Bridge Repair

 

The sources provide details about various activities and decisions of the county court in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Court Proceedings and Decisions

• Financial Settlements: The court was involved in settling financial matters. For example, Levi Gay, a former sheriff, made a full settlement with the court.
• Roads: The court made decisions regarding the establishment, maintenance, and repair of roads.
  • The court ordered that the Burnside and Laurel Creek Road be opened.
  • The Buck's Mountain Road was ordered to be established.
  • A new piece of road near Lockridge Ford was to be let to contract.
  • George W. Wagner was authorized to spend up to $75 for repairs on the road from M.D. McLaughlin's to the top of the Allegheny Mountain.
  • A rule was awarded against James Gibson for not complying with his road contract.
  • A group of citizens was selected to oversee road work.
• Bridges: The court addressed the need for bridges and their construction.
• An additional 90-foot span was to be added to the bridge across Knapp's Creek at Huntersville.
• Howard McElwee was given the contract to build a new bridge at Stony Creek.
• County Infirmary: The court accepted the resignation of J.W. Boiten from the County Infirmary and ordered that the poor farm be advertised for rent.
• County Printing: The contract for county printing was awarded to John E. Campbell, publisher of The Pocahontas Times.
• Toll Roads: The court allowed citizens to lease the Marlinton bridge and road from James Gibson on a yearly basis.

Rules and Enforcement

• Sheriff's Attendance: A rule was awarded against Sheriff M.J. McNeel, for not attending court sessions.
• Sheriff's Settlements: A rule was made against former sheriff, W.H. Cackley, to show cause as to why he had not settled with the court.
• Road Contract Compliance: The court issued a rule against James Gibson, a toll collector, for not complying with his road contract.
• Contempt of Court: Judge McNeill made the ruling that witnesses who were not present during court hours to be held for contempt.

Other Notable Court-Related Items

• Jail and Inmates: Howard McElwee was the jailor in Pocahontas County for four years. During his term there were no jail deliveries, and a high number of inmates, considered to be desperate characters, were housed in the jail. McElwee was also noted for instituting the "trusty system".
• Court Cases: There are many court cases listed in the sources, including debt collection, divorce, land disputes, and criminal cases. For example, a case between R. S. Turk vs. Geo. W. McDannald and others is mentioned.
• County Finances: The county court also dealt with financial matters, such as paying for the county’s infrastructure.

The county court was actively engaged in managing the infrastructure, finances, and legal matters of the county. The court's decisions and actions had a direct impact on the lives of the residents.