Papers Of Abraham Lincoln

In force Feb.[February] 27, 1841.

An ACT to authorize John Primm, senior, to build a mill-dam across Sangamon River.
1

Location

Sec. [Section]1. Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly, That John Primm, Senior, his heirs and assigns, be authorized to build and maintain a mill-dam across the Sangamon river, in Sangamon county, at or near a shoal called “Fisher's Ford,” on section twenty-three, town seventeen north, range six west.2

Heighth.

Sec. 2. That said mill-dam shall not exceed six feet high above low water mark, and shall be so constructed as to allow the safe passage of the descending navigation on said river.

Right reserved.

Sec. 3. The State hereby reserves the right to construct a lock, or some other device, for the transit of the trade on the river, over, around or near the site of said dam, whenever it may be deemed advisable by the Legislature, for the improvement of the navigation of said river, without any cost to the State for the right of way by said Primm, his successors or assigns.

Wm. Carpenter may build mill-dam.

Proviso

Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That William Carpenter be allowed to build a mill-dam across the Sangamon river at or near where he now keeps a ferry, and that said dam be built agreeable to the provisions of section two: Provided, Said mill-dam is built above the present ford at said ferry, and in such a manner as not to obstruct said ford.3

Approved, February 27, 1841.

1On January 19, 1841, Josiah Francis in the House of Representatives presented a petition of citizens of Sangamon County, requesting a mill-dam across the Sangamon River. The House referred the petition to a select committee. which reported back by introducing HB 169 in the House on February 3. On February 15, the House passed the bill. On February 24, the Senate referred the bill and a proposed amendment to the Committee on Public Roads. The Committee reported back the bill and proposed amendment on February 25, and the Senate amended the proposed amendment and adopted it. The Senate passed the bill as amended on February 27. The House concurred with the Senate amendment on the same day. On February 27, the Council of Revision approved the bill and the act became law.
Illinois House Journal. 1840. 12th G. A., 244, 317, 346, 358, 367, 401, 563, 564, 565, 570; Illinois Senate Journal. 1840. 12th G. A., 323, 395, 400, 447.

2Located in the north portion of Sangamon County, northwest of Springfield.

3On February 25, 1841, the Senate amended the bill by adding this section. Carpenter built a grist and saw mill on the Sangamon River in 1844.
Illinois Senate Journal. 1840. 12th G. A., 400; John Carroll Power and S. A. Power, History of Early Settlers of Sangamon County, Illinois (Springfield: Edwin A. Wilson, 1876), 376.