Williamsport in Pickaway County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Deercreek Frontier / Williamsport and Deercreek Township
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 22, 2009
1. The Deercreek Frontier Marker
Inscription.
The Deercreek Frontier, also, Williamsport and Deercreek Township. .
The Deercreek Frontier. In 1772-73 missionary David Jones visited Blue Jacket's Town, a settlement of 12 cabins downstream on the east bank and Pickaweekee, a Shawnee town, on the west bank. Deercreek Methodist Circuit Deacon, Dr. Edward Tiffin, met settlers after 1798. Dr. Tiffin was later elected the first governor of Ohio. A station of Virginia bounty-land settlers, “Williams Town,” assembled here around 1797. Mill sites, established before Pickaway County, flourished in the dense oak forest of Deercreek Township. Frontier hotels in Williamsport prospered due to the “healthful” sulphur springs.
Williamsport and Deercreek Township. Development occurred rapidly in this area. In 1803 the first school was built in Deercreek Township, in 1810 the Christian Church, in 1812 Baker Mill, in 1813 Yates Mill, (restored in 1980's), in 1816 a Post Office and in 1826 the Deercreek Methodist Circuit Class was organized. Williamsport incorporated in 1842. A separate village school system was established in 1874 and a high school operated from 1891-1964. A weekly newspaper was published from 1889-1979. From 1903-1929 theatrical companies featuring "Uncle Tom's Cabin" toured from Williamsport
The Deercreek Frontier
In 1772-73 missionary David Jones visited Blue Jacket's Town, a settlement of 12 cabins downstream on the east bank and Pickaweekee, a Shawnee town, on the west bank. Deercreek Methodist Circuit Deacon, Dr. Edward Tiffin, met settlers after 1798. Dr. Tiffin was later elected the first governor of Ohio. A station of Virginia bounty-land settlers, “Williams Town,” assembled here around 1797. Mill sites, established before Pickaway County, flourished in the dense oak forest of Deercreek Township. Frontier hotels in Williamsport prospered due to the “healthful” sulphur springs.
Williamsport and Deercreek Township
Development occurred rapidly in this area. In 1803 the first school was built in Deercreek Township, in 1810 the Christian Church, in 1812 Baker Mill, in 1813 Yates Mill, (restored in 1980's), in 1816 a Post Office and in 1826 the Deercreek Methodist Circuit Class was organized. Williamsport incorporated in 1842. A separate village school system was established in 1874 and a high school operated from 1891-1964. A weekly newspaper was published from 1889-1979. From 1903-1929 theatrical companies featuring "Uncle Tom's Cabin" toured from Williamsport
Erected 1991 by Sorosis Club of Williamsport
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and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 2-65.)
Location. 39° 35.147′ N, 83° 7.121′ W. Marker is in Williamsport, Ohio, in Pickaway County. Marker is at the intersection of Mill Street (U.S. 22) and Main Street, on the right when traveling west on Mill Street. Marker is on the community park grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Williamsport OH 43164, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 22, 2009
2. Williamsport and Deercreek Township Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 22, 2009
3. The Deercreek Frontier / Williamsport and Deercreek Township Marker
Looking northeast.
Photographed By Tom Bosse, May 18, 2019
4. The Deercreek Frontier / Williamsport and Deercreek Township Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 2, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,267 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on August 27, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 4. submitted on July 7, 2019, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.