History of Guilford Township
Guilford Township, originally designated as Township Number 14, Range 14W of the Connecticut Western Reserve, was one of the first townships organized after Medina County’s creation in 1818. The township was formally established in 1819, following Wadsworth Township to the east and preceding Montville and Westfield Townships to the north and west, respectively.
Early Settlement and Founders
Guilford Township was initially divided into four quarters owned by early investors from the East: Roger Newbury (Connecticut), Justin Ely (Massachusetts), Enoch Perkins (Connecticut), and Elyah White (Connecticut).
The first settlers arrived in 1816, including John and David Wilson, and William Moore, who cleared tracts in the northwest quarter. The township's first permanent settlers, including Henry and Chester Hosmer, Shubael and Abigail Porter, Lyman Munson, and Moses Noble, arrived in 1817. They built a log house near Hubbard Creek, which became their communal home.
Education and Community Development
In 1821, Guilford's first schoolhouse was built west of the state road, but it burned down the following year. It was replaced in 1823 by a similar structure. The township also established its cemetery near Seville in 1824, with Harriet Wilson recorded as the first burial.
The township began formal postal services in 1825, with Mr. Hosmer appointed as the first postmaster. By 1828, the village of Seville was officially plotted by Henry Hosmer, featuring mail routes, a tavern, a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, and more.
Villages and Namesakes
Churches and Religion
The township saw the development of numerous churches, including:
Industry and Commerce
Guilford Township played a key role in Ohio's early industries:
Agriculture
Guilford Township boasts a rich agricultural history. Its farms have modernized with advancements in machinery, such as self-propelled combines and milking parlors. The township is also home to Maple Valley Farms, a fourth-generation maple syrup operation and one of the largest in the state.
Infrastructure and Growth
The construction of highways I-76 and I-71 brought significant change, consuming farmland but spurring development. Residential neighborhoods, businesses, and shopping centers expanded, particularly in Seville. Guilford Township also features the Hubbard Valley Park, a critical flood control and recreational area.
A Thriving Community
From its agricultural roots to modern developments, Guilford Township remains a vibrant community with a proud history and a focus on growth. Its legacy of strong farms, industrious residents, and rich traditions continues to make it a wonderful place to live.
The information obtained for this writing was gathered at the Seville Historical Society Museum in Seville, and from private collection of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Gottlieb of Seville, and was taken from the following sources:
1- Historical Atlas of Medina County, Ohio 1874.
2- Atlas and Directory of Medina County, Ohio, including Directory of Freeholders and Official register of the County, 1897.
3- History of Western Reserve, Volumem I, 1910.
4- History of Medina County, Copyright – 1948.
5- Maps of Guilford Township, Map Room, Medina County Courthouse.
Early Settlement and Founders
Guilford Township was initially divided into four quarters owned by early investors from the East: Roger Newbury (Connecticut), Justin Ely (Massachusetts), Enoch Perkins (Connecticut), and Elyah White (Connecticut).
The first settlers arrived in 1816, including John and David Wilson, and William Moore, who cleared tracts in the northwest quarter. The township's first permanent settlers, including Henry and Chester Hosmer, Shubael and Abigail Porter, Lyman Munson, and Moses Noble, arrived in 1817. They built a log house near Hubbard Creek, which became their communal home.
Education and Community Development
In 1821, Guilford's first schoolhouse was built west of the state road, but it burned down the following year. It was replaced in 1823 by a similar structure. The township also established its cemetery near Seville in 1824, with Harriet Wilson recorded as the first burial.
The township began formal postal services in 1825, with Mr. Hosmer appointed as the first postmaster. By 1828, the village of Seville was officially plotted by Henry Hosmer, featuring mail routes, a tavern, a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, and more.
Villages and Namesakes
- Seville: Named by its founder, Henry Hosmer.
- Acme (formerly Millersburg): Named for Samuel Miller’s family.
- Blake (formerly Steamtown): Renamed for Honorable G.G. Blake of Medina.
- River Styx (formerly Wilson’s Corners): Named for its mythological connections and the swamp to the south.
Churches and Religion
The township saw the development of numerous churches, including:
- A Methodist Church on the Wilson farm.
- Mennonite Churches in South Guilford and near Blake.
- Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Acme, known for its pipe organ and active congregation.
- Guilford Center Church, built by J.L. Beck, later left to the township.
Industry and Commerce
Guilford Township played a key role in Ohio's early industries:
- Match Factory: Established at River Styx by John Wilson, recognized as the cradle of America’s match industry.
- Creamery: Founded by Thomas Palmer, later thriving under the Harter Brothers.
- Stone Quarry: Supplied stone for barns and houses in the region.
Agriculture
Guilford Township boasts a rich agricultural history. Its farms have modernized with advancements in machinery, such as self-propelled combines and milking parlors. The township is also home to Maple Valley Farms, a fourth-generation maple syrup operation and one of the largest in the state.
Infrastructure and Growth
The construction of highways I-76 and I-71 brought significant change, consuming farmland but spurring development. Residential neighborhoods, businesses, and shopping centers expanded, particularly in Seville. Guilford Township also features the Hubbard Valley Park, a critical flood control and recreational area.
A Thriving Community
From its agricultural roots to modern developments, Guilford Township remains a vibrant community with a proud history and a focus on growth. Its legacy of strong farms, industrious residents, and rich traditions continues to make it a wonderful place to live.
The information obtained for this writing was gathered at the Seville Historical Society Museum in Seville, and from private collection of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Gottlieb of Seville, and was taken from the following sources:
1- Historical Atlas of Medina County, Ohio 1874.
2- Atlas and Directory of Medina County, Ohio, including Directory of Freeholders and Official register of the County, 1897.
3- History of Western Reserve, Volumem I, 1910.
4- History of Medina County, Copyright – 1948.
5- Maps of Guilford Township, Map Room, Medina County Courthouse.