Irwin County GaArchives History .....History of Irwin County, Chapter 3 1932
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CHAPTER 3.
SUPERIOR COURT AND PRESENTMENTS OF THE GRAND JURY, JURY COMMISSIONERS, SALE OF
LIQUOR, PAUPER, PONTOON BRIDGE, REGISTRATION LAW, JUVENILE COURT.

Sligh Case, Publication, Tax Assessors.

   The first term of Superior Court of Irwin County was held September 21, 1820,
at the house of David Williams, on lot of land 147, in Fourth district of said
county. Hon. Thomas W. Harris was Judge, T. G. Holt, Solicitor. The only
business transacted was the drawing of a Grand and Petit Jury for the next term
of court. The following is a list of the first Grand Jury, to wit:

David Hunter, 
John Pike, 
Willis King, 
David Allen, 
William Hall, 
Redding Hunter, 
Ludd Mobley, 
James Rutherford, 
Issac Allen, 
Frederick Watson, 
Nathanial Statum, 
David Calaway, 
Charles Demit, 
Amos Sutton, 
Ezekial Jernigan, 
Stephen Wiggens, 
Henry Land, 
Daniel Burnett, 
John Sutton, Sr., 
John Sutton, Jr., 
Shaderick Sutton, 
James Burnett, 
David Williams, 
Daniel Wiggens, 
Jacob Graham, 
Archible McInnis, 
Elija Beasley, 
Burrell Bailey, 
Samual Boyed, 
Thomas Burnett.

   The following gentlemen were drawn to serve on the first Traverse or Petit
Jury, to wit:

Isom McDaniel, 
William McDones, 
Wiley Vickers, 
Thomas Gibbs, 
Sion Hall, 
John Mills, 
Young Vickers, 
Thomas Hunter, 
Samuel Gibbs, 
Manuel Noles, 
Anguish McInnis, 
James Paterson, 
Richard Wiggens, 
Silas Watson, 
Alex McDonald, 
Drury Vickers, 
John Gilder, 
Isom Jordan, 
Daniel McInnis, 
Henry Allen, 
Elijah Hunter, 
Daniel Drawdy, 
Bowser Allen, 
James Statum, 
Emory Odom, 
John Story, 
Asa Youngblood, 
Benjamin Grantham, 
Hoyl Holly, 
John J. Ford, 
Daniel Grantham, 
Fitch I. Slocomb, 
David Nickols, 
John Watson, 
David Sutton, 
John Grantham, 
Davis Allen, 
Thos. M. Statum, 
Benjamin Yarborough, 
Henry Anderson, 
Nathan Bridges, 
James McGee, 
Nathan Land, 
William Taylor, 
Moses Jernigan, 
Daniel Henderson, 
John Tayler.

   The second term was held at the house of David Williams on March 29, 1821.
Judge T. W. Harris presiding, T. G. Holt, Solicitor-General. The only business
transacted was by the Grand Jury as follows: "We, the Grand Jury, for the county
of Irwin, at a Superior Court held at the house of David Williams, on the 29th
day of March, 1821, make the following presentment. We present Isham Jordon and
Nancy Moore for living in a state of adultery and fornication in the county
aforesaid on the 28th day of March, 1821, and before that time, we present
Alexander McDonal and Barbary Kelly for living in a state of adultery and
fornication in the county of Irwin on the twenty-eighth day of March, 1821, and
before."

Signed, 

Samuel Boyd, Foreman;. 
David Hunter, 
Thomas Burnett, 
John Sutton, 
David Callaway, 
Archible McInnis, 
Elijah Beasley, 
Redding Hunter, 
Willis King, 
James Rutherford, 
James Burnett, 
Ludd Mobley, 
David Allen, 
David Williams, 
Wm. Hall, 
Daniel Burnett, 
Nathaniel Statum, 
Green Graham.

   At the next term, which was held March 28, 1822, there were two Civil cases
disposed of by the following Petit Jurors:

Daniel Henderson, 
Benjamin Grantham, 
Richard Wiggens, 
Emanual Knowles, 
James McGee, 
Alex McDaniel, 
Elijah Hunter, 
Wiley Vickers, 
Thomas Simpson, 
Sion Hall, 
Davis Allen, 
Aron Jernigan.

   Case of Lewis Wood vs. David Calaway, verdict in favor of plaintiff, and case
of Tood vs. Nathan Land and Henry Land, verdict in favor of plaintiff.

   From September 21, 1820, to May, 1825, there were three bills. The next term
of Superior Court was held June 3, 1823, and the Grand Jury submitted the
following general presentments: "We, the Grand Jury, present Ashley _____ for
striking Mark Wilcox with a stick and calling him for a duel on first Monday in
March, 1823, at the Courthouse in Irwin County. Witnesses, John Sutton and James
Wallis."

Signed, Ludd Mobley, Foreman; Elijah Beasley, George Easters, David Williams,
Thomas Burnett, Daniel Drawdy, Emanual Knowles, Jiles Easters, Thomas Gibbs,
Daniel Bur-nett, Stephen Wiggens, Daniel Luke, Nathanial Statum, Willis King,
James Burnett, William Hall, Redding Hunter, David Calaway, John Henderson, John
Sutton.

   The next court was held December 6, 1823. The Grand Jury returned no general
presentments and found one True Bill, being The State vs. Thompson N. Statum,
Jeptha Durham and Seaborn Castleberry for assault and battery.

Robert H. Dixon, Foreman; David Calaway, John Fitzgerald, William Hall, James
Burnett, Daniel Drawdy, Elijah Beasley, Emanual Knowles, Lorance Foulsom, Hiram
Washbon, Thomas Burnett, Wiley Vickers, Stephen Wiggins, Redding Hunter, Thomas
Gibbs, William Hornsby, Daniel Wiggins, Dempsey Tayler, Jacob Paulk, Willis King.

   At the June term, 1824, and May term, 1825, the Grand Jury returned no True
Bills and no general presentments.

   From 1824 to 1830 there were fifteen True Bills returned and twenty-five
Civil cases placed on the docket.

   At December term, 1825, the Grand Jury submitted the following presentments:
"In taking leave of Judge Fort knowing of nothing of a very grievous or
atrocious nature exciting in our county no more than has been laid before us, do
tender our most sincere thanks to his honor for his patient, prompt and
assiduous attention to business during the present term."

  John C. Love, Foreman; Robert H. Dixon, John Henderson, Redding Hunter, Daniel
Drawdy, Jacob Young, David Hunter, Elijah Hunter, Nathan Gronto, Daniel Burnett,
Giles Easters, Robert L. Dixon, Dempsey Tayler, Daniel McDuffie, Francis Akins,
Benjamin Willis, James L. Wilcox, David Calaway, Jacob Paulk, Daniel Luke,
Thomas Sellman, Emanual Knowles, David Williams.

   The following order taken at February term, 1826, is of interest: "Whereas,
it appears to the court that on the seventh day of February, 1826, William
Fussell, Deputy Sheriff of Irwin County, conveyed to Silaway McCall a negro
woman named Edy as the property of Thomas Porter sold at sheriff's sale, for
said county and said Fussell being Deputy and having no right to convey any
property sold. Ordered that the sheriff execute titles nunc pro tunc to said
McCall to said negro Edy."

   December term, 1826, the Grand Jury submitted the following: "We, the Grand
Jury, present as grievous on our county the neglect of John Brown in making
returns or taking census of our county, we having thereby lost or been thus far
defrauded of our proportional part of the poor school funds of this county, he
being appointed and qualified by the Inferior Court for the purpose and we
recommend the passage of the law authorizing the census to be taken and our
county to have its dividend of the poor school fund. We have no further
presentments to make. In taking leave of his honor, Judge Fort returned to him
our thanks for his prompt, patient and assiduous attention to business during
the present term."

Nathanial Gronto, Foreman. V. Hollingsworth, Daniel Drawdy, Redding Hunter, John
B. F. Dixon, Ludd Mobley, Stephen Wiggens, Macaja Paulk, Daniel Luke, Demsey
Tayler, David Williams, Frederick Williams, James Stephens, David Collins, John
Sutton, John Henderson, Jacob Paulk, Benjamine Willis.

   At the April term, 1828, the following was the presentments: "We the Grand
July present Edward Pettes and Mary Leavens for living in a state of adultery.
We recommend our commissioners to convene as quick as convenient and pick on our
public site. We also recommend our Inferior Court to have roads cut for the
convenience of our county. We also give our thanks to his honor, Judge Fort, for
his sincere attention to the county, not forgetting our Solicitor-General for
his good attention."

John S. Gilder, Foreman; William Bradford, Daniel Luke, Thomas Burnett, William
Hall, Redding Hunter, David Calaway, Frederick Williams, Macaja Paulk, Daniel
Drawdy, Jacob Paulk, Arnold B. Fussell, Robert L. Dixon, Elijah Hunter, James
Stephens, John McInnis, James Burnett, V. Hollingsworth.

   At the April term, 1828, the Grand Jury returned a True Bill against Isham B.
Riggins for horse stealing which was the first bill for this offense. There
being no jail in Irwin County he was confined in Pulaski County jail for safe
keeping. The jail fees were forty-six and one-half cents per day. The defendant
was tried, convicted, and sentenced to the penitentiary for five years. The
horse stolen was the property of David Williams.

   At the October term, 1832, this order of the court appeared: "William Roberts
having been intoxicated in the court yard and having disturbed the order of the
court, it is ordered that he pay a fine of five dollars. Murdick Gillis having
come into court and disturbed the order of the court and being fined five
dollars for this disturbance and having acted in contempt of the officers and
authority of the court in relation of the fine, it is ordered that he pay a fine
of fifteen dollars in addition for said contempt."

   At October adjourned term, 1835, the following order was taken: "John Benton,
a Petit Juror, appearing on the jury in a state of intoxication, it is ordered
that he pay a fine of five dollars."

   At January term, 1836, John J. Underwood petitioned the Superior Court to be
admitted to the bar to practice law. The court appointed Thomas C. Sullivan and
William W. Wiggins, they being the only attorneys present, as a committee to
examine him as soon as the business of the court would permit. He was admitted
to practice law.

   The Grand Jury at October term, 1831, recommended that the Inferior Court
appoint Commissioners to lay out roads, the nearest route from Ocmulgee River to
Lowndes County line, the road known as Coffee Road.

   October term, 1830, the Grand Jury submitted the following: "We have the
pleasure to state to your honor that we have nothing to make presentments of at
this term of court. His honor, Judge Holt, will please accept of our wishes for
his prompt attention to the business of this court. We tender our thanks to the
gentlemen of the bar for their polite behavior and strict attention to business
during the present court."

   Jacob Young, Foreman, Burrell Merritt, Lott Whiddon, Allen Pierce, James
Paulk, Joseph Fletcher, Joseph Miller, Jacob Barrentine, John Paulk, Andrew
McClelland, Samual Brown, Macaja Paulk, Sr., Jehu McCall, John Henderson,
Redding Hunter, Daniel Drawdy, Ellenby Beasley, John McInnis.

   At the Spring term, 1830, the Grand Jury submitted the following: "Having
nothing of importance to make presentment, we congratulate our fellow citizens
on the general good order, peace and harmony which prevailed in their community.
The jury returns thanks to Hon. T. G. Holt, Judge, and Thomas Porter,
Solicitor-General, for their faithful and prompt discharge of the duties of
their offices during present term."

Ludd Mobley, Foreman; John Paulk, William Hall, William Bradford, John Dunham,
Jehu McCall, Noah Griffin, V. Hollingsworth, John Henderson, Lott Whiddon, Miles
Adams, Jacob Young, John Grantham, Emmanual Knowles, Jacob Paulk, Robert L.
Dixon, James Paulk, Joseph Fletcher, Silas McLendon, Alex McDaniel, Daniel
McMillan.

At the April term, 1832, the Grand Jury after returning nine True Bills
submitted following presentments: "We have not time to present our views upon
the different subjects to which our attention was directed by the court at this
term without an opportunity of considering matters of general interest. In
taking leave of his honor, Judge Warren, we tender him our sincere thanks for
the faithful and diligent performance of his duties at the present term."

Jacob Young, Foreman; Miles Adams, Silas McClelland, Burrell Merritt, Macaja
Paulk, John McInnis, John Henderson, Joseph Fletcher, John Paulk, John Grantham,
Lott Whiddon, John Dorminy, Elijah Hunter, Randall McDaniel, Daniel Drawdy,
James Paulk, John McCall, George R. Ried, Daniel McMillan, John Tomberlin, V.
Hollingsworth.

At the October term, 1832, the Grand Jury submitted the following: "The Grand
Jury are happy that they have it in their power to state that they have no
criminal offenses to make presentments at the present term. We cannot take leave
of his honor, Judge "Warren, without expression of our certain approbation of
the impartiality and ability with which he discharges the responsible station
with which he is assigned on the bench. To the Solicitor-General pro tern and
the bar general we tender our good wishes for their courtesy to this jury."

James L. Wilcox, Foreman; Duncan B. Graham, Daniel Luke, Andrew McClelland,
George Wilson, Reubon Gay, David J. Kersey, Elsy Beasley, James McClelland,
Robert L. Dixon, Daniel Drawdy, Thomas Young, Macaja Paulk, Jr., James Walker,
John Willis, Joseph Fletcher, Ludd Mobley, Robert H. Dixon, Jonathan Smith,
William Bradford.

   At the October term, 1833, the Grand Jury submitted the following: "Having no
special presentments to make and having gone through with the business intrusted
to them during the present service in taking leave of his honor, Judge Warren,
take the opportunity of tendering our thanks to him for the prompt discharge of
his duties at all times since his election to the office he now fills. We also
present our acknowledgment to the Solicitor-General, pro tern, for his courtesy
to our body during the term."

Jacob Young, Foreman; Elijah Hunter, Samuel Brown, Thomas Wilcox, Joseph Miller,
John Tomberlin, Lott Whiddon, David Branch, Charles Thigpen, William Sumner,
Redding Hunter, Jehu McCall, Miles Fitzgerald, Jonathan Smith, V. Hollingsworth,
David Collins, John McDaniel, Thompson N. Statum.

   At the April adjourned term, 1835, the following presentments were submitted:
"Having attended according to law for the present, take satisfaction in saying
we have no presentments to make of a private nature. Owing to the absence of the
County Treasurer at this term of court we have not been able to give any
examination of his book accounts, etc. In taking leave of his honor, Judge
Poulhill, we congratulate ourselves on the good order of the community and
present our best regards for his impartial administration of the law and
attention to the jury. We present our respect to the Solicitor-General, pro tem,
Col. Franklin, for his attention to the Grand Jury during the present term. We
cannot conclude these presentments without recommending to the Inferior Court
the apportionment of a tax of twenty-five per cent on the general tax for the
purpose of building a courthouse and other buildings necessary to the
administration of justice."

Jonathan Smith, Foreman; John Paulk, Jacob Paulk, Thomas Hunter, Thomas Young,
Hezekiah Walker, Seaborn Bradford, John Henderson, William Bradford, Jacob
Barentine, Frederick Griffin, Benjamin Willis, Elsy Beasley, Daniel Drawdy, John
Dorminy, Jr., William Bowen, Joseph Fletcher, Andrew McCelland, Cilaway McCall,
Miles Adams.

   There were no presentments from the Grand Jury from April, 1835, until April,
1838, when the following was submitted: "The Grand Jurors selected for the
present term are happy to state that nothing comes within our recollection
worthy of presentment. In taking leave of his honor, Carlton B. Cole, we tender
him our thanks for his prompt attention to the discharge of the duties of his
office during the present term. We also tender our thanks to the
Solicitor-General, pro tem, for his polite attention to our body during this term."

Jacob Young, Foreman; James McGee, David Turner, Lennard Stone, Wright Parker,
Hezekiah Walker, Daniel M. Luke, James Paulk, Aron Daniels, Miles Adams, Jacob
Paulk, S. H. Kinyon, John B. Jenkins, Thomas Drawdy, Frederick Brown, David I.
Kersey, Samual Brown, David McAnnaly, Joseph Miller, John W. Luke, T. L. Wilcox,
Gabriel McCelland.

   October term, 1839, the Grand Jury at this term of court in their general
presentment returned indictments against James C. Fussell, Mathew Merritt,
William Sloan and Lazarus Williams for gambling, also one against James C.
Fussell for keeping open a Tippling House on the Sabbath, also one against
Daniel Peterson and Mary Mancil for adultery and fornication. "In taking leave
of his honor, Judge Cole, we tender him our thanks for the prompt and impartial
manner of discharging his duties. We have appointed the following committee, to
examine the books of Clerk and County Treasurer, George Wilcox, George R. Ried,
Duncan McDermit."

   John Henderson, Foreman; Gordon Sumner, George Spring, John Paulk, Daniel
Grantham, Lennard Stone, Joseph A. Turner, Daniel M. Luke, A. P. Clements, D. E.
McAnnaly, Robert Newberry, T. A. Tillis, Allen Gibbs, Joseph Sumner, J. B.
Dorminy, James Y. McDuffie, Henry W. Chestnut, John Grantham, George Wilcox.

   April term, 1840, the Grand Jury presentments were as follows: "We have
examined the books of several officers of the county and find they are kept in
good order and reflect great credit to our clerk. We recommend that the Inferior
Court levy an extra tax of 150 per cent on general state tax for the purpose of
defraying county expenses and relieving the county of debt. In taking leave of
his honor, Judge Cole, we tender him our thanks for his prompt and efficient
administration of justice and to the Solicitor-General for his attention to this
body."

Jacob Young, Foreman; Gabriel McClelland, Thomas Drawdy, Jehu McCall, Hezekiah
Walker, David Turner, Absolum Baker, Lott Whiddon, Jonathan Smith, William
Bowen, Solo-man H. Sinyon, Macaja Paulk, James McGee, William Fletcher, Miles
Fitzgerald, Wright Parker, Joseph Fletcher, Jacob Paulk, Thomas Smith.

   The first bill of indictment for murder returned in Irwin County was against
William Garrett, which bill was nol prossed. The record does not disclose who he
was accused of killing.

   Presentment of the Grand Jury, October term, 1840: "We present William
Fussell for the offense of keeping open a Tippling House on the Sabbath on the
twenty-sixth day of July, 1840, it being the Sabbath in the county aforesaid.
Witness, Alex Mobley. We present William Fussell with the offense of keeping
open a Tippling shop on the Sabbath on twentieth of September, 1840, in county
aforesaid. Witness, Alex Mobley. We present William Fussell for the offense of
retailing spiritous liquors without license in said county on twenty-sixth of
July, 1840. We present Thomas Young, Mathew Merritt, Luke Merritt, Daniel Cary,
William Akins and James Hall for the offense of riot committed in said county on
fifth day of October, at the storehouse of William Fussell, by fighting together
with sticks, knives and guns. In taking leave of his honor, Judge Cole, we
tender him our thanks for the prompt and efficient manner in which he has
discharged the duties of his office during present term and to the
Solicitor-General, pro tem, John J. Underwood."

George R. Ried, Foreman; A. P. Clements, Duncan McDermit, James McGee, David
Troup, Macaja Paulk, Thomas Drawdy, Jehu McCall, William Poulan, Aron Daniels,
George Wilcox, Tapula A. Tillis, David McAnnaly, Joseph A. Turner, Daniel
Grantham, Gordon Sumner, James Y. McDuffie, James Paulk, John Dorminy, Miles
Fitzgerald, Jonathan A. Smith.

   At the April term, 1841, the Grand Jury submitted the following: "We regret
to say that our roads are in bad condition and we recommend to the Road
Commissioners a strict enforcement of the road laws against all delinquent
overseers and defaulters. We recommend an enforcement of the patrol laws as they
have been hitherto entirely neglected. In taking leave of his honor, C. B. Cole,
we beg leave to say he has our entire approbation for the impartial and able
manner he has discharged the duties of his office, also the Solicitor-General
has our thanks for his attention to his business."

William Bowen, Foreman; George Mobley, David J. Jenkins, Daniel M. Luke, Thomas
Smith, Daniel Henderson, Benjamin Griffin, David Fitzgerald, William Fletcher,
Lennard Stone, David I. Kersey, Henry Paulk, Joseph Fletcher, Thomas L. Wilcox,
John Crawford, James Brown, James W. Smith, Joseph Sumner, Jacob Barrentine,
Hezekiah Walker.

  October term, 1841, the Grand Jury submitted the following: "In closing our
duties, we beg to say that we are happy to say that no crime of importance has
presented itself to us. We recommend to the commissioners of our public roads to
see that overseers do their duties faithfully. In taking leave of his honor,
Judge Cole, we tender him our thanks for the impartial manner he has and always
does officiate in our county. The Solicitor-General has our thanks for his
attention to this body."

James L. Willcox, Foreman; Joel L. Durham, Allen Gibbs, Frederick Land, John
Dorminy, David Troup, Elijah Hunter, Jesse J. Luke, Robert Newberry, Joseph A.
Turner, John McCall, James Hodges, Henry W. Chestnut, Samual Brown, David
Turner, James McGee, Jesse C. Sumner, John Willis, Miles Adams, George Spring,
Abraham Mauldin.

   April term, 1842, the Grand Jury submitted the following: "We present as a
great grievance and want of morality on the part of certain citizens of our
county in violation to the Sabbath, but for want of sufficient proof to insure
conviction of any individual we defer making any special presentment in this
behalf and at the same time ask all good citizens to be vigilant in detecting
violation of the law and make presentments at the next term of the court. On a
slight examination into our county matters and particularly our treasury, we
find it and them in bad condition. We therefore have appointed the following
individuals to make a strict examination into the same and make full, fair and
complete report to the next Grand Jury and we recommend the Inferior Court to
allow them one dollar per day while they are in the discharge of that duty.
Committee named, W. S. Moore, Jonathan Smith and James Paulk. We present to his
honor, Judge Cole, our thanks for the impartiality and. ability with which he
discharged his duties. Also the Solicitor-General."

John Henderson, Foreman; Jacob Barrentine, Lott Whiddon, James W. Smith, James
Hall, Jr., Miles Fitzgerald, Thomas W. Johnson, John W. Luke, David Branch,
Henry Paulk, G. A. Sumner, Wells Matchett, Daniel Grantham, William Fletcher,
John McMillan, Duncan McDermit, Joseph Sumner, David McAnnaly, A. P. Clements,
Joseph C. Clements, Wiley Whitley, Daniel Henderson.

   April term, 1844, the Grand Jury submitted the following presentments: "We
have had under consideration the charge of his honor, Judge Cole, upon the
subject of recommending the Inferior Court an extra tax for the purpose of
raising a fund to educate the poor children of our county. We concur with his
honor in the opinion that the education of the poor is among the first objects
of a wise legislation and we confidently hope that the Inferior Court will not
hesitate to assess a reasonable tax and that our fellow citizens will not murmur
to pay it for an object so essential for the welfare of the community. We
therefore recommend the Inferior Court to assess an extra tax of twenty per cent
for the above purpose. We have not been able to discharge the usual duty of
examining the books of the different county officers as they are kept at Bowens
Mill and have not been in the reach of jury. We therefore recommend the Inferior
Court to discharge that duty at the next term of this court. We also recommend
the Inferior Court to assess an extra tax of twenty-five per cent for county
purposes. We render to Judge C. B. Cole our thanks for the able and faithful
manner in which he discharged his duty during present term and to Peter E. Love,
Solicitor-General, we tender our thanks for his courteous attention to our body.

John Henderson, Foreman; Duncan McDermit, Benjamin Griffin, William Matchett,
Abraham L. McCall, James Y. Mc-Duffle, Daniel M. Luke, Robert Dewberry, Henry
Paulk, A. P: Clements, Jeremiah Baker, Miles Fitzgerald, Joseph E. Clements,
Lott Whiddon, Thomas Drawdy, David McAnaly, James Brown.

   October term, 1844, the Grand Jury submitted the following: "We earnestly
recommend to the Inferior Court that such tax may be assessed as will enable the
county to build a jail. We feel that this is absolutely necessary to the
effectual administration of justice and we hope that no citizen will be found
who will not readily assent to the propriety to this matter being immediately
attended to. In taking leave of his honor, Judge Cole, we tender him our thanks
for his prompt and impartial administration of the laws and also to P. E. Love,
Solicitor-General, for his attention to this body."

William Sloan, Foreman; Robert L. Dixon, Jacob L. Durham, Jonathan Smith, Jacob
Barrentine, Leonard Stone, Thomas L. Wilcox, David Troup, John G. Roberts, Harry
W. Chestnut, Macaja Paulk, James Paulk, James McGee, Abraham: Mauldin, Allen
Gibbs, Aaron Daniels, George G. Mobley, James W. Smith, David Fitzgerald.

   At April term, 1845, the Grand Jury submitted the following presentments: "We
find our public roads in bad order and understand on some there are no acting
Commissioners. We recommend Inferior Court appoint some as soon as may be
convenient and see that they perform their respective duties. We recommend also
to the Inferior Court the propriety of considering the expediency of building a
jail for the county. We allow Joseph M. Miller, Tax Collector, the sum of
twenty-eight dollars and fifty-three cents on his insolvent list for the
preceding two years on his general state tax. We also find he has overcharged
nineteen dollars and twenty cents to Jerry Waggons. In conclusion, we tender our
thanks to Judge Cole for his prompt and impartial administration of the laws and
also to the Solicitor-General for his attention to this body."

George R. Ried, Foreman; James Brown, Thomas Young, Robert Newberry, Frederick
Brown, Benjamin Griffin, George Spring, Wells Matchett, Daniel Henderson,
William Fletcher, James L. Wilcox, John Willis, Jacob Young, James Hall, Thomas
Drawdy, Jesse C. Sumner, Daniel Grantham, Lott Whiddon, Joseph Sumner, John
Paulk, Frederick Land, Henry Paulk.

   At this term of court the Grand Jury returned an indictment against Irwin
Fitzgerald for the offense of selling spiritous liquors to a negro slave named
Toney and other slaves. They also presented James Hall, Jr., with the offense of
gambling with a slave named Joe, the property of Mark Mobley, at a game called
seven-up or Negro Whisp.

   At the April term, 1846, the Grand Jury found a bill of indictment against
James Hall for murder. He was charged with having killed Thomas Young, who was
the father of Rev. Jacob Young, a Primitive Baptist minister; the grandfather of
Thomas B. Young and Mrs. Rebecca Henderson and the great-grandfather of Hon. Joe
H. Young, D. J. and M. T. Henderson, and the children of D. J. Henderson, Sr.,
as well as being related to many of the prominent people of the county. Mr. Hall
also has many relatives in this and surrounding counties. On account of this
being the first murder case in the county as well as the prominence of the
parties involved, I shall give as complete history as possible.

   The following gentlemen composed the Grand Jury at the term of court the bill
of indictment was returned, to wit:

   David Branch, Foreman; Thomas Tucker, Macaja Tucker, Issac Powell, William
Tomberlin, Redding G. Durham, Allen Gibbs, David McCall, David Fitzgerald, Jehu
Fletcher, Daniel M. Luke, Joseph Clements, Henry Paulk, L. Moore Henley, James
Boykin, William Ratherford, Archible McMillan, John G. Roberts, James W. Smith,
J. L. Durham, A. P. Clements, Thomas L. Wilcox, Jehu McCall.

   At December term, 1846, the following order was taken in said case: "It
appearing to the court that there is no substantial jail in the Southern Circuit
to which to commit the defendant and that the sheriff of Bibb County has refused
to receive him into the jail of said county, it is ordered that said defendant
be admitted to bail on his entering into recognizance with good and sufficient
security in the sum of ten thousand dollars. This bond was later fixed at twelve
thousand dollars. James J. Scarborough was Judge at the time the above order was
granted." C. B. Cole and Hershell V. Johnson were attorneys for Hall. George
Wilcox, Thomas L. Wilcox and Mark Wilcox were Hall's bondsmen.

   At September term, 1848, the defendant, James Hall, failed to appear at court
and his bond was forfeited. He appeared in court at March term, 1849, and moved
to continue his case on the following grounds: "That James Hall, Sr., is a
material witness and is absent, that he expects to prove by said witness that he
was present at the time Thomas Young was killed and that Young came to the house
of defendant on the morning of the alleged murder and commenced abusing the
defendant and his wife and said that defendant's wife had been kept by her
father. Witness told Young to go away for he did not wish to have any difficulty
with him and told him he understood he had come there to kill him. Young said he
would not go away until he pleased and that he would abuse the defendant and his
wife as much as he pleased. Young had his rifle with him and when defendant went
into the house, Young took up his rifle and had it in a shooting position and
that the rifle was loaded and primed and he in the act of shooting, having his
gun pointed at the door and cocked. That Seaborn Hall is also an absent witness
and that he expects to prove by him that he heard Young swear before the
difficulty that he intended to kill defendant, that witness informed defendant
of this threat and advised him to be on his guard. That John Larkey is an absent
witness and that he expects to prove by him that he heard Young say he intended
to kill defendant a short while before the difficulty. That Hershell B. Johnson,
one of his attorneys, is absent on account of sickness and that he is not able
to employ other counsel. The case was continued and the defendant appeared at
March term, 1849, and relieved bond of its forfeiture.

   At this term of court he was committed to Bibb County jail for safe keeping,
there being no safe jail nearer to commit him. This order was signed by James J.
Scarborough, Judge.

   At April term, 1850, the following order was taken: "The defendant, James
Hall, having been confined in common jail of Bibb County in consequence of there
being no safe jail in this county and it appearing there is now a safe jail in
the county of Irwin, it is ordered that he be committed to common jail of said
.county to await his trial for the crime for which he stands charged." This
order was signed by Augustus G. Hansel, Judge, April, 1850.

   From this record it appears that the first jail in Irwin County was built in
the year 1850 or thirty years after the county was organized, which speaks well
for the early settlers as being law abiding, peace-loving citizens.

   At April term, 1850, the defendant moved to continue his case for the reason
he had just learned that Washington _______ stayed all night at the home of
Young the night prior to the killing, that Young told him he intended to go to
the house of Hall next day and that he would kill Hall or Hall should kill him.

   The next order in said case was taken at April term, 1855, which was a rule
against James Hall, Sr., Emily Hall and John Larkey, as absent witnesses,
requiring them to show cause at next term of court why they should not be
attached for contempt. Signed, T. E. Love, Judge.

   The defendant Hall was finally tried at October term, 1855. The following
gentlemen were selected as a jury to pass upon said case:
  
Thomas Brantley, Richard Gibbs, Edward B. Mixon, John Mixon, Allen Gibbs, David
S. Tripp, John Gibbs, Franklin Dixon, Henry W. Bedgood, George Williamson, Ben
G. Glover, Henry A. B. Harvey.

   After the case had been open, part of the witnesses sworn, the following
order was taken: "Benjamin G. Glover, one of the jurors, having been taken very
sick since he was sworn and being wholly unable to proceed with the trial, the
defendant counsel proposed to counsel for prosecution to accept some one of the
persons who had been rejected by the state. It was agreed to by both sides to
take Irwin Davis instead of said Glover as a juror in said case." The evidence
of William Pridgen and Joseph Hesters had already been taken and both of said
witnesses being gone from the court that the written statement of their
testimony be read and said case proceed regularly to trial.

   C. B. Cole, A. E. Cochran, John S. Winn, Solicitor-General, Iverson S.
Harris, Sewerd & Hansel, state's attorneys; H. V. Johnson, defendant's attorney.

   The following was the verdict of the jury: "We, the jury, find the defendant
guilty of voluntary manslaughter."

                      George Williamson, Foreman.

   The sentence of the court was that defendant be remanded to common jail of
Irwin County to be kept until demanded by guard from penitentiary and that he be
confined in said penitentiary for a term of four years and that he pay all costs
of prosecution. G. E. Love, Judge.

   An order was granted at same term of court directing that a watch belonging
to defendant in hands of jailer be sold to pay costs of said case. Dated October
31, 1856. The watch was sold and brought sixteen dollars and seventy-five cents,
which was turned over to County Treasurer, Asa Rooks, Sheriff.

   At April term, 1846, the Grand Jury submitted the following presentments: "We
have not been able to examine the books of the county officers for the reason
that they could not be obtained. We hope that the several officers will pro-duce
them to the next Grand Jury so that they may be looked into. The road between
this and Jacksonville is in bad condition and we recommend the Inferior Court
look into this and see that it is put in better condition. We have considered
the subject of building a jail and on being desirous that one should be erected,
but we think the best and surest plan to get one will be to have it done by
private subscription which we will set about as citizens today and we hope that
every man will subscribe. We recommend the Inferior Court appoint Commissioners
and do whatever else may be necessary to se-cure the fund appropriated by the
legislature in the education of the poor. We return thanks to the court and
Solicitor-General for manners in which they have discharged their several
duties." David Branch, Foreman.

   At September adjourned term, 1848, the Grand Jury had no presentments, accept
the usual thanks to his honor, Judge Scarborough, and Solicitor-General, A. H.
Hansell.

   John Henderson, Foreman; David Herndan, Jesse Hobby, John Willis, Daniel M.
Luke, James A. Turner, Wright Tomberlin, James Hollingsworth, T. N. Statum,
George Wilcox, Thomas Paulk, George Paulk, Jeremiah Baker, William Fussell,
David Troup, John B. Dorminy, John W. Wilcox, William D. Ross, David Fitzgerald,
Henry Paulk, John A. Sutton, Abraham McCall, James Brown, Sr.

   At the March term, 1849, the Grand Jury submitted the following presentments:
"We recommend to the Inferior Court to have particular attention paid to our
road laws and see that they are enforced. We also recommend the Inferior Court
to levy a sufficient tax to raise money to pay for the erection and completion
of a safe and good jail. We are happy to find that there has been no business of
a criminal nature before us. And we see many evidences of an improving state of
society in our county. The usual thanks to Judge Scarborough and Solicitor A. H.
Hansel]. were returned. We recommend that these presentments be published in the
Federal Union."

   Jonathan Smith, Foreman; Alfred Dixon, Jacob Young, Jesse C. Sumner, James
Sumner, Abraham Mauldin, Jesse J. Luke, Elijah Hunter, David Branch, A. P.
Clements, Thomas Tucker, David McCall, David Smith, Thos. L. Wilcox, Samuel
Brown, Jacob Paulk, James C. Clements, George Spring, Allen Gibbs, Henry Roe,
Daniel Grantham, George Mobley, Wiley Whitley.

   At September term, 1849, the Grand Jury submitted following presentments:
"The contract for building a jail has al-ready been taken and the jail is
expected to be completed by the next term of this court. We have omitted to
examine the books of our county officers in consequence of the action of the
previous Grand Jury. We presume from the competency of the officers, they
continue to be properly kept. In taking leave of his honor, Judge Scarborough,
we beg leave to tender our congratulations for the faithful and impartial manner
during his term of office which is about to expire and desire to express the
wish that he may be returned to us again in the same capacity he now occupies.
To Solicitor-General, pro tem, we tender our thanks for his courtesy and
attention."

   Jacob Young, Foreman; John Buchannon, David P. Luke, Isaac Smith, Jonathan
Fountain, Elwen Handley, David Henderson, Elias Whiddon, Lewis Ball, Franklin
Dixon, Benjamin Griffin, William Young, Benjamin Baker, William Curry, Stephen
Bowen, Samuel Young, David Baker, Thomas Baker, Samuel B. Clanton, Micajah
Paulk, Mans W. Smith.

   April term, 1850, the Grand Jury submitted the following presentments: "We
have examined the books of Clerk of Inferior and Ordinary Courts and find them
correctly kept. We have examined the books of County Treasurer and find them
neatly kept and a balance of $50.33 in his hands unexpended. We recommend to the
Inferior Court to levy sufficient extra tax to repair the courthouse, to buy and
procure good benches for the court room and a good table and benches for the
Grand Jury room. We wish this to be attended to by the next term of this court.
We recommend the Inferior Court to compel the magistrates in the different
districts of our county to make a true return of the number of children in the
several districts who are entitled to the benefit of the poor school law and to
ascertain from the proper source the amount due this county from this state for
the poor school purposes and that they make up the deficit if there be any, by
taxation. We recommend that our Inferior Court enforce rigidly the road laws of
the state. The usual thanks were returned to Judge and Solicitor-General."

John Henderson, Foreman; John Williams, Joshua Luke, Luke Merritt, Samuel Brown,
Jeremiah Spring, William Akins, George Young, Solomon Tucker, Thomas Baker,
Needham Bass, James Fletcher, Jesse Luke, Jonathan Walker, T. N. Statum, Joel C:
Philips, Thomas Tucker, George R. Ried, Philip Gibbs, Asa Rooks, C. Phillips.

The following gentlemen served on Petit Jury at same term of court:

Isaac Young, John B. Dorminy, John Sumner, David Smith, Benjamin Willis, David
Hunter, Abram. Mauldin, Daniel B. Griffin, David Troup, Godfrey Purvis, James C.
Luke, James R. Land, George Warren, Richard J. Young, John Walker, John Curry,
George Paulk, Byrd Mobley, Jehu Fletcher, John Henderson, Jr., Joseph Covington,
Isaac Young, Jacob Tucker, Isaac Rooks.

At October term, 1850, the Grand Jury recommended that Inferior Court furnish
good seats in the lobby of the court-house. We tender to his honor, Judge
Hansell, our thanks for the able manner for which he discharges the duties of
his office. We tender to the Solicitor-General, M. Sturges, for his attention to
this body, our thanks.

Mickel J. Horn, Foreman; Stephen Bowen, David McCall, James Tomberlin, James
Murray, David Bass, James Stone, George S. Spring, Joseph Roberts, George W.
Giddens, John McInnis, Calvin Land, William Brown, Allen Gibbs, Abner Brown, L.
M. Colberth, David McAnally, Benjamin Philips, Moses McCall, William Rogers,
William Winderweedle, William Monk, Wright Tomberlin.

   At October term, 1852, the Grand Jury submitted following presentments: "We
recommend to the Inferior Court to compel the various road commissioners in the
county to discharge their duty by enforcing the road laws as the roads are
generally in bad condition, especially the road leading from Irwinville to
Jacksonville. Upon examination into our county funds we find the county indebted
and but $45.00 in the hands of the Treasurer, these circumstances
notwithstanding our county is in need of a more comfortable courthouse at this
time. In taking leave of his honor, Judge Hansell, we present him our thanks for
the ability with which he has discharged his official duty. We also tender our
thanks to Frank Scarborough, Solicitor-General, for his attention to this body."

Smith Turner, Foreman; Jacob Paulk, George Mobley, Daniel Henderson, Jr., John
McMillan, J. V. Hollingsworth, Isaac Young, Gabriel McCelland, James Tison,
David Smith, Abner Brown, David Henderson, James Turner, Abram Mauldin,
Archibald McMillan, Allen Gibbs, George Williamson, Solomon Watson, D. M.
Hunter, Lyman Dixon.

   At April term, 1853, the Grand Jury submitted the following presentments: "We
find the records of the several offices kept in good style and in good order.
The jail is in as good order as the character of the building will admit having
been furnished with good new locks. Some of our public roads are in good order,
others are not so good as they should be and we recommend the Inferior Court to
strictly enforce the road laws. We find the county funds secured in good hands.
We recommend the Ordinary of this county to look well to the subject of
education of the poor and especially to the proper distribution to each district
of the county so far as he can consistently by the law. This body from the short
time allowed them have not time to consider the necessity of improving an
additional tax for the purpose of education but feel authorized to say that
education is a subject which our people are deeply interested and fully
appreciate the recommendation of his honor, Judge Love, and have no doubt in
saying that at a proper time the citizens of Irwin County will suitably respond
to this benevolent purpose. The usual thanks to Judge and Solicitor-General,
followed." 

George Paulk, Foreman; Stephen Bowen, David Troup, Eli W. Thompson, Thomas L.
Drawdy, Thomas L. Willcox, Hiram J. Newberry, George W. Warren, James K. Brown,
David Fitzgerald, Jonathan Walker, Thomas King, James H. Dorminy, James Gibbs,
William Philips, John Clements, J. W. B. Dorminy, Daniel S. Sumner, William J.
Ammons, Jonathan Fountain, William McClauthan.

   At October term, 1853, the Grand Jury submitted following general
presentments: "We have taken into consideration the remarks of the Judge in
reference to the opening of a large market road from Irwinville to the Thomas
County line dividing the seventh district of this county from the eighth
district of Thomas County and are happy to concur with his honor in his valuable
suggestion and with a view to prompt activity in the counties of Thomas and
Irwin we recommend the Inferior Courts of the two counties appoint three
commissioners each to meet at such time and place as the Commissioners of Thomas
so to be appointed may fix apart and notify the commissioners of this county
that they may jointly proceed to fix upon the course of the road and place of
union and take all necessary steps to mark out the respective road from the
dividing line aforesaid of the two counties and when the service is performed
and a report made by a majority of each respective commissioner to the Inferior
Court of this county that said Inferior Courts be desired prompt action. We
recommend these presentments be published in the Georgia Watchman at
Thomasville, Ga."

John B. Mobley, Foreman; John E. McMullen, Archibald McMillan, Lewis Harper, T.
M. Statum, Nolan Monk, James Turner, James Mixon, Jacob Anderson, Andrew Hobby,
Jacob Merchant, Daniel M. Luke, Joel C. Philips, Isaac Young, Hezekiah Walker,
David Herndon, Jordan Roe, Perry Fitzgerald, David McAnally, Jeremiah Baker.

   No Grand Jury presentments are of record from October term, 1853, till
October term, 1855, when the following was submitted: "We have not examintd the
books of the county officers but feel satisfied that those officers have
faithfully discharged their duty. Our time having been so much occupied with
criminal business we have concluded to omit any mention of roads, bridges and
public buildings with one exception which is simply to suggest that our Inferior
Court by the next session of this court make provision for the comfort and
convenience of the juries by providing seats in their rooms and facilities for
meeting. The tax collector, David L. McCall, having returned in his list Fatima
Linda Dred and Quman Bennett as free persons of color, through mistake, it
appearing to us that they are of white blood; we recommend that said taxes be
allowed and placed on the insolvent list. To his honor, Judge Love, and
Solicitor-General, we return thanks for their attention to this body during the
present session of this court."

Smith Turner, Foreman; Eli Bedgood, Archibald McMillan, Burton Beasley, Robert
McCook, Thomas Tucker, John E. McMullen, John Buchannon, John C. Tapley, John W.
Fletcher, Malcolm McMillan, Enoch Pridgen, Lewis Ball, Stephen Bowen, Thos.
Tucker, David Fitzgerald, John Ross, Darling Swain.

The following served on Petit Jury at same term:

Thomas Brantley, Allen Gibbs, Abram Myers, Lawson J. Smith, Azor Paulk, George
Paulk, Jr., Leonard Slaughter, Thomas Franklin, Andrew J. Barton, Richard
Tucker, Henry W. Bedgood, Richard Gibbs, Godfrey Davis, James Fletcher, B.
Willis, Henry Tucker, James D. Willcox, Ben Tucker, Thomas Paulk, Dennis Tayler,
Godfrey Purvis, John Jernigan, James Turner, Jr., Davis Tucker.

   At April term, 1856, the Grand Jury submitted following presentments: "We are
happy to announce to the community a decrease in crime for we are forcibly
reminded that no people can be happy while crime sits supreme when virtue alone
should rule. We recommend a more vigilant devotion to the education of the poor
children, for if our county is ever to occupy an enviable position with her
sister counties who are more liberally endowed with wealth, it must and can only
be by the intelligence and uprightness of her rising generation. Then are we not
bound .by ties as lasting as time itself, to foster this subject? We think we
are and hope the Inferior Court or the poor school communities will give this
subject their earnest attention. We recommend to the Inferior Court to have two
dozen chairs for the use of the courthouse and procure a table for the Grand
Jury room and seats for the jury. We regret to say that the Petit Jury have not
received any pay for their service on court for the two last terms and hope the
Inferior Court will take steps to have them paid as it is no more than right
that they should have their pay. We recommend these presentments be published in
Thomasville Watchman. The usual thanks to Judge and Solicitor are extended."

Samuel D. Fuller, Foreman; George McCall, John W. Walker, Simeon R. Wilson, John
J. Henderson, Benjamin Griffin, James Roberts, Willis Dorminy, George E. McCook,
Stephen E. Turner, Samuel B. Stone, David Troup, Hezekiah Walker, Henry S. C.
Harper, George W. Warren, Hardy E. Hunter, Femandiz Lovett, Thomas W. Johnson,
Philip Gibbs, William Pridgen.

   At October term, 1856, the Grand Jury submitted following presentments: "We
are happy to state we have attended to the interest of the county as diligently
as we were able for the space of time we were allowed. We are happy in observing
the decrease of crime in our midst and hope it may continue. We have examined
the books of various officers and are pleased to find them kept in a neat and
correct condition. Our roads need some repair and we hope the commissioners will
speedily attend to this matter. We hope our people will be relieved of the high
taxes they are compelled to pay, as soon as the debts of the county can be
liquidated. We are aware that the people of Irwin County have had to pay large
taxes, but it is better to suffer at this time than to sever the honor of the
county, in the estimation of honest people. We recommend that the Judges of the
Inferior Court be caused to be made seats for the jury rooms by the next term of
our court. Presentments closed with usual thanks to Judge and Solicitor-General."

George Paulk, Foreman; Zara Paulk, Thomas L. Wilcox, Godfrey Purvis, James
Fletcher, Elias Clements, Abram Myers, Azor Paulk, Miles Fitzgerald, Fred
Tucker, James Gibbs, George W. M. Young, Micaja Tucker, Thomas Paulk, Archibald
McMillan, William G. Dickson, Darling Swain, Micaja P. Young, Jacob Paulk, Jr.,
George G. Mobley, James Dixon, Wiley Whitley, S. B. F. Townsend.

   At October term, 1857, the Grand Jury submitted following presentments: "We
have been busy in presenting to the county the many violators of the criminal
law and regret the necessity of presenting so many, but we attribute a great
deal to the recent excitement of the times, we yet hope there will be a decrease
from this time out. As the spring term is generally the time when the Grand Jury
look into the county affairs, we leave that duty to the next panel. We recommend
that Inferior Court appoint commissioners to lay off a road from this place to
Thomasville and to correspond with similar commissioners of Berrien, Worth and
Colquitt counties as we are forcibly reminded of the necessity for the same. We
recommend to Inferior Court to have some seats made and put into the jury rooms
as our body has suffered from the absence of such. We recommend these
presentments be published in Wiregrass Reporter at Thomasville, Georgia."

James W. Smith, Foreman; Abner Brown, Robert McCook, William D. Ross, Enoch
Pridgen, Martin Pollock, William Stone, James A. Turner, James Turner, Daniel
McCoy, William Gibbs, John A. Handley, Philip Stone, Reason Paulk, David
Fitzgerald, Elias D. McCelland, Abram S. McCall, James Roberts, Josiah G. Keen,
John W. Walker, Robert Land.

   At April term 1858, the Grand Jury submitted following presentments: "We are
happy to say to the county that the vigilance of the Grand Jury heretofore used
have reduced our labors for this term, violators of the law have become more
cautious or prefer a different locality for their conduct. We are pleased in
stating that the various offices are kept accurately and neatly. Our courthouse
we recommend Inferior Court have attended to in this particular, have seats and
a table in the grand Jury room. We also recommend Inferior Court have the jail
weatherboarded as it will protect the building from too rapid a decay. We also
recommend that Inferior Court to assess a sufficient tax for county purposes and
to pay the Grand Jury as is now provided by law. We regret to say to his honor,
Judge Love, that a material witness who was summoned to, attend the Grand Jury
to be sworn before that body has gone off and the matter which we felt bound to
investigate has been from absenting himself gone by unnoticed and we hope his
honor will punish him for contempt and the witness' name is Richmound Dees. We
recommend these presentments be published in Wiregrass Reporter, Thomasville,
Georgia."

George Paulk, Foreman; Charles Roberts, James C. Sumner, James Boykin, William
McDaniel, James Dorminy, George G. Mobley, William D. Ross, John W. Fletcher, S.
B. F. Town-send, Aaron R. Chandler, Reason Paulk, John W. Walker,


James T. Branch, Elias Clements, James Gibbs, George W. Walker, Thomas S.
Rigdon, Elisha Tucker, Elias D. Whiddon, Henry S. C. Harper, Wiley Whitley, John
Fletcher.

   At October term, 1858, the Grand Jury submitted the following presentments:
"We are happy in saying to the county that while our labors have been unceasing
in ferreting out crime, we are of the opinion that there is a decrease of such.
We have examined the books of the Ordinary, Judge Henderson, and are very happy
in stating that they are kept in a neat and correct manner, showing to the
county that while they have an honest official, he is in every respect competent
and worthy of the gratitude of the people, his books are got up in an excellent
style exhibiting much taste and judgment. We earnestly hope a greater attention
will be paid to the poor children, for without they are educated we will never
rise to that position which we fervently desire. The poor school commissioner
has paid out every dollar he had in hand and has no account on hand for tuition
unpaid. The patrol laws are nearly disregarded and we recommend the proper
authorities to more strictly observe that subject. The roads are in tolerably
good order having had a dry season, bridges have not been needed. We request our
members in the legislature to oppose the formation of a new circuit. We
recommend to Inferior Court to have a table and chairs provided for grand jury
room. We recommend these presentments be published in Pulaski Times,
Hawkinsville, Georgia. Usual thanks to Judge and Solicitor-General."

William G. Dixon, Foreman; Richard A. Smith, James Walker, Henry Paulk, Sr.,
Micajah Tucker, William Pridgen, John B. Dorminy, Hezekiah Walker, Jacob H.
Paulk, Boney W. Fussell, Lyman Dixon, Jesse Hobby, Godfrey Purvis, Isaac Young,
James Dorminy, David Troup, John Grantham, George D. Wilcox, G. J. M. Harper,
John Ross, Thomas L. Wilcox.

   At April term, 1859, the Grand Jury submitted the following: "We have been as
diligent in searching out violators of the penal laws of Georgia as possible and
know of no violation unrepresented. We have matured a plan with the aid of our
efficient county school commissioner, Judge Henderson, for the education of the
poor children of this county but as it is not fully framed we are unable at this
time to incorporate it in our presentments. We find all the offices in their
usual good condition. We earnestly recommend to the favorable consideration of
the Inferior Court the condition of our roads. We are happy in saying to the
people that our county is in good financial condition and we recommend Inferior
Court to assess such per cent on state tax for county purposes as they deem
proper. We recommend the presentments be published in Pulaski Times. Usual
thanks to Judge and Solicitor."

George Paulk, Foreman; Archible McInnis, James W. Whiddon, John Buchannon,
William D. Ross, Zara Paulk, Abram Myers, Frederick Tucker, Arron R. Chandler,
Jesse J. Luke, George W. M. Young, Micajah Young, John W. Walker, Daniel G.
McCoy, W. J. Mathews, Elias Clements, William McDaniel, Azor Paulk, John B. Mobley.

   At the October term, 1859, the Grand Jury submitted the following: "We have
been busy noticing the violation of the penal laws, we hope they may be brought
to merited punishment. We find our roads in good order. We hope the Inferior
Court will not render it necessary for this Grand Jury to remind them that there
are benches needed in the grand jury room and the court room. We think a new
judicial circuit is needed to be composed principally of counties now embraced
in the Southern Circuit and we earnestly request our Senator and Representative
to use their best efforts in approaching legislature to have such new circuit
formed and hope they will have the county of Irwin in such new circuit. We
recommend that these presentments be published in Pulaski Times. Usual thanks to
Judge and Solicitor-General."

John Ross, Foreman; James T. Branch, James Fletcher, Perry Fitzgerald, M. W.
Paulk, Henry S. Townsend, Joseph A. Turner, Jehu Fletcher, William Hobby, Wiley
Whitley, Daniel Henderson, Jesse C. Sumner, James Gibbs, Boney W. Fussell, Jacob
H. Paulk, Robert Henderson, Jesse Clements, Isaac Young, John A. Tayler, David
Troup, James McCook, John Grantham.

   May term, 1860, the following presentments were submitted by the Grand Jury:
"We have examined the books of Ordinary and find them neatly kept and take
pleasure in recommending his worth and faithfulness as an officer. We also find
the books of Clerk of Inferior Court and Superior Court well kept. We find our
roads in bad condition generally and hope that steps will be taken by proper
authorities to work them soon as possible. We find our public buildings in good
condition generally except the jail. We recommend that a good lock be put upon
the dungeon door. Also good hinges so as to make it perfectly safe. On education
we recommend that a tax of ten per cent be assessed upon the tax of 1859 for
educational purposes. We recommend Inferior Court appoint a committee of three
of the most punctual men for each district in the county and that it shall be
the duty of each committee to visit his own district as often as twice each
quarter. We recommend each district have its own treasurer to hold and pay out
its own money and for the better carrying out of this arrangement we recommend
Inferior Court and Ordinary make a division of common school fund to each
district, that each district may receive its own funds and that said division be
made according to the children in each district between the ages of six and
eighteen years. Usual thanks to Judge and Solicitor-General."

William J. Mathews, Foreman; Archibald McInnis, James Turner, Richard Smith,
James Luke, W. D. Ross, Archibald McMillan, John Buchannon, M. D. Mobley, Abram
Myers, William McDaniel, John B. Mobley, Joshua K. Gray, John W. Walker, James
Sumner, A. R. Chandler, W. G. Dixon, Azor Paulk, D. M. Hogan, James Whiddon.

   November term, 1860, the Grand Jury submitted the following: "We have not had
time to examine our public record and finances but having the highest confidence
in our public officers, believe our county records are kept in a correct style
and manner. We have pleasure in reporting that our children between eight and
sixteen years of age have been correctly returned by our Ordinary, not leaving
any not returned, according to the census book of our county. Our public roads
are in good traveling condition. Usual thanks to Judge and Solicitor-General."

George Paulk, Foreman; John Ross, James Fletcher, Lionia Lea, Jesse Clements,
Daniel D. Henderson, Enoch G. Pridgen, Henry S. Townsend, James McCook, James T.
Branch, Daniel G. McCoy, Frederick Tucker, S. B. F. Townsend, James C. Sumner,
Reason Paulk, Wiley Whitley, Jacob H. Paulk, John B. Dorminy, Jesse C. Sumner,
Asa Rooks, Isaac Young, Thomas L. Wilcox.

   "There was no court held in Irwin County from November term, 1860, to
November term, 1862, at which time the Grand Jury returned a bill of indictment
against Elcana Bennett for stealing one cow, of the value of $18.00, marked crop
split in one ear two under bits in the other. In taking leave of Judge Hansell,
we tender him our thanks for his uniform ability in discharge of his duties,
also to Thomas L. Tayler, Solicitor-General pro tem, for his attention to our
body."

Thomas L. Willcox, Foreman; Jehu Fletcher, Robert Cooper, John Ross, E. D.
Hobby, Elbert Paulk, William Boykin, Jesse Hobby, Daniel W. Connell, James C.
Sumner, R. W. Clements, George W. M. Young, Archibald McMillan, H. S. C. Harper,
John Buchannon, A. R. Chandler, B. W. Fussell, Lamuel Horton, John P. Wright.

   May term, 1864, the Grand Jury submitted the following: "Owing to the
shortness of this term of court we have not had time to examine into our county
matters as was made our duty but respectfully refer that business to our
successors at next term of court as we have not time to do justice to the
various matters devolving on us at present time. We find that the weights and
measures belonging to the county are not in the clerk's office. We recommend
that proper authorities see that they are kept there as the law directs."

Michael G. Fortner, Foreman; George Paulk, William Fussell, Asa Rooks, T. L.
Willcox, Micajah Tucker, L. Leigh, Isaac Young, A. McMillan, G. E. McCook, A.
Myers, M. Henderson, Green Dixon, M. W. Paulk, Joseph A. Turner, Lyman Dixon,
John W. Walker, John Ross, James Fletcher, Joshua Gray, Zara Paulk, James Turner.

   July adjourned term, 1866, the Grand Jury submitted the following: "We are
happy to say while our county is to some extent scarce of provisions, yet we
believe there is sufficient provisions to avoid suffering among the people. We
are also happy to say that crime, to the extent that we had reason to fear, has
not been made to appear and we congratulate the county upon the facts that so
little has come to our knowledge. The books of the clerk and other county
officers we defer until the regular fall term. Our roads are in pretty good
condition and public buildings are in about as good condition as could be
expected. Usual thanks to Judge and Solicitor."

Oliver H. Cook, Foreman; Thomas Tucker, W. G. Dixon, James W. Whiddon, J. T.
Branch, G. E. McCook, Willis Dorminy, Jehu Fletcher, Sr., Jesse C. Sumner, Jr.,
James Paulk, Jr., John Buchannon, M. D. Hobby, J. W. Fletcher, Elbert Paulk,
George D. Wilcox, Ashley Sumner, John Lyons, Jehu Fletcher, Jr., Elias Clements,
James C. Sumner, Jesse Clements, John Grantham, B. W. Fussell.

   At November term, 1866, the Grand Jury submitted the following: "We find in
the hands of the County Treasurer, twenty-three dollars, from sale of bank
bills. We find roads of the county in bad order and recommend Inferior Court see
that road commissioners do their duty and have the roads kept in better order.
Also recommend the Inferior Court to have the courthouse and jail repaired. We
recommend our legislature to abolish the county court as we think the county has
derived but little benefit from it. Usual thanks to Judge and Solicitor-General."

   J. J. Henderson, Foreman, Robert Henderson, Thomas L. Wilcox, William
Dorminy, Isaac Young, Wiley Whitley, Jr., Thomas D. Wilcox, Lyman Dixon, Abram
Myers, George Whitley, James McCook, Archibald McMillan, James Fletcher, Sr.,
Jacob R. McCook, Jacob Dorminy, John McMillan, Micajah Tucker.

   May term, 1867, the Grand Jury submitted following presentments: "We are
pleased to state after diligent search we have been unable to find any crimes in
our midst worthy of notice. We have examined a part of officers' books and find
them neatly kept and find our county is wholly out of debt and we recommend
Inferior Court to levy a very small tax for school purposes. We are at a loss to
know what to say, our people are so reduced financially that they are unable to
pay a tax sufficient to do any good, we therefore leave the matter with the
Court _______. Our roads are generally in poor condition and we urge upon the
court to have commissioners do their duty. Usual thanks to Judge and
Solicitor-General."

O. H. Cook, Foreman; John Buchannon, Jacob Dorminy, A. R. Chandler, Elbert
Paulk, John Grantham, John Fletcher, Sr., B. W. Fussell, Isaac Young, James
Paulk, Jr., James C. Sumner, John Fletcher, Jr., James W. Whiddon, James T.
Branch, A. Myers, M. D. Hobby, Willis Dorminy, James Gibbs, H. S. C. Harper,
George E. McCook.

   May term, 1868, the Grand Jury submitted following presentments: "We
recommend Inferior Court levy a tax of twenty per cent upon state tax for
educational purposes and ten per cent for county purposes. We find the roads in
bad condition and we hope they will be worked and carefully re-paired as soon as
the farmers can lay by their crops. At present time we think it imprudent to
take them from their fields. Usual thanks to Judge and Solicitor-General."

Thomas L. Willcox, Foreman; R. W. Clements, B. W. Fussell, James McCook, John
Buchannon, Thomas D. Willcox, D. M. Hogan, Elias Clements, William G. Dickson,
John Lyons, Wesley Young, A. R Chandler, James F. McBride, William Dorminy, J.
A. Turner, Mark Pridgen, George E. McCook, Lyman Dixon.

   November term, 1868, the Grand Jury submitted following presentments: "We
find the roads of our county in bad condition and recommend that they be worked.
We recommend Ordinary pass the necessary orders to pay the jurors for their
services from County Treasury. Also that the person who carries the election
returns from the districts to the county site be paid two dollars each, per day,
from same source."

Wiley Whitley, Foreman; B. W. Fussell, James Fletcher, Sr., Moses Peterson,
Isaac Young, Mathew Barnes, A. R. Chandler, John McMillan, William G. Dixon,
Jesse Bennett, George E. McCook, M. Henderson, Jr., Jacob McCook, J. W. Paulk,
Thomas Tucker, B. W. Fussell, William Dorminy, John Lyons, J. O. S. Covington.

   September term, 1869, the Grand Jury submitted following presentments: "We
have examined the books of county officers and find them well kept and think
said officers are entitled to the thanks of the people for the, improvement of
this report. We recommend an extra tax of fifty per cent on state tax for
purpose of building a jail and other purposes. We also advise the Ordinary to
draw order on Treasury for money sufficient to repair his office and furnish
necessary books for the county. We are glad to say that our county is out of
debt and about $400.00 in Treasury. Usual thanks to Judge and Solicitor-General."

James O. Farnell, Foreman; John J. Henderson, George Horton, Daniel Grantham,
Thomas Cobb, Abram Myers, R. M. Cooper, T. T. Mauldin, Jacob Whitley, Godfrey
Purvis, E. J. Watson, William Roberts, John Branch, Aaron Jernigan, Daniel
Tucker, A. R. Chandler, B. W. Fussell, Isaac Young.

   March term, 1870, the Grand Jury submitted the following: "We have inquired
about our roads and find them in pretty fair condition. The courthouse we find
kept in as good order as usual. We find the books of our county officers all
pretty well kept, but the Ordinary has misplaced the book kept for record of
bonds of retail dealers. We hope he will look it up for the benefit of all that
may be interested in it. Usual thanks to Judge and Solicitor-General."

John Fletcher, Foreman; John W. Fletcher, A. P. Clements, Jesse C. Sumner,
Wesley Young, M. D. Hobby, G. W. Whitley, William Roberts, Henry Young, William
Paulk, W. G. Dixon, Thomas Goff, W. J. Dorminy, Ashley C. Sumner, A. R.
Chandler, Marcus Luke, Micajah Tucker, Jacob Marchant, J. V. Fenn, William J.
Clements, Azor Paulk.

   September term, 1870, the Grand Jury submitted following presentments: "We
have examined the books of Ordinary, Clerk and Treasurer and find them in good
condition. The roads are not in as good order as we should like and recommend
that the commissioners attend to the same. Usual thanks to Judge and
Solicitor-General."

James Paulk, Sr., Foreman; Thomas Cobb, J. T. Tucker, Jacob Whitley, William
Roberts, Jr., John Walker, Daniel Purvis, J. C. Sumner, Richard Tucker, Daniel
Tucker, David Clements, W. C. Gray, William McCook, Henry Tucker, H. S. C.
Harper, A. Fussell, Daniel Grantham, William Mobley, John Branch, Byrd W. Fussell.

   March term, 1871, the Grand Jury submitted following presentments: "We find
some of our public roads in deplorable condition and recommend the road
commissioners and over-seers to be more attentive to their duty and see that the
roads are worked. In looking over the books of our different county officers we
find them neatly kept and in a business-like manner, we therefore feel proud of
them and give them praise for being so attentive to the business of the county.
Usual thanks to Judge and Solicitor-General."

A. P. Clements, Foreman; David Branch, Robert Henderson, Elbert Paulk, George
Whitley, J. W. Paulk, George Young, G. W. Horton, Wesley Young, John A. Smith,
A. Mobley, Willis Dorminy, John F. Barton, T. D. Wilcox, James W. McCook,
William Branch, A. Mobley, Jacob Dorminy, Stephen Cobb, Lyman Dixon, Jehu
Fletcher, Sr., William Paulk, Jehu Fletcher, Jr., John Mobley.

   March term, 1872, the Grand Jury submitted following presentments: "We have
examined through committees from our body the books of Ordinary, Clerk, Sheriff,
Tax Collector and Receiver and find them neatly and correctly kept. The books of
J. P. and N. P. and Ex. Off. J. P. have not been presented to us in compliance
with recent legislation but the act has been so recently passed that we think it
but due these officers to say that the omission of duty in this report we think
to be from ignorance of the existence of said law. In compliance with recent act
of the legislature in relation to establishing a system of schools in the state
we report that we have duly elected J. J. Henderson and Micajah Tucker as two of
Boards of Commissioners for four years each and Thomas Willcox, William Branch
and Thomas Mauldin each for two years and we fix the compensation of said board
for services at one dollar per day under said act. The compensation of Clerk of
Superior Court and Sheriff for services we fix at twenty dollars each term of
Superior Court or forty dollars a year for each and the compensation of the
Ordinary for extra services in attending to county business we fix at
twenty-five dollars. We recommend to the Ordinary that immediate steps be taken
to repair the courthouse and properly enclose the same and that he let the same
out by contract. Our roads and bridges we report in fair condition taking into
consideration the amount of rain that has fallen during past winter and spring.
And we report the financial condition of our county as being good. There is now
in hands of Treasurer, $357.50, and we know of no outstanding liabilities of the
county except those incurred during the present term. Usual thanks to Judge and
Solicitor-General."

Jacob Dorminy, Foreman; John B. Mobley, W. B. Dorminy, J. V. Fenn, J. A. Smith,
Thomas Mauldin, George Whitley, James Fletcher, Jr., James Gibbs, J. W. Paulk,
A. Bass, W. J. Clements, J. C. Sumner, Jacob Marchant, W. G. Dixon, Wiley
Fletcher, James Paulk, Jr., John W. Fletcher, John A. Branch, Willis Dorminy, H.
C. S. Harper.

   September term, 1872, the Grand Jury submitted following presentments: "We
find our public roads with few exceptions in good order. We find our public
buildings in fair condition. We have appointed from our body, George Young, to
inspect our county records and report in writing, their condition, at the next
term of court. We examined docket of J. P. for 982nd district which we find to
be fair and correct and we hereby notify all other Justices and Notaries Public
in the county to present their dockets at the next term of this court for
inspection as the law directs. We recommend Treasurer pay sheriff thirty dollars
for services for present term, also pay Clerk twenty dollars for his services at
present term.

   "We are pleased to have among us at this term of court the old hero, Gen.
Philip Cook, and we hope other voters in the district will do as we shall, give
him their unanimous support at the November election and that too as a gift
offering to his merited ability and imperishable record and we shall ever deem
it an honor to shake that left hand warmed with the bounding blood of a still
warmer heart and may success always attend him. Usual thanks to Judge and
Solicitor-General."

John J. Henderson, Foreman; James J. Luke, A. R Chandler, John J. Sumner, Jacob
R. McCook, Anderson Fussell, George E. McCook, William Roberts, John Grantham,
Jr., Reason Paulk, Cornelius Clements, Jr., M. W. Paulk, James Hutchinson, John
Fletcher, Sr., Thomas Goff, James T. Branch, Aaron Jernigan, Jr., E. G. -Pridgen.

   March term, 1873, the Grand Jury presented the following: "We find the public
roads in the county are in good order, the bridges across the creeks in fair
condition and kept up by the road hands. We find that George Young was appointed
by the Grand Jury at the last term of court to report to this body the condition
of the county finances together with the Treasurer's books, who makes following
report: That the Treasurer's books are correctly and neatly kept, that he has
properly disbursed the public funds of the county and has the proper vouchers of
same in his office, that all the debts of the county are paid to date and that
there remains in the hands of County Treasurer, $520.30.

   "We hereby appoint the said George Young to examine the books of the Clerk of
Superior Court and Ordinary of the county with instruction to report the result
of his examination to the next Grand Jury.

   "We hereby appoint Thomas D. Willcox, William O. Mc Rae, M. Henderson and J.
J. Henderson as school commissioners for this county. Usual thanks to Judge and
Solicitor-General."

James Paulk, Sr., Foreman; George Whitley, Daniel Purvis, Jacob Marchant, J. C.
Sumner, James Barnes, John B. Paulk, F. Tucker, Enoch Shiver, John A. Smith,
James Tucker, M. D. Hobby, Azor Paulk, H. S. C. Harper, L. Story, James A. Ross,
Columbus Luke.

   September term, 1872, the Grand Jury submitted the following: "Mr. George
Young, who was appointed at previous term of court to investigate and report to
this body the condition of the books of Ordinary, Clerk and County Treasurer,
reports the same to be in good condition, properly and neatly kept, thereby
reflecting great credit upon present incumbents of said offices. We find from
said report that there is now over $300.00 in the County Treasury and no debts
against the county. We recommend that George Young be paid two dollars per day,
for three days' service rendered in the investigation of said books. The Justice
of Peace for second and fifth districts presented their dockets for examination
which we find in good condition and properly kept. We find our public roads in
rather bad condition but owing to the recent storm believe their present
condition unavoidable. Reposing great confidence in our highly respected
fellow-citizen, James Fletcher, Jr., we hereby appoint him to fill vacancy in
Board of County School Commissioners. We recommend that twenty dollars be paid
the Clerk and thirty dollars to the Sheriff for extra services rendered at this
term of court. We recommend that these presentments be published in Hawkinsville
Dispatch. Usual thanks to Judge and Solicitor-General."

J. J. Henderson, Foreman; Daniel Tucker, George E. Mc-Cook, Isham Swilly, Mathew
Fussell, Richard Tucker, Byrd W. Fussell, Jacob Whitley, Sr., A. McMillan, Jacob
Whitley, William O. McRae, Elbert Fletcher, George W. Hamons, Robert Henderson,
Thomas McMillan, James Fletcher, F. E. Walters, G. E. Gray, David Clements.

   The Grand Jury at March term, 1874, appointed Mr. George Young to examine the
books of county officers, fixing his salary at two dollars and fifty cents per
day and limited his time to two days' service.

   At March term, 1876, James Paulk was appointed to examine county records and
make reports to each September term Grand Jury.

                           CRIMINAL CASES.

   From the spring term, 1830, to spring term, 1835, there were five criminal
cases. From Spring term, 1835, to Spring term, 1840, there were fifteen criminal
cases disposed of. From 1840 to 1845, sixteen. From 1845 to 1850, twenty-two.
From 1850 to 1855, there were fifty-four cases placed upon the docket. From 1855
to 1860, there were fifty-seven criminal cases placed upon the docket. From 1860
to 1870, nineteen. From 1870 to 1875, forty. From 1875 to 1880, sixty-nine. From
1880 to 1885, eighty-nine. From 1885 to 1890, sixty-one. From 1890 to 1892, one
hundred.

                               CIVIL CASES.

  From 1821 to 1825, there were eighteen Civil cases placed upon the docket.
From 1825 to 1830, forty-two. From 1830 to 1835, sixteen. From 1835 to 1840,
thirty. From 1840 to 1845, one hundred and ten. From 1845 and 1850, one hundred
and two. From 1850 to 1855, eighty. From 1855 to 1860, one hundred and forty.
From 1860 to 1865, thirty-one. From 1865 to 1870, twenty-three. From 1870 to
1875, seven. From 1875 to 1880, ten. From 1880 to 1885, forty-six.

                           JURY COMMISSIONERS.

   Under the law it was the duty of the Inferior Court to revise the jury boxes,
which was done by them until about 1868, when the Legislature passed an act
which was approved February 15, 1869, entitled an act to carry into effect the
second clause of thirteenth section of fifth article of Constitution, which was
to provide for appointment of a commission to be known as jury commissioners.
Acting under this law the judge of the Superior Court, Hon J. R. Alexander on
February 24, 1869, appointed Jacob Young, John Buchannon and R. W. Clements,
jury commissioners. The following gentlemen have been appointed jury
commissioners for Irwin County from that date up to present.

   March term, 1872, R. W. Clements, Reason Paulk, T. D. Willcox.

   At the March term, 1873, this order was taken, "It having been shown to me
that R. W. Clements, one of the jury commissioners has been elected clerk of
Superior Court for said county, it is ordered that James Paulk, Sr., be
appointed in place of said Clements."

   March term, 1876, Reason Paulk, T. D. Willcox, James Paulk. March term, 1878,
John L. Mixon, in place of Reason Paulk, deceased.

   December 24, 1878, James Paulk, Sr., T. D. Willcox, John L. Mixon.

   March term, 1880, J. C. Sumner, D. M. Hogan, M. W. Paulk, John J. Henderson,
T. D. Willcox and John L. Mixon.

   April term, 1882, D. M. Hogan, William Branch.

   March term, 1884, M. W. Paulk, John J. Henderson.

   March term, 1886, T. D. Willcox, James Paulk Sr., J. W. Whiddon.

   April term, 1888, C. L. Royal David Hogan, L. L. Harper, William Branch.

   October term, 1889, J. R. Allison.

   October term, 1891, David Ewing,

   October term, 1892, David Ewing and J. A. J. Henderson.

   April term, 1894, J. W. Whiddon, L. J. Prescott, R. W. Clements and C. L. Royal.

   April term, 1896, H. W. Bussey and Jacob Dorminy.

   April term, 1898, J. A. J. Henderson, H. D. Tayler, David Clements.

   April term, 1900, David Clements, James M. Barns. January term, 1901, W. W.
D. Branch.

   March term, 1902, H. W. Bussey.

   March term, 1904, J. A. J. Henderson and Fred J. Clark. June 25, 1906, David
Clements, M. Dixon, Marcus Fletcher, Wiley Whitley Sr.

   July 7, 1908, Wiley Whitley, I. J. Bussell Jr., W. L. Lenon and Joel J. Harper.

   July 17, 1912, J. A. J. Henderson, W. Lenon, O. V. Purvis and David Clements.

   August 2, 1916, M. Paulk, Marcus Fletcher, J. A. J. Henderson and J. E. Howell.

   April term, 1918, J. B. D. Paulk, J. B. Clements.

   January 1, 1920, M. Paulk, Marcus Fletcher, J. Y. Paulk. August 21, 1926, J.
E. Howell, L. R. Tucker, J. B. Clements, J. Y. Paulk, Need Harper, Joe Fletcher.

   August 20, 1928, J. E. Howell, L. R. Tucker.

   January 1, 1930, J. Y. Paulk, J. B. Clements.

    At the March term, 1878, the Grand Jury recommended that the Ordinary
purchase an iron safe of proper size and capacity to protect from fire and other
dangers such books and records belonging to the county deemed of value. The safe
was purchased and shipped to Alapaha, Georgia, the nearest railroad station and
Hon. S. B. Dorminy was employed to haul it to Irwinville, a distance of
twenty-five miles.

   At September term, 1878, J. L. Jones, alias T. B. Jewett, was arraigned for
trial charged with simple larceny to which charge he plead guilty, whereupon he
was sentenced to the penitentiary for fifteen years. The record does not
disclose the nature of the larceny but judging from the length of the sentence
he must have been accused of horse stealing.

   At September term, 1878, the Grand Jury recommended that representative of
the Legislature introduce a bill changing time for holding Superior Court from
Friday to Monday after Superior Court in Wilcox County.

   At March term, 1879, the Grand Jury recommended that the representative Hon.
James B. Fletcher, introduce a bill in the Legislature in July next, to prohibit
the sale of intoxicating liquor at any point within the limits of Irwin County.
This bill was introduced and passed and the sale of whiskey was not indulged in,
in Irwin County, openly before 1895. In 1906 another bill was passed prohibiting
the sale of liquor in Irwin County, or placing a tax of $20,000.00 thereon.

   There was a bill of indictment returned against William Fletcher for
misdemeanor, which indictment was quashed for the reason that there were not
eighteen men on the Grand Jury who were not related to him. The entire Grand
Jury box was exhausted trying to find eighteen men who were not related to him
to pass upon the matter but they could not find them and the matter had to be
abandoned without investigation.

   At March term, 1880, the Grand Jury in their presentments said, "We have
considered the question of building a new court-house for the county and we
recommend that the Ordinary levy a tax sufficient to raise $500.00 for the year,
1880, and that this sum be reserved as a special fund for the erecting of a
court-house when a sufficient amount shall have been collected from year to year
for said purposes.

   At the April term, 1881, the Grand Jury recommended that five dollars per
month be paid Sally Mobley, colored, as a pauper; she being the only pauper in
the county. At the same term the Grand Jury recommended the levy of a tax
sufficient to raise $600.00 for building new courthouse. They also reported
there were six hundred and thirty-six white children and one hundred and
sixty-one colored children of school age in the county; that during the year,
1880, two hundred and seventy-seven white and eighty-eight colored were in
attendance of school. The school fund for that year was $789.28 and there was
paid out of said fund $770.96.

   At October term, 1881, the Grand Jury recommended that the Ordinary
correspond with a reliable and competent architect and submit plan and estimate
of the costs of new courthouse. The county is in need of a courthouse building
and we believe that a new building should be erected as early as the finance of
the county will justify the work.

   The books of the various county officers were examined by committees for past
several years who were paid five dollars for said service.

   At April term, 1882, a bill of indictment was returned by the Grand Jury
against James Gibbs, charging him with voluntary manslaughter. He killed James
Fletcher, the son of Jehu Fletcher, with a club. Both families were prominent.
Gibbs was placed in jail at Irwinville and Jacob Young was employed to guard the
jail which he did for quite a while. Gibbs was finally tried, the first trial
resulting in conviction of manslaughter. His case was taken to the Supreme Court
and he was granted a new trial. At second trial he was acquitted.

   James B. Fletcher built a pontoon bridge out of square-hewn logs across the
lake on the Alapaha River, where the public road leading from Ocilla to Tifton
crosses said river, about 1880 or 1881. The Grand Jury recommended that he be
paid $100.00 on said bridge. Fletcher did all the work and that was the only pay
he received out of the county.

   In presentments of 1882, October term, appears the following information:
Number of white poles in the county, 441; colored, 101; total, 542; total value
of all taxable property, $567,589.00. From same presentments appears the
following: The new courthouse funds amounts to $1800. The building of a
courthouse we deem of absolute necessity and we there-fore place the work in the
hands of a building committee as follows: second district, B. H. Shivers; third
district, R. W. Clements, fourth district, Green Dixon; fifth district, M.
Henderson, sixth district, Jehu Fletcher. We entrust this work to the above
named citizens, feeling satisfied that they will look after the interest of the
county in this important matter. And we recommend that they proceed with the
building of a courthouse at the earliest practical time.

   At the October term, 1883, the Grand Jury presentments state that the
building committee on new courthouse had contracted with A. B. Shipley to build
said courthouse, two stories, forty by fifty-five feet, offices and vault
downstairs, courtroom and jury room upstairs at cost of $4,085.00.

   At April term, 1888, the Grand Jury recommended that a bridge be built across
the Alapaha River two miles west of Irwinville at Albany ford and appointed R.
W. Clements, J. W. Whiddon and John Walker, Commissioners, to have same
constructed. Plans and specifications were prepared, contract advertised for and
W. R. Glover was awarded the contract. The bridge was built during the year
1889, was of wood and was seven eights of a mile long, it cost $3,236.00. This
bridge was a great convenience to the traveling public. Before it was built the
only way to cross the river was to ford it and often times it was swimming to a
horse.

   At the March term, 1884, the Grand Jury recommended that a sufficient number
of horse racks be erected to accommodate those who were compelled to attend court.

   In 1886, a local registration law for Irwin County was passed.

   At January term, 1885, David Ewing, E. R. Smith and D. J. Henderson were
appointed county registrars.

   January 11, 1889, E. R. Smith, David Ewing and D. J. Henderson, appointed.

   January 26, 1891, Jacob Paulk, D. J. Henderson and David Ewing, appointed.

   September term, 1893, A. E. Clements, appointed.

   March term, 1904, B. A. Brown and J. B. Senior, appointed.

   At April term, 1907, Robert L. Henderson, John D. Paulk and E. G. M.
Fletcher, appointed.

  At March term, 1910, John D. Paulk, George F. T. Dixon, John R. Clements,
appointed.

   May 26, 1910, E. G. Fletcher, appointed.

   March 30, 1912, John D. Paulk, O. N. Harper and E. G. M. Fletcher, appointed.

   April 20, 1914, E. G. M. Fletcher, John D. Paulk, H. B. Harper, appointed.

   March 21, 1916, E. G. M. Fletcher, Henry King and Joel J. Harper, appointed.

   June 11, 1918, E. G. Fletcher, Henry King and J. J. Harper, appointed.

   February 12, 1920, E. G. M. Fletcher, Henry King and J. J. Harper, appointed.

   August 2, 1922, Joe H. Little, J. J. Harper and E. G. M. Fletcher, appointed.

   February term, 1924, J.. W. Pierce, appointed.

   April 19, 1927, J. J. Harper, J. H. Little and J. W. Pierce, appointed.

   At February term, 1930, J. W. Pierce, C. R. Roberson and Lott Paulk, appointed.

   At the October adjourned term, 1891, a bill of indictment was returned
against King Clark, for murder. He was convicted at the October adjourned term,
1892, and sent to the penitentiary for life.

   At the October adjourned term, 1893, the Grand Jury re-turned a bill against
Reese Coleman, for murder. He was tried and was acquitted.

   At November term, 1897, Bill Haskins, was tried for murder and found guilty
and recommended to mercy. His sentence was to the penitentiary for life.

   At the November term, 1898, the Grand Jury presentments state that on account
of increase in business of this court we find it impossible to transact all the
business of the court in one week. We therefore request our member of the
Legislature to introduce a bill, changing our fall term of court so that it will
convene on fourth Monday in October and following Monday of each year, so that
at fall term we will have two weeks court instead of one. In our judgment, with
this change, the business of the court can be kept up.

   At April term, 1899, the following appears in general presentments. Upon
examining reports of our County Commissioners, M. Henderson and Supt. R. V.
Handley, we recommend the continuance of county chain gang, subject to approval
of Grand Jury at Fall term, 1899, in the matter of employing our convicts on
public roads of this county. The progress made so far we feel will be of great
value to our traveling public when the roads are completed and we recommend that
bridges be constructed at once over large streams where they are most needed. It
having come to our knowledge that our County Solicitor, W. F. Way, pleads guilty
to the charge of gambling, we regret exceedingly this act and severally condemn
the same.

   This was the first chain gang created in Irwin County and is still in
existence, making many improvements in our roads.

   At April term, 1900, Ike Farmer, was tried for murder and found guilty and
recommended to mercy. He was sentenced to the penitentiary for life.

   At January term, 1901, Clements Royal, was tried for murder of a man named
Luke and was acquitted.

   At September term, 1901, W. H. Brown, was tried for murder and was found
guilty with recommendation for mercy and was sentenced to the penitentiary for
life. Lucy McFail was tried for same offence and found not guilty, also Wilber
Whitiaker was tried for murder and found not guilty. Tom Whitiaker was tried for
murder and found guilty and recommended for mercy. He was sentenced to the
penitentiary for life.

   In 1901, a suit was filed in Superior Court against the American Tribune
Colony Company, for receiver. The receivership was granted and J. B. Clements,
W. R. Bowen, T. S. Price and Sidney Clear, were appointed permanent receivers.
They proceeded to sell and dispose of all the assets of the company and wind up
the affairs thereof directed by the court.

   At the March term, 1902, John Furlong, was tried for murder and was
acquitted. Tom McFail was also tried for murder and found guilty and recommended
for mercy and was sentenced to penitentiary for life.

   At the April term, 1903, Ben Palm was tried for murder; was found guilty and
recommended for mercy and was sentenced to penitentiary for life.

   At September adjourned term, 1904, Jehu Smith, was tried for murder of a man
named Henderson; was found guilty and recommended for mercy and sentenced to
penitentiary for life.

   From presentments of Grand Jury for the year, 1903, there was raised in taxes
$36,453.42 and there were paid out $33,045.88.

   At the March term, 1905, the Grand Jury returned a true bill against John
Land, charging him with murder. He was charged with killing his father, Robert
Land, by shooting him with a double-barreled shotgun in the back. The trouble
started over some trivial matter and the evidence showed his father was running
from his direction when the shot was fired. The witnesses were largely the
family of the deceased. At the trial the defendant was found guilty and
recommended to mercy and was sentenced to the penitentiary for life. A motion
for new trial was made and on October 21, 1905, an order was passed by Judge J.
H. Martin, as follows: It is not possible at this time to dispose of a motion
for new trial and it also appearing that defendant is confined in jail of Irwin
County and that the law-continued confinement is likely to cause serious injury
to the health of said defendant; it is ordered that defendant John Land, be
taken from Irwin County jail and be confined in penitentiary of Georgia, until
motion for new trial in said case can be disposed of and until further order of
the court in the premises. The motion for new trial was withdrawn and sentence
of the court was carried into effect. The defendant finally got out of the
penitentiary and was later killed.

   At September term, 1905, Romie Williams, was indicted and tried for the
murder of Mr. Elisha Thompson. He was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter and
sentenced to penitentiary for fifteen years. New trial was granted by the
Supreme Court and the case was remanded to Tift County Superior Court for final
adjudication.

   At this term of court a bill of indictment was returned against Reason
Handley for murder. He was charged with killing his wife by putting strychnine
into her food. He was tried at the September adjourned term, 1906, convicted and
recommended that he be imprisoned for life. He was sent to penitentiary and
served until during the year, 1929, he was pardoned by the Governor and is again
a free man.

   At the September term, 1906, Seab Riles, was indicted for murder and found
guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to the penitentiary for ten years.

   At this term of court a meeting of the bar was held indorsing Judge Martin's
administration as judge of Superior Court, also stating he had practiced law in
this county before his elevation to the bench for more than a quarter of a
century and it was a pleasure to testify to his worth, as a man, a lawyer and a
judge, and we part with him reluctantly and feel that Irwin Superior Court will
not be the same without him.

   Signed, Tom Eason, L. Kennedy, E. D. Graham, H. J. Quincy, A. J. McDonald, E.
W. Ryman, L. M. Burns, Z. Bass, Attorneys.

   At September term, 1907, the following order was taken. It appearing to the
court that the County Commissioners of Irwin County have provided a suitable
building for the holding of the September term, 1907, of Irwin Superior Court in
Ocilla in said county, to which place the county site of said county was
recently removed, by an act of the General Assembly of Georgia: wherefore it is
ordered and adjudged that said Superior Court be held in said building so
provided and designated in said city of Ocilla. Given under my hand and official
signature in open court September 2, 1907. U. V. Whipple, J. S. C. C. C.

    For the year, 1907, there was collected in taxes the sum of $25,949.55.

   At March term, 1913, the Grand Jury made this recommendation: "We recommend
that our Representative, J. B. Clements, introduce and endeavor to have passed a
bill to abolish the city court of Ocilla and in lieu thereof to have such
Legislation enacted as will in his judgment best meet the needs of the county."
They also recommended that he pass a bill abolishing three County Commissioners
and pass bill creating one Commissioner.

   At April term, 1915, the Grand Jury put in operation the law creating a Board
of Health for Irwin County and appointed Dr. Aubrey Harper, Health Physician.

   On March 12, 1917, under an act of the Legislature providing for the creation
of Juvenile court in certain counties of the State, Judge Crumb, designated the
Court of Ordinary of said county as the Juvenile Court of the County of Irwin.

   In August, 1917, the Legislature passed an act transferring Irwin County from
Cordele Circuit to Tifton Circuit.

   December 28, 1920, James Whitley, appointed Judge of Juvenile Court for three
years.

   April term, 1927, James Whitley, appointed Judge of Juvenile Court.

                     SLIGH CASE.

   At the November term, 1928, the Grand Jury found a bill against Harry K.
Sligh, for arson. On the night of _________ the residence of Harry K. Sligh,
about three and one-half miles north of Ocilla on the highway leading from
Ocilla to Fitzgerald, was burned. Mr. Sligh and family had been away from home
on a visit but Sligh himself returned home the afternoon prior to the burning of
his dwelling. It was supposed at the time that Mr. Sligh perished in the burned
building as what was thought to be the burned torso of a human being was found
in the ruins of the dwelling. An inquest was held over the remains gathered out
of the burned building, which was supposed to be Sligh, and it was prepared for
burial and sent to Seneca, South Carolina, his former home, where it was
interred as the remains of Harry K. Sligh.

   Sligh was heavily insured with double indemnity clause in the policy and
after his supposed death in the burned building an effort was made by the
representative of his estate to collect this insurance. This effort was resisted
by the insurance company upon the grounds that proofs of death in the burned
building had not been established to their satisfaction. Detectives were
employed to make an investigation. Quite a while after the building was burned,
Col. Sam Castlewitch of Miami, Florida, who was a former acquaintance of Sligh
received a letter from him in reference to the collection of the insurance
policy. This letter, very properly, was turned over to the insurance companies
and the efforts of the detectives to locate Sligh were increased. Finally their
efforts were rewarded by locating him in Los Angeles, California, where he was
residing under an assumed name. The sheriff of Irwin County was furnished the
necessary warrant and requisition paper and he had Sligh arrested and brought
him back to Irwin County for trial for the offense of arson. But the evidence
not being sufficient, he was acquitted. Sligh claimed that on his return home,
prior to the burning, that he overtook near Macon, Georgia, three young men
walking and upon being asked to let them ride he told them he could accommodate
only one as his car was a roadster. One of the trio, a young man by the name of
Harry Loving, from Huntington, West Virginia, was allowed to ride with him,
where he was invited to spend the night. Sligh claimed, that sometime during the
night he was awakened by Loving having him in a tussle, that Loving had a pistol
trying to subdue and rob him, that in the scuffle the lamp was turned over and
the house caught fire. He claimed he succeeded in escaping from Loving and fled
from the burning building. He also claimed that he lost his mind and did not
regain it until he reached California when, as he was riding in a car with an
old couple, his mind returned. He stayed there for quite a while, going under an
assumed name, until his arrest and identification by people from Georgia who
knew him.

   From developments, at his trial for arson and additional facts secured, he
was indicted for the murder of Harry Loving and was tried for this offense at
November term, 1929, of Irwin Superior Court and the evidence seemed of such a
nature he was promptly convicted and sentenced to the penitenary for life. The
case was appealed to the Supreme Court but the judgment of the lower court was
sustained. He is now in the penitentiary serving a sentence for life.

   The Messrs. Hoover, the companions of Loving when Sligh picked him up for the
ride were also indicted for murder and brought back to Irwin County for trial
but the evidence was so weak against them until they were turned loose.

   The body taken from the burned building which had been buried in Seneca,
South Carolina, as that of Sligh had been disinterred and brought back to
Georgia and was present at the trial. After examination by medical experts it
was pronounced to be the body of a young man. This torso after the trial was
claimed by the mother of Loving and carried to West Virginia, for burial.

   This case attracted attention all over the country and was widely discussed
not only through local sources but by news-papers of the whole country.

   At February term, 1930, James Whitley, appointed Judge of Juvenile Court.

   At the April term, 1888, Charlie Tayler was tried for murder and found
guilty, recommended to mercy, and sent to the penitentiary for life.

                           TRUE BILLS.

   At March term, 1874, the Grand Jury returned six true bills; At October term,
1874, two; March term, 1875, seven; October term, 1875, ten; March term, 1876,
five; September term, 1876, ten; September term, 1877, four; March term, 1878,
twelve; March term, 1879, five; March term, 1884, nine; September term, 1884,
thirteen; March term, 1886, six; September term, 1901, fifty-six; March term,
1902, eighty; March term, 1903, fifty-two; July term, 1908, one hundred.

                               DIVORCES.

   From March term, 1874, to October term, 1883, there were eleven divorce cases
filed.

   October term, 1883, to October term, 1888, there were six filed.

                    PUBLICATION OF PRESENTMENTS.

   April term, 1892, presentments to be published in Irwin County News.

   October term, 1892, Hawkinsville News and Dispatch, Irwin County News and
Telfair Enterprise.

   March term, 1893, Irwin County Courier, Ocilla Dispatch, Fitzgerald
Enterprise and Citizen.

   September term, 1905, Irwin County Courier, Fitzgerald Enterprise and Ocilla
Star.

   March term, 1910, Ocilla Star.

   March term, 1912, Ocilla Star.

                      CHAPLAIN OF CONVICT CAMP.

   March term, 1905, George Dixon was appointed chaplain of convict camp.

                      BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS.

   June 1, 1914, Riley Harper, M. Luke Jr., Henry Land.

   May 1, 1916, William Rogers. May 7, 1917, R. L. Henderson. April, 1918, R. L.
Henderson. May 3, 1920, Riley Harper.

   May 23, 1925, M. G. Hogan.

                        PROBATION OFFICERS.

   April term, 1927, Thomas Harper, appointed.

   August 28, 1928, W. C. Kicklighter, appointed.

      ATTORNEYS ADMITTED TO PRACTICE LAW IN SUPERIOR COURT OF THIS SECTION.

   John J. Underwood was the first to be admitted to practice law. A. S. J.
Henderson was admitted several years ago.

   At April term, 1896, Curtis Wise, an attorney of Indiana and D. E. Piper of
the State of Nebraska, and E. W. Ryman of the State of North Dakota, and Sam C.
Smith of the State of North Carolina, and David C. Welsh of the State of
Illinois was admitted to practice law in the State of Georgia.

   At November term, 1896, E. E. Gray, an attorney of the State of Wisconsin,
Samuel Flemming, an attorney of the State of Illinois, were admitted to practice
law in the State of Georgia. At the same term of court, W. T. Williams, was
admitted to practice upon examination.

   At the April term, 1899, Thomas J. Luke, an attorney of Florida, and James T.
Saunders of the State of Tennessee were admitted:

   At the September term, 1901, Jesse Grantham was admitted. At the March term,
1902, L. G. Williams of the State of Ohio, was admitted.

   At the January term, 1907, W. H. Horn was admitted. At the July term, 1908,
Melvin Meeks was admitted.

   At the August term, 1908, Walter M. Rogers was admitted. At the July term,
1914, I. J. Bussell was admitted.


Additional Comments:
From:

History of Irwin County by J. B. Clements (1932)

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/gafiles/

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