History of Platte County

The adjourned meeting held on June 22, 1875. Present commissioners J. Hammond, M. Maher, A. Rose and F. G. Becher, clerk.
Protest of the Union Pacific Railroad against payment of their state and county taxes was read and ordered filed.

Petitions to divide the Pleasant Valley and the Humphrey Precincts and to create new precincts were presented and on motion. The clerk was instructed to notify petitioners to appear on the 20th instant, and show cause why such division is demanded and required.

On motion of Commissioner Hammond it was ordered that after July 1st, 1875, all the territory lying and being within the following boundary, to wit: commensing at the NE comer of Section 1, T. 17, R 1 W, thence S to the SW corner of the NW1/4 Section 18, T 17, R 1 W, thence due E on 1/2 5 line to the SE corner NE1/4 of Section 13, T 17, R 1 E, thence due N to place of beginning, it be known and designated as Road District 1 and all the territory lying and being south of District 1 as described above in Columbus Precinct shall be known and designated as District 11.

The subject of building a bridge across Shell Creek in Burrows Precinct was proposed and discussed. The proposition was made that there were not sufficient funds to erect a bridge that would be of benefit to the settlers on that route, and the bridge at or near Scully's could be dispensed with by having a small bridge or culvert built across Elm Creek.

The settlers living on the north side of Shell Creek could travel by way of Gleason's bridge. It was after full consideration and argument on the proposition, resolved, that the chairman of this Board be authorized and empowered to employ some person or persons to take down, remove and rebuild the Scully bridge at a point on Shell Creek on the road known as the Shell Creek and Pleasant Valley Road. The work to be done without delay, and a report on it as soon as practicable
The clerk was ordered to solicit proposals from those having lands or farms to sell. The purpose being to use the same for a poor farm. The prices stated terms, etc., to be used for the selection of the Board in July 1875.

Tuesday, August , 1875, Present, Commissioners J. Hammond and A. Rose. Commissioner Hammond made a motion that we now proceed to open the proposals and bids for building the bridge across Shell Creek in Burrows Precinct as per notice given. The following Were the bids:

On motion of Commissioner J. Hammond that the bid of George E. King, it being the lowest, be accepted the contract awarded to him, and the clerk is hereby instructed to notify Mr. King to furnish necessary bond and close the contract, and to have said bridge finished in thirty days from time of signing the contract.

On motion the clerk was instructed to notify all practicing physicians in the county that sealed bids will be received by this board for the purpose of acting as county physician for the year ensuing, commencing September i, 1875, said bids to include medical attendance, medicine and mileage.

September 7, 18 75 A full Board present. Petitions to divide Humphrey and Pleasant Valley Precincts and create two new precincts out of each, were laid over at a meeting held on June 22, 1875, a motion was made by Commissioner Rose that the petition be granted to take effect January i, 1876-the boundaries of said precincts being as follows: All the territory lying and being in Township 20, R 1 E shall be known then as Arlington Precinct, said territory being a part of Humphrey Precinct. All the territory lying and being in Township 20, R 2 W shall be known then as Granville Precinct, said territory being a part of Pleasant Valley Precinct, Arlington Precinct to be road District 18 and Granville Precinct to be Road District 19.

Bids from physicians to furnish medical services, etc., to the poor of this county for the ensuing year were opened. The following were the bids:

After examining the proposals and Dr. Bonesteel's being the lowest but not explicit enough, a motion was made that the bids be rejected by the Board and no further proposals be solicited for the present.

Resignation of J. N. Lawson, Road Supervisor of Monroe Precinct was accepted; also resignation of John Lisco of Road District 11, accepted.

Commissioner A. Rose made a motion that the Board employ Dr. T. J. Murphy as county physician for one year, to commence from October i, 1875, at a salary of one hundred seventy-five dollars per annum, said T. J. Murphy agreeing not to charge for any past services rendered.

D. A. Willard was appointed road supervisor of District 6 to fill vacancy; also B. S. Morrissey was appointed supervisor of District 3 to fill vacancy; also Joseph Berney appointed supervisor of District 111 to fill vacancy.

J. O. Milburn, foreman building the Shell Creek bridges, reported having them finished and asked the Board to have them accepted. Next day the Board inspected the bridges and the day after that made final settlement with Z. King and Son, for building the bridge
across Shell Creek.

John Hammond as chairman. Present: John Hammond, A. Rose and F. G. Becher, clerk.

Petition of citizens of Shell Creek Precinct and the new created Granville Precinct asking the appointment of precinct officers was presented and on motion of Commissioner A. Rose the following appointments were made and the clerk ordered to issue certificates, said appointments to take effect from and after January 1, 1876, for the term of one year.

Granville Precinct A. H, Potter, Assessor; W. H. Selser as justice of the Peace; Z. McAlpine, Justice of the Peace; P. L. Baker as Constable; T. C. Morgan, Constable; George W. Clark, Road Supervisor; A. G. Quinn, Riley Leach and Andrew O'Donnell as judges of Election; Jas. H. Sloane, Abraham Rowe as Clerks of Election.

Shell Creek Precinct-Edward Hayes, Assessor; J. M. Honahan, Justice of the Peace; William Ripp, Justice of the Peace; Stephen Gleason, Constable; John Burke, Constable; Patrick Doody, Road Supervisor; Edward Hayes Sr., N. P. Larson; John Burke, Judges of Election; James Lynch and Thos. Sullivan, Clerks of Election.

On motion of Commissioner A. Rose that hereafter all elections in Granville Precinct will be held in the school house of District 38 and in Creston Precinct at the house of William Longwith.

The subject of a permanent extension to the bridge across the Loup Fork, which was postponed at the last meeting, was then discussed. Mr. George E. King, agent of the King Bridge Company, presented several plans for piers and structures, and thereupon Commissioner A. Rose made a motion that the matter of letting contract be delayed until tomorrow, November ii, 1875. Adjourned.

Pursuant to adjournment of yesterday, the Board of County Commissioners met on Thursday, November 11 , 1875.

Plans for the bridge across the Loup were then examined and proper selection was made. Mr. King thereupon made a written proposition to build the extension of the Loup Bridge for the sum of $9,984, payable in warrants. Motion was then made by Commissioner A. Rose that the contract to build said extension of the Loup Bridge be let to Z. King & Son of Cleveland, Ohio, at the price stated according to plans and specifications as presented and to be filed in County Commissioners office, and that contract and bond be executed and filed this day.

Board met pursuant to adjournment. Full Board present. The propriety of purchasing or leasing a farm for the poor was discussed. The clerk presented several propositions from parties to sell their lands for that purpose. On motion of Commissioner Maher, the Purchase of a farm for the use of the poor was postponed until the next, or some future meeting.

Following bills were audited and allowed and warrants ordered drawn on the following funds:

The Poor Fund:
Valentin Lassek for board for Mrs. Reimer up to December 6, 1875	$6.00
Special Bridge and Culvert Fund:
A. Henry, lumber for District	$16.00
Court House Fund:
Chas. Schroeder -- locks for doors --
General Fund:
Ben. Spielman, sheriff's fees, keeping prisoners	$98.75
J. Fitzgerald, judge of election, Woodville	$2.00
H. A. Saunders, judge of election	$2.00
B. F. Baird, judge of election	$2.00
Jno. Harkins, judge of election	$2.00
Jos. Apgar, same and returns thirty miles	$7.00
Burrows Precinct:
Geo. N. Lamb, judge of election	$2.00
Major Christmas, judge of election.	$2.00
Frederick Wolf, judge of election	$2.00
Chas. Woods, clerk of election	$2.00
Jas. Burrows, clerk of election, & returns sixteen miles	$5.60
Looking Glass Precinct:
Jos. Rievet, clerk of election	$2.00
David Thomas, clerk of election	$2.00
Lorenzo Joseph, judge of election	$2.00
John Welsh, judge of election & returns, twenty miles	$6.00
Stearns Precinct:
W. D. Wilson, judge of election	$2.00
T. J. Ellis, judge of election	$2.00
Jacob Judd, judge of election	$2.00
O. E. Stearns, clerk of election	$2.00
H. T. Spoerry, clerk and returns, sixteen miles	$4.80
Monroe Precinct:
Chas. D. Tyler, judge of election	$2.00
Jonas Hedman, judge of election	$2.00
D. A. Willard, judge of election	$2.00
H. C. Magoon, clerk	$2.00
Albert Bose, clerk & returns, twenty-two miles	$6.00
Shell Creek Precinct:
James Lynch, clerk of election	$2.00
Clark Cooncey, clerk	$2.00
Thos. Sullivan, judge of election	$2.00
Jno. Burke, judge	$2.00
Ed Hayes, Sr., judge & returns, five miles	$4.80

Walker Precinct:
Jno. Olson, judge of election	$2.00
T. Nilsson, judge of election	$2.00
P. Nilsson, judge of election	$2.00
Nils Olson, clerk of election	$2.00
H. L. Cox, clerk of election	$2.00
Humphrey Precinct:
J. J. Nichols, clerk of election	$2.00
O. Moore, clerk of election	$2.00
Geo. W. Rollin, judge of election	$2.00
Frank Anson, judge of election	$2.00.
S. Morris, judge & returns, twenty-five miles	$6.50

E. W. Toncray, M. Schram and J. W. Early, judges of election, $2.00 each; C. G. Hickock and M. T. Kinney, clerks of election, $2.00 each.

James Ducey, John Maughan, clerks of election, $2.00 each; Samuel Connelly, J. H. Milslagle, judges of election, $2.00 each; J. H. Gogan, judge and returns twenty-two miles $6.20.

M. C. Lamb, S. H. Lamb and Herman Bakenhus, judges of election, $2.00 each; H. G. Leuschen, clerk $2.00. C. A. Newman, clerk and returns sixteen miles $5.60

Herman Wilken, Henry Rickert, clerks of election $2.00 each. Henry Loseke, Edward Ahrens, judges of election $2.00 each. Henry Leusche, judge of election and returns nine miles $4.90.

Maurice Keller, Ed Kenscher, J. W. Witchey, judges of election, $2.00 each. Chris Meedel, clerk $2.00. Richard Keller, clerk and returns nine miles $4.90. A. j. Arnold, F. G. Becher and T. C. Ryan, canvassing election $2.00 each.

Petitions from citizens of the newly created Precinct "Creston," asking the appointment of precinct officers was granted and the clerk ordered to issue certificates of appointments accordingly.

County Commissioners, Tuesday, December 22, 1875, full Board present. Minutes read and approved.

Petition asking aid for support of C. F. Stiner's family who were burned out, leaving them destitute, was presented, and on motion Commissioner A. Rose was authorized to purchase clothing and dry goods for Immediate necessity for said family and present the same tomorrow.

Motion made that the clerk be instructed to ascertain the probable cost of replanking the Platte River Bridge; also to purchase window curtains for the court room.

County Commissioners meeting Wednesday, December 23, 1875. Pursuant to adjournment. Full Board present. Reading of minutes dispensed with Commissioner A. Rose reported having purchased dry goods and clothing for the family of Stiner to the amount of $17 $17.30 and recommended that a warrant be drawn on the Poor Fund in favor of V. Kummer, he having advanced the money.

The regular meeting of County Commissioners was held on Tuesday, January 4, 1876. John Hammond in the chair. Roll called. Present, Commissioners Hammond, M. Maher and A. Rose. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

Commissioner Hammond then introduced M. Maher as chairman for the ensuing year; also introduced Mr. R. H. Henry, the newly-elected commissioner, and his successor. Mr. Henry then took his seat as a member of the Board.

Resolved, that from and after this date C. A. Speice receive the following fees as per diem for his services as school superintendent: Visiting schools outside of the city of Columbus and furnishing his conveyance, four dollars per day. For visiting school Districts 1 and 13 and for office work three dollars per day. Vote taken -- Commissioners Henry and Rose, aye; Maher, no.

The following bills were audited and allowed and warrants drawn on proper funds.

ordered: Wm. Brown, Supervisor No. 13; Robert Compton, Supervisor No. 1; B. S. Morris, Supervisor No. 3; J. McCormack, Supervisor No. 4; H. Piper, Supervisor No. 17; H. McCabe, Supervisor No. 14; John Eisenman, Supervisor No. 15; Charles Hietmean, Supervisor No. 18; Pat Doody, Supervisor No. ; G. W. Shaffer, Supervisor No. i; Michael Cronin, Supervisor No. 8; Ed Keuscher, Supervisor No. 10.

Assessors -- Jas. Burrows; E. T. Graham, A. H. Gibson, Robert Pinson, Herman Wilken, Sylvester Rost, S. W. Wilson, B. Callahan, Ed Hayes Jr., Wm. Irwin, John H. Eagan, Joseph Apgar, H. Cox.

Justices -- Jas. Burrows, Sam. J. Wheeler, Henry Richert. O. E. Stearns, W. D. Wilson, Henry Kelly, Herman Wilken, Byron Millett, Phillipp Howell, Richard Kellett, H. C. Magoon, Joseph Rivet.

Constables-John J. Gleer, Jas. Outwater, W. D. Bonso, George Rollins, T. J. Ellis, Chas. Wake, Wm. Longworth.

Commissioner Henry made a motion that the resolution passed February 16; 1875, placing the amount of liquor license at five hundred dollars be rescinded and hereafter such liquor license shall be fifty dollars per annum and the bond accompanying each application shall be for five hundred dollars with good and sufficient securities.

The following official bonds were approved: Assessor, A. J. Ruinn; Justice of the Peace, J. Scully; F. F. Bump and Wm. Ripp; Constables -- P. Reinheimer, J. R. Fawkes, George Lymatte and E. D. Sheehan. Road Supervisors G. W. Clark of No. 19; C. T. Webster of No 11; Hans Christenson of No. 5. Regular meeting of the County Commissioners was held on Tuesday, March 7, 1876. Full Board present.

Proposals to plank the Platte River Bridge were opened and the following were the bids:

On motion of Commissioner Henry the contract be awarded to Thomas O'Neill, he being the lowest bidder, and that he give bond to the County in the sum of one thousand dollars for the faithful performance of the same.

Regular meeting of the County Commissioners was held on Tuesday, April 4, 1876, at two P.M. Commissioner Maher presiding. Roll called, present Commissioners M. Maher, A. Rose and R. H. Henry, and F. G. Becher, Clerk. Minutes of last meeting read and approved.

Petitions of citizens of Pleasant Valley asking to change the location of the polls in said precinct from the school house in District 42 to the house of William Connelly, Sr., on Section 20, T 20 R 3 W, was read and ordered to be laid over.

The petition of Herman Wilken and others asking the commissioners to build a bridge across Toby Creek in Bismark Precinct was read and laid over.

Mr. O'Neill requested the Board to advance him part pay on his contract of replanking the Platte River Bridge to pay off his hired help, and on motion of Commissioner Henry, one hundred fifty dollars be allowed out of the Special Bridge Fund, and the clerk ordered to issue warrant accordingly in favor of Thomas O'Neill.

The Board of County Commissioners met in the court house Monday, April 17, 1876, at nine A.M., and organized as a Board of Equalization, according to law as per Section 27, Chapter 66, General Statutes, Nebraska.

Roll called, present, Commissioner M. Maher as chairman; Commissioners A. Rose and R. H. Henry, and F. G. Becher, Clerk.

Union Pacific Railroad Company presented sworn statement describing list of their land and valuation of same for taxation for the year 1876 which was ordered to be filed.

Board examined the lists of the several precincts and adjourned to meet tomorrow morning at nine o'clock.

The County Commissioners meeting as Board of Equalization Tuesday, April 18, 1876, at nine A.M. Full Board present.

The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad Company presented a sworn affidavit by their agent relative to assessment of their lands in Platte County, describing said lands and showing valuation of same, demanding that said lands be assessed at the value therein set forth -- ordered filed.

Lists of personal property in Columbus Precinct were then examined and corrections were proposed to the list of assessment of personal property. On motion the clerk was ordered to notify the following parties by mail to appear before this Board on the day to which this Board will adjourn to explain and answer all questions touching their assessment: Hunneman & Tollman, A. Henry Columbus State Bank, Schutte & Pohl, Martin Stenger, Thomas Welsh, Wadsworth & Stauffer.

At two P.M. Board of Commissioners met pursuant to adjournment. Full Board present.

Mr. Thomas O'Neill reported having fulfilled his contract replanking Platte River Bridge and requested inspection and settlement. Report and bill for extra work of Thomas O'Neill for replanking Platte River Bridge was examined and on motion of Commissioner Henry two hundred ninety-seven dollars be allowed for

said work in full less one hundred fifty dollars received last meeting. On motion of Commissioner Rose this Board now proceed to examine and inspect the work performed by Mr. Thomas O'Neill and if found completed according to contract the clerk be instructed to issue warrants for one hundred forty-seven dollars as balance due in full for said work.

County Commissioners Meeting as Board of Equalization on Wednesday, April 19, 1876, at nine A.M. Full Board present.

Statements of Union Pacific Railroad Company and Burlington and Missouri River Railroad Company were compared with the assessments of other lands in the several townships where such lands are located and on motion of Commissioner Henry no change be made in the assessments of said railroad lands and that said assessments remain the same as other lands are in the several townships. Lists of personal property of the several precincts were then re-examined and changes were made.

Upon examination of valuation placed upon lots in Columbus Commissioner Henry made a motion that the Assessor of Columbus Precinct, in conjunction with the County Clerk, make a reappraisement of the valuation of the city lots and to omit or exclude all lots lying and being in bottom lands such as are considered worthless from the assessment rolls.

On motion the proceedings of the Board of Equalization be published and that this Board meet again as a Board of Equalization on Wednesday, May 3, 1876, to adjust any error or to make any corrections, if any there should be. Motion to adjourn. Agreed.

Equalization Notice All persons who may feel aggrieved by the action of the Board of Equalization of Platte County are hereby notified and requested to appear before the Board on Wednesday, May 3, 1876, and make known their objections. By order of the Board. F. G. Becher, Clerk.

The law passed by the last legislature for the government of counties, provides that the Board of Commissioners shall once in three years form, alter or change the Commissioner Districts so that each shall contain as near as may be, one-third of the inhabitants of the county. As the districts stand at present, there is nothing like any such division. The law by its terms, takes effect September i, 1879; so that it is proper at this time to call the attention of the Commissioners to their duty in the premises. It further provides that each district shall be bounded by Precinct lines. Columbus Precinct now contains nearly, if not quite, one-third of the population of the county; besides which its commercial importance entitles it to a representative in the Board. The interests of Columbus are those of Platte County, and any attempt to array the country against the city, or the converse, like that of last fall, should be reprobated by all good citizens. As a matter of natural justice, Columbus should be accorded a representative.

The estimated expenses of Platte County to be raised by taxation the ensuing year, amounted to $50,750.

Hugh Hughes -- per font	$ 9.75
Young & Whitney -- per foot	9.50
George E. King -- per foot	8.80
Persall & Reimer, whole bridge	675.00
Loveland & Ellis, whole bridge	579.00

Dr. T. J. Murphy	$175.00
Dr. S. A. Bonesteel	150.00
Dr. E. Hoehen	180.00

Poor Fund:
Wadsworth & Stauffer, grocers for paupers, by order of justices	$14.80.
Valentin Lassek, boarding with Mrs. Reimer up to January 6, 1876	$6.00.
Court House Fund:
E. C. Kavanaugh painting in court house; bill for $15.00 allowed	$10.00.
General Fund:
T. M. Trevett, new seals	$20.00.
Columbus Era, print blanks for county judge, etc.,	$6.00

McCone & Williams	$259.00
Kelley & Olson	$265.00
F. W. Riemer	$295.00
Quinn & Howell	550.00
Thomas O'Neill	134.00
Joseph Lisco	245.00
J. D. Brewer	600.00
E. W. Toncray	$183.00
E. W. Sparhawk	185.00


Annals of County Organization	195


196	The History of Platte County Nebraska


Annals of County Organization	197


198	The History of Platte County Nebraska