West Liberty Beginnings

 by Tami Wenger, Gloryland Ministries
John Enoch (pictured left) spent eighteen years prospecting for gold before heading to the Miami Valley in the year 1815.  It isn't known if he was hoping to strike gold but apparently what he did discover was well worth the trip.  He was one of the early pioneers to settle in the valley, building a home then a gristmill which was powered by the Mad River and the Mac-O-Chee Creek. 
               
The settlement was known as Enoch's Mill until being founded in 1817, then it was named West Liberty.  In 1834 West Liberty was incorporated and vying for the main town in Logan County.  Bellefontaine was more centrally located so they won the county seat.
               
In the late 1880's Enoch's Mill (pictured below), owned by Jacob Anstine,  provided additional service by providing electricity when a dynamo was connected to the water wheel.  Since there were no meters at each home users were trusted to use no more than five bulbs at once.  The mill had a long history until it burned in a fire in 1962.   Since it was not cost effective to rebuild, the mill was torn down.

In the Memoirs of the Miami Valley, published in 1920, it states, “West Liberty is a  pretty town and shines where it stands against the background of it's green hill, with the waters of the Mad River and the “babbling Mac-O-Chee” silvering the plain at it's edge.”
               
Ask anyone today why West Liberty is special to them you will get a myriad of answers.  James Fraley, “Getting a nickel from Ross McIlvain for being a good boy and sitting still for your haircut, and got a nickel form Doc. Mikesell for not crying when I got a shot.”  Nina May says, “Because Michael's Pizza has the absolute best Taco Pizza!”  “Large enough to enjoy a variety of activity and people, small enough to care for one another,” says Ellen Vitt.  Joyce Hilyer, formally of West Liberty says, “West Liberty is in my heart to stay.”           
               
So it's the size, people, memories, favorite restaurant, home town, birth place for some, heart, spirit and more, all rolled into a great place to live.  John Enoch must have agreed since he lived the remainder of his life in West Liberty.  He may not have struck gold but he did hit the mother lode when he found such a beautiful valley in which to call home.
 
Sources- Memoirs of the Miami Valley
Historic West Liberty Ohio Sesquicentennial Booklet

Picture - John Enoch, West Liberty Founder  used by permission of Bob McClure
Picture two - The Old Enoch Mill  used by permission of Bob McClure

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