Richwood, Ohio

Richwood was surveyed between August 8-10, 1832 by Thomas G. Plummer, Special Deputy Surveyor. This survey was recorded in the county office on August 20, 1832. The town was platted on land owned by Philip Plummer. Dr. John P Brookins built the first cabin in the village in late 1832. He also served as the first post master of the village. The first store opened in the village in August of 1833. It was owned by Hezekiah Burdick and John Calloway, and remained open for barely two years.

The Richwood Methodist Episcopal Church was orgainzed on October 17, 1835, with Reverend Warren Frazell serving as the first pastor. This congregation ereceted a church structure in 1837, which is said to be the first church structure in Claibourne Township. Today this church is known as the Richwood First United Methodist Church. The Richwood Protestant Methodist Church was organized in the village in September of 1836 with John B. Lucas serving as the first pastor. This congregation built a small log church building in the early 1840s. This church is currently known as the Richwood Central United Methodist Church. Between 1850 and 1852, the Church of Disciples built a small log church in the village. The exact history of this congregation is uncertain, but it is believed that the congregation dates to around the mid 1830s. On June 20, 1874 the Presbyterian Church of Richwood was organized, with Reverend H. Shedd serving as the first pastor.

The village was incorporated on March 6, 1855. Charles Rosette was elected the first mayor in the same year, winning reelection in 1856 and 1857. The village government was inactive for a period of time after that. The village government was reestablished by 1868, and it has remain active since that time.

The first bank of this town was founded in 1866 by J. M. Davids and G. Allen, however it was only in existence for approximately a year. The Bank of Richwood was organized in 1867. The Richwood Gazette was established on August 16, 1872 by J. H. Vaughan and W. H. Nicholson. Mr. Vaughan served as the first editor of this newspaper. The Richwood Fire Department was incorpoorated in 1875. W. W. Kile served as the first chief of the fire department. A second newspaper made its debut in Richwood in 1882. It was called the Richwood Reporter.