840 Back Run Road , Philo, OH 43771(Muskingum County)

LOCATED IN SOUTHEASTERN OHIO IN MUSKINGUM COUNTY 68 Acres m/l, Offered in Three Tracts in Muskingum County, Harrison Twp., Philo, Ohio. Rolling terrain with mixed hardwood trees creates a peaceful scenic setting in a super location! This truly unique property is private and secluded, prime for Deer & Turkey hunting, and a number of other outdoor activities. Primitive log school situated on the property. This property is 97% wooded. One Half of the Minerals rights go with the property. Easy access from St. Rt. 60. Located close to Zanesville, Newark, Coshocton & Columbus, Ohio.

The 20th President of the United States, James A. Garfield once taught school at the Historical Log Cabin on this property.

The article below, by Norris Schneider, is about President James A. Garfield's relationship with the cabin. In the 1950's siding was added to the cabin and two additions were built on to it in the late 1960's. It has been abandoned for 5 years. The roof on the additions has deteriorated and currently the building is in poor shape. It is believed that the basic log structure is still sound and could be restored. Also, artist, Howard Chandler Christy, whose paintings are currently displayed in the Ohio Capitol Building as well as the Capitol Building in Washington DC, sold his very first drawing, which was of this cabin, to the Toledo Blade Newspaper. Christy traveled with Teddy Roosevelt and documented, through his paintings, Roosevelt's many battles during the Spanish American War.

Back Run

Harrison Township can be proud that our 20th president taught at Back Run School. The township was the location of a small, country school on Back Run whose main claim to fame was the fact that a man who later became President of the United States taught here.

In 1851 when he was 20 years old, James A Garfield and his mother traveled south from Cuyahoga County to visit Henry Ballou, brother of James’ mother who lived in Harrison Township. While making friends with some of the other young people in the community, James heard that ateacher was needed for the country school on Back Run. He had taken some courses at Geauga Seminary, so he applied for the teaching job.

James A. Garfield, our nation’s 20th President, taught a three-month spring term at the log cabin. He stayed with his uncle and walked every morning to the one room building. He helped the larger boys cut wood for the stove and taught advanced courses to the older boys and girls when the younger students remained home during bad weather. When the weather turned warmer, James and his mother returned to their home in Cuyahoga County.