Transcription contributed by Martie Callihan 22 April 2005

The History of Warren County Ohio
Part IV Township Histories
Harlan Township by J. A. Runyan
(Chicago, IL: W. H. Beers Co, 1882; reprint, Mt. Vernon, IN: Windmill Publications, 1992)

Page
680

The earliest settlers in what now constitutes Harlan Township, for several years, perhaps as late as 1812, voted at the house of James Miranda, near the mouth of Todd's Fork, near where the village of Morrow now stands. The first election held within the limits of this township was probably at the house of James Goodpasture, on the hill near the present residence of Daniel Carroll. They were held here until about 1818, when, for several years following, they were held at the house of John Goodpasture, near Crosson's Cemetery. Afterwards they were held at an old log school house on the farm now owned by Peter S. Templin, Esq. In 1833 the place was changed to the house of George Florey, which stood near the residence of George N. Jones, Esq., at which place they were held until 1835, when the residence of David H. Smith, Esq., was fixed as the voting place. Elections were held here until about 1841, when Butlerville was selected as the place of holding elections, and the transaction of the business of the township.

The frequent changes made in the place of holding elections during the early history of the township are accounted for by the fact that there was then no town or village, and the population being small and scattered over a large district, it became necessary to hold the polls at some private residence to be selected by the judges of election; and the judges changing from year to year, it is probable they consulted their own convenience as well as that of the public in fixing the voting place.

As to the manner of conducting the early elections, or rather of the conduct of the people attending them, it can not be said that there was the same order and propriety then as now, and while the purity of the election itself was not to be questioned, yet the day and place were, by certain classes, too often made the scene of disgusting conduct, such as drunkenness, fighting, gaming and horse racing, and by the pugilistic residents of the community, it was set apart as the day for the settlement of old grudges.