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FIRST BILLS ALLOWED.

     The first money appropriated by the board of commissioners out of the county treasury was on July 1st, 1839. The order was as fo11ows:
     Ordered, that John Crill be allowed the sum of twenty-four dollars ($24.00) for assessing the poll tax and taxable property of said county and that the clerk of the board be authorized to grant and issue a county order to the treasurer of said county in favor of said Crill to that effect.
     On the 17th of July, 183.9, it was ordered that Colwell Neil be a11owed $4.50 for three days' service as chain-bearer in laying out the town of Washington. For the same kind of service $4.50 was a11owed Thomas M. Neil; $2.25 Wm. Basey; $2.50 Nathan Baker. August 15th, 1839, the sum of $9.00 was voted to J. B. Davis for services in assisting in laying out of the town of Washington.
     At a meeting of the board, October 7th, 1839, the following claims were a11owed:
S. P. Teeple, 7 days service as commissioner. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . $21.00
J. B. Davis, 2 days services as commissioner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.37
William Conner, for town stakes,……………………………………..3.00
Thomas Ritchey, locating seat of justice. . .. . . .. . ... .. . . . 18.00
John Gilliland, locating seat of justice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18.00
William L. Harvey, swearing in locating commissioners. . . . . . . . . 1.00
Richard Moore, 4 days' services as commissioner. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 12.00
Morgan Hart, one day's service as commissioner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00
J. M. Snyder, surveying seat of justice……………………..63.62
Thomas Baker, services as clerk.............................. 7.00
Thomas Baker, services as clerk………………………………………………15.00
Total $160 00

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     In appropriating funds for the payment of claims two kinds of orders were drawn. For services in locating, surveying and otherwise improving the county-seat, orders were drawn on the town fund, while for other expenses orders were drawn on the county fund. The town fund was that created by the sale of lots, while the county fund came from the collection of taxes, license, fees, fines, etc.
     It has already been seen that at the last sale of lots there was realized the sum of $915.50, and that the tax list of 1839 amounted to $281.00. The license fees probably swel1ed the county fund that year to about $500.00; the licenses were as follows: grocery, $25; store, $10; clock-peddlers, $100. These two funds were kept distinct for a number of years, and seperate [separate] accounts were kept with each fund.
     The list of claims as before given were against the town fund; at the same session of the board the following claims against the county fund were allowed:

Richard Moore, services as county commissioner... . . . . . . . $ 5.62
Richard Moore, services as county commissioner,... . . . . . . . . . .. 3.00
Simon P. Teeple, services as county commissioner . . . . . . . . .. 6.00
J. B. Davis, services as county commissioner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.00
Morgan Hart, services as county commissioner. . . . . . . . . . , . .. 3.00
Nathan Baker, clerking and returning poll books to Wapello,
Louisa county ................................. 13.50
Nathan Baker, viewing Wapello road. . . . . ... .. .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 3.00
A. H .Haskell, viewing Wapello road........................ 3.00
H. A. Stone, viewing Wapelloroad. ... . 3.00
Thomas Baker, services as county clerk. . .. . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33.00

Total $ 79.12

    Both town and county orders were .at a discount but of the two, town orders were worth the more. The first county order, No. 1, dated October 7, 1839, called for $3.00, and was drawn in favor of A. H. Haskell.
     During the first two years after the organization of the county there were issued one hundred and sixty orders on the county fund amounting in all to $871.79. Out of this sum the county clerk, Thomas Baker, received $200 as salary, which was more than all the other county officials received in common.
     The commissioners received three dollars a day while in session, or engaged on committee work.
     The assessor for the year 1839, as before stated, received $24.00 for traveling all over the county and making the entire assessment; in 1840 he received' $36.00 for the same services.
     David Goble, the first county treasurer, was allowed $20 for the year's services.

OLD RECORDS.

     The early official records of Washington county, while they are meager, yet some of them show great care in keeping, while in some cases the spelling and punctuation and penmanship are curiosities to behold, yet it must be borne in mind that they only inaugurated the "spelling reform," which is now becoming such a mania. Few of the old records have been copied,

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and yet there are some of the books in a good state of preservation and the writing is as legible as the day that the entries were first made.
     The first district court record is particularly well preserved. Thanks to the thirty-dollar appropriation made for books by the first commissioners' court, these records were placed in a volume which up to the present time has withstood the ravages of rats and the tooth of time. Mr. Baker, the first clerk of court, was a good penman, a scholar of ordinary ability and possessed some qualifications requisite to this position. He was careful, industrious and reliable; although it has been thirty-five years since these records were made, they now compare favorably with the best records of recent date. When we recollect that at first the character of the books and quality of paper was inferior, that the county clerk attended to all the work of the office without the aid of a deputy, and owing to his meager salary was compelled to spend a large portion of his time earning a living as a farm hand, and further, that for many years there was no suitable place to keep these records, the fact appears that the county must have been most fortunate in the selection of its first public officials.
     The original tax levies and tax sales are perhaps the most faulty, as the file is incomplete and some of them in existence are so badly rat-eaten and faded that they are illegible; some of them are also faulty in that they do not bear the date of the levy or the sale. These records are as varied as Joseph's coat, and it is hard to tell in some cases just whose work it was, and when done.
     But however disappointing to the historian, the old record has its virtues and has many strange and often amusing features. Those who wrote it did not think, perhaps, they were making history, but the smallest incidents of that early day have now become of interest.
They were kept on foolscap paper, sewed together in the form of a book and covered with the coarsest kind of brown wrapping paper. They are ancient and faded little volumes and afford a remarkable contrast to the elaborate and carefully kept records of the present day. They exist now only as curiosities, their usefulness having long since departed.

THE FIRST COURTS.

       Casual reference has already been made to the term of court held at Astoria, in and for the county of Slaughter, by David Irvin, judge of the second judicial district. This was on the 7th of May, 1838. Also of the second term held on the 22d of October, 1838, by Joseph. Williams, who seems to have been Irvin's successor, and the first term held in and for the county of Washington, on the 17th of June, 1839. We shall now proceed to speak more particularly of these terms of court.
     The record of the first court runs as follows:
     "At a district court for the county of Slaughter, in the Territory of Wisconsin, began and held at Astoria, on Monday the 7th day of May, A. D. 1838: Present, the Hon. David Irvin, Judge of the Second Judicial District of the said Territory of Wisconsin.
     "The court being satisfied of the character and qualifications of Thomas Baker doth appoint him clerk of said court, and hereupon the said Thomas Baker came into court and with Nelson Ball and David Goble, his secureties [securities] entered into bond in the penal sum of two thousand dollars to William B. Slaughter, secretary of the said Territory of Wisconsan [Wisconsin] conditioned

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according to law, and the said Thomas Baker took and subscribed the oaths required of him by law and entered upon the Discharge of the duties of his said office
     "Ordered by the court that the Seal of which the following is an impression be the Temporary Seal of this Court.
     "[TEN CENTS.] "
     "On motion of William W. Chapman, District Attorney of the United States of america, it was ordered that a venire facias for a Grand Jury on behalf of the United States of america Ishue [issue] and was ishued [issued] to the Marshal of the Territory of Wisconsan, [Wisconsin] Returnable into the Court, and there-upon the Said Marshal returned the following named persons into Court

      "The said persons aforesaid being summoned, Sworn and empanneled according to Law as Grand Jurors as aforesaid entered upon the discharge of their duties and returned into the Court presentments, indictments or business to be discharged as Said Jury and ware [were] allowed for one days attendence [attendance] and mileage according to the number of miles which are anexed [annexed] to [to] their names.
     " Ordered that William B Chapman, District Attorney of the United States of america, be allowed for one days attendence [attendance] upon the court and for fifty miles Travel.
     Ordered that the marshal of Said Territory be allowed for one days attendence [attendance] on the, court and for summoning a Grand Jury and for Two Hundred and forty miles travel
     Ordered that Court adjourn until the next Term in coars.
Signed David Irvin Judge of the 2d Judicial D. of W, T.
" Attest
         "Thomas Baker Clerk.
     "I do certify the above to be true Copy of the proceedings of the Court therein alluded to.
Thomas Baker Clerk
       of said court.

SECOND COURT.

The record runs as follows:
      "Oct 22d 1838 Be it Known That I Joseph Williams Judge of the Second Judicial District for the Territory of Iowa do hereby appoint Thomas Baker Clerk of the Several Courts in and for the county of Slaughter in said Territory of Iowa with power and authority to do all and perform all and every act appertaining to Said office in Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day above written.
"Signed Joseph Williams Judge
of 2d Judicial District I. T.
      "I do certify the above to be a true copy of the appointment of said
clerk Thomas Baker Clerk of
Said Court W. C. I. T.

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"Territory of Iowa }
"Slaughter County }ss
     "I Thomas Baker Clerk of the Several Courts of Said County do swear by almighty God, the Searcher of all hearts as clerk as aforesaid I will Keep a true and correct record of all Judgments, orders and decrees of the said courts and Generally that I will do and perform all the duties of the office of clerk as aforesaid with fidelity and that as I shall answer to god at the Great Day Thomas Baker.
      "Sworn and Subscribed before me the 22d day of Oct 1838
         "Signed Joseph Williams Judge
              2d Judicial ,District I. T.
      "I do certify the foregoing to be a true copy of the oath of office taken
by me
Thomas Baker Clerk.

"Territory of Iowa }
"Slaughter County }Ss
     "And now viz October 22d 1838 which being the day according to the appointment of the proclamation of the Governor of Iowa Territory for holding the District Court for the united States and also the district for the Territory of Iowa being present also G. A. Hendray deputy marshal of Said Territory and Thomas Baker clerk appearing in order to attend to the business of said County and no person appearing either as parties, attorneys or jurors, the court after being organized by opening the same and there being no business the same was duly adjourned till the next term in course
"Examined and approved"

THIRD COURT.

     The third term of court, the same being the first court, in and for the county of Washington, was held at or near the town of Washington, beginning on the 17th day of June, 1839, and ending on the 17th day of June. 1839.
     The following were impaneled, on behalf of the United States, as grand jurors: Wm. B. Thompson, Thomas Wilson, William Ayers, David Goble, Sr., Wi1iam Basey. Mathew Moorhead, Richard Moore, John W. Neil,; Thomas Ritchey, Abraham Hulock, John Hulock, William L. Hervey, Nathan Griffith, George Parks, John Grimsley, Harrison, Goble, Daniel Powers, David Goble, Jr., Ira Maulsby and John Maulsby.
     The record goes on to say, "And these being all good, true and lawful men and being duly summoned, sworn and charged by the Court to enquire &c, retired to consider such matters and things as might come under their cognizance, and after some time said grand jury returned into court and informed the court that they had no bills or presentments to make whereupon they were discharged from further attendence"
It seems that there were no persons summoned as petit jurymen at this term and consequently no jury trials.

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There were two cases on the docket, one of which was continued and the other disposed of. The former it being the first one on the docket, is entitled
"Joseph Field and Dennis Marks Surviving partners of the late firm of
Stone, Field & Marks
       "vs.
"Milo Holcomb, Surviving partner of the late firm of Holcomb & Bullock"
     The case was a plea of trespass on the premises of the plaintiff to the .damage of said plaintiff in the sum of three hundred dollars. The record says:
     "And now to wit, June 17th 1839 came the defendant and by his counsel Isaac Van Allen into Court and waves all objection to the service of the writ in the case and files his plea viz the general issue and his case is continued until the next term of this Court."
     The case was afterward compromised by Milo Holcomb agreeing to pay the costs of the suit, which he did as follows:
Clerk's fees..... $ 1.62 1/2
Docketfee ...........3.00
Sheriff's fee ..........2.93 3/4
Total ..................$ 7.56 1/4
     The other case is entitled
"Jeremiah Smith
       "vs
"Isaac Pence"
     The case was a plea of trespass upon the premises of the plaintiff to the damage of said plaintiff in the sum of one hundred dollars. The record says:
     "That on the 17th of June 1839 came the defendant Isaac Pence and the plaintiff by J. B. & G. W. Teas, his attorneys and it was agreed that the defendant confess judgment in favor of plaintiff for the sum of sixty-five dollars and fifty cents and costs of suit and that defendant have a stay of execution for the term of three months by giving security."
     The costs are certified as paid as follows:
Clerk's fees .........$ 2.87 1/2
Docket fee ............. 3.00
Sheriffs fee............ 5.88

Total .....................$11.75 1/2

FIRST DIVORCE.

     The first divorce case came up at the next term of court, in October. John D. Wood and his wife, Elizabeth, being the parties. The defendant being a non-resident an order was made by the court for publication of notice of suit eight weeks in the Burlington "Hawkeye." At the next term of court the decree of divorce was granted. Senator Grimes was attorney for the plaintiff in this suit.

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FIRST CRIMINAL CASE.

     The first criminal case tried in the District Court of Washington county came from Muscatine county on change of venue. It appears an the docket as the case of
THE UNITED STATES}
          }vs.
LESTER WALLIS.}
     The charge was that of passing fictitious bills. He was found guilty and sentenced to three years' imprisonment in the penitentiary at Fort Madison. This being the first criminal case tried by a Washington county jury it will be a matter of interest to know the names of the jurymen. They were as follows: Thomas Wilson, George Stott, James Moore, Nathan Griffith, Baalam Anderson, William Forbes, Amos Embree, John Maulsby, Samuel Blair, John J. Jackson, Daniel Powers and Thomas Tucker.

GRAND JURY FOR 1840.

David Gable, Sr.                E. C. Fairchild.
Elijah Lander.                   Absolom Tansy.
William L. Harvey.            Almon Moore.
Joseph Patterson.              Rabert Pringle.
Asa Webster.                    James Brier.
William Lewis.                   George Parker.
Joel Long.                         Jacob Mason.
William R. Wallace.           Hugh Smith.
John Mc Vey.                    Riley Garren.
John Essley.                     Samuel Stephens.
Amos E. Moore.                 R. B. Davis.
Joseph Middleton.
E. C. Fairchild was appointed foreman and Thomas Bennett, bailiff.

PETIT JURY FOR 1840.

William Basey.                 Michael Hayes.
W. Ayers.                       Joseph B. Rodgers.
Joseph Basey.                 Elijah Hilton.
Joseph Adams.                Emsley Carmichael.
Thomas Bennett.              Jonathan R. Wilson.
Israel Smith.                   Thomas Wilson.
James Moore.                  Henry Williams.
Samuel Blair.                   John J. Jackson.
John Conner.                   C. C. Hendrix.
W. Reeves.                      Ezra Clemons.
James Dawson.                Joseph Dawson.
Thaddeus Moore.             W. Essley.

     It seems, from the list of indictments found during this year, that then as now the matter of selling liquor contrary to law demanded a large portion of the attention of grand juries.
     The board of commissioners were accustomed to license grocers to sell liquor by paying an annual fee of $25. Instead of going to the trouble and expense of securing a license persons frequently sold liquor without a license, and in such cases the jury indicted.

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THE FIRST DISTRICT JUDGE.

     As Judge Williams was a somewhat noted character, more particularly for eccentricity than for legal attainments, though we believe he had the reputation of being a good judge, we deem it proper to give a brief sketch of him.
     With regard to his history we know but little, either previous to the time of which we are writing, or since. At that time he was about fifty years of age, and had worn the ermine many years. In a territorial act fixing the terms of the District Courts, approved January, 1839, we find his name as appointee over what was then called the Second District, composed of the counties of Louisa, Muscatine, Cedar, Johnson and Slaughter. He was a person of remarkably good conversational powers, and delighted in telling anecdotes. His musical talent was much above the average, both vocal and instrumental. Often after delivering a temperance lecture, fun of eloquence, and interspersed with humorous passages, he would sing a favorite song cal1ed "Little Bil1y Neal," with an effect seldom surpassed, calling up an applause of such hearty, boisterous delight as has seldom greeted a star actor. He was master of most musical instruments, but for drawing tunes out of that sweetest, sweetest-toned of all, "the fiddle and the bow," he was particularly distinguished in this attainment. In addition to his vocal talent as a singer, he possessed that weird, mysterious power of using his voice as a ventriloquist, and could imitate the cry of various kinds of animals so correctly that the uninitiated could not fail being deceived. He would sometimes imitate the squalling of a belligerent cat, to the great alarm and mystification of the ladies, who could neither discover the brawler, nor learn from whence the noise came.
     At this point we beg leave to introduce a couple of anecdotes bearing upon his notoriety as a musician: Many years ago, on the occasion of a convention at Iowa City in the interests of a proposed railroad from Muscatine to that place, Judge Williams and LeGrand Byington were in violent opposition to each other upon some points of which we are not informed, nor does it matter so far as the interest of this sketch is concerned. After the convention, a young amateur in the art of drawing produced a caricature representing Joe. Williams seated astride an enormous bul1, playing a clarionet. [clarinet] The bull was on the railroad, with tail erect and head down, pawing up the earth, and prepared to combat the further progress of a locomotive which was close upon him, upon which was Le Grand Byington as engineer, and from the whistle of which ascended the words, "Music hath charms, but cannot soothe a locomotive."
     On another occasion, being that of an election of Supreme Judge and United States Senator, by the State Senate, Judge Williams was before the Democratic caucus for the judgeship, and Geo. W. Jones (sometimes caned Nancy Jones, and known as a dancing master), for the Senate. Their competitors of the same party were S. O. Hastings, formerly president of the territorial council, for the judgeship, and Hon. T. Wilson for the Senate. The last named gentlemen were at Iowa City just previous to the time of election, laboring earnestly with the members of the Senate to secure their choice. But at the caucus, which came off during the night preceding the day of election, it was decided to elect Williams and Jones.
     The following instance of his peculiar powers as a ventriloquist is related of him: It occurred during the first term of the District Court at Knox-

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ville. Most of those attending court there boarded at Babbit's, and it so happened that one night the little boarding-house was so full that it was barely possible for all to find sleeping room. The Judge, with lawyers Knapp, Wright and Olney, were supplied with beds in the lower story, whilst the jurors and numerous other attendants found room to stretch themselves on the loose upper floor, using blankets, coats and whatever else they had provided for beds. When, after much ado, they had all got settled down for a nap, they were suddenly startled by the terrific squalling of what appeared to be a couple of tom-cats in mortal combat in the room. Instantly all hands were up and in search of the supposed disturbers, but no cats could be found, and the surprised boarders returned to their beds without any very satisfactory conjectures as to the whereabouts of the nocturnal brawlers. But they had hardly composed themselves again for rest when the loud and boisterous growling and snapping of a couple of belligerent bull-dogs, apparently in their very midst, brought them all up standing. And then followed an uproar such as language could convey but an indistinct idea of, the dogs maintaining the combat with mingled growling, barking and whining, and the men endeavoring, with all the noise they could make, to oust them from the room. How they came to be there was a wonder indeed, but the evidence of their presence was too unmistakable to admit of a doubt, even in total darkness. Presently the fight ceased, and with that the general uproar abated. Then came a solution of the mystery. The Judge and lawyers could no longer restrain their merriment at the expense of the frightened and mystified lodgers up stairs, but let it come in a gush of laughter that quickly reminded some of the company that the Judge was a ventriloquist, and had undoubtedly just played them one of his mysterious tricks. But so far from being offended at it, they took a sensible view of its ludicrousness, and all joined heartily in the laugh.
     Judge Joseph Williams, above referred to, should not be confounded by young readers with M. T. Williams, the clerk of the first court, and currently known as Judge Williams. This latter gentleman is not eccentric, nor a great fiddler, nor a ventriloquist. The only analogy we think of is in his temperance proclivities, and his ability to tell a good story.
     M. T. Williams is justly regarded as one of the oracles of Mahaska county. His duties as first clerk of the county brought him in contact with its pioneers and territory in such a manner as to afford him more thorough knowledge of the very early history of Mahaska county than any other man now living. Sometimes Mr. Williams is induced by his friends, publicly, or in a small circle, to narrate his early experience and reminiscences, which he can do in a most irresistible manner. The Judge is not fond of making a speech, not for the reason which kept "Single Speech Hamilton" in the background, but from an unassuming and retiring disposition, and a probable under-estimation of his own abilities, for the Judge can make a good address. This peculiarity, the modesty of Mr. Williams, is illustrated by the following anecdote:
     In an early day, when he was running for county clerk, and without any opposing candidate, he was, after much persuasion, induced to go out with a campaign speaker from abroad, to hold a meeting in a school-house in one of the border townships. While on the way the stranger asked Williams how the Whig ticket was going to run in the county.
"Oh, I guess all right, unless it be the clerk," said M. T.

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"Clerk! why, what is the matter with that? Are you not popular, Williams?"
"No, not very, I guess. Some of the Democrats are finding fault"
"Well, who is running against you?"
"Oh, well-ahem-oh, there is not anybody else running in particular."
     Of course the laugh was on the agitated independent candidate, with no opponent in the field.

TERRITORIAL AND COUNTY ROADS.

     The fact has already been mentioned that at one of the first meetings of the county commissioners, the county was divided into road districts and supervisors appointed. Prior to this time, there were, of course, no county roads. Among the first acts of the territorial legislature, were some authorizing the location and survey of territorial roads. Probably as early as 1840 several of these roads were projected in various parts of the territory, and some work was done on them. As early as 1839, we find the people of Washington county agitating this matter, and their representative in the legislature proposing bills to that effect.
     Two letters from Daniel Brewer, then representative for this and Louisa counties who was then at Burlington attending the session of the legislature, throw some light on this as well as other matters. They were addressed to John Jackson, one of the first settlers of Washington, and run as follows:

"BURLINGTON, November 18th, 1839.
"Dear Sir --Not being very well acquainted with the wishes of Washington county, and not knowing whether there are any measures in which they feel an interest, I am induced to write to you for information. The session thus far has been quiet, and the minds of the members seem to be bent more upon the passage of good and wholesome laws of a general nature, rather than the agitation of exciting local topics. It is true that there was some talk, particularly in the council, of an effort for the removal of the seat of government, but I have no idea, at this time, that the measure can be effected. The faith of the territory is tacitly pledged in favor of the location, and it would be an act of extreme injustice to the whole community and particularly to those who have purchased lots in Iowa City, under the implied faith of the legislature that the location was intended to be permanent.
     "I have sent you a number of papers, directed to Washington post-office, but if there is any post-office more convenient I wish you to write me word, and also write me the names of some half dozen of your neighbors who would like to receive papers from time to time.
     "Were you elected surveyor? I always feel an interest in the success of my candidate, and having electioneered for you in several places, I hope you came out with flying colors. The six votes which I got at your precinct were very acceptable in a close contest, and I attributed my success at your place to your exertions and not my own, for which receive my thanks, until you are better paid. Please give my respects to Mr. Holcomb, and assure yourself that I remain, as heretofore,
"Your friend and obedient servant.
"DANIEL BREWER.

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     "JOHN JACKSON, 'ESQ."
"BURLINGTON, December 9th, 1839.
"Dear Sir:-By the hands of Nathan Baker, Esq., I received a letter from you a few days since. We had anticipated your wants in relation to certain territorial roads, and had introduced bills for roads from Washington to the following places: Mt. Pleasant, Fairfield, Iowa City and Wapello. I have an indistinct recollection of your saying that you wanted a territorial road, but if it is not provided for in the above bills, you will write me word. I took the liberty to insert your name in the bill for a road from Washington to Mt. Pleasant, as a commissioner.
     "The House is at this moment in session, and I have just heard a rumor that 3,000 Missourians are now in Van Buren county, on the disputed ground attended with all the pomp and circumstances of glorious war. The marshal, under the direction of the Governor, has ordered out the. militia of the territory. It is to be hoped, but not expected, that no blood will be spilled.
"Very respectfully yours,
"DANIEL BREWER.

"JOHN JACKSON, Esq., Washington Co."

     The first road of which there is any record, was the one projected from Iowa City to Burlington. This road entered the county immediately west of the southeast corner of section 35, township 78, range 6, west. Its general direction conformed to the course of the Iowa river, it running very close to the west bank of said river at some places. It passed through the town of Crawfordsville, leaving the county near the southeast corner.
The next road, a plat of which is on record, was the one leading from Washington to Crawfordsville where it intersected with the road from Iowa City.
     The commissioners to locate this road were Adam Ritchey and W. E Kurtz, and Wm. Wooley was the surveyor. The road began in Washington at the southwest corner of the public square, and the direction of the first quarter of a mile was due east; for the next nine miles its general direction was southeast, and when within about one quarter of a mile from Crawfordsville the remainder of the course was due east. All traces of this Toad long since have disappeared, and in its stead is now located the Burlington and, Northwestern narrow guage railroad, which is located substantially along the same line.
     The next road was one located from Richmond, in Washington county, to intersect a road leading from Iowa City to the south line of Johnson county. John B. Creswell and Amos Embree were the commissioners to locate, and J. B. Davis the official to survey this road. The road began at the center of Main street, opposite to the northeast corner of the public square of Richmond, and its general course was northeast to the Johnson county line. The length of the road was about five and a half miles, and unlike nearly all of the other roads formerly located diagonally across section lines, has not yet been abandoned.
     Many other territorial roads were located and surveyed; among others the following:
Road leading from the fifteen mile stake to Washington, on the military road from Washington to the north line of Missouri; road leading from Richmond to Columbus City; road leading from Brighton to Oskaloosa; road,

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leading from Richmond to Wasson's mill; county road leading from the south side of the public square in Washington, to Holcomb's mill. Many of these roads have long since been abandoned.

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