Switzerland County Commissioners – Sep 1883

The Switzerland County Commissioners’ proceedings appeared in:
Vevay Reveille – 13 Sep 1883 – Page 4, Column 1

County Commissioners’ Court.

A large amount of business was transacted by the County Commissioners, which we summarize.

Wm. Brindley, Commissioner for the 1st District, was qualified—vice Julius Muret—term of office expired. The Commissioner from the 2nd District is Luther Buck; 3d District, Robt. Scott.

Jacob Bruner, Wm. Rowin, and Joshua M. Scranton, Patriot, were granted licenses to retail liquors.

John M. Crandell and William Culbertson, viewers appointed to assess damages to Mrs. Mary A. Menneit, by change of road, recommended she be allowed $15. Report approved.

Wm. C. Robinson, County Treasurer, reported that during last quarter he redeemed orders amounting to $9.355.93. Compared with Auditor’s record, found correct, and cancelled.

John W. Bascom was exempt from poll tax, until further orders.

Phillip C. Holland, Auditor elect, filed his bond for $5,000, which was approved.

County Bonds were issued—Nos. 31 to 35, inclusive, $1,000 each, and Nos. 36 and 37, inclusive, for $500 each. They are payable at the pleasure of the county any time within one year, and bear 5 per cent interest. The bonds were delivered to the Treasurer, with orders to sell them when money is needed.

It is ordered that prisoners over 18 years of age, who have been convicted of crimes and sentenced to imprisonment in the county jail, to be worked on wharves or streets of Vevay, under the direction and supervision of the proper city authorities of Vevay—provided the county shall be under no expense for guarding prisoners, and that the city of Vevay pay 40 cts. per day for board of each prisoner so working. In other words, that the city can procure convict labor for 40 cts. per day.

Nathan Matthews petitioned for change of road between Jefferson and Switzerland counties. The matter had previously been presented to the Commissioners of Jefferson county, who appointed James K. Reed, of Jefferson county, viewer. The Commissioners of Switzerland county appointed Sylvester Morrison, viewer. Messrs. Reed and Morrison will meet at Manville, Jefferson county, on the first of November.

In the matter of the petition of Marshall B. Hyde and others to vacate highway. Henry Dibble, Erastus Ford, and Wm. H. Scott, viewers previously appointed, were ordered to meet on November 1st, view the road, and report at December term of Court.

The fill at Hog Run was examined and approved, and the work received from the contractor, John L. Burns.

Henry S. Pate was awarded the contract to build abutments for and wooden bridge over Wade’s Run. Stone work $3.50 per yard; wooden bridge $75.

Wm. Brindley was appointed to superintend the construction of a building to be used as a wash house, at Poor Farm.

R. T. F. Abbett, Clerk, presented his bond for $10,000. Approved.

Stephen J. Searcy and others petitioned for change of highway in Posey Township. Wm. H. Vawter filed a remonstrance against granting said petition. The petition was finally withdrawn.

The Sheriff was ordered to close and lock Court House door each day at 6:30 p.m., unless it shall be necessary to keep the house open to a late hour when Court is in session, in which event he is to close and lock the door after Court adjourns—to remain locked from 6:30 p.m. Saturday until Monday morning.

Lemuel Bledsoe was appointed superintendent of painting of the Court House, and that he report to this Board Sept. 22d, 1883, the result of his investigation in regard to the best kind of material to be used, and the best plan for having the work performed.

The petition of A. E. Merit and others, for a bridge over Bodkin’s Run, in Posey Township, was laid over until next session.