MARION MILLS

Marion Mills is a small hamlet in Section 20. It was was named after a mill that was built about 1857 by Henry Fairchilds of Ohio. Mr Fairchilds came from his native state with the highest recommendations and being a minister of the Gospel helped insure the confidence of the community of citizens and they assisted him in building the mill by donating the ground. After the building was underway, it was discovered the Fairchilds in reality was a penniless adventurer, but the citizens went ahead with the mill which turned out to be a valuable acquistion for the community. It was purchased by Perry Cherryholmes before its completion in the year 1864. About the time the mill was completed, a post office was established and named Hausertown, in compliment to George Hauser, the first postmaster who lived near Steubenville.

The post office was later moved to Steubenville and later to the residence of John Hulet near Marion Mills who kept it for several years. It was transferred to Marion Mills sometime prior to 1865, where it has remained. In the spring of 1857, Messrs Long & Baumgartner erected a store building near the mill and carried a stock of general merchandise. They maintained this business for about six years, and then Mr. Baumgartner retired. Mr Baumgartner later built a store and sold goods for about ten years at which time it was sold to Henry Haas, who later sold to M. Rentschler & Son. Mr. Long had continued in business until about 1878 at which time he closed due to financial embarassment.