In November, 1836, Orlando B. Ficklin, Demas Ward and Jonathan N. Rathbone laid off the village of Auburn, about a mile west of Careyford. This was a more ambitious venture than the latter village, and was an open competitor for the prize to be awarded by the Legislative Commission. With the exception of Rathbone, the proprietors were non-residents of the county and entered into the matter as a speculation. Ficklin was a man of ability and influence, and entered into the contest with some assurance of success. A square in the center of the plat was reserved for the erection of county buildings, though it was wisely provided that in the event of the county seat being placed elsewhere, this square should be devoted to the use of the public as a park or common.1 **To Be Continued**

Notes & Sources:
W. H. Perrin, History of Crawford and Clark Counties, O. L. Baskin & Co., 1883 Transcribed by L. K Ortman