The History Of Amesville, Ohio

Amesville, as we know it, was a very different place two hundred years ago. The territory known as The Great Ohio Wilderness was home to buffalo, deer, elk, bears, wolves, fox, mountain lions or panthers, wild hogs, ground hogs, otter, mink, skunk, rabbits and squirrels and to the Indians that shared the land with them. The area, later called Ames Township, was a fertile valley well suited for farming. Trees for building homes and businesses were abundant. There were plenty of water sources.

The Ohio Company purchased almost one million acres in the Ohio Valley to sell for settlement purposes. The first settlers were met by the Native Americans that called this their home. The treaty of Greenville and the Donation Tract of land helped to make Ames Township safe for the settlers who came from the East.

The first permanent settlers came to the area in 1797. The family of George Ewing was joined later by the families of Ephraim Cutler and Benjamin Brown. Their strong belief in education and religion were foundations that allowed the settlement to grow into one of the finest places to live. It became a booming town that was home to many businesses and people.

Many factors led to the rise and decline of Amesville. Some of those are featured here.