HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 10_13_1858 to 01_02_1872 Transcribed 197
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At a Special Meeting of the Mayor and
Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi
held on the 13h day of October, 1858
Present Aldermen Fisher, Shaw,
Graham, Pfeiffer and Holbein
H W Berry, Mayor being absent
from the City, and on Motion duly made and
Seconded, Alderman R Holbein was duly
and unammously elected Mayor Pro tem, who
being present accepted the office and took his
seat as such.
Joseph Fitzsimons, Secretary, not being in atten=
dance, and on Motion duly Made and seconded
Alderman A Fisher was duly and unanimously
appointed to act as Secretary of this special Meeting
The subject Matter of establishing Quarantine
Regulations, was then taken up, and on Motion
of Alderman Pfeiffer, and duly seconded by Alder
man Shaw the accompanying preamble and
Ordinance was passed. viz
Whereas, the Citizens
of the City of Corpus Christi, in general assemb=
=lage on Wednesday, the 13th instant, Requested the
Mayor and Board of Aldermen to pass such
Ordinance as in their judgment will effectually
prevent the introduction of Yellow Fever into our
Midst, therefore _
Be it Ordained, by the Mayor
and Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus
Christi, in Council assembled, that for the ensuing
thirty days, no vessel of any kind carrying freight
or passengers, coming from any port or place infected
with the Yellow Fever, be permitted to land here,
or discharge either cargo or passengers, and that
all communication from such boat or sailing
Craft with the shore or landing, be and the same
is hereby prohibited, and that no freight or passen=
gers, coming from Matagorda Bay, be permitted
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to approach nearer to Corpus Christi than the Shell
Bank.
Be it further ordained, that
any person or persons, owners of vessels or otherwise,
infringing upon the foregoing Ordinance, shall
be subject to a fine of not less than twenty five
dollars nor more than One hundred dollars,
and incarceration in the City Jail, at the dis=
=cretion of the Mayor.
Be it further Ordained, that
this Ordinance take effect from and after the
14th day of October 1858, and that printed
Copies of the same be forwarded by the Secre=
=tary to all stations and posts along the route
between this place and Powderhorn, with a
request that they be posted.
Reuben Holbein
Mayor pro tem
C.C.C
200
At a meeting of the Mayor
and Board of Ald of the City of
Corpus Christi – held on the [16] day of
June A.D. 1859 Present R Holbein
Mayor – C Dunn P Dunn
Cannon Pendleton Fisher and Hoffman Ald Hunsaker Se
The minutes of last meeting were read and
accepected _. The old Board then proceeded to
administer the proper oath to the aforesaid _
mayor and Ald Treasure and Secratary _ The
proper officer then called the House to order _
Upon motion of Ald Cannon and
secd by Al d Pendleton _ an election was held
for the office of “City Marshall,”
whereupon the names of Wm Fredericks
and James Hopgood were submited before
the house for Candidates _ the results
was a follows Frederick 1 Hopgood 5
Hopgood was duly declared “City Marshall”
for the “City” of “Corpus Christi,”
Upon motion the regular
time for meeting was appointed on the
first Thursday of every month _
A bond of five hundred
dollars was attached to the office of Treas
A surety of Two hundred and fifty dollars
was placed upon the office of City Marshall
There being no farther business
before the house _ a motion was made
to ajourn _ to meet at the regular
time _
J. [L.] Hunsaker
Secratary
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Special Meeting
Monday November 28th A D 1859 The Mayor and
Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi met this
day. pursuant to call of His Honor Mayor Holbein
Present Hon R Holbein, Mayor Hons P Hoffman,
P Dunn, Jno Cannon & Geo Robertson, Aldermen.
A quorum being present, the Mayor explained the object
of the meeting The Secretary being absent Alderman Robertson
was unanimously appointed Secretary pro tem.
Whereupon the following Preambles and resolutions
were offered, discussed, and passed unanimously, to wit
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Regular Meeting.
Thursday June 7h A D 1859
Board Met pursuant to adjournment
Present Reuben Holbein Mayor,
Aldermen Fisher, Hoffman, Canon, Robertson,
„ Pendleton, P Dunn & C Dunn
E J Hopgood, Marshal
On Motion duly made and Seconded, the reading of
the Minutes of the previous Meetings were dispensed
with, and George Robertson appointed Secretary pro tem
_________
The Message of the Mayor giving his views upon
Matters [...ching] the general interests of the City
of Corpus Christi, was received and read
_________
On Motion duly Seconded and carried, the Mayor
appointed the following standing Committees, viz
Finance – Aldermen Robertson, Pendleton & C Dunn
Grave Yard ___” ___ C Dunn, Pendleton & P Dunn
Streets ___” ___ Cannon, Hoffman & Fisher
On Motion Aldn Fisher, Seconded by Aldn Pendleton, the
following Committee was appointed to examine, revise
alter, and amend the ordinances of the City of Corpus
Christi, vis
___________ Fisher, Robertson & Hoffman ___________
_________
E J Hopgood [illegible] appeared and presented
his Bond as Marshal of the City of Corpus Christi, in the
sum of Two hundred and fifty dollars, conditioned
as [] law is required, and payable to the Mayor of
the City of Corpus Christi, with Conrad Meuly and
Thomas E Hooper as his sureties, which on Motion
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duly seconded and carried, was approved as good
and sufficient
_________
Alderman Fisher presented the following resolution,
which on Motion duly Made and seconded was
adopted
_________
Resolved that the City Marshal be and he hereby
is instructed to notify H W Berry, Joseph Fitz=
simons and John B Mitchell, to be and appear
before the Mayor & Board of Aldermen of the City of
Corpus Christi, at their next regular Meeting,
to be holden in said city on the first Thursday
in August next, then and there to present their
reports in Writing as late Mayor Assessor & Collector
and Treasurery
No further business being before the Board
on Motion, adjourned until Friday evening July 8th
1859
Reuben Holbein
Mayor C.C.C
207
_________ Adjourned Meeting _________
Friday evening July 8h A D 1859, Board Met
pursuant to adjournment ________________
____ Present _ Reuben Holbein Mayor
____ “ _____ Aldermen Fisher, Robertson, Pendleton,
____ “ _____ Hoffman & P Dunn _______________
____ “ _____ E J Hopgood Marshall _____________
____ Absent Aldermen Cannon & C Dunn _______
The Minutes of the previous Meetings were read and
approved _________________________________________
On Motion of Aldn Fisher, Seconded and Carried, the
reports of Standing Committee’s were dispensed with
for the evening _____________________________________
Jacob Ziegler appeared and presented his bond
as Treasurer of the City of Corpus Christi, payable
to the Mayor of said City, and his successors in office,
in the sum of Five Hundred dollars, Conditioned
according to Law, with [Pro...] Hoffman and And=
rew Fisher as his sureties, which, on Motion duly made
Seconded and carried, was approved as good and suf=
ficient ___________________________________________
On Motion of Aldn Fisher, Seconded by Aldn Cannon,
the following Ordinance was approved and adopted
_______ An Ordinance to Consolidate, alter, and
Amend the Ordinances to prevent dogs from run=
ning at large in the City of Corpus Christi __________
Dogs Section 1 Be it ordained by the Mayor and Board
of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, that from
and after the 20h day of July next, it shall not be
lawful for any dog to go at large in the City of
Corpus Christi, except under the following restrictions
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that is to say, every dog going at large within
the limits of said City, shall have round its neck
a Collar of Metal or of leather, and every person
owning or keeping dogs within the limits of the
Corporation of the City of Corpus Christi, shall pay
a license tax of one dollar per head for the year
ending July 20h 1860, to be collected by the Mar=
shal of said City, whose duty it shall be, on and after
the 20h day of July Next, to Call upon all persons,
being owners of dogs within the City limits, and as=
sess and collect the said tax, and shall number
each and every dog so licensed, on the Collar afore=
said, in plain figures, and the Numbers thereof shall
go on progressively, beginning with Number one, and
shall also, register in a book to be provided by him
for that purpose, at the expense of the City, the Number
of each dog licensed, and the Name of the owner or
tax payer, which book shall shall at all times be
subject to public inspection _ But that nothing
herein contained shall be construed to prevent fe=
male dogs when in heat, whether licensed or other
wise, to run at large in the City limits, but any
such female dog so going at large shall be taken
up and destroyed in the Manner hereinafter pro=
vided ____________________________________
Section 2 That the owner, agent, or other person at
Bitch in heat [] at large Whose house or premises, any female dog is usually
Penalty for allowing found, or permitted to remain, or any any other
person having or exercising agency or ownership in
or over any female dog, if such female dog be
found when in heat, doing at large in the City of
Corpus Christi, such owner, agent, or other person
shall be liable to a penalty of not less than five,
nor more than Ten dollars, to be recovered before
the Mayor or any competent authority of the law,
one half for the use of the informant, and the other
half for the use of the city of Corpus Christi. _____
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Section 3
That it shall be the duty of the City Marshal
to Carry this Ordinance into effect, by causing all
dogs found running at large in the City of Corpus
Christi, to be taken up, killed and burned,
except in cases of clearly established accident or
emergency, where the animal is particularly
valuable, then and not otherwise, they may be
disposed of at the discretion of the Mayor. And for
the services to be performed in taking up or killing
and burying each dog, the Marshal shall re=
ceive the Sum of One dollar, to be paid by the
Owner of the dog, if not known, then by the
Mayor, who is hereby authorised to draw his
Warrant on the City Treasurer for the amount __
Section 4
That any person who shall wilfully or
maliciously obstruct the Marshal from Carrying
into effect, the provisions of this Ordinance in the Seiz
ure or transportation of the dogs by him arrested,
in the burial of their Carcases, shall upon Con
viction thereof, be fined in any sum not exceeding
Twenty dollars, to be recovered before the Mayor or
any competent authority of the law, one half for
the use of the informant, and the other half for
the use of the City of Corpus Christi __________
Section 5
That all ordinances heretofore passed in
order to prevent dogs from running at large in
the City of Corpus Christi, be and the same are here
by repealed, and that this ordinance take effect and
be in force from and after the 20h day of July next
_________ No further business being before the Board,
on Motion adjourned until the next regular Meeting
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_____________ Special Meeting ___________
Monday November 28h A D 1859, The Mayor and Board
of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, Met this day
pursuant to call of His Honor Mayor Holbein
Present Hon R Holbein Mayor, Hons P Hoffman,
P Dunn Jno Canon & Geo Robertson, Aldermen
A quorum being present, the Mayor explained the
object of the Meeting The Secretary being absent Alder=
man Robertson was unanimously appointed Secretary
pro tem _____________________________________
_______ Whereupon the following Preambles and resolutions
were offered, discussed, and passed unanimously
to Wit ______________________________________
[] Rifles _______ Whereas late occurrences on the Rio Grande
frontier have demonstrated the Necessity and importance
of permanent Military Organizations in the frontier
Counties; _ whereas, impressed with these Considerations
the Walker Mounted Rifle Company, of the County
of Nueces, has been organised, and has established its
Armory at the City of Corpus Christi, and whereas,
in the opinion of this Council, all such organisations
ought to receive the [...ering] care of the State, and
that without such care and aid, the same cannot
be perpetuated, as has been demonstrated by the his=
tories of Volunteer Companies in other States of the Union
Resolved by the Mayor and Council of the City of Corpus
Christi, that they respectfully recommend the said
Walker Mounted Rifle Company to the most favorable
notice of the Hon the Legislature of the State, but more
especially to that of the Hons Messrs Scarborough,
Bretton, Kinney, Haynes, Dougherty, Barnard,
Benevides & Walworth, the Representatives of the
extreme Western section of Country, and this with a
View, that said Company be put on a permanent footing,
by enabling it to obtain the Necessary arms and ac=
coutrements, an an armory for the safe keeping of
the same.
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__________ Amendment of the City Charter_____________
Whereas, in the opinion of the Mayor and Council of the
City of Corpus Christi, the Act of the Legislature of
Feby 11h 1852, incorporating said City, and the Act of
Feby 13h 1854, Amendatory of said incorporating Act,
do not rest in the City Council sufficient definite powers
and Authority for the proper government of said City,
the raising of a reserve by assessment and collection
of Taxes, sufficient to defray necessary expenses for the
proper police, sanitary Condition, laying out, grading
and Keeping in repair of Streets, the erecting of wharves
and regulating its port, the erecting and Keeping up
a proper Jail, and the building of suitable school-
houses and establishing free schools for the rising gener=
ation, as now absolutely required by the wants of the
inhabitants thereof and the growing importance of said
City. _________________________________________
Resolved that this Council ask from their more
immediate local Representatives in the State Legis-
` lature, the Hons Forbes Britton and H L Kinney,
the introduction and passage of as Act amendatory
of the City Charter, so as to embrace the aforerecited
and desired objects ______________________________
_______________ Port of Entry___________________
Whereas, by Joint Resolution of the Hon the Legislature
of the State of Texas, approved Aug 23d 1856, it appears,
that the making of the City of Corpus Christi, a Port of
Entry was then deemed expedient, proper and neces=
sary, by said Hon Legislature, Whereas, not=
withstanding such Joint Resolution, the Congress
of the U S, so far, have failed to Create such Port
of Entry, though the Commerce of the region of a
Country, for which Corpus Christi is the natural Port,
since then has steadily increased, and is daily
increasing, And Whereas the Mayor and Council of
the City of Corpus Christi entertain the opinion, that
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such Port of Entry is now More than ever Needed and
required, with a view to afford all proper facilities to
Commerce, not alone of advantage to this City, but act
ually demanded by the larger portion of the Rio Grande
Country, and the Mercantile Community at Laredo,
[Ca...] Roma and Rio Grande City, having inter=
course with Northern Mexico _____________________
Therefore be it Resolved by the Mayor and Council of
the City of Corpus Christi, that they most respectfully
and earnestly ask the Honorable Forbes Britton, Hy L
Kinney, John L Haynes and S Benevides, Repre=
sentatives in the State Legislature, to take such steps
as in their opinion will be most conducive to the es=
tablishment of such Port of Entry, at the present session
of Congress __________________________________
________________ United States Court_______________
Whereas from Joint Resolution of the Hon Legislature
of the State of Texas, adopted February 11th 1850, it
appears, that it was then deemed proper and neces=
sary to have a Term of the U S Court held at the
City of Corpus Christi, Whereas, Notwithstanding
such expression of opinion by the Hon Legislature,
no such Term of said Court has as yet been provided
for by the U S Congress, and Whereas since then the
rapid growth and increase of population in the Western
Section of the State and Consequent increased Land-
litigation in the Federal Court, has rendered the
holding of a session of such Court in the City of Corpus
Christi, still more necessary, proper and desirable for
the furtherance of Justice and the [Co...ence] of
Litigants, this City occupying about a Central po=
sition between Galveston and Brownsville, the only
places in the District in which such Court is held
under existing laws, - being distant from each of said
points much more than 100 miles, - while at the same
time it is entirely exempt from all Contagious diseases
Therefore be it resolved by the Mayor and Council of
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the City of Corpus Christi, that the Honorable Forbes
Britton, Senator, and the Hon Hy L Kinney, Rep
resentative, their more immediate Representatives in
the Hon the Legislature of the State, be and they are
hereby most respectfully but earnestly requested, to
take all such steps with the Representatives from
Texas in the U S Congress, as will ensure the passage
by said Congress, at their present session, of an Act,
establishing a Term of the U S Court at the City
of Corpus Christi _____________________________
________________ Ship Channel________________
Whereas experience has demonstrated to the satisfaction of
this Council, that to meet the wants of the growing Com=
merce of the surrounding country, through this City, a
Ship Channel is necessary, Connecting the Aransas with
the Corpus Christi Bays, and of Sufficient depth to
admit all vessels capable of crossing the Aransas Bar,
at all ordinary tides, which is full ten feet, _________
Whereas fully alive to the necessity, importance and
Magnitude of the said work, the predecessors of this
Council, under the Act of incorporation of Feby 13h 1854,
issued the bonds of the City for Five Hundred Thous
and dollars, with 12/ of in, at fifty years, to the per
sons undertaking said work, ____________________
Whereas it appears, that said Bonds have failed to
afford the expected and necessary pecuniary facilities to the Con
tractors for said work, they having failed to dis=
count or negotiate the same or any part thereof,
while at the same time they have Constantly and
faithfully prosecuted the said Work, so as now to
have obtained a depth of eight feet in ordinary tide
and this at a daily heavy outlay in Cash, __________
And Whereas, in the humble opinion of the Council;
it does appear but right, just and equitable that the
said improvement be placed upon an equal footing
with that on Land, by Rail Road, which [will]
at once furnish the Necessary funds for the most –
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speedy completion of said Work, _______________
Resolved by the Mayor and Council of the City of Corpus
Christi, that entertaining the foregoing views, and
having entire faith and Confidence in the management
of said Work by John M Moore and his Associates,
the Council most respectfully but earnestly solicit
for him and them, at the hands of the Honorables Mes
seurs Britton, Kinney, Haynes, Benevides & Walworth,
their best exertions to obtain such relief from the Hon
the Legislature, as they may ask in the way of Loans,
and such as will ensure the prompt completion of the
desired ship Channel work ____________________
_________ When no further business being before the Board,
on Motion adjourned until Meeting in course ______
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NOTICE
MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN }
City Corpus Christi, Feb. 27, 1858. }
AGREEABLY to a resolution adopted
by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen
of the city of Corpus Christi, at their sit-
ting of Thursday, 25th February, A. D.
1858 – Notice is hereby given that by dedi-
cation from Henry L. Kinney, the original
owner, as per his original plan of said city,
by him filed in the office of the county
clerk of Nueces county on the first day of
November, A. D. 1848, this corporation
claims for public uses, and holds as public
property, the several squares, blocks or
lands hereinafter described to wit:
On the Bluff part of the city –
1st. The piece of land bounded by Ra-
mirez, Padre, Winnebago, Jones and
Broadway streets, now used as a ceme-
tery, and designated as such on said plan.
2d. The piece of land embraced within
Leopard, Buffalo, Artesian and Waco sts.,
known as the Bluff Artesian Well Block,
and designated as such on said plan.
3d. The square or block bounded by
Carisa, Tankhua, Leopard and Antelope
streets, designated as Public Square on
said map.
On the Beach part of the city –
4th. The square or block bounded by
Tiger, Mexquit, Aubrey and Belden sts.,
upon a part of which the courthouse is
built, designated on said plan as Public
Square.
5th. The square or block designated
on aforesaid plan by the number ninteen (19)
and Public Square, bounded by Broadway,
Mezquit, Peoples and Star streets.
6th The fractional block known as the
Market Square, and upon which stand the
market buildings, bounded by Schatzel,
Peoples, Broadway and Mezquit streets.
7 All the land lying between the wa-
ters of Corpus Christi Bay and the eastern
boundary of the squares, blocks or lots
which front on the street, designated on
the aforesaid map as Water street, being
all the land made by accretion in front of
the city, since the filing of the original
plan of the same, on the 1st day of No-
vember, A. D. 1848.
And all persons whomsoever are hereby
warned against purchasing, occupying or
taking possession of the whole or any por-
tion of the aforedescribed property.
By order: H. W. BERRY, Mayor
Joseph Fitzsimons, Secretary. feb27 5w
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Regular Meeting
On this the second day of July A D 1860, being the first
Monday of said month, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen
of the City of Corpus Christi, elected under an Act of the Legislature
of the State of Texas, entitled “An Act supplementary to
and amendatory of an act entitled ‘an act to incorporate
the City of Corpus Christi’ approved February 16h 1852,” which
act was approved Feby 11th 1860, met at the Rooms of
Messrs Shaw & Barnard for the purpose of organization,
when were present ________________________________
H W Berry Mayor, and Aldermen A Fisher, John
L Hunsaker, C Lovenskiold, W S Shaw & C Weidenmueller
Jacob Ziegler, Treasurer ___________________________
Absent Aldermen J R Peterson & W N Staples _______
_________ Secretary Wm J Davis ____________________
His Honor the Mayor called the meeting to order, and ex
hibited his certificate of election and oath of office in due
form of Law He also stated, that the Aldermen present
had been duly elected, and were qualified as required by law
_________ The absence of Aldermen Peterson & Staples, and
of Secretary Davis was excused, and in the latter case
leave of absence for thirty days was granted ____________
_________ The Mayor appointed the following Standing Committees
Finance ________________________________________
_____ C Lovenskiold Hunsaker & Staples ____________
Streets Fandango & Harbor _________________________
_____ W S Shaw, Fisher & Peterson ________________
Grave Yard & Burying Ground ______________________
_____ Fisher, Weidenmueller & Staples ______________
The following ordinance was offered, and after discussion
on motion duly seconded, was adopted, viz _____________
“An ordinance in relation to the Bonds and securities of
the officers of the Corporation &c ____________
Section 1 Be it ordained by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of
Corpus Christi in Council convened that before entering upon
the discharge of their respective duties each officer of the city
shall take and subscribe an oath before the Mayor, that he
will well and truly and faithfully discharge the duties of
his office, and shall also enter into Bond with two or
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more good securities, payable to the Mayor and Aldermen
of the City of Corpus Christi, and their successors in office,
conditioned for the faithful discharge of the duties of such
office, the Treasurer in the sum of $1200, - the
Assessor & Collector in the sum of $1000, - the City
Marshal in the sum of $500, - and the Secretary in
the sum of $250 _________________________________
Section 2 That all Bonds and securities shall be furnished to and
approved by the Mayor, who, as a test of the sufficiency
thereof, is required to administer to the surety offered, an
oath in writing and to be subscribed by each surety, to the effect
Approved Bonds “ that after deducting from his property all that which is
“ exempt by the Constitution and Laws of the State, from
“ forced sale, and after the payment of all his debts of every
“ description, whether individual or security debts, and after
“ satisfying all incumbrances upon his property which
“ are known to him, such surety is worth in his own sight
“ at least the sum of the amt of the Bond, that he resides
“ in the county of Nueces and has property in the State of
“ Texas liable to execution worth the amount of the Bond
“ or more” ______________________________________
Section 3 That all Bonds of officers when approved by the Mayor, shall
be endorsed as such by him, and thereupon be filed with
the Secretary of the Council as a part of the Archives of the
Corporation ___________________________________
_________ On motion duly seconded and carried, the Council
proceeded to the election of a City Marshal and an Assessor
and Collector, which resulted as follows, to wit _______
City-Marshal John Cannon ______________________
Assessor & Collector Alexander Stringer _________
_________ The Mayor was authorized and requested, to contract
for a suitable building or room for Mayors office and Council
-room, and to report thereon at the next meeting for final
action by this Council ___________________________
_________ On motion of Alderman Lovenskiold, duly
seconded, and carried unanimously, the following Resolution
was adopted, to wit _____________________________
Resolved that the Mayor appoint a Committee of three,
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to revise, arrange, modify, alter, amend and [digest] the
Ordinances now in force, so as to conform to the provisions
of the amended Charter and meet the present situation of
our municipal affairs, with instructions also, to propose
new ordinances, to meet cases not otherwise provided for, and
that they report the result of their labors as early as practicable,
or from time to time, as they may progress ________________
________ The Mayor appointed Aldermen Lovenskiold, Shaw
& Fisher on said Committee __________________________
________ Whereupon adjourned until Saturday evening, the
7th of July A D 1860, at 8 o clock ______________________
Chas Lovenskiold H W Berry
Actg Secry Mayor CCC
___________________________________________________
Fees of office allowed by ____________Meeting of Saturday July 7th 1860 __________
the City - Met pursuant to adjournment Present Hon H W Berry,
Mayor Aldermen Fisher, Hunsaker, Lovenskiold, Peterson
Staples, Shaw & Weidenmueller Marshal John Cannon
________ The proceedings of the previous meeting of 2d Inst,
were read and approved ______________________________
________ The Mayor reported progress in the efforts of obtain
a suitable place for Council room, and further time was
granted to him ______________________________________
________ The Committee on Ordinances, through its Chair
man, reported the following Ordinance, which having been
taken up section by section, discussed and amended,
was finally passed as follows, to wit _____________________
________ An Ordinance concerning fees and compensation
of Officers of the Corporation __________________________
Section 1 Be it ordained by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of
Corpus Christi in Council convened, that the Mayor shall be
enabled to have and demand the following fees and perquisites
of his office, viz ____________________________________
for every Commission issued by him $100, for every License
issued $1, - for every official certificate under the corporate
219
seal $150, - for every Bond taken and approved by him
50 cts, - for every oath administered 25 cts, - and for all
services in any case prosecuted before him as Mayor
or Police Magistrate the sum of two Dollars shall be
taxed as costs, to be collected by the City-Marshall, or other
executive officer, and paid over to said Mayor _________
Section 2 That the Secretary of the Council shall be enabled to demand
and have the following fees, viz ____________________
for every License or commission countersigned and registered
by him 50 cts, - for every Bond filed and recorded by him 50
cts, - for his services in each and every case tried and
deposed of before the Mayors Court, including the preparation
of the summons, warrant, docketing, subpoenas, [s...]
Judgment, taxing costs and certifying Judgment when
necessary, the sum of $2, - and that in addition to these
fees, he shall receive an annual salary of fifty
Dollars, payable quarterly at the Treasury _____________
Section 3 That the Marshal shall be enabled to demand and receive
the following fees, viz ____________________________
for service and return of every summons $1, - for service and
return of every warrant of arrest $150, - for service and return
of every writ of subpoena 50 cts, - for commitment of person
to Jail $1, - for keeping prisoners 75 cts per day, - for
releasing from prison $1, - & for shipping a slave or person
of color $150, to be taken as costs in each case _________
for digging grave and completing burial of a free person
$3, - of a slave $150 to be paid by the City ____________
for inspecting and branding each Beef hide exhibited the
sum of 10 cts, and for inspection of each Head of a veal,
hog or sheep, the sum of 5 cts, to be paid by the party ex
hibiting the same, _______________________________
for all moneys by him collected for the use of the city, he
shall be allowed to have and retain a commission of five
per centum ____________________________________
Section 4 That the Treasurer shall receive and be allowed to return a
commission of two and one half per centum on all
220
received and disbursed by him for the use of the city
Section 5 That the Assessor and Collector of Taxes in the settlement of
his accounts shall be allowed a commission of five per
centum on the aggregate amount of the assessment Roll,
and a commission on all sums collected by him and paid
into the Treasury of five per centum
Section 6 That in all cases were a prosecutor for a violation of the
city laws shall fail by the acquittal of the party charged or
accused, the costs of such case shall be taxed against the in
-formant or complainant, and Judgment be entered against
him for the amt of such costs, provided that if the informant
or complainant be an officer of the city, acting in the line of
his duty in making said complaint or entering said inform
-ation, then and in such case only one half of the regular
costs shall be taxed, and these shall be paid by the City
On motion the Mayor was requested to call upon
the Editor of the “Ranchero” newspaper and ascertain upon
what terms this Council can have a synopsis of their pro
-ceedings published from time to time as they transpire,
as also one publication of each ordinance of a general character
that may be passed, for and during the ensuing fiscal year,
and that the Mayor report thereon at the next regular meeting
The Regular meetings were fixed on the first and
Third Thursdays of each month at 8 o clock P M during the
summer, and at 7 o clock P M from 1st of December to
1st of April, both inclusive
When on motion adjourned until Saturday evening
next, 14th Instant
=Chas Lovenskiold H. W Berry
Actg Secretary Mayor. CC.C
221
Meeting of Thursday, 23d day of August
1860
Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the
City of Corpus Christi met, pursuant to
adjournment -------------------------------------
------------- Pesent Hon H W Berry, Mayor
Aldermen Peterson, Weidenmueller, Lovenskiold
Shaw and Staples John Cannon, Marshal
------------------ Absent Aldermen Hunsaker
and Fisher ----------------------------------------
------------------ His Honor, the Mayor, called the
meeting to order The proceedings of the
previous meeting were read and approved
The following ordinance was offered, and on
motion duly seconded, was adopted, viz
Section 1 “Be it ordained by the Mayor and Aldermen
that for municipal purposes for the
present fiscal years, there be and is
hereby [Second], and there shall be [collected]
a regular tax on all property within
the corporate limits, subject to taxation
by the State, of one half of one per
centum, and a poll tax of one Dollar
on each free white male over the age
of twenty one years and residing such
in said limit. _______________________
Section 2d “That the revenue thus collected shall be
and the same is hereby appropriated and
pledged as follows, to wit:
One fourth for the repairs of Streets,
one fourth for the fencing of the [...any, ary]
one fourth for the building of tanks,
and one fourth for salaries of
officers, maintenance of Jail and
contingencies Passed by the votes of
W S Shaw John Peterson, Waman Staples,
Chas Lovenskiold and Chas Weidenmuller
222
On motion duly Seconded, was adopted, the
following Ordinance, to Wit ------------------------
“That the Accessor & Collector be required to
complete two copies of his assessment roll, and
to present the same, at the first regular meeting
of this Council in September next -----------------
------- On motion duly Seconded and carried, it was
“Resolved that the Finance Committee be empowered
to negociate for a loan of $200 on account of the
Street fund, to be reimbursed to the lender out
of the first regular taxes collected for the present
year” ---------------------------------------------------
“That as soon as the Finance Committee obtain
the proposed loan, they shall notify the Mayor
of the fact, and it shall be his duty to see
that the City Marshall employ the necessary
laborers, to forth-with make such ditching on
the Streets as will drain off the water Standing
upon them” -------------------------------------------
An Ordinance to prevent hogs from running at
large within the limits of the City -----------------
Section 1 That if any person being the owner of any
animal of the hog kind, or having charge of
the same as agent, shall after the 15th day of
September 1860, suffer, prevent or allow any
such hog to run at large within the limits
of the City of Corpus Christi, every such owner
Hogs or agent on conviction thereof before the Mayor, shall
be fined in a sum not exceeding three dollars for
each and every such offence, or the said animal may
be distrained as hereinafter provided ---------
Sec 2 That the City Marshal shall, by and with the
advise of the Board of Aldermen, cause to be
constructed at some [convenient] within the City
a public pound, or shall contract with some
person to furnish maintain and keep up a
proper and sufficient enclosed yard for a
223 public pound, and the yard and or enclosure so
provided and furnished shall be designated the
public pound of the City; and he shall also
designate one of his deputies to be keeper of
said pound And it shall be the duty of the
said City Marshal to employ and direct suitable
Hogs Ordinance persons to distrain
and to drive or convey to the public pound, all
animals mentioned and specified in the first sec
tion that may be found running at large, at any
time, within the city limits contrary to the pro-
visions of the said first section, and such person
or persons shall be entitled to charge and receive
for every animal so delivered to the pound keeper
at the public pound, the sum of fifty cents which
shall be paid by the pound keeper to the person
so entitled thereto at the time said animal shall
be so received by him
SEC 3 That it shall be the duty of the pound
keeper to recieve and keep in the pound, so desig
nated as the public pound, all animals delivered
to him to be impounded until such animal shall be
redeemed, or sold as hereinafter provided, and
he shall enter in a book to be kept for such pur-
pose, the name of the person who delivered such
animal to the pound, the day received by him,
and the description and the marks, natural and
artificial, of such animals, which book shall be at
all times subject to the inspection of all persons
who shall desire to examine the same The
pound keeper shall be entitled to charge and re-
ceive for every animal which he shall receive into
the public pound the sum of twenty five cents
and for every twenty four hours such animal shall
remain in the pound, he shall receive fifty cents
for the keeping of such animal.
SEC 4 That if the owner or owners or his or
their legal representatives of any animal so im
pounded, shall not redeem the same within three
days from the time such animal shall be placed in
the public pound, by paying to the pound keeper
the sum of one dollar for the use of the city and,
also the costs and expenses of impounding said
animal, and keeping the same up to the time of
redemption , Then the City Marshal shall adver
tise such animal for sale at public auction, at the
public pound, by posting a notice of such sale at
the pound, and also at the Market house at least
twenty four hours prior to such sale, which no
tice shall specify the hour of sale and the descrip
tion, color and marks, natural or artificial, of
such animal so to be sold, the Marshal shall be
entitled to claim and receive for advertising each
animal, the sum of twenty five cents At the
time and place mentioned in the notice of sale
the City Marshal shall proceed to sell such animal
to the highest bidder, and out of the proceeds of
such sale he shall be entitled to receive five per
centum upon the amount of sales for selling, to
gether with all other fees and charges hereinbe
fore authorized to be charged and retained for dis-
training, impounding keeping advertising and
selling Provided, however, that the owner of
any animal impounded, or the agent or represen
tative of such owner, may redeem the same at
any time before sale in the manner hereinbefore
provided , and upon such redemption, the City
Marshal shall forthwith deliver the animal so re-
deemed to the owner or owners thereof, or their
legal representatives.
SEC 5 It shall be the duty of the City Mar
shal at the first regular meeting of the Council in
each and every month to make report of the
number of animals received into and discharged
from the public pound since the date of his last
report, and he shall therein set forth the date
of the reception and discharge of each animal
and whether the same was replevined redeemed
or sold, and if redeemed, how much was received
on account of such animal, and the name of the
person from whom it was received , and if sold,
how much was paid therefor the name of the
purchaser, and the amount of the pound charges
thereon, and the balance if any remain, shall at
the time of making said report, be paid into the
City Treasury.
SEC 6 That if any person shall wilfully break
the public pound, he shall incur a penalty equal
to three times the actual damage caused by such
breakage and if any person shall rescue, or as
sist, or be engaged in the rescue of any animal
impounded as hereinbefore provided, or taken up,
or being driven or conveyed so as to be impounded ,
or if any person shall wilfully hinder or molest
any person engaged as hereinbefore provided in
distraining, taking up, driving or conveying any
animal so to be impounded, shall forfeit and pay
to the city the penalty of ten dollars for each and
every offense to be recovered in like manner as
other fines and penalties before the Mayor of the city The foregoing ordinance was presented by the Committee on []
and having been read and discussed, section by section on []
224
[], seconded and carried, the same was adopted unanimously –
_______ the same Committee, through their Chairman submitted
the following ordinances, to wit ________________________
Assr & Collr 1st_____ An Ordinance prescribing the duties of the Assessor and
Collector, and the time and manner for assessing and collecting the
City Taxes” ________________________________________
2d _____ An Ordinance in relation to the Streets and sidewalks of
the city of Corpus Christi & on certain portions thereof _____
Nuisances 3d _____ An Ordinance in relation to nuisances” _______
The report of the said Committee having been received, on motion, duly
seconded, the ordinance [presenting] on duties of the Assessor and Collector
and the time and manner for assessing and collecting the city Taxes
was taken up and discussed, and after amendments, was read
section by section and each one in Succession adopted Whereupon
The end ordinance as a whole was again read and unanimously
adopted ___________________________________________
_______ The ordinance relative to Streets and side walks, Thereupon,
on motion duly seconded, was taken up, read and discussed,
and having been amended was again read by sections as amended,
and each section successively adopted And whereupon the said
ordinance was again read and as a whole adopted without any
opposition __________________________________________
_______ The ordinance in relation to nuisances was taken up
and read, discussed and amended On notion duly seconded,
the same was read and adopted section by section as amended,
and again read as a whole and as such was unanimously adopted
_______ The Mayor, under the Resolution of July 7th 1860,
empowering him to ascertain from the Editor of the Ranchero upon
what terms the proceedings of this Council and the Ordinances by
them passed could be published in said paper, reported with a
written proposition to do said work signed by H A Maltby
On motion said report was received, and the terms offered in
said proposition by Mr Maltby were accepted ______________
________ On motion duly seconded it was unanimously
Resolved, that it shall be the duty of the Secretary, after the adjourn
-ment of each meeting of the council to furnish a certified copy
of the proceedings to the Printer of the Ranchero, for publication.
Also, and separately certified copies of all city Ordinances, as they
may be enacted,
which ordinances shall be published once in said paper ______
225
The following Ordinance was presented, read and discussed
and on motion duly seconded and carried, the same was
unanimously adopted, to wit: ________________________
AN ORDINANCE
Regulating the Inspection of Hides
SECTION 1. Be it ordained by the Mayor and
Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, in
Council convened, That it shall be the duty of
every person exposing butcher’s meat for sale in
market, to produce or exhibit to the City Marshal
or his deputy, for his examination and inspection,
the hides of all beeves, and the heads of all calves,
hogs, or sheep, by them butchered; the hides to
be spread out and the heads to be exposed, in
such manner as that the said officers may exam
ine the marks and brands thereof ; and any per-
son so failing to produce such beef hides or the
heads of calves; hogs or sheep, as the case may
be, shall be subject to a fine for each and every
offense of not less than ten nor more than twenty-
five dollars.
SEC. 2. That when any one shall produce and
exhibit the head or hide of any animal, which is
required to be produced for inspection, and the
same shall be found imperfect, so that the same
cannot be clearly ascertained, either by reason of
alteration or obliteration, or from blotching with
tar, or other means of defacing , then and in such
case the person or persons so producing such hide
or head, shall declare on oath how such animal
came into his or their possession, and if by pur-
chase, shall also disclose the name of the vendor,
and the time of purchase, and how, by whom,
and for what cause said alteration, defacing or
blotching was made, if the same be known to
such affiant ; and if any person so producing such
hide or head shall refuse to make said declara-
tion and explanation, he shall be subject to the
same penalty as is provided in the preceding sec-
tion.
Inspection of Hides SEC. 3. That it shall be the duty of the City
Marshal or his Deputy to examine and inspect all
heads and hides of slaughtered animals which
shall be produced and exhibited to him under and
by virtue of this ordinance, and shall record the
marks and brands thereof, together with the
name of the person so procuring and offering the
same for inspection, in a book which shall be kept
for that purpose in the Mayor’s office, and also, all
declarations and explanations concerning the
same : and the same shall demand and receive
for the use of the corporation, from each butcher,
or other person, for each beef hide exhibited at
market, the sum of ten cents, and for the head of
each veal, hog or sheep, the sum of five cents.
SEC. 4. That it shall not be lawful for any
person to offer for sale or barter, or to sell or
barter, or to buy or ship any raw or untanned
hide or hides, excepting always such hide or hides
as may be brought to this city for forwarding or
transhipment from any point or place beyond
the county of Nueces, until such hide or hides
shall have been inspected and branded by the
proper officer of the city ; and every person vio-
lating the provisions of this section shall be fined
in a sum not exceeding ten dollars for each unin-
spected hide so offered for sale, sold, bartered,
bought or shipped as aforesaid.
SEC.5. That the City Marshal be and he is
hereby declared to be Inspector of hides ; and it
is made his duty to inspect all such raw or un-
tanned hides offered for sale or barter within the
limits of the city. or brought within the same for
shipment, except such as shall be brought from
ports or places outside the county of Nueces, for
the purpose of being forwarded or transhipped as
aforesaid, and he shall register in a book to be
kept by him for such purpose, a full and correct
description of each hide, showing the color, the
marks and the brands, together with the name or
names of the person or persons offering the same
for inspection ; and after the inspection he shall
brand each hide with the letter P. The said regi-
ster shall be kept at the office of the Mayor, sub-
ject to the examination of all persons who may be
interested therein, and such officer shall be enti-
tled to charge and receive for inspecting and
branding each hide of a grown animal, ten cents,
and for all others five cents each ; to be paid by
the person applying for and requesting such in-
spection to be made.
Whereupon, there being no further business before the meeting,
a motion adjourned until Thursday Sept 6th 1860, the next
regular meeting.
226
227
228
229
Regular Meeting
Thursday, September 6th A. D 1860 ________________
______Present Hon H W Berry, Mayor; Aldermen ___
Fisher, __ Shaw, __ Weidenmueller, __ & Lovenskiold __
___ Absent Aldermen Staples, __ Hunsaker __, & Peterson
_____ Secretary Wm J. Davis ________________
The Secretary being absent, on motion, Alderman Lovenskiold
was requested to act as Secretary _____________________
_______ The Records being in the hands of the absent Secretary
could not be produced, wherefore, on motion, the reading of the
minutes of the previous meeting of Aug 23d was dispensed with
_______ The Committee on Finance, through their Chairman
reported, that they had been unable to borrow any money on the
pledge of the “faith” of the “Corporation”, but that Jno B Mitchell
Esqr had agreed to [cash] the order of the Committee drawn on
his [] on the City Treasury, for one weeks work upon the principal
Street of the city, and that in like manner funds for the payment
of a second weeks work would be obtained Further than this
however the Committee could not go ________ And the said
report was on motion, duly seconded and carried, unanimously
received, and the “action” of the committee approved and ratified
_______ The late Treasurer of the City of Corpus Christi, John
B Mitchell Esqr, presented his report and account current,
accompanied by his vouchers, and on motion the same was received
and read from June 1857 to Septr 30th 1858 __________________
Receipts in [cash] ___________ $57 25
____[] in [] or warrants _______ 63 69
__________________________ Total $120 94
Disbursed on orders _______ $50 06
5% [] on receipts ________ 6 04
5% [] on disbursements ___ 2 50
Scrip turned over this day ___ 63 69 122 29
________________________ balance [] Treasurer $ 1 35
When on motion the said report was referred to the Finance Committee
for examination and auditing . ____________________________
_______ The Committee on Ordinances presented the following
Ordinance, which on motion was read On motion the same
was taken up, discussed, and read and adopted section by
section, and thereafterwards, on motion duly seconded and
230
carried, the same was unanimously adopted, to wit. ____
AN ORDINANCE For the Preservation of the Public Peach and
Tranquility and for the Prevention of Gaming
and Disorderly Practices
SECTION I be it ordained by the Mayor and
Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi in coun
cil convened That it shall be the duty of every
keeper of a coffeehouse cabaret restaurant grog
shop tippling house lager beer saloon grocery
Prevent gaming and disorderly practices or store of the proprietor or keeper of all billiard
saloons nine or ten pin alleys and of every other
person or persons keeping a public house dance
house or ball room to preserve good order with
in and about the same and to prevent all persons
who may be therein or about the same from dis
turbing the peace and tranquility of the neigh
borhood by cries outcries vociferation songs
noise or disturbance whatever, or the use of ob-
scene language and it shall be the duty of every
such keeper or proprietor of any such establish
ment hour place grocery or store to close the
same and put out all lights in and about the same
each and every night at or before 11 o clock
and it shall further be the duty of each and every
such keeper or proprietor on each and every Sun
day from the hour of ten o clock A M to that
of 2 o clock P M to close up their several es
tablishments, houses, places of business stores
and groceries and during said hours not to trade
traffic barter sell or vend exhibit or expose any
of their commodities liquors wines goods wares
or merchandise And every person keeping or
owning any of the before mentioned sa
loons, establishments stores or groceries, who
shall permit or tolerate such disorder in or a
bout his or her [] establishment
store or grocery or who shall fail to put out his
or her [] or to close his or her business at and
during the hour and on the days [] herein be
fore [] shall be subject to a fine of not less
than five dollars nor more than fifty dollars for
each and every offence one half for the benefit of
the informer and the other for the benefit of the
corporation on [recoverable] before the Mayor of the
city
SEC 2 That it shall be the duty of the City
Marshal and other officer of the City Police to
enter each and every coffeehouse restaurant
grogshop tippling house tavern and lager beer
saloon or any other public houses within the
limits of the city on order to take cognizance of
any discords or offences that may be committed
herein and shall report and give information to
the Mayor all offences that may be committed
therein which may come or fall under his obser
vation or which may [] come to his
knowledge and the City Marshal shall have
power whenever any disorderly conduct or dis-
turbance of the public peace or tranquility shall
[] or allowed in any of the houses or
places referred to in this or the [pre...]
in the night time, to close such house or houses
for the night
SEC 3 That any person who shall be guilty
of fighting quarreling or any rough indecent
or disorderly conduct in the [tr...] houses or
elsewhere within the limit of said city or shall
be guilty of abusing promoting or disturbing
either by [] any [] or persons
going or walking in any street road or public
way or elsewhere or shall show or expose in
public any writing, sign, drawing, print, carrica
ture, statue or other object, which may excite
[] or disturb the public peace; or shall
break down, destroy, injure, or carry away any
fence or any part thereof, of the steps or the doors
of houses (without being authorized by the own-
er); or shall deface, break or carry away any
sign, board or plate, indicating the business or
occupation of any person, he, she or they so
offending against any of the provisions of this or-
dinance, hereinbefore mentioned, shall for each
and every offense be subject to a fine of not less
than one dollar nor more than one hundred, to be
recovered before the Mayor; and such person so
offending shall moreover reliable to be required
to give a bond for his, her or their good behavior
and to keep the peace for a term of not less than
twelve months, provided the bond so required
shall not be less than two hundred dollars not
more than one thousand dollars.
231
SEC 4 That is any person or persons shall SEC 9 That all vagrants, [] or disorderly
insult, disturb, or molest any religious meeting as- person, all persons of evil life or ill fame, all
sembled for worship, or any meeting assembled such persons as have no visible means of support,
for any other purpose connected with religious or are likely to become chargable to the city as
benevolent, education or other like lawful pur paupers, all persons who may be found begging
pose, by any riotous or disorderly conduct in or or drunk in or about the streets, or loitering in
near the place where such meeting is being held or about tippling houses and who can show no
by any noise, tumult, loud dries, vociferation reasonable course of business in the city, all who
blowing of horns, singing, or making any noise have no fixed place of residence but who are
and disturbance whatever with the intent and found strolling and wandering about, [] who
purpose to interrupt harass, vex annoy or in are grossly indecent in language or [] or pub
terfere with such meeting he or they so offending licly in the streets, []
shall be punished by a fine not exceeding fifty as lead a notorious, lewd or lascivious course of
dollars, or by imprisonment not exceeding fifteen life, shall be deemed and considered offenders
days or by both fine and imprisonment, at the against the peace and good order of the city
discretion of the Mayor And it is hereby made And it shall be the duty of the City Marshal and
the duty of the City Marshal and of every other all other police officers of the city to arrest all
executive officer of the City Police, upon view of such persons as aforesaid and take and carry them
the commission of any offense provided against in before the Mayor for examination, and if upon
this section to arrest the offender or offenders such examination the person or persons so arrest
and take him or them before the Mayor and enter ed shall be found to be obnoxious to the provis
the complaint against them Provided that all ions of this Section it shall be the duty of the
complaints of violation of this section be made Mayor to require all such persons to keep the
within thirty days after the commission of the peace, and be of good behavior for a reasonable
offense time, not exceeding twelve calendar months, and
SEC 5 That it shall not be lawful for any per moreover to indemnify the said city against any
son to divest himself or herself of his or her cloth charge for his, her or their support, and in case
ing, or expose his or her naked person on any of of refusal or inability to give such security, the
the wharves or on the shore within the limits of person or persons so refusing, or found unable,
the city, at any time between the hours of sunrise shall be committed to some place of confinement
in the morning and sunset in the evening, for the for a limited time, not exceeding fifteen days, ac
purpose, or on the pretense of bathing, and any cording to the nature of the offense, unless the
person offending against the provisions of this security required be sooner given Provided, that
Section shall be subject to a fine of not exceeding the security required shall in no case exceed five
twenty dollars for each and every offense, and if hundred dollars
the offender be a slave, or free person of color, he SEC 10 That the Mayor shall appoint the
or she shall be punished by the infliction of not City Marshal, or some other suitable and compe
exceeding thirty nine stripes instead of the fore tent person or persons as keepers of the persons
mentioned fine, as the discretion of the Mayor. committed to custody under the provisions of the
Provided always that nothing herein contained preceding Section, whose duty it shall be to take
shall prevent white persons from bathing in the the persons so confined from the place of confine
Bay at any time if they shall use and wear a ment and put them to labor in such place and
suitable and proper dress for bathing in manner as the City Council may direct for the
SEC 6 That is any person or persons shall benefit of the city Provided that the said pri
play at any tavern, inn storehouse, house or in soners shall be duly returned from their labor to
tailing liquors or any other public house or in the place of confinement at or before sundown.
any street or in any other public place, or in any and provided also, that the City Marshal, or other
outhouse where people resort, within the limits keeper or keepers of the said prisoners shall fur
of the city at any game or games with cards nish them with a sufficient supply of good and
dice for money or other valuable consideration wholesome provisions at the charge and expense
such person or persons so playing shall be deemed of the city
guilty of a misdemeanor and for each and every SEC 11 That no person or persons shall be
such offense, on conviction thereof before the permitted to give a public ball or keep a dance
Mayor of said city shall be subject to a fine of house within the city unless he, she or they shall
not less than one dollar nor more than one hun first obtain from the Mayor a license and any
dred dollars, one half of which shall go to the use person or persons who shall give any public ball,
and benefit of the city, and the other half to the or keep a dance house, without first having so ob
prosecutor tained a license for that purpose, shall be liable
SEC 7 That if any person or persons shall to pay a fine of not less than $10 nor more than
hereafter be guilty of keeping or exhibiting or $50 Provided however that no license shall be
dealing at any gaming table whatever or shall issued for more than one ball, and shall also spe
keep or exhibit a [] bank, or shall keep or ex cify the time and place of holding the same
hibit or deal at any other gaming table or bank of SEC 12 It shall be the duty of any person or
the like kind, or of any other description under persons keeping any public dance house or giving
any other name or denomination or without any any public ball, to have the City Marshal or his
name therefore or shall be in any manner inter Deputy, in attendance at all such balls or dances,
ested or concerned in keeping exhibiting or deal for the purpose of enforcing order, for which ser
ing at or carrying on any such table bank or vice the said Marshal or officer in attendance shall
game at any place whatsoever within the limits be authorized to demand and receive from the pro
of said city, each and every person so offending prietors thereof the sum of $[], and any person or
shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on persons failing to comply with the provisions of
conviction thereof for each and every such this Section shall be liable to pay a fine of not
offense shall be fined in a sum not less than fifty less than $10 nor more than $50 for each and
dollars nor more than one hundred dollars reco every offender
verable before the Mayor of said city one half of SEC 13 Should any riot or disturbance of
which fine shall go to the use of the city, and the good order take place at any such ball or dance,
other half to the party prosecuting each offender unless it be immediately suppressed, it shall be
or offenders to conviction the duty of the officers in attendance to cause the
SEC 8 That is any person or persons shall be same to be closed forthwith, and any proprietor
concerned in betting at any of the gaming tables, or proprietors of any public hall or dance house
bank or banks in the preceding section enumera failing or refusing to comply with the provisions
ted, such person or persons so offending, for each of this Section, shall be liable to pay a fine of not
and every such offense on conviction thereof be less than ten nor more than fifty dollars.
fore the Mayor of said city, shall be fined in a sum
of not less than ten nor more than one hundred
dollars, one half for the use of the city, and the
other half for the use of the person or persons
prosecuting the conviction of the offender or offen
ders
The Committee on Ordinance [] Ordinance []
establish a Night Watch in the City of Corpus Christi, []
the same was read and discussed. Owing to the many []
at [...ing] by abolition or [], []
measures adopted in [], and other neighboring towns []
adoption of said ordinance []
force, to watch the city during the night []
and necessary, and hence [] had prepared and []
232
to wit ______ AN ORDINANCE
To establish a night watch in the City of Corpus
Christi
SECTION 1 Be it ordained by the Mayor and
Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, in
Council convened, That for the more efficient en
forcement of the police regulations of said city a
night watch shall be organized and established
within the limits thereof, which shall consist of
at least six watchmen who shall be subject to the
orders and directions of the Mayor in his capacity
of [chief] of Police, and of the City Marshal, or
his assistant
SEC 2 That the said watchmen shall be selec-
ted and appointed by the Mayor and Board of Al
dermen to serve for one year from the time of
their appointment, unless sooner discharged for
misconduct or neglect of duties, and each watch
man shall receive for his services the sum of 20
dollars for each and every month of service pay
able monthly, on the warrant of the Mayor
countersigned by the Secretary, and drawn upon
the City Treasurer
SEC 3 That for misconduct or neglect of duty
each watchman shall and may be discharged and
removed from office by the Mayor, whether the
cause thereof shall be apparent from his own ob-
servation or show upon the complain of the
City Marshal or of any citizen, and upon such
discharge and removal the said watchman shall
lose and forfeit to the city the compensation for
the current month in which the delinquency is as
certained
SEC 4 That the jail under the direction of the
Mayor shall be used as a guardhouse and it shall
be the duty of the watchmen to assemble there
every night at least 15 minutes before the time for
firing the night gun, and shall fire the same as
provided by ordinance They shall be armed and
equipped in such manner as the Mayor shall, from
time to time direct, and shall be divided into two
reliefs, the first relief shall be on duty for one
half the night, the second relief for the residue,
which shall be arranged and directed by the May
or, each relief when off active duty shall remain
in the guard house during the night so as to be
ready on any emergency, to give assistance to
those on duty
SEC 5 That it shall be the duty of the said
Watchmen to be obedient to the orders and direc
tions of the Mayor, communicated to them in per
son or through his assistant, the City Marshal, or
delivered them in writing, and to keep a faithful
watch and ward in the district which may be as
signed them, and it shall further be the duty of
each of them upon the discovery of [fire] to give
the alarm thereof immediately and it shall further
be the duty of said Watchmen and each and every
one of them, to apprehend and detain all offenders
against the peace, and all persons who may ob-
struct and endanger them, or any of them in the
execution of their office or who shall be guilty
of any disorderly conduct, or shall be engaged in
any [] unlawful assemblage, out cries []
[] whatsoever, or who shall aid,
abet or [] in the commission of []
of such offence And for the purpose of the []
[] either of them are authorized to
enter any dwelling house, store. grocery, or other
building where any person may take refuge or be
who have during the night [] or hear
ing committed any felony or breach of the peace, or
where any felony or breach of the peace is about
to be committed or where any noise or alarm
[] or other disturbance shall be made in llike
manner as the Mayor, aldermen, City Marshal
Constables and other peace officers are authorized
by law And the said watchmen and either of
[] further authorized and it is made the
duty of each and every one of them to apprehend,
take into custody and detain all negroes and other
persons of color who shall be found at []
[] without a pass from his her or their own-
er employer or some other white person author
ized to give such pass
SEC 6 That is shall be the duty of said Watch
men to make report every morning of all occur
ances of the preceding night which may be im
portant to make know, and of all persons arres
ted and detained by them together with the cause
of the arrest and detention of each person to the
City Marshal, and it is hereby made the duty of
said Marshal to [] the same to writing and to
lay the same before the Mayor for such considera
tion and action thereon by [] as may be []
[] and necessary
SEC 7 That the said Watchmen and either of
them shall [] information of the violation of
the City Ordinances and laws be entitled to the
same, [] of all fines imposed in all cases
[] the City Marshal, and other []
[] and [] Ordinance
[]
On motion of Alderman Shaw, seconded by Ald Fisher, the said
ordinance was then [read] and adopted section by section,
and therefore [] unanimously ___________________
_________ The following [Resolutions] were therefore submitted,
[] seconded, the same were carried unanimously,
233
to wit: _______________________________________
1st Resolved, that a Committee on Police, of Three members, be appointed
by the Mayor, whose duty it shall be, in conjunction with the
Mayor, as Chief of Police, to superintend and direct the city
night-watch ___________________________________
__ Committee __ Weidenmueller, __, Shaw, __ & Fisher __
_____________________________________________
2d Resolved, that on Saturday next, September 8th, Inst, this
Board will proceed to elect the City-Watchmen in accordance
with and under the Ordinance creating the said Night-Watch;
but nothing in said Ordinance shall be taken and construed so as
to prevent or prohibit the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, at the
expiration of any one month, or whenever the apparent necessity
for such watch shall or may have ceased, from discharging any
of all of the watchmen thus elected, as may be by the Board be
deemed most expedient __________________________
3d Resolved, that after the election and going on duty of the night
watch, it shall be the duty of the City Marshal, each night, at 9
o’clock, to cause the city cannon to be fired at the Guard house;
and the said gun shall also be fired by him or the watch in case of any alarm of
fire within the city, and in case of any alarm from riot or surprise, given
by any of the guards or sentinels, when it may be deemed
necessary to arouse the citizens generally, but the said cannon
shall in no case be fired or discharged for any other purpose.
4th Resolved, that no Ordinance of a general character, and the
provisions of which must be observed by the citizens, shall be
taken and deemed as in force, until after it has been once
published in the official Gazette “the Ranchero” ______
__________ On motion, the ordinance adopted July 8th 1859, entitled
“an ordinance to consolidate, alter and amend the Ordinances to
prevent dogs from running at large in the City of Corpus Christi” was
repealed ______________________________________
____________ The Committee on Ordinances, through their Chair
man, presented “an Ordinance concerning dogs”, which on
motion was received and read After discussion and amendment
on motion duly seconded, the same was again read section after
section, and adopted, and [] again read as a whole,
and on motion duly seconded and carried as such adopted
unanimously; in the words and figures
234
following, to wit AN ORDINANCE
Concerning Dogs
SECTION 1 Be it ordained by the Mayor and
Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi in coun
cil convened, That it shall not be lawful for any
dog or bitch or any animal of the dog kind, to
go at large within the corporate limits of this
city, whose owner or owners shall not have per
sonally applied for an obtained a license or per-
mit from the Mayor of the city, and also have Secretary
placed upon said dog or bitch a metal collar, or a
leather collar with a plate thereon, upon which
collar the owner or owners’ name or names, with
a number corresponding with the license or per-
mit so obtained, shall be legibly marked
SEC 2 That when any person or persons shall
make application for a license as aforesaid, it shall
be the duty of the Mayor of the city to give the Secretary
same, for which the applicant shall pay as fol-
lows for each and every license or permit for
one dol x 25¢ dog, one dollar; for each and every license or
permit for a bitch two dollars, for each and 25¢
every license made out, the Secretary shall re-
ceive a fee of twenty five cents from the person
applying for the same City =
SEC 3 That no butchers residing in or out
of the corporate limits of this city, shall be per
mitted to bring or allow their dog or dogs, bitch
or bitches, or any animal of the dog kind to be
in or about the market houses excepting he or
they shall have first complied with the provisions
of the foregoing sections of this ordinance And
it shall be the duty of the city Marshal to gather
up and destroy all dogs running at large, contra
ry to the provisions of this ordinance, and for
every dog so taken up, the said Marsal shall re
ceive the sum of fifty cents provided, that every
dog so taken up shall be kept in some suitable
place for twenty four hours during which time
the owner or owners of said dog or bitch may re-
claim them, and he, she or they so reclaiming into the
said dog or bitch shall pay to the city Marshal City treasury,
the said fee of fifty cents, and to the Mayor the
sum of three dollars as a fine and to pay for the
requisite license or permit which in such case the
Secretary Mayor shall issue upon the payment of the fee or
fine herein stipulated
SEC 4 That it shall not be lawful at any time
for any bitch “in heat” whether previously li
censed or not, to go at large within the corporate
limits of this city, and it is hereby made the duty
of the City Marshal, upon the appearance of any
such bitch or slut in or about the public streets or
places within this city to forthwith cause the
same to be shot or destroyed
Whereupon, on “ Saturday next, September
8th A D 1860 W. Berry
Attest Mayor CC.C
= Chas Lovenskiold
Actg Secry
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Adjourned Meeting
Saturday, September 8th 1860 __________Met pursuant to adjournment
Present Hon H W Berry, Mayor ____Aldermen Fisher, ____ Shaw, ____
Weidenmueller, ____Lovenskiold, ____ & Staples ___________________
Absent ____ Alds Hunsaker & Peterson ____________________________
Secry W J Davis __________
The Secretary not appearing, on motion, alderman Lovenskiold was
requested to act as Secretary ______ The minutes not being produced,
on motion their reading was dispensed with _________________________
__________ Whereupon, on motion the election of City Night Watch
was proceded with by Ballot, Messrs Aldermen Shaw and Fisher
[]. __________________________________________________________
__________ the following nominations were made and submitted
235
J D Rains __ E Franks __ T A James __ Jno Cannon Jr
Richd Wickham __ Jno Whalen __ Lamar McNamar __ P O’Donoghue
______Upon counting the Ballots, it appeared, that
T A James, John Cannon Jr, Richard Wickham,
Jno Whalen, L McNamar & P O’Donoghue, each
had received four votes, and that ___________________________
J. D Rains and E Franks each had received one vote, and
“Blank” four votes ______________________________________
______ When, on motion duly seconded, and carried unani
mously, Messrs James, O’Donoghue, Cannon Jr, McNamar
Whalen & Wickham were declared duly elected city night watch
[d...] the pleasure of the Council to date from Monday,
September 10th Instant. __________________________________
______ When, no further business appearing, on motion
adjourned until the next regular meeting ____________________
Attest:
Chas Lovenskiold H. W. Berry
Actg Secry Mayor, C.CC
____________________________________________________
Regular Meeting
Thursday, September 20th A D 1860. et pursuant to the rules
of the Council ________________________________________
_______ Present Hon H W Berry, Mayor Aldermen Weidenmueller
Shaw, ___ Hunsaker, ___ & Peterson _______
Absent Alderman Staples, _____ Secretary Wm J Davis _____
The Secretary not appearing, on motion Alderman Lovenskiold was
requested to act as such _________________________________
_______ The records not being present, on motion the reading
of the minutes of the previous meetings was dispensed with ____
_______ The marshal, Jno Cannon, being present, informed
the Council, that he had notified the Secretary, that he was required to
appear before this meeting and discharge his duties or give proper
excuse for his absence, thereupon the said Secretary had stated to
the Marshal, that he desired the Council to be informed, that he
neither had nor intended to offer any excuse for his absence, in
that he did not intend to act as secretary of a Board, the members
of which he did not consider proper associates for [g...]
236
, or words to that effect ______________________________________
_______ The following resolutions were thereupon offered and on motion
duly recorded, carried unanimously, to wit: ______________________
Resolved, that the Secretary elect, Wm J Davis, having neglected,
and failed, and refused, to perform the duties incumbent upon him
as such officer, his said office be and the same is hereby declared
vacant, ___________________________________________________
Resolved further that until the next regular election a Secretary
pro tem be elected by this Board, whose duties, fees and salary
shall be the same as those of the regularly elected secretary _________
_______ Whereupon Wm Maltby Esqr, was nominated, and
there being no other candidate, on motion, the rules were dispensed
with, and he was elected Secretary p t by acclamation unani
mously __________________________________________________
_______ The Assessor and Collector submitted the Assessment
Roll for the year commencing July 1st 1860 and ending June 30th
1861, and the same was on motion received and read. _____________
On motion duly recorded and carried unanimously the same was
referred to a special Committee of Three, with power to correct
said assessment Roll and to report back to this Council at a sub
sequent meeting ___________________________________________
_______ Committee Lovenskiold ___ Hunsaker ___ & Fisher ___
Whereupon adjourned
Attest. H. W. Berry
> Chas Lovenskiold Mayor C.C.C
Actg Secry
_________________________________________________
` Regular Meeting
Tuesday, November 1st 1860, ___ Met pursuant
to adjournment. ___ Present. Hon H W. Berry
Mayor; Aldermen Fisher, Hunsaker, Peterson
Shaw, Weidenmueller ____ Absent Aldermen Staples
and Lovenskiold.
The Secretary being absent, on motion
Alderman John R Peterson acted as Secretary
pro tem.
A motion by Alderman Hunsaker
237
which was duly seconded, the appointment
of Mr C. H [Lamer, Lanier], as one of the City Police
was confirmed.
On motion of Alderman Shaw, that the
further duties of the Police be dispensed with
from date, and also that their accounts be
filed.
Whereupon the meeting adjourned.
John R. Peterson H. W. Berry
Secy pro tem. Mayor C.C.C
___________________
Regular Meeting
Thursday Evening Dec 6. 1860
Present Hon H W Berry, Mayor, Aldermen
Lovenskiold, J Hunsaker, Staples, Shaw,
Weidenmueller, Fisher
Absent. Alderman Peterson.
Secy. Wm H. Maltby
The minutes of the previous meeting were read,
approved and adopted.
The special committee, appointed at previous
meeting, consisting of Aldermen Lovenskiold
Hunsaker and Fisher, with power to correct
and report back to the City Council the
Assessment Roll for the year commencing July
1st 1860, and ending June 30, 1861, reported
back the same, which was read corrected
and adopted.
On motion of Alderman Lovenskiold,
duly seconded, the Assessment Roll was or
=dered to be turned over to the Secretary
238
was instructed to make out the bills
and place them in the hands of the Assessor,
and for that purpose was authorized to have
printed a requisite number of blanks. – Carried
Alderman asked information
of Mayor concerning night watch – whether
they were to have pay for one month and
twenty-one days pay.
Alderman Lovenskiold offered the
following resolution.
Resolved, That the following accts
of City Night Watch be audited for payment
to wit – John Whealan, $2000, Lamar
McNamar $2000; [] E. Clymer $1100, Thos
A. James, $1000; Richard Wickam $2000;
John Cannon, Jr. $2000 C. H. [Lamer, Lanier] $2000
and that the Mayor issue his warrant, coun-
tersigned by the Secretary, upon the Treasurer,
to be in full of claims against the City of
Corpus Christi for services as night police, upon
the return of the arms and accoutrements now
in their hands.
Alderman Lovenskiold presented
a bill of Henry A. Maltby, for printing
for the city to [Nov] 22d, 1860, a space of
six month amounting to $3600, which
upon motion duly seconded was allowed.
Alderman Shaw made a motion
that the clause of “An Ordinance for the
preservation of the public Peace, and for
the prevention of gaming and disorderly
practices” viz [“and it shall be the duty of every
such keeper or proprietor of any such establishment
house, place, grocery or store, to close the same and
put out all lights in and about the same each
and every night, at or before 11 o’clock, and
it shall further be the duty of each and
every such keeper or proprietor on each
and every Sunday, from the hour of 10
239
A. M. to that of 2 o’clock P. M., to close
up their several establishments, houses, places
of business, stores and groceries, and during
said hours not to trade, traffic, barter, sell,
vend, exhibit or expose, any of their commodities,
liquors, wines, goods, wares, or merchandise”]
Lost.
Alderman Lovenskiold gave notice that at next
meeting he would call for a reconsideration
of the vote, although he had voted with the majority.
Alderman Hunsaker moved that
Sections 4 and 5 of “An Ordinance
regulating the inspection of Hides,” be
repealed, which was duly seconded and
carried.
Whereupon the Council adjourned
Wm H Maltby
Secy Pro tem. Mayor CCC
240
Transcriber’s note:
Pages 241-248 in Book of Minutes A were missing at time of
scanning according to message inserted at this point on scanned
page 45.
249
Corpus Christi Monday evening Oct 3th 1863
Regular meeting Board met Present __
Geo Robertson Mayor Ald. Polk, Zeyler
McLaughlin, Collins
On motion it was resolved that a notice
shall be published in the Ranchero warning
all Parties of the ordinance concerning negroes
Carrying concealed Weapons & being out after
8 O’clock P. M. without a written pass from their owners.
On motion it was resolved that
the Mayor is hereby authorized to Contract
with any party possible for the repair
of the Streets of the city using his own
Judgement on making said arrangements
On motion the meeting adjourned
until the next regular meeting
John [Rizzo] Geo Robertson
Secretary Mayor CC.C
250
251
SEC 3 That no improvement or
work shall be ordered, or underta-
ken by the Mayor and Board of
Aldermen, except by express ordi-
nance, the provisions of which shall
be specific and definite, shall set
THE AMENDED CHARTER OF CORPUS forth the object, make the necessa-
CHRISTI – We republish the amend- ry appropriation and provide means
ed charter of our city, for the en- of payment, upon any such ordi-
lightenment of both the City Fa- nance, or upon any question invol-
thers and our citizens ving the expenditure of money, any
AN ACT Suplementary to and loan, or the increasing or diminish-
amendatory of an Act entitled ing the Revenue of the City, the
“An Act to Incorporate the City vote shall be taken by yeas and
of Corpus Christi Approved nays, and entered on the Journal of
February 16th, 1852” the Council, and a vote of two
SEC 1 Be it enacted by the Le- thirds of all the Aldermen shall be
gislature of the State of Texas, requisite to give effect to the same
that the 5th Section of the above SEC 4 That if any appropria-
recited Act be amended so as to tion be made, contrary to the spirit
read as follows Section 5th That and intent of this Act, or if by
for the proper government of said subsequent action of the Mayor
corporation and its affairs, the and Board of Aldermen any appro-
maintenance of its peace, order, se- priation be diverted from the ob-
curity, good health, police, cleanli- jects expressed iin the ordinance
ness, trade, commerce, manufac- making the same, each member of
tures, the education of its youth, the Council voting for such misap-
and its general prosperity, the propriation and the Mayor approv-
Mayor and Boad of Aldermen shall ing the same, shall be be liable to
have power to enact and enforce the City in his individual estate, to
such ordinances, regulations, rules the amount of such misappropria-
and by-laws, as they may deem ne- tion
cessary, not repugnant to the con- SEC 5 That the election for
stitution or general laws of this City officers shall be held on the
State, provided that the penalty 1st Monday of June in each year,
prescribed for a violation of any and the term of each officer shall
such ordinance or regulation, rule be one year from and after the 1st
or by-law, in no one case, shall ex- Monday in July succeeding such
ceed the sum of one hundred dol- election, or until his successor has
lars, recoverable with costs, before been duly elected and qualified –
the Mayor of the City, in the name The fiscal year of the corporation
and for the use of the City shall commence on the first day of
July of each year, and terminate
SEC 2 That for municipal pur- on the 30th day of June in the suc-
poses the said Mayor an Board of ceeding year
[illegible] Aldermen shall have power by or- SEC 6 That the said City shall
dinance to levy and collect a regu- have the power and privilege of
lar tax, not exceeding one half per opening all the streets running
centum per annum, on all property East and West on the Bay side of
within the limits of the corporation, said City to the channel inside the
subject to taxation by the State, reef in front thereof, and shall also
also a poll tax of one dollar each have the power and right to con-
on all free white male inhabitants, struct, erect, maintain and own
over the age of 21 years, and resi- wharves or piers at the end of such
dents of said City, that for any streets, as they may deem proper,
special purpose, such as the build- and shall have power to fix the rates
ing of a City Hall and Jail, a of wharfage and to collect the same
Schoolhouse, Wharf, the aiding in on all goods, wares and merchan-
the improvement of the Ship Chan- dise, landed upon said wharves or
nel or Harbor, or in the construc- piers, and to bring suit to recover
tion of a Railroad to or from said the same before any Court having
City, the Mayor and Board of Al- jurisdiction of the amount in con-
dermen shall have power to create troversy That said City shall have
a law, and to issue and negotiate
City Bonds, and for the payment of the power to fill up such portions
such law and Bonds, to levy a spe- of the flat, covered by water, be-
cial tax over and above the regular tween ordinary low tide-water mark,
one herein before fixed, provided, and the channel inside the reef in
that the object for which said loan front of the City on the Bay side,
is to be effected, shall be made pub- as the Corporation may deem ne-
lic, and the proposition distinctly cessary for public purposes, the
submitted to the legal voters of the State of Texas hereby relinquishing
City, and sustained by a vote of and releasing unto the Corporation
two thirds of the votes polled to of the City of Corpus Christi, all
that effect, provided, such special the rights and privileges above
tax shall at no time exceed the rate mentioned, provided, that the pro-
of one half of one per centum per visions of this section shall not be
annum. so construed as to reflect in any
manner, any pre-existing right in
any other party.
SEC 7. That all the laws and
parts of laws contravening the pro-
visions of this Act, shall be repeal-
ed and that this Act take effect,
and be in force, from and after its
passage
Approved 11th February 186...
252
_________ Proceedings__________
Of the first Regular Meeting held by the Mayor
and Board of Aldermen elected in pursuance of
a Notice from the Chief Justice of Nueces County
ordering an Election to be held in the City of Corpus
Christi, on Monday the 4th day June A. D. 1866 –
On Monday the 11th day of June 1866
W N Staples appeared before the Chief Justice, Nueces County
at his office and was duly Sworn into Office as Mayor
in due form of law.
Whereupon, a notice was published
requiring the Aldermen and offices Elect to meet at
the Mayors office the following day. being June 12th
A D 1866. which resulted as follows viz –
Present W N. Staples, Mayor
“ James Ranahan
“ Christopher Dunn
“ John McClane
“ Chas Weidenmueller Alderman
“ August Holthause
“ John Gallaghan
“ Joseph FitzSimmons Secretary
“ Patrick Leonard Marshall
The Mayor then Administered the Oath of
Office to each of the Aldermen and Officers
present after which the meeting adjourned
until Monday July 9th 1866 being the second
Monday of the Month. the Secretary and Marshall
being required to have their Bonds as customary
presented for action thereupon –
Joseph FitzSimmons W. N. Staples
Secretary Mayor
253
_________ Proceedings__________
Regular Meeting
On the 9th day of July, 1866, being the se-
cond Monday of said month, the Mayor and
Board of Aldermen of the city of Corpus
Christi, elected under an act of the Legisla-
ture of the State of Texas, entitled “An act
supplementary to and amendatory of an act
entitled ‘An act to incorporate the city of
Corpus Christi,’” approved February 16th,
1852, which act was approved February 11th,
1860 Met at the office of W N Staples, for
the purpose of organization, when were pre-
sent
W N Staples, Mayor, and Aldermen, J
Ranahan, C Dunn, J McClane C Weidenmu-
eller, A Holthaus, John Gallaghan, Secretary,
J Fitzsimmons, Marshal, P Leonard
His Honor, the Mayor, then called the
meeting to order, and exhibited his certificate
of election, and oath of office, in due form
of law He also stated that the Aldermen and
officers present, had been duly elected, and
were qualified as required by law
On motion, duly seconded and carried, the
City Marshal was appointed Assessor and
Collector for the city, and Mr Prokop Hoff-
man was declared City Treasurer, he having
received the next highest number of votes to
the other candidate, who failed to qualify
On motion, the rules were dispensed with,
and those officers allowed till next meeting,
to prepare their bonds and present them to
the Mayor for his approval The following
Ordinances were then passed
An Ordinance,
Relating to the raising of funds necessary to
defray the expenses of keeping order in the
city, and for repairs of streets, and other
purposes
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Aldermen
of the City of Corpus Christi, in Council con-
Taxes vened, that in pursuance of the powers in-
vested in the city by the Amended Charter,
that a tax of on-half of one per cent be le-
vied and collected on all property within the
corporate limits, and subject to State taxes
________
The Mayor was then authorized and reques
ted to have prepared duplicate Assessment
Rolls, of all real estate within the corporate
limits, at the same valuation as that given in
the rolls of the County Assessor, for the fis-
cal year ending June 30, 1866, to be exhibited
to the Board at their next meeting, for their
action thereon
_________
An Ordinance,
For the preservation of the Public Peace and
prevention of accidents from explosion
SECTION 1 Be it ordained by the Mayor
and Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus
Christi, That it shall not be lawful for civil-
ians to carry arms, or other deadly weapons,
Arms within the limits of this city, except by per-
sons passing through. and for each and every
violation of this Ordinance, the offender, on
conviction before the Mayor, shall be liable
to a fine of not less than five or more than
fifty dollars
SEC 2 That it shall not be lawful for any
person or persons to have, keep or retain in
any house or premises within the city pro-
per, for sale or otherwise, or within half a
Gun powder mile of the market square, more than one
hundred pounds of gunpowder at any one
time, and for every violation of this section,
the offender shall be liable to a fine of not
exceeding fifty dollars for each and every
offense
Be it further ordained, That all Ordinances
and parts of Ordinances, heretofore passed
by any of the previous City Councils, which
contain anything in conflict with the laws of
the United States, now in force, be and the
same are hereby declared repealed and an-
nulled
_________
There being no further business before the
Board, adjourned to the next regular meet-
ing W N STAPLES, Mayor
J FITZSIMMONS, Secretary
The above proceedings were had and the Ordinances
were read Section by Section and unanimously
adopted
Joseph FitzSimmons } W N Staples
Secretary } Mayor
} C.C
254
Called Meeting
Thursday July 12th at 8 oclk P M the Board met
pursuant to a call from the Mayor when were present
W N Staples Mayor
Aldermen Ranahan Dunn Holthause and
Gallaghan Secretary J FitzSimmons
Marshall P Leonard
A Quorum being present the Mayor then called the
Meeting to order and explained the object of the Call
which was to present the bonds of the Officers Elected
and appointed, for the action of the Board.
A Committee was then appointed to examin the Bonds
who reported that they were good and sufficient.
Whereupon upon Motion duly made, seconded
and carried the Mayor was authorized to endorse his
approval thereon, and depose then with the /secretary
The minutes of the last meeting were then read
and approved and ordered to be published in the C. C.
Advertiser once
The Committee on Ordinances then presented
their report recommending the readoption of the
Ordinance passed by the City Council at their meeting of
September 6th A D 1860. Entitled an Ordinance for the
Preservation of the Public peace and Tranquility and for the
Prevention of Gaming and disorderly Practices –
Which upon motion duly seconded and
carried unanimously was readopted and ordered to
be [...ed] from the Records
The Amended City Charter
[then] considered, and upon Motion duly seconded
[] ordered to be published in the [A...]
[] the Committee appointed to examine the
[rolls] for the present fiscal year reported that they found
them correct and upon motion duly carried they
ordered to be placed in the [] of the City [Ma...]
for Collection. The Meeting then adjourned
J FitzSimmons W., N, Staples
Secty Mayor
255
The following Ordinance was adopted by
the Board of Aldermen, at their meeting of
July
An Ordinance,
For the Preservation of the Public Peace and SEC 4 That if any person or persons shall SEC 9 That all vagrant, idle or disorderly
Tranquility, and for the Prevention of Ga insult, disturb or molest any religious meet persons, all persons of evil life or ill fame,
ming and Disorderly Practices ing assembled for worship, or any meeting all such persons as have no visible means of
SECTION 1 Be it Ordained by the Mayor assembled for any other purpose connected support, or are likely to become chargable to
and Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, with religious, benevolent, educational or the city as paupers, all persons who may be
in Council convened, That it shall be the du ` other like lawful purpose, by any riotous or begging, or drunk in or about the streets, or
ty of every keeper of a coffeehouse, cabaret, disorderly conduct in or near the place where loitering in and about tippling houses, and
restaurant, grog shop, tippling house, lager such meeting is being held, by any noise, tu- who can show no reasonable course of busi-
beer saloon, grocery or store, of the proprie- mult, loud cries, vociferation, blowing of ness in the city, all who have no fixed place
tor or keeper or all billiard saloons, nine or horns, singing or making any noise and dis of residence but who are found strolling and
ten pin alleys, and of every other person or turbance whatever, with the intent and pur wandering about, all who are grossly inde
persons keeping a public house, dance house, pose to interrupt, harrass, vex, annoy or in cent in language or behavior publicly in the
or ball room, to preserve good order within terfere with such meeting, he or they so of streets, all public prostitutes or such as lead
and bout the same, and to prevent all per- fending, shall be punished by a fine not ex a notorious, lewd or lascivious course of life,
sons who may be therein or about the same ceeding fifty dollars or by imprisonment not shall be deemed and considered offenders
from disturbing the peace and tranquility of imprisonment, at the discretion of the Mayor against the peace and good order of the city
the neighborhood by cries, outcries, vocife- And it is hereby made the duty of the City and it shall be the duty of the City Marshal
ration, songs or noise or disturbance what- Marshal and of every other executive officer and all other police officers of the city to ar
ever, or the use of obscene language, and it of the City Police, upon view of the commis- rest all such persons as aforesaid and take
shall be the duty of every such keeper or sion of any offense provided against in this and carry them before the Mayor for exam
proprietor of any such establishment, house, section to arrest the offender or offenders ination; and if upon such examination the
place, grocery or store to close the same and and take him or them before the Mayor and ` person or persons so arrested shall be found
put out all lights in and about the same each enter the complaint against them, provided to be obnoxious to the provisions of this sec-
and every night, at or before 11 o’clock, and that all complaints for violation of this sec tion, it shall be the duty of the Mayor to re-
it shall further be the duty of each and every tion be made within thirty days after the con- quire all such persons to keep the peace, and
such keeper or proprietor, on each and every mission of the offense to be of good behavior for a reasonable time,
Sunday, from teh hour of ten o clock, A M, SEC 5 That is shall not be lawful for any not exceeding twelve calendar months, and
to that of two o’clock, P M, to close up their person to divest himself or herself of [lus] or moreover to idemnify the said city against
several establishments, houses, places of her clothing, or expose his or her naked per- any charge for his her or their support and
business, stores and groceries, and during son on any of the wharves or on the shore in case of refusal or inability to give such
said hours not to trade, traffic, barter, sell or within the limits of the city, at any time be- security, the person or persons so refusing,
vend, exhibit or expose, any of their commo tween the hours of sunrise in the morning or found unable, shall be committed to some
dities, liquors, wines, goods, wares or mer and sunset in the evening, for the purpose, place of confinement for a llimited time, not
chandise And every person keeping or own or on the pretense of bathing, and any per exceeding fifteen days, according to the na-
ing any of the above enumerated houses, sa- son offending against the provisions of this ture of the offense, unless the security be
loons, establishments, stores or groceries, section shall be subject to a fine of not ex so [] given Provided, that the security
who shall permit or tolerate any such disorder ceeding twenty dollars for each and every of- quired shall in no case exceed five hundred
in or about his or her house, saloon, estab- fense Provided always, that nothing herein dollars
lishment, store or grocery, or who shall fail continued shall prevent persons from bathing SEC 10 That the Mayor shall appoint the
to put out his or her light, or to close his or in the Bay at any time, if they shall use and City Marshal, or some other suitable and
her business stand during the hours, and on wear a suitable and proper dress for bathing competent person or persons as keepers of
the days herein before required, shall be in the persons committed to custody under the
subject to a fine of not less than five dollars SEC 6 That if any person or persons shall provisions of the preceding section, whose
nor more than fifty dollars for each and every play at any tavern, inn, storehouse, house for duty it shall be to take the persons so confin-
offense, one half for the benefit of the infor- [...ing] liquors, or any other public place, ed from the place of confinement and put
mer, and the other for the benefit of the cor or in any outhouse where people resort with- them to labor in such place and manner as
poration, recoverable before the Mayor of the in the limits of the city, at any game or the City Council may direct for the benefit of
city game with cards or dice for money or other the city Provided that the said prisoners
SEC 2 That it shall be the duty of the valuable consideration, such person or per- shall be daily returned from their labor to
City Marshal, and other officers of the City sons so playing shall be declared guilty of a the place of confinement at or before sun-
Police, to enter each and every coffeehouse, misdemeanor, and for each and every such down And provided also, that the City Mar-
restaurant, grogshop, tippling house, tavern offense, on conviction thereof before the May- shal, or other keeper or keepers of the said
inn lager beer saloon, or any other public or of said city, shall be subject to a fine of prisoners shall furnish them with a sufficient
houses within the limits of the city, in order to not less than one dollar not more than one supply of good and wholesome provisions at
take cognizance of any disorders or offenses hundred dollars, one half of which shall go the charge and expense of the city
that may be committed therein, and shall re to the use and benefit of the city, and the SEC 11 That no person or persons shall
port and give information to the Mayor of all other half to the prosecution be permitted to give a public ball, or keep a
offenses that may be committed therein, SEC 7 That if any person or persons dance house within the city, unless he, she
which may come or fall under his observation, shall hereafter be guilty of keeping or exhib or they shall first obtain from the Mayor a
or which may otherwise come to his knowl ` iting or dealing at any gaming table whatev license, and any person or persons who shall
edge, and the City Marshal shall have pow er, or shall keep or exhibit a [f...] bank, or give any public ball, or keep a dance house,
er, whenever any disorderly conduct or dis- shall keep or exhibit or deal at any other without first having so obtained a license for
turbance of the public peace or tranquility gaming table or bank of the like kind, or of that purpose, shall be liable to pay a fine of
shall be permitted or allowed in any of the any other description, under any other name not less than $10 dollars nor more than [$50]
houses or places referred to in this or the pre- therefore, or shall be in any manner interested Provided, however, that no license shall be
ceding section in the night time, to close or concerned in keeping exhibiting or deal issued for more than one ball, and shall also
such house or houses for the night. ing at or carrying of any such table, bank or specify the time and place of holding the
SEC 3 That any person who shall be guil- game whatsoever within the limits of said same
ty of fighting, quarreling, or any riotous, in- city each and every person so offending shall SEC 12 It shall be the duty of any person
decent or disorderly conduct in the streets, be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on or persons keeping any public dance house,
houses or elsewhere within the limits of said conviction thereof, for each and every offense or giving any public ball, to have the City
city, or shall be guilty of abusing, provok- shall be fined in a sum not less than fifty dol Marshal or his Deputy, in attendance at all
ing or disturbing either by word or action, lars nor more than one hundred dollars re such balls or dances, for the purpose of en-
any person or persons going or walking in coverable before the Mayor of said city, one forcing order, for which service the said Mar-
any street, road or public way or elsewhere, half of which fine shall go to the use of the shal or officer in attendance shall be autho
or shall show or expose in public any writing, city, and the other half to the party prosecu- rized to demand and receive from the propri-
sign, drawing, print, carricature, statue or ting such offender or offenders to conviction etors thereof the sum of [$..], and any person
other object, which may excite scandal, or SEC 8 That if any person or persons or persons failing to comply with the provi-
disturb the public peace, or shall break shall be concerned in betting at any of the sions of this section, shall be liable to pay a
down, destroy, injure or carry away any fence gaming tables, bank or banks in the preced- fine of not less than $10 nor more than []
or any part thereof, or the steps or the doors ing section enumerated, such person or per- for each and every offender
of houses (without being authorized by the sons so offending for each and every such SEC 13 Should any riot or disturbance of
owner), or shall deface, break or carry away offense, on conviction thereof before the good order take place at any such ball or
any sign, board or plate, indicating the busi- Mayor of said city, shall be fined a sum of dance unless it be immediately suppressed,
ness or occupation of any person, he, she or not less than ten nor more than one hundred it shall be the duty of the officers in attend-
they so offending against any of the provi- dollars, one half for the use of the city, and ance to cause the same to be closed forth-
sions of this ordinance, hereinbefore men- the other half for the use of the person or with, and any proprietor or proprietors of
tioned, shall for each and every offense be persons procuring the conviction or the of any public ball or dance house failing or re-
subject to a fine of not less than one dollar fender, or offenders fusing to comply with the provisions of this
nor more than one hundred, to be recovered section, shall be liable to pay a fine of not
before the Mayor; and such person so offend- les than ten nor more than fifty dollars
ing shall moreover be liable to be required to W N STAPLES, Mayor
give a bond for his, her or their good behav- J R FITZSIMMONS, Secretary
ior, and to keep the peace for a term of not
less than twelve months, provided the bond
so required shall not be less than two hundred
dollars not more than one thousand dollars.
256
Special Meeting
On Thursday the 19th of July 1866, a Special
Meeting of the Board was called by the Mayor and
Aldermen Weidmueller McClane and Ranahan.
Present the Mayor and a full board of Aldermen
with the Secretary and Marshall _ _ _
His Honor the Mayor then Called the Meeting to order _
The Minutes of the previous Meeting were then read and approved
Whereupon the Mayor presented a Petition from sundry Citizens
praying for an Ordinance to be passed by the board prohibiting
parties from removing shell and sand from the front of their
beach Lots to the detriment of their property –
On motion duly seconded and carried the said petition
was laid over to next meeting –
The Mayor then appointed the following Standing Committees
Finance
J Ranahan J McClane & H. Holthause
Streets Landing & Harbor
Christr Dunn, Jno Gallaghan & C Weidmeller
The City Assessor & Collector then made his report which was
accepted. The City Marshall also represented the main
street and crossing much obstructed with water and mud
and needing immediate repairs – Whereupon the following
Ordinance was offered by Ald Ranahan, duly seconded and
carried
Ordinance Be it ordained that after ten days notice by public []
[...ing] to of the Ordinance neither Sheep hogs or goats will be allowed to run
sheep and at large within the City proper, and for every violation of this
goats ordinance the owner or owners of said animals on conviction before the
Mayor will be liable to a fine of not less than one or more than
five dollars – and in case of failure to find the owners –
it shall be the duty of the City Marshall to give three days notice
by posting same in three public places within the City proper, and
the owners failure to come forward and pay the fine and charges
the aforesaid animals will be sold for the benefit of the City.
The Regular Meetings of the Board were then
[...ed] for the first and third Thursdays of each
month. Whereupon the Board adjourned to the
next regular day –
J FitzSimmons W. N. Staples
Secty Mayor
257
Regular Meeting
Thursday August 2nd the Board met pursuant to the
adjournment, it being the first Monday of the month –
Present W N Staples Mayor
Aldermen Ranahan, Weidmeller J Gallaghan Dunn
and Holthause. Absent Aldmn McClane –
Present Secty J FitzSimmons and City Marshall P Leonard
The Mayor called the meeting to order Whereupon
The minutes of the previous meeting were then read and approved
Whereupon, before Motion of Alderman Ranahan Seconded
by Aldmn Holthause, and unanimously carried it was
Resolved, that the Mayor proceed forthwith to have the
necessary repairs on the Streets carried out and that
the sum of Two hundred dollars be appropriated
from the city Treasury for that purpose, and he is
hereby authorized to draw on the City Treasurer for that
amount.
The matter of the Petition from sundry Citizens
laid over from last meeting was then taken up and after
discussion the following Ordinance was adopted –
An Ordinance Be it ordained by the Mayor & board of aldermen in
against recovery Council Convened that from and after this date it shall
Shell or Sand not be lawful for any person or persons to remove sand or
from front of shell from the front of any Lots on the Beach, to the
beach Lots detriment of the said property, under a Penalty of not
less than Five or more than Ten dollars for each and
every offence –
Be it further ordained that the owners of City
Side Lots be required to repair the Side walks in front of their
walks premises, and in case of failing to comply with this requirement
after receiving ten days notice, the same may be done by the
City and the amt assessed as a fine against the aforesaid
owner
Be it further ordained that it is [un...ed] for
Riding any person or persons to ride or drive furiously through
furiously the Streets of this city and for every offence against this
ordinance on Conviction before the Mayor the offender will
be liable to a fine of not less than One or more than
Twenty dollars – Whereupon the Board Adjourned to the
next Regular day
J FitzSimmons W N. Staples
Secty Mayor CCC
258
Regular Meeting
Thursday August 16th A D. 1866.
Board met
Present W N Staples Mayor
“ A Holthause }
J Ranahan } Aldermen
J FitzSimmons Secty
There being no quorum present Adjourned to the
next regular meeting
FitzSimmons W. N. Staples
Secty Mayor
_______________________________________
Regular Meeting
Thursday September 6th A D 1866. The Board
Met pursuant to adjournment.
Present W N Staples Mayor
“ Christr Dunn }
“ Chas Weidenmueller} Aldermen
“ August Holthause }
“ John Gallagher }
“ Joseph FitzSimmons Secretary
Patrick Leonard Marshall
A Quorum being present the Board proceeded
to business Minutes of the last two meetings read
and approved
The Mayor then Reported progress on
the repairs of the Streets, and the disbursement of
the funds already appropriated for this purpose where
after discussion was approved
The Assr & Collector []
presented his Report, shewing the amt of Four hundred
dollars City Taxes collected and deposited in the
Treasurers hands up to date. the Mayor also presented
his report of Fines collected Amtg to $2800 Twenty eight
dollars Both of which reports were approved and
ordered to be entered son the Minutes
The City Marshall then presented
his claim against the City for services rendered from Augt
22nd to September 6th, in Making Arrests and also
259
causing dead animals to be removed from the
Streets, which upon examination was approved,
amounting to $1000 Ten dollars, and a warrant
for that amt was ordered to be issued to said Marshall
Upon motion of Ald Holthause
duly seconded and carried, the further sum of $15000
One hundred and fifty dollars was, and is hereby appropriated
for the continuance of the improvements on the streets
and the Mayor is hereby authorized to continue the said
repairs and improvements under the direction of the Committee
on Streets, and that a warrant issue on the City Treasurer
for the amount of said past appropriation –
On Motion duly seconded it was resolved
that the Secretary be required to furnish the Editor of the
C C Advertiser a copy of the following ordinances, passed
at previous meetings of board to be published, viz
[] 1st An Ordinance relative sheep and Goats and amended
so as to include Hogs
2nd An Ordinance relative to removing Shell and Sand
from the beach in front of Private Lots
3rd An Ordinance relative to furious riding and
driving through the streets
The Ordinance Relating to the Repair
of Side walks in front of Lots by the Owners thereof was
suspended until the Completion of the repairs on streets
or until further orders – the others to be enforced by the
Marshal after ten days from publication in the Advertiser
Whereupon there being no further business
on motion the Board adjourned to next regular
meeting
Attest
Joseph FitzSimmons W. N Staples
Secty Mayor
CCC
260
Regular Meeting
Thursday September 20th A D. 1866 –
Board met Present W. N. Staples, Mayor
“ John Gallaghan Aldm
“ Joseph FitzSimmons Secty
“ Patk Leonard Marshal
8 oclk. P M there being no quorum present
and it blowing a Norther the Meeting adjourned
J FitzSimmons W. N. Staples
Secty Mayor
_____________________________________
Saturday, September 22nd
A D 1866 a Special Meeting of the City Council
was held at the Mayors Office, at 8 oclk P. M.
Present W. N. Staples Mayor
“ James Ranahan }
“ August Holthause } Aldermen
“ John Gallaghan }
“ Joseph FitzSimmons Secretary
A Quorum being present the Mayor explained
the object of the Meeting which was to Consider a
Petition from the Citizens of Corpus Christi, Containing
One hundred and ten signatures [trans...lling] [min=
-utes] of a public Meeting held on the 19th Instant
and asking the action of the Council in accordance
[] said resolution reading as follows, to wit
1st Resolved that in the opinion of the Citizens of
Corpus Christi the present Ship Channel should be
completed without further delay to a width of
100 One hundred feet and a depth of Eight feet at
ordinary tide, throughout its entire length from []
to Aransas Bay and every possible effort should be
made to push the work forward.
2nd Resolved that it is the wish of the Citizens
of Corpus Christi in meeting Convened that His
261
Hon. the Mayor and Board of Aldermen in Council
Convened should by proper Ordinance, affirm the existence
and validity of the Ordinance of their predecessors adopted
April 15th 1858 under which the present channel has been
commenced
Whereupon in compliance with the resolutions
adopted at the aforesaid Meeting of the Citizens and
their petition The following Ordinance was offered
and read Section by Section viz
Section 1st Be it ordained by the Mayor and Board
of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi that the Ordinance
passed April 15th A D 1858 entitled, “An Ordinance Sup
Validating ordinances =plemental to and consolidative of all ordinances heretofore
relating to the Channel passed relative to the opening of the Ship Channel between
Corpus Christi and Aransas Bays”, be and the same is
hereby reenacted, ratified and confirmed, the same as
if enacted and passed by this Mayor and Board of Aldermen
with the additional powers upon them Conferred by the act
of the Legislature of the State of Texas entitled “an Act
Supplementary to and Amendatory of an Act entitled an Act
to incorporate the City of Corpus Christi, approved February
16th 1852” approved February 11th 1860 –
Section 2nd That J W Vineyard and his assigns having suc
ceeded to all the rights of the firm of D S Howard & Co
the aforesaid Ordinance, be, and they are hereby declared
to be recognized as, and constituted, the lawful agent
of the City of Corpus Christi for the prosecution and com
pletion of the Ship-Channel aforesaid, - the [d...]
receiving and collecting of all Tolls for []
or use of said Channel, - and the negotiation selling
and transferring of the Bonds issued by [this, the] []
of the said Channel improvement; and on such []
they are hereby subrogated to all the rights [] and
franchises of and invested with all and every power
conferred on the City of Corpus Christi through the Mayor
and Board of Aldermen under the provisions of the Act
of the Legislature of the State of Texas []
1854, entitled an Act [Su...] to an Act to [incorporate]
262
the City of Corpus Christi” –
Section 3rd That the Bonds issues in accordance with the
Ordinance of April 15th A D. 1858, hereinbefore referred
to, Signed by Reuben Holbein Mayor, and by Joseph
FitzSimmons, Secretary sealed with the seal of the City, under
date of May 21st A.D. 1858, and payable on or before the
11th day of February A D 1904, to the order of D S Howard
& Co with 8% [] per An until paid, be and the same are
hereby in every respect, according to their tenor and terms
validated, the same as if authorized and issued by this
Mayor and Board of Aldermen for the benefit of the
before named agents, J. W. Vineyard and his assigns;
provided that the time for the completion of the ship
Channel shall be and is hereby limited to two years
from date, anything to the contrary contained in any
ordinance heretofore passed or herein expressed to the
Contrary notwithstanding
Whereupon on a Motion of
Aldman John Gallaghan Seconded by Ald Jas Ranahan
and unanimously carried the above and foregoing
Ordinance was [] [filed] as a whole –
There being no further business
The Board then adjourned –
Attest
Joseph FitzSimmons W. N. Staples
Secretary Mayor
C.C.C.
______________________________________
Regular Meeting
Thursday October 4th A. D. 1866 –
Board Met Present W. N. Staples
Mayor. J. FitzSimmons Secretary and
Patk Leonard City Marshall –
No Quorum being present, the Meeting was
adjourned to next regular term –
attest J FitzSimmons
Secty Mayor
263
Regular Meeting
Thursday October 18th A D 1866 being the third
Thursday in the Month, the Board met pursuant
to Adjournment Present W N Staples Mayor
J FitzSimmons Secty. and P Leonard Marshall
No Quorum being present the meeting adjourned
Attest
Joseph FitzSimmons W. N. Staples
Secretary Mayor
____________________________________
Regular Meeting
Thursday November 1st A D 1866, being the first
Thursday in the Month, the Board met
present W N Staples Mayor
Joseph FitzSimmons Secty
No Quorum being present the Board adjourned
Attest
J FitzSimmons
Secretary Mayor
_____________________________________
Regular Meeting
Thursday November 15th A D 1866. The Mayor being
Absent from the City on private business, no meeting was
had Joseph FitzSimmons
Secretary CCC
_____________________________________
Called Meeting
On Monday November 19th A D 1866 pursuant to a
call of three Members of the Board a Meeting was
held, in the Secretarys Office, at which the following
proceedings were had viz
Present: James Ranahan }
“ August Holthause }
“ Charles Weidmuellar } Aldermen
“ John Callaghan }
“ Christn Dunn }
“ Patrick Leonard City Marshall
“ Joseph FitzSimmons “ Secretary
A Quorum being present the Meeting was called to
order by Ald. Dunn, when on Motion duly seconded
and unanimously carried, Ald Jno. T Gallaghan
was Elected Mayor Pro tem. (until the return of
W N Staples – Mayor Elect absent at New Orleans.
264
Whereupon Ald Gallahan, took his Seat accordingly
as Mayor Pro tem.
The Secretary was then directed to
read the Minutes of the last Meeting of the Board
which on being read were on motion, duly seconded
and carried, “approved”
A communication from Messrs
King Turner Perham Et. als., was then read
asking the sanction of this Board for the purpose
of carrying on a Beef Packing Establishment
within the City Proper and a Slaughter Pen
when after much discussion pro and con the
following Resolution was offered. and on Motion
duly seconded, was carried, to wit –
Be it Resolved, that, the application of Messrs King
Turner Perham & others for permission to commence, and
carry on the business of a Beef Packing Establishment
at or on the premises Known as the [“Marin”] property on
the beach [pat] of this City. Be and the same is hereby
Granted”, Provided that in case it should prove
to be offensive to the Citizens, or in any wise adjudged
by a vote of the City Council to be dangerous to the
Health of the inhabitants thereof, that It shall be
forthwith Stopped, or removed without the limits
of this Corporation
There being complaints made by
Hogs Sundry Citizens that Hogs Sheep and Goats are
still at large in the City, the Board Resolved
that the Marshall be required to enforce the penalty
against all owners of such animals.
Ald C Dunn for Comittee on
Streets &c reported certain improvements on Mesquit
and Schatzel Streets which on Motion was approved
and the sum of $1000 Ten dollars was ordered to be
paid out of the appropriation made at Meeting of the
Board Septr 6th for the continuance of repairs on Streets
and the Secretary was ordered to issue a warrant for
265
that amount on the City Treasurer
An account was then presented
by the City Marshall P Leonard for removing
-dead animals from the streets and making
-arrests which was read over item by item, and
-dating from September 10th up to November 15th – which
-after due discussion and examination was allowed
for the whole amount and ordered to paid viz $1450
Fourteen dollars and fifty cents – The Assessor and Collector having reported
to the Board the names of delinquent who
have failed to pay their municipal taxes for
the present fiscal year it was therefore
Resolved, That the officer aforesaid be in-
structed to notify the said parties in writing
to pay the same, and after ten days from the
delivery of said notice, steps will be taken to
enforce the payment of the same, according
to law in that case made and provided
Whereupon the following ordinances were
offered and adopted unanimously, to wit
An Ordinance,
Relating to the City Market
SECTION 1 Be it ordained by the Mayor
and Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus
Christi, That from and after the first day of
December, 1866, it shall not be lawful for any
person or persons to occupy any stall, or
house situated upon the Market square, with-
out previously having acquired a license, in
accordance with the provisions of this Ordi-
nance
Market SEC 2 That all persons vending meats,
vegetables, fish, or coffee, shall pay an annu
al tax of twelve dollars per annum, payable
quarterly in advance, for each stall so occu-
pied by them, and all persons occupying any
stall or house for the purpose of vending ar
dent spirits shall pay for such privilege the
sum of five dollars in advance
SEC 3 That on presenting the receipt of
the Treasurer of the city, the Secretary of the
Board shall issue a license to the applicant,
corresponding to the amount paid
SEC 4 That this Ordinance take effect
and be in force from and after the first day of
December next ensuring, and any person vio
lating the provisions thereof shall upon con-
viction before the Mayor, be fined in any sum
not exceeding one hundred nor less than five
dollars
The following Ordinance was also read and
adopted, to wit
An Ordinance,
Regulating the Inspection of Hides, &c
SECTION 1 Be it ordained by the Mayor
and Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus
Christi, That it shall be the duty of every
person or persons slaughtering cattle, or ex
posing butchers meat for sale in the city to
produce or exhibit to the City Marshal or his
Deputy for examination and inspection, the
hides of all beeves and the heads of all calves,
sheep and hogs, by them slaughtered for sale
or otherwise, the hides to be spread out and
the heads exposed in such manner as that
the said officers may examine the marks and
brands thereof, and any person or persons
failing to comply therewith, shall be subject
to a fine for each and every offense of not less
than ten nor more than twenty dollars
Hides SEC 2 That when any hides or heads of
such animals shall be produced for inspec
tion and the same shall be found imperfect,
so that the brands and marks cannot be clear
ly ascertained, either by reason or alteration
or obliteration, the person or persons so pro-
ducing the same may be required to declare
on oath how such animal came into his or
their possession and if by purchase, shall dis
close the name of the vendor, the time of
purchase, &c
SEC 3 That it shall be the duty of the
City Marshal, or his Deputy, to inspect all
hides or heads so presented and exhibited to
him, and to take an accurate fac-simile of all
such marks and brands, in a book for that
purpose, which shall be kept in the Mayors
office, and shall be open to inspection to all
parties concerned, and the said City Marshal
shall demand and receive for each hide so in
spected and recorded, the sum of ten cents,
and for each head the sum of five cents
(Signed) JOHN T GALLAGHAN,
Mayor Pro Tem
Attest
JOSEPH FITZSIMMONS, Secretary
266
Regular Meeting
Thursday, December 5th A D 1866. it being
the first Monday in the Month, a Regular meeting
of the Board was held at the Mayors office
Present W N Staples – Mayor
“ Christn Dunn }
“ August Holthause } Aldermen
“ Chas Weidmueller }
“ Patk Leonard City Marshall and
J FitzSimmons Secretary –
A Quorum being present the meeting was called
to order by the Mayor when the following business
was transacted. Minutes of the last Meeting were read
& approved – On Motion of Ald Holthause duly seconded
and carried, it was Resolved. that the Claim of
J. B. Mitchell, or a portion equal to the amt of his
City Taxes for the present fiscal year, be allowed –
The Committee on Streets through Ald
C Dunn reported progress, which was received –
The City Marshall then Reported the
-difficulties of Enforcing the Ordinance, against
Hogs Hogs Sheep and Goats being at large within the
City Proper = when after much discussion It was
Resolved, that so much of said Ordinance as
applies to Hogs be and the same is hereby –
repealed and annulled –
Whereupon there being no other
business before the Board upon motion –
Adjourned –
Attest W, N, Staples
Joseph FitzSimmons Mayor
Secretary CCC.
CCC
267
Thursday December 20th A. D 1866 being
the third Thursday in the month a Regular
Meeting of the Board was convened at
the Mayors Office when were present
W N Staples Mayor
Joseph FitzSimmons Secretary
It being inclement weather and a Norther blowing
at the time no other members appeared and
the Meeting adjourned
Attest
Joseph FitzSimmons W, N, Staples
Secty Mayor
CCC
___________________________________________
Regular Meeting
Thursday the 7th day of February, being the first
Thursday of the Month A regular meeting of the Board
of Aldermen was convened at the Mayors Office at
which the following proceedings were had.
Present W. N. Staples Mayor
“ Jno T Gallahan }
Augt Holthause } Aldmn
Chas Weidenmiller }
P Leonard City Marshall, and J FitzSimmons Secty
A Quorum being present the Meeting was called
to order by the Mayor. when the following proceedings
were had. The Minutes of the Previous regular
Meeting was read and approved.
The death of Aldmn James Ranahan
having been announced, and there being no meeting of
the board since his death on the 2nd [] owing
to the prevalence of the late inclement Weather and
the absence of Members of the Board from the City
It was therefore ‘Resolved” that the
Sympathy of this meeting be tendered the bereaved
family of our deceased friend and fellow citizen
268
whose loss we deplore, and in whose death the
City has lost an Active and efficient member of this
Board, and an upright and honorable Citizen.
It being intimated that Aldmn McClane
was about to resign his Seat in this body the City Marshal
was directed to wait upon him and ascertain his intention
and report at the next Meeting.
On Motion of Aldmn Weidmiller
duly seconded and carried the following ordinance
was offered and adopted to wit:
Be it ordained that on and after the
first day of March next ensuring (AD 1867) All owners of
Wagons, Carts, drays or other Vehicles plying
for here within the limits of this Corporation, be
and they are hereby required to take out a License
from the City Secretary to be paid for monthly
at the rate of one Dollar ([sp...]) for one horse
vehicles – Two Horse Vehicles Two dollars [sp...]
and three or more Horses or Mules to any Vehicle
a License of three Dollars per month to be
paid in advance. And all parties failing
Carts to comply with the provisions of this Ordinance, will
on conviction before the Mayor of the City be
liable to a fine of not less than Five $500 or
more than fifteen 1500 for each and every
offence.
Whereupon on Motion the Assr
and Collector was notified to present his account
Current at the next regular Meeting. and also
the Secty was directed to Notify the City Treasurer
to appear and present his Report and Acct Current
at same time.
The City Marshal presented his
claim against the City for $1150 which was audited and
Examined (for services Removing dead animals from the Streets
making arrests &c) & which on consideration was reduced
to Eight dollars and fifty cents. and allowed, and
269
the Secretary was instructed to a warrant on the Treasurer
for said amount.
Whereupon on motion duly seconded
and carried the Board adjourned to next regular
term
Attest
Joseph FitzSimmons W. N. Staples
Secretary Mayor CCC
270
271
272
State of Texas }
County of Nueces }
City of Corpus Christi }
The City of Corpus Christi
On the day of June 1868.
Be in known that there being no
Mayor or Alderman in & for said City
Gen. A, McD. McCook Brvt. Maj. Gen.
Commanding, by virtue of the Authority
& powers vested in him within this
5th Military Dist. U. S. America, does on
this day of A. D. 1868. make
appoint & constitute the following to
be his order to wit::
Headquarters, Sub-District of the Rio Grande
Brownsville, Texas, June 27th 1868,
SPECIAL ORDERS}
No 68 }
EXTRACT
I Subject to the approval of the Brevet Major General, Com-
manding the Fifth Military District, the following appointments of
municipal officers of the city of Corpus Christi, Texas, are hereby
made
NELSON PLATO to be Mayor,
L D BREWSTER to be Treasurer,
FRANK BARNARD to be City Clerk,
PATRICK LEONARD to be City Marshal,
D M LAYMAN J R BARNARD, P HOFFMAN, WM B CHAP-
MAN, CORNELIUS CAHILL W WALLACE and CHARLES WEIDENMULLER
to be Aldermen
The appointees will be duly respected and recognized in their
official acts and having filed the oath as prescribed by act of Con-
gress approved July 2d 1862, will qualify in all other respects as
required by the law of this State, and will at once enter upon the
duties of their office
* * * *
by command of Brevet Major General McCook
S H LINCOLN,
First Lieutenant 26th Infantry, A. A. A G
OFFICIAL
S. H. Lincoln
First Lieutenant & Acting Assistant Adjutant General
273
Now therefore in accordance with the
foregoing order on this 3d day of July
A. D. 1868, the following proceedings were
had to wit
The said Board of Aldermen met,
Present,
D. M. Layman
Mayor Pro Tem by Apt from Board
in absence of Col. Nelson Plato
P Hoffman }
W. Wallace }
C. Cahill } Aldermen
C. Weidenmueller }
W. B. Chapman. }
Wm B Chapman appointed on said Board
of Aldermen refusing to serve, retired.
There being a quorum & a majority
of said Board present Judge Jerome
B. Carpenter, Judge of the 14th Judicial
District then & there proceeded to ad-
minister the Oath prescribed by the
Constitution of the United States Act
of Congress July, 2d 1862 to the above
named to wit.
Jas. R. Barnard }
P. Hoffman } Thos Parker
W Wallace } Marshall
C. Cahill } L. D. Brewster
C. Weidenmueller } [Treasurer]
D. M Layman } Frank Barnard
Secretary
273 cont’d
10 The Chief Medical Officer of the Sub-District is charged II It is hereby made the duty of all Civil and Military authori-
with the general supervision of all quarantine measures within the ties, at all ports in this District at which vessels may arrive with
limits of this command He will see that materials for fumigating, epidemic diseases, or from infected ports, to make and enforce the
quarantine flags, &c, are provided In conjunction with the proper quarantine regulations
Supervising Quartermaster of the Sub-District, he will report how All State and municipal authorities, commanding officers of
far, if at all the co-operation of the Navy is necessary or desirable Districts and Sub Districts, and ports in this District where troops
The Supervising Quartermaster will furnish suitable boats, as far as are stationed, are directed to request the assistance and co-opera-
as in his power, to be placed at the disposal of quarantine officers tion of the officers of the Navy, in their vicinity, to carry out the
11 In the event of infectious diseases appearing in the Sub- provisions of the above order, which require the enforcement of
District, or its neighborhood, the attention of all civil authorities rigid quarantine
is called to the act, below republished conferring power on county By Command of Brevet Major General R C BUCHANAN
courts and town and city corporations to establish quarantine reg- THOMAS H NEILL,
ulations When warranted by the circumstances strict regulations Major, Twentieth Infantry, Brevet Brigadier General, U.S.A.
will be established and aid of the military authorities solicited Acting Assistant Adjutant General
whenever required Commanding officers of posts will urge and In order to have assurance that the foregoing General Orders for
enforce Quarantine regulations whenever authorized by circum- the protection of the District of Texas against the importation of
stances contagious or infectious diseases have been duly observed, and
12 Quarantine flags will be prominently displayed on all ves- promptly carried into effect by all whom they concern and to se-
sels undergoing quarantine and on quarantine buildings, whenever cure the establishment of a uniform and effective system of Quar-
established, red lights being substituted at night antine at the several ports and navagable inlets in this District, a
By Command of Brevet Major General McCook Medical Officer of the Army, acting under special authority and
S H LINCOLN instructions from this Headquarters, will be detailed to inspect
First Lieutenant 26th Infantry, A, A A G and report upon the condition of Quarantine in this District
HEADQUARTERS, DISTRICT OF TEXAS, The local civil authorities, on whom the enforcement of Quaran-
GENERAL ORDERS, } AUSTIN, TEXAS, May 11, 1868 tine will devolve, are respectfully referred to the State laws on this
No 11 } subject, passed January 24th, 1856, and herewith re published
The following Extract from General Orders, Headquarters Fifth By Command of Brevet Major General J J REYNOLDS
Military District, is hereby published for the information and C E MORSE
guidance of all concerned 1st Lieutenant 26th Infantry, A D C and A, A A G
HEADQUARTERS, FIFTH MILITARY DISTRICT ___________
GENERAL ORDERS, } New Orleans, La, May 1, 1868 An Act Conferring Power on County Courts and
No 23 } Town and City Corporate Authorities to Estab-
* * * * lish Quarantine Regulations.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE ___________
GENERAL ORDERS, } Washington, April 22, 1868 SECTION 1 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas
No 19 } That the county courts of the respective counties of this State by
QUARANTINE and they are hereby authorized and empowered, when in their
The Commanding Generals of the Military Districts comprising judgement it may be necessary, to establish quarantine regulations
the States of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, in their respective counties or any part or parts thereof not incon-
Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, are instruc- sistent with the constitution and laws of this State, and any person
ted to cause - offending against any such regulations shall, on conviction thereof
1st All vessels arriving at ports within their commands from before any Justice of the Peace of the county in which the offence
ports infected with the yellow fever, cholera, or other epidemic was committed, be subject to a fine of not exceeding one hundred
disease – but having had no case during their passage – to be quar- dollars, or to imprisonment in the common jail of the county not
antined for fifteen days, and thoroughly fumigated, exceeding thirty days, and the trial of all such cases shall be had
2d All such vessels which have had yellow fever, cholera, or and conducted in the same manner as is provided for the trial of
other epidemic disease on board during the passage, and after ar- other offences cognizable before Justices of the Peace
rival at quarantine, to be Quarantined for fifteen days after the SEC 2 That the corporate authorities of the respective Town
termination of the last case, and thoroughly fumigated and City municipal corporations in this State be and they are here-
In carrying out this quarantine, District Commanders will con- by authorized and empowered, whenever in their judgement it
sult and ask the assistance of officers of the Navy in their vicinity may be necessary, to establish quarantine regulations in their res-
and correspond direct with the Secretary of the Navy in reference
to such assistance and co operation
By Command of GENERAL GRANT
E D TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant General
273 cont’d
pective Towns and Cities, not inconsistent with the constitution Headquarters, Sub-District of the Rio Grande,
and laws of the State, and any person offending against any such Brownsville, Texas, June 27th 1868,
regulations, shall be subject therefore before any Justice of the SPECIAL ORDERS }
Peace of the county where the offence was committed and the pro No 68 }
ceedings shall be conducted against such offender in the corporate To ensure the enforcement of [...proper] quarantine in the Sub-
name of the Town or City where the offence was committed, and District, in conformity with orders from superior headquarters
on conviction, such offender shall be subject to a fine of not more as published below) the following regulations are hereby promul
than one hundred dollars, to go to the use of the City or Town [] and will be strictly observed by military and civil authorities
where the offence was committed, or to imprisonment not more All vessels arriving at ports within this command from ports
than thirty days in the Town or City prison where the offence was [...cted] with the yellow fever cholera, or other epidemic disease
committed and the total of all cases arising under the provisions [] having had no disease during their passage – to be quarantined
of this section shall be conducted in the same manner as is provi- [] twenty one days and thoroughly fumigated
ded for the trial of offences cognizable before Justices of the Peace All such vessels which have had yellow fever, cholera, or
Passed the 24th of January, 1856 [] epidemic disease on board during their passage and after ar-
________________ rival [at quarantine] to be quarantined for twenty one days after the
HEADQUARTERS, FIFTH MILITARY DISTRICT, [] of the last case, and thoroughly fumigated
GENERAL ORDERS, } NEW ORLEANS, La, June 5 1868 The Quarantine station for the port of Brazos Santiago
No 34 } [...ville] and Brownsville, is established at Brazos Santiago
By virtue of instructions received from the Adjutant Generals [] Surgeon on duty at the port of Point Isabel is appointed
Office Washington, D C, General Orders No 19 Headquarters quarantine officer of the station
of the Army, Washington D C, April 22d 1868 is amended so The quarantine station for all other ports on the coast in the
as to direct that all vessels arriving from infected ports without territory situated between the Rio Grande and the Nueces River
epidemic disease on board, be quarantined for twenty one days and [be] established in Corpus Christi No troop being stationed []
thoroughly fumigated [] the civil authorities are charged with the enforcement of the
All vessels arriving from infected ports having had epidemic dis quarantine The municipal authorities at Corpus Christi will imm
ease on board during their passage shall be quarantined for a period ediately appoint a competent physician as quarantine officer, and
which shall make twenty-one days from the termination of the last [] him all the facilities at their command to carry out the pro
case on board, and will be thoroughly fumigated visions of this order
By Command of Brevet Major General R C BUCHANAN Quarantine officers will [...eade...] detailed reports of the condi-
THOS H NEILL, tion of their stations on the 10th, 20th and last day of each month
Major, Twentieth Infantry Brevet Brigadier General, U S A, [or] oftener if necessary Timely requisitions for supplies will be
Acting Assistant Adjutant General [] on the depot at this place by the quarantine officer at Brazos
OFFICIAL [] all assistance afforded him by the officer commanding at Point
Thos Kearny M D Quarantine Isabel The quarantine officer at Corpus Christi will promptly []
Corpus Christi Texas [] what assistance, if any, is necessary from the military authori-
Second Lieutenant & Acting Assistant Adjutant General ties
Vessels arriving off Brazos Santiago from infected ports, will
[...am] outside of the [bar], awaiting the inspection and orders of
[the] quarantine officer The quarantine officer at Corpus Christi
will designate limits for the same purpose for vessels arriving off
[] port
All vessels having to undergo quarantine, will be assigned
[...ations] by the quarantine officer No communication between
[] infected vessel and the shore or other vessels, will be allowed
[...ss] by the permission, and under personal supervision of the
quarantine officers No communications whatever with any vessel
[...ing] from infected ports will be tolerated under any circum-
stances, until inspected by the quarantine officer
[] of vessels and pilots in charge will be held responsi
[] the regulations published in this order
[] removed and despatched to its destina-
[] after having been thoroughly
[] by the virulence of the dis-
[] before fumigation
274
And such other oaths were then &
there administered by Judge Carpenter
(as required by the Laws of the
State of Texas) to the aforementioned
Board.
The Board then proceeded to business
and elected Thomas Parker as their
City Marshall under & by virtue of
the Civil Law & the powers therein con-
ferred upon them.
The Oaths prescribed by Law were then
administered to said Parker & he was
by said Board ordered to enter upon
the duties of his office at once.
The Board then proceeded to ratify &
permanently establish a Quarantine in
accordance with their previous action
& the orders from Military Headquarters,
The following are said orders to wit:
275
A proposition from Dr. Kearney was
then read to the Board to wit,
That he would take charge of the quar-
antine station. and act as quarantine
and health officer. for and in consideration
of the sum of One Hundred and Fifty dollars
in Currency to be paid to him monthly.
provided he be allowed to visit the Ranch
of Capt King and other ranches in
that vicinity. in cases of necessity
he meantime furnishing a competent
deputy. He to furnish his own trans-
portation to and from the station.
On motion of Alderman Wallace, duly
seconded, by Alderman Hoffman the
proposition of Dr. Kearney was put
before the Board and he was unan
imously elected as quarantine officer
providing the Doctor accept.
The Board then adjourned until
3 o’clock Monday, the 6th day of July
Frank Barnard D M Layman
City Clerk Mayor pro tem
Called Meeting.
Corpus Christi, July 6” 1868
City Council met the following mem
bers present. C. Weidenmueller }
C. Cahill } Aldermen
A quorum not being present the
Board adjourned until Tuesday the
7” day July.
Frank Barnard D M Layman
City Clerk Mayor pro tem
276
Dr. Kearney’s Letter of Acceptance
Corpus Christi, Tex. July 3”/68
Hon. D. M Layman, Mayor pro tem.
And to the City Council of Corpus Christi, Tex.
Gentn:
Having been duly informed by your
board that my appointment as quarantine
officer for this port has been confirmed and
that the remunneration for my professional
services in the performance of such duties
has been fixed by the council at One hun.
dred and fifty dollars in U. S. currency
per month payable at the end of each
fiscal month I have the honor to in
form you that I accept of the same.
Very Respectfully Yours
[Aft. Sent]
Thomas Kearney M D
Called Meeting
Corpus Christi July []
The City Council met.
Jas R Barnard }
Present C. Weidenmueller } Aldermen
P Hoffman }
W Wallace. }
After discussing several ordinances
the Board not being able to come to any
conclusion and it being late a motion
was made by Alderman Barnard that
the Board adjourn. It was duly sec
onded by Alderman Wallace. All members
being willing the Board adjourned
Frank Barnard D M Layman
Secretary Mayor pro tem
277
Called Meeting
Corpus Christi July 14th 1868
The City Council met to day pursuant
to call of Hon D. M. Layman Mayor
pro tem.
Jas. R. Barnard }
Warren Wallace }
Present C. Weidenmueller } Aldermen
P. Hoffman. }
The following resolutions were passed
and ordered to be published in the Corpus
Christi Advertiser
CITY ORDINANCES
CORPUS CHRISTI, JULY 14th, 1868
AN ORDINANCE – RELATING TO HOGS, SHEEP
AND GOATS
Be it Ordained by the Mayor and
Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus
Christi, That the Ordinance relating to hogs,
Hogs sheep &c sheep and goats, passed by the City Council
on July 19th, 1866, be, and the same is hereby
restored, and in full force and effect except so
far as relates to three days’ notice of sale of
hogs, which time shall be limited by the
Marshal, to twenty four hours
Passed July 11th, 1868
D M LAYMAN, Mayor pro tem
FRANK BARNARD, Secretary:
___________
AN ORDINANCE – RELATING TO []
Be it Ordained by the Mayor and Board of
Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, that
from and after the passage of this Ordinance,
that it shall not be lawful for any dog, slut or
Dogs, Sluts puppy, to run at large without having around
pups &c - its neck a collar with the number of its license
on the same, and for each dog the Marshal
shall levy and collect one dollar, and for each
slut, two dollars
Passed July 14th, 1868
D M LAYMAN, Mayor pro tem
FRANK BARNARD, Secretary
AN ORDINANCE – RELATING TO GUNPOWDER
Be it resolved by the Mayor and Board
of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi,
that it shall be unlawful for any person
Gunpowder to keep in public streets or groceries, either
wholesale or retain, gunpowder in quantities
of more than twenty five pounds, and the
Marshal is hereby charged with the execu-
tion of the same And that any person con-
victed of violating this resolution, shall be
fined twenty-five dollars for each and every
offense
Passed July 14th, 1868
D M LAYMAN, Mayor pro tem
FRANK BARNARD, Secretary
__________
Resolved by the Mayor and Board of Al
dermen of the City of Corpus Christi, acts
or parts or acts, heretofore passed by the
Declaring Mayor and Board of Aldermen, not conflicting
Ordinances in force with the Amended Charter or Ordinances
passed by this Board, be, and the same are
hereby declared to be in full force from and
after the passage of this resolution
Passed July 14th, 1868
D M LAYMAN, Mayor pro tem
FRANK BARNARD, Secretary
No further business being on hand the
meeting adjourned.
278
Called Meeting
Corpus Christi
July 27th 1868.
City Council met.
D. M. Layman
Mayor pro tem.
Present. Jas R Barnard }
C Weidenmueller }
P Hoffman } Aldermen
Warren Wallace }
Whin the following business was transacted
Resolved: That the Health Officer
be and is hereby empowered to board
vessels in any port of Corpus Christi &
and that he may deem proper and [expe...]
not in conflict with [orders] from [Health]
Making such regulations with Bay
lighters as will not incur expense to the
City
Carried July 27th 1868.
Frank Barnard D M Layman
Secretary. Mayor pro tem
On motion of Alderman Barnard duly
seconded the following accounts were
audited and ordered to be paid out of
any funds in the Treasury not otherwise
appropriated
Bill of expenses. D. M Layman $24.xx/xxx
“ “ Paints-Benton and Ferris 7.[]
Carried July 27th 1868.
Frank Barnard D M Layman
Secretary Mayor pro tem
279
Resolved: That Francis E Barnard be
and is hereby appointed City Register
of this City.
Carried July 27th 1868.
Frank Barnard D M Layman
Secretary. Mayor pro tem.
Resolved: That Thos. Parker be and is
hereby appointed City Assessor and Col-
lector of this City.
Carried July 27th 1868.
Frank Barnard D M Layman
Secretary Mayor pro tem.
Resolved: That for each and every visit
which may be made by persons duly author
ized by the City authorities, to vessels subject
to quarantine, shall be paid the sum of one
dollar. and that John Stevens. is hereby
authorized to take charge of the boat and
other property at the Quarantine Station
and to the place the health officer on board
all vessels arriving at the station
Carried July 27th 1868.
Frank Barnard D M Layman
Secretary. Mayor pro tem.
An Ordinance Relating to Rights of [Whays]
Be it ordained by the Mayor and board of Al
dermen of the City of Corpus Christi:
That the petition of [Ed...] [Kinton] and [Wallace]
for right of way from the East side of [Water St]
to the West side of Chapparral St. be and the
same and is hereby granted for the term
of one year
Approved July 27th 1868.
Frank Barnard D M Layman
Secretary. Mayor pro tem.
280
Resolved That the ordinance relating to
tax on persons keeping market stalls.
for the sale of Meats. Vegetables. etc. be
and the same is hereby declared in force.
Carried July 27th 1868.
Frank Barnard D M Layman
Secretary. Mayor pro tem.
Called Meeting
Corpus Christi Aug 17” 1868
Hon Mayor and Board of Aldermen met.
D M. Layman }
P. Hoffman }
Aldermen present C Weidenmueller }
Jas R Barnard }
On motion of Ald Layman duly
seconded. the following bills were audited
and ordered to be paid out of any funds
in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated
Dr. Kearney’s bill as Quarantine Of
fier for One Month $150.00
[Mr.] [Bassie’s] bill for stamping tins for
dog collars $7.00
Carried Aug 17” 1868.
Frank Barnard
Secretary. Mayor.
On motion of Alderman Layman
duly seconded the bill of John Stevens
was cut down one-half and a warrant
ordered to be drawn upon the Treasury
for the sum of forty dollars to be paid
out of any funds not otherwise appro-
priated
Carried Aug. 17” 1868.
Frank Barnard
Secretary Mayor.
281
On motion of Alderman Layman
duly seconded a committee of five was
appointed to revise the ordinances and present
them at the next regular meeting. Names
of Committee are as follows
Jas. R. Barnard P. Hoffman. Aldermen
D M. Layman. C Weidenmueller
Nelson Plato, Mayor.
Carried Aug 17” 1868.
Frank Barnard
Secretary. Mayor
On motion of Alderman Layman,
duly seconded it was ordained that
the Board of Aldermen meet as regular
meetings on the 1st and 3d Thursday in each
month at early candle light
Carried Aug 17”, 1868.
Frank Barnard
Secretary. Mayor
On motion of Alderman Layman
duly seconded the Mayor was empow-
:ered to secure the services of a competent
boatman to convey the Quarantine
Officer to and from vessels arriving at the
station and he was limited to the pay-
ment of One Dollar and Fifty-Cents for
each visit so made by the person secured.
Carried Aug 17” 1868.
Frank Barnard
Secretary Mayor
On motion of alderman Barnard
duly seconded James Fields was
elected Deputy Marshall.
Carried Aug 17” 1868.
Frank Barnard
Secretary Mayor.
282
On motion of Alderman Barnard
duly recorded a petition of the citi-
zens of Corpus Christi for the repeal of the
hog law was laid upon the table
Carried Aug 17,” 1868.
Frank Barnard
Secretary Mayor
On motion of Alderman Layman
duly seconded the Mayor was empowered
to make such arrangements as he
might deem necessary for an office and
furniture therefor
Carried Aug 17,” 1868.
Frank Barnard
Secretary Mayor.
On motion of Alderman Barnard
duly seconded a committee of four
was appointed to investigate the mat-
ter of the extension of the charter of
John M. Moore as requested in his
petition. presented this 17” day of Aug.
A. D. 1868
Carried Aug 17,” 1868.
Frank Barnard
Secretary Mayor.
There being no further business
on hand the meeting adjourned.
Frank Barnard
Secretary Mayor.
283
Regular Meeting
Corpus Christi Aug. 20”, 1868
Board of Aldermen met
Aldermen } Chas Weidenmueller }
present } D M. Layman }
A quorum not being present the
meeting adjourned
Frank Barnard
Secretary Mayor.
Called Meeting
Corpus Christi Aug. 29th 1868
Pursuant to a call of the Mayor.
Board of Aldermen met; the Mayor.
presiding.
Present Ald. Jas R Barnard
- “ P Hoffman
- “ C. Weidemuler
- “ D. M Layman
The following ordinances & resolutions
were carried & passed unanimously
City Ordinances.
AN ORDINANCE – RELATING TO THE REVE
NUES OF THE CITY
Be it ordained by the Mayor and the Board
of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi in
Council convened, That a tax one-half of one
per centum per annum, for the year com
mencing July 1st, 1868 and ending July 30,
1869, be levied and collected on all property
within the limits of the corporation subject
to taxation by the State, and a Poll Tax of
one dollar each on all male inhabitants over
the age of 21 years and residents of said City
Passed the 29th day of August, 1868
NELSON PLATO, Mayor
D M LAYMAN, Secretary pro tem
_____________
At a called meeting, convened by the May-
or, a quorum being present – Resolved, by
the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City
of Corpus Christi, that it shall not be lawful
for hogs to run at large within the limits of
the City, and that the owners of said hogs so
offending, shall be held strictly accountable
to the Mayor for each and every offense and
shall be fined, at the discretion of the Mayor,
not less than one dollar, not more than ten
dollars Carried the 29th day of August,
1868 NELSON PLATO, Mayor
D M LAYMAN, Secretary pro tem
___________
At a called meeting, convened by the May-
or, a quorum being present – Resolved, by the
Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City
of Corpus Christi, That the ordinance pass-
sed by the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen
of the City of Corpus Christi, under date July
14, 1868, be and the same is hereby amended
to read as follows ‘That each and every
person owning dogs sluts or puppies within
the City limits, shall pay the following tax
for each dog one dollar, for each slut, two
dollars, and for each puppy, one dollar
that the City Marshal shall be and is hereby
empowered to immediately collect said tax
from all persons who have not paid the li-
cense imposed by the ordinance of July, 1868
Carried August 29, 1868
NELSON PLATO, Mayor
D M LAYMAN, Secretary pro tem
There being no further business
on hand the board adjourned
D M Layman Nelson Plato
Secretary Pro Tem Mayor
284
Regular Meeting
Corpus Christi Sept 3d 1868
Being first Thursday of the
month pursuant to adjournment
Board met at Mayors office.
Present
Nelson Plato – Mayor
Ald, D. M Layman
There being no quorum present
meeting adjourned
D M Layman Nelson Plato
Sect pro tem Mayor C.C.C.
Regular Meeting
Corpus Christi Sept 17th 1868
Hon. Mayor & Board of Aldermen met
} Jas. R Barnard
Aldermen } P Hoffman
present } Chas Weidenmuler
} Warren Wallace
} D. M Laymen
On motion duly seconded Ald D. M.
Layman was appointed Secretary
Pro tem. Minutes of meeting of
Board August 17th 1868 read &
adopted . Minutes of Called Meeting
Aug. 29th 1868 were read & called
for adoption The Minutes on
vote of the Board were not approved
there being a majority opposed thereto
A petition of citizens of Corpus Christi
was then presented praying for a
285
reduction of the taxes if not an
entire repeal of the tax ordinance
passed Aug. 29th 1868 On motion
duly seconded the petition was
received for consideration of the
Board On motion of Alderman
Wallace duly seconded the vote
on the approval of the minutes of
the Called Meeting Aug 29th was
reconsidered. On motion of Ald
Barnard duly seconded the Minu-
tes of Called Meeting Aug 29th 1868
as read were adopted. The follo
wing Ordinance was presented by
Ald Layman
Be it ordained by the
Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the
City of Corpus Christi in Council
convened; That in consideration
of the expressed wishes of a large
number of the Citizens of Corpus
Christi the same being tax payers
not to pay the amount of tax
levied by Ordinance of 29th August
1868 the said tax being for the
year commencing July 1st 1868 and
ending June 30th 1869 that the said
Ordinance be & the same is
hereby repealed. On being put to
vote it was Carried Unanimously.
The following ordinance
was presented by Ald. Layman.
Be it ordained by the
Mayor & Board of Aldermen
of the City of Corpus Christi
in Council Convened: That there
being no longer a necessity for
Quarantine there being no epidemic
on the Coast of the State that
286
the same is hereby declared
to be at an end & that the
Mayor is requested to notify
District Head Quarters of this
action. On being put to vote
it was Carried Unanimously
On motion duly
seconded Board adjourned
D M Layman Nelson Plato
Secy Pro tem Mayor
Called Meeting
Corpus Christi Texas
Sept 21st 1868
Present Mayor & Board of
Aldermen as follows:
“Viz” Nelson Plato, Mayor presiding
Jas R Barnard Alderman
P Hoffman “
Chas Weidenmuler “
Warren Wallace “
D. M Layman “
On motion duly seconded the
reading of Minutes of last meeting
was dispensed with The Mayor
then announced that the meeting
was called for the special pur-
-pose of considering the relative
[positions] of the City & its agents
or contractors in the matter of
the Ship Channel The following
Resolution was offered by Alderman
Wallace:
“Whereas it has been
287
shown to the Corporate Authorities
of the City of Corpus Christi that
an Ordinance was passed on 22d
Sept 1866 limiting the time for
the completion of the Ship Channel
& said ordinance was approved
by an act of the State Legislature
of Texas & whereas there exists a doubt
as to the validity of said Ordinance
& act aforesaid.
Resolved, that the
City Council of the City of
Corpus Christi in Council con-
Channel vened, considering it most expedi
ent & for the best interests of
this City that no obstacle should
be thrown in the way of the
immediate opening of the said
Ship Channel do declare
that an extension of Six months
time is hereby granted to the
lawful contractors with the
City of Corpus Christi for the
completion of said Ship Channel
provided that said contractors
enter into satisfactory Bonds for
the completion of said Ship
Channel as herein specified
Ald Barnard
moved the adoption of the
Preamble & Resolution which was
seconded by Alderman Hoffman
The vote being taken resulted
as follows
Ald Jas R. Barnard voted No
“ P Hoffman “ No
“ Chas Weidenmuler “ Aye
“ Warren Wallace “ Aye
“ D. M Layman “ No
288
Three votes being in the negative
& two in the affirmative the Resolution
was accordingly lost
The following
Ordinance was then presented
by Ald Barnard
Be it ordained
by the Mayor and Board of
Aldermen of the City of Corpus
that an Ordinance pass by the
Mayor & Board of said City on
the 22d day of Sept A D. 1866 be
and the same is hereby re-
-pealed: Upon motion duly
seconded the ordnance was
adopted
On motion meeting
adjourned
D M Layman Nelson Plato
Sect pro tem Mayor
Called Meeting
Corpus Christi Texas
Sept 24th 1868
Present Mayor & Board of Aldermen
as follows: “Viz”
{ Nelson Plato Mayor
{ Jas R Barnard }
Present { P Hoffman }
{ Warren Wallace } Aldermen
{ Chas Weidenmuller }
{ D M Layman }
The minutes of the regular meeting of
Sept 17th 1868 were read & adopted, also
Minutes of called meeting Sept 21st 1868
were read & adopted. The Mayor
289
then stated that the meeting was called
for the purpose of devising Ways & means
for raising a revenue to pay the City
debt & also accruing expenses for the
fiscal year
The following ordinance
was offered. Be it ordained by the
Mayor & Board of Aldermen of the
City of Corpus Christi in Council Con
-vened, that a tax of one Eighth (1/8) of One
per centum to be levied upon all property
within the Corporate limits of this City
taxable by the State, & that a Poll tax
of One Dollar is hereby assessed upon
each male citizen over twenty one years
of age & resident of this City; that
the assessor & collector shall proceed at
once to assess & collect the taxes as
aforesaid upon the sworn inventory
or Statement of the taxpayer as to
the true value of his or her property
On first (1st) day of October 1868. The
tax to be assessed & collected under
this Ordinance will be for the fiscal
year ending 30th June 1869 Upon
motion duly seconded it was put to
vote & the Ordinance was passed.
The following resolution was then offered
1st & 2nd & 3rd & 4th ordinances printed & attached hereto, are duplicates of record
CITY ORDINANCES Be it ordained by the Mayor and Board of
Be it Ordained by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, That Resolved by the Mayor and Board of Alder
Aldermen, in Council convened, That in con an Ordinance passed by the Mayor and Board men of the City of Corpus Christi, in Council
sideration of the expressed wish of a largs of Aldermen of said City on the 22d day of convened, That the Resolution of the Mayor
number of the citizens of Corpus Christi, (tax September, 1866, be and the same is hereby and Board of Alderman, passed the 29th day
payers), not to pay the amount of tax levied repealed Passed Sept 21, 1868 of August, 1868, amending the Ordinance
by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the D M LAYMAN, Sec y pro tem passed the 14th day of July, 1868, be and the
City, by Ordinance on the 29th day of August _________ same is hereby amended to read as follows
1868, the said tax being for the year com- Be it Ordained by the Mayor and Board of That each and every person owning dogs
mencing July 1, 1868, and ending the 30th Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, in sluts or puppies, within the City limits, shall
day of June, 1869, that the said Ordinance be Council convened, That a tax of one-eighth pay the following license for each dog, one
and the same is hereby repealed Carried (1/8) of one per centum be levied upon all pro dollar, for each slut, two dollars, and for
unanimously, Sept 17, 1868 perty within the corporate limits of this City, each puppy, one dollar, that it shall be the
NELSON PLATO, Mayor taxable by the State, and that a poll tax of duty of each and every person owning any of
D M LAYMAN, Sec y pro tem one dollar is hereby assessed on each male the above described animals to report the
_____________ citizen over twenty-one (21) years of age and fact to the City Marshal on or before the 15th
Be it Ordained by the Mayor and Board of resident of this City, that the Assessor and day of October next, together with the
Aldermen, in Council convened, That there Collector shall proceed at once to assess and amount of license tax or a receipt, showing
being no longer a necessity for Quarantine, collect the taxes, as aforesaid, upon the the same has been paid – in default of which
there being no epidemic on the coast of the sworn inventory or statement of the tax pay- each person owning any of said animals shall
State, that the same is hereby declared to be er as to the true value of his or her property be liable to a fine of not less than two ($2)
at an end, and that the Mayor is requested on the first (1st) day of October, 1868 The dollars, nor more than ten ($10) dollars, at
to notify District Headquarters of this ac tax to be assessed and collected under this the discretion of the Mayor Carried unani-
tion Unanimously adopted Sept 16, 1868 Ordinance, will be for the fiscal year ending mously, Sept 24, 1868
NELSON PLATO, Mayor 30th June, 1869 Passed 24th Sept, 1868 NELSON PLATO, Mayor
D M LAYMAN, Sec y pro tem NELSON PLATO, Mayor
D M LAYMAN, Sec’y pro tem
290
Ald Barnard moved & same was
duly seconded that the taxpayers
petition presented on 17th Sept, 1868
praying for the reduction of the
tax assessessed if not an entire
repeal of the same be returned
to the committee through the hands
of the Secretary, which upon being
put to vote the motion was carried
unanimously
Bill of Dr Kearney
for services as quarantine officer from
3d of August 1868 to September 18th 1868
was presented amounting to $220.00 –
(Two hundred & twenty Dollars) & On motion
duly seconded same was accepted
audited, & ordered to be paid. –
Bill of John Stevens for services in
assisting quarantine officer to board
vessels was presented amounting to $6900 –
(Sixty nine Dollars) & on motion duly
seconded same was accepted, audited,
& ordered to be paid. ___________
Bill of Andrew Baldeschwiller for
furnishing coffin for Frank Cameron
(killed by Logan) was presented for $1172
(Eleven & 72/100 Dollars) & on motion
duly seconded same was accepted
audited & ordered to be paid. –
Bill of D. P [Fluit] for stationary $3 37
(Three & thirty seven 37/100 Dollars) was presented
& on motion duly seconded same was accepted
audited & ordered to be paid. –
Bill of Mrs [Bryant] for rent of Mayors
office for two months amounting to $12.96
(Twelve & 96/100 Dollars) was presented & on
motion duly seconded same was
accepted, audited & ordered to be paid. –
Bill of J. B. Carpenter for Tables
291
Chairs & benches for Mayor Office
was presented amounting to $12.22 &
on motion duly seconded same
was accepted, audited & ordered to
be paid.
Bill of Benton & Ferris for
furnishing, painting & hanging sign
for Mayors Office amounting to $10 08 was
presented & on motion duly seconded
same was accepted, audited and
ordered to be paid. _________
Bill of Valentine Solice for digging
grave for Frank Cameron (Killed by Logan)
was presented amounting to $5.76 & was
on motion duly seconded accepted
audited, & ordered to be paid –
On motion duly seconded
meeting adjourned.
Nelson Plato
Sec Pro tem Mayor CCC
Regular Meeting
Corpus Christi
Octr 22d 1868
Present Nelson Plato, Mayor
Ald. P. Hoffman }
“ Chas Weidenmuller }
“ W Wallace }
“ C. Cahill }
“ Joseph Fitzsimmons }
Ald. Fitzsimmons presented his appointment
from HdQrs Dist of Texas & having qualified
according to law was accepted & admitted
by the City Council as an Alderman
292
of this City & so declared by a
unanimous vote. The minutes of
the last meeting September 24th were
then read & approved The following
ordinance was presented & passed
“Viz.
An Ordinance to Protect the City Ce-
metery
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Board of
Aldermen, of the City of Corpus Christi,
in Council convened, That any person found
guilty of injuring or breaking any portion
of the fence enclosing the Cemetery, situat-
ed within the corporation limits of this City,
or of doing any act or acts tending to dese-
crate said Cemetery or anything within its
grounds, shall be fined not less than ten
($10) dollars, nor more than thirty ($30) dol
lars, at the discretion of the Mayor, and that
any person giving information to the autho-
rities, leading to the arrest and conviction of
any person offending as aforesaid shall re
ceive one half the time imposed and collected
Passed October 22d, 1868
NELSON PLATO, Mayor
C CAHILL, Sec y pro tem b14 1t
Bill for services of Thos Nolan in
Quarantine Service 1867 was presented
& after some discussion same
was rejected by the Board
There
being no further business meeting
adjourned to meet Thursday evening
(29th Inst”) next.
Nelson Plato
C Cahill Mayor C.C.C
Secty Protem
Corpus Christi. Tex
Nov. 5” 1868
Present His Honor, Nelson Plato, Mayor
“ Aldermen - Barnard, Hoffman
FitzSimons, Cahill
Widermiller & Layman
The Minutes of the last meeting of Oct 22d
were read and adopted.
On motion of Alderman Barnard
duly seconded Thomas S. Parker
City
293
city Marshall was required to make his
report of monies collected and in his hands
In accordance thereto said Marshall
presented his account of receipts and expen
ditures, which was referred for examin=
ation to the Committee on finance, com=
posed of Messrs Barnard, Fitzsimons
and Hoffman.
On motion duly seconded the
Committee on finance are instructed
to enquire strictly and fully into all
matters pertaining to the finances of the
city and make a full and complete re=
port at the next Meeting of this Board
On Motion of Alderman Fitzsimons
seconded by Alderman Widermiller, the
Marshall is instructed to Notify L. D.
Brewster City Treasurer and Frank E.
Barnard secretary to the board, to file
their Bonds according to law and
enter upon their official duties, other
wise to resign.
The following bills against the City
were presented which upon examination
were approved and ordered to be paid, viz
Louis Weblers bill for hawling Six
dead animals outside the city limits, at
fifty cents ea. amount _____ $3.00
Col. D. Layman’s bill for sundries
furnished the late Quarantine Station amt
Nineteen 93/100 Dollars $19.93 specie to be
paid in currency @ the rate of 137%
294
Mrs Bryants bill for Rent of Mayors Office
being one Month ending Nov 17th 1868
amount nine dollars specie $9.00/100
James Fields for quarantine services
amount Eighteen Dollars currency $1800/100
Thomas S. Parker’s bill for hawling
twenty four loads sand & shell on Chapa=
ral Street, by order of Mayor Plato, at
fifty cents per load, Twelve Dolls ($1200/100)
On Motion of Ald. Fitzsimons
seconded by Ald Hoffman the Petition
of Valentina Soleice, for the relief of
was received and
duly considered, upon which it was
ordered that Three dollars per week
be appropriated and paid to said
during her pre=
sent time or term of sickness. –
The Petition of M. Headen & Son was
presented and received praying for per=
mission to repair the Bridge on Chapa=
ral Street near the Methodist Church
The prayer of the petitioners having
been granted, M Headen and son
are hereby authorized to repair said
bridge under the supervision of the
committee on streets. –
Russell, presented the Petition
the petition of J. W. Vineyard Agent
and Contractor of the Corpus Christi
ship Channel, asking for permission
295
to collect Toll on all Freight and Merchandise
passing through said channel. –
On motion the Council adjourned
till to-morrow evening at 7 o’clock.
C. Cahill Nelson Plato
Sectry Pro-tem Mayor CCC
Mayors Office
Friday Evening Nov. 6th 1868
Pursuant to adjournment the board
met.
Present, Nelson Plato, Mayor
Aldermen Barnard, Hoffman, Weidenmiller
Fitzsimons and Cahill
A quorum being present, the council proceeded
to business – Ald Barnard presented
a bill for Corporation printing in favor of the
Corpus Christi Advertiser which was ordered
to be paid – amt Sixty 52/100 Dollars specie $6052
Pursuant to adjournment on By a unanimous vote of the The following ordinance was
Thursday evening, Nov 5th, the Council, Jacob Ziegler was ap- passed, viz
City Council met last evening at pointed City Treasurer, subject to Be it Ordained by the Mayor and
7 o’clock the approval of the Commanding Board of Aldermen of the City of
Present – His Honor, Mayor General of the District of Texas Corpus Christi, in Council convened,
Plato, aldermen Barnard, Hoff- The bond of F E Barnard, City That J W Vineyard and his as-
man, Fitzsimmons, Weidenmueller, Secretary, was presented and ac- signs, agents and contractors for
Layman, Cahill cepted. the City of Corpus Christi, for the
Reading of minutes of last meet- construction of a Ship Channel
ing dispensed with across the mud flats, between Cor-
Bill of W. H Maltby, for corpo- pus Christi and Aransas Bays, be
ration printing, and same was au- and they are hereby authorized
dited and ordered paid Channel from and after the passage of this
Bond of L D Brewster, City Ordinance, to demand, receive and
Treasurer, was presented, and on collect tolls from all steamers, sail
his declining to subscribe to the vessels, and all other water craft,
State oath, was not accepted The using said Channel, in accordance
City Treasurer having verbally ten- with the Charter and Ordinances
dered his resignation, the same, heretofore approved by the Mayor
upon motion, duly seconded, was and Board of Aldermen of this City
accepted by the Board Provided, that the said J W Vine-
yard and his assigns shall within
(40) forty days from the passage of
this Ordinance, commence the com-
pletion of the said Ship Channel,
in accordance with the previous
provisions of the City Council of
this City
Council then adjourned to meet
in special session on Monday even-
ing, Nov 8th, 1868
296
Corpus Christi
Mayors Office, Monday night
Nov. 9th 1868
Pursuant to adjournment on the 6th Inst
the board met
Present his Honor Nelson Plato, Mayor
“ Aldm. Barnard, Layman, Hoffman
Weidenmiller & Cahill
A quorum being present the board
proceeded to business and unani=
mously passed the following
Ordinance relating to the
construction of chimneys and flues:
Be it ordained by the Mayor and
board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus
Flues & Chimneys Christi in council convened that from
and after the 1st day of December 1868
it shall not be lawful for any person or
persons to [] stove pipes through the
roof, back, front or sides of Dwelling
rooms or houses in which the said parties
may reside or occupy as stores, warehouses,
&c, and all persons having fires on their
premises other than grates or fire places, shall
have good and substantial brick or Concrete
flues erected to receive stove pipes. Any
and all persons occupying houses and not
Complying with the requirements of this
ordinance shall be deemed guilty
of misdeameanor, and upon conviction
thereof shall be fined in a sum not
less than Ten dollars nor more than
Twenty five dollars [] being
297
the Mayor, and in default of payment the
party or parties so offending shall be
imprisoned for not less than twenty days.
Be it further ordained, that it is hereby
made the duty of the city Marshall to
make monthly visits to each and every house
occupied as a dwelling, store, warehouse
or otherwise and inspect all stove-pipes.
Duty of Flues, chimneys &c, and report any and all
Marshall that he may find not in accordance with
this ordinance
An ordinance relative to streets
and crossings
Be it ordained by the Mayor or
board of Aldermen of the City of
Corpus Christi in council convening:
That a sufficient appropriation be
made (to be determined by the committee
on streets.) to build a drain on the East
side of Mesquite Street commencing
at the intersection of Street
of a sufficient depth to drain all water
off of said street: Also a drain on
the South side of Street
from the intersection of Misquite street to
Corpus Christi Bay of sufficient depth to
draw the water from Misquite Street:
Also to build a good and substantial
Bridge at the crossing of the drain []
Chaparal street and
298
Also good and substantial foot bridges
on the side walks at each crossing
and that it shall be the duty of
the Marshall to prevent Horses and
Wagons &c from crossing the side=
walk except at the regular street
crossings or to enter private premises
by permission of the owner
The following resolution was
unanimously adopted viz
Resolved by the Mayor & Board
of Aldermen of the City of Corpus
Christi in council convened: That
there being no necessity for a deputy
Marshall; the Services of James
Fields Deputy Marshall be dispensed
with from this date.
On Motion duly seconded the
council adjourned till Wednesday
evening at 7 Nov. 11th at 7 o’clk
C. Cahill Nelson Plato
Sectry Pro-tem Mayor CCC
299
Corpus Christi }
Mayors Office }
Nov. 11 1868 }
The Board of Aldermen met pursuant
to adjournment of the last meeting.
Present – His Honor N. Plato, Mayor.
Barnard, Layman, FitzSimons, Widermiller,
and C. Cahill – Aldermen _________
The Minutes of the last meeting were
read, approved and adopted –
His honor the Mayor presented an
order from General J. J. Reynolds, com=
=manding the District of Texas, dated
Head Quarters, Austin, Oct 29. 1868
ordering the Board of Aldermen of the
City of Corpus Christi to re-establish
a Quarantine as soon necessary –
On motion, duly seconded, said order
was refered to a committee of two to be
appointed by the Mayor – Alderman
Layman and Barnard were ap=
pointed by the said Committee with
instructions to report as soon as practical
There being no further business before
the council the Board adjourned
until Friday evening the 13th inst.
Attest
C Cahill
Sectry Pro-tem.
300
Adjourned Meeting
Friday Evening November 13th A. D. 1868
The Board met pursuant to adjournment
Present Hon. Nelson Plato Mayor
“ Aldermen Chas. Weidenmueller
“ “ C. Cahill
Jas R. Barnard
D. M. Layman
Josph FitzSimmons
A quorum being present, the Meeting was called
to order by the Mayor when the following
proceedings were had.
On Motion duly seconded & carried It was
Resolved; that Felix A Blucher be and he
is hereby appointed City Surveyor of said City and
that his compensation shall be Equivalent to the Regular
Rates charged to private Citizens Whenever the City shall
need his services as such. And that he be authorized
to make a complete map of the City for the use of the
Council, and a Book of reference at a Cost not to
Exceed forty dollars the same to be approved by the
City Council before its acceptance
His Honor the Mayor having informed the
Board of his intention of Visiting the City of Washington
D. C. and other Norther Cities on private Business
It was therefore Resolved that he be requested
Channel to enquire into all matters and thing’s pertaining
to the to the City of Corpus Christi Bonds for the
amount of Five hundred thousand dollars $500,00000/00) issued
with eight per cent interest by a former Board. A. D. 1858. and to ascertain
in whose hands they now are, and if hypothecated
to whom and for what amount, and all and
every thing pertaining to said Bonds, and that
Col. D. N. Layman who accompanies the Mayor
be also requested to assist in the Investigations
of the said matters, and on their Return to Report
the same to this Board –
Whereupon his Honor
the Mayor, then took leave of the Board
301
in a short address as also Alderman
Layman – who explained the necessity of their
tempory absence from this City. and also retired
from the meeting – when Alderman, Barnard –
was called to the chair, and the following
resolution offered by Alderman Weidenmueller was
adopted viz
Be it Resolved that the thanks of this
Board be and they are hereby tendered to Col
Nelson Plato, Mayor of this City for his uniform
Kindness & Urbanity in all his Official and Social
relations, [] this Board, and that the thanks
of this Board in like manner be tendered to Col D M
Layman, for his services as Alderman and that
they have our sincere wishes for their interest of them
selves and families, during their tempory absense –
The Committee on finance through their
Chairman Aldrm Barnard asked leave to defer
their Report on the accounts of the City Marshall
which have been submitted to them, until the
next regular Meeting which on Motion was
granted, and the time extended accordingly.
Whereupon there being no further
business, the board Adjourned until the next
regular meeting
Attest
Joseph FitzSimmons }
actg Sec.y. }
The Board having Reconvened, Alderman, Layman
was called to the chair, when, on Motion of alderman
Barnard, Alderman Prokop Hoffman was
unanimously chosen to act as Mayor Pro tem
during the absence of Col Nelson Plato from
this City and upon Motion then Adjourned
Attest
Joseph FitzSimmons
actg Sec
302
Regular Meeting
Thursday Evening November 19th A D 1868
being the third Thursday in said Month a Regular
Meeting of the Board was held
Present. His Honor Prokop Hoffman Mayor PT
Aldermen Barnard, Weidenmueller, Cahill and
Fitzsimmons - Thos S Parker, City Marshall –
The Board was called to Order by the Mayor
and a quorum being present the following proceedings
were had viz
The minutes of the last meeting were read and
approved. Aldermen Wallace then appeared and
took his seat
Frank Barnard, Secretary, presented his
Letter of Resignation, which upon motion duly seconded
and carried was received accepted, and his accounts examined
by the Board, when being found correct, they were
declared duly adjusted and settled –
The finance Committee, through their Chairman
Aldman Barnard asked for a further extension ofterred to
examine and Report upon the Accounts of the City Marshall
and the late deputy Marshall James Fields, who is absent
from the City at present, which upon motion was extended
to the next regular meeting of this Board
Upon Motion duly seconded and Carried
Ald Warren Wallace, was added to the finance Comittee
[] Ald Hoffman, Elected Mayor Pro-tem –
Upon motion Aldmn C. Cahill was
added to the Comittee on Streets &c
Whereupon Ald Barnard offered the following
Resolution, which, after being discussed, was duly
seconded and carried unanimously –
Be it Resolved. That from and after this date (
Novr 19 1868) all collections of Taxes accruing from
Dogs Hogs and from Special Tax be and they are
hereby Suspended until the next regular Meeting
of this Board.
xxxxxxxxxxx on Motion the
303
Alden McLaughlin Esq was unanimously elected as Secretary
Pro tem - Whereupon the _______
Board adjourned until next regular Meeting
Attest Joseph FitzSimmons
Actg Secty
Mayor Pro tem
Regular Meeting
Thursday Evening Dec 3d
304
[entire page illegible]
305
[entire page illegible]
306
[entire page illegible]
307
Monday.
Dec 21st 1868
Present.
Warren Wallace Mayor Pro Tem
Alderman. James. R. Barnard
“ Cornelius Cahil
“ Charles Weidenmueller
“ Prokop Hoffman
“ Joseph Fitzsimmons
Secretary Alden McLaughlin
Marshall Thomas S .Parker.
This meeting having been called by the
Hon Mayor Pro-tem for the purpose of
presenting his resignation as such
The Secretary read to the Hon Board
of Aldermen the Communication from
his Honor requesting the Hon Board to
accept his resignation where on Motion
duly Seconded and carried the same
was accordingly accepted
The following nominations were here made
to fill the office of Mayor pro tem
“James. R. Barnard and Joseph Fitzsimmons”
The Hon Board there proceeded to a ballot
which resulted in the Election of James
R. Barnard. Four votes having been cast
for Alderman Barnard and one vote for
Joseph Fitzsimmons. Accordingly Alderman
James. R. Barnard was duly declared
Mayor Pro-tem of the City of Corpus Christi
There being no further business before the
Hon Board the same was declared to
be adjourned until the next regular Meeting
Attest
Alden McLaughlin }
Sec CC.C. }
308
Special Meeting
Of the Hon Mayor and Board
of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi
held at the Mayors Office on March
6th 1869
Present,
James. R. Barnard Mayor Pro-tem
Joseph Fitzsimmons Alderman,
Prokop Hoffman do
Chas Weidenmueller do
Cornelius Cahil do
Alden McLaughlin Secretary
Thomas S. Parker Marshall,
The Hon Mayor pro-tem stated that the
Hon Board was convened for the purpose
of granting if possible. Such relief
to J. W. Vineyard, and his assigns
agents and Contractors, for the City of
Corpus Christi, for the Construction of a
Ship Channel, across the Mud-Flats
between Corpus Christi and Aransas Bays
as would materielly assist them in the
Collection of Tolls. When on Motion
duly seconded, and carried unanimously
the following resolution, was adopted, viz
“Be it ordained by the Mayor and
Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus
Christi, in Council Convened,
“That an Ordinance passed on
Friday Evening November 6th 1868,
authorizing the Collection of tolls by
J. W. Vineyard, and his assigns for the
term of Forty (40) Days from the date
of said Ordinance. be so amended, as
to read as follows.
That the said J. W. Vineyard
and his assigns. be and are hereby
authorized from and after the passage
of this Ordinance, to demand, receive,
309
and collect tolls, from all Steamers
Sail-vessels, and all other craft
using said channel, in accordance
with the Charter, and Ordinances heretofore
approved by the Mayor and Board of
Aldermen of this City,
It was also Moved, seconded and carried
unanimously that the Secretary be instructed
to request of L. D. Brewster Esq formerly
City Treasurer, his official Report as such
to be presented at the next regular meeting
of the Board, to be held on Thursday
evening March 18th 1869.
There being no further business
before the Board, on Motion duly seconded
and carried, the same was declared
adjourned till the next regular meeting
thereof.
Attest
Alden McLaughlin }
Secretary }
Special Meeting
Of the Hon Mayor (P.T.) and Board of
Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi
held in the Mayor’s Office, on Friday
Evening March 12th 1869.
Present
James R. Barnard Mayor Pro-tem
Charles Weidenmeuller Alderman
Prokop Hoffman do
Joseph Fitzsimmons do
Cornelius Cahill do
Alden McLaughlin Secretary
Thos S Parker Marshall
The Hon Mayor Pro-tem Stated that
the Board had been called together
310
for the purpose of considering the petition
of Messrs Gussett and Woessner.
By order of the Hon Mayor Pro tem
the Secretary then read the aforesaid
petition, the substance of which was
as follows viz.
“Messrs N. Gussett and
John Woessner respectfully ask the
Hon Mayor and Board of Aldermen
of the City of Corpus Christi to grant
them the said Gussett and Woessner, the
right to Construct, build, and use
a Wharf, at the end or foot of Starr
Street in said City to the exclusion of
all others with sufficient land, on the
shore at the foot or end of said street
for the necessary use of said Wharf,
track and other fixtures incident thereto
for the term of fifteen years.”
On motion duly seconded and carried
the Petition was received
On motion of Alderman Fitzsimmons
the following Committee were appointed
to confer with Messrs Gussett and Woessner,
and to ascertain the dimensions of said
Wharf, and upon what terms the same
would be built, as well as the
rights and benefits the City would acquire by
its construction. with orders to report
as soon as the object of their appointment
was consummated.
Messrs Fitzsimmons, Cahill & Barnard
On Motion duly seconded and carried. the
account of Valentina Solice for the sum
of Three Dollars.” ($3.00) for digging a grave
for a Mexican Woman who died at her
house. was audited and ordered to be paid
There being no further business before the
Board. The same was duly declared
311
by the Hon Mayor Pro-tem, to stand
Adjourned.
Attest }
Alden McLaughlin }
Secretary C.C.C. }
Called Meeting.
Tuesday evening May 18th 1869
Present
James R. Barnard Mayor Pro-tem
Jos Fitzsimmons Alderman
Warren Wallace. do
Prokop Hoffman do
C. Cahill do
A. McLaughlin Secretary
Samuel Tinney Acting Marshall.
Mayor Pro-tem James. R. Barnard. introduced
to the Hon Board. His Honor. Mayor Nelson
Plato, Who by virtue of his office was welcomed,
and conducted to his Chair. When after returning
thanks for his kind reception, assumed the duties
thereof. Alderman Wallace. notified the Hon Board,
that he would present at the next meeting. an
ordinance relative to the Corpus Christi Ship Channel
There being no further business before the Hon
Board, On Motion duly seconded and carried. the same
was duly adjourned until Wednesday May 19th 1869.
Attest }
Alden McLaughlin }
Secretary }
312
Called Meeting
Wednesday May 19th 1869.
Present.
Nelson Plato Mayor
James R Barnard. Alderman.
Warren Wallace. Do
Prokop Hoffman Do
Cornelius Cahill Do,
The Hon Board met pursuant to adjournment
and and Alderman Wallace presented his
Ordinance relative to the Corpus Christi
Ship Channel Co. and the Bonds to the amt of
$500,000. issued to the same. When after due
consideration relative to the status of said
Channel Bonds, and the propriety of cancelling the
same, Ald Wallace by permission withdrew
his ordinance to that effect, and it was
Resolved that the Hon Mayor Nelson
Plato be authorized to communicate with
Messrs Muron. H. Clark, and Cummings & Co
to ascertain the condition of the said City
Bonds, and to report the same to the
Hon Board as soon as practicable.
On Motion duly seconded and carried
the Hon Board adjourned till the Regular
Meeting to be held on Thursday May 20th
1869.
Attest
Alden McLaughlin Nelson Plato
Secretary Mayor C.C.C
313
Thursday May 20th 1869
Regular Meeting of the No. Mayor
and Board of Aldermen held in
the Mayor’s Office
Present
Nelson Plato. Mayor
James R Barnard Alderman
Warren Wallace “
Prokop Hoffman “
Joseph Fitzsimmons “
Samuel Tinny City Marshall Pro-tem
Alden McLaughlin Secretary
The Minutes of the last regular meeting
and those of the called meetings held
since were read and adopted.
The Committee Messrs Barnard. Fitzsimmons
and Cahill appointed to confer with. Messrs
Gussett and Woessner relative to the proposed
Wharf were granted further time to
report.
On motion duly seconded and
Election of carried, Samuel Tinney was put in
Sam Tinney nomination. for the Offices of City
as City Marshall, Marshall, and City Assessor and Collector
& Assr & Coll Whereon the ballots were taken resulting
in his election. whereupon Mr
Tinney was duly sworn in as such,
and after presenting his Bonds for
the above named offices which after were
being duly examined and accepted.
assumed the duties of his offices.
The Resolution presented by J. B. Carpenter
Esq relating to Beef packeries was
read, received and adopted and after
being thoroughly discussed it was
resolved to authorize the Hon Mayor
to act as a Committee of one, to
314
confer with the Military Commander
relative to the said Petition and resolution
[] of the Accts of Dennis Kelly amounting
to $8.25 were read and ordered to
be paid. the same being for keeping
prisoners in the County Jail.
There being no further business before
the Hon Board. it was duly
declared adjourned to meet at the
call of the Hon Mayor.
Attest
Alden McLaughlin Nelson Plato
Secretary Mayor C.CC
Regular Meeting
Thursday June 3d 1869.
This being the first Thursday in the
month, and a regular meeting
The Board met pursuant to adjournment
Present
Nelson Plato Mayor,
Samuel Tinney City Marshall
Absent Alderman Barnard
“ Hoffman
“ Wallace
“ Cahill
“ Fitzsimmons.
“ Layman
“ Weidenmeuller.
There being no quorum present the meeting
adjourned.
Nelson Plato
Mayor C.C.C
315
Special Meeting
Of the Hon Mayor & Board of Alderman
of the City of Corpus Christi held in
the Hon Mayor’s Office on the 4th
day of June 1869.
Present.
Nelson Plato Mayor
Jas. R. Barnard Alderman
C Cahill Do.
P. Hoffman Do
W. Wallace Do
Jos Fitzsimmons Do.
Alden McLaughlin Sec
S. J. Tinney. Marshall & Assess & Coll.
The Sec read to the Hon Board the
“right of Way” granted by the Aransas
Road Company to the City of Corpus
Christi. which on motion duly seconded
and carried, was Received.
A communication from Messrs Fly & Russell
Attorneys for Messrs Morris & Cummings
of New York and John M Moore (assignee
of Dean. S. Howard & Co) as follows
“The State of Texas }
Channel “County of Nueces }
release “ Know all men by these ”
“presents that. I John M Moore of the State ”
“and County aforesaid (and Morris & Cummings ”
“of the State of New York) assignee of J. W. ”
“Vineyard to all the rights privileges ”
“franchises and immunities owned passed and ”
“exercised by said Vineyard in to and over ”
“the Ship Channel across the Mud-flats ”
“between Corpus Christi and Aransas Bays, ”
“for divers good and sufficient considerations ”
“do by these presents hereby release the ”
“Corporation of the City of Corpus Christi ”
“from any and all debts claims or liabilities ”
316
“the said Corporation may in any manner ”
“be holden to pay in money to Dean. S. ”
“Howard or his assigns for work done on ”
“said Ship Channel ”
“ (signed) Fly & Russel ”
“ for J. M Moore. &c ”
“ Morris & Cummings ”
Which on motion was received.
On motion duly seconded and carried the
following resolution was adopted.
“With a view to the preservation of the Public
Peace. Be it Resolved by the Mayor and
Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus
______________ Christi that the Hon Mayor be requested to
Deadly Weapons communicate with the Military Commandant
of this Post and respectfully request the issuance of an
order prohibiting the carrying of “Deadly Weapons
except by permission of the Mayor within these
Corporate limits, under a penalty for each offense
of being fined at the discretion of the Mayor
in the sum of not less than (20) Twenty Dollars
nor more than One Hundred ($100.00/100) Dollars
There being no further business before the
board the same adjourned
Attest
Alden McLaughlin Nelson Plato
Secretary Mayor C.C.C
Saturday Evening June 5th 1869.
The Hon Board met pursuant to a
call of the Hon Mayor.
Present Nelson Plato Mayor.
“ James R Barnard Alderman
“ Prokop Hoffman Do
“ Warren Wallace Do
“ Joseph Fitzsimmons Do
Alden McLaughlin Secretary
Sam Tinney Marshall CC
317
An Ordinance relative to the Ship Channel
Bonds was read and and received and
on motion duly seconded and carried
unanimously the same was adopted. Viz.
1st “ Be it ordained by the Mayor and Aldermen
“ in Council assembled on this (5) Fifth
“ day of June 1869 That the bonds commonly
Channel “ known as the “Corpus Christi Ship Channel
Bonds made null “ Bonds. issued by the Corporation of the City
& invalid “ of Corpus Christi on the 21st day of
“ May 1858. (1858) for the sum of Four (4)
“ Hundred Thousand Dollars (in Bonds of the
“ Denomination of ($1.000) One Thousand Dollars
“ each and for the sum of ($100,000) One Hundred
“ thousand Dollars in Bonds of the Denomination
“ of ($500) Five Hundred Dollars each. to Dean
“ S. Howard. & Co or their assigns. having
“ failed to be used or applied to the purposes
“ for which they were originally intended and
“ issued by this Corporation. be and the same
“ are hereby revoked cancelled and annulled
“ and declared to be of no binding force
“ and effect
2d “ Be it ordained if Dean S. Howard & Co or
“ their assigns, have used legitimately said
“ bonds, or any portion or part of them
“ for the purposes for which they were intended
“ and thereby created just liabilities against this
“ Corporation, then this Corporation shall
“ issue like bonds, of a similar description
“ to cover the liabilities thus incurred against
“ the Corporation by her agents Dean S.
“ Howard & Co or their assigns when acting
“ legitimately and within the powers given
“ to them by virtue of ordinances heretofore
“ passed by the Mayor and board of Aldermen
“ of the City of Corpus Christi.
The release signed by Messrs Fly &
Russell attorneys for Messrs J. M Moore
318
and Morris & Cummings, as recorded in
this record of the Proceedings of the Mayor
and Board of Aldermen of the City of
Corpus Christi on June 4th 1869, pages
315. & 316 was on motion duly seconded
and carried, received, and adopted or
approved, and on motion became part
of the minutes of said meeting
There being no further business before the
board the same adjourned.
Attest
Alden McLaughlin Nelson Plato
Secretary Mayor C.CC
Called Meeting
City of Corpus Christi June 7th 1869
Hon Mayor & board met at the call
of the Hon Mayor.
Present N. Plato. Mayor.
Jas R Barnard Alderman
Jos Fitzsimmons do
C. Cahill do
Warren Wallace. do
Alden McLaughlin Secretary
Samuel Tinney Marshall,
On Motion duly seconded & carried the
following proclamation was inanimously
adopted and declared to be in effect
from and after
Be it further resolved that the Hon. Mayor be authorized
to secure the services of a competent person to act
as Quarantine Officer under the Proclamation
issued by him establishing a quarantine for this
place.
319
[handwritten page illegible]
MAYOR’S OFFICE
CORPUS CHRISTI, Tex, June 8, 1869
QUARANTINE
In accordance with General Orders, No
10½, dated Headquarters 5th Military Dis-
trict State of Texas, Austin, May 26, 1869,
and the laws of the State of Texas, passed
January, 21, 1866, establishing a quarantine
on the coast of Texas, I do hereby proclaim
that such quarantine is established for the
port of Corpus Christi and vicinity, to take
effect on the 17th day of June, 1869, and to
continue until further orders from 5th Mili-
tary District, under the following regula-
tions
All vessels entering Corpus Christi Bay,
through Aransas Pass, or Corpus Christi In-
let, from any port or place, beyond the limits
of the State of Texas or from any port or place
within the State of Texas, where any epide-
mic or contagious disease may be prevailing,
are declared subject to the following quaran-
tine regulations
1st It will be the duty of pilots at Aransas
Pass, or Corpus Christi Inlet, to notify the
master of every vessel entering through said
Pass or Inlet, and bound for the port of Cor-
pus Christi or Corpus Christi Bay, that a
quarantine is established, and that all vessels
are subject to be boarded by the Quarantine
Officer at the station which is hereby located
at the Shell Banks, at which station vessels
entering through Corpus Christi Inlet must
also report A yellow flag will be kept hoist-
ed by day, and a red light during the night as
the proper signals of the Quarantine Station
The Quarantine Officer will board every ves-
sel immediately after her arrival at the sta-
tion, to inspect the vessel and inquire as to
the health of all persons aboard and will ex-
ecute strictly the military orders, governing
the quarantine
2d There shall be collected by the qua-
rantine officer from every vessel arriving at
the station, 50 tons and under $8 From
every vessel over 50 tons to 100 tons, $15
From every vessel over 100 tons $20, and
from every passenger 50 cents, which fees
shall be applied toward defraying the ex-
penses of quarantine
Dr Jas H Tucker is duly appointed Quar-
antine Officer, and empowered to enforce the
foregoing regulations, according to law and
agreeably with orders from 5th Military Dis-
trict, Headquarters
3d Pilots, masters, owners and consignees
of vessels, and other persons interested are
expected to adhere strictly to the foregoing
instructions and will be held accountable to
the fullest extent of the law for any violation
of quarantine regulations
NELSON PLATO
Mayor Corpus Christi
CORPUS CHRISTI, June 8, 1869
The quarantine stations established at
Shell Banks and Corpus Christi Inlet, for
quarantining the City of Corpus Christi, un
der the Mayors proclamation of this date,
will be considered as the proper quarantine
stations for this City
HARVEY E BROWN ,
Assistant Surgeon, U S A
Quarantine Insp, 5th Military Dist
320
The account of Chas [H...d...ville] for
Hauling Shell to the amount of 16 loads
at 25 cts per load specie $4.00 or $5 40 currency
was received and on motion duly seconded
was carried and the same ordered to be paid
Nelson Plato A McLaughlin
Mayor C.C.C Sec
[]
Regular Meeting June 17th 1869
Present Nelson Plato Mayor
W. Wallace Alderman
Chas Weidenmiller “
P. Hoffman “
C. Cahill
[remainder of page illegible]
321
322
The account of Chas [H...d...ville] for
Hauling Shell to the amount of 16 loads
at 25 cts per load specie $4.00 or $5 40
currency was received and on motion
duly seconded was carried and the same
ordered to be paid
Alden McLaughlin Sec
[] P.t []
City Council Proceedings – Special Meeting –
City Council Chamber
Corpus Christi Texas
June 19 1869
The City Council met at the Chamber this
P. M at 4 O’clock. His honor the Mayor presiding
The following Aldermen answered on
the call of the roll. Messer Wallace Weidenmiller
Barnard Cahill and Fitzsimmons. a quorum
The minutes of last regular meeting held
from 17” were read and on motion approved
Except so much as referred to a motion of Mr
Wallace suggesting authorizing the Mayor to request Com-
manding Officer of this place to appoint a
Mayor pro tem during temporary absence of
the Mayor which on motion was so modified
as to require this only in case no member
of this Board would act in that capacity.
The Plan and Specifications for the
building of a Market House: as presented
to this Board by the Committee appointed
to secure the same was received and on
motion adopted.
On motion the following resolution
was adopted:
323
Resolved by the Mayor and Board of
Alderman that a Committee be appointed to
devise Ways and Means by which a Market
House building for this City may be erected
according to the Plan and Specifications adopted
this 19” day of June 1869. by the City Council,
and that the Committee be empowered to
ascertain if the people of this City will
subscribe and pay over to the corporate
authorities the sum necessary to erect a
building agreeably with the Plan an Spec-
ifications presented by the Committees
appointed for that purpose, and in no
Event the actual cost of said Market
building to Exceed ($5000.00) Five Thousand
Dollars – Coin – and that the Committee be
also empowered to negotiate for the sale
of Bonds to be issued by the City for the
procurement of means to erect the said
building contemplated by corporate authorities
and that such Bonds shall draw bear Interest
at the rate of 12% per annum.
In compliance with the above
resolution Messrs Wallace. Fitzsimmons and
Hoffman were appointed a Committee with
directions to report on next Monday evening.
On motion the Mayor was authorized to
communicate with the Commanding Officer
requesting him to instruct the City Marshall to
inspect all the Beef Packeries in the vicinity of
the City as often as twice each week.
The City Council then adjourned to
meet on Monday Evening 21st inst.
Nelson Plato P. W. Southard
Mayor C.C.C Secretary
324
City Council proceedings – Special Meeting
City Council Chamber –
Corpus Christi Texas
June 21 1869
The City Council met agreeable with call of
the Hon. Mayor this P. M. at 4 O’Clock. The
following Aldermen were present. Warren Wallace
Joseph Fitzsimmons. C. Cahill. J. R. Barnard
The Hon. Mayor stated the object of the meeting
was to hear the report of the Committee on
ways and means – for the construction of
a Market House Building – Mr Wallace
Chairman of said Committee informed
the Board that they were meeting with
most gratifying success in securing
liberal ald from the Citizens for the con-
struction of said Market Building, but that
they were unable to report finally at
present. On motion the report was
adopted. On motion the Plan & Speci-
fications were recommitted to the
Committee. with instructions to report at
next meeting.
The City Council then adjourned to
meet on Friday P. M at 8 O’Clock.
Nelson Plato Southard
Mayor CC.C. Sec
325
Corpus Christi
Saturday, July 3rd 1869
Called Meeting, held this
day at 4 o’cl’k P. M. – Present J. R. Barnard
Joseph Fitzsimmons, P. Hoffman and
C. Cahill – Absent Nelson Plato, Mayor,
C. Weidermiller and D. M. Layman, Aldermen.
A quorum being present, but his Honor
the Mayor having gone to the North
on private business the meeting was called
to order & on motion Alderman Barnard
was called to the chair. On motion
of Alderman Wallace, Second by Ald. Cahill
Joseph Fitzsimmons was nominated and
unanimously elected Mayor Pro-tem.
The Board being duly organized pro=
ceeded to business.
Mr Saml Tinney, City Marshall, presented
a Letter from Dr James H. Tucker, acting
physician of the Quarantine Hospital,
with a requisition for an assortment of
Medicines for the use of the Hospital.
Which being duly considered, was,
upon motion of Alderman Barnard,
laid on the table – and it was Resolved that the Mayor
be and is fully authorized authorized to furnish
any medicines required when necessary
Alderman Barnard tendered
326
his letter of resignation which was
unanimously rejected. The board
Resolved, that the Mayor be requested
to inform the commanding Officer
of this Military Post, that [a] vacancy
exist in our council, by the long absence
of Aldmn D M Layman and that he,
said Commander, appoint a suitable
person to fill the vacancy, and as such
a person, the present members would
suggest the name of H W. Berry as
an old and respected citizen of Corpus
Christi. –
On motion the Board
adjourned until 8th inst at 8 P M
C Cahill
Sect Pro-tem
Joseph FitzSimmons
Mayor Pro-tem-
327
Thursday. July 7th 1869. being the
first Thursday of the Month a Regular
Meeting of the City Council was
Convened at the Mayors Office
Present. Joseph FitzSimmons Mayor P T
“ Charles Weidenmueller. Alderman
“ Samuel Tinney City Marshall
Alderman Wallace being absent from the
City and Alderman. Barnard and
Hoffman. not appearing at the Meeting
there was no quorum for business and
therefore the Meeting was adjourned
until the next Regular day –
Joseph FitzSimmons
Actg Secty. Mayor Pro-tem
Thursday 22nd of July A D 1869
Regular Meeting of the Board,
No Quorum, of the Board
present the Meeting was adjourned
until next regular day
Joseph FitzSimmons
Mayor P T
328
Saturday, August 14h 1869.
At a called Meeting of the Board of
Aldermen held this evening at 8 oclk
Present – Joseph FitzSimmons, Mayor Pro-
W. Wallace }
Chas Weidermiller }
P Hoffman } Aldermen
C. Cahill }
Saml Tinney, City Marshall
The Secretary being absent C. Cahill was ap=
pointed as Secretary Pro-tem – The proceedings
of the previous Meeting were read and approved
This meeting was called to receive and
act upon the Report of Doctor Tucker of
the Quarantine Hospital at the Shell Bank
Doctor Tucker’s report having been re=
ceived, read and discussed, the same
was approved except a charge of Twenty
five dollars per month for the use of a
skiff, which was, upon motion of Alderman
Wallace, duly seconded, objected to and
not allowed. The balance due on the Doc=
tor’s account for the 1st Month, ending
July 13th 1869, is Eighty eight ($8800/100) Dollars
which amount was allowed and ordered to
be paid. – Doctor Tucker’s account
for Second month’s salary &c ending
13th day of August 1869 was duly examined
a charge of $25 per month for Boat hire was
rejected and the balance of $90.50 was
329
allowed and ordered to be paid, together
with Twenty five dollars ($2500) allowed as
a fair price or hire for use of skiff for
last 2 months. – On motion the Mayor
was authorized to furnish the Quarantine Hospital
with 2 Water Barrels, one lamp, Oil and
rope – which having been purchased and
furnished – amount to Eight50/100 Dollars. was
ordered to be paid for
There being no further business the
board adjourned. –
attest Joseph FitzSimmons
C. Cahill - Mayor Pro tem –
Sectry Pro Tem
Regular Meeting of the City Council
was held this evening P M Thursday the
19th day of August 1869, being the 3rd Thurs=
day of said Month Month.
The Meeting was held in the Saloon of
Messrs Hoffman & Barnard, it having been
stated by the Mayor that the Office formerly
rented of Mrs Bryant was now sold to J T
James, Esqr who requested the premises to be
vacated on the 16th instant, which was ac=
cordingly done The Meeting was called
to order when the following members were
present. – His honor Josh Fitzsimons May Protem
330
Chas Weidermiller }
Warren Wallace }
Prokop Hoffman } Aldermen
C. Cahill }
Saml Tinney, City Marshall
Jacob Zeigler, City Treasurer
Absent Jas R Barnard, D M Layman &
nelson Plato. – The Secretary being ab=
sent C Cahill was requested by a majority
of the Board to act as such –
The reports of the Treasurer, Assessor and
Collector, and City Marshall were then
called for by the Mayor Pro-tem, Whereupon
Jacob Zeigler, Treasurer, produced his
Book account and vouchers which on
on motion were referred to the Finance Com
mittee for examination and report at the
next regular meeting. –
The City Marshall then presented his ac=
count & report as assessor & collector, which
was also for the fiscal year, which was
which was also referred to the Finance Committee
for audition and report at the next re=
gular meeting. ___________________________
The Quarantine Officer Doctor Tucker
having reported that he was without a
proper Boat to board vessels in Aransas
Bay, going to Rockport, Lamar & other bay
ports. The Mayor presented an agreem
=ent
331
with Frederick A Steen to supply or furnish
a yawl boat for use at the Quarantine Station.
to be employed by the Quarantine Officer in
boarding vessels: And for which the Mayor
pro tem agreed on behalf of the City of
Corpus Christi to pay the sum of Twenty
Dollars per month for each Month said
boat is so employed, which on motion
was confirmed by the council ________
The account of Mrs Bryant for the
last months rent due for the Mayors Office
viz up to and including the 14th day of
August was presented by the Mayor
pro tem, who stated that the said Mrs
B. requested the Amount, nine Dollars
($9.) specie be paid to her son, Edward, as she
was leaving the city for the present –
On Motion duly seconded the Meeting adjourned.
Attest
C. Cahill Joseph FitzSimmons
Sectry pro tem = Mayor, Pro tem –
332
Called Meeting, Sept. 20 1869
Present - Nelson Plato, Mayor
“ Warren Wallace }
“ Prokop Hoffman }
“ C. Cahill } Aldermen
“ Jas R. Barnard }
“ Josh Fitzsimons }
Absent Chas Weidenmueler – “
“ D.. M. Layman – “
On motion the reading of the Minutes
of previous Meetings was suspended and
the Board proceeded to business.
The Mayor after stating the object of
the Meeting expressed his great sur=
prise at noticing an article published
in the newspapers and signed by
Alderman Joseph Fitzsimons wherein
the Mayor is charged with misappro=
priating city funds and the Hon. Mayor
pronounced the charges maliciously
false and without a shadow of
foundation in fact which Alderman
Fitzsimons must have known when he
made the allegations and the Mayor
thereupon called for the individual
expression of each alderman present
relative to the matter. Aldermen Jas
R. Barnard, Warren Wallace, Prokop
333
Hoffman and C Cahill each in terms
sustained the Hon. Mayor in his position
declaring him fully exempt and entirely
innocent of the accusations made
by Alderman Fitzsimons and that
the false assertions made by Alderman
Fitzsimons affecting the character
honesty and integrity of Mayor Plato
were inexcusable. Alderman Barnard
Wallace – Hoffman & Cahill also
expressed their entire confidence
in the character, ability, honesty
& integrity of Mayor Plato and
in his administration as Mayor of
this city. – On motion of
Alderman Barnard duly seconded
a new finance committee was
appointed composed of his Honor Mayor
Plato – Aldermen Cahill & Hoffman
On motion the meeting ad
journed to meet again to-morrow
evening at 8 o’clock. –
Attest Nelson Plato
C. Cahill Mayor C.C.C
Sectry pro tem
334
Called Meeting
Corpus Christi, Sept. 21. 1869
Pursuant to adjournment the City Council
Convened,
Present. Nelson Plato, Mayor.
“ Warren Wallace }
“ Jas R. Barnard }
“ Chas Weidermiller }
“ P. Hoffman } Aldermen
“ C. Cahill }
“ Josh Fitzsimons }
Absent – D. M. Layman
On motion duly seconded the
reading of the minutes of previous meet
=ings was called for and upon vote
was carried. The reading
of minutes of meeting of
June 19th 1869 were read and adopted
Same of June 21st 1869
Same of July 3rd 1869
Same of July 7th 1869
Same of Aug 14, 1869
Same of “ 19” 1869
Alderman Weidermuller desired
335
to express his entire confidence in the
ability, honesty and integrity of Mayor
Plato and in his administration
and also expressed his disbelief in
any of the accusations made
against Mayor Plato by Alder
man Fitzsimons
On motion the Board adjourned
to meet on Thursday evening Sept 23. 1869
Attest. }
C. Cahill }
Sectry pro tem }
1st See proceedings omitted – page 338 –
Special Meeting of City Council, was
convened at Mayors Office – this September
27th 1869 (Monday) at 4 oclock P M.
The Meeting was called to order by
the Mayor who directed the Roll to be called
which was accordingly done by Alderman Fitzsimmons
- acting as Secretary –
The following named members answered
to their names –
Present - Nelson Plato Mayor
“ Warren Wallace Alderman
“ James R Barnard “
“ Chas. Weidenmueller “
“ Prokop Hoffman “
“ Cornelius Cahill “
“ Joseph FitzSimons “
Absent. Alderman, D M Layman, and
336
Samuel H. Tinney City Marshall, -
The object of this meeting was Explained to
be the investigation of the proceedings of agents of
the City in carrying on the work on the Ship Channel
now protracted, beyond all reasonable allowance
of time, heretofore Extended by the City Council
to the Contractors
Channel Whereupon, on Motion duly seconded
and unanimously carried, it was Resolved
That – Whereas, by the Acts of the Legislature
of this State incorporating the City of Corpus Christi
approved, Feby. 13th 1854, and February 11th 1860.
which acts are now in force, - the right to open
and maintain a Ship Channel, through the Mud
Flats, between Corpus Christi, Bay and Aransas, was
ceded by the State and vested in the Mayor and
Board of Aldermen, of this City, or their agents
Whereas, by virtue of the premises, the Mayor and Board
of Aldermen did on the 5th day of May A. D.
1854, and at divers times since pass ordinances,
- appointing such agents, and providing for the opening
- and constructing of said Channel, all of whom
- have failed in whole or in part to perform said
- work, so that the same is yet after a lapse of
fifteen years, unfinished and uncompleted;
And Whereas, the interests of the Government of the United States
- as well as of Commerse and of the People generally
- urgently demand and require the immediate comple=
= tion of said channel, so as to afford, an unob=
= structed, and easy passage for vessels and Steamers
from and to the Gulf of Mexico and this City
Resolved. that it is the imperative duty of the Mayor and
Board of Aldermen to take all lawful and necessary
Steps, to effect the most speedy and thorough
opening of said Channel and that they are
determined to and will enforce, existing, ordinances
in regard thereto ________________________
337
Resolved that the firm of Morris & Cummings of the City of
New York, composed of Augustus T Morris of Bloomfield
in the State of New Jersey, and James Cumming’s of
said City of New York, being sub Contractors and
Co-agents in said enterprise in connection with John
M. Moore, of this City, are pecuniarly interested therein
- and are responsible and liable to this City for any
- default, and that they be notified by his Honor
the Mayor, of the present action and determination
Channel of the City Council, and requested, by the employ=
=ment – of the necessary, competent, energetic and
reliable Superintendants, Engineers, crews, and
laborers, to push the channel to completion –
without any further delay, and in strict accordance
with existing Ordinances, and that an immediate
and energetic effort toward the Completion of said
Ship Channel is now demanded and unless im=
=mediate compliance with said demand is given
then it shall become the duty of this Council
to take from the present Contractors all rights
privileges perquisites and immunities, heretofore
granted to and now existing with them as
provided by the Laws of the State of
Texas, and the ordinances of this City
Resolved further, that in this matter the Mayor and
Board of Aldermen respectfully ask and request
the aid and Co=operation of Col J. F. Mezner
Comdg Post, of Col. Scully A. Q. M. and of Captain
T M. K Smith, A C S on duty, at this Mily Depot
Resolved also, that the Secretary of this Council transmit
to each of the aforenamed Officers and to Messrs
Morris & Cummings a certified Copy of these
Resolutions –
adopted unanimously as a whole –
Whereupon on Motion, the Meeting was
adjourned
attest Nelson Plato
Joseph FitzSimmons Mayor C.CC
Acting Secretary
338
Regular Meeting of the City Council
held Thursday evening Sept. 23. 1869.
Present, Nelson Plato, Mayor
“ J R. Barnard }
“ Chas Weidermuller }
“ Joseph Fitzsimons } Aldermen
“ Prokop Hoffman }
“ C. Cahill - }
Absent D. M Layman
A quorum being present the board proceed
to business there being no regular Secretary
of the Board, C. Cahill, at the request
of the board, acted as Sectry – pro tem
Alderman Fitzsimons presented his
account current for the time he acted
as Mayor pro-tem the same being
examined and fully discussed, was
upon motion duly seconded, ordered
to be return to Alderman Fitzimons for
correction
Alderman Weidermuller pre=
sented his bill for hawling Shell &c –
dated Augst 19” 1869, which was received
discussed and referred to the finance Committee
The Report of Jacob Zeigler, City Treasurer
was received and referred to the Committee finance
The Account of L D. Brewster, ex-City
Treasurer was presented, on motion the
same was not received but referred
to the committee on finance.
339
Samuel H. Tinney, city Marshall, who
presented his account current with
the City, which was also referred to
the said Committee on finance –
On motion, duly seconded, the
following Resolutions were adopted
in reference to hawling Shell on the streets.
1st Resolved, by the Board of Aldermen
that the Mayor may at his discretion
contract for the hawling of Shell
to deposite in such places in the
public streets of this city as may be
designated, subject to the approval
of the street committee; but no expen
= diture to be incurred beyond One
hundred Dollars without further
authority from this Board.
2nd Resolved, further that the Mayor
be authorized to contract with any
one owning and running a cart
within these Corporate limits (and
said owner being liable for a license
Tax of One Dollar per Month,) to
haul Shell for deposite in the
public streets in such places as
the Mayor in his discretion may
designate and the price per load
340
not exceed twelve and a half cents
in specie ______________________
On motion the council adjourned to
convene at the call of the Mayor
Attest
C Cahill Nelson Plato
Sectry – pro tem Mayor CCC
Called Meeting, Thursday Oct. 7. 1869
Present – Nelson Plato, Mayor
“ W Wallace }
“ P Hoffman }
“ J R. Barnard }
“ C Cahill } Aldermen
Absent - Josh Fitzsimons }
D M Layman }
Chas Weidermuller }
A quorum being present the board
proceeded to business and in the absence
of a Secretary appointed C Cahill as secre
tary pro tem. The Mayor stated
the object of the meeting was to
receive the Report of the Finance
Commi
341
Committee and act thereon
The Report of the Finance Committee
embracing the financial transactions
of the city from the organization of the
present Board until 30th ultimo being
presented through the chairman Mayor
Plato, was read by the Secretary, where
upon motion of Alderman Wallace
Seconded by alderman Barnard,
the report was received, unanimously
adopted and ordered to be published
in the “Corpus Christi advertiser.”
Upon motion duly Seconded the Meeting
adjourned
Attest
C. Cahill Nelson Plato
Sectry pro tem Mayor C.C.C
Called Meeting of City Council
Wednesday Nov” 10th 1869 10 o’c a m
Present Nelson Plato, Mayor
“ Warren Wallace }
“ Chas Weidermuller }
“ Pro Hoffman } Aldermen
“ C. Cahill }
A quorum being present, the Board pro=
ceeded to business and appointed C. Cahill as
Secretary pro tem. –
The time of the Quarantine station established
342
at the Shell Bank on the 14th day of
August last, having expired on the 1st day
of November instant, the health Officer
of said Station, Doctor x Tucker presented
his several reports, which, upon being read
and duly examined, were adopted and
ordered to be paid.
On motion the council adjourned
to meet on next Thursday evening at early candle light
Attest Nelson Plato
C. Cahill Mayor C.CC
Secty pro tem
Special Meeting of the City Council
________ November 13th 1869 _______
Present Nelson Plato Mayor
“ Warren Wallace }
“ Chas Weidermuller }
“ C. Cahill } Aldermen
“ P Hoffman }
A quorum being present his Honor the
Mayor stated that the object of this Meet
ing was to require the City Marshall
to collect all taxes due the city in order
to pay the outstanding debts.
John Dempsy presented his Bill for
two dollars & fifty cents for hawling dead
animals, which on motion was ordered to be
343
auditted & if correct the same to be paid
There being no further business, on motion
the Council adjourned
Attest
C. Cahill Nelson Plato
Secty pro-tem Mayor C.C.C
Special Meeting of the City Council
Thursday November 25th 1869.
Present Hon Nelson Plato, Mayor.
Aldermen Barnard, Hoffman
Wallace & Fitzsimons,
The meeting was called to order by the Mayor
and Alderman Fitzsimons was requested
Channel to act as Secretary pro tem The object
of the meeting was then stated to be to hear
the Report of the Committee appointed
at a meeting of the citizens held on the 15”
Instant to take the testimony of the Pilots
at Aransas Bar and of Felix A. Blucher
Esqr Civil Engineer on the Correction of
the Ship Channel and Bar, and which
reports being Submitted and read by
the Mayor – when on motion duly
seconded and carried it was unani=
mously received and adopted. –
The City Marshall S. Tinney, then
344
presented to the Board his written re
signation as said city Marshall which
on motion duly seconded, was received
and the office was thereupon declared vacant
On motion of Alderman Barnard the
name of John B Morgan was nominated []
candidate for city Marshall vice Samuel
Tinney resigned, when on balloting for
the same, the Ballots were counted and
said Morgan received all the votes present
and was declared by the Mayor duly elected.
Resolved by the Mayor & board of Aldermen
that the Mayor be requested & authorized to
confer with the City Marshal elect
& recommend to Col Mezner Comdg
Officer of this Post some Competent
person to be inspector of Hides
for the City of Corpus Christi and
County of Nueces. Adopted
unanimously. On motion duly seconded
the Council adjourned to meet
on Monday night.
Nelson Plato
Mayor C.C.C
345
Special Meeting Jany” 25th 1870
Present, Mayor Nelson Plato
Hoffman, Weidenmuller,
Wallace, & Barnard, Aldermen,
The Mayor
explained the object of the meeting,
The City was without a Marshall
Ordinances not executed by reason
thereof, & taxes remained uncoll-
-ected. The following was offered by
Alderman Barnard, Resolved, that
J. C. Morgan having failed to qualify
as Marshall of the City of Corpus
Christi the office be declared
vacant & that he be requested
to settle with the Mayor all
business matters connected with
the duties of Marshall of said
City performed by him which
upon motion duly seconded was
adopted. The following Resolution
was upon motion duly seconded
& adopted, :Viz”; Resolved by the
Mayor & Board of Aldermen in
Council convened, that on account
of there being a vacancy in the
Office of City Marshall, & no
one nominated willing to accept
of the position, now therefore with
a view to the collection of the
revenue of the City, the Mayor
is hereby authorized to appoint
by Special Commission whom
-soever he may choose to tem
-porarily perform the said duties
of City Marshall, & in whatsoever
legal manner he chooses. Then
was offered the following, Resolved
346
by the Mayor & Board of Aldermen
that Mr Packard, representing
Messrs Morris & Cumming of New York
City, be respectfully requested, to, as
soon as practicable, suspend
temporarily work on the Mud-
Channel Flats between Corpus Christi
Bay & the Shell Bank, and
complete to a depth of 7½
feet the Channel from the
mouth of said Shell Banks to
Aransas Bay and communicate
with Mr Packard in relation thereto,
Adopted unanimously. On motion
duly seconded Council adjourned
to meet on Thursday evening 27th
Inst at 6½ O’C P M.
Jas R Barnard,
Sec. pro Tem Nelson Plato
Mayor CCC
Special _________Meeting Thursday evening
July 27th 1870.
Present, Mayor Nelson Plato
Aldermen, Hoffman, Weidenmuler,
Wallace & Barnard. The preamble
& Resolution as, follows were
unanimously adopted, Whereas
the Mayor of this City is obliged
to be absent for an indefinite
period by reason of his duty as
a Representative elect to the
Legislature of this State, and
in Consequence thereof, together
with two vacancies now existing
in the Board of Aldermen, and
the temporary absence of one
of the Aldermen, it will
347
leave the Corporate Authorities
without a quorum, therefore, Resolved
by the Mayor & Board of Aldermen in
Council convened, that, H. W. Berry
& Julius Henry, be recommended
to the Commanding General of the
5th Mil, Dist through the Commanding
Officer of this Post, to fill said
vacancies, & that with a view
to preserve the organization of
the Board of Aldermen by having
the requisite number always present
for legal action, the Commanding
Officer of this Post be requested
to appoint forthwith the persons
herein recommended subject to
the necessary approval at Head
Quarters 5th Military District, and
that a Copy of this Preamble
& Resolutions be forwarded to Gen
Reynolds through the Commanding
Officer of this Post.
On motion
duly seconded Council adjourned
to meet Friday evening Jany 28/70
Jas. R Barnard.
Sec pro Tem. Nelson Plato
Mayor C.C.C
348
349
The City of Corpus Christi Texas
350
351
Special Meeting
Pursuant to a call published in the Corpus Christi
Advertiser, the City Council convened at the office of the
County Clerk, on Monday evening, May 23, A. D., 1870.
Present _ Hon. J. B. Mitchell, Mayor; Alderman Hoffman,
Fitzsimmons, McClane, Treasurer, Zeigler. Absent Aldermen
Weidenmuller, Doddridge and Cody. Dr. Thomas Kearney was
present, but not having qualified could not be considered
a member of the Council. No Secretary or Marshal
was present. Alderman Fitzsimmons was requested
to act as Secretary pro tem.
There being no quorum, adjourned until Thursday,
May 26, 1870, the next regular meeting.
Attest: J. B. Mitchell
Joseph FitzSimmons Mayor, C.C.C
Actg Secy pro tem.
352
Regular Meeting
__
Board met pursuant to adjournment,
Thursday, May 26th, 1870.
Aldermen Kearny and Cody pre-
sented their credentials, and hav-
ing been sworn in took their seats
on the Council.
Present – Hon. J. B. Mitchell, Mayor;
Aldermen Kearny, Doddridge, McClane,
Hoffman, Weidenmueller, Fitzsimmons
and Cody. – a full Board.
There being no regular secretary,
by request of Council, Alderman
Fitzsimmons acted as Secretary, pro
tem.
The Committee on streets being
called upon stated, through their
Chairman, that they had no re-
port to make.
Treasurer Zeigler presented his
report and account current, accom-
panied by his vouchers, showing no
funds in the treasury, but that the
City was indebted to him in the
sum of nine dollars in specie,
for rent of Mayor’s office occupied
by ex-Mayor Plato and former
Board. His report was referred
to the Finance Committee.
The Mayor then stated to the
Board that he had noticed in the
public prints suggestions that
he should order an election for
city officers on the first Tuesday
of June, ensuring, as provided for
353
by the city charter, and requested
permission to give his views on this
subject, in order that he might
elicit the opinion of the Council,
to know how he should act, and to
make it a matter of record. Such
permission having been granted
the Mayor stated that he did not
consider it his duty, nor within his
power; nor was he willing to take
the responsibility of ordering an
election, for the reason that he
had received no such instructions
from the power that placed him in
office, nor from the Governor, Secre-
tary of State, or Legislature, that to
his knowledge no such elections had
yet been ordered or held anywhere
in the State; that in his opinion,
General Reynolds, in resigning mil-
itary authority, had delegated the
government, not directly and im-
mediately to the people, but to their
duly elected and qualified repre-
sentatives, the Governor and Legisla-
ture, then convened at Austin;
And that it was necessary for
some action to be taken by that body,
and proper and uniform provisions
made before elections could take
place; that the city charter could not
be paramount to the Legislature that
created it, and that ordering an elec-
tion at the present time was an ini-
tiative step it could not authorize,
that he had written to the Govern-
or for instructions, and preferred
354
to wait until the matter had been
submitted for his decision or that of
the Legislature.
The Mayor having thus stated the
case, solicited a full and free dis-
cussion of the subject After short
discussion, report, motion, seconded,
the question was put, and it was
unanimously “Resolved, That the Mayor
be sustained in his refusal to order
an election for a new Board of City
Officers, until authorized by the Legisla-
ture of the State”
The offices of Secretary and Mar-
shal being vacant, the Board pro-
ceeded to an election. Upon ballot,
E C Wheeler, Esq. received the unani-
mous vote for Secretary, and Hugh
[Tunan], Esq for Marshal, and were de-
clared duly elected.
The Committee on Ordinances
submitted the following ordinances,
to – wit,
An Ordinance Regulating the Salary
of the City Marshal
Be it ordained, by the Mayor and
Aldermen of the city of Corpus
Christi, in Council convened, that
whereas the city government is in-
operative without an efficient mar-
shal, therefore a salary of not less
than fifty dollars, ($50 00), specie,
per month, inclusive of his fees of
office, shall be assured to said offi-
cer, that should the fees of his of-
fice each month be less than said
amount of salary, the deficit, what
ever it may be shall be made up
from the city treasury, and, upon
the accounts having been duly au-
dited and approved, a warrant for
said deficit shall be issued to the
Marshal, signed by the Mayor, and
countersigned by the Secretary,
which shall be paid by the Treasu-
rer out of any funds in his hands,
and this claim shall take precedence
over all others, that this ordinance
shall not be construed to mean that
355
the Marshal, in receiving said sal-
ary, shall be excluded from his
rights to any and all fees of office
to which he is entitled under the
provisions of former ordinances,
but is intended only to create a sal-
ary such as will secure efficiency
in said office, that the Marshal’s
accounts, when audited and ap-
proved, shall be settled quarterly,
and that all ordinances and parts
of ordinances contravening the pro-
visions of this act shall be repealed,
and that this act shall take effect,
and be in force, from and after its
passage
On motion, adopted
Be it resolved, by the Mayor and
Board of Aldermen, That the Secre-
tary be instructed to copy from the
records into a special book, which
shall be called the “Book of Ordi-
nances of the City of Corpus Christi,”
all the acts and laws appertaining
to the city government from its or-
ganization to the present time,
and now in force, with the date
of each, that this book shall be
properly indexed and numbered, and
that hereafter it shall be the duty
of the Secretary to copy all ordi-
nances duly enacted into said
book, as well as upon the book
of records, and to write opposite
every act or law that may be an-
nulled, the word “repealed,” with
the date giving reference to the
repealing ordinance
Upon motion duly seconded,
said resolution was unanimously
adopted.
Be it ordained by the Mayor
and Board of Aldermen of the
City of Corpus Christi, in Council
convened, that
356
WHEREAS, The Corpus Christi Ship Chan
nel Company, which obtained its rights and
privileges to collect tolls through the power
of a charter granted to the City of Corpus
Christi by the State Legislature; and
WHEREAS, said Ship Channel, by agree-
ment upon the part of the assignees of the
original contractors and grantees, was to
have been completed to the uniform depth
of eight feet, and width of one hundred feet,
at a period long since expired, and to have
been maintained so permanently thereafter,
and
WHEREAS, The original contract having
been made with the city on May 17, 1854, the
corporation has leniently extended the time
granted for the completion of said channel,
upon application of the said company as fol-
lows: on December 4, 1854, June 26, 1855,
January 14, 1856, April 28, 1856, November
20, 1856, March 22, 1857, September 26, 1866,
and September 21, 1868, at which last date
Channel the City Council gave the said company a
continuance of time for six months, and un-
til the 21st of March, 1869, after which date
the contract, with all the rights, privileges
and immunities conferred by the City Coun-
cil, for want of farther extension by them,
and non fulfillment of terms of contract by
said company, became a nullity, and
WHEREAS, The City Corporation did []
on eight successive applications further time
for the fulfillment of their contractor and
contractors and their successors, in the hope
and under their repeated promises that the
channel would be completed and
WHEREAS, More than sixteen years have
now elapsed, and the channel remains still
uncompleted and is slowly progressing to
completion if at all, and the advancement of
the commercial and other interests of the
[], and are, and will continue to
be seriously obstructed and retarded in cons-
sequence of such delays therefore be it
RESOLVED, By the Mayor and Board of Al-
dermen, That a committee of three be ap
pointed by the Mayor to examine the city re
cords, and report the present status of the
Corpus Christi Ship Channel Company, with
a view to ascertain positively whether the
said company have not forfeited all the
rights privileges and immunities [accorded]
from the city, as shown from the records,
[] notify them, and all parties []
[], to come forward and show
[] exists, why the []
[]
The adoption of the above Preamble
and Resolution having been moved
and seconded, was carried by a
unanimous vote.
The Mayor appointed Aldermen
Doddridge, Kearny, and McClane said
Committee
The following was then presented,
to-wit,
357
Resolved, by the Mayor and the
Board of Aldermen,That the City
Marshal be, and he is hereby au-
thorized and instructed to collect
all uncollected back taxes, licenses,
and dues for the fiscal year ending
June, 1870, and that all persons
holding claims, script, or other de-
mands against the corporation, are
hereby notified to present and file
the same with the City Secretary,
within the next ensuing thirty days,
with a view to ascertain the amount
of liabilities of the city, and to have
them properly acted upon, certified
and audited, and that this resolu-
tion be printed in the C C ADVER-
TISER for two successive weeks
Claims will be examined, audited,
and take precedence in the order
in which they are filed.
Upon motion, seconded, the Resolu-
tion was unanimously adopted.
It was moved seconded, and re-
solved, That the Secretary be in-
structed to place upon record,
the official copy from the Secre-
tary of State of the Amendments
of the city charter approved Feb-
ruary 11th, 1860, and that the Mayor
be requested to write to Austin for
an official copy of the original act incor-
porating the City of Corpus Christi,
approved February 16th, 1852, which
appears nowhere on the city records,
in order to the proper recording of
the same.
The Mayor appointed Aldermen
McClane and Hoffman the Com-
mittee on Finance
There being no further business
the Council adjourned to the next
regular meeting on June 2d 1870.
Attest
Joseph FitzSimmons J. B. Mitchell
Actg - Mayor Corpus Christi.
Secretary pro tem
358
Regular Meeting
__
The Council met on Thursday
evening, 1870, at the office of the
County Clerk, where the following
members were present: J. B.
Mitchell, Mayor, Aldermen Hoff-
man, Weidenmueller, McClane,
Kearny and Fitzsimmons. A quorum
present
On motion the reading of the
minutes of last meeting were dis-
pensed with.
No Marshal or Secretary
present
Alderman Hoffman from the
Finance Committee, asked for
further time to make his report,
which on motion was granted.
Olwyn Dix and Thomas Parker
were proposed as candidates for
City Marshal, in case that Hubert
[Lemore], elected at last meeting,
shall not appear and qualify by
June 5th 1870. On counting the
ballots by the Board Olwyn Dix
was unanimously elected City Mar-
shal.
On motion the meeting ad-
journed to Tuesday evening, June
7th, 1870
J. B Mitchell
Attest Joseph Fitzsimmons Mayor Corpus Christi
Actg – Sec pro tem
359
Special Meeting
__
An adjourned meeting of the City
Council was held Tuesday even-
ing, June 7, 1870, at the office of
the County Clerk.
Present, Hon J. B Mitchell,
Mayor, Aldermen Hoffman, Wie-
denmueller, Cody and Fitzsim-
mons Absent Aldermen Kearny
and Doddridge.
The minutes of special meeting
on May 23, 1870, regular meeting
of May 26, 1870, and of last
meeting, were read and adopted
Mr Wheeler the Secretary, elected
at a former meeting, having failed
to qualify, his office was declared
vacant, and on motion it was
Resolved, That Alderman McClane
act as Secretary until a candi-
date can be found
The Finance Committee, through
their Chairman, Alderman McClane
reported that Treasurer Zeigler’s
account current up to May 1st, 1870
was audited, and found to balance,
showing no funds in the treasury
to the credit of the city
On motion the meeting was
adjourned until next regular
meeting Thursday, June 16 1870
Attest
Joseph Fitzsimmons J B Mitchell
Actg Secty Mayor Corpus Christi
Sec pro tem
360
Special Meeting
__
Pursuant to a call of the Mayor,
Hon J B. Mitchell, the city council
met at the office of the Mayor, Sat-
urday, June 25, 1870.
Present, Hon. J. B. Mitchell, Mayor,
Aldermen Weidenmueller, McClane, Cody,
Fitzsimmons and Hoffman. Absent,
Aldermen Kearny and Doddridge. A
quorum being found present, but no
Secretary or Marshal, the Council
was called to order by the Mayor, and
Alderman Fitzsimmons was requested
to act as Secretary, pro tem
The Minutes of the previous meeting
were read, and upon motion adopted.
Upon motion, duly seconded, James
W. Ward was nominated for the posi-
tion of City Treasurer, vice Jacob Zeigler,
who has resigned A vote being taken,
Mr. Ward was declared elected by a
majority of the votes cast
Upon motion, duly seconded, Chas.
A. Beman was nominated for the
position of City Secretary. A vote
being taken Mr Beman was declared
by the Mayor unanimously elected
Upon motion, duly seconded and
carried, the Mayor was instructed
to inform said gentlemen of their
election, and request them to qual-
ify
The Bond of the City Marshal
now was taken up, and on
361
motion, duly seconded and carried,
it was resolved that a new bond
was required in the sum of two
hundred and fifty dollars.
Upon motion, duly seconded
and carried, the Council ad-
journed until Wednesday eve-
ning, June 29th, 1870, at 8 o’clock
P. M.
Attest Joseph Fitzsimmons J B. Mitchell
Mayor Corpus Christi
Secretary, pro.tem,
Special Meeting
___
Pursuant to a call of the Mayor, Hon.
J. B Mitchell, the City Council met at
the office of the Mayor, July 2d 1870.
Present Hon J B Mitchell, Mayor,
Aldermen Weidenmueller, McClane, Cody,
Fitzsimons Absent, Aldermen Hoff-
man, Kearny and Doddridge, and
Secretary Beman.
Reading of Minutes dispensed with.
Olwyn Dix having failed to qualify
as City Marshal, John Heinanen was
proposed for the office, and upon a
vote being taken he was declared duly
elected His bond was then present-
ed to the Board, with E. Morris
and Julius Henry as sureties, in the sum
of two hundred and fifty dollars,
which was approved, and having
also taken and subscribed the oaths
of office required by existing laws,
the said bond was ordered to be
362
filed in the city records, and said
John Heinneman is hereby authorized
to enter upon the duties of his
office.
The Mayor appointed Messrs. Kearny,
McClane and Fitzsimmons as the
Committee on Ordinances
Added to the Committee on
Streets, Alderman Doddridge
The following Ordinances to raise
a revenue by taxation and licenses were
proposed
ORDINANCES SECTION 1 Be it ordained by the Mayor and
To Raise a Revenue by Taxation and Lic- Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus
censes for the Use of the City of Corpus Christi, by virtue of the power conferred
Christi, to be Appropriated to the Pur upon said Mayor and Board of Aldermen by
poses of Cleaning and Repairing the the 6th section of an act entitled “An Act to
Streets, Keeping Order, Building the City incorporate the City of Corpus Christi,” ap
Hall and Market House, and other Pur- proved February 16, 1852 – That every keeper
poses Defined and Authorized by the City or proprietor of a coffee house, cabaret, res-
charter taurant grog or dram shop, lager beer sa
loon, grocery store, billiard saloon, nine or
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Board of ten pin alley, public house, or any other
Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi - place whatsoever where spirits, beer, wine
that there shall be levied a direct ad valo or any vinous, spirituous or fermented
rem tax of one fifth of one per cent upon all liquors are sold or exposed for sale by the
real and personal property within the corpor glass, drink or in any quantity less than one
ate limits of the City of Corpus Christi, tax- quart, within the corporate limits of said
able by the State, and that a poll tax of one city, shall pay to said city, for the fiscal year
dollar is hereby assessed on each male citi commencing July 1, 1870, and ending June
zen over twenty one years of age, and resi- 30, 1871, a license tax of two hundred dol-
dent of this city that the Assessor shall at lars
once prepare the rolls, taking the real estate SEC 2 That every person or firm selling
as inventoried upon the county rolls, and or exposing for sale spirits, beer, wine or
assessing personal property and merchan- any vinous, spiritous or fermented liquors
dize upon the sworn inventory of the tax whatever, in quantities not less than one
payer of his or her property on hand on the quart, within the corporate limits of said
1st day of July 1870 the tax to be as city, shall pay to said city for the fiscal year
sessed and collected under this ordinance commencing July 1, 1870, and ending June
will be for the fiscal year ending June 30, 30, 1871, a license tax of one hundred dol
1871 lars
The ordinance of May 26, 1870, so far as it SEC 3 That every license tax imposed by
[dates] to collecting back taxes and licenses, this ordinance shall be divided into four
is hereby repealed. equal instalments, and one of such instal-
ments shall be due and payable at the com-
Resolved by the Mayor and Board of Alder- mencement of each and every quarter of the
men, That the Dog Tax be declared in force, fiscal year aforesaid, the first quarter of said
according to ordinance passed September 24, fiscal year to commence on the first day of
1868, and that the Marshal be instructed July, 1870, and that a license shall be issued
to collect and put in force the same by the Mayor of said city for the quarter
paid for in every case
Resolved by the Mayor and Board of Al- SEC 1 That it shall be the duty of the
dermen, That the ordinances regulating Marshal of said city to arrest all persons
market rents and dray licenses be declared that he shall find within the corporate limits
now in force, and that the Marshal be in- of said city following any business or occu-
structed to proceed at once to carry the pation, or keeping any place, upon which a
same into effect license is imposed by this ordinance, with-
out having first obtained a license therefor,
and take them before the proper officer to
be dealt with according to law
Upon motion, duly seconded, the bond
of the City Treasurer was fixed at ($1000)
One thousand dollars.
Upon motion, seconded, said ordinances were adopted.
Upon motion, seconded, the Council
adjourned until Saturday, July 9, 1870
Attest J B. Mitchell
Joseph Fitzsimons Mayor C.C.C
Actg Secy
363
Special Meeting
___
Pursuant to adjournment, the Council
met at the Council Room, Saturday
July 9th, 1870 Present, Mayor J. B
Mitchell, Aldermen Cody, McClane,
Fitzsimmons Weidenmueller; Chas. A.
Beman, City Secretary, John Heinne
man, City Marshal. Absent, Alder
en Kearny, Doddridge and Hoff-
man, and Treasurer Ward
Oath of office of Secretary []
presented [] a [] and []
requested to enter upon the dis-
charge of his duties
A petition from J W. Vineyard
and others praying that the City Coun-
cil appoint a committee to examine
the present state of the ship channel,
with a view to purchase by the city
was presented, and upon motion re-
ceived after discussion, it was
moved and seconded that said pe
tition be referred to a special com-
mittee of three, Carried. The Mayor
then appointed Messrs Doddridge, Mc
Clane and Fitzsimmons said com
mittee
It was moved and seconded
that the Mayor be authorized to ad-
vertise for proposals to 1st, clean the
city, and 2d to do the city printing
Carried
Moved and seconded that the
council adjourn until Saturday,
July 16. Carried
Attest
Chas A. Beman J B Mitchell
Secretary Mayor C.C.C
364
Special Meeting
___
Pursuant to adjournment, the
Council met at the Council Room
Saturday July 16, 1870
Present, Mayor Mitchell, Alder-
men Doddridge, Kearny, McClane,
Weidenmueller, Cody, Fitzsimmons
and Hoffman Marshal Heinemann Absent, Secretary
Beman, Treasurer Ward.
The Bond of James W Ward,
as City Treasurer, with Wm De Ryee
and N Gussett as sureties was
presented, approved and ordered
to be filed
It was moved and seconded
that the Mayor be authorized to con-
tract with [...il] McNeel, Master of
the sloop Eliza that he [...] his sloop
to the City as a to be used on the
Quarantine service, at one hundred
dollars, specie, per month. Carried.
[The] [special] [] upon a
consideration of the proposal of []
Vineyard and [assigns] to sell the ship
Channel through their Chairman
asked for further time to make
their report upon motion made
seconded and carried, further time
was granted them
A petition was presented from
merchants and liquor dealers ask
ing that the license tax levied at a
former meeting upon the sale of liq
uor be reduced Upon motion,
duly seconded said tax was re-
duced one half, and the license is
now one hundred dollars for re-
tail dealers and fifty dollars for
365
wholesale: Motion carried unani-
mously.
The following Sanitary Ordin-
ances were proposed.
Sanitary Ordinance 5 That no factory, soap factory, butchery street, or street adjoining; and they shall be
on any establishment of similar kind what- required at least once every ten days to re
Be it ordained, by the Mayor and Board of ever, shall be erected or continued in opera- move, cart, or cause to be removed or carted,
Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, tion within the corporate limits of the city, all the dung or filth that may have accumu-
Section 1 That it shall be the duty of every which shall, in the opinion of the City Coun lated in or about their premises, yard or en
owner or occupant of any lot of premises cil, be deemed a nuisance to the public, or closures during said time, to such place out-
within the corporate limits of the city, to to any person or persons residing within the side the limits of the city, or such oth
clean and keep clean the same, and every vicinity thereof, under a penalty to be inflict- er place as shall be designated by the
person violating the provisions of this sec- ed upon the owner or occupier of such estab Mayor, and the failing to comply with
tion shall upon conviction thereof, be sub- lishment, of not exceeding fifty dollars per or conform to, the provisions of this section,
ject to a fine of not exceeding ten dollars for day for each and every day the said nuisance shall be declared a nuisance, and upon the
each offense is continued after he or they shall be notified complaint of any neighbor, resident or cit
2 That it shall not be lawful for any per by the Mayor to discontinue or remove the izen, the party offending shall be notified
son or persons to obstruct, throw sweep same by the City Marshal to remove, or abate said
place, leave or deposit or to suffer or permit 6 That it shall not be lawful for any mer- nuisance within twenty four hours, and on
his or her clerk, porter, or employee, or ser chant, shop keeper, or other person, or to refusal, or failure to comply with said order,
vant, or any other person in his or her fami permit any person under his or her employ, such person or persons shall be fined in a
ly, to obstruct, throw, sweep, place, leave or to obstruct or encumber the sidewalks in any sum not exceeding five dollars for each and
deposit, in any street sidewalk gutter, ditch manner whatever by goods, wares or mer- every day the same shall remain or continue
or drain, any hay, straw, dung, kitchen stuff, chandise of any kind, under a penalty of not SEC 9 It shall not be considered lawful for
bottles or broken glass, old boots or shoes, to exceed five dollars, for each and every such any person or family to keep, or have, at any
parings, or bits of leather, shavings or chips, offense one time more than three milch cows within
hand rags, paper, weeds, or other filth, or 7 That it shall not be lawful for any own the corporate limits of the city, and the of-
unwholesome or unsightly substances of er or keeper of a market, fish, vegetable, fending against this provision may be de-
whatever nature or kind, under a penalty of fruit, or meat stall, or vendor of such arti- clared a nuisance, and upon the complaint
not to exceed five dollars, for each and every cles, to throw, place, leave, or deposit waste of any two neighbors, residents or citizens,
such offense pieces of meat, bones, fish, entrails, vegeta made in writing to the Mayor or City Coun-
3 That none of the substances and bles, filth, or unsightly or unwholesome sub cil, the City Council shall take such steps,
things mentioned in the preceding section stance of any kind on the market square, or and may affix such fines and penalties as in
shall be thrown, placed, left, or deposited in any square, street, lot, or upon any other their judgment shall deem necessary or
any square, street, land, lot, place or ground ground within the city limits, and for every proper to abate, or compel the discontinu-
within the city, or the limits thereof except violation of this section, the offender shall ance of said nuisance
such ground or place as shall from time to be subject, on conviction, to a fine of not SEC 10 That it shall not be lawful, after
time, be designated by the Mayor for such more than ten dollars for each and every of the passage of this ordinance for any per-
purposes, and for any violation of this sec fense son to dig, haul, or carry any earth or mate-
tion, the offender shall be subject to a fine SEC 8 That every owner, or keeper of rials whatever from any of the streets or
of not more than ten dollars, for each and cows for milk or dairy purposes, horses, squares in said city, or from the ditches
every offense mules, calves, sheep, hogs or goats, shall be opened by the city, and any person or per-
4 That any owner or keeper of any ani- required every morning before the hour of sons so offending shall pay for each cart,
mal which may die within the limits of the 8 o clock to clean, or cause to be cleaned dray, or wagon load so dug, hauled, or car-
city, shall forthwith remove, or cause to be their cow, stable lots, yard or buildings ried away, the sum of two dollars
removed, the dead carcass thereof to the by shoveling or raking or putting all the RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Board of Al-
places designated by the Mayor for such dung or filth into a place or pile, they may dermen, that a contract or contracts may be
purposes, at his or her expense and for re use and select for such purpose, within their made with a person or persons having or
fusal or failure to comply with the provisions own premises, yards or enclosures, and shall, owning a cart or carts, for cleaning the
of this section, each owner or keeper shall every morning before the hour of 8 o clock, streets, squares or vacant lots of the city,
be subject to a fine of not exceeding five dol clean, take up or remove, or cause to be and that the Mayor is hereby authorized to
lars But in case the animal shall be a stray, cleaned or taken up and removed to the make such arrangements and contracts, and
unclaimed or proven to be the property of place or pile before designated within their in such manner as he shall deem necessary
no resident of this city, it shall be the duty premises, yards or enclosures, all the dung and most effectual to carry out the provis-
of the Marshal, within six hours after the or filth from the side walk in front of and ions of this resolution, and the provisions of
animal died, to remove or cause the same to around the lot or parcel of ground they own the Sanitary ordinance
be removed, who shall be entitled to the or occupy from the line of the said lots or J B MITCHELL, Mayor C C
hide of the animal to defray the expense in- parcel of ground to the curbing or outside CHAS A BEMAN, Secretary
curred, or in case the hide would be of no edge of the sidewalk thereof, or at least for
value, he shall be entitled to a fee of fifty the distance of ten feet from the line or
cents per head, to be paid by the city lines of the lot or parcel of ground into the
& upon motion
here adopted unanimously –
Adjourned the next regular
Meeting –
Chas. A. Beman J B. Mitchell
Sec Mayor CCC.
366
Regular Meeting.
___
The Board of Aldermen met at the
Council room Thursday. July 21st
1870. Present Mayor Mitchell,
Aldermen Hoffman, Cody, Weiden-
muller, Doddridge, Kearny, Fitzsim-
mons and Cody Secretary Beman, Marshal
Heinneman. Absent, Aldermen Mc
Clane and Treasurer Ward.
Bill of Patrick Lawler for
hauling two dead cows out of the
city presented, and upon motion
same was referred to committee on
Finance
Special Committee upon sale of
ship channel read their report,
which, upon motion was received
and ordered to be filed
A communication from Lovenskiold
& McCampbell, attys. for owners, offer
ing to sell all their right and title
Channel in the Ship Channel to the City was pre
sented, and upon motion referenced
to the Committee on Finance
Alderman Doddridge asked that
leave be granted him to absent him-
self from the city for a length of
time not stated, and for permission
to approve his successor pro tem in
the Finance Committee. Request
granted, and Alderman Kearny ap-
pointed pro tem, in Alderman Dod-
dridges place on the Finance Committee
It was moved and seconded that
the days of the regular meeting be changed
from the first and third Thursdays
of each month to the first and
third Tuesdays of each month. Carried
367
Moved and seconded that the Council
adjourn until Tuesday evening, July
26th 1870. Carried.
Chas A. Beman J B Mitchell
Secretary Mayor C.C.C.
368
Special Meeting
Wednesday June 29th 1870
“The minutes of the meeting were Read seconded by the Secretary
in the proper place”
Pursuant the call of the Hon. Mayor,
the Council met in the Mayor’s Office;
present: J B Mitchell Mayor;
Aldermen Cody, Fitzsimmons,
Hoffman, McClane,
Weidenmuller, &
Secretary Beman
Minutes of previous meeting read
and adopted
The bond of [O. F.] Dix being
presented, was considered insufficient
and upon motion & vote was rejected
The petition of R. Jordan & others,
representing that the Corpus Christi Ship
Channel, in its present condition, entirely
failed to comply with the Contracts made
with the City, both as regards ‘depth of
eight feet”, and “width of One hundred feet,”
Channel and which was accompanied by the
Sworn affidavits of Capt. Isaac Williams,
Master of Schr. E. H. Clarke, and Capt.
Nathan [Rezars], Master of Schr Sandy Hook
confirming the substance & complaint of
the petition; and praying that they be
released from paying tolls to said Ship
Channel Co, was received
Upon motion of Ald. Fitzsimmons of
the Ordinance Committee, the following
ordinance & resolution was presented; and
after discussion, was unanimously adopted,
to wit;
369
WHEREAS, Various positions and remon
strances have been made to the Mayor and
Board of Aldermen by merchants, masters
of vessels, and citizens, in relation to the
payment of tolls to the Corpus Christi Ship
Channel Company; and
Channel WHEREAS, it has been proven to the satis-
faction of this Board, by the sworn testimo-
ny of competent and credible witnesses, that
said ship channel does not now, nor has ever
complied with the contract made by and with
the city; therefore be it
ORDAINED, by the Mayor and Board of Al-
dermen of the City of Corpus Christi, in
Council convened, That the ordinance pass-
ed November 6th, 1868 authorizing said con-
tractors, viz: J. W. Vineyard, and his as-
signs, agents, and contractors, for the City
of Corpus Christi, to receive and collect tolls
from all steamers, sail vessels, and other wa-
ter craft using said channel, be, and the
same is hereby repealed and annulled: and
that all ordinances and parts of ordinances
shall be repealed, and that this ordinance
shall take effect from and after its passage
The Special Committee upon the reading
of a suitable room for the use of the
City Council, made their reports and
recommended, that the room in the
[Riddes, Ridder] House offered by Mr Stone at
the rate of $750 specie per month be
rented; where upon it was resolved
that the Mayor be requested to close a
contract for the same
Ald. Weidenmuller was appointed
City assessor & collector
Ald McClane, Weidenmuller & Fitzsimmons
were appointed a Committee to prepare
the assessment rolls in Compliance with
“tax Ordinance” passed July 2nd A. D. 1870.
It was resolved that the Collector be
hereby instructed to receive no script or
Warrant of any kind in payment of
taxes
The “Dog Ordinance” was declared
now in force & the Marshall instructed
to carry the same into affect
John Hinemann was proposed as
a Candidate for city Marshall, and upon
ballots received the unanimous vote, & was
declared duly elected Adjourned to
Thursday 7th July, regular meeting
Attest J B Mitchell
Mayor C.C.C.
370
COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS – A regular meeting
of the City Council was convened on Tues
day evening, 2d August, 1870
Present – Mayor Mitchell, Aldermen Kear-
ny, McClane, Weidenmueller, Cody and
Fitzsimmons
Absent – Aldermen Hoffman and Dodd-
ridge, Marshal John Heinnemann
The Secretary being absent, Alderman
Fitzsimmons was appointed Secretary pro
tem
On motion of Alderman McClane, duly se-
conded and carried, the account of Mr G
W Stone, for rent of office for the month
ending 31st July, was audited and allowed
for the sum of seven dollars and fifty cents,
specie, and a warrant on the Treasury order-
ed to be paid
The account of James Golledge for clean
ing and whitewashing the office of Board,
was audited for the sum of two dollars and
ordered to be paid
Be it Resolved, That the Committee ono
Streets be authorized to examine the locali
ty complained of by the citizens where the
water from the late rains stagnates, and as
certain where a proper drain from the bridge
on Chaparral street can be constructed, and
the sum of fifty dollars or as much thereof
as may be necessary is hereby appropriated
to carry out the said object, the work to be
done under the direction of the Committee
and supervision of the City Marshal Unan
imously carried
Channel A proposition having been submitted to
the City by Messrs Lovenskiold & McCamp-
bell, attorneys for John M Moore, to pur-
chase the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, with
its rights and privileges for the sum of $75
000, to be paid in City bonds, coupons at-
tached, drawing interest at the rate of six
per cent – Be it hereby resolved that said
proposition be rejected, upon the ground
tat the City Council has no authority to is-
sue any such bonds except upon the vote of
two thirds of all property holders sustaining
the same, and further, because the Board
consider that all rights and franchises
claimed have been already forfeited Adop
ted unanimously
It was resolved unanimously that the sum
of forty dollars currency, or so much thereof
as may be necessary, be appropriated to
purchase one dozen common chairs, candle
sticks and candles, and for repairing and
covering table, &c, for the use of the City
Council. Carried
Be it Resolved that the sum of 18 dollars
can be and the same is hereby appropriated
for the support of a sick pauper woman, on
the Bluff, to be disbursed under the direc-
tion of the Finance Committee.
On motion duly carried the proposition of
Wm H Maltby for doing the public printing
of the city, job printing excepted, for the
ensuing fiscal year at the rate of sixty dol-
lars, U S Currency, received and the same
is accepted Whereupon on motion the
meeting adjourned
The minutes of
the last meeting were read and approved;
also the minutes of Special Meeting
on June 29th A. D. 1870, omitted to be
recorded in due place by the Secretary,
were read, approved and unanimously
adopted
Attest J. B Mitchell
Mayor C.C.C.
371
Special Meeting
A special meeting of the City Council
was Convened in the Mayor’s Office
[]
“Present” Mayor J B Mitchell []
Aldermen Weidenmuller Cody Hoffman
McClane & Marshall Heineman
Absent Aldermen Kearny Doddridge []
Fitzsimons – Secretary Beman & Treasur
er Ward Esq
Proceedings of previous meeting were
read attested and approved –
[] presented []
[]
[] by the Council for digging a
drain from bridge on Chapparal street []
[] $4376 Forty three dollars
and seventy six cents specie [] fifty dollars []
U. S. Currency []
[]
[] $15.00
[] 25.76
[] []
[Carpenters wages] []
[] []
$43.76
Whereupon the above account was audited
and approved –
The Mayor then informed [the Council]
that he was [intending] to []
to New York City, and could be [] for some
length of time. Whereupon it was suggested that
a Mayor pro tem be Elected by []
on motion Charles Weidenmueller []
and declared Mayor pro tem – []
[]
Whereupon the meeting adjourned
[Attest] J. B. Mitchell
372
Tuesday 23rd August. A D 1870 –
a Regular meeting of the Board was
convened, at the Mayors office –
Present. Chas Weiden Mueller, Aldmn
and Mayor Pro tem – Alderman John
McClane, J Fitzsimmons, & Prokop
Hoffman. – No Quorum being present
for Business. the meeting then adjourned
to the next regular. meeting –
Attest Charles Weidenmueller
Joseph Fitzsimmons }
Aldn & Sec Pro tem } - Mayor, Pro, tem
Called Meeting of the Board
was Convened – on Friday evening the
26th August A. D. 1870. –
Present Aldmn. Chas Weidenmueler
Mayor Pro tem, and Aldermen John
McClane Prokop Hoffman James
Cody and Joseph Fitzsimmons –
and Acty. Marshall, John Heineman.
A Quorum being present for business
On Motion the Minutes of the Last
Regular Meeting was read & approved –
On Motion of Alderman. John
McClane, duly seconded and carried
Unanimously is was resolved that
373
In Compliance with the provisions of the late
amended Charter of the City of Corpus Christi
authorizing the appointment of a Recorder
for the City Court of this city – the name
of J C. Russell. was proposed as such
Officer and no other Candidate being
proposed – on taking the vote of the
Members of the Council present the said
J. C. Russell was unanimously elected
as Recorder of this City _______________
On Motion duly seconded and Carried
it was resolved that a Bond in the sum
of Five hundred dollars, conditioned for the
faithful performance of the duties of said
Office, in compliance with the provisions of
the City Charter be required of the said
J. C. Russell, to be approved by the Mayor
Pro tem, and after Executing said Bond
and taking & subscribing the Oath of Office
as required by Law, said Recorder may
forthwith enter upon the duties of said
office –
On Motion duly seconded and
carried the following Resolution was
was adopted unanimously –
Whereas the Sloop and man
heretofore employed at one hundred dollars specie
per Month to assist and enable Dr James Nagle Quarantine
officer at Aransas Pass to Enforce and Carry out Quarantine
under the Proclamation of His Excellency the Governor of the
State Have been found unfit and Entirely useless for the
duties required and having been discharged by said officer on
374
the 17th Inst And Whereas the said Officer proposes
to make Arangements with parties who have Suitable
boats for Quarantine duty and who reside at Aransas
Pass Now Therefore be it Resolved That Dr James
Nagle Quarantine Officer aforesaid be and he is hereby
Authorized to employ proper persons and boats to aid him
in his duties as such Officer at an Expense of not more
than One Hundred Dollars in United States Currency per
Month and the said Sum is hereby approved to be reg=
ulated by the Quarantine Law –
Whereupon the City Marshall Jno
Hinneman, presented an account against the
city for hauling trash &c from the Streets and
for causing dead animals to be removed from
the Streets, which account was duly certified
and was audited and allowed in full for the
sum of Five dollars and twenty-five cents - 525
For Bucket dipper & Broom purchased for
use in the Mayors – One dollar - 100
Total amt Six Dollars - 6.00
and the Secretary was authorized to issue a Warrant
on the City Treasurer for said amount –
Whereupon on Motion duly
seconded & carried the Meeting adjourned to
next regular term
Attest Joseph Fitzsimmons }
Alderman & Actg Secty } Alderman
Mayor Pro tem
Called Meeting September 8th 1870 Those
Present Mayor P T Weidenmueller, Aldn Cody & FitzSimons
Quorum for Business present, and the
Meeting Adjourned,
Charles Weidenmueller
Attest
Joseph FitzSimmons }
Aldmn & Sec P T } Mayor P T
375
Called Meeting of the City
Council was convened on Wednesday the
27th September 1870 when there was Present –
Charles Weidenmueller Aldmn & Mayor Pro tem
Prokop Hoffman “
James Cody - “
John McClane “
Joseph FitzSimmons “ A quorum being
present, the Secretary still absent.
The Meeting was called to order and
on Motion the Matter of the Resignation of
John Heineman as City Marshal, dated on
the 8th day of September was taken up received & accepted and
his account of tax collection on behalf of the
City was audited and examined and the same
laid over for future Examination by the finance
Committee – The Mayor Pro tem together with
the members present at the last meeting of the 8th Inst
seeing the necessity of having a City Marshal to keep
the City ordinances from daily violation, having authorized
the appointment of Cornelius McTernan, as city
Marshall, vice, Hinneman resigned, the same
was thereupon taken under consideration, and the
action of the Mayor in appointing the said McTernan
as City Marshal and approving his official Bond
as such, was on motion duly made & seconded
unanimously confirmed, and the said Marshal
having also taken & subscribed the Oath office
as prescribed by the Constitution and filed the
same with the Mayor Pro tem, the said City
Marshal was thereupon declared duly qualified
as such and Entitled to the Emoluments of the
said Office from the 20th Instant the date
of filing his said Bond & Oath –
The Matter of appointing an
Assessor & Collector was then taken under
consideration, and it appearing to the
376
Members of the Council present that it would be
to the Interest of the City that the said City taxes
should be collected at the same time and place
as the County and State taxes are collected
and would facilitate the heretofore tardy
method of collecting the same, on Mature
deliberation is was unanimously Resolved
that John McClane Esqr. Sheriff of this County
and a Member of this Board be requested
to accept the appointment of City Assessor and
Collector, and the Question having been answered
in the Affirmative, On Motion duly made
seconded and unanimously Carried, John
McClane was declared duly Elected by this
Board and it was further resolved, that the
Official Bond as such Assessor & Collector be fixed
at the sum of One thousand Dollars to be
approved by the present acting Mayor, on filing
which Bond and the Oath of Office required by
Law in the Mayors Office said Officer is hereby
authorized and empowered to demand Collect
and Receive all outstanding dues, taxes &c
heretofore Collected by the Marshall
The Matter of the Petition
of P H McManigle; Jas R Barnard, Hoffman
& Co. & D. T Fetchell, Retail Liquor dealers
praying for a reduction in the present rate
of License on their Occupations, which was
accordingly taken under Consideration and
after much discussion, pro & con, the following
Resolution was unanimously adopted – to wit
_______ Resolved, that the City assessor & Collector
Licenses be authorized to Reduce to Rate of Retail
Liquor dealers (or Bar-Room) Licence to the
377
amount of 50 per cent or one half of the
present Licence tax as prayed for in said
Petition (for the ensuing last quater of the
Present year A. D. 1870, after which time the
said License tax on Bar Rooms, will be
considered as resumed at the present Rate
of One hundred per annum, unless otherwise
Ordered by this Board, Messrs Cody &
FitzSimmons of The Sanitary Committee then
presented their Report of the Examination
of the Hide Warehouses and Slaughter Houses
within and in the Vicinity of the City, and
the same was thereupon approved and
the Marshall was Instructed to carry out
the suggestions of said Committee, and keep
a vigilant watch of the premises of Butchers
and others, so as to compel the prompt
removal of all nuisance or other offensive
Matters from the Yards or Lots of the said
Establishments
Whereupon on Motion the
Meeting adjourned, sine die
Attest
Joseph FitzSimmons } Charles Weidenmueller
Aldm & Sec P Tem } Mayor Pro tem
378
Regular Meeting of the
City Council was Convened on
Tuesday 4th day of October A. D.
1870. first Tuesday of the Month
Present Aldn Chas Weidenmueller, Mayor
Pro tem Presiding with
Prokop Hoffman }
James Cody }
John McClane } Aldermen
Joseph FitzSimmons }
and City Marshal, McTernan
Absent Aldermen Kearney, & Doddridge
and Secretary Chas Beman Esqr
The Meeting was Called to order
by the Mayor P T when on Motion
the Minutes of last Called Meetings
of the 8th & 27th Ulto were read and
approved – and the Secretary being still
absent and no probability of returning to
this City it was upon motion Resolved
that the Office of Secretary be and the
same is hereby declared Vacant, which
Resolution was unanimously adopted –
Alderman Fitzsimmons was then requested to
act as Secretary until a suitable person can
be procured to Record the proceedings of
this council, which was accordingly complied
with.
The Petition of John Jay and
George Wilmot asking to be allowed to Erect
a Wheelwright & Blacksmith Shop on the
Market plot or vicinity and after reading
the same, the said application was granted
379
and Aldermen McClane and Fitzsimmons were
appointed a Committee to examine the Location
and assign the place on said Market square
to be occupied as a workshop by the aforesaid
Jay and Wilmot, they agreeing to pay the City
a ground Rent of One Dollar per Month for
the Ground so occupied by them – to Commence
from the time of completion of their said Workshop
The Communication from E B Bishop
Dated New Orleans September 9th 1870 addressed
to His Honor the Mayor of Corpus Christi [Texas], proposing
to build a new Dredging Machine and, and Make
a new Ship Channel, was then taken up and
on Motion it was Resolved that said Communication
be Kept under consideration and that the same
be answered by the Secretary, as soon as
Communication is re-opened with New Orleans
(after the Conclusion of the present Epidemic there prevailing)
with a view to effect some plan for the said
purpose if feasible –
Whereupon the Matter of Claims and
accounts against the City were then taken up
and Considered, to wit
The Claim of Charles Weidenmueller
for hauling Shell on the streets, and
furniture to Office & Quarantine Station –
dated July 1869. which was allowed for the
full amt. viz Five Dollars 25 in ‘specie’ 5.25
The Claim of Joseph McKew for hauling
dated August, 1870, for work done on Streets
Cleaning same, and filling mud hole near
Gussets Store, and also for removing dead
animals from the Streets, was then audited
and Examined and allowed in full for
the amt Claimed viz Six dollars 25cts specie 6.25
The Bill of Cornelius McTernan for
repairing Grave yard fence, in the City ____
amt over 12.00
380
Amt brot over 1200
was then Audited and Examined, and allowed
in full for the Amount named, viz Five dollars
in specie []
And the Secretary is hereby authorized
to issue his warrant on the City Treasury for that
several amounts, and the sum of Seventeen dollars
in ‘specie is hereby appropriated out of any money in the
Treasury not otherwise appropriated –
Whereupon there being no other
business before the Board the meeting adjourned
to next regular session –
Charles Weidenmueller
Attest
Joseph FitzSimons }
Aldmn & Sec Pro tem } Mayor Pro tem
381
Special Meeting, Nov. 9. 1870
Pursuant to call, the Board of Al-
dermen met at the office of the Mayor.
Wednesday evening, November 9, 1870.
Present, Mayor J B. Mitchell, Al-
dermen Jas. Fitzsimmons
P. Hoffman
Chas Weidenmueller
James Cody.
John McClane
Secretary Chas A. Beman
Marshal Thos Murphy
Absent Aldermen
Doddridge
Kearny
The meeting was called to order by the
Mayor.
The account of Dr Jas Nagle, Quaran-
tine Officer was then presented, through
the Chairman of the Finance Com-
mittee, showing the claim of a
balance of $743.43 due by the State
of Texas to the City of Corpus Christi.
Said account was received, and
after examination and approval
by the Board, was referred to
the Finance Committee for further
action.
(inserted vertically on page)
An appropriation was ordered paid to Juan [Cohualla]
as being destitute, sick and without funds, and ordered
paid ($10)
No further business being before
the Board, it was adjourned, to
the next Regular Meeting, being Tues-
day, November 15, 1870
J B Mitchell
Chas A. Beman Maor CC.C.
Secretary
382
Regular Meeting
___
Council met pursuant to adjourn-
ment, Tuesday, Nov 23 Present Mayor
J B. Mitchell, Aldermen Kearny & Dodd-
ridge Secretary Chas A Beman, and Acting
Marshal Thos. Murphy.
A quorum not being in attendance,
council adjourned.
Chas. A Beman Secretary
Special Meeting
___
Council met at the Mayor’s office
pursuant to call, Thursday, November
24, 1870, at 10 o’clock, A. M.
Present His Honor J. B. Mitchell, Mayor
Aldermen Perry Doddridge
Thos. Kearney
Jno McClane
James Cody
Pro. Hoffman
Jos Fitzsimmons
Secretary Chas A. Beman
Acting Marshal Thos Murphy.
A quorum being present Council proceeded
to the transaction of business.
Alderman McClane who has been acting
in the capacity of Marshal moved that
a Marshal be elected, and proposed the
name of Thos. Murphy, who, being in-
terrogated, expressed a willingness to
serve in same capacity An election was
[gone] [], whereupon Mr Murphy was
unanimously elected City Marshal,
his term to commence from the 20th inst.
383
It was moved and seconded that
Mr. Chas A Beman having returned, and
expressed himself as ready to enter upon
the discharge of his duties as Secretary,
be it resolved that he be re installed in
said office, and his bond and oath be
considered as binding, without any
further action Carried
The bill of Chas A. Beman, City Secre-
tary, for services rendered said City was
presented, and upon motion, seconded, and
referred to Finance Committee for consid-
eration.
It was ordered by the Mayor that
the Secretary be requested to notify the
Marshal, Treasurer and Recorder to make
a report of their expenditures, and funds
in their possession, and other matters
pertaining to their offices Said reports
to be made at the next regular meet-
ing
A petition was introduced, read and
received and accepted from J W. [Hunn]
Irvin Freeman and others, praying that
an ordinance be passed permitting them
to peddle vegetables and produce upon the
streets, upon payment of a license. Upon
motion said petition now referred to
Committee on Ordinances.
A petition was introduced, from
Mr. Wm. Headen, read and received, in
which Mr. Headen, acting as Agent for the
Channel firm of Morris & Cummings, of New
York City, [made a tender] of the Cor-
pus Christi Ship Channel, completed,
to said City, for the sum of $40,000 U.
S. currency to be paid in bonds of the City, payable
in five years, and [be...ing] ten per cent
interest. Upon motion, seconded and
384
carried, the petition was referred to a
committee of two, to be appointed by the
Mayor, with instructions to report forth
with. After consultation, the com-
mittee, consisting of Messrs P. Doddridge
and R. Kearny, made the following re-
port.
We, your committee appointed to take
into consideration the petition of Mr. Wm
Headen, for Morris & Cummings, report
That we recommend that the City make
a contract with Messrs Morris & Cummings
to finish the Ship channel, provided that
they will make the time nine months
from January 1st 1871, and that they
will agree that if said channel is
not finished according to contract, that
they shall forfeit all title and claims
to the same, and its emoluments. We
also recommend to pay them upon comple-
tion of said channel the sum of $40,000
in City Bonds, payable in twenty years
or sooner, at the option of the city, said
bonds to draw interest at the rate
of seven (7) per cent, per annum, pay-
able semi-annually, and also all the
lands they may obtain from the
State of Texas, heretofore donated by
said State. It shall also be understood
that this is a new contract, and has
no connection with, nor takes any cog-
nizance of any former contract. Said
Morris & Cummings shall at the same
time return to the City of Corpus Christi
the bonds, amounting to $500,00000, issued
to Dean S. Howard & Co, in 1858. And
it shall be understood and agreed
that the said Morris & Cummings take
a lien on said Channel as their only
385
recourse for payment of said new bonds
for $40,000 and interest. Said bonds are
to be issued when the Channel is finish-
ed, and the contractors have complied
with all the requirements hereby made.
Said Contractors are to hold the city
free from all other claimants to said
Ship Channel, and its emoluments – J. W.
Vineyard and Jno M. Moore having pre
viously relinquished to said Morris &
Cummings all their right and title to
said Channel. The City agreeing to
have the tolls faithfully collected, and
sufficient being used for the payment
of interest on said bonds, and the
balance set aside on a sinking fund to pay
said principal, first deducting from said
tolls the sum actually needed to pay the
running and expenses of said channel. The
city reserves the right to call in said
bonds in sums of $500, and pay
off the same, at such times as they
have money sufficient in the treas-
ury to do so The City pledges it-
self that no funds resulting from
tolls collected shall be used for any
other purpose than the payment of
the principal and interest of said
bonds of $40,000 The City also agrees
to assist said Morris & Cummings,
and co-operate with them in securing
said donations of lands made by
the State to the Corpus Christi ship
Channel Co., and its assigns.
After an animated and protracted
discussion, to elcit the views of the
Aldermen present, it was moved that
386
the Report of Messrs. Doddridge & Kearny,
as a whole be received and adopted. Said
motion was seconded and adopted, and
the Secretary instructed to furnish Messrs.
Morris & Cummings, through Mr. Headen,
with a copy of the same.
No further business appearing, the
Council adjourned to next Regular meet-
ing. J B Mitchell
Attest Mayor Corpus Christi.
Chas. A. Beman
Secretary
Regular Meeting
Pursuant to adjournment the Council
met at the Mayors office Tuesday December
6th 1870
Present His Honor J. B Mitchell Mayor,
Aldermen Jas Fitzsimmons
“ P Hoffman
“ P. Doddridge
“ C. Weidenmueller
“ J Cody
“ Thos. Kearny
A quorum being present the Council pro-
ceeded to the consideration of business
The Minutes of the three pre-
ceding meetings were read and upon
motions accepted.
The bond of Thos Murphy as City
Marshal, was presented, and being
found incorrect was handed back,
not approved.
The Bond of Mr J C Russell as
387
City Recorder was presented, and
being found correct was approved, and
ordered to be filed.
Reports of City Officers were
called for, – none presented – no excuses
made.
Committee on Ordinances
through their Chairman, Mr. Fitzsimmons
reported the following ordinance
Upon motion the same was accepted
Upon motion, duly seconded, the new
book of ordinances, condensing those now
in force, was referred to the Committee
on Ordinances, with instructions to re-
port at the next regular meeting as
to its correctness: and also as to what
should be the proper compensation
of the Secretary for his labor in com-
piling said book. Adopted.
Consideration of bills and claims
against the City was then gone into
Bill of Thos. Fields, for carrying out
of the City two dead animals, $1.00([]),
ordered paid
Bill of Ald. Chs. Weidenmueller for
services rendered as [Street] Commissioner
amounting to $30.00 (specie) ordered paid
388
Bill of Wm. De Ryee for books and [pads, pens]
for use of Secretary, $1.75, specie, ordered paid.
Bill of [C.] Hoffman, for rent of Mayor’s
office for October and November, $15.00
specie, ordered paid
Bill of Chas. A. Beman, as City
Secretary and Recorder’s Clerk. for ser-
vices. rendered from May 26. to July 21
1870, amounting to $20 00. specie. ordered
paid
Bill of Messrs Jordan & [] for
[] furnished to City for [repairing]
streets and gutters, amounting to $31 75,
specie, ordered paid.
An ordinance defining the duties of the City
Secretary and Recorder Treasurer was then
presented, received, read, and upon mo-
tion, seconded, was carried, said ordi
nance to take effect from and after
its passage (See Ordinance Book.)
There being some doubt as regards
Standing Committees, the Mayor re-appoint-
ed them, as follows
Com. on Finances – McClane, Hoffman and
Doddridge
Com. on Ordinances – Fitzsimmons, Kearny,
and Cody
Com. on Streets, Hoffman, Weidenmueller
and Doddridge
No further business appearing, the Council
adjourned, to meet at the next regular
meeting, Tuesday, December 20, 1870
Attest
Chas A. Beman J B Mitchell
City Secretary. Mayor C.C.C.
389
Special Meeting
Council met pursuant to call of the
Mayor, December 17, 1870
Present Mayor J. B. Mitchell
Aldermen Jas Fitzsimmons
“ P. Hoffman
“ P. Doddridge
“ Thos. Kearny
Secretary Chas A Beman
Marshal Thos Murphy
The Report of the Committee on Ordinances
through its Chairman, Jas. Fitzsimmons was
then read as follows:
To his Honor, Mayor J. B Mitchell and
Board of Aldermen, City of Corpus Christi
We, the members of the Committee on
Ordinances, appointed at the regular meeting
of this body, Dec. 6. 1870 with instructions
to examine and compare the book of ordin-
ances codified and condensed from the
original record and Minutes of the City
Council, by the Secretary, Charles. A
Beman, Esqr and your Committee having
carefully perused said book, and com-
pared the ordinances transcribed therein,
are of the opinion that the same is com-
plete, correct, and in every way adapted
for use in the City Court as a standard
of authority for the Mayor and Recorder
to use as a compendium of all the
ordinances of the City now in force;
and all others preceding or contraven-
ing those contained in said book,
being included in pages numbered from
(1) one to (75) seventy-five save and except
such as refer to the Ship Channel ordin-
ances, we recommend that these be de-
390
clared of no force, and repealed from and
after this date.
Signed James Cody
Thos Kearny
Jos. Fitzsimmons
The bill of Chas A. Kearny Beman, amounting
to $30.00, for writing the book of ordinances
mentioned above was approved and or-
dered paid
The following ordinance was then read,
and upon motion seconded and was adopted.
Ordinance in relation to licensing []
[] and other exhibitions.
Sec. 1 Be it ordained by the Mayor
and Board of Aldermen of the City of
Corpus Christi That from and after
this date all [] and ex-
hibitions [] to such [] li-
censed by the State and county shall
pay a license tax to [the city] of ten (10)
dollars a day for every day [so] exhibit=
ing within the city limits
Sec. 2 That if any person or persons
shall violate this ordinance, he or then shall
upon conviction before the Mayor or Recorder,
shall be fined in a sum not less than
twenty ($20) nor more than fifty ($50.) dollars
for each offence and upon failure to pay
the fine shall be imprisoned in the city
jail for such length of time as the Mayor
or Recorder may adjudge. []
The bill of Wm H. Maltby, for printing
amounting to $33.20 currency, and [recurring] from
[August 1st] 1870 to December 1st 1870. was
presented, and upon motion, seconded,
was ordered paid.
The bill of Wm De Ryee for account
391
book for use of the Secretary, amounting
to $0 75 specie, was presented, and upon
motion, seconded, was ordered paid
No further business appearing
the Council adjourned to next regular
meeting. J B Mitchell
Attest Mayor C.C.C
Chas. A. Beman
Secretary
Regular Meeting
January 3rd 1871
Council met pursuant to adjournment
Present Hon. J B Mitchell Mayor
“ Thos Kearney }
James Cody }
Chas Weidenmueller } Aldermen
P Doddridge }
Jas Fitzsimmons }
Recorder Russell being present was requested to act
as Secretary pro.tem
The minutes of the two preceeding meetings were read
and approved
Recorder Russell then offered his report, which was
referred to the Committee on finance.
Geo Hobb’s bill for making pick ax handle .75¢
was ordered to be paid
The bill of Chas Weidenmueller of $30.00 up to
Decr. 8 1870 for boarding prisoners was ordered to be
paid.
A bill of one dollar in favor of Wm DeRyee
was ordered to be paid
A bill of $4.50¢ presented by C A. Beman
for balance due on Salary on motion was
refered to the committee on finance.
On motion it was ordered that the sum of
thirty dollars be appropriated for the relief of two
indigent families in the City, and that twenty
dollars of said amount be placed in the hands of J W. Fogg
392
and ten dollars in the hands of Messrs Mitchell
& Evans for disbursement.
On motion the Mayor was authorized to approve
the City Marshal’s official bond, which on being
presented was approved in due form.
On motion the following resolution was unanimously
adopted, to wit;
Resolved that the businessmen and other citizens
of the City who have suffered loss by the disor-
derly conduct of parties during the Christmas
holy days, by the removal and destruction of business
signs or otherwise, be requested to file their
respective claims for such damage against
the City with the City Recorder verified by affidavit, together with the
names of the parties committing such damage
if known, and if not known, whom they susp-
ect, and all other information they may
have touching the matter
Alderman Doddridge offered an ordinance
prohibiting the display of fireworks after 8 o’clock
p. m. which on motion was refered to the committee
on ordinances.
The following resolution was then offered and
adopted, to wit;
Resolved that the Secretary be instructed to
enter in the book of Ordinance, an Ordinance
heretofore passed and now in force, requiring
all business houses in the City to be closed during
the Sabbath day.
On motion the following resolution was passed
to wit;
Information having been received that Chas.
A Beman late City Secretary, has removed from
this City, therefore Resolved that his office be
declared vacant.
On motion the following resolution offered by
Alderman Fitzsimmons was adopted to wit;
Resolved that the committee on Ordinances be inst-
ructed to prepare and report an amendment to the
393.
City Charter, authorizing the City Council to
compel all citizens of residing within the limits
of the Corporation to labor on the Streets or public
improvements not to exceed ten days in each year.
The following ordinances were then offered and ado-
pted without reference to the Committee – to wit
1. Be it ordained by the Mayor and Board of Alderm-
en of the City of Corpus Christi, that the fees of office
of the Recorder and Marshal be regulated by the crim-
inal Code of Criminal Procedure of the State of Texas
as laid down in Oldham & White’s Digest of the laws
of said State on pages 678 & 679 and that all
ordinances and parts of ordinances conflicting
herewith be repealed
2 Be it further ordained that any person committed
to the Jail in default of the payment of any fine
and costs imposed on him her or them, by the
City Recorder for a violation of the Ordinances
of said City, shall be allowed one dollar per day
for each and every day he she or they may be con-
fined in jail or be engaged in labor, under the
ordinances of said city
On motion the meeting then adjourned until
the next regular meeting –
Attest J. C. Russell } J B Mitchell
Secy pro tem } Mayor C.C.C.
394.
Regular Meeting
Jany 24” 1871
No quorum present and adjourned to next regular
meeting.
Attest. J B Mitchell
D. A [Luipleton] Mayor C.C.C.
City Secretary
395.
Regular Meeting
Febry 7” 1871
Council met pursuant to adjournment
Present
Hon J B Mitchell Mayor
Jos Fitzsimmons }
C. Weitenmuler }
Jno McClane } Aldermen
Jas Cody }
P Hoffman }
D. A [Luipleton] being present was requested to
act as Secretary pro tem.
Minutes of last meeting read and adopted.
The consideration of Bills acted on by Finance Com.
being in order.
Mr Beman’s Bill for services rendered amounting
to four dollars and fifty cents ($450) considered and
payment suspended until further action be taken thereon
Bill of J. W. Fogg for attendance and services rendered
to sick man, amounting to forty dollars ($4000) con-
sidered and ordered to be paid
Bill of Samuel Moore for hauling away dead an-
imals, amounting to two dollars and fifty cents consid-
ered and ordered paid
Bill of Kletus Hoffman for rent of Mayors office
amounting to seven dollars and fifty cents ($7.50) con-
sidered and ordered paid.
Bill of Thos Field for hauling away dead animals
considered and ordered paid amounting to Seventy five
cents ($0 75)
Bill of Jos Fitzsimmons for amt paid for labor
performed on the [...ull], amounting to two dollars and fifty
cents ($2.50) considered and ordered paid
Bill of Jos Fitzsimmons for amt paid for freight
and &c on [Iron] for City amounting to two dollars and
fifty cents ($250) considered and ordered paid
Bill of George Wilson for hauling away dead
animals amounting to four dollars and fifty cents ($450)
considered, and ordered paid.
396.
Bill of John Brown for placing Hogs in City Pound
amounting to five dollars ($500) considered and ordered paid
Bill of Pat Lawler for hauling away dead animals
amounting to fifty cents $(050) considered and ordered
paid.
Bill of Chas Weidenmuler for board and mainten-
ance of Prisoners for the month of January 1871 amou-
nting to thirty eight dollars and twenty five cents
($3125) considered and ordered paid
On motion it was ordered that the bills presented
by citizens for damage done to their signs on the
night of Dec 24” 1870 be put on record by the
Secy for future consideration
The following were the bills so presented
Bill of Jas. Hobbs amounting to $5.50
“ “ Jno Woessner “ “ 3.00
“ “ Wm B Chapman “ “ 10.00
“ “ Thomas Kearney “ “ 6.50
“ “ Wm De Ryee “ “ 32.00
“ “ Wm L Rogers “ “ 25.00
“ “ Jno Hall “ “ 5.00
“ “ U Lott and Co “ “ 9.00
“ “ Noessel and Son “ “ 25.00
The petition of sundry citizens for the repeal of
the Hog Law, was presented and read and action
thereon defered until next meeting.
The report of Jno McClane Assesor and Collector
of Taxes was presented and on motion received.
The following resolutions were then presented
and on motion adopted – to wit;
Resolved. that we heard with satisfaction the
Channel Mayors remarks and explanations, made at the
public meetings ont the 28th and 4” inst. in defense of
the position past and present. of the City Corporation
in connection with the Ship Channel Co, and fully
endorse the same. Also that our Mayor be reques-
ted to prepare a full compilation, from the City Records
of all proceedings, and ordinances, appurtaining to said
Ship Channel Co. for publication.
Resolved. That the City Treasurer, being the only
officer who has failed to present himself at the meetings
397
of the City Council. and never having made
his report, in accordance with ordinances forescribing
his duties, be notified to prepare and present his
report at the next regular meeting, and failing
to do so, his office will be declared vacant, and a
new Treasurer elected, and that the Secretary
be requested to furnish said Officer with a copy of
this resolution.
On motion proceeded to the election of a Secretary,
the name of D. A [...ton] being proposed,
on motion was unanimously elected.
As for the business being before the meeting on motion
adjourned to next regular meeting
J B Mitchell
attest
D. A. [Luipleton] Mayor C.C.C
City Secretary
Special Meeting
April 1st 1871
Council met pursuant to call of the Mayor
Present Hon. J. B Mitchell. Mayor.
Prokop Hoffman }
Chs Weidenmiller }
P. Doddridge }
Jno McClane } Aldermen
James Cody }
Jos Fitzsimmons }
Minutes of last meeting. read and on
motion adopted.
Moved and seconded that the reports of
Assesor and Collector and Treasurer be pre-
paired for publication by next regular meeting
together with a delinquent list of the same
adopted.
The following amendment to an ordinance relating
398
to the City Cemetry, passed Oct 22” 1868 was
presented by the Mayor and on motion adopted
to wit.
Be it ordained: That the Ordinance relating
to the City Cemetry. passed Oct 22” 1868 be
amended to read a follows. Sec. 1st
Be it ordained that the City Marsall be cus-
todian of the Keys of the Cemetry, and it shall
be his duty to see that the fences and gates are
kept in order, and properly secured:
Sec. 2”. That any person found guilty of injuring
or breaking any portion of the fence enclosing the
Cemetry, or breaking [of...] the gates. or in doing any
other act tending to desecrate said Cemetry. or anything
within its grounds. shall be fined not less than $20.00
nor more than $50.00 for each offense, at the descre-
tion of the Mayor or Alderman.
Sec 3” That any person found guilty of putting or
turning in within the enclosure of said Cemetry.
any Horse. Cow, Calf. Sheep. Hog. or other animal,
shall be fined not less than $2000 nor more than $5000
for each offense, at the descretion of the Mayor or
Recorder.
Sec. 4” That any person giving information looking
to the arrest and coviction of any person offending
as aforesaid, shall recieve one half the fine imposed,
and collected, and the other half shall go to the
benefit of the Cemetry fund.
This ordinance to take effect from and after its pas-
sage.
Channel The following Resolutions were the presented
and on motion adopted. to wit.
Resolved. That we the City Council look
favorably upon a new Contract to be made
with Messers Morris and Cummings, upon the
terms and conditions, as stated by Mr. Wm
Headen at a public meeting on the 8” of
March last, (which terms and conditions will
be found below)
399
and that so soon as Messrs Morris and
Cummings shall present such contract
so expressed and conditioned. the City Cou-
-ncil will approve and accept the same.
Terms and conditions of Messers Morris and
Cummings as presented by Wm Headen,
That if Mess. Morris and Cummings shall
enter upon the work of completing the said
Channel and prosecute the same, without
unnesessary hinderances and delays, until
it shall be eight feet [depth] and one hundred
feet wide, and tender it to the City thus
Completed, then it shall be surveyed without
unnesessary delay, by a competent person
appointed by the City Council, and when
found and proved to be of the width and
depth specified, the City Council shall
issue to Morris and Cummings. City Bonds
for the sum of Forty thousand dollars
payable in five years, with ten per cent.
interest per anum. and shall. further.
petition the State Legislature to issue
Land Warrants to Morris and Cummings
for the land origanally granted in further
ance of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel
enterprise, as confirmed by the State con
vention of 1868.
And furthermore, that it shall be condition
ed in said contract that, for the said
sum of Forty thousand dollars in City
Bonds, with interest as stated, Messers
Morris and Cummings and J. W vineyard and his
assigns shall release and covey to the City
of Corpus Christi all their rights, title and
interest in the said Ship Channel to the
City of Corpus Christi together with its toll
franchise &ce. save and except the land.
hereinbefore mentioned. And it shall be
conditioned, that upon the closing of the
contract the right to collect tolls shall in
ure to the City of Corpus Christi.
And furthermore it shall be conditioned in
the said contract that the City of Corpus
Christi shall not be bound to receive the said
City Bonds in any other manner than by
a lien upon said Channel, which in event
400
of the of the nonpayment of the bonds shall revert
to said Morris and Cummings and be confir
med to them by the City of Corpus Christi
together with all its rights and priviliges
and franchises &ce.
Resolved. That the thanks of the City be
tendered to our Representative, Hon. Ira H
Evans, for his indefatigable and success-
ful exertions in the behalf of the City
and County. in having secured us. a fa-
vorable charter for a Ship Channel, and
other measures of great public benefit to our
section. Also that our thanks are due to
Alfred D. Evans Esq. for the abel manner
in which he drew up our Channel and
Railroad Charters, and for his endeavours
to promote our interests.
The following Bills. were then presented
and on motion refered to Finance Committee
Bill of Jno. McClane for rent of Mayors
office ammounting to $10.00
Bill of R. [Jordon] for Lumber ammounting
to $2.6[]
Bill of Thos. Murphy City Marshal ammou-
nting to $120.00
No further buisness being before the mee-
ting on motion adjourned to next regular
meeting.
J B Mitchell
attest. Mayor C.C.C.
D. A. [Luipleton]
City Secretary.
401
Regular Meeting
April 18th 1871
Present Mayor Mitchell
Aldermen McClane
Weidenmiller
Cody
Kearny
absent Aldermen []. ___ .
Fitzsimmons
Doddridge
Hoffman
Minutes of last meeting read and on motion
adopted.
The following Bills were then presented, and on
motion refered to the Finance Committee.
Bill of Andrew Fisher for works performed on Lay-
lor Street amounting to $4.50
Bill of Charles Weidinmuellir for board and ma-
tenance of prisoners amounting to $2025
Bill of Leonard Webber for hauling away dead an-
imals amounting to $2.50
Bill of Patrick McCabe for placing shell on side-
walks amounting to $3.75
The following resolution being presented, was on
motion duly seconded, and filed to wit.
Resolved that the Council adopt the plan resol-
ved upon at the late meeting of the citizens in regard
to taxation for Channel purposes.
Attest
J B Mitchell Attest
Mayor C.C.C. D A. [Luipleton]
City [Sec...]
Special Meeting April 26” 1871
Called by the Mayor at the request of the citizens
Present Hon J B Mitchell Mayor
Jos Fitzsimmons
Perry Doddridge
Jas Cody
Jno McClane
Chs Weidenmiller
P. Hoffman
402
. The petition presented by citizens on motion duly sec-
oned was recieved.
The following Resolution presented by the Mayor
was read on Motion duly seconed adopted. to wit
Be it Ordained by Mayor and Board of Aldermen
of the City of Corpus Christi in Council convened
Whereas, More than fifty freeholders of the City
of Corpus Christi, have petitioned the Mayor and
Aldermen of this City, for an election to take the
opinion of the same, for their proposition, that said
city shall aid in the construction of the Ship
Chanell, contemplated to be excavated by the Cor-
pus Christi Navagation Company, a corporation cha-
tired by act of the Legislature of the State, and by
which channel it is intended to admit two and from
Corpus Christi Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, all ves
sels capable of crossing Aransas Bar, this aid by the
the city donating to said company when duly org-
anized and in operation, the sum of twenty five
thousand dollars U. S. Currency, say $25,000 in
the bonds of the city, payable in ten years, with
seven per cent. per anum interest, payable anualy
in gold coin, on coupons to said bonds attached;
the said bonds to be in equal amounts of $100.
$500. and $1000, and to be issued in conformity
with existing laws in this behalf; and that to
pay said bonds at maturity, as well as the
interest as it may accrue and all costs and
charges of collection of the same, a special and
direct tax of one per cent per. anum be assesed,
levied and collected in maner and form as pre
scribed by law.
And whereas, The said Mayor and Board of
Aldermen in special meeting this day convened have
considered the said petition and propositions,
1st. That an election by the qualified voters of
the city be and the same is hereby ordered to
be held on Monday. May 29. A. D. 1871, and
to continue from day to day, for and during three
days, and during the hours by law prescribed
at the Council room in this city over the U. S.
403
Post Office under the management of
J. R. Barnard, R Power, and E H Wheeler;
and that at said election, the foregoing prop
position of the freeholders of this city be subm-
ited to the vote of the electors by ballot, for the
proposition, or “against the proposition.”
2d That the maniger of said election appoint
two clerks to assist at the same; that the votes
be counted and a statement made of the result,
with the affadavet of said manigers and clerks,
“that said election has been conducted according
to law”; and that within three days after said
election, said managers and clerks or either,
make a return to the Mayor of this city of the
result of the same, with the ballots and the
record of persons who voted.
3d. That to ascertain and record the result
of said election on Monday, June 5th, A D.
1871, and the proposition having been duly car
ried in the affirmative, such orders will then be
made, and such regulations adopted as will give
practical effect to said proposition.
4th That His Honor, the Mayor, give notice of
the said hereby ordered election, by publishing
this ordinance for full three weeks previous
thereto, in the Corpus Christi Advertiser and in
the Nueces Vally, two newspapers printed and pub
lished in this city.
John B Mitchell
Attest Mayor City Corpus Christi
D. A [Luipleton]
By virtue of the authority in me vested by the
Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of
Corpus Christi, publication of the foregoing or
dinance and order of election is hereby made
John B Mitchell
Mayor C.C.C
On motion adjourned J B Mitchell
Attest Mayor C.C.C.
D. A [Luipleton]
City Sec.
404
May 23rd 1871
Council met according to call of the
Mayor, in special meeting. for the purpose
of considering Quarantine affair.
Present
Mayor Mitchell
Aldermen Kearney
Hoffman
McClane
Wheidenmiller
Minutes of last meeting read and on
motion adopted
After some discussion on the subject for
which the meeting was called, the Secretary
was requested to write to Dr Tucker of Rock-
port offering him the position of Quarantine
Officer.
On motion adjourned.
J B Mitchell
Mayor C.C.C.
July 8” 1871
Special meeting called by the Mayor.
Present J. B. Mitchell Mayor
Chas. Whitennmill }
Jno. McClane }
Jos. Fitzsimmons } Aldermen
Jas. Cody }
Profop Hoffman }
Chas Kearny }
405
The following bills were presented and on
motion refered to the Finance Committee.
Bill of Dr Crocker for attendance on mexican
ammounting to $30.00.
Bill of John McClane for rent of Mayors
Office amounting to $15.00
Bill of Thos. Murphy for services aas City
Marshall amounting to $110.00
Bill of D. A. [Luipleton] for services as City
Secretary amounting to $12.50
Bill of Henry Moore for Blacksmithing
amounting to $250
Bill of Clerks at the City Election amount
ing to $30.00
Bill of Pat. Lawler for hauling dead animals
amounting to $6.50
Bill of Chas Weidenmiller for board of
Prisoners amounting to $47.50
The bills of Thos. Fields amounting to $400
for hauling shell on the streets refered to the
Street Committe.
The reports of various officers were received
and refered to the Mayor for inspection:
By the request of the Govenor the Mayor
appointed Col Nelson Plato Health Officer
at Aransas Pass the 19” day of June 1871
the salery assured by the Govenor $20000
per month and expenses of boat and crew.
The Mayor at the suggestion of the Gov.
made a requisition on the Comptroller
for two months pay in advance $400.00
which the Govenor assured the Mayor
would: be promptly paid on his return
to Austin: All fees collected were to go
against the account of salery and
406
monthly returns to be made to the City
Council.
Moved and seconed that the action of the
Mayor and Aldermen at an informal
meeting in appointing a health officer be
approved. adopted.
Presented by the Mayor the Official vote
of the Channel election certified to him
as recieved from the judges of Election, which
was ordered to be recorded on the City books
Resolved, that action upon the assesment
and collection of the Channel Tax be sus-
pended until such time as the Corpus
Christi Navagation Company shall have actu-
ally commenced work. adopted
[To] Miss
J. R. Barnard } Manigers of the City Election
R. Powers } ordered by the Mayor
E. H. Wheeler } and Board of Aldermen of
the City of Corpus Christi on April 26” A. D
1871, to vote upon the “proposition” that said
city shall aid in the construction of the Ship
Channel contemplated to be excavated
by the Corpus Christi Navagation Company
Gentlemen.
You will observe the following rules
for your guidance, in conducting said election.
1st The votes must be by “ballot” “For the prop-
osition” or “against the proposition.”
2nd No person is eligible to vote, who is not duly
“registered” and qualified, under the proposition
provisions of Article Six (6) Section One (1) of
the State Constitution.
407
3rd That no person shall be eligible to vote
who is not a citizen and resides within
the limits of the corporation, and at the
time of his voting, being the owner of real
estate, or house holder and shall have resided
during the period of six months, immediately
preceding such election within the corporation
“in Sec 4. City Charter approved Feb. 16” 1852,
4” That the limits of Said Corporation shall
extend, one mile north and south from E.
Ohlers warf, and two miles west from the Bay
or front street of said City of Corpus Christi
Sec. 8” City Charter.
5th That no delinquent tax payers shall be
allowed to vote at any election of said City.
6th You will appoint two clerks to assist at
the election, You will count the votes, and
Make a statement of the results [] the
affadavets of yourselves and clerks: “that said
election has been conducted according to law”
and within three days after said election, you
or either of you, will make a return to the
Mayor of this City of the results of the same
with the ballots, and the record of persons
who voted.
I append a list of the “registered voters”
residents of this City furnished by the
Board of Registration comprising the names
of all those known to them as qualified
voters under the state laws; but some
of them may be disqualified under the
laws of the City Charter, therefore, you
will use especial care, and should you
have any reason to doubt the qualifications
of any voter you will interogate him under oath
attest Respectfully
D. A. [Luipleton] J. B. Mitchell Mayor
City Secretary
408
State of Texas }
County of Nueces }
City of Corpus Christi } Personally appeared before me
J. B Mitchell, Mayor of the City of Corpus Christi,
Nelson Plato, W. L. Rogers, and E. H Wheeler
the duly appointed manigers and judges of
the City Election ordered by the Mayor and
Board of Aldermen to be held on the 29” day of
May A D. 1871. and three ensuing days to vote
upon the “proposition” that said City shall
aid the Corpus Christi Navagation Co-
mpany. in opening a new Ship Channel to the
Gulf of Mexico, and return to me the atta
ched report of said election accompanied with
“instructions” of the Mayor for holding said
election Marked “A”. the List of all Registered
voters, who voted at said election, duly sworn
to by P. McDonough and Joseph E Fitzsimmons
Clerks of said election, Marked “B” and
a sealed envelope containing the One Hun
dred and fifty (150) original ballots cast
at said election.
I do hereby certify that said Nelson Plato
W. L Rogers and E. H. Wheeler and P.
McDonough and Jos. E. FitzSimmons the
Clerks appointed by them, were duly and
properly sworn by me immediately preceding
the opening of said election, with the oath
legally prescribed for holding elections
in every and all respects and that said
election in every and all respects, was held
in strict conformity with the “act of the
Legislature” and orders of the City of Corpus
Christi” providing for said election also,
that said return of election documents mar
ked “A” and “B” and the ballots were returned
to me on the 2” day of June A. D. 1871
409
In testimony of which I hereunto
attach my signature and the impress
_________ of my official seal of the City
Seal of Corpus Christi, at the
Mayors Office in said City
this 8” day of July A. D. 1871
J. B. Mitchell
Mayor of the City of
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi Texas
May 31st 1871.
Hon. J B. Mitchell
Mayor Corpus Christi
Sir
The undersigned man
agers of the City Election ordered by the Mayor
and Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus
Christi to be held on May 29 A D. 1871 and
to be continued three days to vote upon the
“proposition” that said City shall aid the
“Corpus Christi Navagation Company” in
opening a new Ship Channel to the Gulf
of Mexico respectfully report, - That agreeably
with the instructions of the Hon. Mayor
of this City herewith enclosed Marked “A”
we proceded to hold the election in accordance
with Article 6 Section 1 of the State Con
stitution and conducted the same in
every respect according to Law, and after
carefully counting the votes, we find the
results to be as follows, viz. Ballots polled
and deposited, ‘For the proposition’ (150)
One hundred and fifty, “Against the prop
osition” None
410
The whole number of registered voters appear-
ing upon the certified list furnished the
Managers, together with the names of all
registered voters ascertained to be duly
Registered and qualified by the managers
themselves acting under their Oaths with
due and proper vigalance, and entitled to a
vote within the Corporate limits of the City
of Corpus Christi Texas is (182) One hun-
dred and eighty two. Herewith enclosed
find list of names of all Registered voters
who voted marked “B” together with all
ballots recieved by the managers properly
sealed and addressed. We appointed as our
Clerks Patrick McDonough and Jos E. Fitz
Simmons. who were duly qualified and sworn
according to Law. all of which is respectfully
submitted.
E. H. Wheeler }
Nelson Plato }
Wm L. Rogers } Managers
The State of Texas }
County of Nueces } Personally appeared
before the undersigned authority. E. H. Wheeler
Nelson Plato and Wm L. Rogers who being
duly sworn, On oath declared, that the state
ments set forth over their signatures as Managers
of Election are true and correct.
To certify which Witness my
___ hand and impress of my Official
Seal Seal at Office in Corpus Christi this
1st day of June 1871
Joseph FitzSimmons
clk Dist. Court
Nueces County
The List of voters will be found among the
records of the City.
411
Upon Motion, Council adjourned
attest
Mayor C.C.C.
412
Special Meeting.
July 28th 1871.
Present
Hon. J. B. Mitchell, Mayor
McClane }
Wiedemueller }
Fitzsimmons } Alderman
Cody }
Hoffman }
J. W. Ward. Treasurer.
The final yearly statements of the Treasurer,
Recorder, Assessor & Collector, and Secretary,
were handed to the Finance committee for examination,
The office of Secretary having become vacant by
the departure of Mr. D. A. Templeton, the board
proceded to the election of a new Secretary, which
resulted in the unanimous election of Mr. E. H.
Wheeler..
The former Marshal, Thomas Murphy having
tendered his resignation, and the office being
vacant, Mr. P. Whelan was nominated and
elected by unanimous vote, as City Marshal.
It was resolved that former ordinances appertaining
to the fees and salary of the City Marshal, be hereby
repealed; and that the following ordinance
be substituted, to wit: Be it hereby ordained
413
by the Mayor and Board of Alderman of the
city of Corpus Christi; that in order to secure
efficiency, the City Marshal, shall receive from the
City Treasury, the sum of seventy five dollars $75.00
per month in coin; to be paid him by the City
Treasurer upon the proper warrant; and that all
legal fees of said office, shall belong, and be
paid with the City Treasury; adopted.
The printed abstracts taken from the city records
of the “Old Ship Channel,” compiled by the
Mayor, with his notes and explanations to the
same, was presented for consideration, whereupon
it was resolved that a committee of three be
appointed by the Mayor, to carefully compare the
same with the city records, in order to be able
to certify to its correctness, and to make the
printed document official. Aldermen, Hoffman,
and Fitzsimmons, and Secy. Wheeler, were
appointed the committee.
Messrs. Rogers, & Jordan presented to the
Council a proposition for building a “City
Market House,” which was considered and
discussed at length, and was finally accepted
by vote of the Council upon the following
terms and conditions, to wit:
“Proposition for the building of a City Market
House, by Messrs. Rogers and Jordan.
They shall have the privilege of building a
market house upon Market Square, like the
plan, drawn and made by Mr. E. D. Sidbury,
viz: Said building to be 32 feet wide x 80 feet
long, two story &c, according to the plan in
414
every particular, excepting that it shall
have a roof of tin, & columns of yellow [lime]
12 inches square. They shall inclose the whole
Market Square, with a neat, plain fence,
The two small rooms on the 2d floor (to one of
which shall be attached a fire flue, or chimney.)
shall be under the control, & for the exclusive
use of the city, & the large room on the 2d floor,
the city shall be privileged to use at any & all
times for any public purpose appertaining to the
city affairs, free of charge.
Under no circumstances shall spirituous liquors
be sold, or used on the Market Square. The
contractors shall have the ground rent free for
five years; at expiration of five years, the city
may take the property at the original cost, or at
appraised valuation, the city selecting one
appraiser, the contractors another, & these two
appraisers an umpire, as the city may prefer;
But should the city not choose to take the
property at said time, the lease shall continue
to the contractors for three years longer, at the
end of which time the city shall have the option
of taking the property at 2/3 its original cost, or
continuing the lease for two years longer; At the
expiration of the ten years, the city shall have
the option of taking the property at 1/2 its original
cost, or continuing the lease for three years longer,
At the expiration of thirteen years, the property
415
reverts to the city, free of any further consideration.
At any time when the permanent population
of the city shall reach or exceed the number of 8000
& the city shall deem it advantageous or necessary
to erect another market building on another
locality, they shall reserve the right to do so.
It is understood, that the city shall enact
ordinances prohibiting the sale of meats, game,
vegetables, fruits, fresh fish, and all such commo-
dities as properly appertain to a “City Market,” about
the streets, or in any other place than at the
City Market, but shall exempt from such
restrictions, milk, butter, eggs, or live poultry, &
sweet potatoes, & corn in lots of five bushels or more
if sold to one purchaser. The city stalls &
restaurants, shall be rented out by the contrac-
tors, at public auction semi-annually, on the
1st Mondays of January & 1st Monday of July.
Contractors shall keep all their property covered by
Fire Insurance, for 2/3 its value, failing to do so
should the property be burned down, they shall
be holden to the city for a sum equal to 1/2
cost of buildings.
The contractors shall pay over to the city semi-
annually on 1st Monday of January & June, 5%
of the revenues of the market house, & all
buildings on the Market Square.
The contractors may build any attachments
to the main building, or separate buildings upon
the Market Square, upon the same terms &
conditions as the main building; provided they
shall be built in a neat & comely style; & to
be used only for purposes such as the city may
approve.” It was resolved that the city
416
Recorder, be requested, (in connection with
another lawyer selected by the contractors,) to
prepare the lease & contract; to be submitted
for final action.
On motion council adjourned.
Attest.
Joseph FitzSimmons Mayor, C.C.C.
Act. Secy. –
A Called Meeting of the City
Council was Conveened, on Monday
Evening August 3rd 1871.
Present. Hon. J. B. Mitchell, Mayor
Aldermen Weidenmueller, Hoffman, Cody
and FitzSimmons – Absent Aldermen
Kearny and Doddridge –
The Secretary E. H. Wheeler, not being
present. Alderman FitzSimmons was requested
to act as Secretary. A Quorum of
the Aldermen being present for business
His Honer the Mayor then explained the
object of the Call to be for the purpose of
Closing the proposed contract for building
the Market House for the City as per
the plan. now in the hands of the Mayor
when the following Resolutions were
offered and unanimously adopted
by the members of the Board, viz
417
Whereas Articles of agreement between William
L Rogers and Richard Jordan both of the City of
Corpus Christi, County of Nueces and State of Texas of the
one part, and the City of Corpus Christi of the other
part for the building of a Market House on the
Market Square of said City have been prepared
and drawn in words and figures as follows to wit
And whereas the said Articles of
Agreement have been submitted to the Recorder
of said City of Corpus Christi and approved by him
acting as attorney for said City of Corpus Christi
and Whereas, the said articles of agreement
so approved by said Recorder acting as aforesaid
have been submitted to this Board and
duly and carefully considered by them, therefore
Sec 1. Be it ordained by the Mayor
and Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus
Christi that the articles of agreement between
William L Rogers and Richard Jordan and
the City of Corpus Christi for the Building and
Erecting, setting up and finishing a Market
House on the Market Square of said City of
Corpus Christi, as submitted to said Mayor &
Board of Aldermen and set forth at large in the
Preamble to this ordinance be made entered into
and Executed by the said City of Corpus Christi
upon the terms and Conditions in said Articles
of Agreement set forth, and that J B Mitchell
Mayor of the City of Corpus Christi be and he is
hereby authorized to affix to such articles of
agreement the Corporate seal of the City –
and that he is hereby authorized and fully em=
=powered to sign and Execute such articles of
Agreement for and on behalf of the said
City of Corpus Christi.. =
Unanimously adopted by the Council.
418
An thereupon, the said Contract, was signed,
and Executed by the Contracting parties aforesaid
in presence of the Board –
His honor the Mayor then informed
the Council that it was his intention to proceed
to New York City on his private business and
recommended that an Election be held by the
Members present, for a Mayor Pro.tempore –
which resulted in the unanimous Election of
Alderman WeidenMueller, as Mayor Pro-
tem during the absence of J. B. Mitchell
Esqr. the Mayor, who thereupon vacated
the chair, which was taken by Charles
WeidenMueller Esqr as Mayor Pro tem-
and upon Motion it was ordered that
the Contract just executed, by and between
the City of Corpus Christi & Messrs Rogers
and Jordan, be Recorded in the Minutes
of the City Council. there being no further
business before the Board the meeting was
adjourned to the next regular day.
Chas. Weidenmueller
Attest
Joseph FitzSimmons }
Aldmn & Acting Secretary } Aldermen & []
Mayor Pro tem
419
This agreement made and entered into
this 31st day of July A D 1871, by and between
William L. Rogers and Richard Jordan, both
of the City of Corpus Christi, County of Nueces, and
State of Texas of the first part, and the City
of Corpus Christi “a body politic and Corporate”
duly incorporated under an act of the Legislature
of the State of Texas, approved February 16th
A D 1852. and acts amendatory & Supplementary
thereto, acting by and through its Mayor, John
B Mitchell of the City County and State aforesaid
who is duly authorized so to act by virtue of an
Ordinance of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen
of said City of Corpus Christi” made, adopted and
passed on the said 31st day of July A D 1871 and
duly recorded in the Record of the proceedings of
the said Mayor and Board of Aldermen
of the said City of Corpus Christi” Among the
proceedings had on the day last above mentioned,
of the second part Witnesseth:
That the said parties of the first part
for the Considerations hereinafter mentioned, do
for themselves, their heirs, executors and
administrators, Covenant promise and
agree to and with the said City of Corpus
Christi, the party of the Second part, that
they, the said William L. Rogers and Richard
Jordan, Shall and Will Erect, build and
Set up and finish a Market House on the
Market Square in the said City of Corpus Christi
said Market square being Situate and bounded
420
as follows, to wit:
That the said Market House so to be erected
built set up and finished as aforesaid by the
said parties of the first part, shall be eighty feet
in length. thirty two feet in width. and two stories
high and according to the plans and specifications
with the Exception however of the changes made
therein – And the said parties of the first part
further Covenant promise and agree to and
with the said party of the second part that
they will make or build a fire flue or chimney
in one of the two small rooms. to be made on
the second floor of said Market House, and
that said Room shall be under the Control
and for the Exclusive use of the City of Corpus
Christi, and that the said City of Corpus
Christi shall have the privilege of using free
of Charge or rent the large Room to be made
on the second floor of said Market House, at
any and all times for any public purpose
appertaining to the affairs of the said City of
Corpus Christi, and it is further understood
and agreed that under no circumstances shall
spirituous Liquors be retailed there –
In Consideration whereof the said
City of Corpus Christi” party of the second part
Covenants promises and agrees to and with the
said William L rogers and Richard Jordan
parties of the first part that they the said
Wm L Rogers and Richard Jordan, their heirs
Executors administrators and assigns shall have
the use and Control and profit, of the whole
of said Market Square for a term of five years
free of ground rent or other charge and
421
said Square is hereby so Leased to them, the said
parties of the first part. their heirs. Executors
administrators and assigns for said term of
five years from the date hereof – And it is
understood and agreed by and between the
parties to these presents, that at the Expiration of
said term of five years – the said party of the
second part. may take or purchase. said Market
House. building or buildings to be erected on said
Market Square, under this agreement by paying
to the said parties of the first part, their heirs –
Executors, administrators or assigns, either the
original Cost or the appraised value, thereof,
and in case the said “City of Corpus Christi
shall prefer to take or acquire the same at the
appraised value thereof at the end of said term
their said value shall be determined by disinterested
appraisers one to be chosen by the said William L
Rogers and Richard Jordan and another by the
said City of Corpus Christi” and in the event
of the two appraisers so chosen not agreeing as
to the value of said Market House building
or buildings, then the two appraisers selected as
aforesaid shall mutually choose a third appr=
=aiser, and then the decision of a majority of the
appraisers selected as aforesaid shall determine
the value thereof But should the said City
of Corpus Christi” not desire to take or purchase said
Market House building or buildings at the expiration
of the said term of five years then the lease aforesaid
to the said parties of the first part. their heirs Executors
and Administrators and assigns, of said Market Square
shall continue and be in force, on the same terms
and conditions for a further period or term of three years
422
and at the end of said last mentioned term the
said City of Corpus Christi” may take or purchase
said Market house building or buildings by paying
to the said William L Rogers and Richard Jordan
or their Legal Representatives, two thirds of the original
Cost thereof. But should the said City of Corpus
Christi not then desire to take or purchase said
Market House, building or buildings, then the
said Lease shall continue and be in force
for a period or term of two years – more; and
at the expiration of said last mentioned term
the said City of Corpus Christi may, take or
purchase said Market house building or
buildings by paying to the said William
L. Rogers and Richard Jordan or their
legal Representatives one half of the Original
Cost thereof. But should the said City of
Corpus Christi not desire to take or purchase
the said Market House building or buildings
at the expiration of said last mentioned term
then the said lease to the said parties of the first
part, their heirs and legal representatives shall
Continue and be in force for a further period or
term of three years, and at the end of said
last mentioned term, the said Market House –
building or buildings shall become and be the
absolute property of said City of Corpus Christi” –
And the said City of Corpus Christi” further
Covenants promises and agrees, as part of the Con-
sideration of the said William L Rogers and Richard
Jordan, for putting up, Erecting and building said
Market House, that as soon as said Market House
has been erected the said City of Corpus Christi
will cause have and procure, Ordinances to be
passed and made and adopted prohibiting
423
the sale of meats, game, vegetables, fruits –
fresh fish, and all commodities or produce of
whatever kind appertaining to or which are
commonly sold at and in a City Market, upon
in or about the streets of said City of Corpus
Christi or in its lanes or in about or upon open
lots or parcels of ground within the Corporate limits
of said City or at the doors of dwellings or stores
or at any other place within said corporate limits
than at the Market to be erected as aforesaid
or upon said Market square – but the said City
of Corpus Christi may exempt from such prohi=
=bition, Milk, butter, eggs. live poultry and Sweet
potatoes and Corn when sold in lots of five
bushels or more to one purchaser, And the said
City of Corpus Christi further undertakes, promises
Covenants and agrees to fix and prescribe in said
ordinances a punishment for the violation of said
ordinances or any of them, or of any provision or
provisions of them or any of them, sufficient and
adequate to deter each and every person from violating
the same, and to strictly enforce said Ordinance so
to be made as aforesaid and to Cause any person
or persons violating said ordinances, or any of them
or any provision or provisions of said ordinances or
any of them, to be arrested and to be tried before the
City Court, or any other Court having Jurisdiction
and if the person or persons so arrested, be found
or adjudged guilty as charged then to cause said
person or persons to be punished as the ordinance or ordin-
-ances under which and for a violation of which the trial
of said person or persons is had may direct, and further
that such ordinance or ordinances shall remain
Continue and be in force, uninterruptedly for and
during. the Complete and entire term of said lease
that is until the said Market house building or
buildings become the property of said City of Corpus
Christi” either by purchase or lapse of time
__________ It is further understood and agreed
424
by and between the parties to these presents, that the
said William L Rogers and Richard Jordan, parties
of the first part, shall cause the stalls, and restaurants
made and put up in said Market House to be rented
out at public auction, Semi annually, on the first
Monday in the Month of January and July of each
and every year, and that they the said parties of the
first part, shall pay over to the said City of Corpus
Christi, on the first Monday of December and June
in each and every year, five per cent of the Re=
=venues of said Market. House. and of all other
buildings that the said parties of the first part
may erect or put up in said Market square –
And it is further understood and agreed
by and between the parties hereto, that the said
William L Rogers and Richard Jordan shall
have the right and authority to erect or build
any additions or attachments to the said Market
House to be erected and built by them, which
they the said William L Rogers and Richard Jordan
may require, or they may erect and build seperate
buildings on said Market square, provided always
that the same be neat and comely in Style.
And the said parties of the first part
Covenant promise and agree, that when the said
Market House has been erected, to insure and Keep
insured the same in a good and reliable Company
against fire – for two thirds of its value and in
case the said parties of the first part fail to insure
and to Keep insured said Market House – when
Erected, and the said Market House should be
destroyed or burned down by fire – then they the
said William L Rogers and Richard Jordan, the
parties of the first part shall be bound and liable
to pay to the said City of Corpus Christi the party
of the second part, a sum equal to one half
425
the Cost of said building –
And it is further understood and
agreed by and between the said parties –
hereto, that whenever the City of Corpus Christi
shall have a population of eight thousand or
more. the said City of Corpus Christi may
erect and put up, in another and different
locality, if said City of Corpus Christi, shall
deem it advantageous or necessary, another
Market building –
And it is further agreed and understood
by and between the said parties hereto – that
the said parties of the first part shall cause
and have the said Market square enclosed
with a plain fence –
Twenty nine words In Witness whereof the said parties of the
erased before signing first part have hereunto set their hands and affixed
One [null] their seals – on the day and year first aforesaid
Twenty two words its Corporate seal hereunto to be affixed, and the
interlined before said John B Mitchell, Mayor of said City of
signing as good. Corpus Christi has signed and Executed these
presents for and in its behalf on said first Men=
=tioned day and year
Wm L Rogers (L S)
(signed) R Jordan (L S)
Witness
(signed) C B G Drummond } J B Mitchell
Jas R Barnard } Mayor CCC
( L S )
( Seal of the City )
( of Corpus Christi )
( Texas )
I hereby Certify that the above and foregoing six
pages is a true and correct copy of the original agreement
entered into by & between the City of Corpus Christi and
Messrs W L Rogers and Richd Jordan, to build
a Market House, on the Market Square in said
City of C Joseph FitzSimmons
Alderman & Acting Secretary –
426
Regular Meeting Sept. 6 1871.
Present, Chas Wiedenmuller, Esq.
Alderman & Mayor Pro,-tem, Aldermen,
McClane, Fitzsimmons, Hoffman, &
Cody, Sec’y. Wheeler, and Marshal Whelan
The reports of N. Plato, Esq. Health
Officer, at Aransas Pass, were read, and
on motion duly seconded were received, and
ordered to be placed on file
The bill of P. Whelan, for eleven dollars.
$11.00, for ammunition, labor &c, as enumerated,
was read, and on motion seconded, was ordered,
paid.
The bill of C. Wiedenmuller for board of
prisoners for month of July 1871 amounting to seventeen dollars was read
and on motion, duly seconded was ordered
paid.
The bill of P. Whelan, City Marshal, for
salary for the month of August 1871,
was read, and on motion, duly seconded
ordered paid.
The bill of W. H. Maltby, for printing, for
one year, (per contract) amounting to $60 sixty
dollars, less, a credit of $30 thirty dollars, was
read; The records were examined, and the credit
was found to be thirty three 20/100 dollars; a note from
Mr. Maltby accompanied the bill, stating that he
427
was indebted to the city in the sum of two dollars
for dog license.
It was moved seconded, and carried that the
balance of the bill amounting to twenty four 80/100 dollars
be paid.
The bill of W. H. Maltby for publishing &c, from
May 19. 1860 to. Aug. 31. 1861. amounting to
sixty six dollars, was laid over for action until
the next regular meeting.
The bill of Wm. Moore amounting to fifteen
dollars, for services rendered to quarantine
officer in 1869, was read, and on motion
duly seconded was ordered paid.
The bill of J. R. Barnard, for rent of
Mayors office from May. 15th to. August. 31st
1871, amounting to thirty five dollars, was
read, and on motion duly seconded, was
ordered paid.
R. Jordan Esq. made a request before the
Council that the marketmen, be notified to
remove their stalls, on the market square, to
enable him to commence the erection of the
City Market; whereupon it was resolved that
the marketmen be ordered to move, their respec
tive stall twenty feet [] the streets on which
they front, immediately on the arrival of the
lumber, or before, that the contractors might
meet with no delay, or expense, by rehandling
their lumber.
The subject relative to the property on the
bluff, known as the [] and the
428
light house, being nuisances, was brought before
the Council; and after due consideration, it
was resolved: that the two buildings before men-
tioned were nuisances, and that the Lighthouse
board, and Mrs [Henly] be notified, to either repair
or remove the same.
The following communication from the trustees of
the Congregational church, was read, to wit:
“The Trustees of the Congregational Church, to
the City Council of Corpus Christi,” Greeting:
We hereby tender you the free use of our, Church
Bell, to be rung three times each day, say at
sunrise, 12. N. and 9. P.M. or any other hours
agreed upon, We name only these conditions, that
the bell ringer, shall be a careful steady man,
and that the bell shall ring promptly at the
minute, so that it shall be, as intended, a
time indicator.
{ Respectfully } Trustees
{ John McClane } Cong. Church
{ James Boyden. }
{ John J [D...] by McClane
{ H. Taylor. }
{ Mitchell, Thompson }
{ H [R...] Pastor. }
Upon the above reading it was resolved that
the City employ a suitable person, to ring the
bell above mentioned, at six oclock. A. M 12. N.
& six P. M. and that he be allowed three dollars
per month, to be paid from the City Treasury
There being no further business before the board, the
meeting. adjourned to the next regular day.
Attest.
E. H. Wheeler Chas Weidenmueller
Sec.y. C.C.C. Alderman &
Mayor Pro Tem
429
Regular Meeting Oct. 3d 1871.
Present Chas. Weidenmuller Mayor P. T.
Aldermen, Hoffman, Cody, McClane, &
Fitzsimmons, & Sec’y. E. H. Wheeler.
The subject of repairing streets and opening
ditches, to carry off the water now lying in
the streets, from the late storm of Sunday,
was discussed, and the Mayor authorize’d
to draw on the treasury as needed the sum of
one hundred dollars, in coin, for the purposes
above stated.
The Secretary was authorized to draw on the
Treasury the sum needed for the purchase
of a Seal and Press for the use of the City.
The Secretary was ordered to notify Mrs. [Henly]
that her house in block No. 3, bluff. part
of Corpus Christi, had been declared a nuisance
by the City Council, and that if its removal
or repair was not commenced in thirty days,
that the City would take the matter in hand;
also to notify the “Light house board” that the
old light house on the bluff, had been declared
a nuisance, and to give them a suitable time to
commence its repair or removal, under the same
penalty as above. There being no further business
before the board, the meeting adjourned to the next
regular day.
Attest, Chas Weidenmueller
E. H. Wheeler Alderman &
Secy. CCC. Mayor Pro. Tem.
430
Called Meeting Oct. 23d 1871.
Present, Chas Weidenmuller, Esq. Mayor,
pro tem, Aldermen, Cody, Hoffman, McClane
FitzSimmons, Marshal, Whelan, and Secretary
Wheeler. The acting Mayor stated that the
object for which the meeting was called, was for
the purpose of discussing the propriety of appropri-
ating, some amount for the repair of the streets.
Alderman McClane moved that the sum of
two hundred dollars in coin, be appropriated for
the above purpose, which being seconded, was
carried by a vote of the Council, and the
Secretary ordered to draw a warrant on the
Treasury, for the sum of two hundred dollars, in
coin, in favor of Charles Weidenmuller, Esq. the
acting Mayor, to be used at his discretion; in
repairing streets. There being no further
business before the board, it was adjourned to
the next regular day.
Attest. Chs Weidenmueller
E. H. Wheeler. Alderman & Act. Mayor.
Secy. C.C.C.
431
Regular Meeting Nove. 7th 1871.
Council met pursuant to adjournment.
Present. Hon. J. B. Mitchell. Mayor
Jno. McClane }
P. Hoffman }
Jas Cody } Aldermen
C. Weidenmuller }
P. Whelan. Marshal,
E. H Wheeler, Secretary
On motion, duly seconded, it was, Resolved,
That the petition of Richard Powers Esq. for
permission to construct a fence, on the bluff
in front of his property, be entertained, and
that he be allowed to construct such fence
subject to the approval of the Street Commission-
ers, and, It is hereby ordained, that no person
or persons, shall be allowed to molest or tear
down said fence, or any portion thereof, under
penalty of such fine as the City Council may
judge adequate for the offence
The proposition of C G B. Drummond, Editor
of the Nueces Valley, to perform the city printing
for the sum of eighty dollars (coin) per year
was brought before the Council, and upon
motion duly seconded, was accepted, for the
unexpired term of the present board.
Upon motion duly seconded, it was resolved that
the secretary be ordered to notify [illegible]
432
Officer at Aransas Pass, to raise the quarantine
at that station on the 10th inst, in accordance
with the State quarantine law, and to render
his account to this city.
The following ordinance was presented to the
Council for its consideration.
/ Be it Ordained, That the sale and use of
fireworks of any description, within the city limits,
is hereby positively prohibited, and Any person
Ordinance violating this ordinance by selling, or exposing for
Respecting sale, fireworks of any description within the city limits,
sale and shall be subject upon proper conviction, to a fine of
use of fire not less than one hundred dollars, and any person
works using, or firing fireworks within the city limits, shall
be subject, upon proper conviction, to a penalty not
to exceed fifty dollars, for each, and every offense,
this ordinance to take effect on and after its passage,
and any former ordinance conflicting herewith is
hereby repealed. /
On motion the above ordinance was unanimously
adopted by the council.
The office of City Recorder, having been filled by its
present encumbent, J. C. Russell Esq. for one year, the
Council deemed it expedient to make a change, and the
office was declared vacant.
The office of City Recorder having been declared vacant,
[Aldm] Nelson Plato was nominated to fill the vacancy.
and upon motion duly seconded he was elected
Recorder of this city for the unexpired term of the present
board.
The bill of Chas Weidenmuller, for board of prisoners
for the months of September and October 1871, amount-
ing to twelve dollars and the bill of P. Whelan for
433
services as City Marshal, for the month of October 1871,
amounting to seventy five dollars, and the bill of P. Lawler,
for hauling dead animals from July 1st to Oct. 31st 1871,
amounting to twelve dollars, were read, and referred to the
Finance Committee, who reported on them, favourably; when
upon motion duly seconded they were ordered paid.
No further business being before the Council it
adjourned to the next regular day.
Attest
E. H. Wheeler. J. B Mitchell
Secy. C.CC. Mayor.
Regular Meeting, November 21st 1871
Council met pursuant to adjournment
Present. Hon. J B. Mitchell, Mayor,
Aldermen, P. Doddridge, C Weidenmuller,
Jas. Cody, & P. Hoffman, Recorder, N. Plato,
Marshal, P. Whelan, & Secy. E H Wheeler
The minutes of last regular meeting were read
and adopted. The final accounts of N. Plato
Health Officer at Aransas Pass, were brought
before the board, and referred to the Finance Com-
mittee, for examination; and, if found correct to
be endorsed, and forwarded to the State Comp-
troller for payment. The bill of Mrs Mary E. []
for board and care of one J P. Griffin, deceased,
and brought before the board, and rejected, on the
ground that the services were rendered without the
knowledge and consent of the city. The bill of
434
Dr. J. C. Crocker, amounting to thirty dollars ($30)
for medicine for, and attendance on, one Juan
Rammos, was brought before the board, and on
motion duly seconded was ordered paid. The bill
of R. Powers Esq. for work on [“B...”] in front
of lots No. 1, 2, & 3, in block No. 2, amounting to ten
dollars ($10) was brought before the board, and referred to
the Street Commissioners. The City Recorder, asked
permission of the board to place his family in the
building at present used as his office (he being unable
to procure a house elsewhere) with the understanding that
he rent another office in a suitable locality, at a rent
not to exceed that paid for the present office. Upon
motion duly seconded the above request was granted.
No further business being before the Council it ad,-
journed to the next regular day.
Attest.
E. H. Wheeler J B Mitchell
Sec’y C.CC Mayor
435
Regular Meeting December 5th 1871.
Council met pursuant to adjournment.
Present, Hon. J. B. Mitchell, Mayor, Aldermen
P. Doddridge, J. McClane, C. Wiedenmuller,
J. FitzSimmons, Jas Cody, & P. Hoffman, -
Recorder N. Plato, Marshal P. Whelan, &
Secretary E H. Wheeler. The minutes of the
last regular meeting were read and adopted.
On motion, duly seconded, and carried the
Secretary was authorized to procure a suitable
“minute, book,’ and other stationery, for the use
of the city, rendering his bill for the same.
The Finance committee reported that the bills
of N. Plato, (as Health Officer for 1871,) were
correct and just. The following resolution was
placed before the Council, and on motion duly
seconded, was adopted. _______________
Be it resolved that Col. N. Plato has served this
city faithfully, as Health Officer, during the
past season, and that it is right that the
city should pay him as much as lies in its power
pending the payment of the bill by the State; and
that the Secretary be instructed to draw war-
rants for the amount of his bill, in warrants
of fifty dollars each; also that the Secretary
be instructed to communicate with the City
Authorities of Rockport, relative to their ad-
vancing the money to pay one third of the above
indebtedness; the same to be refunded on payment
of the bill by the State ___________________
436
The Pioneer Fire Company. No. 1. through their
committee Messrs, L. D. Brewster and J. Henry,
requested that the City appoint an Engineer
for the Fire Department, which request was considered
and, it was decided to appoint a Chief Engineer
and two Assistants: _______________________
The board then proceeded to elect an Engineer,
and two Assistants, resulting in the election of
Mr. W. N. Staples as Chief Engineer Mr. R. Jourdan
as 1st Assistant Engineer, and Mr. W. B. Wrather, as 2d
Assistant Engineer. and the Secretary was ordered to
notify them of their election. _______________
Ordinance Be it Ordained; That all property-
inspecting holders shall have the right to dig “fire wells”
Fire wells at such places, and of such dimensions, as
the Street Commissioners shall direct”
Moved, seconded and carried, that the City
recognize the Pioneer Fire Company No. 1, and that
the company have full authority to act, under the
direction of the Engineers of the Fire Department.
The bill of P. Whelan, for salary as Marshal
for the month of November 1871, amounting to
seventy five coin dollars, was referred to the Finance
Committee, and by them reported in favourably; upon
which it was ordered paid. No further business
being before the Council it adjourned, to the next
regular day.
Attest J B Mitchell
E. H. Wheeler. Mayor.
Secretary
437
Regular Meeting. December. 19th 1871.
Council met pursuant to adjournment,
Present, Hon. J B. Mitchell. Mayor.
Aldermen, P. Doddridge, P. Hoffman,
C. Wiedenmuller, & J Fitz Simmons.
Recorder, N. Plato, & Marshal. P. Whelan.
The minutes of the last regular meeting
were read and adopted _______________
The following resolution was brought before
the Council, and on motion duly seconded,
was unanimously adopted. ____________
Resolved, That the Recorder be empowered to
appoint, and control for special service, six
or less good policemen for duty in this city
from the 23d of December 1871, to the 2d
day of January 1872. both dates inclusive;
said special policemen to be subject to the
orders especially of the Recorder of this City
during the time of such service, and to be
paid not to exceed four dollars per diem.
It was moved seconded, and carried; that
the Street Commissioners be authorized to
give away the lumber rubbish in the –
grave yard, to whom they please, upon –
condition, that same be removed, without
expense to the City. ________________
The Hon. Mayor having informed the Board of
Aldermen that he had tendered his resignation
to the Govenor of the State, and having expressed a
438
desire that the Board of Aldermen also accept
his resignation, it was Resolved, That we –
regret this determination on his part, and that
the Govenor of the State of Texas, be requested not
to accept his resignation, and that the Secretary
be instructed to forward a certified copy, of this
Resolution to the Govenor of this State.
On motion duly seconded the above Resolution
was unanimously adopted. ________________
The bill of P. Doddridge for grading streets, __
amounting to $71.00 seventy one coin dollars, one half of
which he donates to the City, leaving a balance of
thirty five & 50/100 dollars, was brought before the board
and referred to the Street Commissioners. ____
No further business being before the Council it
adjourned, to the next regular day.
Nelson Plato J B Mitchell
Secy. Pro Tem Mayor.
439
Special Meeting Dec. 29. 1871.
Council met pursuant to call of the Mayor.
Present. Hon. J. B. Mitchell, Mayor, C Weidenmul
ler, P. Hoffman, Jas Cody, and J. Fitz Simmons,
Aldermen, N. Plato, Recorder, P. Whelan, Marshal
and E. H Wheeler, Secretary. ________________
The Mayor stated that the object of this meeting,
was for the purpose of accepting the “New Market
House,” if found to agree with the contract, for building,
and to pass Ordinances for its protection _______
Messrs Rogers & Jordan, appeared before the board
and stated that the building was ready to turn
over to the City, having been built according to the
contract, with one or two slight differences; and
requested that the City accept it. ______________
A Committee from the Council visited, the building
and expressed themselves satisfied, so far as to report
in favor of acceptance ______________________
On motion duly seconded, and carried, the building
was accepted by the City. ___________________
The Market building having been accepted, the fol-
lowing, resolution was offered, to wit: _________
Resolved; That the contractors of the Market build
ing be authorized to rent the stalls, therein, on the
first day of January 1872, for the term of six months,
according to the contract; and that on or before
the sixth day of January 1872, all the old buildings
or stalls formerly used on the “Market Square”
shall be removed from the same, and the streets
surrounding it ____________________________
The following Ordinance was placed before the
440
The five words Council for its consideration. _______________________
which are e- Be it ordained, by the Mayor and Aldermen of
rased, were erased the City of Corpus Christi, in Council convened,
before the Ordi- that on and after the first day of January 1872
nance was a- the sale of meats, game, vegetables, fruits, fresh
dopted fish, and all commodities or produce of what-
soever kind appertaining to, or which are common-
ly sold at and in a City Market, upon, in, or about
Ordinance regulating the streets of of said city of Corpus Christi, or in its
the sale, of vegetables lanes, or in, about, or upon open lots or parcels
on the streets of the of ground, within the corporate limits of said
city & relating to the city, or at the doors of dwellings, or stores, or
duties of the Marshal, at any other place ## within said corporate limits,
at public meetings than at the City Market, is prohibited; excepting
in the City Hall milk, butter, eggs, & live poultry, (and sweet potatoes,
and corn when sold in lots of five bushels, or more
to one purchaser.); and any person or persons vio-
lating this Ordinance, shall upon proper conviction be
fined not less than five ($5.00) dollars, nor more than
‘ twenty five dollars ($25.) for each and every offense –
Sec. II. Be it further ordained, that it shall
be the duty of the City Marshal, to be in attendance
at all public meetings, or assemblages, in the
Market Hall, to preserve order, and prevent any
disturbance, and that his compensation for such
service shall be the sum of three dollars ($3.00) in coin, per
night, said compensation to be paid by the person
or persons, renting the hall, in every such occasion.
On [] motion duly seconded the above ordinance
was unanimously [adopted] __________________
441
No further business being before the Council, it
adjourned to the next regular day.
Attest
E. H. Wheeler. J B Mitchell
Secretary. Mayor.
Regular Meeting. Jany. 2. 1872.
Council met pursuant to adjournment
Present. Hon. J. B Mitchell Mayor, C. Wied-
enmuller, J. Fitz Simmons, Jas Cody, and
P. Hoffman, Aldermen, N. Plato, Recorder,
TRANSFERRED P. Whelan, Marshal, & E. H. Wheeler, Sec’y.
The minutes of the last regular meeting, and
of the subsequent called meeting, were read,
and on motion duly seconded were adopted
The following Ordinances were brought before the
board for its consideration. viz: _______________
Be it Ordained by the Mayor and Board of
Ordinance Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, in
making the council convened; that the City Court of said
City Court city of Corpus Christi, is declared in all –
summary, in respects a summary Court, so far as any –
certain cases violations of the city Ordinances occur, and that
the City Recorder may decide all cases arising,
[thereunder] without [] as [] _________________
442
Be it Ordained by the Mayor and Board of
Ordinance Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, in Council
authorizing convened, that the Marshal of this City be empowered,
the City Mar- with the approval of the City Recorder to appoint
shal, to ap- a Deputy for special service, within the corporate
point a Dep- limits of this City, said Deputy Marshal to be in
uty, and pre- all respects subject to the orders of the City _______
scribing his Marshal proper, and to receive as compensation
compensation for services all fees arising from the performance of
the duties of said office upon all cases that may
be brought before the City Court by said Deputy. –
III. Be it Ordained by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen
Ordinance of the City of Corpus Christi, in Council convened, that
to elect a the City Council elect a night watchman, for the
night watch- “Market house,” who shall have the powers of a
man for the special police officer; and that his compensation
“Market house” shall come from the contractors, or occupants, of
the said building. ___________________________
Upon reading of the foregoing ordinances, it was
moved and seconded, that they be adopted. ______
Carried unanimously, _______________________
On motion duly seconded and carried the following
TRANSFERRED resolution was adopted, to wit: Resolved that we –
welcome with pleasure Genl. McCook. _____
who is not on a transient visit to our city, and reccommend
that the courtesy of the City be extended to him, and
that Aldermen, Doddridge, and Recorder, Plate, on
the part of the Council, and Ed. Buckley, Esq. and
A. M. Davis, Esq. on the part of the citizens be appointed
a committee to carry out the spirit of this resolution.
443
The bill of C. Wiedenmuller, for board of City prisoners,
for the months of November, and December 2871, amount-
ing to thirty seven & 50/100 dollars, and the bill of P
Whelan, for services as City Marshal, for the month of
December, 2871, were read, and referred to the Finance
Committee, and by them reported on favourably and they
were then ordered paid. The bills of T. Whelan, C. Mc
TRANSFERRED Tiernan, & P. Larkin, for services as Special Policemen
from December 26th to. Jany. 2d 1872, amounting to
forty dollars each, were referred to the City Recorder,
and by him approved, upon which they were ordered
paid ________________________________________
Mr. P. Larkin made application for the position
as night watchman at the City Market; and on
motion duly seconded he was elected to the position.
No further business being before the Council it
adjourned to the next regular day.
Attest
E. H. Wheeler, J B Mitchell
Secretary Mayor.
444
445
Index
A Assessment Oath, Page. “34.”
Amended Charter. “ “251”
B By Laws. Page “59,” “60,” “61,” “62.’
Bathing P “67”
Bonds of the City. form of “194.” (official 217) “262.”
Bitch in Heat &c to be shot for running at large & penalty. “208,” “234.”
C ‐ Carts and Drays, “67.” “268.”
- Cemetery, desecration of 292.
City Squares – 182-3
- Coffee houses 255
D Drays Carts &,c tax on 218
Drum beating &c Page. “32.”
Dogs Pages. 5, 6, 7 44 207, 209, - 2.34-[277] 283-289
Disturbances of the Peace. Drunkeness &c. “75.”
Drain the city “97.”
Disorderly persons [] [8=75]
“ conduct 255
E
F Fandangoes & Balls Pages “1.” “11” “30” “31” “105.”
Firearms, &c “ “2. “253.”
Fires “79”
Fees of City Officers, P “219”
Fighting, quarreling &c 255
G Gunpowder “253.” 277
Groceries &c to be closed on the Sabbath, “130”
Goats & Sheep P “256”
[G...ing] &c 230-255
446
Index. (continued)
H Hogs. Pages “26,” ,”222,” “223,” “259,” “266.” – 277-256
Suspension of Hog law “48.”
Hides P “225” “265.”
I
J
K Killing of Beef Cattle. P “110,” “112.”
L Liquor Licence P “120.”
M Market Pages ’13.” “15.” “24.” “111.” “265.” 419-
Market, Rents. “37.”
Minor Page “68.”
Marshall, Salary of. 354-5-413
N Nuisances Pages “70,” “86.”
Night watch 232
Index. (continued)
O Order of business 59.
Order, to maintain 255
Ordinances declared in force 277
Obstructing side walks 257
P Penalty for Carrying Arms, Page “9”
Public Squares, P “182.” “183.”
Pound P “223.”
Public Peace. “230.” “255.”
R Registration. Pages. “10” “46.”
Removal of Buildings East of Water Street “77.”
Riding or driving furiously “257”
S Script. Page “52.”
Shells & Sand. removal “257.” “259.”
Side Walks. “257.”
Sheep & Goats. “256”
T Tax Laws. Pages. “33.” “39.” “221” “253.”
Tippling houses 255
U
V Vagrants 8
447
Index. (continued)
W Working Prisoners, Page “8.”
Wells. Pages “27.” “28.”
Wards of the City “120.”
X
Y
Z
448
Index of ordinance in []
Page
Regulating the discharging of arms 2
Regulating dogs Running at Large 5 6
Suplement to the dog law 44
For the better goverment of the city 7
Regulating Markets 58- 24.37.13.14.[15]
To a stablish a Beef Market on the hill 24
Regulating hold digin as well diggin 27 []
Regulating the mode of communicating to the Board 28
Perhibiting fandangos 30 [3..]
To Raise a Revenue by taxation 33 34 35 36
direct taxation 38. 39.40.41.42
By laws and Rules of City 59
Marshalls fees defined __________ 30
Fandango Ordinances Repealed 30 31
Register Law ______ ________ _______ 108 46.49
Power of Marshall to arrest Vagrants 9
Marshalls Duties ____ 52-70
Regulating Drays & Carts ___ ___ ___ 67 68
Regulating nuecenseus 70
Regulating Bathing ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 67
Ordinance relating to Mud Flat
Affairs can be found on Pages 52 to
55 to 56 to 57” 81 & 82 – 91 to 94 & 95” 100
113 to 114 – 133 & 134 – 136 to 138 – 139 to 141
172 – 186 & 192” 213 – 260 to 262 – 300 – 312
317 – 336 & 337 –
BFL
City of Corpus
Christi
Min A