Franklin, Macon County, NC, back when...

I am re-reading the Macon County, North Carolina,  Historical Society’s first book to refresh my memory and while in the pages make sure I did not miss something concerning my kiln.

Here are two note-worthy items, to let you know how things were back then.

They needed roads but building roads and upkeeping was no one’s job, so they made it all the males’  job.  When I say “all males” I mean all males, white or black, slave or free, over the age of 14.  For whites the exempt age was 55 and for blacks it was 60.   Of course.  Nothing fair about it:

During the April, 1863 Court session, the justices ordered “that all white males between the ages of 14 and 55 and all black males between the ages of 14 and 60 to work on public roads.  The change in the selection of workers may have been due to many men serving in the Confederate Army.

Here is the town of Franklin’s 1855 ordinances:

For running a horse race through the streets for pleasure or show.  Fine not less than one or more than five dollars.

For disturbing the peace, by cursing, quarreling, or using obscene language on the streets or sidewalk, or other vulgar behavior not less than fifty cents and not more than five dollars.

For throwing fireballs within the village, twenty-five cents for each offense.

For selling ardent spirits in the streets or on the public square within the corporate limits except the usual or authorized places.