Transcript
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ANSWERS TO CHAPTER 14 OF REVISED MANUAL MADISON COUNTY
# 6 ( a )
Evidently the earliest volume of County Commissioners’ Minutes begins with a meeting held on January 1, 1859. (See item #7 also)
At this first available recorded meeting the commissioners ordered that the amount of six dollars per month be allowed for the support of Lydia Jenkins, a pauper, for the space of twelve months. The commissioners also ordered that the treasurer “be and he is authorized to pay the sum of eighty cents on the dollar for county bonds.” Minutes of the County Commissioners, vol. not numbered or lettered, 1859-1874, page 1.
# 6 ( b )
This apparent first meeting of the County Commissioners was held at Madison, Madison county, on January 1, 1859, at the Madison Courthouse. (See item #7 also). Minutes of the County Commissioners, vol. not numbered or lettered, 1859-1874, page 1. (also see item # 8, “Public Buildings” for destruction by fires of Madison Courthouse and fragment description of Madison Courthouse of January 1, 1859.)
# 6 ( c )
At the above first recorded meeting of the (Madison) County Commissioners, the following members were present: G. M. Brinson, president; Madison Bailey, Lucius Church, William B. Stephens, and Jim. W. Anderson. There were not any other county officials present at this meeting. Minutes of the County Commissioners, vol. not numbered or lettered, 1859-1874, page 1.
FOOTNOTE: to Item #6 a, b, c. Madison county was created 1827; Minutes of the County Court are not available. (see item #8, destruction by fires of Madison County Courthouses.)
# 7
The only reliable record available on the change of county seats in Madison County is as follows:
“The first county seat of Madison County, if old maps in the Florida State Library are correct, was at Hickstown, located between the present Madison and Greenville.
“Sometime between 1830 and 1840 the county seat was moved to a place called San Pedro, but (again I go by our old maps) by 1840 it had been moved to the present town of Madison. Both Hickstown and San Pedro are places long dead.
Madison County - page 2
# 7 (continued from page 1)
“San Pedro was on the line of the old Spanish Road later the St. Augustine Road, which followed substantially the route used by the Spaniards. The name San Pedro was applied to a mission, which John Lee Williams in his Territory of Florida, 1837, says was located on San Pedro lake. The name is still preserved, as we call that vast morass beginning in Lafayette county, running through the east side of Taylor and on into southern Madison, San Pedro Bay.
"....Madison as originally created included besides its present area the territory now making up the counties of Taylor, Lafayette and Dixie.”
“....Strange to say, Madison County in 1854 came very near causing Tallahassee to lose its distinction of being the State capital. The matter of capital removal had been referred to the voters of Florida and Madison County returned 657 votes for removal and 63 against.” W. T. Cash, state historian, in an article titled “Madison County Prior to 1877”, published in The Enterprise-Recorder, Madison, Florida, page 7, issue of Friday, March 31, 1939.
# 8
“On motion the proposal of Jas. K. Parker and R. M. Jones to repair the Court House for twenty-five hundred dollars was received and the said Parker and Jones instructed to give a good and sufficient bond in double the amount of their bid,”
County Commissioners Proceedings, vol. titled “Precipe – Madison County, not numbered or lettered, 1874-1879, page not numbered, September 1, 1874.
“Ordered that the report of the Buildings Committee be received and the Clerk is hereby ordered to draw his order on the County Treasurer for the sum of eleven hundred and ten and 26/100 dollars in favor of Messrs. Parker & Jones, the contractors.”
County Commissioners Proceedings, vol. titled “Precipe – Madison County,” not numbered or lettered, 1874-1879, page not numbered, Feb. 2, 1875.
“Ordered that an order be drawn on the County Treasurer for the sum of $1389.74/100 in favor of Geo. F. Drew for Jones and Parker as balance due them for repairs on Courthouse.”
County Commissioners Proceedings, vol. titled “Precipe – Madison County”, not numbered or lettered, 1874-1879, page not numbered, April 6, 1875.
“Ordered that a reward of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) be and is hereby offered by the Board for the apprehension with sufficient evidence to convict the party or parties on the night of the 23rd Inst... ordered that Geo. W. Bigue, Sheriff be instructed to take immediate steps to preserve the wreck of the Court House fire and that he is hereby required to collect the
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brick into a pile and cover the same with a shed.... Ordered that the County Commissioners accept the building known as Mr. Beggs Store including the entire building except what is now occupied by Judge McDonald and the Madison News and that they agree to pay Mr. Beggs at the rate of $200.00 per year rent for space.” County Commissioners Proceedings, vol. titled “Precipe – Madison County”, not numbered or lettered, 1874-1879, page not numbered, March 24, 1876.
“Resolved that the County Attorney be requested to inform the Board at an early date as possible whether the County Commissioners have the right to erect a Court House on any lot other than the one recently occupied within the corporate limits of the town or whether said Board have the right to locate the same outside the said corporate limits without submitting the same to a vote of the people of the county.
“The proposition of E. J. Hays offering a lot and $5,000. [sic] toward building a new Court House providing the same shall be moved to Station #5 was received but all action therein was deferred until the Board receives the opinion of the County Attorney in reference to moving the Court House outside the corporation limits of Madison Village.”
County Commissioners Proceedings, vol. titled “Precipe – Madison County”, not numbered or lettered, 1874-1879, page not numbered, April 4, 1876.
During the interim between the fire of March 23, 1876, the building known as the Long House, was used as the Court House; to wit:
“Ordered the the [sic] bill of J. M. Beggs agent for the rent of the building known as the Long House for eleven months ending February 24, 1877 for $183.34/100 be paid. County Commissioners Proceedings, vol. titled “Precipe – Madison County”, not numbered or lettered, 1874-1879, page not numbered, March 7, 1877.
“The bids for building a jail as per the plan and specifications were opened and it was resolved that the bid made by I. S. Davis to build the same for $1,986.75/100 be accepted and that the Building Committee enter into contract with him for same.” County Commissioners Proceedings, vol. titled “Precipe – Madison County," not numbered or lettered, 1874-1879, page not numbered, July 3, 1877.
“The report of W. H. Dial of the Building Committee was made and received. The committee report that they have bought the house adjoining the jail from W. M. & C. S. Crosby for two hundred and fifty dollars and interest from the date of the delivery of the house the amount to be paid Jany. 1, 1878."
County Commissioners Proceedings, vol. titled “Precipe – Madison County,” not numbered or lettered, 1874-1879, page not numbered, July 10, 1877.
Madison County - page 4
# 8 (continued)
“The following Resolution was offered and adopted: Resolved that the bid of T. H. Willard for the chain gang is hereby accepted. That the prisoners be employed by him for making 300,000 brick to build a Court House and other purposes. The brick to be delivered on the Court House square, piled up, all well burnt whole brick, 8 inches long, 4 inches wide and 2 ½ inches thick, at six dollars and fifty cents per thousand. He to be paid for the same when the taxes are collected that are to be levied by the commissioners for that purpose for the year 1878 and T. H. Willard to fix guard and take proper care of the prisoners and relieve the county of all expenses on account of the prisoners, from the 18th day of Febry for the balance of the year, 1878.”
County Commissioners Proceedings, vol. titled “Precipe – Madison County,” not numbered or lettered, 1874-1879, page not numbered, Feb. 6, 1878.
“On motion the sheriff was instructed to again call the attention of the Town Council to the dangerous condition of the premises on the East of the Court House and urge that steps be taken to provide for the safety of same from fire.”
County Commissioners Proceedings, vol. titled “Precipe – Madison County,” not numbered or lettered, 1874-1879, page not numbered, May 1, 1878.
“There having been a fire in the vicinity of the house occupied as the Court House and the records of the county being in jeopardy on account of the unsafe condition of the surrounding premises – the commissioners on motion proceeded to make a plan of a suitable and cheap building in a safe place from danger of fire . . etc . . .
“Where upon on motion the Building Committee were instructed to make a plan of such a building and to receive bids for its erection in as short time as possible.”
County Commissioners Proceedings, vol. titled “Precipe – Madison County,” not numbered or lettered, 1874-1879, page not numbered, December 27, 1878.
“The bids for building the temporary rooms for the Clerk & Probate offices were received and the bid of J. S. Davis of one hundred and forty-six dollars being the lowest, the same was accepted and he was instructed to proceed to complete the same according to the plans and specifications.”
“On motion the Building Committee were instructed to contract for the repairs of damage done the Long House in getting out the safes and that one half the amount be paid by the county.”
County Commissioners Proceedings, vol. titled “Precipe – Madison County”, not numbered or lettered, 1874-1879, page not numbered, Jan. 1, 1879.
Madison County - page 5
# 8 (continued)
“On motion the sum of two hundred dollars ($200) was ordered to be paid to I. L. Ingles, agent for the rent of the Long House for the past year.”
County Commissioners Proceedings, vol. titled “Precipe – Madison County,” not numbered or lettered, 1874-1879, page not numbered, Jan. 1, 1879.
Plan and specifications for building Jail for Madison County adopted June 6, 1879:-
The building to be two (2) stories, twenty feet high and twenty feet square inside. The walls to be built of ten (10) inch timber, straight-smooth and square hewn or sawed and dove-tailed at the corners and all the 10 inch timber to be close joints and fits.
The foundation to be of 10 inch timber doubled at right angles, making 20 inches thick. The roof to be covered with good shingles. The eaves to extend two (2) feet all around the building neatly cased and creviced.
The first story to be ten (10) feet high to be divided into four rooms as per plan. The partitions dividing the rooms to be eight (8) inches thick and all partitions across to be built into the walls. The floor to be laid with two (2) inch plank and the sides of the entire first story to be ceiled with two (2) inch plank. The ceiling overhead to be of 1 ½ inch plank. The entire surface, floors, walls, ceiling, door and window casings to have 40 lb. nails, driver at the space of every two (2) inches.
The second story as per plan to be floored with ten (10) inch timber smooth square and straight and to be laid with two (2) inch plank. The partitions to be eight (8) inches thick sides and partitions ceiled with one and half 1 ½ plank.
The overhead to be made of ten (10) inch timber and ceiled with one (1) inch plank and the entire surface of this story to have 20 lb. nails driver at the space of (2) inches apart, except the floor which be put down with 40 lb. nails at the space of every two (2) inches. The partitions in this story to be built into the walls as in the first story.
The outside of the building to be weatherboarded with six (6) inch weatherboards – horizontal.
The building to [have] eight doors as per plan. The doors to be 6 x 6 ft., two (2) inches double to be made strong and secure with strap rudder hinges, 2 ½ x 3/8 iron bolted and riveted and all the inside doors to be furnished with strap, ½ x 3 in. iron eye bolts and best jail locks and the outside doors with best jail locks, and in addition to the jail locks each outside door to have a good jail plate lock with bolt to fit in iron socket. Each inside door to have a six (6) inch opening with a slide on the outside of the door.
Each small room on the first floor to have an ¾ in. Ring Eye Bolt in the center of the room bolted into the floor and in the large room two (2) Ring Eye Bolts in the wall and two in the floor.
The building to have 13 windows as per plan: to be seven feet from the floor, eighteen (18) inches square with one (1) inch iron bars two and half (2 ½) inches apart from center to center of iron, to enter the timber six (6) inches at each end built in the wall as building is easier. The doors and windows to be strong and neatly cased inside and outside.
The steps three (3) feet wide, stairway and platform as per plan to be made stout and strong from ground to platform.
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# 8 (continued)
New Jail (continued)
The outside of the building to be painted with two (2) coats of paint of some good substantial color, and the doors and window casings, cornices to be painted a [shade] darker than the body of the building.
The roof to be painted with fire proof paint. The inside of the building, floors and all to be white washed with lime. The entire materials for the building to be good and sound and the work performed in a workmanlike manner.
The building to be completed in sixty (60) working days from the time of signing the contract and when the building is accepted the same will be paid for when the taxes are collected which are to be levied for that specific purpose.”
County Commissioners Proceedings, vol. titled “Precipe - Madison County," not numbered or lettered, 1874-1879, page not numbered, Jan. 6, 1879.
"The building to be erected on the Courthouse lot on the site of the former Courthouse, and to be built of brick. Dimensions as follows: 50 x 60 feet, two stories high. Four rooms on the first floor, 16 x 21 ½ divided by halls 12 feet wide running east and west and north and south; 1 door and 4 windows in each room, and double doors at each entrance to the halls. The floor to be made of brick and cement; the walls, plastered; and overhead ceiling, plank. The western end to be divided into two jury rooms 15 x 16 ½ feet with hall 12 feet wide between, through which the entrance to the court room will be made. One door and three windows in each jury room. The roof and cupalo to be covered with metal. There will be four chimneys – two fire places in the court room and one in each of the other rooms.
It was ordered that the building committee commence work of construction as early as possible. “Record -Madison County, Fla.,” (actually County Commissioners Minutes), vol. not numbered or lettered, Jan. 1880 - Oct. 1898, page 11, March 17, 1880.
“Moved into the new Courthouse, Nov. 4, 1881.”
This recorded information was entered on frontispage of “Record - Madison County”, (actually County Commissioners Minutes), vol. not numbered or lettered, Jan. 1880-Oct. 1898, page not numbered.
“Bids to repair the Courthouse were received as follows: A. D. Brown, $3975.55/100; T. J. Smith, $3675.00; W. T. Davis, $2420.00, and after considering the same on motion, bid of W. T. Davis was accepted and he was awarded the contract and required to give bond in the sum of $2500.00
“Record - Madison County" (Actually County Commissioners Minutes), vol. not numbered or lettered, Jan. 1880-1898, page 570, July 5, 1897.
Madison County - page 7
# 8 (continued)
Note: Since there was not any record in the County Commissioners’ Minutes regarding the fire of November 26, 1912, the newspaper office at Madison was referred to as the only available source for the following.
MADISON COUNTY COURTHOUSE DESTROYED BY FIRE, TUESDAY, MORNING, November 26, 1912
The following is a quoted article from a newspaper, issue indicated at end of quotes.
“On Tuesday morning (November 26, 1912) about one-fifteen o’clock an alarm of fire was sounded, and the attention of those who heard the alarm was drawn to the center of the town.
“The Madison County Courthouse was in flames. The whole upper part of the building was burned rapidly, and it was quickly seen that there was no possible chance of saving the building.
“By heroic effort on the part of several present, all of the important records were saved. ((Note: see foot-note at end of this article in re: records of the Superintendent of Public Instruction)) The most of the fixtures in the various offices were ruined.
“The origin of the fire is unknown. There are some who aver that the flames began in the east end of the building upstairs, and numbers believe that the fire was caused by a lighted cigar having been dropped during the mass meeting held Monday night or from some other like happening.
“Others say that the fire originated in the west part of the building about where the petit jury room was and believe the fire to have been the work of incendiaries. Sheriff Stantor is speaking of the matter says that he took particular care, after the mass meeting had adjourned, to see that no fire was left in the building.
The Courthouse recently destroyed was built in 1881, the former one having been burned during reconstruction times. While it was not pretentious, it was nevertheless serving its purpose, and was, as it stood, worth some twenty or twenty-five thousand dollars. The upstairs was used for the circuit court room and in the grand jury room. The lower floor contained four rooms occupied by the county officers.
“The insurance of the building was $4,000 with $1,000 on the records.
“For the present, the county judges office is next to the telephone exchange, the sheriffs, collector’s and assessor’s above Moseby’s Drug Store; the clerk’s above the Smith Mercantile Co’s and the supervisor’s in the telephone exchange.
“The County Commissioners will at their next meeting take steps looking towards the erection of a new courthouse.”
From The Enterprise-Recorder, issue of November 29, 1912, describing fire to Courthouse on November 26, 1912, The aforesaid newspaper was and still is a weekly.
Madison County - page 8
In an interview with Mr. E. B. Browning, superintendent of public instruction, on July 31, the records of his office were completely destroyed by this fire of November 26, 1912.
At the next meeting of the Board of County Commissioners on December 10, 1912, we read the following:
“The object of this meeting being to consider the advisability of re-building a Courthouse immediately and to devise plans for procuring the necessary means to build with and after a general discussion by the Board, it was agreed to re-build a Court House at the earliest possible date.”
“Minutes - County Commissioners,” vol. I, not lettered, March, 1908 - December 1916, page 248, December 10, 1912.”
Ten months later, we note the following:
“Madison, Fla. October 8, 1913
“In the Circuit Court
3rd Judicial Circuit of Florida
in and for Madison County
“In Re: Courthouse:
“It appearing to the Court that the Court House at the town of Madison and State of Florida has been destroyed by fire and that it is expedient and advisable that the Regular Full Term of Court be held at some suitable place, it is ordered that the school auditorium in the Town of Madison, Florida be and it is hereby designated as the place for said term of Court to be held....”
“Minutes - County Commissioners,” vol. I, not lettered, March, 1908 - December, 1916, page 296, October 8, 1913.”
The laying the cornerstone for the new $50,000 Madison County Courthouse was recorded; viz:
“Whereas the work on the [new] Courthouse is begun, and the laying of the cornerstone will be in order on the 17th day of December (1913) and it being the desire of the Board to have the Masonic Order to lay said cornerstone;
“Therefore, be it Resolved that the Masonic fraternity be and they are hereby invited to lay the said cornerstone of the Madison County Courthouse on the above mentioned date according to their ancient customs.” “Minutes - County Commissioners,” vol. I, not lettered, March 1908 - December 1916, page 297, November 5, 1913.”
Madison County - page 9
# 8 (continued)
The attached sheet is an historical item covering not only public but also private buildings in Madison County. The quoted record was entered in the back pages of the [volume] as referenced.
“Notes of the Settlement of the Town of Madison incidents, and obtained from Captain Ira Smith and others:
“The first store opened in Madison was in 1838 by I. G. Putnam on Block 89.
“The following stores were erected in the year A.D., 1939:-
“John G. Putnam built [sic] a store at the corner of Base and Shelby Streets opposite the Courthouse;
“T. H. Bryant Store on corner of Range and Base Streets, north of Courthouse where the store of N. N. Densler now stands (1839);
“I. F. Webb built a store on the corner of Range & Base streets, east of the Courthouse, opposite the Long House (1839);
“Joseph Moore build [sic] a hotel on the North West corner of Block 27 (1839);
“In 1839, Sherod Edwards and S. J. Perry build a Public House on the block of Lots No. 29, afterwards owned and kept by Mr. Scott;
“The residence of M. C. [Livingston] which is still standing, and owned by Mrs. D. G. Livingston was completed in 1843 by a Scotchman named Rose;
“In the year 1839, James Rouse kept a grocery store on the corner of Block 27, where the store of A. Livingston now stands, and he sold whiskey;
“The Rev. James Housen who was then the pioneer Methodist preacher in the county, held a religious meeting for several days in the town at which meeting James Rouse became a member of the church and resolved to quit selling ardent-spirits; whereupon the good people raised a sufficient amount of money to pay for the stock of liquors he had on hand, which was 3 bbls. of whiskey, which they took out of the Shell, in front of the Sink; and Rouse with an axe knocked in the heads of the bbls.; and, as the liquor ran down into the Sink, Old [Parson] Housen exclaimed, “that it was so vile the earth refused to drink it". But an Old Indian Fighters [sic] by the name of Wood Standingly, said, “What a pity to lose so much of the good stuff.”
“The Town of Madison was laid out and surveyed by Old Squire Anderson. The old Long House was built in 1839 by G. Hamilton Smith for a hotel, and the 4th of July was celebrated in it the same year. It has been used for any kind of business and still stands although it has come near being destroyed by fire several times.
“The Baptist Church was built in the year, 1840. Alexander Moseley, Richard J. Mays were the principle persons who attended to its buildings. The first ministers who preached in it were the Rev. Alexander Mosely, W. B. Cooper, R. Mays, and B. Fiddler. The first deacon was Elisha P. Smith. The first persons burred in the church yard were Joseph Waidlow and Mrs. A. Vance in the year 1840."
Record - Madison County (Actually County Commissioners Minutes), not numbered or lettered, Jan. 1880-Oct. 1898, pages 630 & 631, date of entry not definitely indicated, but evidently time of entry was October, 1898.
Madison County - page 10
#s 9 and 10 (County Attorney)
As indicated, prior to the appointment of Hunter Page, Esq., as County Attorney, on April 4, 1876, the Board appointed from time to time special legal counsel to represent it in specific cases (See reference as recorded:)
The first mention of appointment of an attorney for the County Commissioners, was as follows:
“At a (sic) extra meeting of the Board of County Commissioners called by the clerk in pursuance of the foregoing resolution held at Madison Courthouse on the 25 Day of September, A. D., 1869:
“The following resolution was offered and adopted:
“Resolved that Dennis Eagan of Madison County be and he is hereby appointed attorney in fact of the Board of County Commissioners of Madison County, Florida, to sue for and recover the stock of Madison County in Pensacola and Georgian Railroad Company & Tallahassee Railroad Company and that...etc...”
“Minutes of the County Commissioners,” vol. not numbered or lettered, 1859 - 1874, page not numbered, Sept. 25, 1869.
Second mention was as follows:
“John McDougal Vs. County Commissioners, Madison County, Fla.
“MANDAMUS
“On motion it was ordered that in the above entitled case, the President of the Board of County Commissioners of Madison County, Fla., appoint a member of the Board to act as an attorney in fact to represent the county in the case of mandamus...In pursuance to the above order. D. Eagan was appointed Attorney in Fact to represent the county in the cause mentioned...”
“Minutes of the County Commissioners,” vol. not numbered or lettered, 1859 - 1874, page not numbered, May 8, 1872.
Twelve days later the following was recorded:
“In pursuance to an order of the county commissioners in a suit pending against the county, D. Eagan, Attorney in Fact, having recommended T. T. Long, Esq., as Counsel to defend the county, On order it was ordered that his services be employed and that he be and is hereby allowed the sum of $250.00, two-hundred and fifty dollars...”
“Minutes of the County Commissioners,” vol. not numbered or lettered, 1859 - 1874, page not numbered, May 20, 1872.
Madison County - page 11
Numbers 9 and 10 (county attorney)
About a year later, the following:
“On motion it was ordered that D. Montgomery be and he is hereby appointed to represent the County of Madison as attorney for the same in the case of M. McDougal vs. County Commissioners of Madison County, Fla.”
“Minutes of the County Commissioners,” vol. not numbered or lettered, 1859 - 1874, page not numbered, June 3, 1873.
And three years (approximately) later:
“The report of the committee authorized to [employ] a County Attorney was received and adopted, and it was ordered that Hunter Pope be employed at a salary of $400.00 per year.”
“County Commissioners Proceedings,” vol. titled “Precipe - Madison County”, not numbered or lettered, 1874 - 1879, page not numbered, April 4, 1876.
Note to the above: Hunter Pope served only 6 months due to death. No one was appointed to take his place immediately.
“County Commissioners Proceedings,” vol. titled “Precipe - Madison County” not numbered or lettered, 1874 - 1879, page not numbered, December 5, 1876.
At the beginning of the year 1878, the following:
“The question of the sale and titles of the Railroad lands in this county was considered by the Board and on motion it was ordered that the services of an attorney be secured to investigate the whole matter.”
“County Commissioners Proceedings,” vol. titled “Precipe - Madison County,” not numbered or lettered, 1874 - 1879, page not numbered, Jan. 16, 1878.
The next mention after the aforesaid was in 1891, viz:
“On motion it was ordered that a County Attorney be appointed.”
“Record - Madison County” (actually County Commissioners Minutes) not numbered or lettered, Jan. 1880 - Oct. 1898, page 363, October 7, 1891.
Six years later:
“On motion E. J. Vann was retained as County Attorney for the present year for the salary of $100.) [sic] one hundred dollars.”
“Record - Madison County” (actually County Commissioners minutes), vol. not numbered or lettered, Jan. 1880 - Oct. 1898, page 561, Jan. 7, 1897.
Madison County - page 12
Numbers 9 and 10 (County Attorney)
“On motion E. J. Vann was retained by the Board as County attorney for the year for the salary of $100.xx”
Vol. letter “O”, page 21, Jan. 4, 1899.
Numbers 9 and 10 and 14
From 1899 to date, the County Attorney, the County Prosecuting Attorney, and the County Solicitor, varied in appointments, salaries, as indicated by the following records:
“Under Fine and [Forfeiture] Fund, Aug. 2, 1926, we quote:
“County Solicitor, conviction fees....$100.xx Vol. 3, page 21.
And again under Fine and Forfeiture Fund, we quote:
“Fraleigh & Coggins..solicitors fee.....$25.xx Vol 13, page 53, Mar. 2, 1927.
And again under Fine and Forfeiture Fund, we quote:
“#7257 R. C. Horn attorney fee $25.00” Vol. 3, pg. 61, March 4, 1927.
Not only was R. C. Horn paid for a solicitor’s fee and an attorney fee, but also a fee as prosecuting attorney; viz:
Under Fine and Forfeiture Fund:
#7373 R. C. Horn prosecuting attorney $350.xx”
Vol. 3, page 68, July 6, 1927.
Note the following:
“Upon motion the minute regarding the employment of Col. R. C. Horn as prosecuting attorney for the County Judge’s Court was amended to read as follows: $600.xx per annum and $5 for each conviction and he was employed until Jan. 1, 1928.”
Vol. 3, page 73, Aug. 3, 1927.
“Solicitor’s fee salary and conviction fees $800.xx”
Vol. 3, page 76, Aug. 3, 1927.
“#7645 R. C. Horn Prosecuting attorney $100.xx”
Vol. 3, page 95. Jan. 4, 1928.
“R. C. Horn solicitor $150.xx”
Vol. 3, page 184, Dec. 4, 1929.
“Col. R. C. Horn was contracted with as County Prosecuting Attorney for ensuing year for the sum of $25. per month and conviction fees as per the statutes.” Vol 3, page 185, Dec. 4, 1929
“County Attorney salary $100.” Vol. 3, page 558, Aug. 5, 1936.
Madison County page 13
# 11
A county criminal court is not recorded nor any mention of a judge of this court. (For county solicitor see #14 [)]
# 12
No mention of the County Judge appointing a clerk to his court. A clerical worker acts in this capacity to some extent, but such hire varies. At the present time, the County Judge from Live Oak serves this Court in Madison due to the illness of Judge Kinsey.
# 13
First mention of a Justice of Peace was made Jan. 2, 1869; viz,
“Ordered that Benj. F. Tidwell, Justice of the Peace and acting [coroner?] be allowed the following amount for services holding an inquest on the body of James W. Parker..$13.80..for burning (sic) two bodies...$6.xx”
"Minutes of the County Commissioners,” vol. not numbered or lettered, 1859 - 1874, page not numbered, Jan. 2, 1869.
Again the same Tidwell is recorded:
“On motion it was ordered that Benj. F. Tidwell be and he is hereby allowed fifty four 30/100 dollars $54.30 for services as Justice of the Peace.”
Minutes of the County Commissioners,” vol. not numbered or lettered, 1859 - 1874, page not numbered, March 7, 1871.
First mention of the creation of Justice of Peace Districts, page 244, of “Record-Madison County” (actually county commissioners minutes), not numbered or lettered, Jan. 1880 - Oct. 1898:
“The following division of the county was adopted as the County Commissioners and Justice of the Peace Districts under provision of Chapter 3722 and 3723, Laws of Florida." Five districts, nos. 1 to five were created at this meeting of Aug. 4, 1887.
From the time the division of the county was adopted, there were no records found that indicated a re-districting: Up to the present time, the J. P. Districts varied due to the fact that in some districts no one ran for the office, while in other districts, if the J. P. died, there were instances when no one was re-appointed to take his place. Today, there is only one Justice of the Peace, in District #5, serving as a J. P.
# 14 (see Nos. 9, 10 & 14)
Madison County - page 14
# 15
There is no record of a fish bailiff having been appointed between 1879 and 1881. No recommendations to the governor regarding the appointment of a fish and game warden between 1897 and 1915. No record for 1917 and 1927. No appointment of a game warden during the year 1915.
# 16
The first mention of Bond Trustees was as follows:
“Three Bond Trustees ((one of whom was titled Managing Trustee)) appointed July 20, 1887 and report as directed of their acts and doings as Trustees of County Bonds for Madison County.”
“Record - Madison County” (actually County Commissioners Minutes), not numbered or lettered, Jan. 1880 - Oct. 1898, pg[.] 241, July 20, 1887.
From the above date, 1887, up to the present time, there is mention of Bond Trustees; for example of records which are mentioned in the County Commissioners Minutes, the following:
“The road bond Trustee bill for $545.50 was approved..”
Vol. 3, page 189,
Jan. 1, 1930
“Mr. W. P. Knight, Chairman of the Courthouse Bond Trustees, having paid and redeemed....etc.”
Vol. 3, page 195
Feb. 5, 1930
“Upon motion, bond for Mr. J. Vicker for $2,500.00 as bond trustee for Courthouse bonds in the place of P. J. Parramore resigned, approved...etc”
Vol. 3, page 195
Feb. 5, 1930
“I hand you herewith Madison County Courthouse Bonds Nos: 28, 29, and 30 together with all unmatured coupons attached, dated July 1913 and due July 1943, which has been redeemed by the Board of Bond Trustees for Courthouse Bonds.”
Vol. 3, page 315,
March 2, 1932
# 17 (next page)
Madison County - page 15
# 17
There is no record of the county commissioners serving as a county board of health between 1879 and 1885. There was no record that a tax was levied for the support of a county board of health between 1885 and 1897. There is no indication whatsoever that a county board of health functioned in the county between 1885 and 1897.
# 18
The first nucleus of an indication towards a health unit is as follows:
“It being deemed necessary in the opinion of the Board of County Commissioners that a County Physician should be appointed to attend to the poor and destitute people of this county, It was ordered that Dr. John H. Pope be and he is hereby appointed County Physician in and for Madison County and that he be allowed $200.00 per year for such service to be paid to him quarterly.”
“Minutes of the County Commissioners,” vol. not numbered or lettered, 1859 - 1874, page not numbered, April 2, 1872.
And then again as far up as March 4, 1931, the only tendency towards a County Health Unit was very limited. Note:
“Dr. Yates stated to the Board that he would furnish one room and a nurse and his service at the hospital for a charity ward for $100.00 per month, upon which action was deferred until the next meeting.” Vol. 3, page 261, March 4th, 1931. However, no action was taken at the next meeting and the subject evidently was dropped for some time.
After the aforesaid, the next mention towards a countywide health program was recorded in the following; viz,
"May 1st, 1935
“The following resolution was unanimously adopted by the Board of County Commissioners of Madison County, Florida, at its regular meeting held in the County Courthouse on May 1st, 1935.
“Whereas, it has been called to the attention of this body that the unsanitary conditions prevailing in the several communities of this county, and that these conditions are a menace to the health and happiness of the county as a whole
“Whereas these conditions can be corrected by a county wide program to eliminate all unsanitary toilettes, and supplying toilettes where there are none at present, all toilettes to be of tight construction of a type to be approved by the State Board of Health.
“Therefore, be it resolved that the Board of County Commissioners of Madison County, Florida, sponsor a sanitation program to
Madison County - page 16
# 18 (continued)
correct this condition, also appropriate the sum of $350.00 as a revolving fund for the purchase of the necessary materials to start same.
“It is understood that the labor for this work will be supplied by the Federal Emergency Relief Administration. That the materials will be paid for by the parties where utilities are installed. Such monies collected to be put back in revolving fund to be used for the further purchase of materials until program be completed. Then said $350.00 will revert to the County Depository.”
Vol. 3, page 505, May 1, 1935
“The following named persons appeared before the Board in interest of Hospital for Madison County, namely: T. J. Beggs, Jr., Frank Andrews, C. S. Blalock, and A. B. Lanier and Dr. Googe representing the following organizations, Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, City Counsel, and Parent-Teachers Association. The commissioners took the hospital question under advisement.”
Vol. 3, page 549, July 1, 1936
“C. S. Blalock, T. J. Beggs, Jr., Dr. E. C. Chamberlain, and Dr. E. D. Thorpe appeared before the Board and asked for a donation of $1,000.xx and $375.xx per month for three months Madison County Memorial Hospital.”
Vol. 4, pg. 17, Oct. 6, 1937.
The above are the nearest records to a county health interest; there are no records on a County Health Unit either solely in this county (Madison) or jointly with another county.
# 19
There are no records of the Board ever assisting in the employment of a W.P.A. nurse. The first and only record about a nurse is as follows:
“Miss Hollister, registered nurse, made her report and asked the commissioners to supplement $18.00 per month on her salary. Said request was denied.”
Vol. 3, page 557, Aug. 5, 1936.
# 20
Questions under item # 20 are answered with the following records:
“The clerk was instructed to advertise for bids for the lease of county convicts to be received at the next regular meeting of the board...“
Vol. 3, pg. 42, Dec. 1, 1926
Madison County - page 17
# 20 (continued)
Prior to 1926, county convicts were leased out to private individuals on a competitive bid for convict labor basis; also county convicts were competitively subject to bids from other counties.
Note the following:
“The Board of County Commissioners having advertised that they would lease the county convicts, the following bids were received:
“Taylor county - $21.00 per month for all able bodied male prisoners, and colored at $5.00 per month not to exceed over two at any times...The Board considering the bid of Taylor County to be the best bid upon motion the Taylor County bid was accepted."
Vol. 3, pg. 47, Jan. 5, 1927.
“Mr. Owen made a motion that the contract with Taylor County for the lease of the County Convicts for the year, 1927, be [annulled], and same was seconded by Mr. Campbell and it was unanimously carried. Mr. Owen then made a motion that the convicts be leased to Suwannee County for the ensuing year (1927).”
Vol. 3, page 52, Mar. 2, 1927.
“The following bids were received for handling county convicts for the year 1928....“
“Madison, Fla., Feb. 1, 1928
“Board of County Commissioners, Madison, Co., Fla “Gentlemen:
”Find our bid as follows for feed and clothing convicts, and also quarters and transportation to and from work..etc...”
“F. C. Glass & C. F. Williams”
Vol. 3, pg. 98, Feb. 1, 1928.
“After the Board had discussed the convict problem, it was ordered that the clerk advertise for bids...”
Vol. 3, pg. 96, Jan. 8, 1928.
Although it is evident the position was filled prior to 1929, the first record of a warder and superintendent of convicts is mention in the following record:
“A warden and superintendent of convicts at $125.xx per month approximately, varying upon bids in the application of proposition...“
Vol. 3, page 179, Nov. 6, 1929.
Madison County - page 18
# 20 (continued[)]
“Mr. C. M. Buie, county warden, made the following proposition to the Board, that he would feed, clothe, etc....for the County Convicts at .50¢ each per day for each convict..“
Vol. 4, pg. 61, Sept. 7, 1938.
# 21
Madison County does not have a detention home; neither does it share a detention home with another county. By custom and tradition, if a white child became delinquent in this county, it would be taken care of quickly either by its kin folks or white families.
Although a delinquent white child could be sent to the “Girls Industrial Home” in Ocala and white boys could be sent to “Boys Industrial Home” in Marianna, Florida, no one can recall when one was sent there.
Mrs. Morgan, chief clerical worker in the County Judge’s office (Aug. 21, 1940) says that colored children have been sent to the aforesaid.
# 22
“Ordered that ½ of one percent. [sic] be levied on the taxable property of this county for school purposes for the year, 1869.”
“Minutes of the County Commissioners,” vol. not numbered or lettered, 1859 - 1869, page not numbered, [Sept.] 8, 1869.
“On motion D. Eagan was ordered to write to the State Superintendent of Schools and ascertain if an assessment for school purposes could be made before the apportionment was (sic).”
“Minutes of the County Commissioners,” vol. not numbered or lettered, 1859 - 1874, page not numbered, Oct. 13, 1869.
“Estimates having been made by the trustees of the various Special Tax School Districts numbers: One, Two, [Three]..etc...nineteen, twenty and twenty-one, and trustees of the various districts having certified the rate of millage voted to be assessed....“
Vol. 3, pg. 31, Sept. 1, 1926.
“...Be it Resolved by this Board that the Board of County Commissioners, for Madison County, Florida, be and are hereby requested to assess eight (8) mills instead of ten (10) mills on the assessable property in Madison County, Florida, for the year 1931 and each year thereafter unless otherwise notified by the Board.”
Vol. 3, pg. 277, Aug. 5, 1931.
Madison County - Page 19
# 22 (continued)
...“and the trustees of the various districts having certified the rate of millage for each district as voted to be assessed it was determined that a tax rate of mills for each district as detailed on page 274 upon the dollar be levied for each said district..”
Vol. 3, pg. 287, Sept. 2, 1931
“Be it resolved that there will be needed for the following special tax school districts a special tax for the ensuing year for a sinking fund to meet maturing bonds of said districts..”
Vol. 3, pg. 326, Apr. 6, 1932
“You are hereby notified that the following is the amount of millage voted by the Special Tax Districts respectively and it is requested that you assess the millage set forth herein on the taxable property in the several special tax school districts..”
Vol. 3, pg. 333, June 9, 1932
# 23
There is no record in the County Commissioners Minutes referring to Special Tax Road [Districts]
# 24
There are no Special Road and Bridge Districts in the county. However, there is a sample of records of road commissioners for County Commissioners districts; viz:
“The following persons were appointed road commissioners for districts as named below, to wit: Madison district, no. 1.; Cherry Lake District, No. 2; Hamburg District No. 3; Station 5 District, No 4; Moseley Hall District No 5; Nortons Creek District No 6; Ellaveille District No. 7; Bellville District No. 8.
“It was further ordered that the clerk notify the commissioners appointed and that they be requested to appoint supervisors and to proceed to have the roads put in good order."
“Precipe - Madison County”, not numbered or lettered, 1874-1879, page not numbered, Apr. 4, 1877.
[#] 25 (see following page)
Madison County - page 20
# 25
The first mention of a Superintendent of Public Roads was as follows:
..”Whereupon J. C. Harrell was employed at $100.xx per month until December 1, 1911, to superintend and conduct road work.”
“Minutes of the County Commissioners,” vol. 1, not lettered, Mar. 1908 - Dec. 1916, pg. 115, April 19, 1911. The aforesaid appointment was actuated by the projection of a national highway through the County of Madison.
Under general revenue fund of Aug. 2, 1926, note:
“Salaries of road superintendents and overseers - $3500.xx”
Vol. 3, pg. 21, Aug. 2, 1926.
Under road and bridge fund, again note:
“Salaries of road superintendents and overseers - $2500.xx”
Vol. 3, pg. 76, Aug. 3, 1927
“J. T. Flowers was contracted with in December as road superintendent for 1928 for $175.xx per month as long as he gave satisfaction and provided they continued the same road system throughout the year.”
Vol. 3, pg. 95, Jan. 4, 1928
“Upon motion the following persons were contracted with for the ensuing year (1932). C. M. Buie, road superintendent for $160.xx per month.
Vol. 3, pg. 299, Dec. 2, 1931.
# 26
The first record of a county engineer:
“J. S. Thomas made a motion that the Board appoint Chas. S. Wadsworth as engineer at $200.00 per month. Said motion unanimously carried.”
“Minutes - County Commissioners,” vol. II, not lettered, Jan. 1917 - Jan. 1926, page 255, Jan. 7, 1922.
This officer functioned through 1924, but after that there are no records.
# 27
There is no record of a drainage and improvement districts in Madison County.
Madison County - page 21
# 28
There are no records about bicycle sidepath commission ever mentioned for Madison County.
# 29
No record of a Bureau of Immigration.
# 30
Between 1871 and 1907, there are no records by the Board of appointment of cattle inspectors for driven and shipped cattle. No record of cattle districts.
The only records which come near cattle inspection are as follows; viz;
“Dr. Fish appeared before the Board in regard to the hog cholera treatment in the county and after discussion he agreed that the state would put up $1125.00 if the county would put up a like amount which was agreed by the Board and that Dr. A. P. Edgerly be employed for the remainder of the year and Dr. A. P. Edgerly was employed for $250.00 per month.
Vol. 3, pg. 9, Apr. 7, 1926
“The following named persons were appointed to select from the relief roll a number of persons to look after the extermination of the screw worm in the county....”
Vol. 3, pg. 467, Jan. 25, 1934
“Mr. P. K. Lanier, Jr., appeared before the Board and asked that the Commissioners pass a resolution asking that those butchering to be careful properly dispose of the feet and head of the animals butchered, and it was suggested that they be burned as they are breeding places for flies. In that the Board is spending money trying to combat the screw fly which is so prevalent among the animals, they are hereby requesting all citizens to please be careful that they don’t create breeding places.”
Vol. 3, pg. 471, Aug. 1, 1934
# 31
There is no record that the county court or the board of county commissioners appointed beef inspectors between 1834 and 1885. No record of the appointment of clerks of beef markets between 1885 and 1891.
Yes, there is one record on the appointment of inspectors of marks and brands, between 1891 and 1907. Viz;
(continued on next page)
Madison County - Page 22
# 31 (continued)
“The bond of J. P. McAdams as Inspector of Marks and Brands for District #1 was fixed at $50.00.”
“Record - Madison County”, (actually county commissioners minutes), not numbered or lettered, Jan. 1880 - Oct. 1898, page 419, Sept. 6, 1983.
The aforesaid is the only mentioned record which refers directly and absolutely to Inspector of Marks and Brands.
# 32
No record and no mention whatsoever indicating anything about a Board of Fruit and Grove Commissioners.
# 33
Under “Agriculture Fund” dated Aug. 2, 1926, quote:
“County Agent Agricultural Demonstration - $1800.00”
Vol. 3, pg. 21, Aug. 2, 1926
“General Revenue Fund - County Agent - $241.66”
Vol. 3, pg. 51, Mar. 2, 1927
“General Revenue Fund - County Agent - $241.66”
Vol. 3, pg. 59, Apr. 6, 1927” [sic]
“...And it was unanimously agreed that Mr. W. J. Davis be hired for the ensuring year at a salary of $75.00 per month. The amount of money heretofore paid to the Social Service Director be diverted to the County Agent.”
Vol. 3, pg. 433, Dec. 6, 1933
“Agricultural Fund - County Agent - $900.00”
Vol. 3, pg. 599, Aug. 5, 1936
“Mr. Spencer appeared before the board on behalf of the County Agent and presented 6 petitions signed by 464 citizens of Madison County asking the board to retain S. L. Brothers as County Agent.”
Vol. 4, pg. 69, Nov. 2, 1938
Madison County - page 23
# 34
The first mention of a County Demonstration Agent follows:
“Upon motion the County Commissioners decided to hire a County Demonstration Agent for next year. A motion was made that they hire C. S. Matthews and pay him $1800.00”
“Minutes - County Commissioners,” Vol. II, not lettered, Jan 1917 - Jan. 1926, page 126, July 2, 1919.
“C. E. Matthews, the County Demonstration Agent, having resigned and the department having sent Beverly Lawton to succeed him..for $1500.00 per year...” “Minutes - County Commissioners,” Vol. II, not lettered, Jan. 1917 - Jan. 1926, page 224, Oct. 5, 1921.
Under “General Revenue Fund”, quote:
“County Demonstration Agent - $500.00”
Vol. 3, pg. 21, Aug. 2, 1926.
“A number of ladies appeared before the Board and asked that they make an appropriation for a home demonstration agent, for next year, and the Board took the request under advisement.”
“County Commissioners Minutes,” vol. III, not lettered, Feb. 1926 - Jan. 1937, page 466, June 25, 1934.
“A Committee came before the Board relative to county chronic indigents and putting on a home demonstration agent and matters were thoroughly discussed and the commissioners could not do anything about this, from the fact that the budget for the ensuring year had been made up and nothing put in for these items.”
Vol. 3, pg. 481, Sept. 5, 1934.
“The following named persons........appeared before the Board in interest of the Home Demonstration Agent, the commissioners agreed to set up in the next budget for $500.00”
Vol. 3, page 549, July 1, 1936.
“Agriculture Fund - Home Demonstrator -- [$500.00]
Vol. 3, page 559, Aug. 5, 1936
Madison County - Page 24
# 35
There are no records that the Board of Public Instruction ever employed an agricultural agent.
# 36
There are no records that a traffic officer ever functioned in the county of Madison.
THE END.
E. A. PYNCHON
ADMINSTRATOR
L. S.RICKARD
ASST. ADMINISTRATOR
W. A. McMULLEN, JR.
ASST. ADMINISTRATOR
FLORIDA WORKS PROGRESS ADMINISTRATION
(STATE OFFICE)
EXCHANGE BUILDING
JACKSONVILLE
Madison, Florida
May 5, 1937
Mrs. Sue A. Mahorner, Director
Historical Records and
State Archives Surveys
Roberts Building
Jacksonville, Florida
Dear Mrs. Mahorner:
Enclosed you will find accounts of the Court Houses of Alachua, Dixie, Gilchrist, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison and Union Counties as far as we have been able to get the facts. Reports on my other counties will be forwarded to you as soon as data can be assembled. I hope these reports will meet with your approval.
In my history of Madison County, I stated that the Court House burned in 1911. This is incorrect as I have learned while searching for material for my report on the different Court Houses. I have found that the Court House burned in 1912. Please make this correction.
Sincerely yours,
Fannie L. Gaston
(Mrs.) Fannie L. Gaston
District Supervisor
HRS & SAS
FLG:d