Welcome to Perry Township

A Brief History

The settlement of Perry is said to date back to 1830 when John Ridenour arrived in Perry to wilderness, with heavily wooded forests, occupied by wild animals and the Native American Shawnees. Although John Ridenour is said to be the first; historical records indicate the Isaac Shockey was the first to own land. The land became settled and the last of the Shawnee left this township in 1832.

Perry Township was established by the County Board in December 1833, and organized at the house of Joseph Crossley in April, 1834. The original trustees are Hugh Skilling, Sr., John Ridenour, and Joseph Crossley. Moses McDonald was justice of the peace and James Chenoweth was clerk.

The settlers cleared forest to farm the land. Some of the best ground for farming, in Allen County, is in Perry Township. To mill the grain the pioneer farmers went to Cherokee, in Auglaize County, about two and a half miles from Perry.

This is how the settlement in Perry started. In the pages that follow, detailed accounts, and information about Perry's history are on display. Anyone with something to add is welcome to share their stories, pictures, information, artifacts, and memories.

Meetings

Meetings are held on the third Sunday of each month from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Perry Township House, 2408 E. Breese Road., Cridersville, Ohio 45806. Meeting times may be changed when the meeting falls on a holiday. The annual meeting each June will be held on the fourth Sunday of June at 3:00 p.m.

Upcoming Events

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Monthly Meeting (3:00pm)

Gallery

For more detailed information visit the gallery where events and places have detailed histories and photos are displayed.