J.A. Means to Samuel Cochran Letter

This collection consists of a letter written by J.A. Means from Munroe Falls, Ohio, to his cousin, Samuel Cochran, in Cadiz, Ohio. The letter provides a unique firsthand account of the early development of Munroe Falls, capturing the experience of a surveyor engaged in laying out the village in the late 1830s. Means describes the challenges of frontier life, the isolation felt by his wife, Eliza, and the practical aspects of surveying and settlement.

In addition to local affairs, the letter offers valuable political commentary on national issues of the time. Means expresses strong anti-Jacksonian sentiments, particularly criticizing President Andrew Jackson’s handling of the Treasury Bill and the growing partisan nature of Congress. A notable portion of the letter is dedicated to his views on the controversial "Gag Rule," which sought to suppress anti-slavery petitions in Congress. While he does not align himself with radical abolitionists, Means strongly opposes the restriction of citizens’ right to petition, viewing it as a dangerous erosion of civil liberties.

Transcription:

"Dear Cousin, ...about the same time that our little boy was born, I received the appointment of Deputy County Surveyor, and since the spring has opened...I am present engaged in laying put a Village called "Munroe Falls" where I am this evening and have about two weeks more before I get through. Village work is very pleasant compared with woods surveying and rather more profitable but this thing of being away from home is 'not what it is cracked up to be'...Eliza is altogether alone...and thinks it very lonesome indeed and I cannot blame her in the least, to be left all alone in the woods would make anyone lonesome..."

Meanwhile, as for politics of the day:

"All parties condem Andrew Jackson's unprecedented [independence?] in pocketing the treasury bill. It is despotism in its worst colour. It is also one of the strangest things in the world that Congress cannot act on one single subject without making party business of it. And this thing of denying citizens of our United States the liberty of petition...is unprecendented in the history of Nations - it is what the verrest Despot in the known world grants his subjects. I do not intent to advocate Abolition, rather I think their course ought to be deprecated - but the right of petition must not be denied to an enlightened people and in my opinion if they had a reasonable hearing they would not be hald to troublesome to Congress. I am very doubtful how this state of things will terminate but I am feerful indeed of the consequences."