Before
receiving a license to operate a tavern, the tavern keeper had to post bond to
guarantee that he would faithfully perform the requirements associated with
keeping a tavern. The bond could be renewed yearly.
The bond
below is of special interest as it was granted to Stanley P. Gower, who operated
a tavern in what was originally called Bell Tavern, but was later known as the Gower
House. This bond was granted 3 October 1825 and was the first known license
granted to Gower to keep a tavern in Smithland. The bond was recorded in
Livingston County Order Book G, page 160.
"Know
all men by these presents that we Stanly P. Gower are [sic] held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky in
the penal sum of One Hundred pounds current Money for the payment of which will
and truly to be made we bind ourselves and heirs &c jointly and severally
firmly by these presents sealed and dated this 3d day of October 1825.
The
condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bound Stanly
P. Gower hath this day obtained a license to Keep Tavern at his own house in the County of Livingston.
Now if the
said Gower shall Constantly find and provide in his said Tavern good wholesome
Cleanly Lodging and diet, for Travellers and Stablige and provinder or
pasturage for horses for the Term of one year from the date hereof And shall
not suffer or permit any unlawful gameing, in his house nor suffer any person
to Tipple of drink more than is necessary, or at any time Suffer any disorderly
or Scandalous behaveour to be practiced in his said house with his priority or
Consent and also pay and Satisfy the Taxes on said license then this obligation
to be Void else to remain in full force and Virtue."
[signed]
Stanly P. Gower {seal} Joseph Haydock {seal} Att: Ro. C. Bigham, Clk.
Published 28 September 2016, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/
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