About the Museum:
Our museum is the old Middle Sandy Presbyterian Church located in Homeworth, Ohio. It is the location of the first Presbyterian sermon preached in the area on October 1816. The original building was built in April 1825 as a log meeting house. The current building that we use as our museum was built in 1853 by Thomas & Arnold & Co , used by the congregation starting February 1st, 1854. The congregation built the current church across the street in 1963, with the first service in May of 1964. At that time, the building was sold to the Western Columbiana County Historical Society for the use of a meeting place and to house artifacts from the areas of Knox, West, Hannover and Butler Townships.
The parcel of land used as a burying ground or graveyard was donated by Lidia Gilson, though the Cemetery Plot Book in the court house at Lisbon notes that the land was donated by Jonas Ruff in 1840, but no deed was found recorded to that effect. When the old church building sold in 1964, the cemetery was given to the Trustees of Knox Township.
The parcel of land used as a burying ground or graveyard was donated by Lidia Gilson, though the Cemetery Plot Book in the court house at Lisbon notes that the land was donated by Jonas Ruff in 1840, but no deed was found recorded to that effect. When the old church building sold in 1964, the cemetery was given to the Trustees of Knox Township.
About the Area:
In the early 1800’s, pioneers were commissioned to survey land to the west. The land was surveyed in Ranges, and the townships were given a number. What later came to be Knox township was numbered 17; in range 5; and Homeworth lies mostly in Section 29, with the church and cemetery in Section 30. In July of 1803, Caleb Cope “entered” section 5 to the North. November 1st of the same year, Adam Hahn “entered” section 25 at what was soon to be North Georgetown. June 30, 1804 John Thomas “entered” sections 27, 28 & 29. In 1805, among others, Benjamin Anderson “entered” the East half of section 30 on the 13th of June. Benjamin Anderson died in 1875, having raised a family of four children: William, Thomas, Abigail (who married Henry Estep) and Jane (who married James Hazard).
Homeworth was originally named Winchester. Winchester was platted by Jonas Ruff, Samuel Fox and George Hawkins August 28, 1851. In 1861 the name was changed to Homeworth because there was another Winchester about 15 miles east of Georgetown in Brown County, Ohio. It is said the name Homeworth was chosen because it was a pleasant place to live, and worthy of making a home here.
Homeworth was originally named Winchester. Winchester was platted by Jonas Ruff, Samuel Fox and George Hawkins August 28, 1851. In 1861 the name was changed to Homeworth because there was another Winchester about 15 miles east of Georgetown in Brown County, Ohio. It is said the name Homeworth was chosen because it was a pleasant place to live, and worthy of making a home here.
About the Organization:
The Western Columbiana County Historical Society was founded by Ford & Mildred McQuilkin in 1964. The organization maintains the museum and holds three meetings a year - on the last Sunday of March, May and September.
Interested in becoming a member? Membership dues help cover costs to maintain the museum! Dues are $15/year for adults and include a quarterly newsletter with meeting information and a historical article.
Current Officers:
President – Tiffany McQuilkin
Secretary – Polly Offenbecher
Treasurer – Linda McQuilkin
Have a question for us, or looking for more information? See the Contact Us page for our contact information!
Interested in becoming a member? Membership dues help cover costs to maintain the museum! Dues are $15/year for adults and include a quarterly newsletter with meeting information and a historical article.
Current Officers:
President – Tiffany McQuilkin
Secretary – Polly Offenbecher
Treasurer – Linda McQuilkin
Have a question for us, or looking for more information? See the Contact Us page for our contact information!