H. Spears, J. P.
Feb. 7, 1822. ______ Hatfield to Polly Clark, by John Lee.
Aug. 2, 1822. Jesse Brammer to Anna Lambert, by John Lee.
Oct. 5, 1822. John Ervison to Eliza M. Chadwick, by Rev. Jo. Hunter.
Oct. 13, 1822. Isaac Bell to Elizabeth Jones, by Jacob Powell, J. P.
Oct. 6, 1822. George Broun to Lucy Minerva Gillett, by Luther Doolittle, J. P.
Oct. 13, 1822. Isaac Kernell to Rhoda Webb, by L. D. Doolittle, J. P.
Oct. 22, 1821. Joel Watters to Keaiah Miller, by L. D. Doolittle, J. P.
Sept. 22, 1821. James Johnston to Mary McGinnis, by Luther Doolittle, J. P.
June 28, 1822. James Thomas to Elizabeth Miller, by Wm. Miller, J. P.
Oct. 24, 1822. Edward Billups to Dosha Wilgus, by advertisement, Wm. Miller, J. P.
Nov. 24, 1822. Asa Morgan to Elizabeth Blankenship, by Wm. F. Golden, J. P.
May 22, 1822. John King to Catharine McCommas, by advertisement, Wm. Miller, J. P.
Oct. 2, 1822. Wm. Gilruth to Rebecca Austin, by John King.
Dec. 12, 1822. Robt. W. Poage to Ann Johnston, by J. C. Hunter.
Sept. 20, 1822. John Fitser to Polly Woods, by Wm. Jones, J. P.
Oct. 28, 1822. Elijah Frampton to Rebecca Clark, by J. C. Hunter.
Dec. 31, 1822. Joseph Fitser to Sary Woods, by Wm. Jones, J. P.
Sept. 29, 1822. Jacob Baker to Polly Yingling, by Wm. Jones, J. P.
Dec. 19, 1822. Wm. Heiveson to Jane Bradshaw, by Jacob Powell, J. P.
Jan. 22, 1823. Zechenias Arthur to Fanny Brown, by Thos. Kerr, J. P.
Jan. 23, 1823. Arnon McCommas to Polly Brumfield, by advertisement, J. Powell, J. P.
Feb. 13, 1823. Samuel Russell to Mary Irwin, by Wm. F. Golden, J. P.
Feb. 8, 1823. Joseph Ross to Rhody Kelly, by Nathaniel Morrison, J. P.
Feb. 13, 1823. James Templeton to Jane Morrison, by advertisement, Wm. Miller, J. P.
March 23, 1823. Wm. Faulkner to Thirsey Creedle, by Wm. Miller, J. P.
April 3, 1823. James ------- to Betsy Lambert, by D. Brubaker, J. P.
(To be continued.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A HISTORY OF LAWRENCE CO.
Copyrighted by Thos. A. Walton.
No. 11
Ironton Register, February 12, 1903 (sic 1902, paper dated wrong)
Last week was concluded a lengthy list of the marriages in this county during the early part of the past century. They were taken from the records, since they could not be secured from early settlers and will sever to give the origin of a number of the families of this county and of some who are now settled in other states. These reports will be of especial interest to old settlers.
DEEDS.
The first deed recorded in Lawrence county, was for a tract of 24 acres of land, consideration $300. It is deeded by John Neal and Katharine Neal of Centerville Township, Lawrence county, to Isaac Russell. It is witnessed by Joel Bowen, J. P. The deed bears date of March 21, 1817.
The first volume of the Records of Deeds for Lawrence county, contains the copies of three other instruments, but they can not be considered as purely official records of Lawrence, since the county organization was not complete at the time they were recorded. The first deed, in fact, begins in this wise: “This indenture, made and concluded at Burlington, in the county of Lawrence, now a part of the county of Gallia and state of Ohio, between William Burtin, John Davidson and Margaret Davidson of the one part, and Edward W. Tupper, Director for the term of Burlington, of the other part, witnesseth, etc.”
Following are some of the early transfers of real estate:
Luke Kelly and Mary Kelly to Joshua Kelly, dec’d, tract of land beginning at paw-paw, elder and walnut on the bank of the Ohio river, corner to Charles Kelly’s land, thence to corner of Luke Kelly’s land… consideration $200. Peter Lionbarger and William Stephen, witnesses: acknowledged before Peter Lionberger, J. P.
The next instrument recorded is a letter patent, granted by President Madison to William Blare, assignee of Isaiah Willis, for the northwest quarter of section 25, township 4, range 17, of the lands directed to be sold at Chillicothe by an act of Congress.
Edward W. Tupper to Joel Bowen, deed, four lots, 11, 36, 38, 46, situated in Burlington, Lawrence county; consideration $100. Witnesses, Robert Safford and Jacob Miller, and acknowledged before Robert Safford.
The next is the power of attorney granted Samuel R. Holcombe and Robert Safford, by Edward W. Tupper, October 14, 1817. Witnessed by Thomas Rogers and N. E. Cushing.
Edward W. Tupper to Phiomon Chapman. Jan. 26, 1818, deed, lot no. 7 in Burlington; consideration $30. Witnessed by James Corner and Martin Corner and acknowledged before Daul Brubaker, J. P.
GUARDIANS.
The filing of the bonds of guardians with the clerk commenced in 1820. Joseph Wheeler was then clerk and about two a year were filed for some time. The first bond of this nature was that of Charles Riggs and Johnson Bell, guardians of Thomas, son of Thomas Riggs. The bond was in the sum of $500 and was signed by the two guardians. Thomas Ward, E. B. Green, William Johnson, George Koons and Thos. Kerr. Other bonds for the Riggs minors then follow.
Another bond in 1820 is that of William McMann, guardian of Sally Collins, legal representative of Paul Collins. James Wilson was the surety.
The next was in 1822, being that of William Bruce and Vincent Ferguson, guardian of Vicent, Geo. W., Elisa, Jackson, Amaziah and Mary Bruce. It was in the sum of $600, and signed by John Bruce, James Ferguson, William Bruce and Vincent Ferguson.
In 1823 the bond of Dan’l Bumgarner, guardian of Rebecca Bumgarner, a lunatic person of Upper Township, in the sum of $1000 was given. Jacob Bumgarner was the surety bondsman.
In 1824, Huldah Greene was admitted as guardian of the legal representatives of Cyrus D. Greene and Huldah Greene; Phineas D. Hull and John C. Shute, bondsmen. In the same year, Elizabeth Webb, guardian of Jared and Jordan Webb, legal representatives of John Webb, “who ceases to give them protection, until he shall return to protect them.” The sureties were William Lynd and A. Walters. Others were: William Smith, guardian of John and William House; George Pine, guardian of Harry and William Jones; Joseph Davidson, guardian of Susannah Hull; F. Teciery, guardian of Louis Edward; Maria Virgilla Camilla, Helen Matilda Eugene Vintraux and other legal representatives of William Vintraux. The last mentioned bond was for $1200 (somewhat large for that day) and was signed by Jacob Miller and Johnathan Higgins.
(To be continued.)
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YE OLDEN TIMES
FROM: T. A. WALTON
Ironton Register, May 15, 1902
Lambert, Woods County, O.
Editor Register:
In a recent issue of the Register a correspondent from West Virginia spoke of the early settler Ventraux. I find in looking over my “Notes of Early Settlers of Lawrence County” this statement: “In 1819 the first above Two Mile was Ventraux. He afterwards died. His widow Virginia Fannie Madrid Ventraux, who owned the land, sold out to John Tierman, and took four of her children and went back to France and left four in this country. Some of her descendants live in Kanawha Valley. Her son William kept store at Coalsmouth, a sister Fanny lived with him, and Edward, I think, is dead. Mr. Ventraux, built the first brick house (except for the Burlington tavern) in this county. The house is yet standing and owned by Ephraim McGee and son.” The above was written in 1877.
In the same issue I saw an account of the death of John I. Brown, who was born in Proctorville, Ohio, in 1814. I would like to know to which family of Browns he belongs.
Jacob Proctor and Abner Smith, I think, were the only resident land owners in 1841 in what is now Proctorville. Dr. Brown, known as Paddy Brown, built a cabin entirely of pawpaw trees just above the mouth of Paddy Creek and left there before 1832. He was a noted physician.
John J. Brown went west about 1846 (?). He had lived on Turkey Fork of Paddy Creek. George Brown, who lived up in Rome Township, died before 1836 and the widow Brown (mother of Capt. Wm. Brown, of Scott Town) living few rods north of where Rome Chapel is, moved away about that time. T. A. Walton.
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A HISTORY OF LAWRENCE CO.
Copyrighted by Thos. A. Walton.
No. 12
Ironton Register, Feb. 19, 1903
Following is a list of the county officers from the organization of the county up to recent years, with time of election and township from which elected. In cases where the same person has held office for two or more successive terms, I give only the date of the commencement of the first term. The names of those deceased and those still living will be apparent to all interested in this history.
ASSOCIATE JUDGES
John Davisson Jan. 25, 1817 Upper Also spelled Davidson - he was also Legislature
William Miller Jan. 25, 1817 Union
Gabriel Kerr Jan. 25, 1817 Fayette
Elisha B. Greene Nov. 1, 1820 Union
John Kelly Sept. 6, 1821 Upper
Nathaniel Davisson June 2, 1823 Fayette lost his eyesight, died age 80 - smk
also spelled Davidson
Elijah Frampton Feb. 26, 1824 Fayette
William Miller Feb. 26, 1824 Union
Nathaniel Pritchard Feb. 1, 1827 Rome
Reuben Kelly Feb. 10, 1829 Upper
Nathaniel Davisson Feb. 11, 1834 Upper
Curtis Scovill Oct. 20, 1834 Union
Charles McCoy Feb. 28, 1835 Perry
Reuben Kelly Feb. 10, 1836 Upper
Nathaniel Davisson Jan. 2, 1840 Upper
Benjamin Johnston Feb. 10, 1843 Perry
Salmon Reckard Feb. 1847 Union
Andrew Dempsey Feb. 1847 Elizabeth
John Newton Mar. 14,1850 Upper
George N. Kemp Oct. 1850 Upper
After this date the office of Associate Judge was abolished.
PROBATE JUDGES
James (sic Joseph) F. Wheeler,Jr. Oct. 14, 1851 Fayette Died before being commissioned. (died 1851 - smk)
Joseph Wheeler,Sr. Feb. 12, 1852 &