Union County

History

Early history

Union County has been under the rule of three countries in its history: France, England, and the present-day United States. It was discovered by the French explorer La Salle, along with traders and missionaries who accompanied him. After the French and Indian War, the Treaty of Paris of 1763 placed the area under British rule. Following the American Revolution, in 1783, the area would eventually become known as the Northwest Territory and part of the United States.

After the American Revolution, former soldiers from New England poured into Ohio after being granted land by the government. They surveyed the land, and sought to develop a state between Lake Erie and the Ohio River. Their proposals for the governance of the territory led to the passage of the Ordinance of 1787, which guided the establishment of states within the Northwestern Territory. Bitter struggles with American Indians over the next decades would follow, culminating with the battle of Tippecanoe in 1811, which saw the final defeat of the American Indian tribes in Ohio led by Tecumseh. A notable victim of the warring between the settlers and Indians was Jonathan Alder, who resided in and around the Union County area throughout his life.

Original settlements

The first town laid out in the county was North Liberty, established by Lucas Sullivant in 1797, but the first settlement in the county was made in present-day Jerome township by Joshua and James Ewing in 1798. An important settlement made in the county was by Abraham Amrine, of Swiss descent and a revolutionary soldier, in 1817, two miles (3.2 km) northwest of Marysville.

Formation

As part of negotiations with Virginia, who had claimed land in Ohio, to sign the Articles of Confederation, the United States granted them claims to land in Ohio which became known as the Virginia Military District. Union County was in this district. In 1803, Ohio became an independent state.

After lobbying by Col. James Curry, who represented the area in legislature at the time and a resident of what would become Jerome township, Union County was established by the Ohio legislature, and became official in 1820 with the appointment of the original commissioners: Stephen Bell, Reuben Wallace, and John Huston. The county commissioners eventually established the townships, including Union (1820), Darby (1820), Mill Creek (1820), Jerome (1821), Paris (1821), Liberty (1822), Leesburg (1825), Allen (1827), Jackson (1829), York (1834), Washington (1836), Dover (1839), Claibourne (1834), and Taylor (1849), while they designated Marysville as the county seat.

The town of Milford Center was established in 1816 by George Reed, Marysville in 1819 by Samuel Culbertson, Richwood in 1832 by Philip Plumber, Kingsville in 1834, Somerville in 1835, Watkins and Arbelia in 1838, Newton in 1838 by David Paul, York Center in 1841, Frankfort in 1846, Unionville in 1847, Pharisburg in 1847, New California in 1853, Dover in 1854, Union Center in 1863, Broadway in 1865, Pottersburg in 1869, Peoria in 1870, Magnetic Springs in 1879, and Claibourne in 1881.

After the organization of the county by the Ohio Legislature, Marysville was designated as the seat of Union County. The first recorded meeting of the commissioners was in 1820. Between 1835 and 1840, a courthouse was constructed. Eventually, a new courthouse would be built in Marysville, dedicated on January 27, 1883. This is the present courthouse today.

In 1849, a county infirmary was authorized. The first county jail was a log structure that sat on the southside of East Center street, in the rear of the courthouse. Eventually, a new jail was authorized by the commissioners and built in the 1870s. In 1878, the county purchased a 10-ton safe for the treasury, that eventually was moved into courthouse.

The first county fair was held in 1847 in Marysville, in the public square. In 1852, the Agriculture Society moved the fair to the current location, on the northside of town.

Early growth

The county lacked transportation infrastructure until 1812, when the first known highway named Post Road was constructed across the southern portion of the county. In 1844, the legislature by act created a free turnpike that ran from Columbus to Bellefontaine, passing through Marysville, originally costing $230,000. This road eventually became what is known as U.S. Route 33 today. In 1853, the Marysville and Essex Plank Road Company was organized and constructed a road from Marysville north, through Pharisburg. The company sold capital stock for $30,000, and this road today is known as State Rt. 4. By 1915, the county had built 705 miles (1,135 km) of roadways, the most of any county in the state for its size.

By the late 19th century and into the 20th century, the county began developing its electricity infrastructure. By 1915, electricity lines ran from Magnetic Springs to Richwood.

The county's first railroad was constructed between 1850 and 1854, a line that ran from Springfield to Delaware and crossed through the county in Milford Center, Marysville, Irwin, and Dover. A railroad called the New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio line was chartered in 1851 and would eventually run through Union County with station points at Richwood, Woodland, Claibourne, Pottersburg, Broadway, and Peoria. The Columbus and Bellefontaine railroad was incorporated in 1878 and had station points in the county at Marysville. The Toledo and Central railroad ran from Columbus north through the county, with station points at Marysville, Peoria, and Raymond.

The first telegraph line was completed in 1859, which connected Marysville with the world via Springfield.

Because of the fertile soil in Union County, the county's farmers required minimal fertilizer. There were hundreds of farms in the county in its early stages. The crops grown in Union County's early history included wheat, oats, corn, Irish potatoes, clover and alfalfa. The county was a large producer of milk, butter, sugar, syrup, apples, and pears.

In 1911, 270,000 acres (1,100 km2) were owned in Union County, with 85,000 cultivated for farming. The farms had a total of 9,355 horses, 8,110 milk cows with 14,000 total cattle, 43,727 sheep, and 32,000 hogs. 312,000 pounds (142,000 kg) of wool was produced that year.

Modern development

Memorial Hospital of Union County was constructed in Marysville in 1952. Many other developments would take place during this time, including the construction of the Union County Airport in Marysville, as well as numerous manufacturing companies and small housing developments throughout the county. U.S. Route 33 was expanded from a two-lane highway to a four-lane highway in the 1980s.

Military heritage

Union County has a military heritage dating back to the American Revolution, and was a frequent location for the organization of military companies. Because the government paid the soldiers with land grants in the west during the revolution, Union County became home to many of these soldiers after the war. A recorded 14 soldiers from the revolution eventually made their way to Union County, with many others unrecorded because of poor record keeping.

The War of 1812 broke out with early battles fought in the Northwest Territory, including Lake Erie. A descendant of a hero, Oliver Hazard Perry, from the War of 1812, named Robert S. Beightler, was a native of Union County. A company of 13 Union County men was assembled for this war, with many other natives of Union County joining companies from outside the county, including a company formed by Jonathan Alder. Over 100 natives of the county would serve in the war.

When the Mexican War broke in 1845 following the annexation of Texas into the United States, Union County provided men, totalling over 30.

The American Civil War followed, which was not greeted in the same manner the previous war was. However, Union County would provide 3,200 men for that war, while producing notable leaders such as Norton P. Chipman.

In 2007, the Union County Veterans Remembrance Committee dedicated the Union County Veterans Memorial on the northeast lawn of the courthouse. This was sponsored through private, public, and corporate grants and donations, including support from the Union County Foundation. In 2008, the Ohio National Guard opened a new $8.2 million Marysville facility.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 437 square miles (1,130 km2), of which 432 square miles (1,120 km2) is land and 5.1 square miles (13 km2) (1.2%) is water.

Adjacent counties

Marion County (northeast)

Delaware County (east)

Franklin County (southeast)

Madison County (south)

Champaign County (southwest)

Logan County (west)

Hardin County (northwest)

Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 62,784. The median age was 38.0 years, with 25.8% of residents under the age of 18 and 12.9% of residents who were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 91.4 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 87.6 males.

The racial makeup of the county was 85.5% White, 2.1% Black or African American, 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 6.4% Asian, <0.1% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 0.8% from some other race, and 5.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 2.4% of the population.

55.0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 45.0% lived in rural areas.

There were 21,807 households in the county, of which 39.0% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 62.7% were married-couple households, 13.6% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 17.8% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 19.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 23,141 housing units, of which 5.8% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 78.9% were owner-occupied and 21.1% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.2% and the rental vacancy rate was 8.0%.

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 52,300 people, 18,065 households, and 13,681 families residing in the county. The population density was 121.1 inhabitants per square mile (46.8/km2). There were 19,429 housing units at an average density of 45.0 per square mile (17.4/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 92.9% white, 2.7% Asian, 2.4% black or African American, 0.2% American Indian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.3% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 34.1% were German, 15.3% were Irish, 13.6% were English, and 13.6% were American.

Of the 18,065 households, 40.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.8% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 24.3% were non-families, and 19.5% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.14. The median age was 36.4 years.

The median income for a household in the county was $68,452 and the median income for a family was $78,254. Males had a median income of $55,187 versus $38,094 for females. The per capita income for the county was $27,389. About 5.1% of families and 6.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.9% of those under age 18 and 6.2% of those age 65 or over.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 40,909 people, 14,346 households, and 10,888 families residing in the county. The population density was 94 inhabitants per square mile (36/km2). There were 15,217 housing units at an average density of 35 units per square mile (14/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 95.25% White, 2.81% Black or African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.22% from other races, and 0.98% from two or more races. 0.76% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 14,346 households, out of which 38.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.40% were married couples living together, 8.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.10% were non-families. 19.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 27.60% under the age of 18, 7.50% from 18 to 24, 34.00% from 25 to 44, 21.20% from 45 to 64, and 9.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 91.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $51,743, and the median income for a family was $58,384. Males had a median income of $40,910 versus $27,405 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,577. About 3.60% of families and 4.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.30% of those under age 18 and 7.80% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

The largest industry sectors in Union County are agriculture, industrial and manufacturing, and research and development. The county sales tax is 7.00%, and the county typically has unemployment rates below the state and national averages.

Agriculture

Agriculture makes up a large portion of the county's economy. Of the county's total acreage of 277,760 acres (1,124.1 km2), 230,720 are dedicated to agriculture. In total, there were 1000 farms with annual revenue totaling $85 million in 2006. Western Union County sits on the edge of the northwest Ohio "wind belt" and has attracted interest from energy companies specializing in wind farms. Ohio produces in excess of five million bushels (130,000 metric tons (130,000 long tons; 140,000 short tons)) of corn per year and contributes tremendously to regional ethanol production.

There are numerous local family farms in Union County, as well as multinational agricultural services corporations like Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and Select Sires. A notable local area farmer is Jack Foust. His cattle at the Mayflower Farm have produced world records, while he himself has publicly served in positions appointed by the United States Secretary of Agriculture Bob Bergland and Ohio Governor Richard Celeste. He has been chairman of the Union County Board of Elections, and is an inductee into the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame.

There is a Union County Farmer's Market, and the Ohio State University operates an agricultural extension office in the central portion of the county.

Industrial

In 2007, the estimated value of manufacturing operations in the county was well over $3.5 billion.

It is the home to major corporations, including Scotts Miracle-Gro and Univenture. Major corporations operating regional facilities in the county include Honda of America, Goodyear/Veyance Technologies, Parker Hannifin, United Rotary Brush, and Invensys Climate Control. The Honda operation includes the Marysville Auto Plant. Other large companies located in the county include Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems, Ray Lewis and Son, Velocys, MAI Manufacturing, NEX Transport, and Midwest Express, among others.

Between 2000 and 2007, Union County businesses were awarded $9.3 million in United States Department of Defense contracts. The companies receiving those contracts were the Electronic Services Agency, Parker Hannifin, United Rotary Brush, and Leo Berbee Bulb Company.

Research and development

Union County is home to major research and development operations. Nestlé is located in Marysville, and in recent years improved their facilities with a modern, multimillion-dollar makeover. Scotts Miracle-Gro also has their R&D operations located on their corporate campus. The Transportation Research Center is located on the western county line. A unit of Univenture, Algae Venture Systems, recently made a breakthrough by developing a process to produce algae as a cost-effective biofuel.

Government

The county receives its power through Ohio statute. It has three elected commissioners that serve four years, as well as an elected treasurer, auditor, recorder, coroner, clerk of courts, engineer, prosecuting attorney, sheriff, and judges. In 2007, the county had $112 million in assets, and revenues of $50 million.

The county is a part of the 4th U.S. congressional district in Ohio, the 86th Ohio legislative district in Ohio, and the 26th Ohio senate district.

Politics

Union County is a Republican Party stronghold. Its strong Republican roots go back to the formation of the party in the 1800s following the collapse of the Whig Party, which had previously been the preferred party.

The county has supported the Republican Party in all but two presidential elections since the Civil War, with the only Democrats to win the county being Woodrow Wilson in 1912 when the Republican Party was divided, and Franklin Roosevelt in 1932. In the last twenty-one presidential elections, the Democratic candidate has only once — in Lyndon B. Johnson’s 1964 landslide when he won all but five counties in Ohio — received more than 37 percent of the county's vote.

As part of Ohio's 5th congressional district and Ohio's 15th congressional district it had been represented by Republicans for almost seventy years until the 2008 election, when Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy, won a close, disputed contest against Steve Stivers.

In 2010, Stivers defeated her in a rematch, and after reapportionment and redistricting, the county was placed in the heavily Republican 4th district, currently represented by Jim Jordan.

The entire county is contained in the 26th Ohio Senate district and is currently represented by Bill Reineke, who previously served as the state Representative for the 88th Ohio House district. He was elected as President Pro Tempore of the Ohio Senate for the 136th Ohio General Assembly.

The entire county is contained in the 86th Ohio House district, currently represented by Tracy Richardson who was elected in 2018.

Transportation

Airports

The Union County Airport is located one nautical mile (1.2 mi; 1.9 km) southeast of Marysville's central business district.

Communities

Cities

Dublin (part)

Marysville (county seat)

Villages

Magnetic Springs

Milford Center

Plain City (part)

Richwood

Unionville Center

Census-designated places

New California

Raymond

Education

School districts include:

City school districts:

Dublin City School District

Local school districts:

Jonathan Alder Local School District

Buckeye Valley Local School District

Elgin Local School District

Fairbanks Local School District

Benjamin Logan Local School District

Marysville Exempted Village School District

North Union Local School District

Triad Local School District

Notable people

Robert S. Beightler - military general and contributor to the modern Interstate Highway System and Ohio Turnpike

Chase Blackburn - world champion professional American football athlete

Norton P. Chipman - American Civil War army officer, co-founder of the Grand Army of the Republic, author of the order creating Memorial Day

Arthur E. Drumm - industrialist, inventor, and industrial broom pioneer

Charles W. Fairbanks - 26th vice-president of the United States

Hiram Gabriel - Wisconsin state legislator

Darren Hall - professional American baseball athlete

Cornelius S. Hamilton - United States Congressman

John F. Kinney - American jurist and politician

Reuben Partridge - pioneer engineer, "The Bridge Builder"

Dorothy Pelanda - first woman to serve as Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture

Preston B. Plumb - United States Senator

Martha Root - teacher of the Baháʼí Faith in the late 19th and early 20th century

James E. Robinson - Ohio Supreme Court Justice

James Wallace Robinson - United States Congressman