The History of the Marlboro Twp. Historical Society

HISTORY: Marlboro Twp. is located in the NE corner of Stark County. Historically spelled Marlborough, the region was settled in 1805 by Mahlon Wileman. The area was steadily populated, primarily by Quakers, and by 1850 was a thriving community with multiple schools and churches, mills, and a bustling town square. As a community of devout Quakers, Marlborough residents joined others in the region (New Baltimore, Salem, and Canton), as active abolitionists, steadily and actively helping the cause of emancipation.
 
Since 1913, the Marlboro Historical Society, Inc., dba the Marlboro Twp. Historical Society (MTHS) has carefully collected and preserved the historic documents, records and personal effects of Marlboro Township. The organization continues to archive thousands of pieces of information, has compiled two books on the history of the community, and hosts regular community education events.
 
In addition to regular programming, the organization continues to work on restoring the Dr. Kersey G. Thomas Home and Office, the private residence and office of a physician and abolitionist known to have taken an active role in Marlboro’s and Ohio’s anti-slavery movement during the nineteenth century.
 
The Marlboro Township Historical Society was first established in 1913. At some point the organization became inactive. In 1976, it was re-established after being asked to participate in the Marlboro Bicentennial Memorial Day Parade.   Working to re-establish the society were Virginia (Ginny) Gilcrest Gamble, Bernadine Powell Folk, Elizabeth (Betty) Umberger Devies, Lucille Zorger, Miriam Gilcrest Moore, and Tina Hagan.  The MTHS has been an active society since 1976 with formal bylaws established January 12, 1977.