Transcribed by Ann Selvig, from:  Allerton, Iowa Centennial,
July 5-6 1874 -1974, 100 Years

CALABOOSE

 

     In 1875, a calaboose was built for the Town of Allerton.  The lumber was bought from Chambers Bros, and Co. for about $20.00 and the iron from A. N. Higley for $4.00.

     The Town Council purchased 1 mattress, 2 blankets, 1 bucket, 1 tin cup, a cheap contrivance for a bedstead, a cheap and suitable stove, candles and 1 chamber.  These to be placed in the calaboose in order to make it as nearly comfortable as could be under the existing circumstances.  Coal for the stove usually cost $1.70.

     The town paid the feeds of Dr. H. V. Nichols for medical services needed for Tramps housed in the calaboose.  Usually about $3.50 a call.

     In 1880, the calaboose was moved to the back of the lot when the Town Hall and Engine House was built.

     In 1926, the old jail was sold to Robert Duncan.  It later was used as an office at the old stockyard where Abe Bull bought and sold hogs – then was moved to the north side of the Lee Bracewell D-X station and used to store tires in.  It is now located near the Weldon Stroud property.

     In 1946, the town purchased a double steel jail cell for $35.00 from Clio and it was placed in the Town Hall.  1952, the jail cells were sold to Bob McDaniel.  It was no longer needed since prisoners were being taken to the Wayne County Jail in Corydon.

     Walter Hook was the last Justice of the Peace at Allerton.  All cases starting in 1973 were under the jurisdiction of the Judicial Magistrate.

                               

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