FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 31, 2024 The Village of Somerset Mourns the Loss of Mayor Tom Johnson It is with profound sadness that the Village of Somerset announces the passing of Mayor Tom Johnson, who died in an automobile accident on October 30, 2024. Mayor Johnson was a devoted leader and a cherished member of the community whose commitment to the growth and well-being of Somerset, Perry County, and the whole of Appalachian Ohio will be remembered for generations to come. Since his election in 2009, Mayor Johnson helped drive significant public and private investments in Perry County and Ohio’s Appalachian region, impacting civic infrastructure, economic development, arts and culture programming, and historic and nature preservation, which touched the lives of many and strengthened the community. Mayor Johnson was respected by colleagues and residents alike, and his presence and leadership will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Mayor Johnson’s family, friends, and all those who were close to him during this difficult time. We ask for privacy for the family as they mourn this tragic loss. Details about arrangements and ways to honor Mayor Johnson’s memory will be shared as they become available. In the coming days, let us remember his dedication and service to the Village of Somerset and come together in support of one another.
VILLAGE OF SOMERSET
Customers can now make payments for utilities and zoning with credit or debit cards...in office, over the phone and online!!! Go to the Water & Wastewater tab under the "more" heading to make your payment... Customers can also view and pay their water/sewer bills by logging in to:somerset.ohiobillpay.com. You will need your account number and your unique pin number. Please call the office to get your pin number @740-743-2963
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Village History
The Village of Somerset was established in 1807 by settlers from Somerset, Pennsylvania at the spot on Zane's Trace located midway between Lancaster and Zanesville. Seven years later, parts of Fairfield, Muskingum, and Washington counties were merged to create Perry County, and the house of a Somerset resident was named the first temporary courthouse. In 1819, the county government arranged for the erection of a purpose-built courthouse in Somerset; while most of the building was used for a jail, it also included a courtroom and space for some county offices. Ten years later, a permanent courthouse was constructed on the Village's public square. In 1833, Somerset contained county buildings, nine stores, six taverns, about 120 dwelling houses, and more than 600 inhabitants.
As the Village of New Lexington grew in importance, its residents began to agitate for the county seat to be moved to their community. From 1851 to 1859, the state legislature passed three separate laws to permit the county seat to be moved; contentious elections and a decision by the Supreme Court of Ohio saw the county seat move to New Lexington, back to Somerset, and finally back to New Lexington. After it ceased to be used as a courthouse, the building was leased to Somerset for use as its village hall.
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