The Piatt family descended from France as French Huguenots who wished to escape religious persecution in a Catholic nation. Upon moving to the United States, the family took root in the colony of New Jersey, where the grandfather of Abram and Donn, Jacob Piatt, offered support to the country in the American Revolutionary War. As reward for his deeds, the newly founded government gave Jacob land in Kentucky, where he built his home. While Jacob was a farmer and his son Benjamin was a lawyer, the family was also involved in flat boat trading up and down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers as well as real estate. By 1828, Benjamin had moved his family to Logan County, Ohio. It was here that he built a log cabin for his family. At the time of their move to Logan County, Donn was 9 years old and Abram was 7.
Castles
Mac-O-Chee and Mac-A-Cheek were begun in 1864. Mac-A-Cheek was completed in 1871, and Mac-O-Chee completed in 1879. The homes were built only about 3/4 of mile apart from each other. Abram's home was built slightly smaller, but is more secluded and set away from the road. Donn's home is larger and sits closer to the road. Both homes have three stories and towers, boast painted ceilings, and have intricate woodwork. An 1880 county history speaks of Mac-O-Chee existing in a state of "almost baronial splendor". The two sit close to the Shawnee village of Mackachack, where Simon Kenton was forced to run the gauntlet after being captured by the Indians.
Sale of Mac-O-Chee
It was announced on July 26, 2019 that the Piatt Family would auction off Mac-O-Chee. The family cited renovation and maintenance costs of maintaining both properties for their decision. On Oct. 19, 2019, Mac-O-Chee Castle, along with farmhouse and land, was sold at auction to brothers Ryan and Jason Cole of West Liberty, Ohio for $561,000. The Coles also bought most of the estate's antique items, big and small, for approximately $30,000. The Piatt family plans to restore their remaining castle, Mac-A-Cheek, by using funds from the auction.
Public tours
Tours began in 1912 at Mac-A-Cheek four years after the death of Abram. When William McCoy Piatt inherited the home he had already amassed a large collection of artifacts and objects of interest. After commissioning a custom cabinet to display his collection, William opened his home to visitors who wished to view his Cabinet of Curiosities. Thus the family got into the tourist business, though it was a minor industry compared to the farm and grist mill located on the property. Touring continued with the family living in the home until 1985, when the family moved out of their home. Tours of Mac-A-Cheek are still offered to the public. The Piatt family still owns and manages the museum at Mac-A-Cheek, a popular site for weddings, receptions and other events.
