Taverns were
located in places convenient to travelers, whether in town or out of town. In
addition to location, tavern keepers were bound by law to meet certain
standards if they wanted to stay in business.
Two things
interest me in the following tavern license. The location is on the road from
Princeton to Eddyville, surely a busy road not just for long distance
travelers, but also for local residents going between Princeton, the county
seat at that time, and Eddyville, which was a busy town accessible by land as well as by river. The other item of interest is the description
of the tavern structure. It is described as Jesse Ritch's "double log cabin dwelling." I have never seen a
description like this. Usually it will
say "in his own house" or will
mention the tavern by name, such as "Eagle Tavern."
This is a
valuable record as it mentions a name at a particular place and a particular
time. In addition, it gives a description of the location of the tavern and the
type of structure.
"Know
all men by these presents that we Jesse Ritch, Powell Ritch, and Martin K.
Asbridge are held & firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the
penal Sum of One hundred pounds to the payment of which well and truly to be
made We bind ourselves and each of our
heirs jointly & Severally firmly by these presents Sealed & dated this
21st day of November 1836.
The
condition of the above obligation is Such that whereas on this day a Tavern
License has been granted unto the Said Jesse Ritch ---- by the Caldwell County
Court, to Keep a tavern in the county aforesd. Six miles from Princeton in his
double log cabin dwelling house on the road from Prin. to Eddyville for one
year from this time, Now Should Jesse Ritch constantly find and provide in his
Said Tavern good Wholesome cleanly lodging and diet for Travellers and
Stableage provender or pasturage for horses for the term of one year from the
date hereof, and shall not Suffer or permit any unlawful gaming in their house
or Suffer any person to tipple or drink more than is necessary or at any time
to suffer any disorderly or scandelous behaviour to be practiced in Said house
with their privily or concent then this obligation to be Void else to be &
remain in full force & virtue.
[signed] Jesse (X his mark) Ritch, Powel Ritch, Martin K. Asbridge. Attest: Ch. B. Dallam, DC."
Hand written Tavern License 1837
Caldwell County, Kentucky Clerk's Office
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