Athens Township (part 3 of 21)

^'Whereas, By a resolution of the legislature of this territory, of the 1 8th day of December, 1799, Rufus Putnam, Benjamin Ives Gilmaikand Jonathan Stone, esquires, were requested to lay oflFa town in the most convenient place within the townships numbered eight and nine, in the fourteenth range of townships as set apart by the agents and directors of the Ohio Company, for the uses and purposes of an university, which should be so laid off as to contain a square for colleges, and lots suitable for house-lots and gardens for a president, professors tnd tutors, with out-lots and commons. And, whereas^ the said Putnam, Gilman and Stone in conformity to the said resolution, have laid off the said town within the ninth, tenth and fifteenth, sixteenth and twenty-second sections of the aforesaid ninth township, and have returned a plat of the same ; therefore, to establish and confirm the same :

Section i. Be it enacted by the Legislative Council and House of Representatives in General Assembly^ And it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, that the return and report of the said Putnam, Gilman and Stone be accepted and approved, and that the said town be confirmed and established by the name of the town of Athens; Provided^ that the trustees of the university therein to be established shall have power to alter the plan of the said town, by extending the houscrlots into the commons or out-lots, which adjoin the town, or by altering the streets, when, on actual survey, they may find it necessary or convenient. Provided^ also, that such alterations be ^nade and a plat of the town, out-lots and commons, with a designation of the uses of the commons, be recorded in the office of the recorder of the proper county prior to the offering to lease of any of the said lots.

Sec 2. j/nd be it further enacted^ That the house-lots numbered fifty-five' and fifty-six in the said town of Athens, or some other two lots therein equally well situated, to be designated and set apart by the trustees of the said university when appointed, shall be reserved for the accommodation of public buildings that may be necessary to be erected for the use of said town and the county in which it may be situated ; which two lots, when agreed upon by said trustees, shall be particularly noted on the plat of said town and vest in the county to and for the uses designed thereby.

Robert Oliver

At this time there were not more than five or six cabins occupied on the town plat. A Mr. Earhart lived on the brow of the hill near where Bing's carriage shop now is. Othniel Tuttle had a cabin on the S. W. corner of the old graveyard. In 1800 Dr. Perkins bought his cabin and moved it down the road and added it to his own, near where Dr. E. G. Carpenter now lives, Solomon Tuttle lived in a cabin near where Love's grocery now is - -opposite the Currier homestead. Christian Stevens had a cabin just back of the college green, and a man by the name of Brakefield lived 20 or 30 rods east of the S. E. corner of the green. Alvan Bingham lived half a mile N. E., where widow Bingham now lives.

During the next four or five years the settlement at Athens, though increasing but slowly, received the addition of numbers of valuable citizens, sketches of some of whom will be found elsewhere. About this time John Hewitt built the first grist mill in the county (in 1800), on Margaret's creek, about a mile above its mouth, where Timothy Goodrich afterward built a saw mill. Hewitt's mill was much resorted to by the settlers for grinding their breadstufFs. Previous to this the nearest mills were in Washington county, on the Ohio and Muskingum rivers, which could only be reached by tedious journeys. Soon after this a small mill was built by Charles Shepard, in Alexander township, on the place now owned by Samuel Armstrong. The horse mill below Athens, built by Capt. Silas Bingham, is believed to have been the next in order of time. During this period Henry Cassel, an ingenious man, manufactured small hand mills which ground corn tolerably well. The stone from which they were made was found on the old Shepard place in Alexander township, now owned by John S. Miller. These hand mills of Cassel's were visited by the neighboring settlers almost daily, each taking his turn and grinding one quart, when he would yield the mill to some one else. Some families were provided with a private ^^ hominy block," in which the corn was pounded and broken as with a pestle.

The first house was erected on the town plat in 1798, by Capt. John Chandler, a brother-in-law of Judge Alvan Bingham, on lot No. i, near where Bing's carriage shop now stands. John Havner built a hewed log house on the opposite side of the street, very soon after. Dr. Perkins lived in a log cabin on State street, near where Dr. Carpenter now resides. Dr. Leonard Jewett, who came in 1804 or '5, occupied a hewed log house, previously erected by Capt. Silas Bingham, on the lot now occupied by Geo. W. Norris, on College street. Joel Abbott succeeded Captain Chandler, and erected one of the earliest brick houses, in 1803 or \. William McNichol built, and occupied as a tavern, a hewed log house nearly opposite to Abbott's. About this time, William Dorr built, and occupied as a store, a double, hewed log house, on the lot where Judge Barker now resides. Afterward the house was occupied as a tavern. John Johnston built and occupied a log house, on the corner where Crip- pen's grocery now is. Jared Jones built a log house on the lot now occupied by Mr. Topky. One of the first brick houses was built, and occupied as a store and dwelling, by Joseph B. Miles, near the corner known as "Brown's Corner."

Meanwhile the settlement had grown to a size that entitled it, in 1803, to the honor of mention by, prob-? ably, the first professional tourist who visited the northwest,* and who said: "Athens, on the Great Hockhocking river, forty miles by water from the Ohio, lies in the election district of Middletown. This settlement commenced in the year 1797. Th« town is regularly laid out, on elevated ground, of easy ascent, round which the river forms a graceful bend. The situation is healthy, and the prospect delightful beyond description. The town is abundantly supplied with never-failing springs of excellent water, and the adjacent country is thought to be superior to any in the state for pleasantness and fertility."

* The Rev. Thaddeus M. Harris, a Massachusetts clergyman, who made a trip to the western country in 1803, in search of health and pleasure, an account of which he published in 1805. His book is, tnd has long been, a very rare one. Dr. Pierce said of it. nearly fifty years ago :

''The celebrated John Foster, of Londoiii author of Essays on Deeisun of Character, etc., employed me to find or procure it for him. At it could not be found in any book store, I reluctantly parted with my own copy, to satisfy the curiosity of this learned man.**

At this time, and for many years after the county was organized, various kinds of game were abundant in the forests, and deers, bears, wild turkeys, etc., were killed in great numbers. Wolves and panthers were a great annoyance, and, to the sheep growers, a great scourge. The first board of county commissioners, in June, 1805, ordered that a bounty of three dollars be paid for the scalp of every wolf or panther killed within the county, under six months old, and four dollars for every one over six months. This rate was continued for six years. June 11, 181 1, the board resolved that from and after that date, the county would pay, for every wolf and panther scalp, one dollar, in addition to the state -bounty, which was then two dollars for those under six months old, and four dollars if over six months. December 4, 181 1, the commissioners ordered that, from and after that date, they would pay, in addition to the state bounty, two dollars per scalp. In September, 18 13, the bounty was suspended till further ordered, but in June, 18 14, it was renewed, and fixed at two dollars per scalp. June 5, 1 8 17, the commissioners resolved, "that the bounty on wolf scalps be discontinued from and after the 5th day of June, 18 18." The bounty on panther scalps was discontinued not long afterward.

The following persons, in addition to those already named, were residents of the town or township of Athens in 1805, viz: John Simonton, Andrew Hig- gins, Cornelius Moore, Moses Bean, Henry Bartlett, James Jolly, Daniel Mulford, Simon Speed, Samuel Luckey, John, Samuel, William, and Robert Lowry, John Green, Garret Jones, Uriah Tippee, Joel Abbott, Jacob Wolf, Ignatius Thompson, William and Aaron Young, Samuel Pickett, Samuel Smith, Josiah Coe, Francis Whitmore, Isaac and Michael Barker, Jonathan and Timothy Wilkins, William and Charles Harper, and Jehiel Gregory - the last named represented the county in the legislature, in 1805 ^"^ '^> and built one of the earliest mills on the Hockhocking, east of Athens.

The names of some of the pioneer settlers, mentioned in these pages, are preserved in different parts of the county, as follows: Moore's run, in Athens township; Brown's branch, Ewing's branch, Wyatt's branch. Walker's branch, Linscott's branch, and Brawley's branch, in Ames; Ross run, in Alexander; Pilcher's branch, Hoskinson's branch, Buckley's branch, and Mansfield's branch, in Canaan; Guthrie's branch, Davis's branch, and Lottridge P. O., in Carthage; Bailey's branch and Jackson run, in Dover; Cassel's run and Shidler's branch, in Lee; Thompson's fork, Pratt's fork, Dailey run, Dinsmore branch, and Douglas branch, in Lodi ; Stewart's run. Case run, Herrold run. Hatch branch, Rowell branch, and Green branch, in Rome; Frost branch, Washburn branch, Ross branch, and Devol's run, in Troy; Woodbury

The settlement of the county was now fairly begun, and the population was receiving steady additions. The time was approaching when they would divide from Washington county, and begin a separate career. Before speaking, however, of the organization of Athens county, let us, in order to complete our view of this period, and gain a better understanding of some points in the early annals of the county, glance at

The ordinance of 1787 provided that, as soon as there should be 5,ocx> free male inhabitants of full age, in the territory, and on proof thereof being made to the governor, the people should be authorized to elect representatives to a territorial legislature. The requisite population being reached in 1798, an election of representatives was ordered by proclamation of Governor St. Clair, to be held on the third Monday in December of that year. The lower house of the territorial assembly was to consist of one member for every five hundred voters, but the total not to exceed twentyfive members. The privilege of voting was confined to free-holders, in fee simple, of fifty acres of land within the district; and none but free-holders, in fee simple, of five hundred acres, were eligible as reprc- sentatives. The upper house, corresponding now to the senate, was to consist of a council of five members, each of whom should be a free-holder of not less than five hundred acres, to be chosen by the representatives from their own number, and to be confirmed and appointed by congress. At this election (the first ever held in the state). Col. Robert Oliver, Return J. Meigs, and Paul Fearing were chosen representatives from Washington county, receiving the hearty support of the voters of Athens and Ames, or, as it was then called, the Middletown district. The representatives elect assembled, according to the governor's proclamation, at Cincinnati, on the 4th of February, 1799, to transact certain business, preliminary to their regular meeting. After due deliberation, they nominated for the legislative council of five, Henry Vanderburg, of Vincennes, Robert Oliver, of Marietta, James Findlay and Jacob Burnet, of Cincinnati, and David Vance; all of whom were subsequently confirmed and appointed by Federal authority. Col. Oliver was chosen president of the council and held that position until the formation of the state government. The following is from a letter, written in 1837, by Jacob Burnet,* of Cincinnati, himself a member of the territorial legislature.

* Jacob Burnet, one of the ablest among the early lawyers of the territory, was born at Newark, N. J., February 22, 1770, graduated at Princeton College, studied law under Judge Boudinot, was admitted to

^On the 1 6th of September, 1799, both branches of the territorial legislature assembled at Cincinnati, and organized for business. The governor met the two houses in the representatives' chamber, and in a very elegant address recommended such measures as he thought were suited to the condition of the country, [and would advance the safety and prosperity of the people. The body continued in session till the 19th of December, when, having finished their business, the governor prorogued them, at their request, till the first Monday in November.

This being the first session it was necessarily a very laborious one. The transition from a colonial to a semi-independent government, called for a general revision as well as a considerable enlargement of the statute book. Some of the adopted laws

At this time, the country to which I united mytelf, and with which it was my purpose to rise or fall, was, literally, a wilderness. The entire white populatioii, between PennsyWania and the Mississippi, from the Ohio to the lakes, was estimated at fifteen thousand; Cincinnati was a small Tillage of log cabins, including perhaps a dozen of coarse frame houses, with stone chimneys, most of them unfinished. Not a brick had been seen in the place. It may aid in forming an idea of the appearance of the place at this time, to state that, at the northeast comer of Main and Fifth streets (now - i837»-the centre of business and tasteful improTemcnti), and contiguous to a rough, half finished frame house, in which our courts were held, there was a pond, filled with alder bushes, in which the frogs serenaded us regularly, from spring to autumn. The morass extended so far into Main street, that it was necessary to construct a causeway of logs, in order to past it with convenience ; and it remained in its natural state, filled with alder bushes and frogs, three or four years af^ my residence there began. The population of the town, including officers and fbllowen of the army, was about five hundred.** were repealed, many others altered and amended, and a long list of new ones added to the code. New offices were to be created and filled, the duties attached to them prescribed^ and a plan of ways and means devised to meet the increased expenditures, occasioned by the change which had just taken place. As the number of members in each bran'ch was small, and a large portion of them either unprepared or indisposed to partake largely of the labors of the session, the pressure fell on the shoulders of a few. Although the branch to which I belonged was composed of sensible, strong-minded men, yet they were unaccustomed to the duties of their new station, and not conversant with the science of law. The consequence was that they relied chiefly and almost entirely on me to draft and prepare the bills and other documents, which originated in the council. One of the important duties which devolved on the legislature, was the election of a delegate to represent the territory in congress. As soon as the governor's proclamation made its appearance, the election of a person to fill that station excited general attention. Several persons were spoken of, and among them myself. Many of my friends solicited me to become a candidate, and ventured to give strong assurance of my election if I would consent to serve; but being at that time engaged in an extensive and lucrative practice, and not wealthy, I could not afford to quit my profession, or to abstract from it as much time and attention as the duties of the station would require. In addition to this, it appeared to me that I could be more useful to the people of the territory in their own legislature, than in congress. For these reasons I declined to be a candidate ; and, before the meeting of the legislature, public opinion had settled down on William Henry Harrison and Arthur St. Clair, Jr., who were eventually the only candidates. On the 3d of October, 1799, the two houses met in the representatives' chamber, according to a joint resolution, and proceeded to an election. The ballots being taken and counted, it appeared that William Henry Harrison had eleven votes, and St. Clair ten votes ; the former was therefore declared to be duly elected. Having received his certificate of election, General Harrison resigned the office of secretary of the territory, proceeded forthwith to Philadelphia, and took his seat, congress being then in session. Though he represented the territory but one year, he obtained some important advantages for his constituents. He introduced a resolution to subdivide the surveys of the public lands and to oiFer them for sale in small tracts, which measure he succeeded in getting through both houses, in opposition to the interests of speculators who were, and who wished to be^ the retailers of land to the poorer classes of the community. His proposition became a law, and was hailed as the most beneficent act that congress had ever done for the territory. It put it in the power of every industrious man, however poor, to become a freeholder, and to lay a foundation for the future support and comfort of his family.

^^ Congress at that session (1799-1800), divided the northwestern territory, by establishing the new territory of Indiana, of which Mr. Harrison was appointed governor. By the division of the territory, Mr. Vanderburg (one of the legislative council) became a citizen of Indiana, and Solomon Sibley, of Detroit, was appointed to fill the vacancy in that body. The office of secretary, vacated by the election of Mr. Harrison as delegate in congress, was filled by the appointment of Charles Willing Byrd, who was afterward district judge of the United States for the district of Ohio.

the seat of government from Cincinnati to Chillicothe. On the 3d of November, 1800, the general assembly convened at that place. The governor met and addressed them, recommending, specifically, the measurbs to which he desired their attention. On the 6th of November the two houses met for the purpose of filling the vacancy made by the resignation of Gen. Harrison in congress and also to elect a delegate for the next succeeding term. William McMillan, of Cincinnati, was elected to fill the vacancy and Paul Fearing, of Marietta, for the term to begin on the 4th of March then next. On the 2d of December (as the governor's term of office expired on that day) the assembly adjourned sine die J*

Governor St. Clair was soon reappointed by President Adams, and a new assembly was elected by the people, which convened at Chillicothe on the 24th of November, i8oi. It remained in session till the 23d of January, 1802, when it was adjourned by the governor to be reopened at Cincinnati, on the fourth Monday of November, 1 802. This removal of the seat of government from Chillicothe to Cincinnati was (says Burnet), ^'in consequence of the violent and disgraceful proceedings of a mob, which assembled on two successive evenings for the purpose of insulting the governor and several of the members of the legislature, without any steps being taken by the town authorities to repress it, or to punish the leaders." But the territorial assembly never convened again. Before the day of its adjournment arrived, delegates had been elected to a constitu- tional convention, and preparations were being made for admission as a state into the Federal Union, This step was the theme of a great deal of discussion at that day, and was the most absorbing topic of the times.

The territorial government was of brief duration, lasting less than three years, when the contest between those who desired and those who opposed the formation of a state government, resulted in favor of the former; not, however, without a sharp popular struggle and considerable excitement. Indeed, the contest was for some time an active and bitter one. The opponents of a state government (/. e. of forming one at this time)^ argued that such a measure would be especially injurious to the inhabitants of the Ohio Company's purchase; that they had been stru^ling with the hardships of opening the wilderness since the year 1788, and for a large part of the time pressed by the merciless savage to the extremes of want> danger, and even death; that the population was sparse and generally poor; that the expenses of a state govern* ment would be heavy in proportion to the inhabitants, while the advantages to them in their present sitiia*- tion would be few, perhaps none, over a territorial government; and, finally, that the taxes to support a state government would fall on the actual settlers and land-holders, as the Ohio Company's lands would all be brought on the tax list, while congress lands, daily becoming more valuable by the improvements of the settlers, were to be free from taxation. The people of Washington county were so much opposed to the formation of a state government at that time, that they determined to hold a convention and give formal expression to their views. Delegates were accordingly chosen by the different settlements in the purchase, as follows : for Marietta, Paul Fearing and Elijah Backus; for Belpre, Isaac Pierce and Silas Bent; for Waterford, Robert Oliver and Gilbert Devol; for Adams, Joseph Barker; for Newport, Philip Witten and Samuel Williamson; for Middletown (or Athens), Alvan Bingham; and for Gailipoiis, Robert SafFord. Gilbert Devc^ was chosen chairman of the convention, and Joseph Barker secretary. The foregoing arguments were presented, in a paper prepared by Joseph Barker, and after mature deliberation the convention adopted the following :

^^ Resolved^ That, in our opinion, it would be highly Impolitic and very injurious to the inhabitants of this territory, to enter into a state government, at this time. Therefore, we, in behalf of our constituents, do request that you will use your best endeavors to prevent, and steadily oppose the adoption of any measures that may be taken for the purpose.*' preferment of some sort, under the new government, outnumbered the more sober and cautious representatives. The measure was carried, and it was decided to form a state government. So eager were the ambitious friends of the project for a change, that they relinquished the right of taxing the lands owned by congress, until five years after they had been sold and in the possession of the purchaser; whereas, in equity, they should have been liable to taxation as soon as they were in his possession. The apprehensions of the injurious results to the inhabitants of the Ohio Company's purchase, were soon realized, as the taxes for the support of the new government fell very heavily on them. This inequality remained until the year 1825, when the ad valorem system was introduced, and removed the long continued injustice. [Hiidreth.]

The next step in the transition from territorial to state government, was the passage of an act by congress, on the 30th of April, 1802, "to enable the people of the eastern division of the territory northwest of the river Ohio, to form a constitution and state government." This act provided for the election of delegates to frame a constitution, and fixed the qualifications of electors. It also fixed the present boundaries of Ohio, reserving the territory west and north of it for other states. Delegates to the constitutional convention were elected in the summer of

1802. The inhabitants of Athens (a part of Washington county) were represented by Ephraim Cutler, Rufus Putnam, John Mclntire, and Benjamin Ives Oilman. The convention assembled at Chillicothe on the 1st day of November, 1802, and remained in session about three weeks. The constitution being formed, was ratified and signed by the members on the 29th of November. It was never submitted to the people, but became the organic law of the state by the act of the convention alone.

Certain important changes, concerning the school lands, were made by the convention, in the proposition of congress, under which the state was to come into the Union. Congress assented to the proposed modifications by act of March 3, 1803, thus completing the compact and accepting Ohio as a state and a member of the Federal Union.

Governor St. Clair and most of the leading men during the period of the territorial government, were federalists; but by the time the territorial legislature was chosen (in 1799), democratic or JefFersonian ideas were becoming popular, and the assembly, which met at Cincinnati in September, 1799, was possessed of some of the democratic temper then prevalent. This, together with the rather arbitrary use of the veto power by Governor St. Clair, caused some clashing between them. The result was that an impetus was given to the growth of democratic ideas in the territory, the con- stitutional convention, which met in 1 802, was strongly JefFersonian, and the constitution which they formed was a thoroughly democratic one. Its excellencies and defects, for it had both, were those of a truly popular form of government

And now began the contest between "federalism" and "democracy" - the one school represented by Hamilton and his coadjutors, who believed in a powerful and splendid central government; and the other by Jefferson and his followers who advocated the largest liberty to the individual, and regarded with the utmost jealousy what they stigmatized as the centralization of power. "There were giants in those days," and their political and intellectual contests were admired and repeated in the remotest parts of the republic. By these opposing ideas, the actors in the little political arena of Athens county, like those of many other greater or smaller arenas throughout the country, were for many years to come excited and educated.

The time had now arrived when for various reasons, chiefly political perhaps, it was deemed advisable to form a new county on the west of Washington, and to be carved out of it.

Section I. Be it enacted^ etc.^ That so much of the county of Washington as is contained in the following boundaries, be and the same is hereby erected into a separate county, which shall be known by the name of Athens, viz : beginning at the southwest corner of township number ten, range seventeen ; thence easterly with the line between Gallia and Washington counties, to the Ohio river ; thence up said river to the mouth of Big Hockhocking river ; thence up the said Hockhocking river to the east line of township number six, of the twelfth range ; thence north on said line to the northeast corner of the eighth township, in the said twelfth range ; thence west to the east line of Fairfield county ; thence south on said county line and the line of Ross county, to the place of beginning.

Sec II. That from and after the first day of March next, the said county of Athens shall be vested with all the powers, privileges, and immunities of a separate and distinct county : provided always^ that all actions and suits which may be pending on the said first day of March next, shall be prosecuted and carried into final judgment and execution, and all taxes, fees^ fines, and forfeitures, which shall be then due, shall be collected in the same manner as if this act' had never been passed.

Sec. III. That the seat of justice for said county, is hereby established in the town of Athens, any law to the contrary not withstanding. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after the first day of March next.''

The county as thus established in 1805, contained one thousand and fifty-three square miles, or about thirty regular surveyed townships, and included five townships now belonging to Meigs county, viz: Columbia, Scipio, Bedford, Orange, and Olive townships ; two now belonging to Morgan county, viz : Homer and Marion ; three now belonging to Hocking county, viz: Ward, Green, and Starr; and seven now belonging to Vinton, viz : Brown, Swan, Elk, Madison, Knox, Clinton, and Vinton townships ; and a strip of land about ten miles long and one mile wide now belonging to Washington county. By an act passed January 30th, 1807, entitled "an act to alter the boundary line between the counties of Athens and Gallia," a strip about ten miles long and one mile wide, was added to the southeast corner of Athens county as it then existed. By an act passed February 1 8th, 1807, entitled "an act altering the line between the counties of Washington and Athens," the boundary of Athens was changed so as to take in the portion of Troy township lying east of the Hockhocking river; and the same act detached a strip one mile wide and fifteen miles long, lying along the eastern border of Rome, Bern, and Marion townships, from Athens county, and added it to Washington. By an act passed February loth, 18 14, sections thirty-one and thirty-two in township number six, range eleven (Rome) were detached from Washington and added to Athens, and sections eleven and twelve in township number eight, range twelve (now Marion township, Morgan county), were detached from Athens and added to Washington. The creation of the county of Jackson by act of January 12, 1 8 16, took township number ten, range seventeen (now Clinton township, Vinton county), from Athens. The creation of the county of Hocking by act of January 3,1818, took parts of three townships (Green and Starr, of Hocking, and Brown, of Vinton county), from Athens; and by an act of March 12th, 1845, entitled " an act to attach part of the county of Athens to the county of Hocking," the residue of those townships was stricken off. The creation of the county of Meigs, January 21, 18 19, took five townships from Athens and reduced our southern boundary to its present limits. By an act passed March 11, 1845, ^^^ townships of Homer and Marion were detached from Athens and added to Morgan county. Finally, the erection of the county of Vinton by act passed March

^3> 1850, took the remainder of our outlying possessions in that direction, and the same act detached Ward township from Athens and gave it to Hocking, thus reducing our boundaries all around to their present limits. The present boundaries of the county include about four hundred and eighty-four square miles.

An act of the legislature, passed February 13 th, 1804, entitled ^^an act establishing boards of commissioners," provided that the election for commissioners should be held on the first Monday of the next April. The first election in Athens county resulted in the choice of Silas Dean, William Howlett and John Corey, commissioners. We quote from the record of the first board of commissioners:

We, Silas Dean, Wm. Howlett and John Corey, being elected commissioners for the county of Athens on the 13th day of April, 1805, ^^'^^ Dean and John Corey, agreeably to appointment, met this day in order to proceed to business, and have made choice of John Corey for clerk, and then proceeded to divide the county into the following townships :

The township of Ames begins at the N. £. corner of the county^ thence running W. to the N. W. corner of said county ; thence S. to the S. W. corner of township No. 12 in the i6th range; thence E. to the S. E. corner of township No. 7 in the lath range -, thence N. to the place of beginning.

of township No. J 2 ; thence £. to the S. E. corner of township No. 5 in the 13th range j thence N. to the N. E. corner of the aforesaid township No. 5 ; thence West to the place of beginning.

The township of Alexander begins at the N. W. corner of township No. 11 in the 17th range, thence South to the S. W. corner of township No. 10 in the aforesaid 17th range; thence E. to the S. E. corner of township No. 3 in the 13th range; thence N. to the N. E. corner of township No. 4 in the 13th range; thence W. to the place of beginning.

The township of Troy begins at the S. W. corner of township No. 4 in the J2th range, thence East on the south line of the county until it intersects with Shade river ; thence down Shade river to its junction with the Ohio ; thence up the Ohio to the mouth of the Great Hockhocking ; thence up the Ilockhocking to where the eastern line of the I2th range crosses said river; thence N. to the N. E. corner of township No. 6 in the 12th range; thence W, to the N. W. corner of the aforesaid 6th township ; thence S. to the place of beginning.

By a majority of the board of commissioners Alvan Bingham was appointed treasurer for the county of Athens. April 17th, said Bingham's bonds executed and accepted."

[Here follow proposals and specifications for the building of a log jail and jailor's house, the jail to be 24 feet long in the clear and 13 feet wide, with minute descriptions of every part; but our space does not allow their insertion.]

"The board of commissioners have appointed John Armstrong's house as the first place of meeting for the electors of Alexander township ; John Havner's house as the first place of meeting for the electors of Athens township ; Ebenezer Buckingham's house as the first place of meeting for the electors of

[This session of the board lasted from the i6th to the 19th of April. William Howlett joined the other commissioners on the 17th. Their compensation was $1.50 per day, and the expense of this, the first meeting of the board, was $19.25. They adjourned till the second Monday of June, 1805.]

^^The board met agreeably to adjournment on the second Monday of June and proceeded to levy the county tax^ and made out one duplicate for the township of Ames, one for Athens and Alexander, and one for Troy.

In conformity to the nth section of an act for granting tavern licenses, ferriages, &c., passed at Chillicothe the ist day of February, 1805,

Resolved by the Board of CommissionerSy That the price of licenses for ferries crossing the Ohio within this county shall be two dollars. The rates for crossing said river shall be as the law prescribes in the aforesaid nth section.

Resohedj That the license for ferries crossing the Great Hockhocking river shall be two dollars. The rate of ferriage of the same shall be as follows, viz : For each foot passenger, three cents ; for man and horse, ten cents ; for loaded wagon and team, fifty cents ; for every other four-wheeled carriage, or empty wagon and team, thirty-seven and one-half cents; for every loaded cart and team, thirty-seven and a half cents ; for every loaded sled, or sleigh, or empty cart and team, twenty-five cents ; for every empty sled, or sleigh and team, twelve and a half cents i for every horse, mare, mule, or ass, and every head of neat cattle, six cents; for sheep and hogs, three cents.

Resolvidj That the license for taverns in the town of Athens shall be eight dollars ; for the township of Ames, four dollars \ for the township of Troy, five dollars; and for the township of Alexander, four dollars and a half. For the township of Athens, the price of a tavern license shall be six dollars.

The tax assessed on the township of Ames is thirty-nine dollars, as appears by the duplicate \ the tax assessed on the townships of Athens and Alexander is ninety-six dollars and forty cents, as appears by the duplicate ; the tax assessed on the township of Troy is twenty-two dollars and twenty cents, as appears by the duplicate. The total amount of all the taxes assessed in the county of Athens is one hundred and fifty-seven dollars and sixty cents.

The petition of David Watkins and others for a road, after being read, was rejected, it not being according to law. The petition of William Young and others for a road, after being read, was rejected, it not being according to law. The petition of H. Castle and others praying for a road, after being read, was rejected, not being according to law. The petition of Daniel Weetbee and others for the division of the township of Ames was not acceded to. The petition of Elijah Hatch and others praying for the erection of a new township in this county was not acceded to.

County of Athens to Josiah True. Dr. For services by him done in the township of Ames, listing taxable property in the year 1805, - - - - $5 30

Resolved^ by the Board of Commissioners^ that John Corey shall receive twelve dollars for his services as clerk for this board during the time the said board elected him for.

Whereas, It appears by a more mature deliberation to the board, that the resolution passed by them the 19th of April last, fixing the place for the first meeting of the electors of the township of Ames, is a grievance, and that the same should be changed, and for that purpose it is Resolved^ by the board, that the place for the first meeting of the electors of the aforesaid township of Ames, is the dwelling house of Nathan Woodbury.

July gthj 1805. - William Howlett and John Corey met, pursuant to adjournment, and proceeded, after a more mature deliberation, to strike out the price of license for the town plat of Athens.

Whereas, It appears on more mature deliberation by the Board of Commissioners that the petition of David Watkins and others praying for a road to be laid out from Asahel Cooley's to Henry Cassel's mill was done according to law, the said board have appointed George Shidler, Henry Shidler, and Charles Weeks to view said road.

It appearing to the board on more mature deliberation that the petition of Henry Cassell and others praying for a road to be laid out from Athens toward Salt Lick, which was rejected, was done agreeably to law, they now appoint Robert Linzec, Samuel Moore, and Joel Abbott to view out said road.

Resolved^ by the Board of Commissioners, that Daniel Stewart be appointed collector for the township of Troy, in the room of Stephen Buckingham, delinquent.

November ^thj 1805. - [An election having occurred in October.] Agreeably to an act entitled ^an act establishing Boards of Commissioners,' passed February 13th, 1804, ^^j William Howlett, William Barrows, and Samuel Moore, being elected commissioners for the county of Athens, have met this day in order to do business.

A petition, bearing date May 30th, 1805, having been presented to the board by David Watkins and others, of the township of Alexander, praying for a road beginning at the range line between the 12th and 13th ranges, thence onward to the Salt Lick, and George Shidler, Charles Weeks, and Henry Shidler having been appointed to view said road, now report the same useless.

We, the Commissioners, at our first meeting, cast lots, as the law directs, and drew as follows, viz : Samuel Moore to stand three years, William Howlett to stand two years, and William Barrows to stand one year.

June idy 1806. - William Barrows and Samuel Moore met in order to do business at the house of Silas Bingham. Silas Dean and Samuel Brown presented a petition for a road beginning at the Twenty-five mile tree on the state road, and ending at or near the Thirty-four mile tree on the Lancaster road.

Robert Linzee presented a petition for the road to be altered from Samuel Moore's to Stroud's run. Alvan Bingham, Arthur Coats and Jehiel Gregory are appointed to view said road the third Saturday in July, and Abel Miller is appointed surveyor.

Resolved^ by the Board of Commissioners, that the bounty on wolves' and panthers' scalps for this year shall be as follows, viz: For any wolf or panther under six months old, three dollars, and for all above that age, four dollars per scalp.

Athens township licenses for taverns for this year, /. e.y from the State road toward the Salt works are fixed at six dollars and fifty cents, and license on the State road, in said township, at four dollars each. Tavern licenses for the township of Ames are five dollars and fifty cents each. Tavern licenses for Troy and Alexander are five dollars each.

Ferry licenses on the State road, for this year, are two dollars, and other ferries on the Hockhocking, one dollar and fifty cents. Races of ferriage across said river for man and horse, twelve and a half cents ; and all the other rates the same as last year.

Athens County to Henry Bartlett. Dr. For services done the county, .... - J27 75 For making out duplicates for state and county taxes, - - 6 00

Athens County to Jehiel Gregory. Dr. To services done said county as an associate judge by notifying an election for sheriff*, coroner, and county commissioners, and receiving and making returns thereof; also for time spent with Judge Ames appointing and making bonds with Henry Bartlett as clerk pro tern, for the court of common pleas, 4 50

Athens County to Alvan Ogden. Dr. To viewing a road from near Asahel Cooley's, in Troy township, through Alexander, to intersect with the Salt Lick road at or near Wheelabout - nine days, - - 9 00

September y i, 1806. A petition being presented by William Green and others, praying for a road from John Brown's to Reuben Davis's, and from thence to Moses Hewitt's, the board appoint Ephraim Cutler, Joshua Wyatt, and Jason Ric^ viewers for said road, to meet the 9th day of September, at the house of John Brown \ and they appoint Thomas M. Hamilton surveyor of said road.

A petition being presented by Eliphaz Perkins and others, praying for a road from the town of Athens to the house of Frederic Foughty, in Ames township, John Corey, Abel Mann, and Nicholas Phillips are appointed viewers, and Abel Miller surveyor of said road.

To surveying a road from No. 5, in Troy, through the township of Alexander to intersect the Salt Lick road, on the waters of Wheelabout, and his chainmen and markers, - 22 50

December I, j8o6. At a meeting of the County Commissioners on Monday, the ist day of December, 1806, present Alvan Bingham and Samuel Moore, commissioners, the board appointed Henry Bartlett clerk for the term of one year, and agreed to pay him thirty dollars for his services, payable quarterly. ^ Personally appeared before me Abel Miller, one of the asso- ciate judges of the court of common pleas for the county of Athens, the above-named Henry Bartlett, who was sworn according to law, for the faithful discharge of his duties as clerk to the commissioners.

Also, to open a road leading from the town of Athens to the county line toward the Scioto Salt Lick, /. ^., so much of said road as lies in the township of Athens, as surveyed by Abel Miller.

Notice issued to the trustees of the township of Alexander to open a road, leading from Athens toward the Scioto Salt Lick, /. e.y so much of said road as lies in the township of Alexander.

Ordered by the commissioners that the sum of ten dollars be appropriated for the purpose of purchasing blank county orders, stationery, paying postage on letters, etc., and that an order be given to Henry Bartlett, as their clerk for that purpose.

For Athens township, Michael Barker ; for Ames township, John Brown, 2d ; for Troy township, Asahel Cooley ; for Alexander township, Amos Thompson.

The first constitution of Ohio provided for the election by the people of only two county officers, viz.: sheriff and coroner; other county officers were, during the first eighteen years of the state's history, appointed by the county commissioners or by the associate judges of the respective counties. The office of county auditor was created by act of the legislature, at the session of 1820-21. Before that time the principal duties of the auditor were performed by the county clerk, who was appointed by the commissioners. Henry Bartlett, so long known in the county as "Esquire Bartlett," was clerk, and ex officio auditor, from 1806 till March 182 1. From this time the successive auditors were: per, appointed June, 1809; Eliphaz Perkins,* appointed June, 181 1; Amos Crippen, appointed June, 1815; Isaac Barker, appointed June, 1825, elected October, 1825; Amos Crippen, elected October, 1829; Isaac Barker, elected October, 1831 ; Isaac N. Norton, elected October, 1835, died in December, 1836. Abram Van Vorhes acted first year, and Isaac Barker, second year, by appointment. Isaac Barker, elected October, 1837; Amos Crippen, elected October, 1839; Robert McCabe, elected October, 1841 ; William Golden, elected October, 1847; Samuel Pickering, elected October, 1853; Leonard Brown, elected October, 1857; Joseph M. Dana, elected October, 1859; Leonard Brown, elected October, 1861 ; A. W. S. Minear, elected October, 18635 George W. Baker, elected October, 1867, and is still in office.

The first court of common pleas, July 8, 1805, consisted of Robert F. Slaughter, president judge, and Silvanus Ames and Elijah Hatch, associate judges. Henry Bartlett was appointed clerk. Since that time the following judges have acted:

"June 9, 1809. Completed the settlement with Eliphaz Perkins, county treasurer Amount of money received by him, as per his book ; . . . $1,622 36 Rccdfed of him in county orders .... $1,619 16 Hit commissions on same, at 3 per cent. 4^ 5^

1807 ^o ^8'^ - William Wilson, president judge, and Alexanander Stedman, Abel Miller, and Elijah Hatch, associate judges. 1813 - William Wilson, president judge, and Jehiel Gregory,

Silvanus Ames, and Ebenezer Currier, associate judges. 1 8 15 to 1818 - William Wilson, president judge, and Silvanus Ames, Ebenezer Currier, and Elijah Hatch, associate judges. 18 19 - Ezra Osborne, president judge, and Robert Linzee, and Thomas Irwin, president judge, vice Osborne. 1827 - Elijah Hatch, associate judge, vice Amos Crippen. 1838 - George Walker, associate judge, vice Alvan Bingham. 1833 - Ebenezer Currier, associate judge, vice Edward Dorr. 1834 - David Richmond, associate judge, vice Elijah Hatch. 1840 - John E. Hanna, president judge, vice Thomas Irwin. 1840 - Samuel B. Pruden, associate judge, vice Ebenezer Currier.

Nelson H. Van Vorhes, elected October, 1855 ; resigned September, 1855. Daniel S. Dana, appointed September, 1855. Calvary Morris, elected October, 1855, and is still in office.

Note. - It must be borne in mind that the boundaries of some of the townships underwent changes from time to time till March, 1^50, since when there have been no changes.

Produced During Year Ending June 1, 1850

Lumber '- . - Machinery . - . Marble and stone work Pottery ware - - - Printing - - . Provisions - pork and beef Saddlery and harness - Salt . . . .

The following statement shows the number and value of certain live stock, in the respective townships, as listed by the assessors for taxation, in 1867 :

Sheep Cattle

Prior to the year 1794, there was no mail route to the northwestern territory, nor any post office north of the Ohio river west of Pittsburg. The only communication the Ohio Company's settlers had with the east was by private hands, and the receipt of letters or papers was a rare and interesting occurrence. In the year 1794, a route was established from Pittsburg, via Washington, Pennsylvania, West Liberty, Virginia, and Wheeling, to Limestone (now Maysville, Kentucky), and Fort Washington (Cincinnati). From Pittsburg to Wheeling the mail was carried by land, and from Wheeling down the Ohio river in small boats, about twenty-four feet long, built much like a whale-boat, and steered with a rudder. Each boat was manned by five persons, well armed and provided against attacks by the Indians. Though not covered, each of the little craft was furnished with a large tarpaulin, which, in case of storm or other necessity, was used to cover the arms, mail bags, etc. The boats, ascending and descending the river, met and exchanged mails at Marietta, Gallipolis, and Maysville. The time consumed was about twelve days from Cincinnati to Wheeling, and about half that time from Wheeling to Cincinnati.* By this route, the inhabitants of

* Though not strictly germane to the subject, we may be excused for presenting some facts concerning the early postal operations of the government, showing the very small beginnings of our present vast and beneficent system.

On the 1st of January, 1790, there were only seventy-five post offices in the United States. There are now more than twenty-four thousand. For the quarter ending December 13, 1789, the total receipts of the post office at New York were $1,067 ^^ > ^^^ emoluments of the post master amounted to $527 52, and the inddental

Washington county, and afterward those of Athens, received their mail matter once in two or three weeks. In the year 1800, the only post route in southern Ohio was from Zanesville to Marietta. In 1802, a route was established from Marietta, by way of Athens and Chillicothe, to Cincinnati; and in 1804, the route from Marietta to Zanesville was discontinued.

The first post office in the county of Athens, was established at Athens in January, 1804, and the first post master was Jehiel Gregory. The office was kept at his house, across the river, east of Athens, where D. B. Stewart's woolen factory is now situated. The ofiice changed hands in the spring of the same year, and Dr. Eliphaz Perkins was appointed post master, expenses of the office were I36 89. At the Philadelphia post office, the receipts for the same period were $1,530 73 ; post master's emoluments, $315 28, expenses of office, $77 84. The mail was carried from Philadelphia to Pittsburg once in two weeks. The contracts for cinying the mail to the southward of New York city, for that year, amounted to $14,973 75; and to the eastward of the same place to 16,003 15. From New York to Albany, the contractors received all the postage for carrying the mail. The route from Boston to Providence, New London, and New Haven, was an expense to the department of $520, for that year. The route from Philadelphia to Pittsburg, was an expense of $800. The department fell in debt I34 84 for the quarter. In the year 1825, the mail Was carried from Wheeling to Zanesville, Ohio, three times a week ; from Zanesville to Lancaster, three times a week ; from Lancaster to Cincinnati, twice a week ; from Marietta to Zanesville, once a week ; from Marietta to Chillicothe, twice a week, and from Marietu to Lancaster, once in two weeks. [American State Papers.]

and kept the office for a short time, on State street, near D. M. Clayton's late residence, and afterward, for many years, in the brick building now known as Ballard's corner.

The second post office established in the county was in Ames township, in the year 1821. Loring B. Glazier was the first post master there, and the office received the name of Amesville. Previous to the establishment of this office. Judge Ames, Judge Walker, Doctor Walker, Abel Glazier, Judge Cutler, and other citizens of the neighborhood, taking the Marietta paper, received their papers from the mail carrier, who brought them in a way-bag for distribution, for which service each person was required to pay fifty cents a year to the carrier. During the early years of this century, several copies of the National Intelligencer were taken in the Ames settlement. It was received every two weeks, and was at once the great news bringer from the outer world to the little community, and the political gospel of all its readers. The writer has heard an aged relative, herself a staunch adherent of the Jeffisrsonian school of politics, relate with what eagerness the Intelligencer was awaited during the war of 18 12, and how its narratives of events, political and military, were devoured by those who could read, and read aloud to those who could not.

The earliest legislation in Ohio relative to the organization of agricultural societies, and designed to encourage that branch of industry, was an act passed February 25, 1832, entitled ''an act to authorize and encourage the establishment of agricultural societies in the several counties of this state, and for other purposes therein set forth." The farmers of Athens county had, however, already perceived their interests in this regard, and a society had been formed and a fair held some years before the passage of this act. The society was organized May 19, 1828. The preamble to the constitution recites that,

** We, whose names are annexed, convinced of the benefits resulting to communities from the operations of well regulated agricultural societies, in the means and facilities afforded by them for the attainment and diffusion of useful practical information, and the spirit of emulation and improvement in the culture of the soil, and the domestic manufacture of its products; do form ourselves into an association for the above mentioned purposes, to be called the Athens County Agricultural Society^ of which the following shall be the constitution."

The constitution provides for the government of the society, by the usual officers and a board of six directors; for terms of membership, annual meetings, and the awarding of premiums "to members and their families for distinguished merit, exertion, discovery, or improvement in the various branches of husbandry and agricultural economy, household manufactures, etc.'* At the first meeting, the following persons were appointed and requested to act as agents in soliciting subscriptions to the constitution:

The next meeting of the society was held at Athens, in July, 1828, and arrangements were made for an exhibition, which was accordingly held, in October of that year, and which was the first agricultural fair held in southern Ohio.

The next annual meeting of the society, for the choice of officers, etc., was announced by A. G. Brown, secretary, to be held "at the court house in Athens, on Thursday, April i6th, at one o'clock, p. m." The secretary, then editing and publishing the Athens Mirrofj accompanied the call with some judicious remarks as to the importance of sustaining the movement, which would, however, "assuredly flag and fall into disuse, without the frequently renewed and strenuous efforts of those who were convinced of its utility, and friendly to its objects/'

''The meeting, though not large, was respectable, and made up in zeal what it wanted in numbers. The peculiarity of this season, by which the advance of vegetation, and, consequently, of the farmer's labor, has been delayed, doubtless prevented the attendance of many who would have wished to be present. The meeting was, notwithstanding, very interesting, and hopes are now entertained of the most beneficial results."

The following officers were elected for the ensuing year, each of whom was requested and expected "to take an active part in promoting the objects of the society."

A week later, April 25th, the directors met at the same place, and resolved that " seventy-five dollars be appropriated, to be awarded as premiums for the encouragement of industry, enterprise and skill, during the present year," and made out their premium list. The premiums were of course small. The largest was for the best stallion, owned and kept by a member of the society, four dollars. The next largest, for the best pair of working oxen and yoke, three dollars. For the best six merino ewes, two dollars; best beef animal, two dollars, etc. In the list were the following:

Several annual exhibitions were held after this, but IB the course of a few years the interest began to flag, local dissensions crept in, and finally the fairs ceased to be held. A lapse of nearly twenty years occurred before the society was revived. In December, 1850, the county commissioners issued a call for a meeting of citizens, to be held on the 13th of January, 1851, for the purpose of organizing an agricultural society. At that meeting, a constitution and by-laws were adopted, and Sabinus Rice was chosen president ; Ziba Lindley, vice president; George Putnam, recording secretary; A. B. Walker, corresponding secretary; Joseph M. Dana, treasurer; and Henry Brawley, Eleazur Smith, , Hiram Stewart, P. W. Boyles, and James Dickey, managers. Since that time, several annual fairs have been held, and there has been a steady and gratifying growth of interest in the society. The present officers are, Charles L. Wilson, president; Peter Long, vice president; Nelson H. Van Vorhes, treasurer; A. W. Glazier, secretary; and Joseph Higgins, George Putnam, A. W. Glazier, A. S. Tidd, A. N. Vorhes, N. Warren, Cyrus Blazer, and Charles R. Smith, directors.

The county contains about four hundred and eightyfour square miles of land, some portions of which are admirably adapted for grazing and agricultural purposes, while others are rich in minerals. It is well watered by the Hockhocking river and its tributaries, Sunday creek, Monday creek, Margaret's creek, Federal creek. Shade river, etc. The Hockhocking, entering at the northwestern corner of York township, traverses the county diagonally for a distance of about fifty miles, flowing into the Ohio river in Troy township. The average width of the stream throughout the county is about fifty yards. The region drained by its numerous tributary streams, and which may be called its valley, will average about twenty miles in width. The whole extent of the valley (in Athens county) is hilly and broken, the hills rising from two hundred to three hundred feet above the beds of the neighboring streams, which, in times past, appear to have worn their way through the strata, so as to give the surface of the country, once a plain, the features which we now observe. The alluvial lands of the Hockhocking and its tributaries are very rich, though liable to occasional overflow from the sudden floods that take place in ail the streams of this region. The hill lands are covered with a fertile soil, and clothed with a heavy growth of forest trees.

Of this wonderful product of nature - so mysterious in its origin, and so incalculably useful to the comfort and industries of men - vast deposits exist within the

It is probable that the most valuable vein is that one which, as it has been most extensively worked in the vicinity of Nelsonville, has been called the " Nelsonville coal." This bed is unquestionably one of the most, if not the most, valuable in the state; not only on account of its superior quality and its proximity to canal and railroad facilities, but also for the comparative case with which it can be obtained. The average thickness of the vein may be rated at six feet, but it varie§ from five to nine. As we descend the river from Nelsonville, it gradually dips and finally disappears below the bed of the Hockhocking, about five miles below Nelsonville, on section eight, in York township. Taking into account the fall of the river, the dip between the two places is between twenty and twenty-five feet per mile, in a south or southeast direction. West of Nelsonville, it extends up the river, gradually becoming more elevated until it runs out on the tops of the hills, three or four miles above the town. The same vein has been traced over to the head waters of Raccoon, in Waterloo township.

About a mile and a half northeast from the point where the vein above described dips below the river, occurs a bed of coal about forty feet above. It is found in the eastern part of Dover township. This vein, sometimes called the "Denman vein," has been opened in several places east of this point, as far as Sunday creek, at the mouth of which it is found near the bed of the stream. North of this it extends into Trimble township.

Another bed, sometimes designated as the " Federal creek coal,'' occupies an area, from north to south through the county, of from six to ten miles in width, embracing the townships of Lodi, Carthage, Rome, Canaan, Ames, and Bern. Several shafts have been opened near Big run, in Rome township, and from seven hundred to a thousand bushels of excellent coal have been shipped from that point daily during ^most of the last year. This vein is best disclosed along Federal creek and its branches, and from a point about two miles above the mouth of Federal, it can be found upon almost every section to the north part of the county, varying in thickness from four to eight feet, while its average is not perhaps over five. This vein has not been so extensively worked as the Nelsonvillc, but of its existence in vast quantities, of its good quality, and of the potent influence which at some future day it will exert on the wealth and prosperity of this section of country, there can be no doubt. The aggregate amount of coal that may be mined within the county has been estimated, by competent authority, at two thousand five hundred millions of tons.

nature, has deposited, where the industry of future generations will make it available, this incalculable store of fossil fuel which will not only supply, for ages, the r^on it pervades, but will form an article of extensive commerce with other sections and states. Heretofore only about one hundred thousand tons of coal have been annually mined in the county ; but the greatly increased railroad facilities which the coal region will soon enjoy, must give a powerful impetus to this important branch of industry. The Mineral railroad, now nearly finished, from Mineral station, on the Marietta and Cincinnati railroad, northerly, some five miles into the coal r^ion, commands access to very extensive deposits, and ample preparations are making for placing the coal in market. The Hocking Valley railroad, also, extending from the capital of the state to Athens, seventy-three miles, will soon be com* pleted, thus opening up the central and northern parts of the state, and even the great northwest, to be supplied with cheap fuel from the hills of Athens county. Already, and more and more each successive year, the industry of the county feels the healthful effects of the growing coal business. But who can say - what imagination shall dare to conceive - the influence which will probably be exerted by these exhaustless coal fields on the society of a hundred years hence? Then, when the population of the state of Ohio may be twenty million souls; when the commercial metropolis of the state may exceed in population the present city of New York; when the smoke of many great manufacturing cities shall roll over the land; when almost every acre shall support its family, and the ground shall be tilled up to the edges of the railroad tracks, then this rich mineral region of southern Ohio, will have taken its proper place in the march of progress.

In natural sequence to coal, without which it can not be utilized, comes iron - the weapon, the utensil, the lever, the support of modern civilization. Of this metal, which, in its countless uses, enters so largely into the demands of agriculture, commerce, science, and art, there are very extensive deposits in the county. Though, as yet, the manufacture of iron has never been undertaken in the county, excellent iron ore exists here in great abundance, and in close proximity to the great coal mines in the northwestern part of the county. The most continuous and probably the most valuable deposit, is a few feet below the Nelsonvillc coal. This is a heavy, compact ore, of a bluish color, and the vein varies in thickness from eight to twelve inches. In explorations for this ore, the Nelsonvillc coal affords a sure guide. It is found on the head waters of Monday creek, in Trimble township; on Meeker's run, in York township, and along the branches of Raccoon, in Waterloo. The vein is well exposed at other points, and probably extends through the southeast part of the county. There are also exposures of other veins in different parts of the county, affording conclusive evidence that iron ore, suitable for smelting, exists here in large quantities.

The production of salt in the county, has been long and successfully tested. For more than twenty years about fifty thousand barrels of excellent salt have been annually produced in the county. Salt water, varying in strength from six to nine per centum, is found in several localities, by boring from six hundred to eight hundred feet; and the brine thus obtained is speedily reduced to salt by the use of coal, which is generally conveniently at hand, and is found to be the cheapest fuel known for the purpose.

The principal operators are M. M. Greene & Co., at Salina; Messrs. Ewing & Vinton, in Chauncey; Mr. Joseph Herrold, near Athens; and Pruden Brothers, at Harmony, two miles below Athens, in Canaan township.

During the terrible four years, from 1861 to 1865, in which the government waged a tremendous war to preserve its own existence, and the union of the states, Athens county was not behind any portion of the loyal north, in the promptness and zeal of her responses to every call. According to the United States census report of i860, the number of male inhabitants of the county in that year, between the ages of fifteen and fifty, both inclusive, was five thousand and eighty-nine. The county furnished to the government during the war, in all, two thousand six hundred and ten soldiers,* or more than fifty per cent, of her men able to bear arms. In other words, of the able-bodied men in the county, every other one left his business and his family to assist in suppressing the rebellion. This is a record of which the county may well be proud - a record which no county in the state of OhiOj and, we dare say, few counties in all the northern states, can surpass. And it should be added that no draft was ever made in the county. What she did was done voluntarily, and stands as a lasting monument of her patriotism. During this trying period, the mass of her people, women not less than men, were profoundly stirred, and a loyal zeal pervaded all. For directing that zeal and organizing it into acts, for keeping up the patriotic fervor, and giving it practical, constant, and continuous expression, great credit belongs to the military committee of the county. During nearly the whole of

* This is the number that served in the army, and does not include one thousand nine hundred and sixty-seven men who volunteered and served in repelling the "Morgan raid," in 1863, nor one hundred and sixty " squirrel hunters," who hurried to the defense of Cincinnati, in 1862.

the war that committee consisted of Henry T. Brown, M. M. Greene, James W. Bayard, Lot L. Smith, Simeon W. Pickering, Joseph M. Dana, E. H. Moore, and W. R. Golden.

But even far more deserving than these of lasting remembrance and perpetual honor, were the men of the county who volunteered and served the country in the field. If it were possible, we should have liked to record here, as a small tribute to their patriotism, the name of every Athens county volunteer, officers and privates. It would have been a list of heroes. Our efforts, however, to obtain such a complete list have proved unavailing, and we can only present the following exhibit, which is accurate.* These figures furnish but a bald outline of the stirring and tragic history of the war period. It is easy to write that Athens county contributed two thousand six hundred and ten men to fight for the Union, but this statement conveys not even a suggestion of the events that were transpiring in her borders during those years. Meetings were held by day and night in all parts of the county, local

* The materials for such a perfect list probably exist in the war department, at Washington, and among the state records, at Columbus, bot at present in such a scattered and confused shape, as to render it entirely out of our power to present a complete list, and a partial one would have been worse than none. Some of the states have published t complete list, giving the name of every volunteer furnished by them daring the war, with his county and residence. It is to be hoped that Ohio will eventually do this.

committees appointed in every township, christian commission and aid societies organized, and all these appliances again and again started, with renewed energy as the government repeated its calls for help. Scarcely a family but contributed its quota, and the vacant places in many a one remain unfilled to-day. Some families gave all their men; one widow gave five sons,* and grim-visaged war crossed nearly every threshold, claiming the services of the bravest and best. All these things, with many others, and the names of those who enlisted, would properly appear in a history of the county during the rebellion ; but that would form a volume of itself.

Chapter Vi

THE records of the Ohio Company show that on the 9th of November, 1790, a committee of three was appointed to reconnoiter and survey the lands of the Company lying on the upper Hockhocking. This committee consisted of Jonathan Devol, Robert Oliver and Haffield White, and was styled "the reconnoitering committee." Owing, however, to Indian hostilities, the work was deferred some years and the regular survey of Athens and adjoining townships was not begun till January, 1795. The surveying party, which came up the Hockhocking river in canoes, was accompanied by a guard of fifteen men, as the Indian war had hardly closed and it was feared that bands of the savages might be found lurking in these deep forests. But none were met with, and the survey was completed during the ensuing spring and summer.*

Some account of the first settlement of the town of Athens and of its history up to the organization of the county is given in Chapter IV. The township as established by the county commissioners at their first meeting included territory which now forms five townships, viz: Swan and Brown, of Vinton county, and Waterloo, Canaan and Athens of Athens county. Thus though not so extensive as Alexander or Ames, Athens township nevertheless included a large extent of country. It was, for that period, a fair two days* journey across the township; and although the country was now emerging from the condition of an unbroken wilderness,

** Wcy the mUcriben, being appointed a committee by a retoWe of the afents of the Ohio Company of the 9th of November^ 1790, and for the purpose expressed in said resolve, but being prevented from attending to that business by the Indian war, nntil a treaty took place, since which (in company with Jeflfrey Matthewson, a surveyor appointed by the superintendent of surveys), having measured and very minutely examined the lands of the Hockhocking, report : That in range 14, township 10, the following sections or mile squares, vis : No. 13, 19, 10, 15, 31, and \i\ in range 15, township IS, sections No. x, 3, 4, 9, 10, 17, 23, 24, 30, 35, and 36} in range 16^ township IX, sections No. 5, ix, and 18 j in range 16, township 13, sections No. 13, 14, 10, II, 16, 17, x8, 33 and 34, we find are suitable to be laid out in fifth division lots agreeably to a map herewith exhibited. Having also examined and surveyed the land at the mouth of the great Hockhocking we find it very suiuble for house lota and in quantity according to the map herewith exhibited.

it was still very wild and thinly populated. The Rev. James Quinn, a pioneer Methodist preacher who died in Highland county at an advanced age in 1847, settled in Ohio in 1804. The same year he and the Rev. John Meek were appointed to the "Hockhocking circuit," which embraced not only the Hockhocking valley but also the settlements on the Muskingum and on the Scioto from the high bank below Chillicothe up to the neighborhood of where Columbus now stands. In 1805 Mr. Quinn was returned to the same circuit with the Rev. Joseph Williams as his colleague. A camp-meeting, probably the first ever held in the county, was held by Bishop Asbury and Mr. Quinn near the town of Athens in 18 10. Mr. Quinn states that it lasted four days, and that Bishop Asbury preached two powerful- sermons. In his autobiography, published many years since, Mr. Quinn says:

^ My first missionary excursion up the Hockhocking valley was performed in December, 1799. Leaving the vicinity of Marietta I ascended the Muskingum to the mouth of Wolf creek and then took the trace to Athens and the falls of Hockhocking. But, taking the right hand trace I left Athens to the left and passing through Amestown, struck the Hockhocking at the identical spot where Nelsonville now stands. There, at the foot of a large beech tree, I stored and prayed. Having given my horse his mess of corn, and eaten my piece of pone and meat, I cut my name on the beech, mounted poor Wilks and went on. Between sundown and dark I reached the old Indian town near the falls. Here I found three families. They came together and I preached to them. I passed on up the river as far as there were any settlements, spending nearly a week with the people in the vicinity of where Lancaster now is. I then returned by the way I had come and stopped again at my beech tree. Saturday night found me at Athens and in comfortable lodgings at the house of a Mr. Stevens. The people came together the next day, which I think was the first sabbath of January, 1800. I took for my text St. Paul's language to the Athenians of old, * Of this ignorance,' etc. There were a few Methodists in the region round about, and we had a refreshing time.**

Between this time and the organization of the county in 1805 steps were taken by the trustees of the university toward establishing the town.

On the 6th of June, 1804, ^hey passed an "ordinance providing for the sale of lots in the town of Athens." Sec. i appointed Rufus Putnam and Samuel Carpenter to survey and lay off the town of Athens agreeably with the rule of the resolution of the legislature of December i8th, 1799. Sec. 2 directed the treasurer of the university to have the town plat recorded. Sec. 3 directed Putnam and Carpenter, after due notice, to sell on the first Monday of November, 1804, at public auction, twenty-seven house-lots and an equal number of out-lots at their discretion, excepting and reserving house-lots number 57 and 58. The remaining sections related to the form of certificate and lease to be given.

On the and of April, 1806, Rufus Putnam and Dudley Woodb ridge were appointed a committee to conduct a second sale of town lots, which took place November 25, 1806. Some of the lots previously sold were sold again, payments having not been made. The following is the report of the second sale:

The first act passed by an Ohio legislature relative to the navigability of any stream was passed February 15, 1808, and entitled "An act for the navigation of the Hockhocking." It declared that stream to be navigable from its mouth to Rush creek and affixed penalties for obstructing its channel. The first act passed in the state authorizing the construction of a mill dam conferred this privilege on two citizens of Athens. It was passed February 21, 1805, and entitled "An act authorizing Jehiel Gregory, and John Havner, their heirs and assigns, to erect a mill dam across the Hockhocking river."

Sec. I, authorized these persons "to build a mill on the Hockhocking river, and erect a mill dam across said river opposite to out-lot number ten (10) in the town of Athens, which mill and dam when completed tre hereby vested in the said Gregory and Havner, their heirs and assigns, so long as they shall have a l^al right to the before mentioned lot"

Sec. a, enacted that they should make " in the mill dam aforesaid a good and sufficient lock, or apron, constructed in such manner that the free navigation of the river shall not be obstructed."

Sec. 4, required them to complete the dam within five years, and to keep the same in good repair; and Sec. 6, imposed a fine of five dollars for refusing to assist or pilot any person or craft passing up or down the stream over the dam, or for receiving any fee or reward therefor.

Under this act a dam was constructed and mill built in 1805 ^^^ 1806, the latter known as Gregory's mill, east of town where D. B. Stewart's mill now stands. In 183a, Messrs. J. B. and R. W. Miles built a large flouring mill at this site, which has been occupied by a mill continuously since 1806. From 1843^ ^^^^ 1853 this mill was in the hands of Mr. Andrew Kessinger, well remembered here as an upright man of business; he was the father of Mr. Joseph L. Kessinger now an active citizen of Athens. The Herrold mill as it is now called, was built by Capt. Silas Bingham in 18 16. Previous to his death (which occurred in 1840) Capt. Bingham rented the mill to his step-son, Joseph Herrold, who in 1 844 became and still continues the owner of the property. Judge Pruden established his business of carding wool, clothdressing, etc., at this mill about 1826 and continued it for several years, when he removed to a new point about two miles below Athens on the river and built up the mills, salt works and other improvements now called Harmony, in Canaan township.

In early times, and for many years after the organization of the county, the passage of the river was made by ferry boats - little scows which were poled and rowed across. In 1800 there was a ferry kept by old Arthur Coates (called Coates's ferry) a few rods below where the south bridge now stands, and another one called Harper's ferry, kept by Wm. Harper, about 100 yards above where the Marietta and Cincinnati railroad crosses the Hockhocking, west of Athens - just where the road turns. Mr. Harper lived a short distance the other side of the river, and Isaac Barker, at that time, in a log house situated on this side and about where the road now turns southward. It was at that time expected that a town would grow up at this ferry, and it was named rather prematurely, Elizabethtown, after a woman who accompanied Mrs. Margaret Snowden to the settlement - her surname is forgotten.

sioners. There are now several excellent bridges in the township. The East bridge, as it is called, was built about 1834, by Joseph B. and R. W. Miles, and their associates. Isaac Jackson was the principal mechanic, assisted by Oliver Childs. This bridge was modeled after the bridges at Zanesville, Ohio, then recently built by the Buckinghams. The West bridge was built in 1836, and by the same mechanic, Isaac Jackson. The South bridge was built in 1839; Samuel Miller was the principal mechanic, assisted by Francis Beardsley. All three of these bridges were built under acts of incorporation, making them toll bridges, but have since been made free by voluntary contributions of the citizens, aided by appropriations of the county. There are two other good bridges in the township, across Margaret's creek, one at its mouth, near the Bingham mills, and the other about a mile above, at the old Goodrich saw mill. Both of these were mainly built by Joseph Herrold, on subscriptions of the neighboring citizens, and appropriations by the county.

The town of Athens had been "confirmed and established," by a legislative act of December 6, 1800; it was regularly incorporated by an act, passed January a8, 181 1, entitled "an act to incorporate the town of Athens, and for other purposes." This act enacted that "so much of the township of Athens, county of Athens, as is contained in the plat of the town of

Athens, as recorded in the recorder's office in the county of Washington, be and the same is herebyerected into a town corporate, to be known and distinguished by the name of the town of Athens." It provided for an annual election of a town council and other officers. It also authorized and directed ''the trustees of the Ohio university to lease to the county commissioners, on a nominal rent, for ninety-nine years, renewable forever, in-lots Nos. 35 and 37, on which the court house and jail now stand, and also inlot No. 18, reserved for the purpose of building a school and meeting house;" also, to lease, on the same terms, the grounds reserved for a burying ground.

This act of incorporation was amended February 15, 1812, when the trustees of the Ohio university were authorized and directed to lease to the Methodist society in the town of Athens, on the foregoing terms, "a piece of the public commons which adjoins out-lot No. 61, beginning at the S. E. corner of said lot, thence E. four chains, thence N. eight chains, thence W. four chains, thence S. to the place of beginning - for the use of the said Methodist society, and to build a meeting house thereon for the purposes of worship."

During the next half century, the population of the town and township increased but slowly. The extreme inaccessibility of the town during a long period, from the absence of railroad or other good communications, prevented a large immigration, while the superior agri- cultural advantages of states lying further west, have drawn away, from time to time, numbers of the citizens. In 1820, the population of the township was 1,114; in 1830, it was 1,703; in 1840, it was 2,282; in 1850, it was 2,360; and in i860, it was 2,852. The present population of the town of Athens is about two thousand. It is handsomely situated, and, for a town of its class, well built. With a healthful location, in the midst of a region abounding in natural beauties of an uncommonly attractive and picturesque order, and with a quiet and intelligent population, Athens may justly be regarded as a pleasant place of residence. There is good reason also to believe that the future growth of the town will exceed the past. It is now accessible by one railroad, and will soon be the terminus of another. We have, elsewhere in these pages, adverted to the great mineral wealth of the county, and it can not be doubted that these attractions will eventually draw a large and valuable immigration to this point.

A recent triumph of the liberality and active enterprise of the citizens of Athens merits a conspicuous mention - ^we refer to the securing of the new lunatic asylum. January 17, 1866, Dr. W. P. Johnson, representative from Athens county in the state legislature, caused a resolution to be offered, through Mr. Lockwood, of Licking county, instructing "the committee on benevolent institutions to inquire what action is necessary by the general assembly, to do justice to the incurable insane, and report, by bill or otherwise," which passed the house. February ai,

1866, Dr. Johnson, chairman of the committee aforesaid, reported, by direction of the committee, a "bill to provide for the erection of an additional lunatic asylum, and for the enlargement of the northern and southern lunatic asylums." Meanwhile a flood of light was thrown on the condition of the incurable insane, within the state, by a committee of the state medical society, whose thorough and exhaustive reports on the subject. Dr. Johnson brought before the legislature, contributing much to the success of his measure. His bill, entitled "an act to provide for the erection of an additional lunatic asylum," became a law, April 13,

1867. It provided for the appointment, by the governor, of three trustees, to select and purchase, or receive by gift or donation, a lot of land, not less than fifty nor more than one hundred acres, suitably located for the erection of an asylum, to contain four hundred patients. Mr. W. E. Davis, of Cincinnati, Mr. D. E. Gardner, of Toledo, and Dr. C. McDermont, of Dayton, were appointed trustees; a vacancy occurring in this committee, through the death of Dr. McDermont, Mr. E. H. Moore, of Athens, was appointed in his place. There were various competing points, and for some time the contest was sharp and close; but through the superiority of her claims, the sagacity of hef representative, and the liberality of her citizens, Athens finally eclipsed all rivals and secured the asylum. To carry the point, the citizens purchased and made a gift to the state of one hundred and fifty acres 6f land, lying south of the town, known as the Coates farm. The site is faultless. The land lies beautifully, overlooking the valley of the Hockhocking, with its encircling hills, and commanding on every side a picturesque and varied view. The location was fixed by the trustees in August, 1867. Contracts for the excavation have been let to Messrs. Maris & McAboy ; for the brick (about 1 2,000,000) to Messrs. D. W. H. Day and James W. Sands; and for the masonry to William McAboy. The entire length of the building will be about eight hundred feet, and its cost about four hundred thousand dollars. It will be an el^ant and important feature of the place, and can not fail to attract public attention to the town and county.

The town records from i8tt, the date of incorporation, to 1825, are lost. In 1825, James Gillmore was president of the town council, and Joseph B. Miles recorder.

At an election held in the town of Athens, March 6, 1826, the number of votes cast was forty-three, and the following persons were elected members of the town council, viz.: Thomas Brice, by thirty-four votes; Columbus Bierce, by thirty-four votes; Ebenezer Currier, by thirty-one votes; John Brown ad, by forty-three votes; and Joseph B. Miles, by twentythree votes. The following town officers were elected: Samuel Knowles, marshal; Eben Foster, supervisor; A. G. Brown, treasurer; Calvary Morris, collector; John Gillmore, assessor. The council elected Ebenezer Currier, president, and Joseph B. Miles, recorder.

March 5, 1827. - Charles Shipman, Columbus Bierce, John Brown 2d, Thomas Brice, and Isaac Taylor, were elected councilman ; William W. Bierce, marshal ; John Gillmore, assessor; James J. Fuller, collector; A. G. Brown, treasurer; Eben Foster, supervisor. The council elected Columbus Bierce, president, and John Brown 2d, recorder, for the ensuing year.

March 10, 1828, an election was held, pursuant to an act of the legislature, passed January 24, 1828, entitled ^^ an act to incorporate the town of Athens, in the county of Athens.*' Nine councilmen were chosen, whose term of office was afterward decided by lot, as follows, viz : Joseph Dana, Thomas Brice, and Jeremiah Olney, to serve three years ; Isaac Barker, John Gillmore, and Amos Crippen, to serve two years ; and Ebeilezer Currier, Eliphaz Perkins, and Norman Root, to serve one year. The council elected, of their own number, Joseph Dana, mayor, and Norman Root, recorder ; and they appointed, from the citizens, A. G. Brown, treasurer, John McGill, marshal, John Porter, surveyor of wood and lumber, and William Golden, clerk of the market.

March 9, 1829. - ^Joseph Dana was elected mayor; Ebenezer Currier, Calvary Morris, and Norman Root, councilmen ; and John McGill marshal. Norman Root was chosen recorder for the ensuing year, A. G. Brown, treasurer, and John Porter, surveyor of wood and lumber. The mode of electing the mayor and marshal had been changed by an act of the legislature, passed February 9, 1829, which made these officers elective by the people, instead of by the town council.

March 89 1830. - John Gillmore, Amos Crippen, and Isaac Barker, were elected to the town council, for three years, and John Perkins for one year ; Joseph Dana was elected mayor, and John Sampson, marshal. Norman Root was appointed recorder, John Porter, surveyor of wood and lumber, and Dr. A. V. Medbury, treasurer.

March 14, 1831. - ^Joseph Dana, Thomas Brice, and John Perkins, were elected councilmen ; Joseph Dana was elected mayor, and John Sampson, marshal. The council appointed Norman Root, recorder, Dr. A. V. Medbury, treasurer, and Wm. D. Bartlett, surveyor of wood and lumber for ensuing year.

March 12, 1832. - Hull Foster, Wm. D. Bartlett, and Francis Beardsley, were elected councilmen ; John Gillmore, mayor, and Thomas Francis, marshal. The council appointed Thomas Brice recorder, and Dr. Medbury, treasurer.

March II, 1833. - Samuel Miller, Oliver Childs, and Isaac N. Norton, were elected councilmen ; Samuel Miller, mayor, and John Sampson, marshal. Joseph Dana was appointed recorder, and Dr. Medbury, treasurer.

March 10, 1834. - Thomas Francis, A. B. Walker, and Charles Cunningham, were elected councilmen ; Samuel Miller, "*ayor, and John Sampson, marshal. A. B. Walker was appointed recorder, for the ensuing year, and Dr. Medbury, treasurer.

March 9, 1835. - Norman Root, James J. Fuller, and ^fancis Beardsley, were elected councilmen \ Samuel Miller, '^yor, and John Sampson, marshal. Edgar P. Jewett was appointed treasurer, and A. B. Walker, recorder, for ensuing year.

March 13, 1837. - Henry Bartlett, John N. Dean« Cephas Carpenter, and Thomas Francis, were elected counciimen; Henry Bartlett, mayor, and Samuel Miller, marshal. Norman Root, appointed recorder, and P. S. Baker, treasurer.

March fi, 1839. - ^John Brown 2d, H. R. Gillmore and Cephas Carpenter were elected counciimen for three years, and Norman Root, Robert McCabe, and Francis Beardsley, for two years. John Brown, elected mayor, and Dr. C. Bierce, marshal. Norman Root appointed recorder, and P. S. Baker, treasurer.

March 9^ 1 840. - P. S. Baker, John N. Dean, and Cephas Carpenter were elected counciimen ; John Brown, mayor, and I. K. Norton, marshal. Norman Root appointed recorder, and A. B. Walker, treasurer.

March 8, 1841. - ^James J. Fuller, E. Cockerill, and Enos Stimson were elected counciimen; John Brown, mayor, and Benjamin Brown, marshal. Enos Stimson appointed recorder, and A. B. Walker, treasurer.

March 14, 1842. - Leonidas Jewett, Norman Root, and J. L. Currier ^ere elected counciimen ; Norman Root, mayor, and John Sampson, marshal. Enos Stimson appointed recorder, and A. B. Walker, treasurer.

March 13, 1843. - ^John Brown, Ezra Stewart, and Francis Beardsley, were elected counciimen ; John Brown, mayor, and Jacob C. McCabe, marshal.

March II, 1844. - ^John Ballard, Cephas Carpenter, Sumner Bartlett, and Dr. Wm. Blackstone were elected counciimen ; John Brown, mayor, and William Smith, marshal. Leonidas Jewett appointed recorder, and Benjamin Brown, treasurer.

March 9, 1846. - Ezra Stewart, Francis Beardsley, and John Brown elected counciimen for three years; Sumner Bartlett, Wm. R. Smith, and J. W. Bayard for two years ; John Brown,

Mtircb 8, 1847. - }^^^ Ballard, Dr. Wm. Blackstone, and Cephas Carpenter were elected councilmen; John Brown, mayor^ and Abel Stedman, marshal. * J. W. Bayard appointed recorder, and O. W. Brown, treasurer.

Mmrcb 13, 1848. - Samuel Miller, Wm. R. Smith, and Joseph Jewett were elected councilmen ; Sanmel Miller, mayor, and Wm. H. Abbott, marshal. Joseph Jewett appointed recorder, lod O. W, Brown, treasurer.

Mmrcb I a, 1849. - John Brown, Andrew ICessinger and Wm. Walker were elected councilmen ; John Brown, mayor, and Abel Stedman, marshal. Joseph Jewett appointed recorder, aad O. W. Brown, treasurer.

March II, 1850. - ^Joseph M. Dana, Lot L. Smith, and Samuel Pickering were elected councilmen ; Samuel Miller, mayor, and Abel Stedman, marshal. Joseph Jewett appointed recorder, and Leonidas Jewett, treasurer.

Mmxb 10, 1 85 1. - ^John Brown, Joseph M. Dana, Andrew Kessinger, E. P. Talpey, and Wm. Walker, councilmen ; Samuel Miller, mayor ; Joseph Jewett, recorder L; and - Jewett, tpeasurer.

The first election for township officers in Athens township was held at the house of John Havner, on the point of the hill, near where Bing's wagon shop now stands, on the first Monday in April, 1806, when the following persons were elected, viz:

Jchicl Gregory, John Lowry, and William Harper, trustees j John Hewitt, Robert Linzee, Joel Abbot, Daniel Mulford, Canada Lowry, and Uriah Tippee, supervisors ; John Corey, clerk; Chauncey Perkins, treasurer; Robert Fulton, lister; Alvan Bingham and Abel Mann, overseers of the poor ; Robert Lowry, Philip M. Starr, and William BiggerstafF, constables.

The first school established in Athens was in 1801, and was taught by John Goldthwaite. The school house (a log one) was situated on Joseph Higgins's place, about three miles south of Athens. Henry Bartlett taught in this house several quarters, between 1802 and 1806. Michael Higgins, now seventy-four years old, attended Esquire Bartlett's school, and relates that, on one occasion, when the scholars undertook, according to a custom then prevalent, to bar the master out, on a certain day, and had made all very fast, Mr. Bartlett procured a roll of brimstone from the nearest house, climbed to the top of the school house, and dropped the brimstone down the open chimney into the fire; then placing something over the chimney, he soon smoked the boys into an unconditional surrender..