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Courtney/Abraham Home

CIRCA 1806

Owners/Occupants:
Neal Courtney (1758-1826)
Raymond Abraham (1970-2019)

Address:
10 Terrace Dr.
Athens, Ohio

Brief History

Athens oldest home
The Courtney Home is the oldest house in Athens. Built by Neal Courtney in 1806, it was originally known as “Courtney Hill” or “Courtney Farm” and retains its original sandstone foundation and brickwork, which were made on site. Courtney sponsored the first road out of the Athens to the North as it extended up Lancaster to Columbia Avenue and ended at his home. Later, the driveway was part of the old Route 33, and a trolley-car once ran on rails on the other side of the driveway into Athens. The home backs up to the Funk Family Forest, and a native American burial site is located on the property.

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Time line

Time line

Learn More

1600

A Native American burial site was established on the property.

1758

Neal Courtney born in England.

1776

Neal Courtney serves in the Colonial Army.

1806

Neal Courtney, a stonecutter and farmer, built the home with brick forged on site, which still stands undisturbed today.

1857

Neal Courtney’s son, Alanzo Courtney, married Marinda Buchanan, and moved into the home in the early 1800s. Marinda was the cousin of James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States from 1857-1861. President Buchanan attended the wedding ceremony at 10 Terrace in Athens.

1962

John Ogden, a descendent of the Courtneys, attended Ohio University and wrote a thesis on the Courtneys that later became the book THE COURTNEYS – AN AMERICAN ODYSSEY.

1970

Brothers Raymond and Paul Abraham purchase the home.

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A KALEIDOSCOPE OF HISTORIC COMMUNITIES WITH DISTINCTIVE PERSONALITIES