Early Residents
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Dorcus Ann Elizabeth Williams (Old Aunty)
Old Aunty of Chagrin Falls: A Symbol of Freedom and Community One of the most beloved and memorable figures in the history of Chagrin Falls was a woman known simply as “Old Aunty.” Her life story reflects both the hardships of slavery and the welcoming spirit of a community deeply connected to the abolitionist movement…
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Noah Graves
An Early Settler and Founder of Chagrin Falls Noah Graves (1800–1866) and his wife, Minerva, are credited with beginning the organized settlement of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Graves recognized the potential of the Chagrin River and its waterfalls as an important source of water power and played a major role in establishing the community that would…
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Jane Church
A Life of Service in Chagrin Falls Jane Elizabeth Church (1833–1917) was the daughter of Henry Church Sr. and Clarissa Sanderson Church. Born in 1833, she was just one year old when she arrived in Chagrin Falls with her parents and half-sister after the family moved from Massachusetts. She attended local schools and became an…
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James A. Garfield
James A. Garfield and Chagrin Falls James A. Garfield (1831–1881), the 20th President of the United States, had strong connections to Chagrin Falls and the surrounding community. Although Garfield was born in neighboring Orange Township, he spent considerable time in Chagrin Falls as a young man, working, studying, teaching, and developing the skills that would…
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Justus H. Vincent
First Physician of Chagrin Falls Justus H. Vincent (1799–1861) played an important role in the early settlement and development of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. A physician, educator, businessman, and politician, Vincent was among the community’s early leaders and is remembered as the first physician in the village. From New York to Chagrin Falls Justus H. Vincent…
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Blakeslee, C. T.
C. T. Blakeslee: Early Attorney and Historian of Chagrin Falls C. T. Blakeslee (1810–1878) was one of the early attorneys and civic leaders of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. During his years in the village, he was involved in law, business, transportation, politics, and local history. He is best remembered for documenting the early history of Chagrin…
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Albon C. Gardner
Merchant, Landowner, and Abolitionist in Chagrin Falls A. C. Gardner (1799–1875) was a prominent early resident of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, whose influence extended across business, land development, religion, politics, and the abolitionist movement. A successful merchant and substantial landowner, Gardner also played a role in the Underground Railroad and the early development of the village.…
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Henry Church Sr.
Early Settler, Blacksmith, and Underground Railroad Supporter Henry Church Sr. was one of the most influential early settlers in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. A skilled blacksmith, respected community leader, and dedicated abolitionist, he helped shape the village during its formative years. As the patriarch of the prominent Church family, his contributions left a lasting mark on…
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Henry Church Jr.
The Life and Work of Henry Church Jr. by Jane Babinsky and Miram Church Stem (PDF format)
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Adam Clark (AC) Williams
Expanding the Williams Foundry from Chagrin Falls to Ravenna Early Life in Chagrin Falls Adam Clark Williams was born in 1826 in Chagrin Falls to John Wesley and Fanny Williams. AC Williams Joins the Family Business In 1865, he joined the family foundry business in Chagrin Falls on a full-time basis. The son of industrial…