Bells Jan 5th 1897
The city council met in regular session with Mayor J W Reynolds and all aldermen
present except Mitchell present. The minutes of the last meeting were read and
approved. Street comittee reported the streets in good condition and needing no
work. Sanitary committee reported several places needed cleaning up. One being
around the house of John Washington. The marshall was instructed to warn him to
clean up. The following accounts were presented and allowed.
J N Ferguson & Sons lumber for bridge $34.69
G W Adams work on bridge and park $ 8.00
W C Bishop work on streets $ 3.00
S E Badgett printing $ 1.10
W P Kidd fees and services $39.40
Ford and West work $ 8.25
Total $94.44
City Marshals report
Property tax collected $162.55
Occupation " $ 44.25
Street " $ 35.00
Fines " $ 2.15
Total collected $243.95
Mayor Reynolds reported that he could find no ordinance regulating the speed of
trains in the corporate limits of the town of Bells. The question was laid over untill
next meeting when an ordinance will be presented for passage subject to the action
of the council.
(Signed) J W Reynolds, Mayor
(Signed) W T Burton, Sect
Bells Feb. 5th, 1897
The council met their regular meeting night. All aldermen present but W C
Witcher. Street committee reported streets and sidewalks in good condition.
Sanitary committee everything in good order. Mayor asked for further time to
prepare a speed ordinance. He was granted untill next regular meeting to prepare
one.
The following accts were presented and allowed.
J N Ferguson lumber $ 89.61
S E Badgett printing $ 2.25
James Show work on S Walks $ 10.75
Neal Smith work on S Walks $ .75
W P Kidd fees & services $ 15.80
J W Reynolds cost on cases $ 30.95
Total allowed $150.11
The treasurer made the following report as shown by his books
Received since June 4 $580.65
Paid out on warrants $408.00
Balance on hand $172.65
(Signed) W T Burton, Sec
(Signed) J W Reynolds, Mayor
Bells Mch 2, 1897
City council met with mayor Reynolds in the chair, and all aldermen present. The
committees made favorable reports.
The following accounts were presented and allowed
J M Ellum feeding prisiners $ 1.35
A W Kimbrough telephone $ .50
S R Hicks moving sidewalks $ 2.50
W P Kidd services and percent on rd $23.25
Burgher & Rutledge hardware $ 1.45
J W Reynolds bal on cases $10.00
Total $39.05
Marshals Report
Money collected since last report $46.05
R C West, W C Witcher, and W T Burton
were instructed to rent a house for the coming year to be used as Mayors office.
(Signed) J W Reynolds, Mayor
(Signed) W T Burton, Sec
Bells Tex Apr 6, 1897
Council met Tuesday night April 6th, 1897 with Mayor J W Reynolds and
aldermen West, Witcher, Mitchell, & Burton present. Shumate absent
Minutes of last meeting read and approved.
Committees made their reports.
The following acounts were presented and allowed
Dr. P F Ellis holding election $10.00
N C Ferguson house rent for 1 year $40.20
S E Badgett printing notice $ 2.00
W P Kidd fees & services $17.85
D B Mitchell services as alderman $ 2.50
R C West services as alderman $ 2.50
W T Burton services as alderman $ 3.00
A Shumate services as alderman $ 2.50
W C Witcher services as alderman $ 2.50
Marshal made following report for March
Occupation Tax collected $40.65
Property " $11.75
Street " $ 1.00
Total $53.40
The committee appointed to rent a hall for the coming year reported that they could
secure present hall for $30 per year or one from W P Kidd for $24 per year. Latter
proposition accepted. House to be put in good repair, heated and put in stove when
needed.
An ordinance was presented asking that hotel runners, hack drivers and any loiterers
be prohibited from standing on depot platform. Tabled undefinitely.
An ordinance regulating speed of trains in corporate limits of the town of Bells was
adopted. An ordinance relating to taxing and impounding of dogs was adopted. No
further business coming before the council they adjourned.
(Signed) W C Witcher, Sec
(Signed_ J W Reynolds, Mayor
Bells Tex April 16, 97
City council met in called session on above date for the purpose of counting ballot
of election held Apr 6 to elect mayor, five aldermen, and a marshal
All aldermen were present
The vote as officially counted was as follows
For Mayor J W Reynolds 79
For Aldermen
R C West 82
D B Mitchell 83
W C Witcher 82
A Shumate 72
S E Noel 85
For Marshall
W P Kidd 46
J E G Pearce 41
All the aldermen was sworn in & the following committees were appointed by
Mayor Reynolds.
Street Committee - R C West, W C Witcher, S E Noel
Finance Committee - S E Noel, A Shumate, W C Witcher
Ordinances Com - R C West, W C Witcher, S E Noel
Claims Com - A Shumate, S E Noel, R C West
Sanitary Com - S E Noel, W C Witcher, A Shumate
Tax Com - D B Mitchell, S E Noel, W C Witcher
Park Com - R C West, W C Witcher, S E Noel
No further business appearing council adjourned
D B Mitchell was appointed Mayor Pro-Tem, W C Witcher was appointed Sec. D
B Mitchell, Treas
(Signed) W C Witcher, Sec
(Signed) J W Reynolds, Mayor
Bells Tex May 4 1897
The city council met in regular session on above date. The following were present:
J W Reynolds, Mayor. Aldermen Mitchell, Noel, and Shumate. Witcher absent.
West absent.
The sec being absent, the minutes of last meeting were not read.
Sanitary committee reported town in a healthful and clean condition.
No other committee reports
The following accounts were presented and allowed.
S E Badgett, publishing ordinance $11.35
W P Kidd, services $12.50
Treasurers books showed $7.40 in treasury
No other business coming before council they adjourned.
(Signed) J W Reynolds, Mayor
Bells, Tex June 8, 1897
The city council met on the above date to surply the regular June meeting. Mayor
& all alderman present. Minutes of three preceeding meetings were read and
approved.
Street com. reported some work needing doing. The old sidewalk whitch was taken
up from the Methodist church to the parsonage was ordered moved par of it to be
used in extending the sidewalk to H J Mathews residence part ot be used splicing
out the sidewalk in front of the little red house near N C Ford. The remainder to be
used to extend a walk to Mrs. Jones property occupied by D B Mitchell.
Sanitary com - reported that the town needed a cleaning up and the com was
instructed to have the owners clean up wherever needed.
A petition from the merchants of Bells asking that W A Son be removed from the
rear end of the store which he is occupying as a residence was presented to the
council and accepted and petition granted.
The following accounts were present and allowed.
T Jewett cutting weeds $ .25
H A George feeding prisoners $ 1.35
W P Kidd fees & services $17.95
Ford, West & Son work on bridge $ 4.00
J W Reynolds costs $ 5.50
The marshals report for May was as follows
Fines Col $ 8.00
Property tax col $ 1.50
Atty fees $ 8.85
Dog Tags $ 1.00
Occupation Tax $12.95
Total $32.30
The council was ask to have the atty fees in the case of the town of Bells VS. C F
Reynolds remited.
They claimed they had no orthority to interfear with the mayors and council's work.
No further business, the council adjourned until next regular meeting.
(Signed) W C Witcher, Seck
(Signed) J W Reynolds, Mayor
Bells Tex July 6, 1897
The city council met in regular session on the above date with all members present
but Noel & West. Minutes of last meeting read & approved. Street com reported
streets & sidewalks needing work. The marshal was instructed to warn out street
hands and place them in propper condition. The following accounts were presented
and allowed.
S E Badgett printing $ 3.00
W P Kidd fees and services $16.80
J W Reynolds costs $ 3.40
Total $23.20
Marshal Kidd made the following report for the month
Occupation tax collected $43.20
Attorney fees $ 9.65
Fines $ 4.15
Total $57.00
That part clause No. 4 of the dog ordinance relating to the muzzling of dogs was
repealed. Motion to allow council 50 cts each for each meeting, rather call or
regular meeting carried. No further business, council adjourned.
(Signed) J W Reynolds,
(Signed) W C Witcher, Sec
Bells Tex Aug. 3 - 1897
City council met on the above date in regular session. Mitchell & Shumate absent.
Coms reported town & streets in reasonable condition.
The following accounts were presented and allowed.
A A George feeding prisoners $ 1.35
S E Badgett printing $ 2.75
J W Reynolds cost on fines $ 3.95
W P Kidd fees and services $20.10
The marshal made the following report of business since last meeting
Street tax collected $36.65
Property tax collected $ 1.15
Occupation tax collected $13.15
Dog tax collected $ 3.00
Atty fees collected $13.15
fines $21.35
Total $88.45
There being no further business the council closed.
(Signed) J W Reynolds, Mayor
(Signed) W C Witcher
Bells Tex Sept. 7, 1897
Council met on the above date in regular session. Minutes of last meeting read and
approved. The com. made their report all of which was accepted. The following
accounts were presented and allowed
AA George feeding prisoners 20 meals $ 3.00
W P Kidd fees & services $13.00
Statutes and supplies $ 3.00
J W Reynolds costs in cases inAugust $16.40
Total $35.40
The marshal submitted the following report which was accepted.
Fines colected $24.65
Atty fees col $13.50
Street tax col $ 2.00
Dog tax col $ 1.00
Occupation tax $ .65
Total $47.80
Mayor Reynolds then brought up the condition of our streets and sidewalks upon a
motion by Shumate, marshall Kidd was instructed to get together all those that are
in debted to the town on fines and the payment on which fines are somewhat
doubtful and to have a general clening up of the town and repairing of the side
walks, culberts, bridges, cutting weeds, etc.
There is about $200.00 outstanding.
The curfew law question died in the shall. No further business council closed.
(Signed) W C Witcher, Sect
(Signed) J W Reynolds, Mayor
Bells Tex Oct. 9, 1897
City council met in regular session on the above date with Mayor J W Reynolds in
the chair. Alderman all present ex West.
The following com made their reports, street, sanitary, park, ... and were received.
The following accounts were presented and allowed.
James Show labor $ .40
A A George feeding prisoners $ 3.00
W P Kidd fees & services $18.75
J N Ferguson and sons lumber $11.18
Mayors costs $ 5.75
Aldermans services $15.00
Total $54.08
Marshall Kidds report was read and accepted it was as follows
Fines collected $23.10
Atty fees col $ 5.90
Mayors cost col $ .85
Occupation tax $40.65
Dog tab $ 1.00
Total $71.50
A petition was presented asking the council to open a street from J G Neals to
intersect the MK&T Railroad at the freight depot referred to street com.
Resignation of J W Reynolds as mayor read and accepted. D B Mitchel was then
appointed to fill out the unexpired term. Ordinance Committee was instructed to
make investigation concerning trespassers at the union depot. Council adjourned
(Signed) W C Witcher, Sect
(Signed) D B Mitchell, Mayor
Bells Tex Nov 2 1897
City council met on the above date with Mayor D B Mitchell in the chair and all
alderman present. Reports of the several committees were accepted. Claims as
follows were presented and allowed.
R C West & Son hire of team and hauling $ 2.25
W PKidd fees and services $15.90
Marshal submitted the following report which was accepted
Fines collected $18.15
Attorneys fees $11.60
Occupation tax $ 6.65
Mayors cost $ 3.30
A vote was taken on the question of opening the street through from J G Neal's by
the MK&T depot. The street was ordered opened by a unanimous vote.
D B Mitchell resigned as city treasurer and S E Noel appointed on the finance com.
and R C West on tax com. to take the place of D B Mitchell. Council closed.
(Signed) W C Witcher, Sect
Bells Tex Dec 7, 1897
City council met on the above date with D B Mitchell in the chair. Councilman
Noel, Witcher, & Shumate present. Minutes read and approved. San Com reports
were all the bisness done. Shumate having to leave a meeting was called for next
Tuesday night the 14th, inst, for any business may come up. Council closed.
(Signed) W C Witcher
(Signed) R C West, Mayou Pro
Bells Tex Dec. 14 1897
The city council met in called session Tuesday night, Dec. 14, 1897. Mayor D B
Mitchell was absent but all aldermen were present. R C West acted as Mayor
Pro-Tem.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
Committees reports were accepted.
The following accts were presented and allowed.
W C Witcher services as alderman 3 mos $ 1.50
J E G Pearce feeding prisoners $ 2.95
J T Kidd 1 1/4 days labor $ 1.75
W P Kidd fees & services $20.10
E Haggard lumber $ 3.20
Total $29.50
City Marshall submitted the following report of collections for November
Fines collected $33.50
Occupation tax coll $ 3.65
Attorney fees $17.90
Mayors cost $ 1.70
Property tax $19.65
Total $76.40
W C Witcher handed in his resignation as alderman, resignation accepted.
On motion a vote of thanks was tendered Mr. Witcher by the council. Council
adjourned.
(Signed) D B Mitchell, Mayor
(Signed) A Shumate, Sec
Bells Jan. 4, 1898
City council met in regular session Tuesday night Jan.4, with Mayor D B Mitchell
in the chair and Aldermen West, Shumate, and Noel present. Reading of minutes
of previous meeting were deferred.
Committees had no report to make.
The following accts were presented & allowed.
A H Kimbrough telephone message $ .25
Smith & Belote mdse $ .35
S E Badgett printing $ 1.75
J E G Pearce feeding prisoners $ 2.10
W P Kidd fees & precent on tax collected $34.50
Total $38.95
Marshall Kidd made the following report of collections during December
Taxes on property $129.28
Occupation taxes $ 40.00
Attorney fees $ 3.80
Fines $ 9.00
Total $182.88
A warrant for $150 with interest from date of note, given by town of Bells to N C
Ferguson was ordered drawn in favor of M & P Bank-Sherman in whose hand the
note had been placed for collection, to pay off said note. W C Witcher having
resigned as secretary, A Shumate was elected by the council to fill the unexpired
term. Council adjourned
(Signed) A Shumate, Sec
(Signed) D B Mitchell, Mayor
Bells, Texas Feb. 1, 1898
The city council met in regular session Tuesday night, Feb. 1, with Mayor Mitchell
and all aldermen present.
Minutes of the two previous meetings were read and approved.
After a general discussion, the dog tax law of the town of Bells was repealed.
Treasurer S E Noel reported that he had, according to instructions, paid off the note
given by the town of Bells to N C Ferguson Aug. 1, 1895, with interest at 10 per
cent in purchasing the city park. The principal was $50.00 and interest $36.70
making a total of $186.70
The following accts were presented and allowed
D B Mitchell costs in cases tried $ 2.80
Ferguson & Sons lumber $ 5.40
W P Kidd fees & services $15.80
Total $24.00
Marshall Kidd made the following report of money collected during January
Property tax $29.25
Occupation tax $ 4.00
Fines $ 5.00
Attorney fees $ 2.50
Total $40.75
No further business appearing the council adjourned.
(Signed) D B Mitchell, Mayor
(Signed) A Shumate
Bells Texas March 8, 1898
The city council met in called session Tuesday night, March 8, with Mayor D B
Mitchell and Aldermen Noel, West, and Shumate present.
The minutes of the previsou meeting were read and approved.
The of S E Noel was substituted for that of D B Mitchell on the finance committee.
The following accounts were presented and allowed.
West & Son hauling $ .75
Ferguson & Son, lumber $33.90
Smith & Belote nails $ 1.45
Total $36.10
Marshall Kidd made the following report of collections during February
Property tax collected $17.80
Occupation tax collected $ .65
Total $18.45
Marshall Kidd was instructed to warn out the street hands and put the streets in
good condition.
Council adjourned
(Signed) D B Mitchell
(Signed) A Shumate
Bells, Tex April 8, 1898
The city council met in called session on Friday night, April 8, 1898. Mayor D B
Mitchell in the chair. Aldermen present - S E Noel, R C West, and A Shumate
The purpose of this meeting was to count the ballot sheet of the City Election. The
said Mayor & Aldermen did then & there count same and did declare D B Mitchell
duly elected as Mayor & the aldermen W C Ford & S E Noel & G W Adams & N F
Burton & N C Ferguson duly elected. The mayor sworn in the aldermen present W
C Ford, S E Noel, G W Adams & N C Ferguson. Alderman elect W T Burton not
in the city. The mayor was all so sworn in & N C Ferguson he being appointed by
the mayor to so do the mayor all so swore in the Marshall W P Kidd then being no
further business the council adjourned untill the 12th of April, Tuesday.
(Signed) D B Mitchell, Mayor
Bells Tex April 12th, 1898
City council met in call session Tuesday night April 12 - 98 Mayor D B Mitchell in
the chair. Aldermen present - S E Noel, W C Ford, G W Adams, N C Ferguson.
On motion by S E Noel, N C Ferguson was elected Sec for the council. The mayor
appointed the following as committee
Street Com - N C Ferguson chair, W C Ford, and S E Noel
Finance Com - S E Noel, N C Ferguson, W C Ford
Ordinance Com - G W Adams, S E Noel, & N C Ferguson
Com on claims - N C Ferguson, S E Noel, & W T Burton
Sanitary Com - G W Adams, W C Ford, & W T Burton
Tax Com - S E Noel, W C Ford, & G W Adams
Park Com - W C Ford, N C Ferguson, & S E Noel
On motion by G W Adams, S E Noel was elected Treas for the town of Bells there
being no further business, the council adjourned.
(Signed) D B Mitchell, Mayor
Bells Tex May 3rd, 1898
City council met in regular session. Mayor D B Mitchell in the chair.
Alderman present - S E Noel, W C Ford, W T Burton, G W Adams, & N C
Ferguson
Minutes of the previous meeting was red & approved. W T Burton was sworn in as
alderman. The marshall W P Kidd made the following report
Taxes collected on property $11.15
Taxes collected on occupation $ 1.65
Fines $ 5.00
Atty fees $ 4.50
Total $22.30
The following accts was allowed and ordered paid tonit
W P Kidd percentage on tax collected $ 1.15
" " on occupation $ .15
" 12 mo house rent up date $24.00
" 1 mo service as Marshall $12.50 total $37.80
J N Ferguson lumber acct $ 3.45
W C Ford $ 1.00
A S Masson $ 1.00
Total $43.25
The following committee was appointed by the mayor to contract & rent a house
for the city council for 12 mos. Report at the next meeting to wit:
S E Noel, W C Ford,& G W Adams there being no further business, the council
adjourned.
(Signed) D B Mitchell
Bells, Tex June 6th, 1898
City council met in regular session
Mayor D B Mitchell in the chair
Aldermen present - W T Burton, G W Adams, W C Ford, & N C Ferguson
The minutes of the previous meeting was read & approved.
The committee appointed at the previous meeting to rent a house for the city
council for the next mo time to begin May 6th, 1898 made their report & rented N
C Ferguson house next door to the news office at $2.00 per mo rent to be paid at
the end of 12 mo. The following accounts was allowed & ordered paid to wit;
George Moon Col for work on ditch $1.00
W T Burton 1 day work on side walks $ 1.00
W C Ford 1 day work on side walks $ 1.25
J N Ferguson & Sons lumber acct $ 5.64
W P Kidd percentage on $8.00 tax collected $ .80
W P Kidd 1 mo salary as Marshall $12.50
Total $22.19
The marshall reported collect tax $8.00
On motion & second that a committee be appointed to have the weeds cut in the
town of Bells & they use their own judgement as best ... they and to be cut. The
mayor appointed the following committee to wit: G W Adams, W C Ford & W T
Burton
On motion by W T Burton & second that the mayor appoint a committee to see J W
Reynolds about what he owes the town of Bells. The committee appointed W T
Burton, W C Ford, G W Adams. There being no further business, the council
adjourned.
(Signed) D B Mitchell
Bells, Tex July 5th, 1898
City council met in regular session
Mayor D B Mitchell in the chair
Alderman present - G W Adams, S E Noel, W C Ford.
The Sec not being present with the minutes, they were not read. Later Ferguson &
Burton arrived.
The following accts was allowed to wit:
M McCollum cutting weeds $15.00
W C Ford 1 day work Team & hand on streets $ 3.00
Bells News printing warrant book $ 2.50
W T Burton Repairing Bridge $ .25
Walter Craig making steps at park $ .75
W P Kidd fees & services $20.60
Total $42.10
Marshall Kidd made the following report of collections during the mo of June
Occupation taxes $60.65
Street tax collected $20.00
Property tax collected $ .55
Total $81.20
The report of the committee appointed to have weeds cut was received & the
committee discharged. On motion, it was voted that the remainder of the weeds on
the main street of North & South Bells be cut. Adams, Ford, Ferguson & Noel
were appointed a committee to have them cut. No further business appearing, the
council adjourned.
(Signed) D B Mitchell
Bells Tex Aug. 2 - 1898
City council met in regular session Mayor D B Mitchell in the chair.
Alderman present - S E Noel, W C Ford, W T Burton, and N C Ferguson
Minutes of the previous meeting was read and approved.
The following accts was allowed and ordered paid
Smith & Belote Hardware $ 2.07
J N Ferguson & Sons lumber $ 7.13
W T Burton work on street & bridges $ 2.35
J M McCollum 1 day in park $ 1.00
Tom Miller 1 day with team on streets
and 1/2 day in park $ 2.50
Alex Wasson 1/2 day work in park $ .50
Alford McCollum 1 day work in park $ 1.00
Alford McCollum cut weeds $ 8.00
The marshall W P Kidd acct for services $12.50
" team 6 days in streets $12.00
" on seeing on streets $ 4.00
" 6 days of hired hands $ 3.00
" ... $ .20
" Black smithing $ .15
" percentage tax collected $ 1.50
" 1/2 day Milas Lavender $ .25
Total $58.15
The marshall made his report for the mo of July money collected to wit
Street tax $32.75
Property tax $ 2.20
Fines $ 1.40
Total $36.35
On motion by W C Ford & carried that Mayor D B Mitchell go to Sherman & see the
Bells Tex Sept 9th,1898
The marshall Kidd made the following report of collecting during the preceeding
Bells Tex Oct 4th, 1898
Bells Tex Nov 1st
The marshall made the following report of collections
Bells Tex Dec 7 - 1898
Bells Tex Jan 3rd 1899
Bells Tex Feb 7th, 1899
Bells Tex Mch 7 - 99
Bells Tex April 4th 1899
The council is to have a call meeting Wednesday night April 5th for the purpose of
Bells Tex April 5th 1899
Bells, Tex May 2sc, 1899
Bell Tex June 6th 99
The marshall made the following report
Bells Tex July 4 - 1899
The marshall made the following report
W L Thomas percentage tax collected $ 5.65
Bells Tex Aug 1st 99
Bells Tex Sept 5th 1899
Bells Tex Sept 16th 1899
Bells Tex Oct 3rd 1899
Bells Tex Nov. 7 - 99
On motion & second the marshall put the side walks in good shape taken the
Bells Tex Dec 5th 1899
Bells Tex Dec. 19th, 1899
Bells Tex Jan. 2 - 1900
Bells Tex Jan 15th 1900
Bells Tex Jan 19th 1900
Bells Tex Feb 6th 1900
Bells Tex Mch 6 - 1900
Bells Tex April 3rd 1900
Bells Tex May 1st 1900
Bells Tex June 5th 1900
Bells Tex July 3 - 1900
Bells Tex July 27 - 1900
Bells Tex Aug. 7 - 1900
Bells Tex Aug. 11 - 1900
Bells Tex Sept. 4 - 1900
Bells Tex Oct 3 - 1900
Bells Tex Nov 6 - 1900
Bells Tex Dec 4 - 1900
Bells Tex Feb. 5th, 1901
Bells Tex Mch 5th, 1901
Bells Tex April 2 1901
Bells Tex May 7 - 1901
Bells Tex June 4 - 1901
The marshal made the following report
Bells Tex July 2sd 1901
Bells Tex Aug 6 - 1901
Be it ordained by the Town council of the Town of Bells that it shall be unlawful for
Be it ordained by the Town Council of the Town of Bells that it shall be unlawful for
Be it ordained by the Town Council of the Town of Bells, Grayson County, Tex as
Be it ordained by the Town Council of the Town of Bells, Grayson County, Tex that
Bells Tex Sept 3 - 1901
Bells Tex Oct 1 - 1901
Bells Tex Oct 21 - 1901
Bells Tex Nov 5th 1901
Bells Tex Dec 3 - 1901
Bells Tex Jan 10 - 1902
Bells Tex Feb 5th 1902
The marshal made the following report
Bells Tex Mch 4 - 1902
Marshal reported
Bells Texas April 1 - 1902
Marshal reported collected $34.15
Bells Texas Apr 15th 1902
Bells Tex April 15 - 1902
Bells Tex May 6th 1902
Bells Tex April 6, 1902
Above petition was read and Mayor Isbell & Aldermen in accordance with said
Mayors office June 3, 1902
Mayor office Aug. 5 1902
Mayors office Sept 2 1902
Mayors Office Sept 4th 1902
Mayors Office Oct. 7th 1902
Following acct was ordered pd
Mayors Office Nov. 4th, 1902
Marshall reported following
Mayors Office Dec. 2nd 1902
Mayor Office Jan. 6 - 1903
Mayor Office Feb. 3 - 1903
Mayors Office Mar 3rd 1903
Mayor Office April 7th, 1903
Marshall reported occupation tax $44.65
Mayors Office April 22 - 1903
Mayors Office April 22, 1903
Mayors Office May 5th 1903
Mayors Office June 2nd, 1903
Mayors Office July 7th, 1903
Bells Tex Aug 4th 1903
Mayor Office Bells TX Sept 1st 1903
Acct of Marshall
Mayors Office Sept 2 - 1903
Mayors Office Oct 6th 1903
R C West as marshall $12.50
No further business council adjourned.
Mayors Office Nov. 3 - 1903
Mayors Office Nov. 15th, 1903
Mayors Office Nov. 20 1903
Mayors Office Dec 2 1903
Mayors Office Dec. 17 - 1903
Mayors Office Jan 5th 1904
Mayors office 2/2 - 1904
(The balance of this page has faded so badly that it is unreadable. J T 1-21-2000)
(Signed) J W Buchanan
Mayors Office April 6 - 1904
Mayors Office June 7 1904
Mayors Office Aug 2 - 04
county Atty & see if arrangements can be made to try such cases as may come up
City council met in regular session Mayor D B Mitchell in the chair and alderman
present - S E Noel, W T Burton, and G W Adams
The committees made their reports. A motion was carried that the side walks from
Ferguson furniture house to the T & P Rail road be rebuilt. New stringers to be put
in & the old plank so far as possible to be used. The walk is to be the same width
as at present. Street committee was instructed to have weeds cut along the walk
leading to the depot.
The following accounts was presented and allowed & ordered paid to wit;
W P Kidd fees & services $14.75
month
Fines collected $ 5.00
Attorneys fees $ 2.50
Street Tax $ 1.00
Occupation tax $ .65
Property tax $ 1.20
On motion the council adjourned
(Signed) D B Mitchell
(Signed) N C Ferguson, Sec
City council met in regular session with Mayor D B Mitchell in the chair.
Alderman present S E Noel, W T Burton, G W Adams, & N C Ferguson
Minutes of previous meeting read & approved.
Street committee reported that the new side walk from Ferguson Store to the T & P
railroad had been built and weeds cut along walks leading to depot.
The following claims were presented and allowed & ordered paid to wit;
L J West cutting weeds $ .50
Hicks & Thomas building side walks $ 5.00
D B Mitchell expenses to Sherman $ 2.00
W P Kidd fees & percentage on
collections $17.10
Total $24.60
Marshall W P Kidd made the following report of collections during the month
Preceeding fines collected $ 4.60
Occupation tax $46.15
Attorneys fee $ 5.00
Total $55.75
On motion,the street committee was instructed to have a wagon bridge built across
the ravine on Branch between W T Kings & PP Fosters residence. The committee
was all so instructed to have the side walks of the city over hauled & repaired. Up
on motion W P Kidd was given the authority to pick up the old planks and
discarded side walks and use the same to build a side walk across the mud hole at
the corner of his residence lot.
Council adjourned
(Signed) D B Mitchell, Mayor
City council met in regular session. Mayor D B Mitchell in the chair. Alderman
present
W C Ford, G W Adams, & W T Burton
The Sec being sick was not able to be present & the minutes of last meeting was
not read.
The street committee was ordered to have the sidewalks repaired especially those
on the north side of town. The following committee made their report. By motion
it was ordered that the ordinance of the town be revised & printed. W T Burton, W
C Ford, & G W Adams were appointed to act with the ordinance committee to
revise & made contracts for reprinting. The following accounts were allowed
Bells New printing $ 1.50
Alderman services 6 mos $15.00
W P Kidd fees & services $12.50
Total $39.00
Fines collected $ 1.00
Atty fees $ 2.50
Occupation tax $ .65
Total $ 4.15
No further business appearing, the council adjourned
(Signed) D B Mitchell, Mayor
City council met in regular session. Mayor D B Mitchell in the chair. Alderman
present - W C Ford, W T Burton, & N C Ferguson
The ordinance committee was ordered to make their report & there being only one
of the committee present it was ordered to give them further time. The Sanitary
committee made their report that everything is clean & no complaints. On motion
by N C Ferguson and carried by the council be it ordered by the town council of
Bells that it shall be unlawful for any minor of twenty years of age or younger to be
found loittering on any of the public streets or alleys of the town of Bells between
the hours of eight oclock PM and five oclock AM October first to April first and
from nine oclock PM to five oclock AM from April the first to October the first of
each year. Upon conviction for a violation of this ordinance a fine of not less than
one dollar nor more than five dollars shall be imposed.
The following accounts was allowed & ordered paid
Alliance Mercantile Co. $ .25
J N Ferguson & Sons $19.80
Smith & Belote $ 1.35
W P Kidd 1 mo service $12.50
W P Kidd percentage on property
tax collected $ 2.00
Total $35.90
The marshall made his report property tax collected $20.15
(Signed) D B Mitchell
(The above ordinance was repealed on May 2nd, 1899 by H W Witcher, Mayor)
City council met in regular session. Mayor D B Mitchell in the chair. Alderman
present
W C Ford, W T Burton, G W Adams, S E Noel, N C Ferguson
Minutes of the previous meeting read & approved.
The street committee made their reports, stated that they had men at work repairing
the sidewalks. The ordinance committee was given further time in which to
prepare their self to make a final report.
The following acct was allowed & ordered paid
J N Ferguson & Sons lumber acct $18.36
Luther Thomas for work on sidewalks $ 4.35
J W Show for work on sidewalks $ 2.50
W P Kidd 1 mo wages and percentage on
tax collected $23.30
Total $48.51
The marshal made the following report for the past mo
Fines collected $10.00
Atty fees $ 5.00
Occupation Tax collected $42.15
Property tax collected $28.50
Total $85.65
There being no further, the council adjourned.
(Signed) D B Mitchell, Mayor
City council met in regular session. Mayor D B Mitchell in the chair, Alderman
present
S E Noel, W C Ford, W T Burton, N C Ferguson
Minutes of the previous meeting read & approved. The auditing committee made
their report and was discharged. Mayor D B Mitchell offered his resignation owing
to going to move from the city & was accepted by the Board of Alderman. W T
Burton being appointed to act as Mayor protem takes the chair & the following
accounts was allowed to wit as ordered paid
Ferguson & Son lumber acct $ 2.00
W P Kidd 1 mo wages $12.50
" percentage on tax collected $13.50
J W Show 3 days work on sidewalk $ 3.00
Luther Thomas 1/2 day work on
sidewalk $ .65
R C West & Son hauling lumber $ 1.00
Total $32.65
The marshal made the following report
Tax collected on property $85.05
(Signed) W T Burton, Mayor protem
City council met in regular session. Mayor W T Burton, Protem in the chair.
Aldermen present. N C Ferguson, W C Ford, & S E Noel. The previous minutes
was red & approved. The street com was called on to make their report. N C
Ferguson was appointed by the mayor to act as street committee in place of W T
Burton now acting Mayor. On motion by W C Ford, & carried by the council and
order be passed prohibiting Butchers to slaughter any stock in the corporate limits
& the following order was carried by the Board of Aldermen & signed by the mayor
& sec to wit:
Be it ordained by the Town Council of the Town of Bells that it shall be unlawful
for any butcher to slaughter any cow, hog, or sheet within the corporate limits of
the town of Bells. Any butcher violating this ordinance shall be fined in a sum not
less than one dollar nor more than five dollars for each animal so killed. This does
not apply to citizens killing meat for their own use. The following acct was
allowed & ordered paid.
S E Noel for coal for the mayors office $ 2.75
The Bells News for blank receipts $ 2.00
W C Ford work on park $ .25
W P Kidd percentage on tax collected $ 3.45
W P Kidd 1 mo wages $12.50
Total $20.95
The marshall made the following report
Tax collected on property $34.45
No further business, the council adjourned.
(Signed) W T Burton, Mayor Protem
City council met in regular session. Mayor Protem W T Burton in the chair.
Alderman present: S E Noel, G W Adams, W C Ford, & N C Ferguson.
The previous meeting was read & approved. The mayor appointed N C Ferguson
& G W Adams to assist him in Counting the ballots for the candidates & found that
the ballots was as follows
For Mayor H W Witcher Received 54 votes
Atnip " 25 votes
For Marshall W L Thomas Received 51 votes
J E G Pearce " 29 votes
For Alderman R D King Received 70 votes
N C Ferguson " 78 votes
S E Noel " 78 votes
H W Proctor " 78 votes
J M Oney " 77 votes
And the mayor Protem after carefully counting the said Ballott did .. H W Witcher
dully elected mayor for the Town of Bells. For marshall W L Thomas duly elected
marshall for the Town of Bells. R D King, N C Ferguson, S E Noel, W H Proctor,
& J M Oney duly elected as aldermen. The mayor Protem gave the oath as mayor
to H W Witcher and same being accepted by the council, the following accounts
was allowed ordered paid
W P Kidd for 1 mo services rendered as marshall $12.50
W P Kidd for percentage on property tax collected $11.83
G W Adams & Others holding city Election $10.00
G W Adams services rendered as alderman $ 1.00
J W Scott services rendered for work $ 4.50
N C Ford services rendered as alderman $ 2.50
S E Noel " $ 2.50
W T Burton " $ 2.00
N C Ferguson " $ 3.00
N C Ferguson 12 mo house rent & mayor office $25.00
S E Badgett for printing $ 2.75
Total $80.58
The marshall reported cash paid to the Treasurer since last meeting & the Treasurer
reported it to be correct.
The marshall made the following report for 12 mo ending April 4, 1899 to wit:
Property tax collected $249.50
Occupation tax collected $194.05
Street tax collected $ 53.75
Fines & Atty fees collected $ 58.40
Total $555.70
Receipts from S E Noel $444.40
Balance $111.30
Receipts from M Carter unpaid $ .85
Balance $110.45
Receipts from S E Noel $110.45
Balance $000.00
installing the new elected alderman. No further business the council adjourned.
(Signed) H W Witcher, mayor
Council met in call session. Mayor H W Witcher in the chair. Alderman present: S
E Noel, G W Adams, and W C Ford & W T Burton. The council was called to
order by the mayor. The purpose of this meeting is to give the oath to the new
board elected Alderman which was done in due form. Those present were S E
Noel, R D King, J M Oney, & N C Ferguson, they being duly qualified, alderman
elect W A Proctor being out of the city was not qualified but will be on his return
home. The marshall W L Thomas bond was read, put before the council & was
accepted & filed with the Secretary protem. The marshal W L Thomas was
qualified by the mayor taken the oath to act as Marshal.
A secretary was put in motion. N C Ferguson nominated by S E Noel & was
elected to serve as secretary for the term.
On motion by S E Noel & carried by the council that one dollar per mo be paid to N
C Ferguson for services as Secretary for the board of mayor & alderman for this
term.
A Treasurer was put in motion by R D King S E Noel was nominated & elected to
serve during this term.
J M Oney & W H Proctor was appointed Street & Park committee.
On motion by S E Noel & carried by the council that all person who do not keep
their closets clean & in a healthy condition such as will cause their neighbor to
complain shall pay the city scavenger any work done.
The regular meeting night shall be on the first Tuesday night in each mo.
On motion by S E Noel & carried by the Board of Aldermen that the mayor rent N
C Fergusons house now occupied by the Mayor & Aldermen for 12 mo at $25.00
per year from April 1st 1899 to April 1st 1900. Rent to be paid quarterly which
was accepted by the Board. The mayor appointed R D King & N C Ferguson
Sanitary committee. No further business the council adjourned.
(Signed) H W Witcher, Mayor
City council met in regular session Mayor H W Witcher in the chair. Aldermen
present S E Noel, W H Proctor, R D King, J M Oney & N C Ferguson. The
previous meeting was act. & approved. 1st the mayor give the proper oath to W H
Proctor as alderman. 2sd the street committee made their report & talk was made
how to have the work done on the streets & the marshall was ordered to warn the
hands out & do some on the streets & sidewalks. 3rd Sanitary committee made
their report. Reported everything in good condition. 4th J G Neal & R K Atknip
came before the council & offered to rent the park. After considering the matter,
the council rented the park to R K Atknip at 1.25 per mo until 1st Sept next to be
paid monthly & clean up the park, take all the brush off, & keep up things in good
order, cut the weeds & keep up the fence & cut the sprouts around the stump &
keep the arbor clean & nice at all times. An ordinance passed June 8th 1893
hitching to post, awnings, & lines was repealed & the ordinance passed Dec 7th
1898 the kerfew law was repealed. Ex-mayor W J Reynolds was allowed a credit
of $8.50 for buggy hire to Sherman from R C West & Sons. S E Noel Treas Bond
was read & accepted by the Board of Alderman. The following Accts was allowed
& ordered paid.
H W Witcher 2 telephone messages for City business $ .50
W L Thomas 1 mo wages $12.50
Total $13.00
Cash act up date.
John Mize fine $ 3.50
(Signed) H W Witcher, Mayor
City council met in regular session Mayor H W Witcher in the chair. Alderman
present
S E Noel, J M Oney, R D King, W H Proctor, & N C Ferguson. The minutes of the
previous meeting was read & approved.
1st The Sanitary Committee made their report & said that no complaint was made.
2sd The street Com - made their report & a motion & carried that a culbert be put in
across the ditch at Crews residence & all so it was ordered that a walk be put across
the streets from the front of R C West Stable running north to Phillips garden. The
marshall was ordered to warn out the hands & work the streets 2 days.
The following acct was allowed & ordered paid
J W Scott $ 1.00
W T Burton $ 1.60
W C Ford $ 5.00
A B Gregg $ 5.00
Oney & McManus $ .75
M J Guynes $ .75
H W Witcher $ 1.15
S E Badgett $ 1.00
R C West & Son $ 6.00
W L Thomas $ 3.00
W L Thomas percent of
money coll $ 4.30
W L Thomas
1 mo wages $12.50
Total $32.05
Street tax collected $28.00
Occupation " $15.00
Fines " $27.00
Total $70.00
No further business, the council adjourned.
City council met in regular session Mayor H W Witcher in the chair. Aldermen
present S E Noel, J M Oney, W H Proctor, & N C. The previous meeting was read
& approved.
1st The street committee made their report & made a talk about when & how to
work the streets & that the marshal is to warn out the hands that has not worked &
do some work on the side walks. The council instructed the marshal to have a load
of straw halled to the park & everything arranged for the meeting. The marshal was
ordered to have the weeds cut on all streets & alley & on vacant lots on the main
business part of Main Street in the business part of the Town.
The following accts was allowed & ordered paid
J N Ferguson & Son lumber $ 4.97
A B Gregg work on culbert & streets $ 1.50
Ed B Luiger 1 1/2 day on streets $ 1.50
Ed B Luiger use team 2 days on streets $ 4.00
H C Bishop use team 2 days on streets $ 4.00
John Cobb use team 2/3 day on strts $ 1.50
L B Ducket use team 1 day on strts $ 2.00
Champ Show use team 1/2 day strts $1.00
W C Ford $ .50
N L Thomas work on strts $ 3.50
Money collect st tax $19.00
One note S Reusenburgs $37.50
Total $56.50
W P Kidd came before the council & brought up the Reynolds & Kidd case & ast
the council to consider the matter as to the expense of said suit. No further
business, the council adjourned until next regular session.
W L Thomas 1 mo wages $12.50
(Signed) H W Witcher, Mayor
City council met in regular sission. Mayor H W Witcher in the chair. Alderman
present
J M Oney, W H Proctor, R D King, & N C Ferguson
Minutes of the previous meeting was read & approved.
1st the W P Kidd question which had been under consideration since last meeting
came up before the council. This being the case of C F Reynolds VS W P Kidd.
The matter was fully explained & considered & after talking the matter over, the
question was put before the house & J M Oney made a motion & second by R D
King that the town donate to W P Kidd to help defray the cost in said case as it is
fully decided in the minds of the Mayor & council that the ex-mayor J W Reynolds
did & ... the mateer on between said parties for which he should not have done &
therefore said order was ordered to be drawn in favor of W P Kidd for twenty six
dollars & 50 cents to be donated as above stated.
2sd The question of new law to take affect on the 26th of this mo, the question of
recorder book & blanks which said mayor is to buy
3rd On motion & carried that the marshal employ 2 men to put the side walks from
Oney shop to the freight depot in good order & other side walks & crossings.
The following accts was allowed & ordered paid
Ferguson & Son lumber $16.30
N Garland cut weeds $ 4.25
W L Thomas 1 mo salary $12.50
W L Thomas percenage on $7.00 $ .70
Rick Mathis work on bridge $ .75
W H Proctor work on sidewalks $ .50
John Cobb work on bridges $ .75
H W Witcher pd drag off dogs $ .35
Ed Kimbrough work on streets $ .90
Total $37.00
The marshall made the following report
Street tax collected $ 7.00
Fines $14.00
Total $21.00
No further business the council adjourned
(Signed) H W Witcher, Recorder
Recorders Court met in regular session with H W Witcher Recorder in the chair. &
N C Ferguson clerk. Alderman present: S E Noel, J M Oney, R D King, & W H
Proctor
1st The Sanitary committee was ordered to make a report & reported everything in
good order & no complaints.
2sd The street committee made their report & reported streets in good shape
3rd The marshall made the following report on the streets said the streets & walks
was repaired as ordered heretofore mentioned.
4th The following accts was allowed to wit:
J N Ferguson & Son lumber $31.00
H W Wticher for clerk & courts for stationery $21.00
Alex Wasson 1 day on streets & sidewalks $ 1.00
Alex Gregg $ .25
W L Thomas 1 mo wages marshall $12.50
W L Thomas percentage on money collected $ .30
W P Kidd amt donated in C F Reynolds case $13.50
Total $79.55
Fines collected as reported by the marshall since last meeting $22.00
Occupation taxes collected $ 3.00
Total $25.00
5th The marshall was instructed to put all crossings & side walks in good order
when kneeded.
6th The W P Kidd question came up before the council to be reconsidered & after
talkint the matter over the council taken the action of the old council & ex-mayor J
W Reynolds & considered it to be right & proper to pay or raise the amount to
$40.00 that and order be drawn for $13.50 in favor of W P Kidd.
7 This court from this date shall be known as the recorders court
8 S E Badgett was instructed to print 500 letterheads & 500 envelopes for the
Recorders office for $3.00 for all.
9 On motion & second that W M Sun playce where he is occupying to be a
nuisance & dangerous to the business part of the town & that the owner of said
premises N P Day an he be instructed to git the said Sun out of said house. No
further business, the council adjourned.
(Signed) W H Proctor, protem & recorder
Recorders court met in call session Mayor H W Witcher in the chair. Alderman
present
S E Noel, W H Proctor, J M Oney, & N C Ferguson and alderman R D King came
in late after the business of the council was about over.
1st The purpose of this meeting is to pass and ordinance creating this court a
corporation court as the law required & to take effect at once. And on motion &
carried the council voted on this ordinance unanamous to take effect as above
stated. On motion & second that the ordinance just passed be printed in the Bells
News one issue. No further business the council adjourned.
(Signed) W H Proctor, Protem recorder
Recorders court met in regular session. H W Proctor protem recorder chairman. N
C Ferguson clerk. Alderman present S E Noel, R D King, J M Oney
The minutes of the previous meeting was read & approved.
1st The street committee made their report & reported that the streets & side walks
was in good order.
2sd The sanitary committee reported everything in good order & no complaints
3rd The marshall made the following report
Occupation taxes collected $37.50
4th The following acct was allowed & ordered paid to wit:
Ferguson & Son lumber $13.54
W L Thomas stationary from clerk & courts $ 2.25
W L Thomas 1 mo wages marshall $12.50
W L Thomas percentage on $37.50 collected $ 3.75
A S Masson work on side walks $ 1.75
Mill Mop $ 1.50
S E Badgett printing note heads &
printing ordinance $ 5.85
Total $41.14
No further business, the court adjourned.
(Signed) H W Witcher, Mayor
Recorders court met in regular session with Recorder H W Witcher in the chair &
N C Ferguson as clerk. Alderman present - S E Noel, J M Oney, W H Proctor, R D
King came in late.
1st The street com - was called on the make their report & stated that the streets
was in good order.
2nd The Sanitary com - was call on for report & said no complaints.
The following accts was allowed & ordered paid
Ferguson & Son lumber $18.18
S E Badgett $ 1.75
W L Thomas 1 mo wages as marshall $12.50
W L Thomas work side walkd & crossings $ 2.00
W L Thomas percentage money collected $ .75
H W Witcher phone messages for city $ .50
By H W Witcher for bill sold $ 3.00
The marshall made the following report
Occupation tax collected $ 8.10
consideration of the money on hand in Treas hands it being limited.
No further business the council adjourned.
(Signed) W H Proctor, Recorder Pro
Recorders Court met in regular session. W H Proctor recorder protem in the chair
with N C Ferguson clerk. Alderman present - R D King & J M Oney
1st The street committee made their report & said streets in good condition &
instructed the Marshal to put in side walk and crossing as is kneeded.
2 The sanitary reported everything in good order with no complaints.
The following accts was allowed & ordered paid to wit:
Ferguson & Son lumber acct $ 3.16
R C West $ 1.25
W L Thomas 1 mo wages Marshall $12.50
W L Thomas percentage money col $ 2.40
W L Thomas work on side walks $ 1.00
John Elum Board convicts $ 1.95
Total $22.26
The marshall made the following report
Fines collected $13.00
Collected city tax $22.00
Collected Occupation $ 2.00
Total $37.00
(Signed) H W Witcher, Recorder
Recorders court met in call session. Recorder H W Witcher in the chair.
Alderman present - R D King, W H Proctor, S E Noel, & N C Ferguson, & J M
Oney
The purpose of this meeting is to act in some way as to the small pox now in the
city of Bells. On motion & carried that Dr. Gore(?) & all other people that has been
exsposed to the small pox & that they shall stay in their room untill there is no
danger of taken said desease & if they refuse to do so, the marshall is instructed to
put them in a Detention camp. This includes the family of Frank Scott. Recorder
H W Witcher has been instructed to hire a nurse to wait on Frank Scott & Family.
(Signed) H W Witcher, Recorder
Recorders Court met in regular session. Recorder H W Witcher in the chair.
Alderman Present: S E Noel, J M Oney, W H Proctor, N C Ferguson
After discussing the small pox now in the Town, it was carried unanamously that
those that is quarantined in their houses agants small pox can be at liberty on
Saturday Jan. 6-1900 if they are in good health & no sign of small pox.
The following accts was allowed & ordered pair to wit:
H W Witcher for Frank Scott family $15.05
R L Allen for Frank Scott family $ 6.80
J N Ferguson & Son lumber for Scott family $14.53
T B Jernigan for Scott family $ 4.60
King & Anderson $ 2.50
J C Witcher & Son $ 3.40
W L Thomas 1 mo wages $12.50
W L Thomas collecting 96.65 @ % $ 9.65
W L Thomas work on side walk $ 3.00
W L Thomas exspence to Sherman
for Kesee $ 2.75
W L Thomas bread for Scott $ .30
W L Thomas meat for Scott $ .25
Total $75.33
Marshall collected & turned over to the Treas
City Tax Collected $96.65
Recorders court me in call session with Recorder H W Witcher in the chair.
Alderman present: S E Noel, R D King, W H Proctor, J M Oney, & N C Ferguson
The object of this meeting is to see about how to act about the house that Scott lives
in & all so about paying Frank Scott for his household goods.
1st The council declared the house now occupied by Frank Scott & family to be a
nuisance & declared it shall be burnt after it having been arbitrationed by 3
disinterested men (namely S R Hicks, R C West, & G W Adams) they value the
house at one hundred dollars
with the understanding that the town pay to Mrs. Smith now Hollinsworth Fifty
dollars, it being one half of the value as agreed up on by Mrs. Hollinsworth & her
agent A J Hollinsworth. On motion & carried by the council that the town accept
the proposition & that the house be burnt.
2sd On motion & carried by the council that the town accept Frank Scott
proposition as to the value of his household goods agreed up on $27.50 twenty
seven dollars & fifty cents that he claims is to be burnt & the clothes furnished to
the said Scott family by the town is to be deducted out of the 27.50 & balance if
any to be paid in money.
No further business the council adjourned
(Signed) H W Witcher, Recorder
Recorder Court met in call session. Recorder H W Witcher in the chair. Alderman
present: S E Noel, J M Oney, W H Proctor, R D King, & N C Ferguson
The purpose of this meeting is to allow all accts due for exspence of small pox in
case of Frank Scott & family to wit: the following accounts was allowed
H W Witcher $98.45
J N Ferguson & Son $ 1.90
King & Anderson $12.20
R L Allen $ 5.25
T B Jernigan $ 9.20
T H West $ .50
O L Luiker $ .50
H K Ellis & Co. $ .60
J C Witcher & Son $ 3.45
A J Hollinsworth $60.00
Total $192.05
On motion & carried that the mayor or marshal make a deal with King Kidd for
land enough for a road along the south side of his land for four dollars, he giving 20
ft wide.No further business, the council adjourned.
(Signed) W H Proctor, Recorder Pro
Recorder court met in regular session. Recorder W H Proctor Protem in the chair.
Alderman present; S E Noel, R D King, & N C Ferguson
1st The street committee was called on to make their report & stated that the streets
was in good order.
2 Sanitary Com - stated no complaints
3rd The road question came up between the city of Bells & King Kidd & after
discussing the motion, a motion by R D King was made & carried that the mayor or
marshal offer the said King Kidd $6.00 six dollars for 18 or 20 ft of land across his
land near the T P RR fence for a road to be used for the Public Highway.
The following accts was allowed & ordered pd
W L Thomas 1 mo wages as marshal $12.50
W L Thomas putting in crossing $ .50
W L Thomas percentage on money collected $ 5.82
W L Thomas cash pd for Frank Scott family $ .50
S E Badgett printing blank warrants $ 1.50
Total $20.82
No further business, the council adjourned.
(Signed) H W Witcher, Mayor
Recorders Court met in regular session. H W Witcher Recorder in the chair.
Alderman present: S E Noel, J M Oney, W H Proctor, R D King, & N C Ferguson
The minutes of the previous meeting was read & approved.
1st The street committee was called on to make their report & said the streets was
in good order but said some complaint was made about some having their wood
pile in the street & alley & the marshal is instructed to notify any one having wood
... in the street or alley to move said wood at once.
The road question came up between King Kidd & the Town of Bells & after talking
the matter over it was decided to pay to King Kidd eight dollars for 20 ft of land.
All the way across the said King Kidd land & that the road be opened up at once.
2sd The sanitary committee was called on for their report & said no complaint
except S J Roop asking that J N Phillips mow his closet back on the west end of the
said Phillips lot and the marshal was instructed to see Mr. Phillips & ast him to
mow said closett or privy.
3 The marshal was instructed to repair all side walks when it is needed. The
following acct was allowed & ordered paid.
W L Thomas 1 mo wages as marshall $12.50
work on side walks & crossings $ 1.25
percentage on money collected $ 2.50
Total $16.25
Ferguson & Son lumber acct $ 4.79
L Jewett feeding prisoners $ .50
H W Witcher telephone message for city $ .25
Total $21.79
No further business, the council adjourned.
(Signed) H W Witcher, Mayor
Recorders court met in regular session, H W Witcher Recorder in the chair.
Aldermen present S E Noel, J M Oney, W H Proctor, R D King, & N C Ferguson
The previous meeting was read & approved.
The street com was called on for their report & reported favorable.
The Sanitary com reported no complaint
The following acct was allowed & ordered paid
N C Ferguson rent for mayors office $25.00
N C Ferguson 12 mo city clerk $12.00
J N Ferguson & Son lumber acct $11.95
S E Noel 12 mo service as alderman $ 6.00
J M Oney " $ 6.00
W H Proctor " $ 6.00
R D King " $ 6.00
S E Badgett printing election notice $ 1.50
A James work on side walks $ 3.00
R C West taken prisoners to Idd $ 1.50
W L Thomas 1 mo wages $12.50
W L Thomas work on side walk $ 5.00
W L Thomas percentage $ 6.50
T H West & Others holding city election $10.00
King Kidd for 20 ft land $ 8.00
The marshal pd to the Treasurer $126.55
The following officers was elected for the term of 12 mo for the town of Bells, they
receiving the highest & most votes to wit
J W Buchanan Mayor
S E Badgett Marshal
Aldermen
W H Proctor
N C Ferguson
A B Gregg
A L Graves
H C Bishop
The council now in session declare the above duly & constitutionally elected. No
further business, the council adjourned untill Thursday April 5th at 4 PM to transact
such business as may come before the body.
(Signed) H W Witcher, Mayor
Recorders Court met in regular session. Recorder W H Proctor in the chair.
Alderman present: A L Graves, A B Gregg, H C Bishop, N C Ferguson. The first
thing under consideration is to take action in the resignation of J W Buchanan as
Mayor for the Town of Bells. His resignation was read & accepted.
2sd The next business is 2 men candidates for mayor to fill out the unexpired term
of J W Buchanan. H W Witcher & T J Mize names was put before the council &
ballots was cast to wit; H W Witcher received 3 votes T J Mize received one vote.
H W Witcher was declared duly elected & the proper oath was given to him by the
mayor protem & the said H W Witcher taken the chair & transacted the business of
the meeting.
The previous meeting was read & approved.
1st the street com was called on for their report & said some streets was in kneed of
work. The amount of money on hand turned over by the Treasurer S E Noel was
$37.35. On motion & second that the streets be worked & put in good condition.
On motion that the marshal order out a part of the road hands & work the streets 2
days. Sanitary com was appointed to wit; W H Proctor & A L Graves
Street com - H C Bishop & A B Gregg
City Treasurer - W H Proctor
N C Ferguson was elected city clerk & secretary
A B Gregg was elected Mayor Protem
On motion & carried that the city council rent N C Ferguson house for the use of
Mayors office for 12 mo from April 3 - 1900 at $25.00 per year. N C Ferguson
appointed H W Wtcher assistant city clerk. The marshal made the following report
Fines collected $11.00
Tax $ 1.90
The following acct was allowed and ordered paid
S E Badgett 1 mo wages $12.50
percentage tax collected $ .20
No further business the council adjourned.
(Signed) H W Witcher, Mayor
The Town Council met in regular session. H W Witcher in the chair. Alderman
present A L Graves, H C Bishop, W H Proctor, A B Gregg, & N C Ferguson
The street com was called on for their report & they reported on bridges for repair
near the freight depot & some other playces. The marshal was instructed to have
these repaired.
The sanitary com was called for report - said no complaints
The following acct was allowed & ordered paid
Ferguson & Son lumber acct $12.55
R L Allen $ .75
A B Gregg $ 1.00
A L Graves $ 2.00
Ed B Luiger $ .50
H C Bishop $ 4.00
S E Badgett $22.00
Total $42.80
The marshal reported collected since last meeting $35.70
The marshal was instructed to have the weeds cut along the side walk.
(Signed) S E Badgett, Sec Protem
(Signed) H W Witcher, Recorder
City council met in regular session. Mayor H W Witcher in the chair. Aldermen
present W H Proctor, A B Gregg, & H C Bishop
The street committee was called for their report & reported favorable. The
following acct was allowed & ordered paid.
Will Emerson $ .50
Clark & Counts $ 2.20
S E Badgett $16.70
J J Atnip $ 1.00
Dorsey Printing $ .70
Total $21.10
The marshal reported collected since last meeting $38.80
(Signed) H W Witcher, Recorder
City council met in call session with H W Witcher in the chair. Alderman present
A L Graves, A B Gregg, & N C Ferguson.
The purpose of this meeting is to see what can be done in regard to leasing the
south end of Commercial Street for Gin & Mill purposes so long as it is used for
that purpose. The question was talked over & decided to let Mr. Morrison have
such of said street as he ask for in writing for which said contract will be entered in
the minutes when signed up.
(Signed) H W Witcher, Recorder
City council met in regular session with H W Witcher in the chair. Alderman
present H C Bishop, A L Graves, W H Proctor, N C Ferguson, & A B Gregg. The
previous meeting was read & approved. The street committee reported the streets
in good order. It was ordered that the side walks be repaired. H C Bishop was
instructed to do the work all so ordered that the weeds be cut along side of the side
walks when kneed to be cut. The marshal was instructed to have Geoseland (?) to
stop making or ... shucks about Mr. McCollough premises.
The following account was allowed & ordered paid
John Couch cut weeds $ .75
J N Ferguson & Son lbr acct $ 2.68
H C Bishop work on side walk $ 2.25
S E Badgett 1 mo wages as marshal $12.50
5% of $200.17 city tax assest $10.00
Telephone message for city $ .25
Total $28.43
The marshal reported collected during the mo of July $31.00
The marshal S E Badgett turned his resignation which was accepted by the Mayor
& Board of Alderman. R C West & W P Kidd being applicant for the Marshals
office. A ballot was taken West received 2 votes Kidd received 3 votes. The
mayor declared W P Kidd duly elected as marshal to fill out the unexpired term of
S E Badgett.
No further business, the council adjourned.
(Signed) H W Witcher, Recorder
City council met in call session. Mayor H W Witcher in the chair. Alderman
present
W H Proctor, A B Gregg, A L Graves, & N C Ferguson
The Bond of W P Kidd,city marshal was approved & accepted. The marshall W P
Kidd was given the oath as marshall. The marshall was instructed to have the holes
fixt in the different bridges. No further business, the council adjourned.
(Signed) H W Witcher, Recorder
City council met in regular session. Mayor H W Witcher in the chair. Alderman
present
W H Proctor, H C Bishop, & A B Gregg
The street com - H C Bishop requested that the old side walk should be made new
as the old lbr was rotten & not in shape to repair. The marshal was instructed to
repair all bridges that was in want & if it was found that the bridge in east Bells was
so it could not be repaired that a new bridge be put in.
The sanitary com - reported that no complaint was made. The marshal was
instructed to repair all side walks the best he could.
Sam Reisenbirger Liquor dealer ask that he be allowed to pay his license ever 3
months for $37.50 for each quarter.
The marshal made a report, amount collected since last meeting $21.80
The following acct was allowed & ordered paid.
W P Kidd 1 mo wages as marshall $12.50
percentage city tax collected $ .10
occupation tax collected $ .50
cash to Albert ... cut weeds $ 1.00
Total $14.10
H W Witcher $ 2.35
(Signed) H W Witcher, Mayor
City council met in regular session. Mayor H W Witcher in the chair. Alderman
present - W H Proctor, A L Graves, A B Gregg, & N C Ferguson
1st The street com was called out for their report & reported favorable with no
complaints
2 The sanitary com reported no complaint
The following accts was allowed & ordered paid
J N Ferguson & Son lbr $44.00
J P Drewy 1/2 payment to build
bridge east Bells $15.00
W P Kidd 1 mo wages as marshal $12.50
W P Kidd percentage tax collected $ 3.75
W P Kidd 1/2 day work on street
culbert $ .50
Total $75.75
The marshal made the following report since the previous meeting to wit -
Fines collected $46.00
Atty Fees " $12.50
Occupation tax collected $37.50
Total $96.00
(Signed) H W Witcher
City council met in regular session. Mayor H W Witcher in the chair. Alderman
present
A L Graves, H C Bishop, W H Proctor, & N C Ferguson
1st The street com was called on for their report & stated that the street north of A
L Graves residence was in kneed of work & the marshal was instructed to work the
said street & to repair & line up side walks on Gospell Hill & to work all other
streets that kneed it. The marshal was instructed to warn out the hands 2 days to
work on the street, those that has not worked any during this year. The following
accts was allowed & ordered paid.
W P Kidd 1 mo wages as marshall $12.50
H W Witcher phone message for city $ .25
Total $12.75
The marshal made the following report
Fines collected S B Vaughan $ 5.00
Eugene Phillips $ 5.00
Joe Goodwin $ 5.00
John Payne $ 5.00
Andy Hornback $ 5.00
Atty Fees collected
S B Vaughan $ 2.50
Eugene Phillips $ 2.50
Joe Goodwin $ 2.50
John Payne $ 2.50
Andy Hornback $ 2.50
Total $37.50
(Signed) H W Witcher, Mayor
City council met in regular session. Mayor H W Witcher in the chair. Alderman
present
W H Proctor, A L Graves, H C Bishop, & A B Gregg
1st The Sanitary com was called on for report & stated no complaint
The street com reported one bridge in kneed of repairs & to be looked after.
The fire works subject was before the council & a resolution was passed to wit:
Be it ordained by the town council of the town of Bells, Grayson Co., Tex that it
shall be unlawful for any person or persons to shoot fire or cause to be discharged
any fire crackers, roman candles, torpedo sky rockets, or any other kind of fire
works within or near the streets, alleys, sidewalks, business houses, or any public
playce in the town of Bells, Grayson County, Tex. Any person or persons violating
the above ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor & up on conviction
shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $10.00. All laws or parts of laws in
conflict with the above ordinance are hereby repealed.
Approved by town council of the town of Bells, Grayson Co - Tex at a regular
meeting of said town council held on the 4th day of December A.D. 1900. The
following accts was allowed and ordered paid to wit:
W P Kidd 1 mo wages as marshal $12.50
W P Kidd percentage street tax collected $ 1.60
W P Kidd percentage property tax collected $ 1.00
W P Kidd pd James Parish $ 1.50
Total $16.60
The marshal made the following report
Property tax collected $20.00
Street tax collected $16.00
Total $36.00
No further business the council adjourned.
(Signed) H W Witcher, Recorder
City council met in regular session. Mayor H W Witcher in the chair. Alderman
present
W H Proctor, A L Graves, N C Ferguson, A B Gregg, & H C Bishop
1st Sanitary Com was called on for report & states no complaints
2sd Street com was called on for report & stated the the culvert east of the MK&T
RR is in kneed of attention & the marshal was instructed to have it fixt. The Mrs.
Jennie Hollinsworth judgement was brought up & the council ordered the city
Treasurer to turn over to the mayor H W Witcher the amount of money to pay the
Town's part of the judgement & cost when called for. The following acct was
allowed & ordered paid.
A B Gregg for work on streets $ .25 $ .25
W P Kidd 1 mo services marshal for Dec. 1900 $12.50
W P Kidd percentage tax collected $ 3.80
W P Kidd percentage property tax collected $ 1.70
W P Kidd percentage street tax collected $ .20
W P Kidd 1 meal for prisoners $ .15
Total $18.35
for Jan W P Kidd percentage city tax collected $ 7.30
" percentage occupation collected $ .35
" feeding prisoners 34 meals $ 5.10
" 3 days work on streets $ 3.00
" 1 mo wages marshal $12.50
Total $28.25
Bells News for receipt for marshal $ 2.50
J N Ferguson & Son Lbr acct $10.92
The marshal made the following report for
Dec 1900 Collected street tax $ 2.00
Fines collected $31.00
Occupation tax $38.15
Atty Fees $ 7.50
City tax on property $33.95
Money collected on
Mayors office $ 1.00
Total $113.60
Marshal reported collected for Jan 1901
City Tax $145.95
Fines $ 9.00
Occupation Tax $ 3.30
Atty Fees $ 17.50
Total $175.75
No further business, council adjourned.
(Signed) H W Witcher, Mayor
City council met in regular session. Mayor H W Witcher in the chair. Alderman
present
H C Bishop, A L Graves, W HProctor, & N C Derguson
1st The street com was called on for their report & said no complaint
2sd Sanitary com reported no complaint
3rd The marshal was instructed to repair any side walk in kneed of repairs. The
petition of S Reisenburger came before the council in reference to the walk from
the T & P RR to his saloon & the marshal was instructed to see the RR officials &
ask them to put in a good safe walk on their land & in reference to the Hollinsworth
case agants the Town of Bells the amount paid judgement + case, the towns part
was $160.65
The following accts was allowed & ordered paid
H W Witcher for Dorsey Printing Co. $ 8.35
W P Kidd 1 mo wages for Feb. 1901 $12.50
percentage Occupation tax collected $ .05
percentage property tax $ .70
The marshal made the following report
Money collected property tax $14.35
" street tax $ .50
" Fines $ 5.00
" Atty Fees $ 2.50
Total $22.35
It was ordered by the town council that the mayor order and election in the Town of
Bells for the purpose of electing 1 mayor & 5 alderman. Said election to be held on
the 1st Tuesday in April 1901. It was ordered that 25 cents on each hundred dollars
shall be assest on all property subject to taxation in said Town of Bells for the year
1901. The marshal was instructed to collect the balance due on the Blassingill
Bond & the Bud Buck Bond. No further business, the council adjourned.
(Signed) H W Witcher, Mayor
City council met in regular session. Mayor H W Witcher in the chair. Alderman
present
W H Proctor, A L Graves, A B Gregg, H C Bishop, & N C Ferguson
1st The previous meeting was red & approved.
2sd The Street com was called on for their report & said some work was in kneed
of being done & it was ordered that the marshal put the streets & side walks in as
good shape as can be done. Taking the money on hand in consideration.
The sanitary com said no complaint was made.
The following acct was allowed & ordered paid to wit
J W Buchanan for holding city election $10.00
A L Graves for 12 mo as alderman $ 6.00
H C Bishop " $ 6.00
W H Proctor " $ 6.00
A B Gregg " $ 6.00
N C Ferguson " & city clerk $12.00
N C Ferguson 12 mo house rent mayor office $25.00
J N Ferguson & Son for nails $ .25
J C Witcher & Son $ .85
W P Kidd percentage on occupation tax collected $ 3.85
" property " $ .95
" 1 day work on street Bob Inway(?) $ 1.00
" 2 " Albert Parish $ 2.00
" 2 " Self & Team $ 3.00
" 1 mo wages for March 1901 $12.50
Total $95.40
The marshal made the following report for Mch 1901
Tax collected on property $19.15
" occupation $38.50
" fines $30.00
Atty fees collected $15.00
Total $102.65
Marshal Kidd made a list of the unpaid taxes & the marshal & the marshal J M
Oney was instructed to collect the unpaid taxes if it could be done. The mayor
counted the talley sheet of the city election for the Mayor & alderman & the council
did and the following named officers duly elected to wit:
T H West for Mayor
J M Oney for Marshal
Alderman duly elected to wit & duly installed
N C Ferguson
I N Huffer
H C Bishop
J M Morrison
A L Graves
The new mayor T H West & the marshal J M Oney was duly installed. The oath of
office being given them by the ex-mayor H W Witcher. The marshal bond was red
& approved & accepted. The Bondsman is John Williams & J G Neal.
N C Ferguson was elected City Sec.
N C Ferguson was elected clerk of the court.
On motion T H West be made ex-facio recorder.
I N Huffer was appointed Mayor Protem
J M Morrison was elected city Treasurer
Street Com - J M Morrison & I N Huffer
Sanitary Com - A L Graves & H C Bishop
Ordinance Com - N C Ferguson & H C Bishop
The question came up before the council in reference to the Bud Buck Bond and a
motion was made & accepted that Mr. T B Jernigan security for Buck be released.
The town pait $3.50 & the said Jernigan pay the cost in the said case for which he
did & the case is settled. The marshal is instructed to push the Blassingill mates to
the fullest extent & try to make the money.
(Signed) I N Huffer, Mayor Protem
City council met in regular session. Mayor Protem I N Huffer in the chair.
Alderman present, A L Graves, H C Bishop, J M Morrison, & N C Ferguson
1st the street com was called on for report & reported that some playces on Gospell
Hill was in kneed of street work & side walks to be repaired & the marshal was
instructed to have the work done.
2 Sanitary com reported no complaint
The following acct was allowed & ordered paid to wit
J R Drewy Build bridge $12.50
J N Ferguson & Son lumber & nails $59.23
J M Oney 1 mo wages as marshal $12.50
J M Oney percentage on money collected $ 2.10
J M Oney 2 days street work $ 3.00
J M Oney 1 day street work N M Crews $ 1.00
Sam Childers 1 day & team on street $ 2.00
Albert Waldrum 1 day on street $ 1.00
Total $93.33
Marshal Oney made the following report
Fines & Atty fees collected $17.50
Street Tax $18.00
City Tax $ 3.00
Total $38.50
No further business, the council adjourned
(Signed) T H West, Mayor
City council met in regular session. Mayor T H West in the chair. Alderman
present
I N Huffer, J M Morrison, H C Bishop, A L Graves, & N C Ferguson
1st The street com was called on for their report & said no street work had been
done since last meeting.
2st Sanitary Com said no complaint
I N Huffer was elected Mayor Protem
3rd The council rented N C Ferguson house for 12 mo from April 1st 1901 to April
1902 for $25.00 per year known as the Mayor's office.
4th And ordinace was passed that it shall be a fine for any one to ride or lead or
drive a horse or horses across the side walks & a fine not less than one dollars &
not more than five dollars & all cost, this includes saddle horses or in buggy or
wagons.
5 And ordinance was passed prohibiting any stock of any kind to run at large in the
corporation of the town of Bells. Any stock running at large, the marshal shall take
them up & put same in the pound & charge one dollar for taken said stock up per
head & to have 25 cents per day for feeding said stock per head.
The following accts was allowed & ordered paid
J N Ferguson & Son Lbr $13.38
T H West $ .85
A B Fitts $ 2.50
J M Oney 1 mo wages as marshal $12.50
J M Oney percentage money collected $ 1.10
J M Oney receipt book $ .10
J M Oney 1 day work on streets $ 1.50
Total $31.93
Fines collected $ 5.00
Atty Fees $ 4.90
Street Tax $ 9.00
Occupation Tax $ 1.30
City Tax $ .50
Total $20.70
(Signed) T H West
City council met in regular session. Mayor T H West in the chair. Alderman
present
I N Huffer, A L Graves, H C Bishop,
1st the Sanitary Committee reported no complaint
2sd The street com reported some street work & crossing was in need of being done
& it was ordered that the marshal have street worked & crossings repaired.
The following acct was allowed & ordered paid
T H West for Dorsey Printing Co. $ 5.50
J M Oney 1 mo service as marshal $12.50
J M Oney percentage money collected $ 4.95
J M Oney feeding prisoners $ 1.90
L Jewett 8 day working on street @ 1.50 for day $12.00
L Jewett taking off dead cats $ .75
The marshal made the following report
Occupation tax collected $47.50
Street tax collected $ 2.00
Fines $ 4.55
Total $54.05 $37.60
No further business the council adjourned
City of Bells
City council met in regular session Mayor T H West in the chair. Alderman present
I N Huffer, H C Bishop, N C Ferguson & A L Graves
1st The street com reported street in good shape
2sd The sanitary com reported no complaints but instructed the marshal to look
after Morrison Butcher Shop & Hog Pen & see that it was kept clean. The
following ordinance was passed before the council to wit:
Be it ordained that it shall be unlawful for any person or persons to establish or use
any lot or ground in the city limits in the town of Bells for killing any kind of cattle
or hogs for butcher use. Any violation of this ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a
misdemeanor & shall be fined not less than one dollar & not more than twenty five
dollars for each offince.
Be it ordained by the Town council of the town of Bells that it shall be unlawful for
any person or persons to peddle fruit of any kind on the rail road right of way
around the passenger depot in said town of Bells, Grayson County, Texas. Any
violation of this ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor & shall be
fined not less than one dollar & not more than five dollars for each offence.
any person or persons to loaf around the passenger depot or on the platform around
the depot of the town of Bells, Grayson County, Tex. Any violation of this
ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor & shall be fined not less than
one dollar & not more than five dollars for each offence.
any one to ride, any person or persons to ride a bicicle on the depot platform in the
Town of Bells, Grayson County, Tex. Any violation of this ordinance shall be
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor shall be fined not less than one dollar & not more
than five dollars for each offence.
that it shall be unlawful for any person or persons mischief ca... to goose another
person in city limits of the Town of Bells, Grayson County, Tex. Any violation of
this ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor & shall be fined not less
than one dollar & not more than five dollars for each offence.
it shall be unlawfull for any Hotell Drummer or Hack driver to solicit any passenger
or traveler on the platform of the passenger depot. Any violation of this ordinance
shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor & shall be fined not less than one dollar
& not more than five dollars for each offence.
(Signed) T H West, Mayor
(Signed) N C Ferguson, Secy
The marshal J M Oney resigned his office as marshal & there being but one
application for marshall R C West name was put before the house & was
nominated & duly elected City Marshall by the Board of Alderman to serve the
unexpired term of J M Oney, resigned. The bond of R C West was made &
approved, his sureties being N C Ferguson & J M Oney. R C West was given the
oath of office.
The following accts was allowed & ordered paid
John Bishop work on side walks $ 5.30
R C West & Son halling lbr $ .75
L Jewett burying dog $ .50
W S Childers work on side walks $ 5.30
J N Ferguson lbr, brick & nails $69.30
J M Oney 1 mo wages marshal $12.50
J M Oney percentage money collected $ 3.85
J M Oney 1/2 day guarding convict $ .50
The marshal made the following report
Occupation tax collected $37.50
City tax $ .50
Rent on mayors office $ .50
Fines & Atty fees $ 1.40
Total $39.90 $98.00
No further business the council adjourned.
(Signed) T H West, Mayor
City council met in regular session. Mayor T H West in the chair. Alderman
present
N C Ferguson, J M Morrison, I N Huffer, H C Bishop, & A L Graves
Street com reported side walks in good shape but was instructed to put crossing in
Main Street when kneeded & to put in side walk from Ferguson Furniture house to
T & P Railroad & take the old walk & extend the walk in front of A Shumate
residence & any where it is kneeded.
The street north of A L Graves residence was reported in bad shape & the street
com was instructed to look after it - either put it in good shape or close it up as they
think best.
The following acct was allowed & ordered paid to wit
W C Ford work on streets $ 1.00
L Jeweett 6 day cut weeds $ 9.00
R C West 1 mo wages marshal $12.50
R C West percentage on 56.65 collected $ 5.60
Total $28.10
Marshal reported collected
Occupation tax $50.00
Fines $ 6.75
Total $56.75
No further business the council adjourned.
(Signed) T H West, Recorder
City council met in regular session. Mayor T H West in the chair. Alderman present
A L Graves, I N Huffer, J M Morrison, & N C Ferguson
1st Sanitary com reported no complaint
2sd Street com reported streets & sidewalks in good shape but as soon as hand
could be employed some work would be done.
3rd It was ordered that a man be employed to go to each business house & examine
the store flues & report the conditions of all & if in kneed of repairs that the parties
that has his flue condemn shall put in such flues as will be safe from fire out of
brick & mortor.
4 The board of alderman elected Tom Adkins to serve as debuty marshal in the
Town of Bells. The said Atkins to make a secure bond to the city marshal R C
West.
5 The following accts was allowed & ordered paid
R C West 1 mo wages as marshal $12.50
R C West percentage 1% 37.50 collected $ 3.75
R C West feeding prisoners $ 1.80
R C West halling w loads lbr $ .50
Oney & Huffer repairs on city well $ 2.85
Bob Drewery work on side walks $ 4.50
W L Moon work on side walks $ 1.40
L Jewett clean out calaboose $ .50
J N Ferguson & Son lbr & nails $40.25
Total $68.05
The marshal made the following report
Fines collected $24.10
Occupation Tax $37.50
Total $61.60
The Treas made the following report
Cash on hand $94.37
Marshal paid in $61.60
On Hand to Date $155.97
(Signed) I N Huffer, Mayor Protem
City council met in call session. The business of this meeting is to decide on
building a city jail, the old one not any good & has been condemned. Officers
present Mayor Protem I N Huffer in the chair. Alderman present J M Morrison, H
C Bishop, A L Graves, & N C Ferguson.
1st The question of a city jail was brought before the council & a report was made
by I N Huffer & J M Morrison that the old city jail was worthless & it was voted
on that a new city jail be enacted & it was furthermore ordered that a suitable lot of
ground be purchased up near the center of the business part of the town & there
build a city jail. The council appointed I N Huffer & J M Morrison on the building
committee, they to buy the lumber & the land to erect the jail on & draw plans &
oversee the work of said jail & to review it & to report to the city council. The
account of J W Scott for work on city books ge\itting up a guide book for the Tax
assessor for the city of Bells. The old one is missplayced for $17.50. The acct was
allowed & ordered paid.
(Signed) I N Huffer
City council met in regular session. Mayor Protem I N Huffer in the chair.
Alderman present A L Graves, H C Bishop, & N C Ferguson
1st The street com reported some sidewalks in kneed of repairs & it was ordered
that the sidewalks be repaired as soon as can be done.
Sanitary com reported no complaint
On motion & carried that a platform be put in front of Jernigan door of store.
A motion & carried that R C West be appointed to sell the old calaboose & the
small shed at the park at the highest offer.
The following acct was allowed & ordered paid
Childress for inspection of flues for said Town $ 1.25
J P Drewry 1/2 exspence build bridge
across Cornelison Creek $17.55
H C Bishop work on streets & crossings $ 4.25
J N Ferguson & Son lbr for bridge across
Cornelison Creek $40.82
R C West 1 mo wages marshal $12.50
R C West percentage money collected $ 5.00
Marshal made the following report
Money collected $105.20
No further business, the council adjourned.
(Signed) I N Huffer, Mayor Protem
City council met in regular session. Mayor Protem I N Huffer in the chair.
Alderman present H C Bishop, J M Morrison & N C Ferguson
Street Com was called on for report & said no complaint
Sanitary Com reported no complaint. The marshal was ordered to repair the
sidewalks when in kneed of fixen The Treas J M Morrison made his report &
stated that there was $74.10 in the Treasurer.
The following accts was allowed & ordered paid
J N Ferguson & Son Lbr $63.02
R C West halling lbr $ 1.75
R C West 1 mo wages & percentage coll $15.10
H W Witcher for 1 lot for calaboose $20.00
Tom Atkins work on streets $ 5.85
The marshal reported collected $31.65
No further business, the council adjourned.
(Signed) T H West, Mayor
City council met in regular session Mayor T H West in the chair. Alderman present
H C Bishop, I N Huffer, A L Graves, J M Morrison, & N C Ferguson
The minutes of previous meeting was red & approved.
1st The street committee reported streets & sidewalks in good shape with no
complaints.
Sanitary com reported favorable.
The marshal was ordered to have the side walk raised & extended from the Post
Office to the K of P Hall & then to the side walk running south.
The marshal was instructed to have the culberts extended on 2 streets near Oney
shop & have the streets worked when in kneed of work
It was ordered that a fence be put around the calaboose lot, fence to be barb wire
with
2 X 4 lbr put on the top of yard all around the lot.
The following acct was allowed & ordered paid to wit
J N Ferguson & Son lbr & nails $48.92
J P Drewery work on calaboose & bridge $12.00
Oney & Huffer making plans for calaboose $14.50
C J McCollum $ 3.00
J C Witcher & Son 1 book $ 1.55
S Vineyard 3/4 day work on street $ .75
R C West 1 mo wages $12.50
R C West 1% collecting tax $204.75 $20.47
R C West lock calaboose $ 1.50
R C West feeding prisoners $ 1.40
Total $116.59
The marshal reported collected
Taxes collected $204.75
Fines collected $ 24.50
Total $229.25
(Signed) T H West, Mayor
City council met in regular sission. Mayor T H West in the chair. Alderman
present
J M Morrison, I N Huffer, H C Bishop, A L Graves, & N C Ferguson
Reading of the previous meeting was read & approved.
1st Street com was called on for report & stated that stret work & sidewalks kneeded
work on Gospell Hill & the marshal was ordered to warn out the hands & work the
said streets when kneeded & the marshal was instructed to give the men hired to
work on sidewalks 15 cents per hour or 1.50 for 10 hours work. They to furnish
their own tools.
2st Sanitary com reported no complaint.
New Business - The question came up in reference to the fence around the
city jail as there was some plank on the fence with some opposition & it
was decided on that the plank repair on the fence to put 2 more under the
top plank & then put 1 2X4 up & down each post & then let the 2X4
extend 6 or 8 inches above the post & a barb wire streched on top of this all
round the lot.
The following accts was allowed & ordered paid
Tom Adkins $ 6.75 work
T H West $ 2.40
T H West $10.50
Mill Manning $ 2.40
R A Hawley $ 9.75
C J McCollum $ .95
R C West $14.65
B C Calvert $ 4.95
Taxes collected $ 7.70
Fines $ 8.90
Total $16.60 $52.35
No further business the council adjourned.
(Signed) T H West
City council met in regular sissun. Mayor T H West in the chair. Alderman
present
H C Bishop, A L Graves, J M Morrison, and N C Ferguson
The minutes of the previous meeting was read & approved.
1st Sanitary committee reported no complaints
2sd Street committee reported streets in good shape.
New Business - Question was discussed as to horses or mules or any kind of
livestock being hitched to awning on Main Street in front of business houses. A
motion was made & carried that it shall be unlawfull for any one to hitch or tye any
kind of livestock to the awning in front of any business house on Main Street. Any
violation of this act shal be deemed guilty of a missdemeanor & shall be fined not
less than one dollar & not over five dollars for each offince. Said ordinance is to be
published in the paper published in the Town of Bells Known as The Enterprise for
4 successsive weeks.
2st Under New Business - the committee appointed by the commercial club
appeared before the mayor and all aldermen & made a plea in behalf of the watter
suply for the Town of Bells. The question was discussed longely. Said committee
ast the Hon Mayor & aldermen to vote a special tax of one forth of one percent over
three thousand dollars in city. Bonds issued with 30 years levied with 6% interest
per annum. The council taken the matter under consideration & decided that they
would not act or vote this Bond Debton the citizens of said town of Bells but called
and election on the 24th of April 1902 A.D. for the purpose that the legal voters in
said election shall say Bonds or No Bonds. William Blanton was appointed to hold
said election at the mayor office.
3rd The city election is hereby ordered by the City Council for the purpose of
electing one mayor, five alderman, and one marshal to be held on the first Tuesday
1st day in April 1902 at the mayors office in said town of Bells. H W Witcher was
appointed to hold said election.
The following accts was allowed & ordered paid
R C West 1 mo wages as marshal $12.50
Halling 4 ld lbr $ 1.60
Preston Orr work on sidewalks $12.00
R A Hawley work on sidewalks $18.80
J N Ferguson & Son lbr acct $113.35
Total $158.25
Fines collected $22.00
Taxes collected $ 3.00
Total $25.00
(Signed) T H West, Mayor
City council met in regular session. Mayor T H West in the chair. Alderman
present
I N Huffer, H C Bishop, A L Graves, J M Morrison, & N C Ferguson
1st Street committee reported streets was in kneed of work
Sanitary committee reported no complaints
New Business the Ballot box & talley sheet was turned over to the mayor and
aldermen & after examination the following named persons was declared duly
elected to wit
J H Isbell Mayor
W C West Marshall
J M Oney Alderman
J W Buchanan "
Dr. J A Swafford "
W B Blanton "
I N Huffer "
The following accts was allowed & ordered paid
H W Witcher holding election $10.00
H W Witcher paper & ink $ .25
R C West 1 mo marshal fees $12.50
R C West percentage on $19.65 collected $ 1.95
N C Ferguson 12 mo alderman $ 6.00
N C Ferguson 12 mo house rent $25.00
N C Ferguson 12 mo services secretary $ 6.00
I N Huffer 12 mo alderman $ 6.00
H C Bishop 12 mo alderman $ 6.00
J M Morrison 12 mo alderman $ 6.00
A L Graves 12 mo alderman $ 6.00
Total $85.70
Marshal final report money collected from Sept 3 1901 to April 1st 1902 $560.10
Treas reported cash on hand $8.11 before this meeting.
The council was instructed to meet the 15th of April 1902 to receive the new
elected Mayor & Alderman under the Laws of Regulations, turn over all books &
papers & money belonging to said Town of Bells.
(Signed) J W Buchanan, Secy
The town council met in call session as agreed and ordered at a regular meeting
held on the 1st Day of Apr. A.D. 1902 for the purpose of qualifying the city officers
elect. The Aldermen elect being present, Mayor West administered the oath of
office prescribed and the following officers elect subscribed to same (the oath).
Mayor Isbell and Marshall R C West elect also being present, the oath of office was
administered to said West & Isbell elect to which they each subscribed their names
respectively, R C West, Marshall &
J H Isbel, Mayor
Before said marshall had been qualified he presented a Bond which was duly
approved by the Town Council of the Town of Bells.
No further business appearing, council closed.
The following Aldermen were administered oath of office.
J W Swafford, W B Blanton, I N Huffer, J M Oney, J W Buchanan
No further business apearing, council adjourned.
(Signed) J W Buchanan, Secy
City council met in call session for the purpose of organizing & apointing
committees & etc.
With Mayor J H Isbell in chair. All aldermen present.
Following officers were elected
Secy J W Buchanan
Treas W B Blanton
Mayor Protem I N Huffer
Following committees were appointed.
Street - W B Blanton & J M Oney
Sanitary - Dr. J W Swafford & I N Huffer
Ordinance - W B Blanton & J W Buchanan
On motion council adopted first Tuesday night in each month as regular meeting
night.
A motion to adjourn till first Tuesday night in May was carried.
(Signed) J W Buchanan, Secy
Council met in regular session at Bells News Office.
Mayor Isbell in chair with following aldermen present W B Blanton, J W Swafford,
J M Oney, I N Huffer, J W Buchanan
Minutes of April 1st were corrected and aproved. Minutes of April 15th were read
& aproved.
Minutes of call meeting of apr new council were read and aproved.
Marshall reported taxes collected $20.00
Following acts were allowed and ordered paid
R C West 1 month services as marshall $12.50
10% on $20.00 collecting $ 2.00
Total $14.50
Acct of Bells Enterprise was laid over for investigation.
Street committee repaired sidewalks in bad condition.
Sanitary committee reported privies in bad condition.
On motion following Ordinance was adopted allowing the Southwestern Telephone
& Telegraph company privilege of putting in Telephone system in Bells.
To the Honorable Mayor & Aldermen of the City of Bells
We the undersigned citizens and taxpayers living within the incorporate limits of
the City of Bells respectfully ask that your honorable body submit for election to
the citizens qualified to vote thereon the proposition of whether the City of Bells,
Tex shall issue 3 thousand dollars worth of interest bearing bonds bearing 6%
interest and providing in the levy of taxes afterwards assessed a sufficient amount
to meet the interest thereon annually and also a sufficient amt to create a sinking
fund which at the end of thirty years will be large enough to liquidate the entire amt
of the outstanding bonds levied. The money of said bonds to be used for the
purpose of boreing and equiping an artesion well, the same to be located within the
corporate limits of the City of Bells and to be the property of the city.
petition ordered an election to be held in the town of Bells in accordance with said
petition. T H West was appointed to hold said election on the 31st day May 1902
at Bells News office.
On motion council agreed to pay Bells News $1.50 per month for mayors office &
council room in front of his building.
No further business apearing, council adjourned.
(Signed) J W Buchanan, Secy
Council met in regular session at Mayors office. Following officers present Mayor J
H Isbell. Aldermen J W Swafford, W B Blanton, I N Huffer, J W Buchanan
Minutes of May were read and approved.
Sanitary committee reported sanitary condition of town not in much better
condition.
Marshall was instructed to see parties owning privies to keep them clean or they
would be liable to fines.
Street committee reported streets in some bettwer shape but needed some work.
Acct of Bells Enterprise was laid over for further investigation.
Marshall reported following
Collected Occupation tax $ 1.65
Property Tax $ 6.85
Following accts of Marshall was allowed & ordered paid
1 months services as marshall $12.50
10% on $8.50 $ .85
Following persons was appointed Board of Equalization
J G Neal, T H West, H W Witcher
Following ordinance for meeting of Board of Equalization
Be it ordained by the town council of the town of Bells, Tex that the Board of
Equalization shall meet on 25th day of June, 1902.
No further business apearing, council adjourned till first Tuesday night in July.
(Signed) I N Huffer, Protem
(Signed) J W Buchanan
Council met in regular session with I N Huffer, Mayor Protem. Following
aldermen present W B Blanton, J M Oney, J W Buchanan
Minutes of July were read and aproved.
Street committee reported in bad shape. Street committee were instructed to see
about gravel for sidewalks and use their judgement in purchasing.
Sanitary committee reported some complaints.
J W Buchanan was apointed to see if he could not get the people to cut the weeds.
Account of Bells News for 3 months house rent @ $1.50 was allowed $4.50
Acct of R C West
1 months services as marshall for June $12.50
percent on $8.65 $ .85
was allowed $13.35
Marshall reported occupation collected for June $ 8.65
Acct of R C West 1 months services as marshall for July $12.50 was allowed.
Marshall reported tax collected $8.15
No further business apearing, council adjourned.
(Signed) J W Buchanan, Secy
Council met in regular session with Mayor Isbell in chair & following Aldermen
present W B Blanton, Ike Huffer, J W Buchanan.
Minutes of previous meeting was read and aproved.
Street committee reported they could not secure gravel for walks from Denison.
Sanitary committee reported Mr. Dugans store in bad shape on account rotten
potatoes.
Following acct were allowed & ordered paid
Bells News for house rent July & Aug. $3.00
R C West 1 months services as
Marshall $12.50
percent on $33.00 $ 3.30
Total $15.80
Marshall reported collected
street tax $33.00
pd Tom Sanford $ 5.00
Account of Tom Sanford in favor Mr R C West for work on streets was allowed
and warrant ordered drawn.
No further business apearing council adjourned.
(Signed) J W Buchanan, Secy
Council met in call session called by Mayor Isbell for the purpose of determining as
whether council should or should not dispose of part of the park grounds and to
make necessary arrangements for same.
Following were present; J H Isbell, Mayor Aldermen I N Huffer, J M Oney, W B
Blanton, J W Swafford, and J W Buchanan
By motion & second & following voting for same, J W Buchanan, I N Huffer, J M
Oney, W B Blanton J W Swafford, It was decided to sell 2 lots off of north side of
park $1.50 ft front each extending back to railroad. Said property shall not be sold
to anyone unless for residence and to live on, not for speculation purposes. Mayor
was ordered to do the selling.
No further business, council adjourned.
(Signed) J W Buchanan, Secy
Council met in regular session with Mayor Isbell in chair. Following aldermen
present W B Blanton, Dr. J A Swafford, J W Buchanan, John Oney.
Minutes of previous meetings were read and aproved.
Marshall reported as follows
Collected Occupation tax $ 5.00
Property tax $ 4.50
Street tax $ 1.00
Street comm reported streets in very good shape.
Following letter was accepted as part of these minutes.
............................................
J W Buchanan services to five aldermen from Apr 7th 1902 to Oct 7th 1902 $18.00
Following accts were allowed and ordered paid
John Williams 240 ft oak lumber @ 2.00 per ft $4.80
R C West 1 months services as marshall $12.50
% collecting 10.50 $ 1.05
Total $13.55
No further business apearing, council adjourned till 1st Tuesday night Nov.
(Signed) J W Buchanan, Secy
Council met in regular session following officers present
J H Isbell, Mayor
J W Buchanan, J M Oney, I N Huffer, W B Blanton Aldermen
Minutes of previous meeting read and approved.
Sanitary committee reported privies back of stores in bad shape. They were
ordered to instruct owners that if they did not clean up & keep clean proceedings
would be taken against them at once. By motion following ordinance was adopted
unanimous.
Be it ordained by the Town council of Bells, Tex that the atached rates of
Occupation taxes by law be adopted by the Town of Bells. Totake effect from &
after it passage. The rate to be collected is to be (1/2) one half what is collected by
state & county.
Ordinance Comm J W Buchanan W B Blanton
Fines collected $ 7.50
Occ Tax collected $ 4.00
Property Tax collected $ 2.75
Total $14.25
Following acct was allowed and ordered paid.
R C West 1 month salary $12.50
No further business apearing, council adjourned till 1 Tuesday night in Dec.
(Signed) J W Buchanan, Clerk
Council met in regular session with Mayor Isbell in chair. Following Aldermen
present
J A Swafford, J M Oney, W B Blanton, J W Buchanan
Minutes of previous meeting were read and aproved.
Sanitary committee reported town in better shape.
W B Blanton was apointed to see about getting grader to gravel streets.
Marshall reported as follows
Occupation tax collected $ 6.00
Property tax collected $50.04
Total $56.04
Following acct was allowed and ordered paid
R C West 1 month salary $12.50
10% on 56.04 $ 5.60
Total $18.10
No further business apearing, council adjourned.
(Signed) J W Buchanan, Clerk
Council met in regular session following officers present: J H Isbell, Mayor
J A Swafford, J M Oney, W B Blanton, J W Buchanan Aldermen
I N Huffer absent
Minutes of previous meeting were read and aproved.
Sanitary committee reported condition of town in very good shape.
Street committee reported streets in as good shape as usual.
Follow report was received by vote, Marshall reported following
Fines collected $ 15.00
Taxes $154.85
Total $169.85
Following acct was allowed and ordered paid
R C West services as marshall $12.50
10% collecting 154.85 $15.48
Total $27.98
Street committee on grading streets reported no developments at present.
No further business apering, council adjourned.
(Signed) J W Buchanan, Clerk
Council met in regular session. Mayor Isbell in chair. Aldermen present
J A Swafford, I N Huffer, W B Blanton, J M Oney, J W Buchanan
Minutes of previous meeting were read and aproved.
Sanitary commitee reported town in fair condition
Street com reported some work needing done. Also some repairing needing on
sidewalks
On motion Marshall was instructed to repair walks, also bridge west of town.
By motion that we table the street grading for the present.
On motion & sec it was carried that we commence at Bank and build gravel walk 4
ft wide south as far as we can build.
On motion & second Mr. Huffer was employed for $1.50 per day to oversee and
start of the gravel walk.
Following acct was allowed and ordered pd
J N Ferguson & Son on lumber $4.45
Marshall reported Pror tax coll $56.00
Following acct was allowed and ordered paid
R C West Marshall 1 months services as marshall $12.50
10% on 56.00 $ 5.60
Total $18.10
By motion & second Albert Parishes poll tax was remitted and ordered drawn for
the amount 50 cents
By second & motion, Council adjourned.
(Signed) J W Buchanan, City Clerk
(Signed) I N Huffer, Protem
Council met in regular session. Mayor Huffer Protem in chair. Following
members present W B Blanton, J M Oney, J W Buchanan
Minutes of previous meeting were read & aproved.
By motion & sec street committee were instructed use old walk where it is needed
most.
Following accts were allowed and ordered paid
J N Ferguson & Son's Lumber & Nails $17.26
R C West 1 months services as marshall $12.50
Marshall reported property tax collected $ 1.35
J W Buchanan paying hands on Gravel walk $53.25
By motion & sec the appointment of Henry Herman as deputy marshall was
approved by council.
No further business appearing, council adjourned.
(Signed) J W Buchanan, Clerk
Mayors Office Mar 20th,1903
(The following minutes were marked through as though the meeting was not finished and
there are no signatures on this page.)
Council met in call session with following officers present
Mayor J H Isbell. Aldermen J A Swafford, I N Huffer, J M Oney, W B Blanton, J
Object of meeting was stated by Mayor Isbell as follows: to discuss & regulate
Marshalls salary.
Council met in regular session, following officers present.
Mayor J H Isbell, Aldermen J A Swafford, W B Blanton, J W Buchanan, J M Oney
Minutes of previous meeting were read an aproved.
Sanitary commitee reported some complaints in regard to privies back of stores.
Street commitee reported streets in very good shape.
Following accts were allowed & ordered paid.
On motion & sec. $5.00 was allowed on Bells News acct.
T H West holding election $10.00
J H Isbell paying recording deed $ 1.00
R C West $16.95
J W Buchanan 6 months serv 5 Aldermen $18.00
J Belote 2 blankets $ 1.50
By motion & sec city council endorsed action of R C West in issuing license to W P Kidd
for funning saloon.
No further business apearing council adjourned.
(Signed) J W Buchanan, Clerk
Council met in call session for purpose of canvassing & declaring results of city election
for town officers held April 7th, 1903 & swearing in new officers. Following
officers were declared duly & constituitionaly elected having received the highest
number of votes for the following offices.
Mayor C F Christensen
Aldermen J A Swafford W B Blanton J P Hughes
A McCollum J W Buchanan
Marshall R C West
Above all rec Oath of office.
No further business apearing, council adjourned.
(Signed) C F Christensen, Mayor
(Signed) J W Buchanan, Clerk
Council met in special session for purpose of apointing committees & aproving bonds of
marshall using certificates of election & etc.
With Mayor Christensen in chair. Following officers were elected by council
Clerk J W Buchanan
Mayor Protem Joe Hughes
Treasurer W B Blanton
Following committees were apointed
Street Com - W B Blanton, A McCollum
Ordinance Com - Joe Hughes, J W Buchanan, J A Swafford
Park Com - W B Blanton, J W Buchanan
Sanitary Com - J A Swafford, Joe Hughes
Bond of city marshall was aproved & certificate of election was issued to city
marshall.
By motion first Tuesday night in each month was selected as meeting night for council
meeting. No further business, by motion council adjourned.
(Signed) C F Christensen, Mayor
(Signed) J W Buchanan, Clerk
Council met in regular session. Mayor Christensen in chair. Following aldermen
present
J A Swafford, M McCollum, W B Blanton J A Hughes J W Buchanan
Minutes of previous meeting were read and aproved.
Street committee reported streets in need of repairing also some work was done.
Following ordinances were adopted.
Ordinance No. 4 regarding tieing or loritoring animals on any public street.
Ordinance No. 5 Prohibiting playing marbles or pitching ball on any public st or
alley.
Ord No. 6 regarding working streets regards to age and amt to be paid when not
working.
Acct of S Resenburg & Co. for $6.61 for unexpired license from Feb. 28 - 02 to
March 16th - 02 was read and refered to Finance Committee.
Finance committee were apointed as follows
J G Hughes
W B Blanton
Marshall reported as follows
Fines $12.00
Prop tax $ 1.80
Occupation $15.50
Total $29.30
Following accts was allowed and ordered pd.
R C West 1 months services as marshall $12.50
Feeding prisoners $ 1.25
10 per cent on 17.30 $ 1.70
Hauling old walk $ 1.75
Total $17.20
M McCollum 1 days work on street with team and 1 hand extra $3.00
No further business apearing council adjourned.
(Signed) J W Buchanan, Clerk
Council met in regular session. Mayor Christensen in chair. Following aldermen
present
Hughes, McCollum, Swafford, Blanton, Buchanan
Minutes of previous meeting were read and approved.
Street committee reported some work done on walks and some steps taken to
secure grader to grade streets.
Sanitary committee reported city well cleaned out.
Finance committee recomended payment of Bill of S Resenberg & Co. $6.61
unexpired license.
Following accts were allowed and ordered paid
S Resenberg & Co. unexpired license $ 6.61
J W Showe cleaning out public well $ 2.50
M A McCollum work on side walks
2 days team & hand $ 4.50
R C West 1 month services as marshall $12.50
Dorsey Printing Co. $ 5.35 Dallas Tex
Motion & sec council adjourned
(Signed) J W Buchanan, Clerk
Council met in regular session with Mayor Christensen in chair. Following
aldermen present
Minutes of previous meeting were read and approved.
On motion the street running east & west, north of M McCollums residence be
leased to M McCollum for 10 cents year or until council see fit to order opened.
Marshall reported occupation tax collected $ 3.00
Following acct was allowed and ordered paid
R C West 1 months services as marshall $12.50
On motion Mayor apointed following committee to secure building for Mayors
office
J W Buchanan W B Blanton
On motion council adjourned
(Signed) J W Buchanan, Secy
Council met in regular session with Mayor Christensen in chair. Following
aldermen present: Joe Hughes, A McCollum, W B Blanton & Dr. Swafford
Reading of minutes was omited on acct of absence of Secretary and minutes locked
up.
There being no unfinished business the street committee reported work done
bridges & crossings in good shape.
Marshall reported collected
Occupation tax coll $37.50
Road tax $28.50
Fines $31.90
Following accts were allowed and ordered paid
J N Ferguson & Sons Lumber $29.33
R C West work on st & hands $59.05
R C West services $19.95
R C West work on st $ 6.75
W B Blanton for wood $ 9.00
It was agreed that a crossing be put in in front of Mr. Blanton's, he furnishing
material.
No further business apearing, council adjourned.
(Signed) Joe Hughes, Secy Protem
Council met in regular session. Mayor Christensen in chair. Following aldermen
present;
J A Swafford, W B Blanton, Joe Hughes, M A McCollum, J W Buchanan
Minutes of previous meetings read and approved.
Committee apointed to rent Mayors office reported room rented from D M Roddy
for $215.00 year rent to begin from July 15th 1903.
Street committee reported more work done on crossings & streets.
Request from Mr. John Morrison in regard to opening ditch on south side of D N
Bows residence to run water in to his tank. It was agreed to leave matter with
parties concerned.
Case of Mr. John Oney getting his leg broke in sidewalk was brought up and
refered to the Finance Committee.
A special meeting was called to consider aboe report Sept 2 at 8 oclock.
Following accts were allowed and ordered paid
M A McCollum 4 days work with team $10.00
" 1 day work John McCollum $ 1.00
1 day work Mr. Johnson $ 1.00
1 day work J Jewett $ 1.00
2 days work Raligh Fagan $ 5.00
Total $18.00
Report of Marshall as follows
Street Tax $ 8.50
Fines $23.00
1 month services $12.50
10% on $8.50 $ .85
Feeding prisoners $ .25
Pen & Ink $ .10
Total $13.70
Council met in call session for purpose of considering claim of J M Oney against
town for getting his leg broke in sidewalk.
On motion & sec it was agreed to tender Mr. J M Oney $100.00 in settlement of his
claim against the town of Bells.
(Signed) J W Buchanan, Secy
Council met in regular session Mayor Christenson not being present J H Hughes
took chair. Following alderman present Dr. Swafford, M A McCollum, W B
Blanton, Joe Hughes
Minutes of previous meeting read & approved.
Street committee reported some work needing done on sidewalks in front of Mrs.
Scotts residence.
A motion carried that the Farmers & Merchants Bank pay annually as city
occupation tax $12.50
Marshall West reported collected on occupation tax $ 5.50
The following accts were allowed and ordered paid
J P Drewry fixing butment to bridge $ 3.00
10% on collection $5.50 $ .50
Total $13.00
(Signed) W B Blanton, Secty protem
Council met in regular session. Following officers present - W B Blanton, Joe
Hughes, A McCollum, C F Christensen in chair, Dr. Swafford
Minutes of previous meeting read and aproved.
Marshall reported as follows
Occup Tax Coll $50.00
Property " $18.60
Fines Coll $ 5.50
Total $74.10
Following accts were allowed and ordered paid
R C West services & % collecting $68.60 $19.30
J W Buchanan 6 month services for 6 aldermen $18.00
J N Ferguson & Son lumber & nails $13.44
On motion council adjourned.
Council met in call session to take steps in regard to quarantining against Sherman
on account of small pox.
Following officers present: Mayor C F Christensen. Aldermen Blanton, Swafford,
McCollum, Hughes, Buchanan
It being learned from reliable authority that small pox existed in Sherman, We
deem it for the safety of the citizens of Bells to quarantine against Sherman,
Grayson Co., Tex.
Motion & second that Bells, Tex quarantine against Sherman on account of small
pox to go into effect at 2 oclock PM Sunday Nov. 15 - 1903 was carried .
No further business appearing, council adjourned.
(Signed) J W Buchanan, Seccy
Council met in call session to consider raising quarantine against Sherman, Tex
Following officers present; Christensen Mayor, Aldermen Hughes, McCollum,
Swafford, Buchanan.
On motion & sec quarantine was ordered raised.
No further business apearing, council adjourned
(Signed) J W Buchanan, Seccy
Council met in regular session. Mayor and following officers present W B Blanton,
A McCollum, Dr. Swafford, Joe Hughes
Marshals report as follows
Occupation tax collected $ 9.00
Property " $00.00
Fines $10.50
Total $19.50
The following accounts were allowed and ordered paid.
R C West services & collection $13.40
On motion, council adjourned.
(Signed) Jos Hughes, Secy protem
Council met in call session and upon motion following ordinance was passed.
Relative to the shooting of fire cracker, roman candles, & etc in streets & alleys,
ordinance in ordinance book.
No further business apearing, council adjourned.
(Signed) J W Buchanan
Council met in regular session. Following officers present Christensen Mayor
Aldermen Blanton, McCollum, Buchanan,
Minutes of previous meetings were read and aproved.
Street committee reported streets in good shape on south part of town, north part
needing some repairing.
On motion, Marshal was ordered to warn out hands to work street next Tuesday.
Marshall reported as follows
Prop Tax $126.33
Fines $ 25.50
Following accts were allowed
R C West 10% on 126.33 $12.60
one months salary $12.50
J N Ferguson & Sons lumber $ 6.31
Farmers & Merchants Bank 1st note $104.00
proceeds to pay Oney claim
No further business apearing, council adjourned.
(Signed) J W Buchanan
Council met in regular session. Mayor Christensen in chair. Following aldermen
present
Hughes, McCollum, Swafford, Buchanan, Blanton
Minutes of previous meeting read and approved.
Street committee reported streets in very good shape.
Mr. N C Ferguson offered to council $40.00 for calaboose lot.
Council met in regular session. Mayor Christensen in chair. Aldermen present
Hughes, McCollum, Swafford, Buchanan
Park Committee reported that they had rented the park to Mr. J G Neal for 1 year
beginning the first day of April 1904 ending Mar 31 1905 for the sum of $10.00 to
be paid at the expiration of the time.
Petition of Dr. Wilbanks & Dawson in regard to walk was referred to park
committee.
Following accts were allowed
R C West services & Commision $14.00
G W Adams holding election $10.00
Shurley & Huffer Order C. Childers $ 5.00
J N Ferguson & Sons lumber $ 8.55
W A McCollum $ 7.50
J W Buchanan minute book $ .75
J W Buchanan services 5 aldermen $18.00
Total $63.80
Marshall reported as follows
Fines collected $ 7.00
Property tax $ 5.10
Occupation tax $11.50
Ordinance relative to reducing marshall salary was read, to take its regular course.
Canvassing of Poll of City Election held April 5th was made by council. Following
officers were declared elected, having received majority of votes cast:
Mayor C F Christensen
Aldermen J W Buchanan
W B Blanton
Joe Hughes
D B Olive
S D Simpson in place of J A Swafford who would not
qualify
Marshall R C West
All above named persons were duly qualified.
Joe Hughes was apointed Mayor Protem
Following officers were elected
Mayor Protem Joe Hughes
Seccy or Clerk J W Buchanan
Treasurer W B Blanton
Following committees were apointed
Street Com - L B Olive, W B Blanton
Sanitary Com - Joe Hughes, W B Blanton
Ordin Com - J W Buchanan, S D Simpson
Park Com - W B Blanton, J W Buchanan
1st Tuesday night of each month was adopted as regular meeting night by council.
Following committee was apointed to secure room for Mayors Office, L B Olive &
W B Blanton.
On motion, H A Herman was apointed Deputy Marshall
No further business apearing, council adjourned.
(Signed) J W Buchanan, Clerk
(Signed) C F Christensen
Council met in regular session. Mayor Christensen in chair. Aldermen present
VHughes, Simpson, Buchanan
Minutes of previous meeting read and aproved.
The ordinance relating to reducing Marshall salary was declared out of order on account
of being gotten up wrong.
On a motion to allow Mr. R C West $10.00 per month as salary for services as marshall
beginning June 7, 1904 was carried. Above was accepted by R C West.
Ordinance relative to shooting fire arms was passed.
A Motion to allow M K & T RR Co. to use Commercial St for switch to run to Morrison's
gin was carried.
On motion above was ordered published in Bells News.
Marsh was instructed to warn hands out 2 days next Monday & Tuesday
On motion it was decided by council to sell one 50 ft lot off north side of City Park for
$75.00 provided we can find buyer.
Marshall reported as follows
April & May Occupation Tax Coll $18.00
Property Tax Coll $ .60
Total $18.60
Following accounts were allowed and ordered paid.
S D Simpson Tables, chairs, & etc. $33.00
R C West 2 months services & comm $26.85
Christensen & Co. Telephone & Printing $ 3.00
J P Drewry hauling gravel $ 3.00
M F Johnson ditching $ 1.50
On motion, council adjourned
(Signed) J W Buchanan, Clerk
Council met in regular session. Mayor Christensen in chair. Aldermen present Hughes,
Blanton, Simpson, Buchanan
Minutes of previous meeting read and approved.
Marshall reported as follows
Fines collected $ 4.50
Following accts were allowed and ordered paid
R C West services & hauling $10.50
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