Joshua Bates
1801 - 1864
The son of United Empire Loyalists, Joshua Bates had a strong vision for the settlement which he named Farmersville. As an architect and surveyor, he donated the land and built the first schools and churches as well as erecting the first store, mill and a plank road from Forthton to Farmersville. He became the village's first postmaster and was an active member of the Reform party. His dedication to growth in education, agriculture and community was instrumental in shaping the present-day town of Athens.
Erected 2017 by Athens Council and Athens Heritage Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Religion & Religious Structures.
Location. 44° 37.567′ N, 75° 57.138′ W. Marker is in Athens, Ontario, in Leeds and Grenville United Counties. It is at the intersection of Elgin Street (County Highway 5) and Main Street (County Highway 5/42), on the right when traveling north on Elgin Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2 Main Street East, Athens ON K0E 1B0, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally,
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Athens Village History (within shouting distance of this marker); Athens Medical History (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Brockville & Westport Railway (about 180 meters away); First World War Memorial (about 180 meters away); Main Street of Athens Looking East (about 180 meters away); Farmersville Model School (about 210 meters away); Former Murals (about 210 meters away); Vimy Oaks Legacy Tree (about 210 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athens.
Also see . . . Athens, Ontario. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on October 30, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 538 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 30, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
