From Michigan Place Names
Calhoun County: Isaac Crossett and six others became the first settlers here in 1831 ; Ephraim Turner became the first postmaster of the settlement on Feb. 15, 1837; the office was closed on Oct. 11, 1859, but was restored on April 3, 1860. The village dates from 1854 when William Simons built the first store. First platted by A. C. Waterman in 1860. Incorporated as a village in 1895. Named after Athens, N.Y., the region from which many of its first settlers came [Everts; Mich Hist 16:387 1932; PO Archives]