At a county court began and held for the County of Hancock at the house of James Dupuy’s on the 23^rd  March 1829 and in the 37^th year of the Commonwealth of Kentucky agreeably to an act of the legislature passed 3^rd day of January 1829.

Were Present: Nathaniel Maxey, Charles V. Lander, William W. Oglesby, Samuel Davis, John D. Cotton. John Coleman who produced commission from his excelencey Thomas Metcalf Governor of Kentucky appointing and Commissioning them Justices of the peace for Hancock County & took the several oaths required by law & is therefore permitted to execute the duties of said office. John Sterett came into Court and produced a Commision from his excellency Thomas Metcalf Governor of Kentucky appointing and Commissioning him Sheriff of Hancock County & took the several oaths required by law & with Charles V. Landers, Nicholas Board, Weeden Wilson & William Sterett entered into bonds agreeably to law. William Sterett appointed Clerk for the County of Hancock.

Proceedings for the Hancock County Court, extracted from Minute Book 1, page

James Dupey came into court and produced a commission from his excelleny Thomas Metcalf Governor of Kentucky appointing & commisioning him coroner of Hancock County & took the several oaths required by law and with John D. Cotton and George Bruner entered into bond agreeably to law.

Ordered that Court adjourn until tomorrow morning 10 O’clock

Nathaniel Maxey.

County Court of Hancock met at the house of James Dupuys on 24^th March 1829 agreeably to adjournment. Were present:

Nathaniel Maxey, Charles V. Lander, John J. Coleman, John D. Cotton, Samuel Davis and William W. Oglesby.

The Court proceeded to lay off the County into Districts for constables.

1^st District bounded as follows beginning at the place where the County line now running from Tindall’s landing crosses the Yellow banks road, thense a straight to Lewis Mathews & to include him thence a straight line to a point in the Ohio and Daviess County line one mile East of Richard L. Mays, thence to the road leading from Hardinsburg to the Yellow Banks on a a straight line to a point forty poles N.E. of Bye’s Horse Mill, thense with the yellow bank road to the place of beginning.

2^nd District bounded as follows. Beginning at the mouth of lead creek on the Ohio river then up the said creek to the mouth of the branch which outs into creek between Othello Williams.

Proceedings for the Hancock County Court, extracted from Minute Book 1, page

James Shrader, thence up said branch as far as to Mrs. Hughes not to include him, thence a straight line to James Dupuy’s to include him thence a straight line to John Snider to the County line at the point forty poles N.E. of Bye’s Horse Mill, thence with the line of the County to the Yellow banks road, thence with the road to where the County line crosses said road at Mrs. Frances Williams thense a straight line to Tindalls Old landing on the Ohio river, thence down the river to the beginning.

3^rd District bounded as follows: Beginning at the mouth of lead creek on the Ohio river, thense up lead creek to the mouth of a branch which puts into said creek between Othello Williams & James Shrader, thence up said branch as far as to Mrs. Hughes to include him, thense a straight line to John Sniders not to include him, thence a straight line to the county line at the point forty poles N.E. of Byes Horse Mill.

Hancock Created from Breckinridge, Daviess, and Ohio Counties.

The following article taken from the acts of the state Legislature in 1829 showing the exact boundary of the county of Hancock and the following is a copy of the act which created Hancock County.

Section 1. Be it enacted, that from and after the fourth Monday in March 1829, all that part of the counties of Breckinridge, Ohio and Daviess contained in the following bounds to wit: Beginning on the Ohio River at a point known as Tindall’s old landing; thense a straight line crossing the road leading from Hardinsburg to Yellow Banks at the north end of the farm occupied by Mrs. Frances Williams to Lewis Martin’s immediately on the Ohio County line, including said Martin in the new county; thense a straight line to a point in the Ohio and Daviess County line, one mile north-east of Richard L. Mays; thense a straight line to point forty poles N.E. of Bye’s horse mill; then a line to mouth of the Scaffold Lick Branch so as to leave William Head and Samuel Barker in the county of Daviess; thense down Blackford Creek to the mouth; thense up the river to the beginning, shall be one distinct county, called and known by the name of Hancock, in honor of the late John Hancock, a president of Congress in the time of the revolution.

Section 2. The Justices of the peace for the county of Hancock, who are directed to be appointed by this act, shall meet at the house of James Dupey, in said county, on the fourth Monday in March, 1829, and after taking the necessary oaths of office, and after qualifying the sheriff agreeable to the constitution and laws of this state, shall proceed to appoint a clerk, to whose appointment a majority of all the justice in commision in and  for said county, shall be necessary but if such majority cannot be obtained in favor of any one candidate, then they shall appoint one pro tem.

Section 3. The county court shall be held on the fourth Mondays in every month except the months in which the circuit courts shall be on the fourth Mondays of April, July and October and may if necessary continued to sit six judicial days and shall form a part of the 14^th judicial district

Section 4. The circuit and county courts of Breckinridge, Ohio and Daviess and the justices of the peace therein shall have a jurisdiction over all matters in law and in equity instituted prior to the fourth Monday in March 1829.

Section 5. It shall be lawful for the sheriffs or collectors in Breckinridge, Ohio and Daviess counties to collect all fines and monies and to execute all process, writs and executions, as the law directs, which were put into their hands prior to the fourth Monday in March next, and account for the same as if this act had not passed.

Section 6. The county court of Hancock County shall appoint commissioners of tax for the year of 1829 who shall perform all duties and be governed by the law regulating Commissioners of tax in the state; and the clerk of the county court shall in like manner perform his duty thereto.

Section 7. The permanent seat of justice for the county of Hancock shall be, and the same is hereby fixed at the mouth of Lead Creek on the Land of Richard Hawes, and shall be called and known by the name of Hawesville, and it shall be the duty of the county court of Hancock County, as soon as practicable to cause necessary public buildings to be erected and in every other respect lay off and do that which may be necessary in establishment of said town.

Section 8. The sheriff of either county in making his settlement with the county court of Hyancock or their agent, shall be entitled to retain in his hands, a sufficient sum to pay the demands of the several paupers that are now living within the bounds of the said county of Hancock.

Section 9. It shall be the duty of the surveyor of the county of Breckinridge to meet at the house of James Dupey, and thence proceed to run the said county lines, and to employ chain carriers and markers to mark the same; and the said survetor shall receive for his services, two dollars per day, to be paid by Hancock County out of their county Levy.

Minute Book 1, page 1, Monday August 24^th 1829

At a County Court began and held for the county of Hancock in the State of  Kentucky on Monday the 24^th day of August in the year of our lord one thousand Eight hundred and twenty nine and in the 38^th year of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Were Present. Nathaniel Maxey, John Snider, Charles v. Landers, James Newton, Samuel Daviess, John D. Cotton. Esquires.

Samuel C. Jennings is appointed clerk of this Court he having produced in court a certificate from two of the Judges of the Court of appeals, touching his qualifications as such, and thereupon the said Jennings entered into and acknoledged bond in the penalty of $10000 Conditioned agreeably to law with John Sterett, Samuel Pate, William Sterett & Alfred H. Miller his sureties. Which bond is ordered to be recorded and is as follows towitt. Know all men by these presents that we Samuel Jennings, John Sterett, Samuel Pate, William Sterett & Alfred H. Miller are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the just and full sum of $10000 and for the payment whereof we bind our heirs & jointly and severly firmley by these presents signed with our hands sealed with our seals and dated this 24^th day of August 1829. The condition of the above obligation is such that if the above bound Samuel C. Jennings Clerk of the County Court of Hancock County shall well and faithfully execute the duties of his office and shall not remove or carry, nor suffer to be removed out of said County the records and papers of the Court. Whereof he is clerk or any part thereof except in cases allowed by law.

Minute Book 1, page 2, Monday August 24^th 1829

Then the above obligation to be void else to remain in full force and virtue.

Samuel C. Jennings, John Sterett, Samuel Pate, W. Sterett, A.H. Miller

Done in Court Attest Nathaniel Maxey

William Sterett came into court and took the several oaths of office as required by the Constitution and laws of this state, and is thereupon permitted to practice as counsel and attorney at law in this Court.

Abraham Sanders who was heretofore appointed overseer to open a part of the road leading from Hawesville to Haydens Mill, towit from the yellow Banks road to said mill came into court and report that he had opened said road agreeably to the order of court aforesaid. Ordered that said Abraham Sanders be and he is hereby appointed overseer of said road, and that all the male laboring persons over the age of 16 years and not exempt by law included in the following bounds towit. Beginning at Abraham Sanders thence to Thomas Richards, thence to the Ohio County line excluding Thomas Martin, thense with the County line to Charles Phillips and to include him and thence to the beginning including Barnet Phillips, David Phillips, James Christian and each of the above named persons do assist said overseer to keep said road in repair 20 feet wide.

Present John J. Coleman, Esquire.

Minute Book 1, page 3, Monday August 24^th 1829

Samuel Bruner who was appointed by a former order of this court overseer to asses a part of the road from Hawesville to Haydens Mill, towit from the Caney Fork of Blackford Creek to the Yellow Banks road. Came into Court and reported that he had opened said road agreeably to said order of court. Ordered that said Bruner be and he is hereby appointed overseer of said road, and that all male laboring persons over the age of 16 and not exempt by law included in the following bounds towit. Beginning at Caney Creek at the mouth of the Blazed Hollow thence to James Rusher and to include him thence to James Hyde and to include him, thence to William Moormans and to include him thence to William Obenchain and to include him thence to David Sniders and to include him, thence to Martin Youngs and to include him, thence to John McFalls and to include him and thence down Caney to the beginning do assist said overseer to keep said road in repair 20 feet wide.

William Adams who was appointed by a former order of this court overseer to open that part of the road from Hawesville to where it intersects the road from Hardinsburg to Troy. Came into court and reported that he had opened said road agreeably to the order aforesaid, Ordered that the said William Adams be and he is hereby appointed overseer of said road and that all the male laboring persons over the age of 16 years and not exempt by law included in the following bound towit beginning on the Ohio River at the lower corner of Adams , and running so as to include Adams lands and Richard Hawes lands at his corner on the Ohio River do assist said overseer to keep his part of said road in repair 15 feet wide.

Minute Book 1, page 4, Monday August 24^th 1829

The viewers appointed by a former order of this court to view and make a road to the nearest and best way from Willians Ware-house on the Ohio river to the Bridge on Blackford Creek, made their report which was received by the Court and ordered to be recorded and is as follows towit. “In Obedience to an order of the Hancock County Court at March Term 1829.

We the undersigned were appointed to view and mark a road the nearest and best way from Willians Ware-house on the Ohio river to the bridge on Blackford creek towards Owensboro. In pursuance to which we Commenced at the warehouse and proceeded with the old road to the head of the Grassy Pond, thence up the big gut to the hill thence with the bridge to the cross roads thence to keep the old road about one half mile beyond John D. Cotton. Thence leaving the old road to the right and keeping the ridge about three hundred yards until it strikes the Clover Road, thence with the said road to the Bridge on Blackford. W. Gates, N.H. Cotton, T.P. Willian.

Sworn to before me this 24^th August 1829. John D. Cotton J.P.H.C.

Ordered that said road be established agreeably to the viewers report aforesaid and that Thomas P. Willian be and he is hereby appointed overseer of part of said road towit from Willians Warehouse to where said road crosses Lewises Old Road, and that all tha male laboring persons over the age of 16 years and not exempt by law included in the following bounds towit beginning at Thompsons Ferry thence up the river to Willians ferry thence with Lockets.road to

Minute Book 1, page 5, Monday August 24^th 1829

(Cont.)

Gates Road and with Gates road to Lead Creek, thence to include the Miss Mundays farm & hands, thence to the cross roads and thence with Thompsons road to the beginning do assist said overseer to keep said road in repair 15 feet wide.

Ordered that William R. Duncan be and he is hereby appointed overseer of a part of the said road to-wit: from where Lewis’ Old Road crosses said road to Clover Road and all males over 16 years and not exempt by law included in the following bounds to-wit: Beginning at the cross roads thence to include Robert C. Beauchamp to Lead Creek, thence up Lead Creek,

Thence up Lead Creek to Tichenors Mill, thence to Edmund Cottons and to include him, thence running with the Troy Road to the Clover Road, thence to and to include John Haydens, thence to and to include William Estes, thence a straight line to the beginning, to keep road in repairs 15 feet wide.

Ordered that Corneilus Snider is appointed overseer of a part of the road leading from William Pate’s to Cloverport towit from William Pate’s to the County Line, all male laboring persons residing on the farm of William Pate and one half of Henry W. Williams hands to keep road in repairs 30 feet wide.

Minute Book 1, page 6, Monday August 24^th 1829

Ordered that Elisha Johnston be and he is hereby appointed overseer of that part of Lewis Old road from where the same crosses a branch at Canons upper place to the Hancock County Line and that all the male laboring persons over the age of 16 years and not exempt by law including the said Johnston and hands and one half of Henry Williams hands be and the same hereby allotted to said overseer to keep his part of said road in repair 15 feet wide.

Ordered that John H. Cannon be and he is hereby appointed overseer of a part of  Lewis old road towit from Lead Creek crossing below Tichenor’s Mill to where said road crosses a Branch at Cannons upper farm and road crosses a Branch at Cannons upper farm and that said Cannons hands. David Locket, George Young, James Shrader, _____ Ferguson & hands. Zachariah Tichenor & John J. Coleman and hands be and are hereby allotted to said overseer to keep his part of said road in repair 15 feet wide.

Alfred H. Miller came into court and moved the court for license to keep a tavern at his house in Hawesville which is granted him. Whereupon the said Alfred H. Miller with Thomas Blincoe and James Dupuy his securities entered into and acknowledged a bond to the Commonwealth in the penality of $100 Conditiona agreeablr to law.

On Motion of Samuel C. Jennings Clerk of the Court, William R. Barbee is sworn and permitted to act as his deputy clerk.

Minute Book 1, page 7, Monday August 24^th 1829

James Dupuy coroner of Hancock County came into Court and tendered an inquest which was held over the body of Lowry McCully. Which was received by the Court and ordered to be filed.

Ordered that the several tavern keepers within the County be permitted to charge according to the following rates and that they do not exceed them. That is to say.

For dieting per meal 25 cents,  For lodging per night 12 ½ cents, Whiskey per ½ pint 12 ½ cents, Rum per ½ pint 25 cents, Gin per ½ pint 25 cents, Wine per ½ pint 25 cents, Cherry Bounce per ½ pint 12 ½ cents, Cogniac Brandy per ½ pint 25 cents, Peach Brandy per ½ pint 12 ½ cents, For stablage and hay per night 37 ½ cents, Oats per Gallon or corn 12 ½ cents.

The viewers appointed by a former order of this court to view and mark the nearest and best way from Hawesville to the Daviess County line on a direction towards Owensboro, exbituted in court their report which being examined is ordered to be quashed.

Frances R. Black, Plantiff against James Gates, defendant, on an appeal. This day came the parties aforesaid by their attornies and by their mutual consent and agreement, this cause is continued.

Minute Book 1, page 8, Monday August 24^th 1829

Ordered that Court be adjourned until Court in course.

Nathaniel Maxey.

Minute Book 1, page 9, Monday September 28^th 1829

At a County Court began and held for the county of Hancock at the courthouse in Hawesville on Monday the 28^th day of September in the year of our Lord, One thousand eight hundred and twenty nine and in the 38^th year of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Were Present: Nathaniel Maxey, John  Snider, John D. Cotton, John J. Coleman, Esquires.

Joseph B. Ball surveyor of Breckinridge County who was appointed by an act of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky to run the lines of Hancock County came into court and made report in compliance with the provisions of said act and also an order of the Hancock County Court, which report is received by the court and ordered to be recorded and is as follows to-wit: May 16^th, 1829. In obedience to an act of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky which passed in cession January 3^rd. in the year of 1829. I attended at the house of James Dupuy on the fourth day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine and then proceeded to survey the boundary lines of the county of Hancock. It being formed of parts of the counties of Breckinridge, Ohio and Daviess Counties contained within the following bounds viz: Beginning on the Ohio River at a plave known and called by the name of Tindles Old Landing at a large black oak tree marked C.H.C., thence south 2 degrees 30’ East 1210 poles to a white oak tree standing on the south side of the Yellow Bank Road, at the North- Page break

Minute Book 1, page 10, Monday August 24^th 1829

(Cont.)

end of Mrs Frances Williams farm crossing the road leading from Cloverport to Hawesville at 220 poles, thence 56 poles crossong the road leading from the mouth of Faucetts Creek to Elisha Johnstons thence 220 poles crossing the road leading from Cloverport to the Yellow Bank Road at William Pates thence 352 poles crossing the road leading from Hardings to Lewis Bottoms, thence 120 poles crossing the Honey Locust Creek, thence 170 poles to a south branch of the said Honey Locust, thence 68 poles to the aforesaid corner at Mrs. Frances Williams. Thence south 24 degrees east 2880 poles to the Ohio County Line at Lewis Martins, crossing the Gum Lick Branch at 340 poles, thence 254 poles crossing the road leading from James Newtons Sen. To James Newton Esquire, thence 154 poles to a south fork of the Honey Locust Creek. Thence 116 poles to the Cag Fork, thence 470 poles North East Fork of Panther Creek, thence 80 poles to the road leading from Umphry Roberts to Mrs. Andersons thence 660 poles to the road leading from Cloverport to Hartford, thence 420 poles to Thomas Bivins in Hancock County, thence 386 poles to the Ohio County line. Thence North 70 degrees west 3864 poles to a white oak and hickory trees one mile north-est of Richard L. Mays on the Ohio and Daviess County lines, crossing the road leading from Hardinsburg to Hartford. Thence 154 poles crossing the road leading from Cloverport to Hartford, thence 400 poles crossing the East Branch of Adams Fork. Thence 654 poles crossing Adams Fork, thence 625 poles crossing an east branch of Panther Creek. Thence 330 poles crossing the middle fork of Panther—Page break

Minute Book 1, page 11, Monday September 28^th 1829

(Cont.)

Creek 80 poles below Mrs. Hadens Mill. Thence 150 poles crossing the road leading from Cloverport to Panther Creek, thence 80 poles to Charles Phillips, thence 880 poles to William Hanes, thence 105 poles crossing the North Fork of Panther Creek, thence 55 poles to Moses Carters including said Carter in Hancock County, thence 239 poles to the corner on the Ohio and Daviess County lines north 3 degrees 30’ west 121o poles to a large black oak tree marked C.H.C, 40 poles north-east of Byes’ Horse Mill crossing the road leading from Hardinsburg to the Yellow Banks at 220 poles thence 700 poles crossing a West Branch of Blackford Creek, thence 230 poles to the afore named corner. Thence north 43 degrees 30’West 680 poles to William Heads’ leaving said Head in Daviess County. Thence north 31 degrees 30’ West 520 poles to Samuel Barkers leaving said Barker in Daviess County, thence South 68 degrees West 480 poles to the mouth of the Scofford Lick Branch, thence down Blackford Creek to the Ohio River thence up the Ohio to the beginning. Containing 121 square miles or 77,626 acres which survey being completed on the day 16^th of May and date first written. Joseph B. Ball S.B.C. Hopkins Mason, William Askins commissioners. Elisha Williams, marker.

Minute Book 1, page 12, Monday September 28^th 1829 Part Map

Minute Book 1, page 13, Monday September 28^th 1829 Part Map & Info

(Cont.)

In obedience to an order of the Honorable Court of Hancock County at their June term 1829. I attended at the point 40 poles N.E. of Byes Mill on the 23^rd of the aforesaid month and then proceded to run a straight line to the mouth of the Scaffold Lick Branch which bares north 58 degrees west 1380 poles leaving William Head and Samuel Barker in the County of Daviess which being completed on the 24^th day of June in the year first written. Signed: Joseph B. Ball S.B,C., Hopkins Mason, William Henderson, Commisioners. Bird Henderson, Marker.

Ordered that James Gates, John Gates, William Adams and David Lockett or any three of them being duly sworn do view and mark a road to the nearest and best way from Hawesville to the Daviess County line on a direction towards the Yellow Banks and that they report the comparative convenience and inconviences that will result as well to the public as to the individuals in case said road be established.

Minute Book 1, page 14, Monday September 28^th 1829

Minor E. Pate came into court and produced a commission from his excellency Thomas Metcalf governor of Kentucky appointing him surveyor of this county, who thereupon took the several oaths of office as is required by law and with William Pate and Joseph Green his securities entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of three thousand dollars conditioned agreeably to law.

The viewers appointed by the court to mark a road from Hawesville to the Daviess County line on a direction towards the Yellow Banks, came into court and tendered their report, which the court received and ordered it be filed to-wit: “Agreeable to an order of the Hancock County Court at the September term 1829, we have this day marked the way beginning at Hawesville where the road leaves Main Cross Street near Dr. Holmes house along the way that Sterett marked to the town limits, thence through the lands of Richard Hawes, John J. Coleman, John Patterson to cross below Tichenors Mill, then through the lands of David Curtis, no agent for him as we know of, through the lands of Manpin, Edward Askins, Edmund Cotton, and others unknown to us, to intersect the road from Troy to the bridge- page break

Minute Book 1, page 15, Monday September 28^th 1829

(Cont.)

on Blackford Creek at Edmund Cottons and that we believe no inconvience will result to any person by the road passing that way and that we believe great convience will result the public by the road passing and being opened. Given under our hands this 28^th September 1829. James Gates, William Adams, John Gates. Sworn to before me the date above wrote. Nathaniel Maxey J.P. H.C.

The consent of all proprietors of land through which said road is proposed to pass being given.

Ordered that said road be established agreeable to the viewers report aforesaid and that William Adams be appointed overseer to open a part of that road 20 feet wide from Hawesville to Tichenors Mill and all Male loboring persons over 16 years and under 50 years included in the bounds to wit: Beginning at the mouth of Lead Creek thence down the Ohio River to Thompson’s Ferry thence with Thompson’s road to Tichenors’ Mill and thence down Lead Creek tp the beginning to assist the overseer to open the road.

William Gates is appointed overseer of part of the same road from Tichenors’ Mill to Driskells’ Branch near John D. Cottons and that all male laboring persons over 16 and under 50 years of age included in the following bounds to wit; beginning at Tichenors’ Mill thence with Thompsons’ road to the Ohio River thence down the Ohio River to the mouth of Yellow Creek, thence up said Creek to William Estes and to include him, thence to Edmund Cottons’ including William Duncan, thence to and to include John D. Cotton. Thence to Stephen Hughes and down Hughes branch to Lead Creek and down same to the beginning, to open road 20 feet wide.

Geberal Hart is appointed overseer over part of the same road from Driskells’ Branch, near John D. Cottons’ to the bridge on Blackford Creek and that all males between 16 and 50 years od age in the following bounds; Beginning at Stephen Hughe’s, thence to John D. Cottons’ but to exclude him, thence s straight line to Yellow Creek below William Estes thence down Yellow Creek to the Ohio River thence to the mouth of Blackford, thence up Blackford Creek to the mouth of Caney Creek and up the same to the mouth of Wiatts branch, thence up the same to James Dupuys’ but to exclude him, thence a straight line to the beginning to assist the overseer to open the road 20 feet wide.

On motion and application of William Pate, it is ordered that Jacob Newton, Ephraim Lyons, James Boling and Thomas Viles or any three of them being duly swown to view and mark a road the nearest and best way from said Pates’ to intersect the road leading from Hawesville to Hartford near Haydens; Mill and report to our next Court.

Nicholas W. Board, Commissioner of this county came into Court and tendered his list od Taxable property for the year of 1829, which is received by the court and ordered to be certified to the Auditor and Sherifff and is as follows to wit: 1 white male over 21 years of age, 1 black over 16. Total Blacks 2. 2 horses worth $100. Total $600. Ordered that the Court be adjourned until tomorrow morning nine O’ Clock. Nathaniel Maxey.

Monday 23 November 1829.

At a County Court began and held for the County of Hancock on the 23^rd day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine. Were present: Nathaniel Maxey, Charles V. Lander, John Snider, Wm. Oglesby, John D. Cotton, James Newton, Esquires

David B. Patterson’s stock mark is ordered to be recorded as follows: A fox of the left ear and a crop & underbit in the right ear.

Samuel C. Pate stock mark is recorded as follows: a crop and slit in the right and slit in the left ear.

Timothy Holmes stock mark is recorded as follows: A swallow in the right and underbit in the left ear.

Alfred H. Miller’ s stock mark is recorded as follows: A crop in the right and slit and under nick in the left ear.

Mathias Morton’s stock mark is recorded to wit: A slit and under bit in the left and slit and to underbits in the right ear.

Alfred H. Miller came into Court and moved the Court for leave to establish a ferry from his lot in Hawesville, Hancock County Kentucky to the opposite shore of the Ohio River, which is granted him whereupon the said Miller with Thomas Pusey, John D. Cotton and James Fitzhugh his securities entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalt of 1000 pounds conditioned agreeable to the law and thereupon a Ferry is established agreeable to law,

Absent: Nathaniel Maxey and John S. Cotton, Esquires.

Present: John D. Cotton Esquire

Francis R. Black, appellee against James Gates, appellant, on an appeal from judgement on a Justice. This day came the parties aforesaid by their attornies and this cause came to be heard until the evidence exibited by the parties and upon due consideration by the Court. It is considered by the Court that the apellant recover against the appellee the sum of three dollars and twenty five cents debt and the cost herein expended and may have execution.

Present: Nathaniel Maxey Esquire

Absent: Samuel Daviess and John J. Coleman Esquires.

Thomas Pusey came into court and moved the court for leave to keep a tavern at his home in Hawesville which is granted him. Whereupon the said Pusey entered into and Acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $100 conditioned agreeable to law with Alfred H. Miller, Samuel C. Jennings and Nicholas V. Board his Securities and thereupon a license is granted him in due form.

The Court proceeded to Allow the following claims to-wit:

Ordered that Court be adjourned until tomorrow morning nine o’clock

Nathaniel Maxey.

November 1829

At a County Court began and held for the County of Hancock by adjournment at the Courthouse in Hawesville on Tuesday the 24^th day of Novenber 1829.

Were Present: Nathaniel Maxey, James Newton, John Snider, William W. Oglesby and John D. Cotton Esquires.

Samuel C, Jennings Clerk of the Hancock Circuit and County Courts exibited in Court an account of taxes due to the Commonwealth and made oath to the same which recorded to be certified to the Auditor is as follows:

Present John J. Coleman Esquire.

The Court proceeded to allow the balance of the claims against the County to wit:

Monday December 28^th 1829

At a County Court began and held for the County on the twenty eigh day of December one thousand eigh hundred and twenty nine.

Were present Nathaniel Maxey, John Snider and John D. Cotton, Esquires.

Ordered that William Richey, David B. Patterson, John Sterett and William Burnett who or any three of them being duly sworn be and they are hereby appointed viewers to view and mark a road the nearest and best way from Hawesville to the County Line on a direction to Hardinsburg by Cloverport and that they report the comparative conviences as well as the inconviences thereof to our next Court.

Ordered that in addition to the hands heretofore allotted to David D. Noel overseer of a part of the road leading from Hardinsburg to Owensboro to wit from the Horse Fork of Blackford to the Daviess County Line that the following hands be and are hereby allotted to said overseer to wit: James Barnet and hands, and the hands that may live on Armstrong Hale’s old place to keep said road in repair 30 feet wide.

A petition of citizen of this County paying the County Court to make an  order appointing viewers to view and mark a road the nearest and best way from Hawesville to intersect the road leading from Hardinsburg to Thompson’s Ferry at or near the meeting house called “New Chapel” which petition is received by the Court and ordered to be recorded and is as follows to wit: To the Honorable County Court of Hancock County, we the undersigned petitioners would humbly request that you do grant us an order to view and clear out a fifteen foot road from Hawesville on the nearest and best way so as to intersect the road leading from Hawesville to Thompson'’ at or near the meeting house that is known by the name New Chapel which road if it can be obtained will be of great advantage to a respectable part of our County. And we your petitioners would further present to the Honarable Court, that we do believe that a continuation of said road to the mouth of Blackford at some time hereafter will be of great advantage to the lower part of our County. Yours do request & c. William Henderson, John Henderson, Samuel Henderson, William Henderson, Jr., Samuel Pate, R.B. Greathouse, William Gates, Eli Thrasher, N.H. Cotton, Joseph Chrisler, Jacob Emmick, Benja B. Blincoe, Thomas S. Blincoe, Nimro Stander, Nathan A. Williams, John Thompspn, Hugh T. Willin, Thomas Thrasher, Wat, Cotton, Holbert M. Henderson, John Brockman, I.N. Greathouse, Edward Pate, Jr., George Emmick, A.H. Miller, Thomas Blincoe, Timothy Holmes.

Ordered that Isaac N. Greathouse, Samuel Hebderson, John A. Thompson and Joseph Chrisler who or any three of them being duly sworn, be and are hereby appointed viewers to view and mark said road agreeably to the foregoing petition and that they make report thereof agreeably to law.

Ordered that in addition to the hands heretofore allotted to Lewis Martin overseer of a part of the road leading from Hawe4sville to Landrums Mill to wit: From the Ohio to the Breckinridge County line that ____ Richards and hands and _____ Robards be allotted to the said overseer to keep his part of said road in repair.

Ordered that Court be adjourned until Court in cause, Nat. D. Maxey.

James Fitzhugh came into court and took the several oaths of office as is required by the constitution and laws of this State and thereupon the said Fitzhugh is permitted practice as a counsel or attorney at law in this court.

James Fitzhugh, Esquire is appointed attorney for this Court for one year next ensuing.

It appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that Joseph Bye is a person of unsound mind Jonas Bye is appointed a committee to take care of said Joseph Bye.

Present Charles V. Lander, Esquire

Nicholas Board commissioner for taking in list of taxable property in this county for the present year in this county, is allowed for his services the sum of twenty dollars which is ordered to be certified to the Auditor of Public Accounts.

Absent Damuel Daviess, Esquire

Ordered that each individual subjecty to taxation within this County pay to the sheriff the sum of one dollar and fifty cents for each tythe as a levy to defray the expenses of the County.

Levied at this Court and collectable in 1830.

Absent Charles V. Lander, Esquire

John Sterett and Collector of the County Levy of Hancock County came into Court and with Charles V. Lander, William W. Oglesby, and William Sterett his securities entered into and Acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $1000. Conditioned for the faithful collecting and accounting for the County Levy of said County levied in 1829. And collectable in 1830 agreeably the act of assembly establishing the County of Hancock.

Ordered that Samuel C. Jennings be and is hereby appointed an agent for this County to settle with the Sheriff of Breckinridge and Ohio Counties the amounts of taxes collexted by them for the present year and due to this county.

Ordered that Lewis Martin be and is hereby appointed overseer of part of the road leading from Landrums Mill to Hawesville to Wit: from the Ohio County Line to the Breckinridge County Line and that the following hands be allotted to said overseer to keep said road in repairs 15 feet wide to wit: James Fitzhugh and hands, Reubin Martin and hands, Thomas Martin and hands and James Martin and hands.

It appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that James Woods is a person of unsound mind it is therefore ordered by the Court that Robert M. Snider be appointed a committee to take care of said Woods and his property and therefore the said Robert M. Snider entered into and acknowledged a bond to the Commonwealth in the penalty of $______ with ______.

The above order is of no effect.

Ordered that the Court be adjourned until Court in Cause.

Nathaniel D. Maxey Presiding Justice.

Prepared by George Lee Gibbs, Sr , Mary Emma Gibbs, and Mary Louise Gibbs.

This was typed from Minute Book 1, year 1829, County of Hancock State of Kentucky. Hawesville, Kentucky County seat.

Hawesville is the county seat of Hancock County. It is situated on the Ohio River, approximately 86 miles below Louisville and 30 miles above Owensboro. Hancock County was the eighty-third county of Kentucky formed from Breckinridge, Ohio and Daviess counties.

During Governor Metcalf’s Administration the first court for Hancock County was held about six miles south of Hawesville on a farm known as the Dupuy (Dupree) place. Soon after this, a plan for a courthouse was made. The following is the record showing the plan for the courthouse.

Building of a courthouse in Hawesville on the first day of May 1829.

2^nd Courthouse in Hawesville

The plan of said courthouse in Hawesville to be after the plan of the courthouse in Hardinsburg except to be constructed so there shall be a chimney and fire places below and that the roof shall be formed as to receive a cupola. The lower walls of said courthouse to be thirteen inches thick and the upper story nine inches thick.

In 1865 Robert Boyd of Boston, Massachusetts built the Hancock County Courthouse, and was finished in 1868. The stone that was used in the foundation of the courthouse was quarried from nearby hillsides and the brick that was used kilned in the vicinity. The county offices occupy the first two floors of the building and the third floor was used as the Masonic Hall, but now houses the records of our past history and is known as the Hancock County Archives.

***Note*** Cannelton Reporter 9 May 1868

Interesting facts. Hawesville date 7 May 1868. The work on the new courthouse has been carried on at a rapid rate. The brick layers will about get through with their work this week, except the gable ends. The walls are now ready for the wood-work of the roofing.

On last Saturday the old courthouse and Clerk’s office were sold and were purchased by Rev. C.Y. Boggess for the purpose of building the new M.E. Church. The two buildings were knocked off at $250.00, but is believed to be quite a bargan, as the supposition is that they were built in honest times, and that the walls are of whole sound bricks; and that they can be torn down and rebuilt without much breakage and loss. The buildings are to be removed from their present position by the 15^th of July next.

Hawesville, May 30, 1868: The work of demolishing the old courthouse was of short duration; furnishing sport, instead of labor to the little boys. Rev. C.Y. Boggess is supertending the work in person, having at present a small regiment of boys and colored men cleaning the old mortar from the bricks. The old building, as was expected, has turned out to be quite a bargan.

The ladies are giving a series of entertainments this week, commencing this evening (Thursday) for the purpose of raising money to pay many little expenses incured in removing the bricks to the building lot on which the church is to be built.

A lien filed in November of 1855 against the Barnum and Baily Circuses by Madame Flories; a mortgage lien dated 11 November 1873. Big Ben Flower which was built at Lewisport; a lien filed against a Negro church for a debt of $45.13 due to the pastor; and numerous morgages on slaves. Many of the records were not kept in the early days of the county.

Prepared by George Lee Gibbs, Sr , Mary Emma Gibbs, and Mary Louise Gibbs.