Caleb Atwater
was born on December 25, 1778 at North Adams, Massachusetts. He lived in
Circleville, Ohio for over fifty years and was the first nationally known
citizen from this city. Atwater had a bachelor and master's degree from
Williams College. He was a multi-talented gentleman who served as a
preacher, teacher, lawyer and a legislator.
Atwater was a
primary influence in the effort to establish free public education in the
State of Ohio and has been known as "The Father of Ohio's Public
Schools." He was known for his ideas on ecology and education especially
equal educational opportunities for women. Atwater influenced the
intellectual activities of the Ohio Valley during the 19th Century which
included the first book-length History of Ohio.
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