Local Group Works to Keep Nelson T. Gant’s Memory Alive

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Zanesville has had many famous residents throughout its history, including John McIntire and Zane Grey. For the past 14 years one local group is working hard to make sure that one of the cities most iconic residents gets remember.

The Nelson T. Gant foundation hosted their 14th annual brunch on Saturday at Bryan Place. Gant was born into slavery in Virginia but was given his freedom after his master died and then began the process of trying to raise money to buy his wife’s freedom. Michael Jackson, who is the chairman of the brunch, said Gant’s story is incredibly heroic.

“He came to Zanesville because his other family came here when they were freed,” said Jackson. “The abolitionist and he went back to Virginia and bought his wife’s freedom. He came back to Zanesville and became what we would call a millionaire today. He’s basically one of the first former slaves who became a millionaire, right here in Zanesville.”

Gant purchased land on the west side of town and made his money in a number of different ventures including coal mining and selling ice from he Licking River. Gant passed away in 1905 but the foundation tries to keep his legacy alive.

Jackson said about 70 people attended today’s brunch and all the money raised goes toward the fees of maintaining Gant’s House at 1845 West Main Street, right by the stadium that bears his name. The house has been restored to as it looked in the 1800s and Jackson said he hopes all will come to pay tribute to an important Zanesville figure.

“We just want to invite people to come to the house. They’ve been waiting for this home to be open for years and now it’s finally open so feel free to come,” said Jackson.

The house is open from 11 a.m. till 2 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.