The name Levi Cole was associated with a log house/tavern in the early days of our history. Mr. Cole moved his business to the corner of what is now Main and State Street when he heard of the planned building of the canal. He also became known as being responsible for the first documented homicide in our community.
After a heated bar room brawl in his establishment which then spread to the street outside, Mr. Cole struck one of the men with a club killing him and seriously wounding 
another. He was protected by some local residents until the law could take him away and he was sent to the State Prison for a short time.
The attached photo is of an invitation to Mr. Cole’s establishment to celebrate the “Independence Ball” in commemoration of the Friend of Washington, Lafayette on July 5, 1825.