Magnolia in Stark County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Richard Elson Homestead

Historic Underground Railroad Site

By Rev. Ronald Irick, November 9, 2020

1. Richard Elson Homestead Marker

Inscription. On this site was the home of Richard Elson, co-founder of the village of Magnolia. As a young man he built flat boats, loaded them with merchandise to sell and traveled down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. He did this seven times and walked the 1000 miles back to Magnolia. He wrote to his mother telling of the poor treatment of some of the people of the South. He was extremely critical of the owning of slaves and provided a safe house for their escape through Ohio.

Erected by Jolane (Brothers) and Augustus Richard Elson II.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 40° 39.141′ N, 81° 17.919′ W. Marker is in Magnolia, Ohio, in Stark County. Marker is at the intersection of North Main Street (Ohio Route 183) and Canal Street, on the left when traveling south on North Main Street. The marker is in the parking lot of the Finefrock-Gordon Funeral Home. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 170 N Main St, Magnolia OH 44643, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Magnolia Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sandy Valley Cemetery (approx. 1.8 miles away); Morges

By Rev. Ronald Irick, November 9, 2020

2. Richard Elson Homestead Marker

(approx. 3.1 miles away); Sandyville: The Town that Moved (approx. 3.8 miles away); The Great Trail / The Ohio Country in the Revolution (approx. 6.4 miles away); Malvern Veteran's Memorial (approx. 6½ miles away); The Sandy and Beaver Canal (approx. 6½ miles away); Zoar Meeting House (approx. 7 miles away).

Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2020, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 24 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 9, 2020, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.