St. Augustine Council Minute Book

 

Minute Book of the St Augustine Council Meetings from August 27th 1821 to December 29 1823
With Additional Information from the Board of Health

An Ordinance No. 2

Establishing a Patrol in the City of St. Augustine.  … That there shall be established in the City, from after the 9 inst a City Patrol, consisting of a leader and eight men, whose duty it shall be to assemble at 8 o’clock p.m. at the watch house and patrol the streets for the maintenance of good order during the night. The City is considered divided for this purpose into four wards, viz Castle Ward, Custom House Ward, Church Ward and Barrack Ward from each of which there shall be appointed a leader by the mayor who shall have power to regulate the watch and whose duty it shall be to make report of his proceeding to the Mayor….all able bodied men eighteen to fifty-five.  Refusal $2 fine

Sept 6 1821 J G Forbes, Mayor

Council consisted of

James G Forbes, Mayor

Anelin Gay

Daniel Copp

Charles Robiow

Francis Fatio

George Murray was elected Clerk

Patrick Lynch and William Livingston aperies?

Amos Arnold Clerk of the Market

John Colpoy? and John Lowe Constables

Charles Vignoles office of City Surveyor

August 27, 1821

On August 30 Philo Andrew was appointed by Gov Jackson as an Alderman for the city.

A committee was appointed to call on Wm Entralgo Clerk of the old Council for city documents in his possession.

Fort was used to confine mentally ill residents.

September 10 John DuBose was added to the Council by Gov Jackson.

A committee was formed to apply to Mr. Gobert to allow the use of a lot next to the Roman Catholic Burying ground to bury the late Judge Fetch and be used as a public burying ground.

Sept 11 given authority to find a public burying ground for Protestants looking first for public property then to buy

City agreed to purchase lot Sept 27 1821

Board of Pilotage appointed:

John Rodman

Chester ?

E F Robinson

Oct 5, 1821

Set a committee to find  site for a hospital for the indigent. Edinboro his house over the bridge.

Council will pay $5 for each coffin for the indigent sick who may die.

Oct 8

George Murray Clerk of the Council resigned.

John Bird was appointed Superintendent of the Hospital

Oct 17

Miss Sally Vignolles was appointed Commissioner of the hospital.

Sept 28 1821

Dr. Micah Stone appointed Resident Physician for the Port of St Augustine.

Oct 22, 1821

John Dubose was elected Clerk of the Council

Oct 26, 1821

A negro fellow nam’d Sharper Welters was brought before the Council on the complaint of the High Constable for killing a hog, contrary to the Ordinances.  He was pardon’d on his promise of good behavior.

Oct 29, 1821

Squire Streeter was appointed Collector of the Taxes and offer’d as his security John Beckley and Wm Livingston, who were approved of, and their bond order’d to be taken in presence of the clerk of the council.

A Negro fellow, named Tom Frederick a slave the property of F Swartz of Charleston appeared before the Council with his Agent John Marshall on a charge, of killing sheep within the limits of the City, which was postpon’d until Wednesday next.

Cap Brown was recommended to be paid the sum of $16 as part of his salary, as Superintendent of the hospital.

Oct 31, 1821

From the governor:

Mr. Monets de Oca, be allow’d to retain the stall he has formerly occupied in the market, on his paying monthly four dollar for the use of the same and also his proportion of the Market Tax heretofore paid. And there shall be erected, as soon, as considered necessary one or more stalls, which shall be let out monthly, to any persons requiring the same, on the same terms.

Nov 5, 1821

Resolved the accounts of Juan de Entralgo and son as clerks of the former council be paid.

Nov 9, 1821

Mr. Porter and Mr. Gwyott were appointed commissioners for Hospital.

Nov 19

Accounts paid P Mitchell for hire of Negroes $15

Rob’ Rowley for 3 coffins $15

Rob’ Dowling bal due him $5

John Johnson for work on Hospital $10

Charles Robiou for lumber $40

Wm Brown $10

Nov 23

Account received from Tho Campbell for $10.50 and ordered to be paid

Alexander McCoye account as steward of the hospital for $29.00 recd and ordered to be paid.

Nov 30

Wm Roberton appointed an Alderman.

Dec 10

A letter was reeiv’d from Samuel Fairbanks one of the security for G Darling as High Constable praying to be released from any future responsibility on his security bond which was granted.

The acct of Mary Connely for $28.00 was received and ordered to e paid.

Geo Gibbs and William Reynolds were appointed Commissioners of Pilotage.

Dec 22 1821

Sam Walker was appointed Clerk of the Market.

Mr. Arnold the former Clerk of the Market be directed to deliver over to the present clerk, the House he now occupies.

Jan 4 1822

James Guyott was appointed as Constable.

Jan 15

Jan Lowe for nursing $18 ordered o be paid.

(1821 a Map of the City of St. Augustine was submitted to the US House of Representatives).

Jan 24

R Gibson appointed as an Alderman.

Jn Gonzales, ? Quevada, and M Solana and John Greene were appointed Directors of he Patrol in the different Wards of the City

Ordinance No 10

No Negro or Person of Color, shall be permitted to go abroad in the Streets after 9 o’clock at night, unless if a slave he or she be provided with a written pass from his or her Master or Mistress, and if free, from the Mayor or one of the Aldermen,. And all persons of Color, shall be subject to the examination of the Patrol, if found in the streets after the hour before mentioned.

No persons of color, shall be permitted to hold meetings for dancing or other sports at any time of night after 12 o’clock without written permission from the Mayor or one of the Aldermen…..

Jan 28

Dr. Richard Murrays account for services render’d to the Hospital was referr’d to the Charitable society.

Feb 4

Rodman had given judgment against Gaspar Arnau, Don Montenoca and Antnio Merae and had fined them $30 each under the Ordinance of he Board of Health.

Feb 25

Mary Struder for nursing the orphan children of the late Joshua Devlin for 10 weeks

Ebenzer Tyrrell be appointed a constable for the city.

March 4

Dr. Robinson and Gibson were appointed to a committee to regulate the selling of meat in the market.

April 1

Walter Smith appointed an alderman.

John Greene elected by the Council as High Constable.

April 8

Thomas H. Penn appointed an Alderman.

Thomas Penn appointed as one of the Committee on Streets.

April 15

Dr. William McCrossky appointed alderman.

April 22

John Rodman Acting as Mayor

Dr Wm Crosky

1. Robertson

E R Gibson

May 27

Franes G Fatio as interpreter of the Public Acts of the Council was approved (the account of)

July 15

Accounts were settled showing that John DuBose was acting treasurer from 15 Oct to 15 July 1822..

Sept 9

John Lowe was appointed Sexton of the City.

Sept 24 (Board of Health

Doctor Micah Stone appointed resident Physician of this City appear’d and took his seat as President of the Board of Health.

Sept 27 (Board of Health)

Requested the Council to move the hospital away from the center of the city…..for the health of the inhabitants of the city.

Oct 4 (Board of Health)

Whereas it appears from the aff’ of Richard Murray MD that a Mulatto man nam’d Geoffry Turner had been administering medicine to the prejudice of the inhabitants of this City and interfering with the practice of the regular Physicians, it was therefore resolved:

That the said Geoffry Turner, be prohibited from practicing medicine from this day, under the penalty of one hundred dollars for the first offence and to be banished from the said province on eviction of the Second, And that the said Geoffry Turner be immediately notified of the above resolution by the High Constable.

Oct 5 (Board of Health)

That from and after this date there be established a Board of Physicians, to be compos’d of the Resident Physician and Dr. C McCrossky who are authoriz’d to examine all persons now practicing physick in this City, and all those who may hereafter wish to practice  And that the said Board be authorized to frame such regulations, as they may deem necessary for the same, and that this resolution be published in the Gazette.

Oct 8 (Board of Health)

Geoffry Turner, a free Man charg’d with violating a resolution passed on the 4th in’ prohibiting him from practicing physick, was found guilty, but the Board in consideration of the circumstances, under which he acted, remit the penalty on condition the he give satisfactory security to the Board of Health that he will not again practice physick in the City of St Augustine.

Resolved that Col Jn Johnson and Jn Drisdale be appointed commissioners for the present week.

Oct 18 (Board of Health)

Dr J J Owen this day appeared and informed the Board that Geoffrey Turner, did on 17 practice physick and surgery on a white man named Mills by bleeding him.

Oct 22 (Board of Health)

Geoffrey Turner who had been cited to appear before the Board for acting in contradiction to the resolution of the board passed on 4 and 5 instant ? picting his practicing Physick in this City, apper’d on which it was resolved.

That the said Geoffrey Turner, be committed to prison under a ? from the Pres of the Board of Health until the fine imposed on him be paid. and that he also be compelled to give bond and security to Amt of $500 that he will not practice physick again within this City the said bond and security to be approved of by the Board of Health.

Resolved.

That it be recommended to the Head of families, within this City, As a matter of precaution that fire be kept in their house, and that the rooms of the sick, particularly be fumigated with vinegar, sugar or tar.

Nov 4

Election

Walters Smith …. Mayor

Antonio Alvarez

Patrick Lynch

John Drysdale

Squire Streeter

Charles Robiou

Francis P Sanchez

Francis Gue

Ediv R. Gibson

Antonio Alvares was elected by the Alderman as President of the Council

Fatio was city clerk

Nov 11

Francis G Fatio elected Clerk.

Eliminated City Constable and created the office of City Marshall

A letter was received from Moses Hart soliciting the place of Clerk of the Market. Order’d that the clerk of this board pass the same to his honor the Mayor.

Wallen, Travers and Hulbert were appointed to the Board of Pilotage.

Nov 15

Judge Smith, Mr. Rodman, and Col. Murray were appointed appraisers for government land and house in the city.

(Council had obtained the Spanish archive from J S Tingle of two large and two small books and deposited the same with the City Clerks office.

Nov 25

John Lowe was appointed messenger of the Board.

Dec 4 1822

Wm G. Davis was appointed City Marshall and Inspector.

An order was received from William Brown soliciting the place of Branch Pilot. Ordered to lay on the Table.

Dec 16

A Letter to the Mayor from Joel Dickinson containing proposals for renting the Central Hospital was received by the Board.  Ordered to lay o the Table until next meeting.

Dec 20

Hospital was leased to Joel Dickinson for an annual rent of $120

On a motion, resolved that the lower part of the City Hall be given to Mrs. Girty for the purpose of a school until such time as it shall be wanted for a more important one, or for other purposes.

Jan 6, 1823

John Andreu and John Whalton were appointed Branch Pilots of the Barr and Harbor of St. Augustine.  They were authorized to employ Matias Capella, Pedro Capella and John Buchany as their agents.

Jan 7 (Board of Health) Dr. J P C McMahon appointed Resident Physician of this City by the Acting Governor of the Province.

Jan 8

Elias Wallen was appointed Tax Collector and Treasurer by the Mayor and Thomas H. Pen and Peter Miranda offered securities.

Jan 20

Resolved that R. Lorings acct of Fifty Dollars for pulling down the Old Dragoon Barracks as per contract with the Mayor and agreeable to a resolution of this Board of the 23 November last be passed for payment.

Jan 24 (Board of Health)

John Alden was appointed a member of the board.

(Council)

A letter was recd from Mr. Cotter and Waldo soliciting the Room in the lower part of the City Hall for the purpose of establishing a Classical and English School. Resolved that the said Mr. Cotter and Waldo have the use of said Room for the space of two months free of rent.

Jan 29 (Board of Health)

John Dubois was appointed secretary.

Members:

The Mayor

Ed Law

Jm Rochman

Jn Gibson

Wm Robertson

Mn Alden

Dr McMahon

Feb 24

Edward R Gibson resigned as Alderman of Castle Ward.

L Watterson’s bill for a coffin for Philip A Caverly decd was rejected.

Francis Gue, John Geiger and Stephen Arnau were selected as commissioners for the special election to fill the seat of Gibson.

March 4 (Board of Health)

Resolved that the  Pilots be ordered to bring to at the Quarantine ground all vessels arriving from Baltimore, or any of the Ports of North Carolina or otherwise, where the small Pox prevails and not to bring them nearer the Town until they have been visited by the Health Officer. And have his report or permission to proceed. And that it be the duty of the Health Officer forthwith to visit every such vessel, for which he shall be entitled to receive from the master or Commander, thereof the Sum of one dollar s full Compensation for his Services.

March 5

John Lowe being charged by the Mayor of having assisted in taking up the body of Philip A Caverly decd and he (J Lowe) having pleaded not guilty it was resolved that the Mayor be requested to lay before this Board such evidence as my be in his power in support of the charge that John Lowe aided and assisted in taking up the body of Philip A. Caverly dec’d after the interment thereof in the public burying ground of this city.

March 12

Accepted the election results of Nehemiah Tilton winning over Stephen Arnau 29 to 1.

The Board having taken into consideration the offence of John Lowe in having assisted in taking up the Body of Philip A Caverly decd Resolved therefore, that he be called before the Board and receive a reprimand with a strict injunction to commit the like again.

March 19

Agreed to lease the public lots and lands reported to the board known as Old Powder House lot for one year at the rate of $2 per acre to William R. Taber and $3 for 2 more years.

April 7

An account was presented from E. Wallen City Treasurer and Collector amounting to $37.50 for one quarter salary.

June 9

Resolved that the Street Committee be and it hereby is authorized to contract with Mr. John Lorenzo for building the public well and taking down the north wall of the market and cleaning and piling up he stone thereof.

Resolved that the Mayor be authorized to have a seal with some suitable device struck for the use of the city.

Resoled that notice be given to Mr. Cotter that three dollars per month will be expected from him for the hire of the room which he occupies as a school room from the first of July ext.

June 14 (Board of Health)

Dr. Richard Weightmann, President

J G Forbes

Jn Rodman

Dr. Robertson

Dr. Gibson

Dr. McCosky

W Smith

Thos H Penn

July 11 1823

William Livingston was clerk of the market from 2 Dec 1822 till 2nd July 1823.

July 14

An acct was presented from Joseph Sanchez and Peter Mitchell for the hire of two Negroes to clear out the ditch at the lines…

Resolved that the fines imposed on Jane Frenandez and William Sanchez for a breach of City Ordinance be remitted.

August 11

A letter was received from F J Fatio resigning his office as Clerk of the Board of Aldermen…. public notice of election by posting up an advertisement at Starr tavern.

August 25

Thomas Penn and Mr. Menard applied for the position of clerk.  Thomas Penn was selected unanimously.

Sept 8

The resignation of Alderman Lynch was received. (Barrack ward)

John DuBose, P Poriers and E Gomez were selected as election commissioners.

Sept 20

Francis Marin was elected alderman.

Sept 22

A petition was presented by Marmaduke Dever praying that a fine inflicted on him for offering for sale Beef said not to be marketable.

Oct 6

Commissioners appointed for general election

Castle Ward – Jn Gieger S Arnau and N Tilton

Church Ward F P Sanchez B Segui and Rich Murray

Hospital Ward – E Wallen Simeon Sanchez and G Gibbs

Barracks Ward B Llambias, John DuBoise and John Pierson

Oct 21

R Jorulmann? Was appointed commissioner for elections in Hospital Ward. Mr. Geo Gibbs resigned.

Oct 28th

Nehemiah Tilton was not eligible for the election post since he moved out of the Castle ward area

Nov 4

Election counts

Tho H Penn 124 votes   Walters Smith 49   MAYOR

Benjamin Chain 39 votes Jos Hernandez 39 Castle Ward

Richard Murray 38 votes Frans Ferrana 37 C Robiou 12 C Sully 3 F S Sanchez 2 – Custom House Ward

Simeon Sanchez 44 Jno B Strong 26, Wm R Taber 21 Cotter 5 – Hospital Ward

Frm Marin 32 George Murrey 31 Peter Porter 18 Barrack Ward.

Nehemiah Tilton served as clerk pro tem.

Results:

Thomas H Penn Mayor

Benjamin Chain

Joseph Hernandez

Richard Murray

Francis Fenara

John B Strong   J Simeon Sanchez

Francis Marine

Benjamin Chain was unanimously elected President of the Board.

Oct 2 1824 (Board of Health)

A memorial was proposed to congress praying a donation of fifty acres of land at Point Castle to build a Quarantine Hospital upon also a donation of such sum as may be considered sufficient to build the same…..