Part of the land acquired for Jackson Lake was the site of the Jefferson Furnace. Founded by a group of immigrant Welsh businessmen in 1853, Jefferson Furnace began operations in 1854 and was one of the 40 iron furnaces that operated in the Hanging Rock region of southeastern Ohio from 1840 to 1890. During this time extensive oak-hickory forests were clear-cut to provide charcoal for the furnaces, where ore from nearby mines was smelted. For more than a half-century some of the best iron in the world flowed from these types of furnaces.

The iron produced at Jefferson Furnace was well regarded and used at the United States’ Arsenal at Harper’s Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia). In a short time, "Jefferson iron" became the standard of excellence throughout the Hanging Rock region and the world. Sold to manufacturers under the trade name "Anchor," this iron was used to build the Union Ironclad U.S.S. warship, the Monitor. History books vividly recall the famous naval battle of the two iron-clad ships, the Monitor and the Merrimack (as noted on the Oak Hill corporation sign). Due to the strict religious beliefs of the owners Jefferson Furnace never operated on Sunday.

Just a few short decades after the Civil War came to an end, richer lodes of iron ore were found elsewhere in Michigan and Minnesota. As the growing nation demonstrated a need for iron ore in greater quantities than the Hanging Rock region could produce, the great furnaces of the southeastern Ohio hills shut down. The Jefferson Iron Furnace made its last cast in 1916. Today, visitors may explore remnants of the furnace from within the Jackson Lake State Park or by traveling west from Oak Hill on State Route 279. An Ohio Historical Marker is present at the remains of Jefferson Furnace stack at Jackson Lake. Pieces of pig iron and other items connected with Jefferson Furnace are on display at The Welsh American Heritage Museum.
 

Gallia Baptist Church Organized in 1856

Portland Masonic Lodge #366 established June 8, 1866

Village of Oak Hill Formed

Oak Hill was formed as a village in 1873. The first mayor was J. Edward Jones.
 

Townships Formed and First Newspaper Created

Madison Township was formed prior to 1880 followed by Jefferson Township that was formed in 1882. A small newspaper called “The Budget” was started in Oak Hill in 1881-1882. Evan C. Davis edited the paper while continuing his trade as a blacksmith. The paper was discontinued after a few years.

Oak Hill Morgan Academy Created

The Morgan Academy opened in April 1880. The Morgan Academy, known as Oak Hill Academy, was founded by Stephen and William E. Morgan. The first term opened in April 1880 with only fifteen students. The spring of 1883, 130 students were enrolled. The purpose of the school was to fill the education need in the community for education beyond common school, and to train teachers. This academy was in session two terms about six weeks each annually, known as the spring and summer terms. The academy was never in session during the winter months. They used the Oak Hill Grade School Building. The tuition was from $5 to $7 per term depending on the number of subjects that the students scheduled. It was operated until 1893 (except two years around 1887 when it operated in Jackson) when its founder, Stephen E. Morgan, was elected to represent the Tenth District in U.S. Congress. Subjects offered were Introductory Latin, Ray’s Higher Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Astronomy, Harvey’s and Holbrook’s Grammar, Houston’s Physical Geography, Principles of Teaching, Logic, Philosophy of Education, Anatomy, Elecution, and Physical Education.

First Financial Institution Created

The Farmer’s Bank was the first bank in Oak Hill. It was organized in 1891 by Edward Jones, David Wynne, John C. Jones, Elias Morgan, and others. Since most Oak Hill residents did not have transportation to Jackson the Farmer’s Bank offered a convenient banking service to the residents and businesses of Oak Hill and the Farmer’s Bank became a thriving institution.

Brick Industry Develops

The Oak Hill area was one of the leading brick producers in the United States.

The Aetna Fire Brick & Coal Company was incorporated in February 1873 to produce hand made brick. The first shipment from the plant located in the Village of Oak Hill was made in September 1873. On May 1, 1874 it was destroyed by fire, rebuilt, and operated until it was sold in 1963.

The Oak Hill Fire Brick Company was incorporated in February 1873. A small plant was erected in the Village of Oak Hill. The transportation of coal and clay was a problem until 1887 when a tram-road was constructed and used for over forty years. On April 10, 1941 an amendment to the charter was filed, changing the name to Oak Hill Fire Brick Company. A plant to produce a plastic fire brick was added in 1945. The plant sold on December 31, 1961.

The Ohio Fire Brick Company was incorporated on August 1, 1898 and was a small plant consisting of steam power facilities, a hot floor, dry and wet pans, and three circular down-draft kilns. In later years additional continuous kilns increased the capacity of this plant until it closed in 1986.

The Davis Fire Brick Company was incorporated on September 17, 1901. All brick were hand molded. In 1957 the company erected a new shuttle brick plant in east Oak Hill where it operated until 1986.

The Cambria Clay Products Company was incorporated on October 10, 1912. The company purchased the properties of the Blackfork Coal Company comprising some 6000 acres of mineral lands and face brick plant. It was converted to the manufacture of fire brick. Later the company erected a sewer pipe plant on the property. On November 30, 1931 the main building was destroyed by fire and the company rebuilt the plant and designed and equipped it to make silica fire brick. At one time it was the largest silica plant in the United States. In 1971 part of the silica plant was converted to a refractory specialties plant. It operated until 1976.

The Diamond Brick Company, located south of Oak Hill, was incorporated on February 27, 1903. This plant produced brick, pipe, tile, and fire proofing. The company was sold to the Portsmouth Refractories Company in 1936 and they abandoned the Diamond Plant and made extensive improvements to the William E.Dee Company.

The Jones Fire Brick & Cement Company was incorporated on March 13, 1906. A plant was erected one mile south of Oak Hill. The plant was sold on April 13, 1913 to William E. Dee and Robert E. Miller. Equipment to make sewer pipe was installed while the company continued to make face brick, building tile, and fire brick. In 1927 the plant suffered heavy loss by fire, the plant was rebuilt, and the property sold to the Portsmouth Refractories on May 29, 1933. They sold to General Refractories Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1939 and the plant closed in 1961.

The Pyro Plant, located about three miles north of Oak Hill, was built by the Du Brui Company and incorporated on September 15, 1903. On May 28, 1909 the Pyro Clay Products Company was incorporated. In 1953 the company name was changed to Pyro Refractories Company reflecting the diversification program of its management. Then in 1956 the plant was sold to the A.P. Green Company of Mexico, Missouri. This plant is still operating.

The Plibrico Jointless Firebrick Company, located about six miles south of Oak Hill, was purchased from the Hitchcock interests in Fire Brick in 1929. They specialized in plastic fire birck and high temperature cement. The plant is still operating.

The Oak Hill High School Building was built in 1924 and its first graduating class was in 1925. The ground located on the north side of the school was made into a football field and later electric lights were added for night games.
 

Clionian Club Organized

The Clionian Club, a Federated Women’s Club, was organized in 1926. The main project was of the club was the establishment of the first public library. The first president and organizer was Mrs. D. Howard Jenkins.

Pyro Church Organized in 1928
 

Parish Grove Built in 1937

Oak Hill Chamber of Commerce Organized

The Oak Hill Chamber of Commerce was organized in 1928. Roscoe Kern was the chamber president from 1928 to 1952. During his term of office, Lake Jackson was developed, and many streets were paved. He was made a lifetime member.

Oak Hill Public Library Organized

The Oak Hill Public Library was organized in July 1935 by members of the Clionian Literary Club. The State Library in Columbus loaned about 600 books for a nine-month period. These, together with gifts and donated books, were available to the public in a small room over the Twin Brothers Grocery. After several other relocations, in 1956, Mr. And Mrs. E.J. Davis purchased a site and began work on a beautiful blond-brick building.

Lake Jackson Created



The main subject of conversation around the Oak Hill area in the late 1930’s was the proposed lake about one mile west of town. It was a topic of discussion around dinner tables and fireplaces in most every household in the area. The Oak Hill Area Chamber of Commerce, along with all other civic organizations of Oak Hill, spent many hours planning and researching for this project. Finally after several trips by a committee from the Chamber of Commerce to Columbus for meetings with officials of the Department of Natural Resources, money was approved for the creation of Lake Jackson. Originally 242 acres of land was acquired for the lake property and an additional 92 acres of right-of-way land around the proposed lake.

The actual work began around April 1, 1939, mainly by WPA workers. The crew consisted of approximately 98 workers using mostly hand tools. In June of 1939 work began on the dam and was completed in early fall. Old timers from the area have many tales of early happenings in the area. Over the years, a small camping area and swimming beach were added. These facilities were improved and picnic areas were added in the mid-1970s. Jackson Park was dedicated as a state park in 1979. There are two picnic areas, multiple shelter houses, a beach, swimming area, spillway, and campground.

The Legend of the Lost Lead Mine

There is a legend that the Indians had a secret lead mine in Jackson County. Findings of masses of lead in Bloomfield, Liberty, and Jefferson Townships gave some credence to this legend. When the Blackfork Creek bottom was being cleared for the water of Lake Jackson a mine-like tunnel was found at the south end of Laurel Point. Laurel Point is a ridge that extends south from the Jefferson Furnace to the Blackfork Creek bottom. This ridge is now a peninsula-like promontory that extends into the water. The opening of the tunnel is now under water. When workmen were clearing the land for the lake they discovered the tunnel. At that time (1938) you could crawl into the tunnel for several yards. Immediately after the discovery the legend of the Lost Lead Mine was revived. Many believe at last the mystery was solved and the news quickly spread. An old timer born in 1889 who lived all his life at Jefferson Furnace heard all the speculation and was said to have chuckled to himself. He kept his secret and thought the people should be permitted to fantasize and they did.
 

Oak Hill Community Medical Hospital Created



On April 20, 1949 concerned citizens, seeing the need for more adequate medical service, incorporated a non-profit medical clinic in Oak Hill. In 1951 the hospital was opened at a cost of $150,000. The Oak Hill Hospital came into existence through the leadership of D.D. Davis and family. Many local citizens also donated to the original construction. Dr. R.L. Woodyard served as the first superintendent. Dr. Louis Jindra joined the staff in 1953 followed by Dr. John Cook in 1954. In 1957 the Margaret Davis wing was completed at a cost of $750,000. The Thomas A. Jenkins Memorial addition was completed in 1967 at a cost of $312,840 making the hospital an 80-bed facility.
 

Oak Hill in the 1950’s



Cooper Hollow Wildlife Area Established

Purchases for the 5,421-acre Cooper Hollow Wildlife Area began in 1953.

Davis Home for the Aged Constructed

The Davis Home for the Aged, a 32-room facility, was constructed in 1959 by the Davis Foundation.
 

Optometrist and Dentist Office Opened

In the early 1960’s Dr. Benjamin Binns, Optometrist, and Dr. Stanley Fleming, Dentist, opened offices in the Dick Brown Building on Park Avenue.

Margaret Ann Pool and Park Constructed

The Margaret Ann Pool and Park were constructed in 1961. The pool was named to honor Margaret and Anna Davis, major donators for the construction of the pool.
 

Oak Hill In the 1970’s



Jackson County Water Company Formed

A group of farmers in Jackson County who needed drinking water started Jackson County Water in1970.
 

Village Offices Move to Imogene Brunton Davis Memorial Building

The Village of Oak Hill moved their administrative offices to the Imogene Brunton Davis Memorial Building in 1994.

Oak Hill Festival Flags Created

A United States Flag every forty feet on every street in the Village of Oak Hill was one of the original goals of a small group in the village. The Oak Hill Festival of Flags was started in 2000 to encourage people to display the flag, promote the Village of Oak Hill, and provide family entertainment for the Memorial Day Weekend.
The village and area residents purchased over 1,000 flags for the first festival. Flagpoles were held in place by plastic pipes that were inserted in holes every forty feet along the village streets. It was an inspiring sight to see all of the flags waving in the breeze. Many Oak Hill residents decorated their houses and businesses with flags and banners and the decorated buildings add to the inspiring sight of red, white and blue. In the third year, close to 2,000 flags were displayed along the village streets.
 

New Schools Constructed

The Oak Hill Union Local School District constructed a new high school/middle school and elementary school in 2003.

New Oak Hill Public Library Building Constructed

The new Oak Hill Public Library Building was constructed in 2004.

Davis Stadium Constructed

The over $4 million dollar Davis Stadium was completed in 2006. Davis Stadium includes a field turf football field, home bleacher seating for 1,563 people, twenty wheel chair spaces, and 20 wheel chair companion seats, visitor bleacher seating for 529 people, eight wheel chair spaces, and 8 wheel chair companion seats, an eight lane rubberized track, 300 space parking lot, and a 9,668 square foot field house that includes a weight room, home locker room with 75 collegiate style lockers, visitors locker room with 35 collegiate style lockers, fully equipped training room, officials dressing room, coaches office, indoor baseball pitching area, storage and utility room, concession stand and restrooms.