Refused Lands — Conditions of Early Settlers
by J.A. Caldwell
from Atlas of Madison Co. Ohio by J.A. Caldwell, Condit, Ohio (1875)
It is a fact, but yet one well authenticated, that the land which now produces most abundantly of the great cereal staple of Madison County, were regarded by the early settlers as utterly valueless for purposes of cultivation. The timber lands were the first and only sought by the pioneers. The prairies were too wet for cultivation, but were covered with sedge grass which produced an excellent pasture for the stock of the pioneers. The sedge grass, when cut in July or earlier, afforded very nutritious and palatable food for domestic stock during the winter months.
The first settlement within the Virginia military tract, and the only one between the Scioto and Little Miami, until after the treaty of Greenville, in 1795, was made at Manchester by the then Colonel, late General Nathaniel Massie.
Massie, in the winter of the year 1790, determined to make a settlement in it that he might be in the midst of his surveying operations and secure his party from danger and exposure. In order to effect this he gave general notice in Kentucky of his intention, and offered each of the first twenty-five families, as a donation, one in lot, one out lot and one hundred acres of land, provided they would settle in a town which he intended to lay off at his settlement. His proffered terms were soon closed in wth and upwards of thirty families joined him. After various consultations with his friends, the bottom of the Ohio river, opposite the lower end of the Three Islands, was selected as the most eligible spot. This was made the first settlement in the Virginia Military district and the fourth settlement in the bounds of the State of Ohio effected.
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Fall Genealogy Seminar
For anyone in your area who is interested in genealogy that they are invited to
the Annual Fall Seminar of Ohio Chapter Palatines to America:
Researching German Immigration in the 18th Century
Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, October 16, 2010, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Ramada Hotel and Conference Center
Four presentations by Marianne S. Wokeck, Ph.D., on Indentured Servitude
and Immigration to America in the 18th Century
Renowned author of Trade in Strangers
Registration Fee $45; Ohio Chapter PalAm Members Discounted Fee $39; Students ages 17-21 $20
Includes morning coffee or tea, Lunch and Gratuity.
Deadline October 4, 2010; For Late Registration add $5.
The seminar is the Culmination of German Heritage Week in Columbus
For more information visit
http://www.oh-palam.org/bookstore/images/2010fallregistrationform.pdf
or write to Ohio Chapter Palatines to America, P.O. Box 302, Worthington, OH 43085
Richard E. Hartle,
Publicity Chairman,
Ohio Chapter Palatines to America
This is a volunteer project. We depend upon feedback from our visitors. If you have information to share or have resources relating to Madison County, we would love to hear from you.
