Michigan. Court of the Justice of the Peace (Calhoun County)

No information is available on these men. In the 19th century and earlier, local governments paid people to kill wolves to prevent damage to domesticated animals, such as sheep. Wolf heads were preferred by local treasurers to prevent people from taking parts of a wolf skin to a different local officials and getting certificates from each locality. Certificates were then paid by the County Treasurer. Farmers were also reimbursed for damages to their herds caused by wolves. Thus, treasurers had "sheep damage bills" in their accounts.

From the description of Wolf bounty certificate, 1838-1839. (Clarke Historical Library). WorldCat record id: 43466786