HISTORY OF THE COUNTY ENGINEER
The Office of the 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 survey system. 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 a common court of appeals, which itself was appointed by the legislature. County Surveyors were paid only a per diem wage ($5 in the late 1800') for those days when they were actually employed.
In 1831, the legislature voted to make the office elective because of the increased responsibilities in entailed. The law stated the County Surveyor would serve a term of three years, "if he so long behave well and until his successor be elected and 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, 19835, the title was changed to "County Engineer."
Today, only persons who hold registration certification of the State of Ohio as both "Registered Professional Engineer" and "Registered Surveyor" may qualify for the Office of County Engineer. The elected County Engineer is sworn to "perform for the county all duties authorized or declared by law to be done by a Civil Engineer or Surveyor." Although specifically exempt from engineering duties affecting public buildings, he is the Engineer for all public improvements under the authority of the Board of Commissioners within and for the county.
(Republished with permission of the County Engineer's Association of Ohio)
HISTORY OF THE FAIRFIELD COUNTY ENGINEER
In 200 years' time, Fairfield County has had relatively few County Surveyors, or later, County Engineers. The following is a list of former Surveyors and Engineers.
1800 to 1823 William Hamilton, County Surveyor
1823 to 1828 Samuel Carpenter, County Surveyor
1828 to 1836 Jonathan Flattery, County Surveyor
1836 to 1842 Salmon Shaw, County Surveyor
1842 to 1849 William J. Card, County Surveyor
1849 to 1854 Gabriel Strunk, County Surveyor
1854 to 1863 William Hamilton, County Surveyor
1863 to 1867 E.S. Hannum, County Surveyor
1867 to 1869 Levi Hartzler, County Surveyor
1869 to 1874 C.S. Williams, County Surveyor
1874 to 1876 E.S. Hannum, County Surveyor
1876 to 1887 Charles W. Borland, County Surveyor
1887 to 1901 E.A. Bretz, County Surveyor
1901 to 1914 T.M. Spangler, County Surveyor
1914 to 1929 James R. Schopp, Resident Engineer for the State Highway Department
(Title changed to Resident Engineer in 1915 during Mr. Shopp's term of Office)
1929 to 1937 R.D. Matheny, Resident Engineer for the State Highway Department
(Title changed to County Engiener in 1935 during Mr. Matheny's term of Office)
1937 to 1981 Leon Wolford, County Engineer
1981 to 1995 Robert C. Reef, County Engineer
1995 to Present Frank W. Anderson, County Engineer