Minutes of the County Court
 

For Part 1 (1837-1845), Click Here
 
 

Because the first book containing minutes of the meetings of Colorado County’s principal governing body was designated as Book A, reasonable people might expect that the second would be called Book B. This, however, is not the case. Quite confusingly, and for reasons unknown, the second book was designated as Book 1. The minutes contained in it are transcribed below.

[Book 1, cover]

Minutes of the County Court of Colorado County April 9th 1848

C. Windrow

[Book 1, page 1]

Republic of Texas

County of Colorado

Be it known that on the 7th day of July AD 1845 there was begun and held in and for said County a regular term of the Commissioners Court of roads and revenues. Present John F. Miller Chief Justice W. A. Shepherd Williamsan Daniels C. G. Ward William Mims Henry Earll Dept Sheriff George W Gardner Clk when the following businiss was transacted to wit:

The report of the commissioners appointed to survey a road leading from Columbus to Brenham County seat of Washington County being presented to the Court it was ordered and decreed that said report be ratified and adopted and the rout therein designated be the established Road from the Town of Columbus to Brenham County seat aforesaid

The following is a true copy of the report of the Commissioners appointed to lay off the above described Road.

We the undersigned commissioners do hereby certify that we met at Columbus on the third day of April 1845, to review and lay out the new road from Columbus in a direction to Brenham the County Cite of washing County and have completed our services by crossing the Colorado River at Bostick ferry running a north direction to Cummings Creek at the place known as the old improvement crossing said creeke Thence in a north direction intersecting the old road from post oak point to Columbus near the dutch settlement and near the East boundary line of the Cummins hacienda thence a North direction to the North boundari of Colorado County near Mike Muckleroys leaving his

[Book 1, page 2]

farm on the East side of said road given under our hands this the 4th day of April 1845.

W. R. Turner

Peter Piper

J. W. Dodson

Mike Muckleroy

G. B. Halyard

It is futher ordered by this Court that a road be laid off from Columbus to Hidesville on the Lavaca river on the nearest and best rout and that B G Ijams, Henry Terrell, Stewart Foley Hardy King & Mason Foley be appointed Commissioners to review and lay out said and make return to this Court as soon as possible. It is further ordered that William Mims be appointed over seer of said road

It is further ordered that the hands of W. G. L. Foley Mason Foley Stewart Foley & all others within four miles of the road that is not otherwise appropriated be liable to work upon said road

It is further ordered that John Sutherland be notified that unless he provide a ferry boat and procure licence on or before the next term of the Court his ferry will be rented out to the highest bidder

It is further ordered that a road be opened commencing at Alexander Jacksons lower line on Rock Creek thence down said Creek in an easterly derection derection to intersect the Matagorda road at Kincheloes and that John W. [illegible] Thos. Thatcher Alexander Jackson, John Foster Joel Hudgeons be and are hereby appointed Commissioners to review and lay out said road and that they make this report to this Court as soon as possible and that John W Myers be appointed

[Book 1, page 3]

over seer of said road and that all the hands from the Spanish Camps including those living or boarding at Crawfords to the lower line of said County including all those liveing within five miles of said road.

Precint no 1 in beat no 1

It is ordered that a Patrol be established in beat No. 1 in the Town of Columbus and that Isam Took be appointed Capt of said Patrol Henry Earll G. W. Gardner Arthur Sherrill Dempsey Pace be appointed said patroll.

Precinct

Beat No. 2 Stewart Foley, Hardy King William Mims Frank Chaney Mason Foley and that be appointed patrol of said beat and Hardy King is hereby appointed Capt of said patrol of beat no 2.

Beat No 3.

and that Harrison Gregg, George Turner James Daniels Lyman W. Alexander Sion R Bostick be appointed patrol of said beat and Harrison Gregg be Capt of said patrol

and that Philip Maelor Nicholas Ware Wiley Cummings Charles Muckelroy Cornelius Adnance be appointed patrol for the German settlement and Philip Maelor be appointed Capt of said patroll

Beat No 4

That Elijah Mercer Thos J Reed Mentor Northington Thos Hope Stephen Herd be a patroll of said beat and that Elijah Mercer be Capt of said patroll

[Book 1, page 4]

and that Washington Cummins George W. Thatcher Abner W. Woolsey Wash Cattrell Angus McNeill be appointed patroll for the Montgomery settlement and that G. W. Cummins be appointed Capt of said patroll.

It is ordered that the patroll shall meet at least once a week and oftener if the Capt should see proper to call them out, and that any negro being caught from home with out a pass from his master or some person authorised to give such pass shall receive thirty nine lashes on his back at the discretion of the Capt.

It is further ordered that the Clerk give notice to the said patroll of their appointment and their duty.

It is ordered that there be a county tax levied for the Year 1845, of one fourth of the amount of the Taxes collected by the Republic.

It is further ordered that all claims against the County that shall not be presented to the Chief Justice of this County to he audited shall be for postponed for two Years. and the Clerk is hereby ordered to give notice of the same by causing the order to be pasted up in four public places in the county

It is ordered that the Court adjourned until the next term in course

John T. Miller

Chief Justice CC

W. Daniels

Wm Mims

C. G. Word

Wm A Shepherd

[Book 1, page 5]

State of Texas

County of Colorado

Be it Remembered that on Monday the 4th day of the May 1846 the Commissioners met acurding to an act of the Legislatue approved April 11, 1846 to lay off the county into convenient precincts for the Election of Justices of the Peace & Constables defining particularly the boundaries of such precincts & to appoint a convenient place in each precinct where Elections shall be held. present Meritt Hutchins Sheriff Williamson Daniels W A Shephard Justices of the peace G. W Gardner County Clerk. there being no Chief Justice or County Commissioners in said County when the following boundaries were agreed upon and ordered to be recorded by the County Clerk

Precinct No 1 Commencing at the mouth of Cummings Creek thence up said creek with its meanders to the old Mosely road leading to Sanfelipe. Thence with said road to the East Bernard down said Bernard to the old attoscocita road, thence with said road to the western boundary of said County line, Thence up said line following the boundary line round to the Colorado river, Thence down said river to the place of beginning Election for said precinct to be held in the Town of Columbus

Precinct No 2 Including all that part of the County laying South of the Attoscocite road. Election for said precinct to be held at the residence of C. C. Herbert

Precinct No. 3 Commeng at the mouth of Cummings Creek thence up said creek to the old Mosley road thence Including all North of said road & East of the Colorado resign in said County. Election for said precinct to be held at the residence of Richard Waddell.

[Book 1, page 6]

It is ordered that the Commissioners now adjourn

Meritt Hutchins Sheriff

Colorado County

W. Daniels J. P.

Wm A Shepherd J. P.

[Book 1, page 7]

[entire page blank]

[Book 1, page 8]

State of Texas

County of Colorado

Know all men by these presents that there was begun and held a called session of the County Court at the Court house in the Town of Columbus on Monday the 11th day of August 1846, present The Hon John Toliver Chief Justice Abraham Alley Martin D Ramsay Commissioners Meritt Hutchins Sheriff G. W. Gardner Clerk

The petition of Christian Kelch praying for a Ferry across the Colorado River in the immediate neighborhood of C C Herberts near the lower corner of Kelseys fence. and after due consideration it was ordered and decreed by the Court that the said Kelch be permitted to Keep a public Ferry according to his application & the clerk is hereby authorzied to issue license when the said Kelch Enters into bond with good security according to laws. the said Kelch to receive the same rates of ferriges allowed to all the other licensed ferries in this County

It is hereby ordered that the County Treasurer pay to the order of G. W Gardener clerk of the County Court Twenty five dollars out of the first money he may receive in his possession belonging to the County. the same being for the purchase of one County seal and one probate seal and Stationary for the use of County

The Court adjourned untill the next term in Cours

John Toliver

Chief Justice

of Colorado Cty

[Book 1, page 9]

August 24th 1846

The State of Texas

County of Colorado

Know all men by these present that there was begun and held a called session of the County Court of Sd County at the Court House at Columbus on Monday the 24th Augt AD 1846. present the Hon John Toliver Chief Justice, Abram Alley, Mike Muckleroy commissioners, M Hutchins Sheriff and Wm A Shepherd Dept Clerk

Wm T. Townsend vs Wm A Naill

Contested Election for Assessor and Collector

It is ordered that a reelection be held for assessor and collector on Thursday the 3rd day of September next and that the said election shall be immediately advertised

It is hereby ordered that the place of holding the Election in precinct No. 3 shall be charged from Richard Waddels' to Frells' Store and that the boundaries of said precinct shall remain as they are

The Court stands adjourned till the next regular term in Corse

John Toliver

Chf Justice

[Book 1, page 10]

State of Texas

County of Colorado

Know all men by these present that there was begun & held in and for the County of Colorado a Regular term of the County Court at the Court house in the Town of Columbus on monday the 12th day of October 1846 present the Hon John Toliver Chief Justice. Abraham Alley Martin D. Ramsay Mike Muckelory Stapleton Townsend Commissioners Meritt Hutchins Sheriff G. W. Gardner clerk when the following business was transacted, to wit

No 1.  On motion it was ordered adjudged and decreed an it is hereby ordered & decreed that there be a County Tax levied for the Year 1846 at one half the state Tax as now levied by by the Legislature and assessed & collected by the assissor & Collector in and for Colorado County

No 2  Whereas it appears to the satisfacion of the Court that the District or County Survey will be enabled to perform all the duties of his office in this District it is ordered and decreed that he be fully authorzed to do and perform all the surveying in the County & the Clerk is hereby ordered to issue a certificate to said Surveyor authorizing him to do and perform all the surveying in the County or District of Colorado

3 And it is further ordered by the Court that persons holding claims against the County shall prsent them to the County Treasurer of the County of Colorado on or before 15th Nov 1846 and take his receipt for the same which shall be good against the County

[Book 1, page 11]

for the amount of such receipt if not is presented within the time they will not be a knoweledge as claims against the County.

Be it futher ordered that the Clerk issue notice of the foregoing order to the Sheriff to be pasted up at some public place in Each Justices precent & one at the Court house door

No 4.  Be it ordered by the Court that the present road from Bosticks ferry to Brenham, so far as relates to that part of the new road from Bosticks ferry to where it intersects the old road on the Zimmerchites league be done away with and that five Commisioners be appointed to survey and lay out a road from Bostick Ferry to where the new road intersects the old road following the old road as near as possible.

5 Be it further oredered that the following persons be appointed Commssioners Asa Townsend Sion R Bostick J C Abel F Zimmerchite & Fr Hannella and they are hereby appointed to proced forthwith in accordance with the foregoing ordr to survey & lay out the road and make return of their acts in the premises on the first day of the next regular term of this Court under Oath.

6 Be it ordered that J C Abell be appointed overseer of the road leading from Bosticks Ferry to Brenham to work from Bosticks Ferry to Zimmerchites and that Sion R. Bostick Wm Hope J. C. Abell and all the hands south of the Piper Branch and North of Cummings Creek that has formerly belonged to the Brenham road shall be subject to the order of J. C. Abels

[Book 1, page 12]

Be it orderd by the Court that George Herder be appointed overseer of the road leading from Bosticks Ferry to Brenham to work from F Zimmerchites to the Austin County line and that all hands north of the piper Branch up to the Bimer place thence East so as to include Hintarman Stulkie and the Geseke old place so that all hands north of said boundary shall be subject to the order of George Herder

Be it ordered that the order to layout a road from Columbus to Lagrange be annulled and that five commissioners be appointed to survey and layout a road from the Town of Columbus to the Town of Lagrange to run on the nearest & best ground so as to intersect the old Lagrange road at the Fayitte County line near John Criers residence

Be it further ordered by the court that is accordance withe the foregoing order that the following named persons were appointed Commissioners to wit John Crier Williamson Daniels Wm Hope Wm Hunt & J W E Wallace to survey and layout a road from the town of Columbus to intersect the road at the Fayette County line running from Columbus to Lagrange and make return on or before the first day of the next regular term of this Court under Oath

The court then adjourned untill to morrow morning nine oclock.

Tuesday morning Oct 13th 1846 9 O clock the Court met pursuant to adjournment

[Book 1, page 13]

Be it ordered by the Court that Harrison Gregg be appointed overseer on the road from Columbus to Lagrange all the hands above Richard Wardells west side of Cummings Creek to Henry wares on the Colorado river including ware & all north to the Fayette line shall be subject to the order of Harrisen Gregg

Be it ordered by the Court that William G. Hunt be appointed overseer of the road leading from Columbus to Lagrange all the Hands below wordells on Cummins Creek to Henry wares including Richard Wardel & Excluding Wm Hope Sion R. Bostick & J. C Abells shall be subject to the order of Wm Hunt

Be it ordered by the Court that the Commissioners appointed to lay off the road from Columbus leading to Lagrange to wit John Crier Williamson Daniels Wm Hope Wm Hunt J. W. E. Wallace be required and ordered to give the overseers notice so soon as the road is laid out and that they also divide the road giving Each overseer Equal distance Hunt on the lower part of the road and H Gregg on the upper.

Be it ordered by the Court that a new road be laid off & reviewed Commincing at F Zimmerchites & running on the best & nearest rout intersecting the road running down the Colorado river near G. C. Hatches and that William Alley S J Redgate A Alley Thomas Mims & E Wright be appointed Commissioners to review & lay out said road & make report to this Court at its next regular term under oath.

[Book 1, page 14]

Be it ordered by the court that William David be appointed overseer of the road leading from Columbus commencing at the river bottom to the Bernard and all the hands on the East side of the Colorado river & below Cummings Creek including E. W. Perrys be subject to the order of William David.

Be it ordered that Abraham Alley be appointed overseer of the Matagorda road on the East side of the river Colorado from the Sanfelipe road to A Alleys & that A Aleys hands be subject to the order of said overseer

Be it ordered that John M Shannon be appointed overseer of the road leading from Columbus to Sanfelipe commencing on the bank of th river Colorado to the prairie and all the hands living in the Town of Columbus East of Travis Street Except W T Townsend be subject to the order of John M. Shannon

Be it ordered that W T Townsend be appointed overseer of the road leading from Columbus to the Navidad commencing at Columbus to Skull creek all the hands Wast of Travis Street including W. J. Jones former residence & all East of Skull Creek be subject to the order of W T Townsend

Be it ordered by the court that Moses Townsend be apppointed overseer of the road leading from Skull Creek to the navidad all the hands living West & north of Skull Creek be subject to the order of Moses Townsend

[Book 1, page 15]

Be it ordered by the Court that William B Deweese be appointed overseer of the road leading from Columbus to Silveys Ferry, all the hands living south of Columbus to James E. Silveys Fery on the west side of the Colorado be subject to the order of W. B. Dewees

Be it ordered by the Court that R J. Carroll be appointed overseer on the Matagorda road From Silveys ferry to the County line all the hands on the East side of the Colorado river & below Abraham Alleys residence be subject to the order of R J Carroll

upon the petition of Christian Kelch it was ordered that a public road be laid off from a point on the victoria road leading from Victoria to Columbus to cross the Colorado River at Kelch's Ferry from there in a direct line across the Bernard Prarie so as to interect Northingtons Old crossing on the Bernard near the Widow Coles residence

William J Jones Wm Bridge and Robert Smith or any two of them are appointed commissioners to survey and lay off the road on the west side of the river. James Dickson Geo W. Thatcher and Angus McNeill or any two of them are appointed to survey and lay off the road on the East side of the River.

upon the petion of James E Silvey it was ordered that a public road be laid off from a Mrs Coes on the Bernard by James E. Silveys Ferry on the Colorado River to a point some where toward Foleys settlement or as near thereto as

[Book 1, page 16]

so as to be in a direct line as near as possible Richmond to gonzales

John F Miller John Pinchback & James E. Silvey or any two of them are appointed commissioners to survey and lay off a road from Mrs Coes on the Bernard across the Colorado River at James E Silveys ferry to a point towards [illegible] the Foley settle in a direct line from Richmond to Gonzales and make their report at the next regular term of this Court on Oath.

Be it ordered by this court that the following shall be the rates of Ferriage acros the Colorado River in colorado County to wit.

To Crossing man & horse                                             25

Four wheeled waggon & Team                                     1.00

Two wheeled                                                                50

All four wheeled pleasure carriages & team                  1.00

All two wheeled pleasure carriages & team                   50

Footmen                                                                       12 ½

Horses led or driven                                                     12 ½

Cattle Hogs sheep or Goats                                          4

Be it ordered that the Ferryman are required to cross all persons over the river as long as the river is in its banks without any extra charge

Be it ordered that no Ferryman shall be allowed to charge Ferriage after the nex regular term of this Court unles they produce a cerificate from one of the Commissioners of the County Court that the banks of the

[Book 1, page 17]

river & his ferry boat are in good order

Be it ordered by the Court that all ferry man give bond and security on on before the next regular term of this court or they will not be allowed to charge any ferriage.

Meritt Hutchins Sheriff & Tax collector in and for said County came into Court and produced a receipt from W. B. Dewees as Treasurer of said county for three hundred and one dollars and thiry cents in county scrip for county Tax for the year 1844.

And it appears upon settlement that Meret Hutchins has paid into the County Treaser the full amt of all the County Tax for the Year 1844.

W. B. Dewees the County Treasurer come into Court and paid in County scrip for the year 1844 Thre hundred and one dollars which is in full of all the Taxes for that Year.

W B Dewees the Treasurer of the County of Colorado came into court & paid Eighty six dollars the amt [illegible] against him at the January term 1846.

Meritt Hutchins Sheriff of the County Colorado & Tax Collector Came into Court & acknowledged that he had collected Two hundred and Seventy five dollars County Tax for the year 1845.

Meritt Hutchins Sheriff of the County of Colorado and came into court produced the receipt of the Treasurer W. B. Dewees for one hundred and Eight dollars in gold for County Tax for the year 1845 and also paid over to and took the receipt of John Toliver Chief

[Book 1, page 18]

Justice of Colorado County in claims paid by him the said Hutchins for said County Ninety seven dollars leaving a balance in the hands of the Sheriff due the county of Seventy dollars.

W. B. Dewees Treasurer of Colorado County is indebted to Colorado County one hundred and Eight dollars in gold or silver for County Tax as per his receipt to Meritt Hutchins Sheriff & Tax Collector dated Tuesday Oct. 13th 1846, as returned to this court by said Sheriff

It is ordered by the Court that Meritt Hutchins & Ira A Harris be and they are hereby Authorized to Establish a Ferry across the Colorado River starting from the foot of Spring Street in the Town of Columbus by Entering into bond and giving security according to law providing however that they make a good road at their own expense

Be it ordered by the Court that Robert Robson be and he is hereby appointed County Treasurer for the County of Colorado for two Years from this date by giving bond & security according to law.

W. B. Dewees Came into Court and presented a draft on the County Treasury drawn by the Clerk of the County Court W B Perry as County Clerk for one hundred dollars, in favour of Amsted Carter dated April 10th 1840 which was rejected by by the County Court

[Book 1, page 19]

W. B. Dewees Treasurer of Colorado County came into court and presented a draft written by W B Perry in favor of W B Dewees for one hundred dollars out of any money in the treasury it being according to a decree of the County Court at the April Term 1843. allowing his account for services rendered said County as Treasurer in liquidation of his account. Endorsed on the back. Oct. 13th 1846, paid the within one hundred dollars signed W. B. Dewess C. C. T. which draft was rejected.

W. B. Dewees Treasurer of Colorado County presented a draft drawn by W. B. Perry as clerk of the County Court for ninety 50/100 dollars out of any money in the County Treasury of said County in favour of W. B. Dewees it being the amount of his account allowed by the Court of Commissioners of roads & revenue at the Jany Term 1845, dated Feb 7th 1845 Endorsed on the back of said draft. Recd in the within Two dollars and sixty cents signed W B Dewees C. C. T.

All of which drafts was presented in liquidation of his accounts and rejected by the Court.

W B Dewees Treasurer of Colorado County Come into Court & paid one hundred and thirteen dollars in liquidation of the account standing against him in Treasury notes according to the order of Coms Court of roads & revenue held Jan 6th 1845.

It is ordered by the Court that W. F. Wilson & Jackson roark be and they are hereby autherized to Establish a ferry across the Colorado river north of Spring Street & opposite to lot now occupied

[Book 1, page 20]

by John M. Shannon in the Town of Columbus by entering into bond and security according to law providing however that they make and Keep a good road at their own expense.

The Court adjourned until tomorrow morning nine oclock.

The Court met pursuant to adjournment Wednesday morning nine O clock.

Be it ordered that Precenct No 1. Commencing at the mouth of Cummings Creek thence up said Creek with its meanders thereof to the old Mosly road leading to Sanfelipe thence with said road to East Bernard down said Bernard to the old atacosita road thence with said road to the western boundary line of said County thence following the said boundary line around to the Colorado River thence down said River to the place of beginning, Election for said precinct to be held in the Town of Columbus at the Court house at which precinct W. T. Townsend will presid

Be it ordered that Precinct No. 2 Including all that part of the County laying South of the atocosita road. Election for said precinct to be held at the School House in Reels Bend at which Precinct M. D. Ramsay will preside.

Be it ordered that Precinct No 3 commencing at the mouth of Cummings Creek thence up said Creek to the old Mosly road

[Book 1, page 21]

Thence Including all North of said Road and East of the Colorado River in said County Election for said precinct to be held at the residence of Wm Frels at which precenct William Frells with preside

Be it ordered by the Court that Asa Townsend W T Townsend & W B Dewees be appointed Commissioners to Enquire in to the propriety of and probable expense of building a Court house in the Town of Columbus and make report of their proceedings at the next regular term of the Court.

The Court then adjourned untill the next regular term in course.

John Toliver chf

Justice C. C.

The State of Texas

County of Colorado

Know all men by these presents that there was begun and held a regular term of the County Court at the Court House in the Town of Columbus on monday the 11th day of October 1847 present the Hon John Toliver Chief Justice, Dempsey Pace Dept Sheriff G. W Gardner Clerk.

There not being a quoram the Court adjourned until tomorrow morning 10 O clock

Tuesday morning Oct 12th 1847 the Court opened according to adjournment present the Hon John Toliver Chief Justice Abraham Alley & Stapleton Townsend Commissioners Meritt Hutchins Sheriff

[Book 1, page 22]

State of Texas

County of Colorado

Know all men by these presents that there was begun & held in and for the County of Colorado a called session of County Court on Saturday the 7th day of Nov 1846 at the Court house in the Town of Columbus present the Hon John Toliver Chief Justice Abram Alley & Martin D. Ramsay Coms G W Gardner clerk, when the following business was transacted to wit

Wm Bridge presented his bond as Justice of the Peace in beat No 2 in said County which wa approved of

Wm A. Naill presented his bond as assessor & collector of State Tax which was approved of also his bond as assessor & Collector of County Tax which was also aproved of

Robert Robson

[Book 1, page 23]

State of Texas

County of Colorado

Know all men by these present that there was begun and held in and for the County of Colorado a called session of the County Court on wednesday the 30th day of Dec 1846 at the Court house in the town of Columbus present the Hon John Toliver Chief Justice, Abraham Alley Martin D Ramsey J W Johnson Constable Geo. W Gardner Clerk when th following business was transacted to wit

William A Naill assessor and Collector for the County of Colorado County came into court and presented, his assessment roll.

[Book 1, page 24]

State of Texas

County of Colorado

Know all men by these present that there was begun and held a regular term of the County Court on Monday the 11th day of January AD 1847 at the Court House in the town of Columbus present the Hon John Toliver Chief Justice Abraham Alley & Stapleton Townsend County Coms Meritt Hutchins Sheriff, G. W. Gardner Clerk when the following business was transacted to wit

The report of William Alley Thomas Morris & Eljah Wright three of the Commissioners appointed by this court to lay of and review a new road to commence at Frederick Zimmerchites on the best and nearest rout intersecting the road running down the Colorado river near G. C. Hatches Presented their report the Court under which was receved and an approved ordered to be filed

The report of Asa Townsend Sion R Bostick & William Hope Three of the Commissioners appointed to lay out a road from Basticks ferry following the old road as near as possible to where the new road intersects the old road was presented to this Court under oath and approved and ordered to be filed

The Court then adjourned until tomorrow morning Ten O clock

Tuesday morning Jany 12th the Court met pursuant to adjournment. Present same as yesterday when the following business was transacted

Be it ordered by the court that the Commissioners appointed viz W. T. Townsend Asa Townsend & W. B. Dewees be alloweed an extension of time untill the 30th day of January 1847 to make their report to this court as regards the Court house and its locality

[Book 1, page 25]

Be it ordered by the Court that amsted Carter be and he is hereby authorized to Establish a Ferry across the Colorado River at his Residence and opposite the premises now occupied by John Toliver so soon as he gives bond according to law

Be it ordered by the Court that Merett Hutchins & Ira A Harris be allowed to charge ferriage at their ferry so soon as they file a certificate in the office of the County Clerk signed by one of the officirs of said court that the River banks and their boat is in good order

No 1. Be it ordered by the Court that W. Townsend be appointed overseer (for twelve months) of the road leading from Columbus to the navidad Commencing at Columbus to Skull Creek all the hands West of Travis Street in the Town of Columbus including W J. Joneses former residence and all East of Skull Creek be liable to work on said road and subject to the order of W T Townsend

No 2 Be it ordered by the Court that Spencer Townsend be appointed overseer (for twelve months) of the road from Skull Creek to the Navidad and all the hands liveing west and North of Skull Creek be liable to work on said road and Subject to said Townsends order

No 3 Be it ordered by the Court that W B Dewees be appointed overseer (for twelve months) of the road leading from Columbus to Silveys Ferry and all the hands living South of Columbus to James E Silveys on the west side of the Colorado River be subject to work on said road

[Book 1, page 26]

No 4 Be it ordered by the Court that R J Corrall be appointed overseer (for twelve months) of the road from Silveys ferry to the County line below Geo W Thatchers and all the hands on the east side of the Colorado river and below Abraham Alleys residence be liable to work on said road & subject to the order of said Carroll

No 5 Be it ordered by the Court that S. J. Redgate be appointed overseer (for twelve months) of the road from the German Settlement to G. C. Hatches as laid off and marked out by Wm Alley Thos Morris & Elijah Wright Commissioners and all the hands living East of the road running from Columbus to Brenham by Bosticks ferry and south of Pipers League & including all the hands at Elijah Wrights be liable to work on said road and liable to the orders of said Redgate

No 6 Be it ordered by the Court that George Herder be appointed overseer (for twelve months) of the road, leading from Bosticks Ferry to Brenham Commencing at Zimmerchites to the Austin County line and that all hands north of the Piper Branch up to the Bymer place & East of Cummings Creek be liable to work on said road & subject to the orders of said Herder

No 7 Be it ordered that Sion R Bostick be appointed overseer (for twelve months) of the road that leads from Columbus to Brenham commencing at Bosticks ferry to Zimmerchites and all the hands at Bostick place William Hopes place and Abells old place and all the hands living west of the  said road & north of Cummings Creek

[Book 1, page 27]

to Pipers lower line thence to the East with said line including all the hands living on Pipers League south of Pipers branch except S. J. Redgate are liable to work on said Road, and Subject to the orders of said Bostick

No 8 Be it ordered by the Court that the former Commissioners appointed to review a road from Columbus to Lagrange be discharged and that John Crier William Hope W. G. Hunt & E W Perry & Richard Wardell be and they are hereby appointed to survey and lay out said road from the Town of Columbus to intersect the Lagrang road at the Fayette County line near the residence of John Crier on the nearest and best ground and make return to this Court on or before the first day of the next regular term thereof under oath

No 9 Be it ordered by the Court that John M Shannon be appointed overseer (for twelve months) of the road leading from Columbus to Sanfelipe commencing at the East bank of the Colorado river to the Prairie and all the hands living in the Town of Columbus East of Travis Street except W. T. Townsend be liable to work on said road and subject to the orders of said Shannon

No 10 Be it ordered by the Court that William David be appointed overseer (for twelve months) of the road leading from Columbus to Sanfelipe Commencing at the Colorado river bottom to the Bernard and all the hands living on the East side of the Colorado River & below Cummings Creek including

[Book 1, page 28]

those living at the former residence of E. W. Perry Except Elijah Wright & hands are liable to work on said Road and subject to the orders of said David

No 11 Be it ordered by the Court that A Ally Be appointed overseer (for twelve months) of the road from Columbus to Matagorda Commencing at the Sanfelipe road to A. Alley lower line and all the hands living at A Alleys be subject to the orders of said Ally

No 12 Be it ordered by the Court that a new road be laid out & reviewed in a direct line from Columbus to Petersbugh the County Cito of Labacca County and that B. G. Ijames, W B Dewees & J. G. Campbell be appointed Commssioners to layout and review said road on the neares and best ground and make their report to this court on or before the first day of the next regular term therof under oath.

The Court having examined the assessment roll deposited in the office of the County Clerk by William A Naill Assessor and Collector in and for said County of Colorado hereby certify the same to be a fair Correct & true assessment of said County and the Clerk is hereby ordered to certify the same under the seal of this County

Be it ordered by the Court that James E. Silvey be allowed to charge Ferriage at his

[Book 1, page 29]

ferry so soon at he files a certificate in the office of the County Clerk signed by one of the commissioners of the County that his boat and the banks of the river are in good order

No 13 Be it ordered by the Court that Asa Townsend be appointed overseer (for twelve months) of the road from Columbus to Brenham Commencing at the Town of Columbus to Bosticks ferry and all the hands of said Townsend are liable to work on said road and subject to said Townsends order

The court adjourned untill the next regular term in course

John Toliver chf

Justice C. C.

[Book 1, page 30]

State of Texas

County of Colorado

Know all men by these presents that there was begun and held in and for the County of colorado at the Court house in the Town of Columbus on Saturday the 30th day of Jany 1847 a special Term of the County Court, present the Hon. John Toliver Chief Justice, Abraham Alley & Stapleton Townsend Commissioners Asa Townsend, Commr G. W Gardner Clerk when the following business was had to wit

W J Herbert having presented his bond as District Clerk in and for the County of Colorado, he having recived the appointment from James Love Judge of the first Judicial Ditrict in said State which bond was approved by the Court.

The commissioners appointed to enquire into the expense of building a Court House made their report and were discharged from further duty

The court having recieved proposals for building a court house in Town of Columbus in the court house square, Whereas N. H. Fisher submitted the following proposal the same upon due Consideration was accepted by the Grant which said proposed is in the following words to wit.

Columbus, Colorado County Texas Jany 30 1847

To the Hon County Court

Gent

I N. H. Fisher hereby agree

[Book 1, page 31]

to build a Court house in the Town and County aforesaide of the following dimensions To wit 32 feet in length & 20 feet in breadth the 1st Story to be 9 feet & the 2nd 8 feet in height the foundation to be of Post Oak, ash weather boarding and flooring and cotton wood shingles to have the Court Room 22 by 20 feet With a clerks room on the lower story, 10 by 14 feet a clerks Room 10 by 14 feet on the 2nd story a Hall to run through the 2nd story 6 feet wide & 20 feet long and 2 jury Rooms 10 by 16 feet The house to have 12 windows of 18 lights each, 8 by 10 Glass, with two out doors. The Judges stand jury boxes all to be completed in a workmanlike manner, and of the best material to be found in the Country for $950 to be done within six months from this date

N. H. Fisher

approved and agreed to by us this and order this to be spread minutes Jan 30th 1847

John Toliver Chf Justice C. C.

And it was orderd by the Court that 3 Commissuners be appointed with the following powers and duties that they received from said Fisher a bond and secunty double the amount of $950 dollars conditioned that he build the said house agreeably to the terms of the proposals within six months from the present Term, That said Commissuners shall inspect said Work during its erection & shall authorize said Fisher from time to time to draw on the treasurer for moneys as they may conceive shall be needed for the completion of said building provided said Fisher is Proceeding in the erection of the same agreeably to the terms of the contract. That Isam Took, Robert Robson & Kidder Walker be appointed and are hereby appointed the commissioness aforesaid

[Book 1, page 32]

Be it further ordered by the Court that the sum of Nine hundred and fifty dollars be and the same is hereby appropriatied for the purpose of building a Court House in the Town of Columbus, to be paid out of the first money which may come into the hands of the County Treasury, belonging to said County

Be it further ordered that the Commissioners appointed to superintend the building of said Court House to wit Isam Took Robert Robson & Kiddr Walker or any two of them be author- and they are hereby authorized to draft on the County Treasurer in favour of the builders or contractors of said Court house from time to time for such sums of money as they may conceive shall be required for the completion of said building to the amount of Nine hundred and fifty dollars

The Clerk is hereby ordered to furnish building commissioners with a copy of the foregoing orders also the County Treasurer

The Court adjourned until the next Term in Course

John Toliver chf

Justice C. C.

[Book 1, page 33]

State of Texas

County of Colorado

Know all men by these presents that there was begun & held in and for the County of Colorado a called session of the County Court on Monday the 10th day of May Ad 1847 at the Clerks office in the Town of Columbus Present the Hon. John Toliver Chief Justice Abraham Alley Stapleton Townsend Coms G. W. Gardner clerk when the following business was transacted

William A Naill presented a list of insolvent Tax payment to this court for the year 1846 which was received and certified to by the Court

Meritt Hutchins presented a list of insolvent tax payers to this Court for the years 1844 & 1845 which was received & certified to by the court

The petition of Geo C Hatch to allow him to straighten the Matogorda road which petition was granted to leave the old road on the lower side of a branch below William Davids and to run back of the fence on the Tan Yard tract of land and intersecting the the old road below the mudhole and above the said George C Hatches House and near where the Sanfelipe roads now intersects the said road.

the court adjourned untill the next term in course

John Toliver chf Justice C. C.

[Book 1, page 34]

The State of Texas

County of Colorado

Know all men by these presents that there was begun and held in and for the County of Colorado, a regular Term of the County Court on Monday the 12th day of July AD 1847 Present the Hon John Toliver Chief Justice M D Ramsay Abraham Alley Stapleton Townsend Mike Muckelroy when the following business was transacted

On application of M. D. Ramsay Road no 4 leading from doctor Taits Ferry on the East side of the Colorado River to Warton County uper line be divided and upper part of said road numbered 13, and that Walkins S Smith be appointed overseer of said road leading from Taits Ferry to C. C. Herberts upper line and that all the hands living on the East side above Herbert & below & including Arch McNeill be required to work on said road & subject to the order of said Watkins L. Smith

Upon Application it was ordered by the Court that William Alley be Appointed Captain of Patrol of beat No 1 and that Dempsey Pace Isam Looke & Lawrence Cherry & Chas Wm Tait be appointed privates for three months form this date

It is further ordered that Geo W Thatcher be appointed Captain of Patrol of beat no 2 and that William Montgomery Angus McNeill, R. J. Carroll, James McMillan be appointed as privates for three months from this date

On the petition of N H Fisher Contractor for building Court House in said county praying to be allowed sixty five dollars & 50 cents for Extra Services said work done on said Court House and after due consideration of

[Book 1, page 35]

the court it was ordered ajudged and decree that the aforesaid sum of sixty five Dollars & 50 cents be allowed the said N. H Fisher as prayed for in his petition and the building commissioners be authorize to draw on the County Treasurer for the same And it is further ordered by the court that the sum of sixty five dollars & 50 cents be and the same is hereby appropriated in addition to the sum of nine hundred and fifty dollars heretofore appropriated for the purpose of building a court house to be paid out of the first money which may come in to the hands of said County Treasurer.

The court adjourned untill tomorrow morning nine o clock

Tuesday morning nine o clock Court opened pursuant to adjournment.

On motion it was ordered adjudged & decreed by the court that a County Tax be livied for Colorado County at one half the state Tax as now levied by the State Legislature and assessed & collector by the assessor and Collector in and for Colorado County for the Year 1847.

It is ordered by the Court that W A Shepherd be and he is hereby appointed presiding officer of precinct No 1

It is further ordered by the court that M D Ramsay be appointed presiding officer of beat no 2 and that the Election be held at the residence of A W Kelsey

It is futher ordered by the Court that William Frells be appointed presiding officer of precinct no 3

[Book 1, page 36]

It is ordered by the court that the former Commissioners appointed to lay of & review a road from Columbus to the Lavacca County line in a direct line to the Town of Petersberg in Lavacca County be and they are hereby discharged from all farther duty and that B G Ijams Stapleton Townsend & A J McDonald be and they are hereby appointed commissioners to layout & review said road in conformity with the former order of this Court and make due return to this Court under oath by the next regular Term of this Court

It is ordered by the Court that the commisioners appointed to lay off & review a road from the Town of Columbus to the Fayette County line near John Criers residence on the East side of the Colorado River be and they are hereby discharged from all farther duty as commissioners & that G. B. Halyard E. W. Perry John Crier Harrison Gregg Lyman W. Alexander be and they are hereby appointed commissioners to lay out & review said road in conformity with the former order of this Court and make a copy of their return to William Hunt & Harrison Gregg overseers of said road, and make their return to this Court at the next regular Term, a majority of the above commissioners can act

It is further ordered that William Hunt be appointed overseer of the road from Columbus to lagrange commencing at the Town of Columbus & work to the line between the Splan & Hunt league of land and that all the hands on the East side of the Colorado river above Sion R Bosticks and on the west of Cummings Creek & below the upper line of the Splan league of land be liable to work on said road & subject to the order of said William Hunt

It is further ordered by the Court that Harrison Gregg be and he is hereby appointed overseer

[Book 1, page 37]

of the road leading from Columbus to the Fayette County line commencing at the upper line of the Splan League of land and work to the fayette county line and all the hands above the upper line of the said Splan league of land and including all the hands at Richard Wardells G W Gardners, John Cries, Wager Smith, & including all the hands below the Fayette County line & west of Cummings Creek above the road leading from W. R. Turners to the German Settlement on the East side of the Colorado River be liable to work on said road & subject to the order of said Harrison Gregg.

It is ordered by the Court that B. G. Ijames be & he is hereby appointed overseer of the road from Columbus to Skull Creek to fill the vacancy occasioned the removal of W T Townsend and the same hands heretofore appointed to work said road are hereby subject to the orders of said Basil G. Ijams.

It is further ordered by the Court that Alexander Fitzgerald be and he is hereby appointed overseer of the road from Skull Creek to the Navidad to fill the vacancy occasioned by the removal of Spencer Townsend, and all the hands liable to work said road are herby subject to the orders of said Alexander Fitzgerald

The court having examined the assessment roll deposited in the office of the County Clerk by William A Naill assessor & Collector in and for said County of Colorado hereby certify the same to be a fair correct & true assessment of said County for the year 1847 and the clerk is hereby ordered to certify the same under the seal of the Court.

It is ordered by the Court that William A Shepherd Justice of the peace in beat no 1 be classed as no 1 in said beat.

[Book 1, page 38]

It is ordered by the Court that M D Ramsay Justice of the Peace in beat no 2 be classed as no 2 and that William Bridge be classed as no 1 in said beat

The Court Adjourned until the next Term in Course

John Toliver chf

Justice C. C.

The State of Texas

County of Colorado

Know all men by these presents that there was begun and held in a regular Term of the County Court at the Court House in the Town of Columbus on Monday Oct 11th 1847 present the Hon John Toliver Chief Justice Abraham Alley Commissioners Dempsey Pace Dept Sheriff G. W. Gardner Clerk

There not being a quoram present the Court adjorned until to morrow morning Ten Oclock

Tuesday morning Ten Oclock the Court opened according to adjournment present the Hon John Toliver Chief Justice Abraham Alley Stapleton Townsend Commissioners, Meritt Hutchin Sheriff G. W. Gardner, Clerk of Court, when the following business was transacted

It is ordered and decreed that there be a precinct of an Election at the School House near Henry Terrells residence and that Henry Terrell be appointed presiding officer at said precinct

It is ordered and decreed by the Court that there be a precinct of an Election held at Petersburgh and that Philip Howard be appointed presiding officers at said precinct

[Book 1, page 39]

It is ordered by the Court that there be a precinct of an Election at the Spanish Camp, and that Thomas Thatcher be appointed presiding officer at said precinct

It is ordered by the Court there be a prcinct of an Election as the residence of John Osborn, and that John Osborn be appointed presiding officer of said precinct

On the petition of Archibald McNeil for ferry across the Colorado at or near Reels bend, and after due consideration of the it was ordered that the prayer of the petitioner be granted according to his petition he giving bond and security according to law

The Commissioners appointed by the County Court at the July Term 1847 to lay off & review a road from the Town of Columbus on the nearest & best ground to the fayette county line to intersect the old lagrange road near the residence of John Criers made the following report under oath to wit we the persons appointed by the [illegible] of Court to review and lay out a road therein mentioned having first been duly sworn do report that in pursuance of the said order we have reviewed laid out and return for public use, the following road viz Beginning at the Town of Columbus crossing the river about Two hundred yards below Carters Ferry from Thence on a line North 61° west or nearby so to the upper end of the prairie above G. B. Halyard Residence Thence according to the Blaizes and near the same course to Brushy Creek above G. W Gardners residence & intersecting the river road on the East bank of said Creek thence following said river road until it intersects the old Post Oak Road & on said Road to the Fayette County

[Book 1, page 40]

line the general Course of said Road as laid off & described being about N. 61° west at a varation 10° signed Harrison Gregg G. B. Halyard Lyman W Alexander and after due deliberation of the Court it was ordered that the foregoing desenbed report be received and ordered to be filed and ordered of public use.

Be it ordered by the Court that upper road across the Colorado River from the Town of Columbus to Houston be and the same is hereby discontinued and that the road Crossing the river at the foot of Spring Street be and the same is herby made of public use.

It is ordered by the court that the bond of Meritt Hutchins & Ira A Harris given for the purpose of keeping a ferry across the Colorado River at the foot of Spring Town of Columbus be and the same is hereby cancelled.

And the John Toliver bond be received in its place and stead

It is hereby ordered by the Court that G. W Gorden Clerk of the County Court be and he is hereby fully authorized to draw on Robert Robson the County Treasurer for six dollars and the said County Treasurer is fully authorized to pay the same out of any money not heretofore appropriated.

Whereas is appears to the satisfaction of the Court that the boundaries of the County are not sufficienty special and well ascertained it ordered and decreed that Joseph Tinkler be and he is hereby appointed to proceed survey & mark the line

[Book 1, page 41]

between the County of Colorado & Wharton County beginning at the North East Corner of the Cartwright league of land from thence to the main Bernard to commence on the 12th day of November 1847

Whereas it appears to the satisfaction Court that the boundaries of the County are not sufficiently special and well ascertained it is ordered and decreed that Joseph Tinkler be and he is hereby appointed to proceed survey & mark the line between the County of Colorado, and the County of Austin, beginning to commence on the 14th day of November.

The Court adjourned until the next Term in course

John Toliver chf

Justice C. C.

[Book 1, page 42]

Jaury 10th 1848

The State of Texas

County of Colorado

Know all men by these presents that there was begun & held a regular term of the County Court of said County at the court house in the town of Columbus on Monday the 10th day of January 1848 Present the Honbl John Toliver Chief Justice Abraham Alley & M. D. Ramsey, Commissioners Merit Hutchins Sheff and R. Robson depy clerk

Upon the application of Zachuriah Payne being first duty sworn, it appears to the satisfaction of the Court that said Payne was not a resident citizen of this state on the first day of March 1847 The said Payne is hereby released from the illegal assessment of his property made by the assessor of this County for the said year 1847

Geo W Gardner Clerk of the County & Probate Court of Colorado County presented two several accounts against the county for stationary & office rent amounting in the aggregate to one Hundred & seven dollars & fifty cents, which said accounts after due inspection are allowed and it is ordered that the treasurer of this County do pay the amount of the sum out of the first money in the county Treasury not otherwise approprieted

It is ordered that fifty dollars be and the same is hereby approprieted to purchase stationary for the use of the county & district courts and that the clerk purchasing stationary do furnish vouchers

[Book 1, page 43]

January 10th 1848

for the same in his settlement with this court to be paid out of the first money in the County Treasury not otherwise approprieted

It is ordered and ordained by the Court that there shall be a precinct of Election at the court house of Columbus and that W. B. Dewees be appointed presiding officer at said precinct

It is likewise ordered that there shall be a precinct of Election at Reels Bend to be held at the House of Archd McNeill and that Archd McNeill be appointed presiding officer at said presinct

It is likewise ordered by the court that there shall be a precinct of Election to be held at the house of John Osbourn and that said John Osburne be appointed presiding officer at said precinct

It ordered by the Court that there shall be a precinct of Election at Spanish Camp and that Thos Thatcher be appointed the presiding officer at said precinct

It is ordered by the court that there shall be a precinct of Election held at Frells Store and that Wm Frells be appointed presiding officer at said precinct

It is ordered by the court that there be a precinct of Election held at Henry Terrels house and that Henry Terrell be appointed presiding officer at said precinct

[Book 1, page 44]

January 10th 1848

It is ordered by the court that there shall be a precinct of Election to be held at the town of Petersberg on Labacca and that Dowling be appointed the presiding officer at said preciect

Upon the application of W. B. Dewees it is ordered that Danl Miller Joseph Tinkler & G B Haliard be and they are hereby appointed commissioners to survey & lay out the road heretofore ordered to be made from the ford opposite Asa Townsends through Armsted Carters premirer to the LaGrange Road

It is ordered by the Court that a road be established, leading from Fayette County line at a point near the residence of Thos D. Fisher and to be a continuation of a road Established & opened by said county, to said point and to run thence Eastward to the Bernard or boundry between the counties of Austin & Colorado, and shall cross the Brazos. The hands to be attached to said Road are those living near said road on the west side of Cummings Creek, and those living on the Piper league, and those on the Bernard and near said Road and Thos D. Fisher George Herder Wm Frels Ed Rhumann & C. G. Adriances are appointed commissioners to survey and report on the same at the next term of court and to the overseer forthwith and the overseer do then proceed to cut out the Road in conformity to said Report and that

[Book 1, page 45]

January 10th 1848

Kidden Walker be appointed overseer on said Road with power to appoint an assistant if necessary

Upon the application of Archd McNeill it is ordered that John Pinchback Abell Beeson Wm H Strahan C C Herbert & Angus McNeill do view the route for a public road to cross the Colorado River at said McNeills from C C Herberts to Columbus to intersect the present road at J F Millers And that the said commissioners do report by the next term of this court the conveniences & inconveniences of said Route to the public as well as to individuals and the damages to which the owners of the lands through which the said road will run, will be subjected by the opening of the said route

It is ordered by the Court that Watkins L Smith & R J Carrol be continued as overseers on the roads to which they have been heretofore assigned and that the same hands be liable to work the said Roads

It is ordered by the court that Merit Hutchins be appointed overseer on the road leading from the lower ferry at Columbus to intersect the Washington Road at Redgates old place and that all the Hands on the East side of the old Washington road on the Zimmerschitt league on the Casper Simon league and on

[Book 1, page 46]

January 10th 1848

the East side of the Colorado River North of the San Fellipe Road and East of Cummins Creek to the said Simon League be reguired to cut out and work said road

Ordered that this court be adjourned till tomorrow morning at 9 O Clock

The court met this morning 11th January according to adjournment Present the Honbl Jno Toliver Chief Justice M. D. Ramsay and Abraham Alley when the following business was transacted

It is ordered and decreed by the Court that Thos Nevet be allowed the use of the upper Room of the Court House for his School except when required for public uses at Twenty four dollars per annum with the ordinary legal responsibities of a tennant

It ordered by the Court that Wm Ally be appointed assessor & collector, (as successor to the late Wm A Naill) for the County of Colorado Whereupon Wm Alley came into the Court took the oath of office & tendered his bond which was approved of by the court

It is ordered by the Court that Eli Clap be appointed overseer on the Road leading from Columbus to San Fellippe to the boundary line from Columbus all hands East of Colorado River and not approprietid to to M Hutchins be subject to his controll

[Book 1, page 47]

January 11th 1848

It is ordered that the same commissioner appointed to survey the road from Columbus to to the County line leading to Columbus be reappointed

It is ordered by court that Armsted Carter be appointed overseer on the road leading from Columbus to LaGrange as surveyed in place of Wm Hunt and all the Hands subject to Wm Hunts order shall be subject to A Carter

It is ordered by court that Harrison Gregg be reappointed overseer on the road from Columbus to LaGrange and the same hands shall be subject to him as before ordered

It is ordered by court that John Hope be appointed overseer on the road from Columbus to Washington, with all the Hands that were subject to Sion R. Bostic

It is ordered by the Court that Basil G Ijams be appointed overseer on the road from Columbus to Gonzalles as far as to Scull Creek and the same hands be subject to his order as formerly alotted

It is ordered by the court that Moses Townsend be appointed overseer on the road leading from Columbus to Gonzales from scull Creek to the Boundary line all hands to be subject to his controll as formerly ordered

[Book 1, page 48]

January 11th 1848

It is ordered by the Court that Kidder Walker & Wm Frells be appointed overseers of the poor in beat No 3

Ordered that the Court be adjourned till the next regular term of the Court

John Toliver chf

Justice C. C.

[Book 1, page 49]

State of Texas

Colorado County

Know all men by these presents that a special term of the county court of said County the 27th daty of March 1848 the Chief Justice John Toliver and M D Ramsey A Alley M Muckleroy & Stapleton Townsend commissions were present and the following order was made

Orderd by the court that C Winrow be and he is appointed Clerk of this court to fill the vacancy accassioned by the the death of the former clerk Geo W Gardner the residue of the term being less than one year

Wm B Scates made the following motion "It is moved by Wm B Scates that if the County of Colorado has any title to the Square usually demominated the seminary square of the town of Columbus that the county court of said County authorise suit to be brought to try title to the same he being in possession In this case the court conceive that the above land is in the the possession of

[Book 1, page 50]

March 27th 1848

of the County by and and therefore make no further action on the subject but hereby order the sheriff of said county to notify said Scates to desist from further tresspass on the premises it further ordered that the above motion together with the action of the court be made a matter of record

C. Winrow presented his bond and took the oath of office which bond was approved by the court

It is ordered that the court adjourn sine die

John Toliver chf

Justice C. C.

Mike Muckleroy

Stapleton Townsend

Abraham Alley

M D. Ramsey

com

[Book 1, page 51]

April Term 1848

The State of Texas

County of Colorado

Be it known that there was begun and held in and for said county at the court house in the Town of Columbus a regular Term of the county court on monday the 10th day of April 1848 Present the Hon John Toliver Chief Justice M. D. Ramsey Stapleton Townsend Abram Ally commissioners Dempsy Pace sheff C Windrow clerk when the following business was transacted

It is ordered by the court that Charles W. Tate be permited to remove his ferry to the lower part of his plantation

Asa Townsend presented his account for holding an inquest over an unknown person after due consideration of the court it was allowed and approved by the court

Steven Townsends account was presented for fifteen dollars rent for house to hold court in, after due consideration by the court it was allowed and approved by the court

Dempsey C Pace presented his account for acting as Baliff of the grand Jury at the fall Term of the Districk court 1847 after due consideration of the court it was allowed and approved by the court

[Book 1, page 52]

April 10th 1848

It is ordered and adjunged by the court that the Tax assessor & collector of colorado county assess and collect one fourth of the amount of the state Tax as county Tax for the year 1848

It is ordered and decreed by the court that an appropriattion be made to buy Paint for the purpose of painting the court house of Colorado County it is further ordered by the court that Geo Metz be imployed to purchase Paints for that purpose and he furnish this court with receipts of the same and it is further ordered that the County Treasuer furnish him with thirty five dollars of the first money that comes into his hands not otherwise appropriated

it is ordered by the court that the above named Paints be put into the hands of Dr John Toliver and he to act as contractor to have the Paint put on the above named court house the money to be made up by subscription for putting the Paint on the same

On petition of Patrick Flemming for a road to be reviewed and laid out to run from Columbus To George Southerlands on the navidad after due consideration of the court it was ordered adjudgeed and decreed that the petition be granted and that

[Book 1, page 53]

April 10th 1848

James C Ables Patrick Fleming John F Miller and Holden Saffold be and they are hearby appointed commisioners to lay off and point out said road and report to this court by the next Term

it is ordered and decreed by the court that the court house sall not be used for no other purposes than the use of the county save for Public preaching sunday scool &c and it is further ordeed that the sheriff shall take charge of the said court house and when he is absent the key to be left with S. T. R woods and it is further ordered that the sheriff take possession immediately

it is ordered that the court ajorn till the next regular Term

John Toliver chf

Justice C. C.

[Book 1, page 54]

July Term 1848

The State of Texas

County of Colorado

Know all men by these presents that there was begun and holden at the court house in the Town of Columbus on Monday the 10th of July AD 1848 a regular Term of the county Court in and for the aforesaid county. Quorum not being present the court adjourned untill to morrow morning 10 o clock.

Tuesday 10 o clock am court met pussuant to adjournment present John Toliver Chief Justice Mike Muckleroy & A Alley comrs Qorum present the court proceeded to transact the following business viz

upon application of John Hope for a renewal of his Licence for keeping a Ferry on the colorado River It is order by the court that he be granted Licence for the term of twelve months from this date upon presentation of bond.

John Hope presented his bond as keeping Ferry on colorado River which bond is approved by the court

upon application it is ordered by the court that Two companies of Patrole be appointed for beat No 3 upper setlement Clemment Allen (Leader) David Hancock F. Ferrell, P. Ferrell, C. L. Mucklroy Privates river settlement H Gregg Leader George Turner E. W. Perry George Perry and Andrew Cryer they are hereby required to purform the duties of said appointment according to law

[Book 1, page 55]

July 11th 1848

upon aplication of Angus McNeill for a patrole to be appointed for Beat No 2 John Mathews (capt) Angus McNeill Wm Montgomery Geo Thatcher and C C Herbert Privates It is ordered by the court that the foregoing be and they are here by appointed as applyed for and required to perform all the duties of said appointment according to law

It is ordered by the court that R. G. Blanton be appointed overseer on the road leading from Columbus to Brenham commencing at the south Bounary of Piepers League to the county Line the hands allotted to said road Thom Wares hands hand Liveing at the cummings place Mrs Hopsons hands, R. G. Blantons, M. Muckleroy J. W. Dodson, Adriance, Fehenkamp, G & H Frels, Geo Herder L clear, and all the hands in that neighbourhood that does not work any other Road

It is ordered by the court that Lewis Brune be and he is hereby appointed overseer on the road leading from Columbus to Brenham commencing at the piney road and work to the south Boundry Line of Pipers League the hands alloted to said road all the hands on the Zimmaschitts League Wm & Alex Donleavy and those Liveing with Them Heneca & Foster and those in that neighbourhood who do not work any other Road.

[Book 1, page 56]

July 11th 1848

Wm Alley presented a list of insolvent Tax payers for the year 1847 to this court which was received by the court and certified to by the court

upon the petition of M. D. Harman praying to be allowed the privoledge of establishing a Ferry across the colorado River Just Below the mouth of walnut street upon M. D. Harmans own premises upon due consideration of the court. It was ordered by the court that the said M. D. Harman be and he is hereby allowed to established a Ferry as prayed for and that Licence do Issue on presentation of bond

It is ordered by the court that the rates of Ferage in this county shall be as follows to wit,

$ cts

Four wheel vehickle & waggons                        " 50

Two  do   do                                                    " 50

Man & horse                                                    " 10

footman                                                            " .5

Loos horses per head                                       " .5

do cattle  do    do                                             " .5

sheep & hogs, gotes &c                                    " .2 ½

Ordered that the court adjorn until tommorrow morning 10 o clock

Wensday morning 10 o clock cour met pursuant to adjournment

[Book 1, page 57]

July 12th 1848

George Metzs a/c was presented for Twenty seven 75/100 Dollars money paid out for paints used in painting the court house in colorado county It being examined by the court it was allowed and ordered that the county Treasurer do pay the same out of the first money that comes into his hands not otherwise appropriated, it is aranged for the Trs to pay the above out of the money now in hand

D. C. Pace presented his a/c for five Dollars for furnishing and putting on two Locks on the court house doors which being examined by the court is allowed and ordered that the county Treasr do pay the same out of the first money not otherwise appropriated

upon application It is ordered by the court that the following named gentlemen be and they are hereby appointed to patrole for Beat No 1. M D Harman (Capt) D. C. Pace Noah Bonds J. L. Cherry and John Mackey and they are hereby authorized and required to do and perform all the duties of said appointment according to law

Robt Robson county Treasurer came into court and made an exhibit of his books as required by Law showing a ballance in his hands of two hundred and ninety one dollars & 56/100 after being duly inspecked by the court it is Ordered that said report be received by the court Further ordered that the clerk do exhibit the same at the court house door

[Book 1, page 58]

July 12th 1848

John Toliver presented his a/t for Twenty Eight dollars for acting as Chief Justice Stapleton Townsend presented his Do for twenty dollars, Abraham Alley, presented his for thirty dollars, Mike Muckleroy presented his a/c for Eighteen dollars, the several accounts for time spent while acting as commisionor from Oct 1st 1846 to the present term the above accounts is allowed and the county treasurer is ordered to pay the same out of the first money that comes into his hands not ohterwise appropriated

Asa Townsend presented his a/c for six dollars for waiting on the county court 3 day at 2 $ per day which a/c was allowed and ordered that the county Treasurer do pay the same out of the first money that comes into his hands not otherwise appropriated

J. L. Cherry presented his a/c for ten dollars for acting as paliff to the grand Jury at the spring term of the District court 1848 which was examined allowed

Ordered that the court be adjourned untill the next regular term

John Toliver ch

Justice Col Cty

[Book 1, page 59]

August Term 1848

The State of Texas

Colorado County

Be it known that on Monday the 21st day of August 1848 there was begun and holden in and for the said county a regular term of the county court at the court House in the Town of Columbus present the Hon W. Daniel Chff Justice K Walker Archd McNeill and Josiah Shaw county comms and C Windrow Clk when the following business was done to wit,

Thomas D Fisher presented his bonds as assessor & collector of Taxes which bond was approved by the court

James L. Cherry presented his bond as Sheriff for said county of Colorado which bond was approved by the court

D F Payne presented his bond as clerk of the Districk court which bond was approved by the court

Logen M Coffee presented his bond as Coronor in and for the aforesaid county which bond was approved by the court

It is ordered by the court that the old road leading from Columbus by way of John Hopes ferry thence by the burnt gin place and across the Fayette County line near John Cryers residence be and the is here by established and made as a road leading from Columbus to Lagrange

[Book 1, page 60]

and classed No 1

It is ordered that John Cryer be and he is hereby appointed overseer of the road leading from Columbus to Lagrange to work from the county line to the cross roads leadeing from Mrs Gardners place to P. H. Wadells and that all the hands liveing from the upper line of the Splan League west of Commings except T. D. Fisher & Elinger and Hillman to the Colorado River are subject to work on said road and subject to the order of said John Cryer

It is ordered that G. B. Halyard be and he is hereby appointed overseer of the road Leadeing from Columbus to Lagrange to work from Hopes ferry to the upper line of the Splan League and that all the hands liveing west of commings creek and East of the Colorado River and south of the upper line of the Splan League are subject to work on said road and subject to the order of the said G B Halyard

It is ordered by the court that George Metz be and he is hereby appointed to the office of County Treasurer in and for the aforesaid county

Geo Metz presented his bond as treasurer for said county which bond was approved by the chief Justice

It is ordered that court adjorn sine die

W Daniels

Chief Justice

[Book 1, page 61]

Nov Term 1848

The State of Texas

Colorado County

Be it known that there was begun and holden a regular term of the county court of the aforesaid County at the court house in the town of Columbus on the 20th day of Nov 1848 Present the Hon W Daniels Chief Justice Arch McNeill and Abraham Ally county coms George W Cox dpty Sheriff and C. Windrow Clk when the following business was done

No 1 Joseph Tinkler presented his Bond as Dist Surveyor which bond was approved by the court

No 2 The court being satisfied that the amount of surveying to be done in the Colorado District May be performed by one surveyer wherefore it is ordered that the county surveyer Joseph Tinkler he and he is autherised and allowed to perform the duties of a practical surveyer of said District

No 3 Ordered that court adjourn untill 9 o clock a m Tuesday morning 9 o clock a m court met persuant to adjournment present as before when the following business was done

[Book 1, page 62]

Nov term 1848

No 4 It is ordered by the court that John Toliver be allowed (8) Eight dollars for making a trip to Wharton County on County business and the Treasurer is hereby ordered to pay the same out of the first money that comes into his hands not otherwise appropriated

No 5 George Metz County Treasuer came into court and presented an exhibit of the the condition of the the condition of the County Treasury which exhibit was examined by the court and no action taken upon the same and It is ordered by the court that said Metz do proceed to make Settlement with the former assessor & Col of Taxes and make a full report and exhibit at the next regular term of this court

No 6 It is ordered by the court that the clerk of this court issue to Jas L Cherry admr of George W Gardner decd a certificate of the allowance made by the county court January Term 1848 for the sum of one hundred & seven 50/100 Dollars and that he the said Treasurer make immediate out of the first money in the Treasurey

No 7 It is ordered by the court that C Windrow clerk of the county court do retain in his hands sixty dollars of the first money that he may collect or has collected out of the fund

[Book 1, page 63]

paid on stray bonds to be appropriated to the purchasing of Books & stationary for the District and County Courts Clks. office and report to this court and procure vouchers for the amount that may be paid out

No 8   It is ordered by the court that Joseph Tinkler Paul Mallock John Shannon Wm B Dewees Staplton Townsend be and they are appointed reviewers to review and mark out a road to the greatest advantage of the inhabitance and as little damages as may be to the enclosures from the town of Columbus on a direct line as near as may be to the county line between Colorado and La vaca County so as to meet the road from Petersburg that may be established between the said towns and make report to this court at the next regular term

No 9   It is ordered by the court that the claims of the Clerk of the District court for Twenty three 12/100 dollars for stationary for the Dist Court be allowed and paid out of the approperation made at the Jany. term 1848 and the clerk of the Dist court issue a certificate to the Treasurer for payment

It is ordered by the court that the claims of the clerk of the county

[Book 1, page 64]

County court for thirty-35/100 dollars be allowed and paid by the treasurer out of the appropriation made at the January term 1848 so far as it may be sufficent for that purpose after paying the amt allowed the Clk of the Dist Court and that the residue be paid out of the first moneys not otherwise appropriated and it is further ordered that the Clk of this court issue a certificate to the Treasurer for payment

No 10   It is orderd that the two claims to Ira A Harris one allowed by the Dist Ct Judge Fall term 1846 for twelve dollars and one fall term 1848 for twelve dollars for services as bailif be and the same are allowed agt the county

It is orderd by the court that the claim allowed by the judge of the Dist court at the last term thereof to Merit Hutchens for seventy five dollar for services as seriff be and the same is allowed agt the county of Colorado

It is ordered that court adjourn Sine die

W. Daniels

Chief Justice Colorado County

Commissioners

Arch McNeill

Abraham Alley

[Book 1, page 65]

The State of Texas

County of Colorado

Be it known that there was begin and holden at the Court House of said County a Regular term of the County Court in and for sd County on monday 19th day of Feby AD 1849. Present the Hon W. Daniels Chf Justice K Walker Archd Mcneill Abraham Alley and Josiah Shaw Comrs and Geo W Cox Deputy Shff C. Windrow Clk when the following business was done, to wit,

it is considered by the court that a new Jury list be made out and the clerk is ordered to enter the same in the regular Jury Book

It is considered by the court that the South East Room in the Lower front of the Court house be and the same is hereby appropriated for the County Court Clks office and it is further considered that the south west Room be and the same is here by appropriated for the District Court Clerks office

[Book 1, page 66]

It is considered by the court that the following be and the same are the established Rates of Ferriage to be Charged in this County by all Licened ferryman

                                                                         cts

Waggons or Wheel carriages with 1 animal        25

     "          "       "          "            "   2     "           35

     "          "       "          "            "   4      "          50

and for each aditional Animal                              5

Man and Horse                                                10

Footman                                                           5

Loos horses & Cattle per head                         5

Sheep Hogs and Gotes per head                       2 ½

It is considered by the court that the settlement made by G. Metz Treasurer of this County With Merett Hutchins former Tax Collector be confirmed by the Court

It is considered by the court that the Assessor of this County shall assess & Collect One half the amount of the state Tax for County purposes for the year AD 1849

It is ordered that Court adjourn until tomorrow morning 10 oclock. Tuesday 10 oclock AM Court met persuant to ad jurnment Present as yesterday

[Book 1, page 67]

It is considered By the Court that the exhibit Rendered to the Court by G. Metz County Treasuer is satisfactory

1 Precinct

It is Considered by the Court that Mike Muckleroy be appointed Overseer of the Washington Road (1 class) from the North County line to Lewis Broons and all the hands from the North County line to Lewis Broons & North of a line drawn East from sd Broons to the Bernard Prairie, excluding the hands on Pipers League the Broons being included in the 2 Precinct

It is considered that Sion R Bostick be appointed Overseer of the 2d Road precinct, & all the hands south of a line drawn East from Lewis Broons to the Benard Prairie, not included in other Road Precincts, are subject to the order of said Bostick & also the Brunes are subject to said Bostick.

It is considered that Merett Hutchens be appointed Overseer of the 3d Road Precinct, 2d class to work from the fork of the Sanfilipe Road at the edge of the Colorado River bottom to Redgates Old Place on the Washington Road & all the hands N of Walnut St & E of Milam St in Columbus. Z Payne hands and E Wrights hands are alloted to sd Road and subject to the order of sd Hutchins

[Book 1, page 68]

It is considered by the court that Edward Rheuman be appointed overseer of the 4th Road Precinct To work from Thos D. Fishers to the Benard (1 Class Road) and the hands that was subject to the former Overseer K. Walker are subject to the order of sd Rheumun

It is ordered by the Court that Harrison Gregg be appointed Overseer of the 5th Road Precinet to Work from the ford opposite the house of Asa Townsends through the settlement up the River to the County line above the Residince of John Cryers, all the hands between the Post Oak or Cryer Road & the Colorado River be a alloted to sd Road and subject to the order of sd Gregg

It is considered by the court that William Alley be appointed Overseer of the (6th Road Precinct) to work from the Colorado River opposite the Town of Columbus to the Benard (1st Class) sd Alleys hands G C Hatchs Wm Davids and Dr H Wisons hands are alloted to said Road & made subject to the order of said Ally

It is further ordered that all the hands East of Travis Street & South of Walnut St in Columbus be aded to the above subject to Wm Ally

[Book 1, page 69]

It is Considered by the court that Wm Bridge be appointed Overseer of the (7th Road Precinct) (Class 1st) to work from the Town of Columbus to Dr C. W. Taits ferry all the hands living south of Columbus on the west bank of the River to the County line are subject to the order of said Bridge

It is ordered by the Court that J. P. Morton be appointed overseer of the (8th Road Precinct) (1st Class) to work from Dr Taits ferry to the county line below George Thatchers all the hands East of the Colorado River up so as to include Reels Bend are subject to the order of said Morton

It is considered that Moses Townsend be appointed Overseer of the 9th Road Precinct to work on the Gonzalas Road from Skull Creek to the County line (1 Class) all the hands west of Skull creek to the county line are subject to the order of said Townsend

It is ordered by the court that Paul Mallick be appointed Overseer of the 10th Road Precinct (1 class) to work from the Columbus Ferry to Scull creek on the Gonzalas Road all the hands west of Travis Street and south of Walnut Street in the Town of Columbus John B Botard

[Book 1, page 70]

and all the hands at Tolivers & Tinklers Rivers Ijams Coopers and all the hands near said Road not subject to any other Road are alloted & made subject to the order of said Mallick

It is ordered by the Court that the Old Road leading from Columbus to Jesse Bernhams or County line be Revived and established as 2d Class

It is considered by the court that William Stapleton be appointed Overseer of the (11th Road Precinct) 2d Class, to work from Columbus to Jesse Burnhams or County line R. H. Tobins hands Daniels Millers John Suggs George Guinn and John Stapleton also DeSerin and L. W. Alexander are subject to the order of sd Stapleton

M D Ramseys a/c for sixteen Dollars for his services as County Comrs the year 47 48 is allowed and adited and it is further ordered that the County Treasurer do pay the same out of the first money not other wise appropriated

[Book 1, page 71]

It is considered by the court that John Mackey Asa Townsend Wm A Shepherd Thos Morris and Robt Robson be and they are hereby appointed Comrs to draft a model for a jail and ascertain the probable amount of the cost of building the same and also to ascertain how much money can be Raised by subscription for that purpose and Report to this court at the earliest period

It is ordered by the court that the present Treasuer of the County be authorized to employ an attorney by giving a resonable conditional fee therefor in any suit he may institute against W B Dewees on his bond as former Treasuer of the County

It is ordered that the Court ajorn until Term in Course

W. Daniels

Chf. J. C. C.