Minutes 01/16/1973 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6" .J. TUESDAY JANUARY 16, 1973 years and referred to a comparatively recent newspaper story which made further reference to these lost records. In 1939 former Mayor J. W. Booker had written as follows: "There is unfortunately but a fragmentary record of the first proceedings of the town council of Martinsville following its incorporation in 1872." "The earliest scrap of paper that I know anything about which records any action of the council is minutes of a meeting held June 2, 1876. It reads: "'The council for the corporation met today at the suggestion of the Mayor. "'Present Dr. J. M. Smith, Mayor; J. B. Lavinder, J. P. Lavinder, George D. Gravely and Charles W. Jones. "'The object of the meeting was to act upon and consider the bond given by the sergeant of said corporation which was produced and approved ordered to be made a matter of record. Also an account of J. B. Lavinder was produced approved for nails, etc., amount to the sum of $1.35. The Sergeant C. H. Hamilton proceeded then to qualify. "'There being no other business before council they then adjourned to meet again on Friday night the 9th of the month.' "This document is I believe the earliest bit of preserved record of the governing body of our city in existence." It is noted that historians feel that Martinsville dates back to 1778 when General Joseph Martin settled in Henry County. The four former Mayors present made appropriate remarks in turn as did each member of City Council, at the conclusion of which various citizens made remarks. Mayor West thanked everyone concerned for the interest shown and for the participation of all, and sounded an optimistic note for the future, based on sound building in the past. The meeting was adjourned at noon. '"' /,J --7 ) I' i t l~Gt/ -- / T.~B. Noland, Acting Clerk of Council "~..._"__~,,~~,_,,_""'_..,,..'"...,,_.~"."".." ,,"" _'_"'_"W_"_,.~,.___