Ohio History Journal

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RIVALRY BETWEEN EARLY OHIO AND KENTUCKY

RIVALRY BETWEEN EARLY OHIO AND KENTUCKY

SETTLERS.

 

[The following article, by a well-known historical writer, recently

appeared in one of the daily prints. It throws an interesting side-light

upon the early settlements on the Ohio.-EDITOR.]

The very first road that was laid out by engineers to lead to

Cincinnati was referred to in the following advertisement in an

issue of the Kentucky Gazette, published at Lexington and

edited by John Bradford, dated September 6, 1788; three months

before actual settlement here:

"NOTICE-The subscribers, being proprietors of a tract of land op-

posite the mouth of the Licking River on the northwest side of the Ohio,

have determined to lay off a town upon that excellent situation. The

local and natural advantages speak its future prosperity, being equal if

not superior to any on the bank of the Ohio between the Miamis. The

in-lots to be each a half an acre, the out-lots to be four acres, 30 of each

to be given to settlers upon paying $1.50 for the survey and deed of each

lot. The 15th day of September is appointed for a large company to meet

in Lexington and mark out a road from there to the mouth of the Lick-

ing, provided Judge Symmes arrives, being daily expected. When the

town is laid off lots will be given to such as may become residents before

the first day of April next.

"MATTHIAS DENMAN,

"ROBERT PATTERSON,

"JOHN FILSON,

 

FREE OF CHARGE.

"The conditions for settling the town are as follows: That

the first 30 in or out lots of said town to so many of the most

early adventurers shall be given by the proprietary, Messrs. Den-

man, Ludlow and Patterson, who, for their part, do agree to

make a deed in fee simple clear of all charge and incumbrance

except the expense of surveying and deeding the same so soon as

Judge Symmes can obtain a deed from Congress.

"The lot holders, for their part, do agree to become actual

settlers on the premises; they shall plant and attend two crops

(30)