Northwood, Logan County, Ohio facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Northwood, Ohio
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Northwood today
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Location of Northwood, Ohio
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| Country | United States |
| State | Ohio |
| County | Logan |
| Townships | Richland, McArthur |
| Elevation | 1,148 ft (350 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1049026 |
Northwood is a small, unincorporated community in Logan County, Ohio, United States. It's a "crossroads village," meaning it's a small settlement located where roads meet. Northwood is found near the South Fork of the Great Miami River. It was started in the early 1800s. Northwood is special because it was the first home of Geneva College.
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Geneva College: A School's Journey
In the 1830s, a pastor named Rev. J. B. Johnston began teaching a small classical school in his study. People liked his classes. Soon, friends and family suggested opening a small college nearby.
Starting Geneva Hall
In the spring of 1848, a school called Geneva Hall opened. It was partly overseen by a church group called the Lakes Presbytery. At first, the school was popular. However, it soon closed because it ran out of money and support.
Reopening and Moving
After the Civil War, Geneva reopened. It first taught freedmen (formerly enslaved people). Soon, white students also began to attend. The community even got its own post office in 1868.
In the 1870s, the school's name changed from Geneva Hall to Geneva College. The college became so important that the town's name changed to "West Geneva." Even though the college was doing well, it moved to Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania in 1880. This move happened because Northwood didn't have a railroad. Also, the college could find more money and support in Beaver Falls.
Other Schools in Northwood
While Geneva College was in Northwood, two other schools also existed. Since Geneva was first for boys, Rev. Johnston started a similar school for girls in 1851. Also, the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary operated in Northwood for a short time.
Northwood's Other History
The church in Northwood, the Reformed Presbyterian Church, strongly believed in ending slavery. Because of this, and because of small caves nearby, Northwood became a center for the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom.
After 1880, Northwood became less important. It was never a very big town. But when the college left, the village lost its main reason for being special. The name "West Geneva" changed back to Northwood. Its post office closed in 1901. People living there then got their mail through Belle Center.
In the 1940s, State Route 638 was built through the village. It even curved over the old college land. Today, Northwood has fewer than twenty homes. Only a stone marker shows where the college once stood. Now, Northwood is mainly known for a quarry (where stone is dug up) and an asphalt plant.
Notable People from Northwood
- Clarence E. Macartney, a well-known Presbyterian preacher and author.
