Hayesville Lions hear program on Conservation Farm from Margaret Welch

Ashland Times-Gazette
·1 min read

The Hayesville Lions Cub met May 16 at the Conservation Farm with Margaret Welch giving the history of the pioneer family who settled there in 1828.

Quill and Mary Bennett were the original settlers who built the log home. In 1827, it was sold to a land agent who sold 140 acres to them. Jacob Hoff, grandson, bought 80 acres from them and sold it to Michael Gongwer who had 12 children. He named it Pleasant Valley Farm.

Reuben and Emma Gongwer bought it in 1898. Maude Shenberger Irlan bought it as she was the step daughter of Reuben. Maude sold it to the Ashland County Wildlife and Conservation League in 1946. It is very rare that the original log cabin is still on the very land where it was built after almost 200 years.

Margaret Welch of the Conservation Farm gives the history of the pioneer family who settled there in 1828.
Margaret Welch of the Conservation Farm gives the history of the pioneer family who settled there in 1828.

The original log cabin was made larger by adding another cabin which was moved to the site. It has been inspected and was determined to be in good shape for its age. Over the years people covered the logs inside but they have been removed.

Saturday, June 1, is Kids Day at the Conservation Farm and June 15-16 will be Old Northwest Territory Rendezvous.

June 27 is installation of officers at Stone Lutheran Church.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Hayesville Lions Club hears program on Conservation Farm