roads, schools and churches, to assist in framing wholesome
laws, and enforcing them for the protection and well-being of
a growing community, men like George W. Putnam, Fuller
Elliott, Levi Stedman, Brewster Higley, Peter Grow, Hamilton
Kerr, John Miles, William Parker, Abel Larkin and others,
whose deeds and names belong to the annals of those years
from 1792 to 1808. That makes true pioneer history. From
1808 to 1818 the influx of emigrants increased rapidly. People
seeking lands to found homes for their families, mechanics of
all kinds, carpenters, blacksmiths, tanners and shoemakers,
served for public utility and improvement.
In 1819 Meigs county was set off from Gallia county, and
assumed importance. A court house and jail were built in
Chester, the county seat. Courts of Common Pleas were held
judges were appointed, county officers were elected-auditor,
treasurer, recorder, sheriff and clerk of the courts. Township
officers were chosen-esquires and constables, clerk, treas-
urer, assessor, trustees, school directors and supervisors. The
discomforts of pioneer life had ceased. The people enjoyed
comfortable homes, with growing families. From 1820
to 1830, there was an inflow of newcomers, representing all pur-
suits, civil and educational, lawyers, doctors, preachers and
teachers. Farms changed owners, and new customs were
introduced. The fertile Letart bottoms sent flatboats laden
with produce annually on trips to the South, New Orleans
being the final mart. The traders returning by keelboat
or steamboat brought sugar and molasses, rice and coffee for the
merchants and communities.
Nial Nye, Sr., & Sons were established at the mouth of
Kerr's run, before the county of Meigs was organized, and
kept a store of general merchandise, ran a sawmill, and had a
boat landing, "a port of entry" for goods consigned to Levi
Stedman and others at Chester and the interior of the county.
A postoffice was located here and the place was called Nyes-
ville. From 1820 to 1830, while a growing prosperity was
