Geneva, Ohio

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In the vicinity of the now North Ridge were Samuel Thompson, Norman Webster, and Harvey S. Spencer. Geneva's first election was held in 1816 at the dwelling house of Loren Cowles, the vote totaled twenty-five at the polls. The first listing of taxable property netted twenty-six cabins and 98 head of cattle. From these first settlers the town of Geneva is established and flourishes. The first prayer meetings were held in various homes in the area by the First Methodist Church traveling minister; in 1809 the Congregational Church was organized and in 1816 the Baptist Church was formed. Pioneers from the eastern seaboard states, hearing tales of Ohio's fertile soil, arrived daily in this area coming in oxcarts, some on horseback and many in foot. With the completion of the Erie Canal in 1820, the introduction of steamboats and the increasing number and size of lake shipping added to the attraction of the lake for settlement. In the early years the south ridge (Route 84) was the main road. It was here the first frame school house was erected in 1821. Prior to this building the children had attended a log school house built in 1808 and before that had been taught in the homes of the first settlers. In 1820 Deacon Cowles traded a horse for a contract for 400 acres of Geneva land. He hastened to Connecticut to obtain his grant, upon returning gave his son Loren one hundred acres which was located east of the present square; gave son Joseph one hundred acres to the west...

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