Places

Nestled in the rolling hills of south-central Ohio, Fairfield County is a place where history lives around nearly every bend in the road. Founded in 1800 as one of Ohio’s original counties, its fertile valleys, winding creeks, and rich farmland attracted generations of settlers who built homes, churches, schools, mills, and close-knit communities that still shape the region today.

From the bustling county seat of Lancaster to the quiet crossroads of Clearport, Revenge, Rich Hollow, and Pine Grove, Fairfield County has long been a place where neighbors knew one another, families worked the land together, and traditions were passed from one generation to the next. Covered bridges, historic churches, one-room schools, and century-old farmhouses stand as reminders of the people whose hard work built the communities we know today.

For many families—including the Hines, Frank, Smith, Devore, and others whose stories are preserved throughout this website—Fairfield County is more than a place on a map. It is home. Its roads hold memories, its creeks reflect generations of family life, and its hills continue to tell the stories of those who came before us.

Whether you’re researching your own ancestors or simply exploring the history of this remarkable county, we invite you to travel these roads with us and discover the people, places, and stories that have shaped Fairfield County for more than two centuries.

Tucked among the rugged hills and deep forests of southeastern Ohio, Hocking County is a land of breathtaking natural beauty and a rich pioneer heritage. Established in 1818 and named after the Hocking River, the county has long been known for its towering sandstone cliffs, peaceful valleys, and fertile farmland that attracted generations of settlers seeking a new beginning.

While visitors today often know Hocking County for its scenic landscapes and outdoor recreation, its history is equally remarkable. Coal mining, iron furnaces, timber, farming, and small family businesses helped shape the communities of Logan, Laurelville, South Bloomingville, Murray City, and surrounding villages. Throughout the county, historic churches, one-room schools, family cemeteries, and weathered farmsteads stand as lasting reminders of the hardworking families who called these hills home.

For many families featured on this website—including the Devore, Smith, Wraith, Sanford, and other branches of our family tree—Hocking County represents more than beautiful scenery. It is where lives were built, families grew, and traditions were passed from one generation to the next. Every winding road and wooded hillside holds stories waiting to be discovered.

Whether you’re tracing your family roots or simply exploring the area’s rich heritage, we invite you to experience the history, resilience, and enduring spirit of Hocking County.

Located in the rolling foothills of southeastern Ohio, Athens County is a place where natural beauty, education, and history come together. Created in 1805, the county is home to some of Ohio’s oldest communities and has played an important role in the state’s development through agriculture, coal mining, education, and industry.

Best known as the home of Ohio University, the oldest public university in the Northwest Territory, Athens County is rich in both cultural and historical significance. Beyond the college town of Athens, the county is dotted with quiet villages, historic churches, family farms, cemeteries, and rural communities where generations of families built their lives. The Hocking River winds through the county, connecting communities that have endured for more than two centuries.

For our family, Athens County holds a special place in our history. It is connected to the Wraith, Devore, Smith, and other family lines whose lives were shaped by the opportunities and hardships of southeastern Ohio. Their stories reflect the determination, sacrifice, and resilience that characterized so many early Ohio families.

Today, Athens County continues to honor its past while embracing the future. Whether you are researching your ancestry, visiting historic sites, or simply enjoying the beauty of the Appalachian foothills, we hope you’ll discover the rich history and enduring legacy that make Athens County such a special place.