History of our Township
In 1802 the Ohio Territory exceeded a population of 60,000. In accordance with the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 the Ohio Territory met the requirements to establish statehood. In 1803 Congress approved the Ohio Constitution granting statehood to Ohio. One year later the state was divided into civil townships which could be created when 80 people resided in the area. Each new township would be 6 miles square and subdivided into plots one mile square. In 1810 Harrisville Township was surveyed and divided into lots of one hundred acres and solid for $2.00 per acre. Judge Joseph Harris, acting as sales agent for the Connecticut Land Company, handled the division of real estate west of the Cuyahoga River. He was the first to purchase land in Harrisville Township. He purchased 200 acres, built a cabin, and 1811 moved his family to the cabin, including an 11 year old boy named James A. Redfield.In 1814 more settlers moved into the Township. Harrisville became Township 1, Range 16 and established as the first township in what would become Medina County in 1818.
Progress Prevailed
1817 – The first school was build, and our very first township official was elected. Clearing land was priority for the settlers and fences were not constructed. Cattle, sheep and hogs roamed freely and an earmark had to be placed on all livestock for identification purposes. Each mark had to be recorded and Alvin Loomis was chosen for the job, making him the very first person to hold a political office in Medina County.1827 – Population grew and the township was divided into three school districts. The first school in Lodi Proper was build around this time, located on the corner of Bank Street and School Alley. Most of the old schoolhouses have since disappeared; however, the present Harrisville Township Hall is one of the old schoolhouses.209 Railroad Street
P.O. Box 278
Lodi, Ohio 44253
Phone: (330) 948-8050
Fax: (330) 948-8447
Garage: (330) 948-1003
Harrisville Township
Medina County, Ohio
