TIP #541 - MISCELLANEOUS EARLY LAWS Today's tip will be rather short (and perhaps boring) as I have been having difficulties with my computer and have not had time to work on a fancy tip. But, perhaps you will find it interesting. When Kentucky reached statehood, various laws were passed, primarily based on those of Virginia. Some of them seem rather strange to us now, and I thought I would list some of them together in one tip. Perhaps this will explain why your Kentucky ancestor did something, or couldn't do something! BILLIARD TABLES: In 1821 an act was passed laying a tax of $500 on each and every billiard table. You will notice that on the old tax records that this is one of the categories shown. The County Clerk was responsible for keeping a list of those who owned a billiard table and issued a certificate on payment of the tax which then the owner had to pay an additional $1.00 for the certificate. If it was found that someone didn't have a certificate, they were fined $100 a day! The owner could also be taken to court and if found guilty, the billiard table(s) could be sold and they had fines to pay. ENCLOSURES: January 15, 1798. The definition of a legal fence was established on this date defining what was considered a fence for horses, mares, cattle, hogs, sheep and goats. Remember that in the early days, livestock was often left free to roam all over the place. The fence had to be five feet high and constructed so the animals could not "creep through". Hedges were allowed which had to be two feet high with a ditch three feet deep and three feet broad. If an animal owner did not comply and their animals got free, they would be fined and the animals killed if someone had been hurt or damages had been incurred. A committee was to be appointed to approve all the enclosures. TAVERNS: Taverns had to meet several requirements: Lodging had to be "good, wholesome, clean, had a good diet for travelers, have a stable and pasture for the traveler's livestock. No gaming was allowed in the tavern, drunkenness was not permitted nor was any "scandalous behavior" allowed. Rates for food, lodging and drink was controlled by the Justices who were to inspect the tavern twice a year. If alcohol was to be sold, a permit had to be granted and the prices set by the court. PEDDLERS. Spelled pedlars, an act approved 1814 covered the rules and regulations for the traveling peddler. He had to obtain a license for $20 which covered him for one year. POSTAGE: Yes … the government had that covered early too! Postage was required for any written communication to the Governor, to the military, and for "for the carriage of any books, papers or other articles transmitted" from other governors. From there is just kept growing! PROFANITY was known as profanation. "Any person or person shall not, in any stage play, interlude show, May-game or pageant, jestingly or profanely speak or use the holy name of God, or Christ Jesus, or of the Holy Ghost, or of the Trinity, which are not to be spoken but with fear and reverence shall forfeit, for every such offence by him or them committed, ten pounds." RACES: It was illegal for anyone to induce someone under the age of 21 to be a rider in a race. If someone under age 21, a slave or servant did race without permission of the father or owner (or the mother if the father is dead), it was a misdemeanor. It was prohibited to race horses on the public streets and highways; a $10.00 fine was imposed. © Copyright 19 May 2005, Sandra K. Gorin Gorin Publishing: http://ggpublishing.tripod.com/ New books available now! 29 Apr 2005 Sandi's Puzzlers: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~gensoup/gorin/puz.html SCKY Links: http://www.public.asu.edu/~moore/Gorin.html