Millwood, Ohio 1824

Rural Millwood as it looks in the fall


Israil Houseworth is how Israel was listed in the 1830 Census...the Houseworth family had moved on from northeast Ohio to Knox County in central Ohio just north of the current state capitol of Columbus.

My best guess is that Israel and his wife Catherine, along with 8 or 9 children moved the 65 or so miles around 1824. They set up house in Union Township, town of Millwood. The male members were now listed as follows: 1 between 5 and 10 years(a grandson?), and the 3 known sons, 2 aged 10-15(George and Frederick), and Solomon aged 15-20. The female members had dwindled to 4. 1 between the age of 5 and 10(granddaughter or daughter of servant?), 1 aged 10 to 15, and another daughter between 20-30, as well as Catherine who is listed at 40 to 50 years old.

4 daughters are married in Knox County, they are Hetty, Susanna, Polly, and Elizabeth.

Israel and a man named John Haun are believed to be the "founders" of Millwood, Ohio. The following appeared in "The History of Knox County, Ohio, 1881"


"Millwood is situated in the southeastern part of the township(Union). Owl Creek flows along it's north border. It was so named in consequences of the first mill in the locality being built in the woods. Although it is claimed by some of the citizens to have been named in honor of a Mr. Millwood of Virginia, a friend of the founders of the town. It is a neat and ordinary village of about 2000 inhabitants. At one time it was the most flourishing village in the township, and a large amount of business was transacted in the place, but since the locations of the Cleveland, Mt. Vernon, and Columbus Railroad at Howard and Rossville, the tide of business has ceased to flow here, and has been diverted to those villages. The town was laid out about 1825 by John Hann, James Britton, and Israel Houseworth. James Brittion built the first log house in Millwood, and Houseworth the second one. Ross Arbuckle built the first frame dwelling. The first grist mill was built about 1825 by John Hann and Elisha Gibbs."


Today Millwood is a small town of about 200 or so with a couple of local stores, a gas station/restaurant. It is located about 15 miles east of Mt. Vernon.


prh