From the Wheeling Intelligencer:The city’s history is one of residents filled with determination and skillfully using natural resources.
James Barnes and his wife took up residency in St. Clairsville in 1803, the year Ohio officially became a state. After operating a tavern, they opened a general store. Barnes obtained a patent from the federal government signed by then-President Thomas Jefferson, for the land on which Barnesville currently sits.
Back in 1808, there were a limited number of cabins that comprised the town. Occupants of these structures were, however, preceded by American Indians. Mounds that once existed in the village have been destroyed. Yet, Track Rocks displaying images carved in rock crafted by prehistoric people were found about 3 miles from the village.
A year later, Barnes built a combined residence and storeroom. The store section of this facility opened in 1810.
A plot of land that produced quality ginseng was also a facet of the early Barnesville community, and Barnes found a way to capitalize on this natural fortune. Barnes thought that if the land was good for ginseng, it would also be good for growing fruit. Barnes was right, and fruit from this orchard came to be respected.
Barnes didn’t forget about unharvested ginseng and encouraged residents of the village to cultivate the plant because it was profitable in Baltimore. Barnes took the initiative to have a drying house constructed to clarify ginseng roots which were taken to Baltimore via wagon. During one profitable season, Barnes sent 30,000 pounds of ginseng to Baltimore.
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