A History of the Mount Airy, N. C. Commissioners' Meetings 1885-1895

Minutes of the Mount Airy City
Commissioners

Mayor
J. H. Sparger
W. F. Carter
G. C. Welch

Commissioner J. M. Davis
Commissioner W. E. Merritt
Commissioner G. C. Welch
Commissioner S. W. Gentry
Commissioner B. F. Sparger
Commissioner J. I. Belton

Mount Airy, N. C. January 4, 1895
The Following amendments were ordered to the minutes of Dec. 4. Mr. Belton was not absent but late, about an hour. The Matter of widening Main Street above the bridge north of town was continued, the Commissioners not being satisfied with the damages allowed Mrs. Harris by the board of assessors.

Mount Airy, N. C. January 14, 1895
The Board of Town Commissioners met according to the agreement of the last meeting for the regular transaction of the business of the town. The meeting was promptly called to order at nine and a-half o'clock by the chairman. All were present except Mr. Sparger, who is still sick. After correction, the minutes of the last regular meeting were approved. The Street Committee had no report. The Finance Committee had no report. The Committee for the sale of the mule reported no sale as yet. The chief of Police made the following report, which was approved.
Cost of fines Collected in Dec. 75.30
Real Estate Tax Collected in Dec. 30.00
Special Tax Collected in Dec. 11.45
Due in December
Gregg-Police for December 45.00
Allred-Police for December 30.00
Brunner-Street Cleaning 8.30
W. T. Taylor-Mule Board 10.00
John Glenn-Worked out fine 22.65
Dove Marion-Worked out fine 7.95
Alford and Juro Bower 2.95
Ed Conrad-Work on Rockford St. 4.40
Geo. Brooks- Garbage 1.25
The following accounts were allowed:
Massey Smith 1.04
Worth & Welch-Quilts 1.50
The Treasurer made the following report:
Balance from last year's report 13.67
Received of Gregg 271.19
Paid old Board Accounts & Vouchers 63.11
Paid accounts, damages, general expenses228.78
Mr. J. L. Worth made statements before the Board in regard to gravel hauled off his place. The Town thought its former Board promised him 10 cents per load for gravel, but never paid him. After some discussion, Mr. Worth was allowed $40.00 for the former board's account and $9.00 for the gravel hauled in 1894.
The matter of opening Main Street above the Railroad Bridge was continued until the next meeting and Mr. Belton was appointed a committee of one to see what the damages would be if the street was only widened on the east side, he is to report at the next meeting. There was no other business before the Board. Adjourned
W. F. Carter, Chairman
W. E. Merritt, Sec.

Mount Airy, N. C. February 5, 1895
The Board of Town Commissioners met in regular session at the Town Hall and were called to order by the chairman at nine o'clock. All were present except Mr. Sparger, who is still sick. A committee was appointed to dispose of the mule reported that they had sold for $38.00 and purchased another one for $76.00. The report was satisfactory and the committee discharged. The Chief of Police made the following report, which was accepted.
Cost and fines collected in Jan.53.95
Real Estate Tax 400.00
Special License 12.00
Amount Due in February
J. O. Gregg- Chief of Police 53.95
S. N. Allred-Assistant Police 30.00
W. T. Taylor-Mule Board 10.00
W. L. Banner-Street Cleaning 8.33
Geo Brooks-Garbage 7.40
D. M. Hodges-Board prisoners .80
Felix Cockerham-Worked fine on street 6.67
Due on Back Warrants261.55
The Treasurer responded as follows:
Received of Gregg-Chief of Police151.00
Sold Mule 38.00
Pd. Balance on last report 7.03
Pd. Vouchers Total153.49
Pd. Mule 76.00
It was moved and carried that the chairman appoints a committee to act with himself in ascertaining the cost of lots, buildings, and equipment for graded schools. He should have the power to spend what money is necessary for the above purpose and report at the next regular meeting. The Secretary was appointed.
W. F. Carter was unanimously elected and qualified as Mayor for the term expiring May. Next Capt. J. O. Gregg was elected Chief of Police without opposition for the same term of office.
Mr. Geo. Woodruff acting on the part of the Mt. Airy Granite Company wanted a new contract as the rock crushing outfit belonging to the town. After discussion, the following terms were agreed to each party to the contract reserving the right to draw out whenever they see fit.
The Mt. Airy Granite Co. leased the boiler at eleven dollars per month full time as heretofore and when the crusher and boiler both are used then the pay shall be at the rate of $20.00 per month. The Granite Co. is to be responsible for all damages except the usual wear and tear of the machinery. It is optional with the town as to whether the pay is in rock or money.
Recess until two o'clock P. M.

Mr. Belton reported that Mr. McCorgo on the part of the Sand Co. would not claim any damages that might occur from widening Main Street North of R. R. Bridge. Mr. O'Hanlon would claim $50.00 if the widening was done all on the East side of the street. Mr. Belton was ordered to have the street laid off on the East side and report next meeting.
Mr. Tif Haymore was before the Board and said he was paid by the former Board of Commissioners $35.00 for damages caused in widening Rockford Street, but he understood that his mulberry tree should be left standing. The tree was taken up by the town and he wanted pay for it. Mr. Fulton and Mr. Galloway were sent for and they said they as a jury allowed Mr. Haymore the damages on account of the loss of the tree. The claim was not allowed.
Mr. Price was before the Board and said that a former Board of Commissioners promised him pay for the damages occurred in widening Rockford St. but was never paid. After consulting the jury they assessed the damages, Mr. Price was allowed $10.00.
Mr. Joyce was allowed the rate of $20.00 per year for the town clock while running. The contract with Mr. W. C. Banner for street cleaning was discontinued. The Finance Committee said that they had partly settled with Mr. S. S. Patterson tax collection and find that he is charged $98.75 erroneously. It is requested that they wait until the next meeting to report the final settlement. The Secretary ordered to pay Joyce for 6 months time-clock $10.00, and the hardware account of W. E. Merritt was allowed $6.82. Adjourned
W. F. Carter, Chairman
W. E. Merritt, Sec.

Mount Airy, N. C. March 5, 1895
The Town commissioners met at the Town Hall at nine O'clock. Chairman Carter was absent on account of illness as was Mr. Sparger. Mr. Welch was called to the chair and the Board proceeded at once to business. The minutes of the last meeting were found correct. The Chief of Police made the following approved report.
Costs and fines collected in Feb. 15.00
Real Estate Tax collected in Feb. 95.04

Due J. O. Gregg-C of P40.00
Due S. N. Allred-Police30.00
Due Dr. Taylor-Mule Board10.00
DueGeo Brooks-Garbage 2.70
Due Drew Hodge-Board .60
The Treasurer made the following report, which was found correct.
Received of Police per report466.43
M. L. Patterson 69.47
Paid Vouchers422.61
Paid Balance due last report 47.52
Balance on hand536.20
Inman & Dress-charity 1.00
G. A. Satterfield-charity 2.00
Welch & Worth-charity 1.00
Recess was taken until Friday, March 1st at 9:30 o'clock.
G. C. Welch, Chairman
W. E. Merritt, Secretary

Mount Airy, N. C. March 15, 1895
The Board of Commissioners was promptly called to order at nine o'clock by Chairman Carter. Mr. Gentry and Mr. Sparger were absent; since this was a continuation of the regular meeting of March 5, there were no reports or minutes to be read. Mr. M. L. Patterson came before the Board to see if there was any chance for a compromise on his Rockford Street claim. It was decided to only allow him the $20.00 that the jury awarded, this was refused.
An election was ordered to be held on the first Monday of May for the election of Mayor and five Commissioners, to note on the graded schools system and the issue of bonds to defray the expenses of the same, and for the sale of spirituous liquors. E. H. Wrenn was appointed registrar.
Mr. J. F. Allred said before the Board that the jury only allowed him $150.00 damages for a lot that was condemned and used in opening Pine Street. He said the lot cost him $300.00 and asked that the Board allow him cost and interest for the lot. This matter was continued until the next regular meeting for the purpose of investigation the matter.
Mr. R. R. Galloway said to the Board that the special license tax on theatrical troupes would necessitate the closing of the Opera House as the tax would necessarily come out of his receipts. After discussion, the Board decided to retain the special license tax on tromps, but would release Mr. Galloway from tax on $3,000 worth of real estate for 1894, provided the Opera House is continued as it is now and the Troup that played in interest of the Pythons, March 14th were released from special tax. Mr. S. P. Graves asked that the alley between Pine and Rockford Streets that runs in front of his residence be closed, which was continued. W. F. Carter, Chairman
Adjourned W. E. Merritt, Sec.
Mount Airy, N. C. April 2, 1895
The Board of Town commissioners met at the Town Hall at 10 o'clock in a regular meeting. All were present except B. F. Sparger, who is still sick. Minutes of the last meeting were found correct.
The Finance Committee reported that they find $133.01 on M. L. Patterson's tax books absolutely insolvent with other doubtful tax.
The Street committee reported that work on the streets was progressing satisfactorily. The special Committee on information as to the cost of a Graded School reported as follows. From the best that we can get, we estimate that it will cost $12,000.00 to purchase the land and erect and equip the buildings for both schools. We also find that it will require $400.00 per month to run the schools for both white and colored. The common school fund apportioned to the town for both races will be turned into the town treasury and it is estimated that it will be $10,000.00 per year. We are further informed that an appropriation will be annually made for the support of the schools from the Peabody Fund. The amount is not known. The report was received and the Commissioners discussed it. The Chief of Police made the following approved report.
Real Estate tax collected in March 101.13
Due Gregg-Police 43.55
Due W. S. Taylor-Mule Board 10.00
Due Allred-Mule Board 29.00
Due George Brooks-Garbage 17.50
Due Harris Bros.-Team on Street 22.20
Due J. G. Belton-Team on Street 5.40
Due W. A. Hollingsworth-Team on Street 7.40
Due W. T. Hennis-Team on Street 1.00
Due R. S. Gilmer-Team on Street 2.00
Due P. H. Price-Team on Street 7.40
Due Hodge-Prisoner's Board 1.95
The Treasurer was excused until the meeting for a report.
The Following accounts were allowed.
J. T. Massey Smith2.00
J. F. Allred-Hands on Street 12.66
Council & Co. - Wood Charity17.06
Mr. Belton the committee of one on Widening Main Street North of the rail road bridge made the following report. All parties whose land was condemned were notified and no damages were claimed except Mr. J. A. O'Halloran who was allowed $50.00 when the street was laid off according to plot herewith attached. The Report was satisfactory and Mr. Belton was released.
It was ordered by the Board that our election be held at Town Hall on Monday the 6th day of May for the following purposes: The 1st to elect a Mayor and five Commissioners.
The 2nd to note on the question of establishing a system of graded schools in the town and upon the question of issuing the bonds of the town to the amount of $12,000.00 to be expended in the purpose of lands and the erection thereon of suitable buildings and improvements and furnishing the same with necessary equipments and furniture for the accommodation of the public schools of the town of Mount Airy. The said bonds to be of the following denominations, to wit: Ten to be of the denomination of $100.00 and each and the balance of the denomination of $100.00 each to bear interest at a rate not to exceed 6% per annum, payable semiannually and to run for a period of not less than ten or more than thirty years.
Those favoring the establishment of graded schools and the issuing of said bonds shall vote a written or printed ballot with the words "For schools and bonds." Those opposed shall note on a written or printed ballot "Against schools and bonds."
The 3rd to note is on the question of the sale of malt and spirituous liquors in the town. Those favoring the sale shall note "License." Those opposed shall note "No License." J. H. Sparger and J. Mm. Davis were appointed pole holders.
The question of the tax on theatricals was again brought up. It was decided that if Mr. Galloway preferred, we would tax the Opera House $25.00 per annum special tax and release theatricals from the special tax heretofore imposed. If this is non satisfactory to Mr. Galloway, then the decision of the last regular meeting is reversed, otherwise it stands. The J. F. Allred matter was continued until the next regular meeting.
Adjourned W. F. Carter, Chairman
W. E. Merritt, Sec.

Mount Airy, N. C. May 7, 1895
The Town Commissioners met in regular session at the Town Hall at nine o'clock A. M. All were present except Mr. Sparger, and Mr. Carter was in the chair. Minutes of the last meeting were found correct. The Finance Committee had no report. The Street Committee reported that work was progressing satisfactorily on the streets and they were in fair condition. The chief of Police made the following report:
Cost and fines collected in April-106.15
Real Estate tax collected in April-262.56
Special license tax collected in April- 2.50

Due Gregg-Police-45.00
Due Allred-P0lice-30.00
Due Pace- Mule Board 10.00
Due Geo. Brooks-Garbage 17.10
Due Drew Hodges-Board 6.30
Due Tom Laupkins-Team on St. 15.90
Pd. Hands on Street 59.53
Due Tif Haymore-Team on Street 4.00
Due J. C. Hollingsworth-Team on Street 5.00
Due Dr. W. R. Hollingsworth-Team on Street 7.12
The Treasurer made the following report for April and March, 1895.
Bal. from Feb. Report- 66.07
Received of Police-March 110.64
Received of Police-April 101.13
Paid General expenses and charity-March 109.08
Paid General expenses and street work-April 138.95
Paid O'Halloran Damages 50.00

Mr. D. M. Ausley was released from $1.00 pole tax
charged twice. 1.00
E. C. Foy and Co. Paid Hands on Street6.49
J. F. Allred Paid Hands on Street 7.41
Patterson & Johnson paid Hands on Street 4.17
W. E. Merritt-Hardware 12.29
J. F. Foy- Smith 4.55
J. T. Massey-Smith .50
Yadkin Valley News-Printing10.00
E. H. Hannah-Coffin- Pauper 2.50
J. M. Durham Carts 2.30
J. C. Council-Hauling wood-Charity 4.00
The Commissioners each allowed $2.00 per month from Jan. 1-May 1 (3 months) the Sec. and Treas. allowed 3 months pay also. AdjournedW. F. Carter, Chairman
W. E. Merritt, Sec.

Mount Airy, N. C. May 7, 1895
W. F. Carter, having been duly notified by J. H. Sparger and J. M. Davis, pole holders, of his election as Mayor and J. I. Belton, W. E. Merritt, G. C. Welch and S. W. Gentry also being notified by the above pole holders of their elections of town commissioners met at the Town Hall at ten o'clock A. M. Mr. Carter was sworn in as Mayor by J. H. Sparger and then the above named commissioners were sworn in by the Mayor. Mr. B. F. Sparger was also notified of his election as Town Commissioner, but was absent.
The Board was organized with the Mayor as chairman. W. E. Merritt was elected Secretary. G. C. Welch elected Treasurer. J. I. Belton and W. E. Merritt were assigned the Finance Committee. J. I. Belton, B. F. Sparger and S. W. Gentry will be the Street Committee. J. O. Gregg was elected Chief of Police. S. N. Allred was elected as assistant police. The five Commissioners and Chairman are to receive $2.00 each for every regular monthly meeting. The Treasurer will receive $10.00 per annum; the Secretary will receive $20.00 per annum. The Chief of Police will receive $45.00 per month, and assistant police, $30.00 per month.
The Street Committee's attention was called to the street at Allred Block. Welch, Belton and Merritt were appointed as a hog pen committee to report Friday, May 10th. The Street Committee is to examine Hines Avenue and report at once. Finance Committee is authorized to make arrangements for the taking of a tax list and making out books.
Recess was taken until Friday, May 10th at 9 o'clock A. M.
W. F. Carter, Chairman
W. E. Merritt, Secretary

Mount Airy, N. C. May 10, 1895
The Board of Town Commissioners met according to agreement of a continuation of the regular meeting of May 7. Mr. B. F. Sparger was absent.
Mr. W. F. Gilmer was allowed $2.00 on the old Board account. Sect 10, Chapter 5 of the town ordinance was changed to read as follows, and five hundred of the same ordered to be printed.

"No hog pen shall be located within thirty feet of any public street within the town, or within thirty feet of the premises of other than the owner, or within thirty feet of any well, spring, or other source of water used for drinking or culinary purposes, or any natural drain or gutter within the town limits; and if such hog pen shall be located contrary to the meaning of this ordinance and the person offending fail to remove it within two days or being notified by the Chief of Police to do so, he shall be fined $5.00 and $15.00 for each day it shall be allowed to stand. That all hog pens within the town limits shall be under the supervision of the Chief of Police, and that all accumulations of filth or manure around any hog pen shall be removed by the owner thereof whenever required so to do by the Chief of Police. That any person or persons failing to cleanse his or her hog pen after being so notified for the space of twenty-four hours shall come under conviction before the Mayor, forfeit and pay to the town five dollars for each offense, and that every day such violation shall continue shall constitute a separate offense.
W. E. Merritt was elected Treasurer and Mr. Welch was put on the Finance Committee in his place.
The J. F. Allred matter was continued. Capt. Gregg was instructed to build a temporary shed for the town wagon contents and tools.Adjourned
W. F. Carter, Chairman
W. E. Merritt, Secretary

Mount Airy, N. C. June 4, 1895
The Board of Town Commissioners met in a regular meeting at the Town Hall at nine o'clock. Mayor Carter was in the chair. All the Board was present except Mr. Merritt (gone fishing). The Finance Committee had no report. The Street Committee had no report. The Special Committee on Hines Avenue was continued. The Treasurer's Report was deferred on account of the absence of the treasurer. The chief of Police made the following report, which was accepted:
Costs and fines collected in May36.92
Real estate tax 130.35

Due Gregg- Police45.00
Due Allred-Police30.00
Due S. G. Pace-Board of Mules10.00
Due Drew Hodges-Prisoners Board 4.40
Due Geo. Brooks-Garbage21.60
The following accounts were allowed:
W. J. Boylice-Printing 8.50
P. B. Hammer-Printing12.00
E. C. Knapp & Co.-Hands on Street 2.50
E. H. Wrenn-Hands on Street16.88
T. W. Price allowed 1.00 double tax for 1894
It was ordered that Chas Albright be paid 60 cents for work on the street. Bill Grieg is allowed 2.50 for building a wagon house. It was ordered that a tax levy of 25 cents on the pole for 1895.
The Following special taxes were ordered to go into effect July 1, 1895- Circuses and minstrels $50.00 per day or part of a day. Every show under canvas when trapeze or jugular performances or shown except circuses and measures shall pay $10.00 for each day or part of a day. Bowling or ten pin alleys shall pay $25.00 per year for each track. Skating Rinks $25.00 per year each, Livery Stables $10.00 each per year, drags double teams $10.00 each per year, drags single teams $5.00 each for a year, butchers when selling meat by the quarter, $10.00 each per year, pool or billiard tables $25.00 each table per year, peddlers of notions, goods, wares, used merchandise $10.00 per year. Dogs - male $1.00, female $2.00, Itinerant peddlers of stoves, ranges and clocks selling or offering to sell shall pay a tax of $50.00 per year for each company represented.
It is ordered by the board that the tax levy and the ordinance in regard to dog and grazing of cattle on the streets and alleys be published by distributing posters.
It is ordered that the dumping of garbage in the streams above the dams at Hamburg and Marshall's Mill be discontinued. The Finance Committee was instructed to employ someone to clean the street every day during June, July, August, and September.
J. O. Gregg's salary as Chief of Police and Tax Collector was raised from $40.00 to $50.00 per month.
Recess was taken until 2 o'clock. P. M.
The Board was called to order. Mr. Gentry was absent and Mr. Merritt still fishing. Mr. R. R. Galloway petitioned that the tax on the Opera House be $10.00 special tax and this was agreed to and other decisions in this matter recorded.
It was moved that the town receive the street at Sam Inman's by Mrs. Nutt's and the motion continued. A motion was made that the town receive the street leaving Main Street at Miss Maby Vernon's, and motion was continued.
Section 3, of Chapter 7 was amended as follows: After the words "mineral water only," Sunday hours for restaurants, must be closed Saturday night at eleven o'clock, may open from 6:30-8:30 in the morning, from 12:00 to 2:00 at noon, and from 5:00-8:30 o'clock at evening.
The following new ordinance was passed: It shall be the duty of every owner of a town lot to keep the same clean and anyone failing to do so shall upon conviction before the mayor forfeit and pay the town $1.00.
Section 8 of chapter 2 of the town ordinance was changed and after the word "third" and before the word "fifth" the following was inserted "or sweep any trash." It was ordered by the board that all venders of lemonade, ice cream, milk shakes, and all other refreshments served in restaurants, drugstores or on the street shall pay a tax of $5.00 per annum. Every person offering such things for sale without first obtaining a license shall forfeit and pay to the town $5.00 for each offense. This shall go into effect on and after the 15th.
It is ordered that J. I. Belton have the Town Hall painted, repaired, and ceiled. Adjourned
W. F. Carter, Chairman
G. C. Welch, Sec. Pro tem