History of the Hamilton
County Engineer
The office of
County
Engineer
evolved from the important role played by the
County
Surveyor
in the first decades of
Ohio
's statehood.
As
early as 1785,
Ohio
served as a 'laboratory' for the development of the Public Lands rectangular
survey system, and well into the 1800's, the
County
Surveyor
was charged with the tremendous task of clarifying land titles and boundaries.
After 1820, a movement for 'internal improvements' swept through the state, and
County
Surveyors
became increasingly involved in transportation related projects: specifically
in the development of canals and roads. By the late 19th century, the major duty
of the
County
Surveyor
was the building and maintenance of roads, bridges and drainage ditches.
The
office of
County
Surveyor
was established by the first General Assembly following the admission of
Ohio
to the
Union
in 1803. Whenever a new county was created, the
County
Surveyor
, Recorder, Prosecuting Attorney and Clerk were appointed by the legislature.
County
Surveyors
were paid only a per diem wage ($5.00 in the late 1800's) for those days when
they were actually employed.
In
1831, the legislature voted to make the office elective because of the increased
responsibilities it entailed. The law stated that a
County
Surveyor
would serve a term of three years, 'if he so long qualified'. Legislation
passed in 1915, established a salary and conferred on the
County
Surveyor
the title of "Resident Engineer for the State Highway Department.' In
1928, the term of office was lengthened from three years to four. Then on August
30, 1935, the title was changed to "
County
Engineer
'.
Today,
only persons who hold registration certificates from the State of
Ohio
as a 'Registered Professional Engineer' and 'Registered Professional Surveyor'
may hold the office of
County
Engineer
.
Photo's 1803 -
present
Hamilton
County Engineer