Introduction:
In the pages of the "History of Grant County, Indiana," the genesis of its first jail unfolds, offering a glimpse into the early days of settlement and law enforcement in the region. Built in 1832, this modest yet sturdy structure symbolized both the practical necessities of its time and the societal norms that shaped its design, including the provision for imprisoning debtors. Over the decades, the jail evolved alongside the county, reflecting changing attitudes and needs. Join us as we explore the origins and significance of Grant County's inaugural jail, a testament to its pioneer spirit and evolving justice system.
From the Book History of Grant County, Indiana: From the Earliest Time to the Present, with Biographical Sketches, Notes, Etc., Together with an Extended History of the Northwest, the Indiana Territory, and the State of Indiana
First Jail. - As in every new country a certain portion of the virgin soil is set apart as the site of a prison, so we find that in 1832, at the March term of the commissioner's court, the plans for the jail were adopted and the contract was purchased by Samuel Mc-Clure, Sr., for the sum of $599.87.
The site selected was Lot No. 2, Block 13, now occupied by the residence of Warren J. Sisemore. The size of said jail was 34x18 feet, and outside walls of criminal room to be eighteen feet square, and said walls to compose walls of debtor's room. The foundation was laid of stone sunk one foot be- low the level of the surface, except under the criminal room, which was trial stone, three feet thick, and under the debtor's room fifteen inches thick. The walls, floor and ceiling were of hewn timber 12x12 inches, except the floor and ceiling of the criminal room which had two layers of logs, the second laid crosswise of the first. There was but one doorway to the criminal room and this was provided with two shutters or doors which were made of seasoned white oak plank, two inches thick, doubled and securely nailed. In the criminal room there was but one window, the dimensions of which were 12x18 inches. The provision for light and ventilation in the debtor's room were more ample, and in accordance with the character of offences against the law.
Thus, we have a partial description of that primitive building which served to confine the offenders against the laws of the State and society for nearly four decades. In comparison with the architecture of more modern times this old structure was a real curiosity and yet, with the means provided, it is hard to conceive how a more secure prison could be designed even by an architect of the modern school. The debtor's room which is described as one of the apartments, will doubtless strike with wonderment many of the younger readers, who will be astonished to know that in this the " home of the oppressed " a law in harmony with the practice of the " dark ages " should be permitted to remain on the statute books, even after a date so recent as the organization of this county. However strange as this may seem it was nevertheless true that men were imprisoned for debt and according to trustworthy authority not a few of the most respectable people, including ministers of the Gospel were incarcerated because of their inability to pay their debts.
It is remembered by many of the old settlers that lived near the present site of Marion late in the thirties, a certain man was continually contracting indebtedness beyond his ability to pay, and like old Micawber, while "waiting for something to turn up," was thrust into prison for this lack of punctuality. So frequent were these occurrences, that he practically made the debtor's room his home, and being possessed of some mechanical genius, would often remove the doors and hide them in the mill pond or river, and spend the day leisurely strolling about town.
In 1864 the old jail was condemned and considered unsafe for the retention of prisoners educated in crime, and accordingly C. S. Tibbitts and William Neal were appointed to procure a site and let contract for the building of a new jail, but for some unknown reason this was not done, and not until 1868 was the erection of the new building commenced.
The bids were received, and contract entered into November 19, 1868. The contract for ironwork for said building was awarded to S. & J. Hulley of Marion, for $ 12,000, or as was stated in the bid, for $ 150 less than any other responsible bidder. The other work was let out by the piece. According to the reports of the auditor there was paid on the jail in 1869, $6,464.47; in 1870, $22,747.80; and in 1871, $8,972.73 amounting in the aggregate to $38,184.09. This amount probably included the current expenses of prisoners for the above period.
The first term of court held in the courthouse at Grant County began on Monday , May 5 , 1834. Until this time they had been held in the house of John Beard …..
At this term the grand jury reported the jail as " unclean and dangerous to the health of the prisoners and without sufficient bedding. " Upon this the county commissioners were ordered to show cause at the next term why these defects should not be remedied. This they did satisfactorily.
At the November term, 1836, the prison bounds were made to "extend to and include the town plat of the town of Marion, in which the jail of said county is situated."
Concerning the jail of Grant County in those days, the following report of the grand jury in November, 1837, will afford some information:" They find the jail sufficiently strong in their estimation for the safe detention of prisoners. They are of the opinion, however, that the board doing county business should provide stoves, or some means for the comfortable and safe warming of the jail. The beds should be provided with additional clothes, and the crevices in the walls of the debtors ' room should be closed so as to prevent the cold and inclemencies of the weather from entering said room so freely as they may at present. "