On Dec. 26, 1803, the village of Worthington was officially named at a Christmas party attended by the entire community of 11 families in the school/church building. Ten toasts were offered by different citizens celebrating the goodness of their new home.

James Kilbourne and Nathaniel Little had traveled from Connecticut into the Northwest Territory the previous year. They were impressed by the land on the banks of the Olentangy River 10 miles north of Columbus. When they returned to Connecticut, Kilbourne reported, "In one place I saw 1,000 acres of the best clear meadow land I ever saw in any place whatsoever."

He organized the Scioto Land Co., which bought 16,000 acres for $20,000. In September 1803, 11 families traveled from Connecticut to their new home, which already boasted 12 log cabins built by the company. The largest cabin served as their school during the week and the Episcopal Church on Sundays.

Rebecca Goodman

E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com or call (513) 768-8361