Mantua Center, Ohio

The view above shows two historic structures in Mantua Center, Ohio. The Mantua Township Town Hall is seen at the left. The attractive white church at the right is the Mantua Center Christian Church. It is claimed by members of that faith that building is the oldest house of worship of the Disciples of Christ or Campbellite tradition in Ohio. Once led by Alexander Campbell, it is the denomination Sidney Rigdon came from when he joined the Latter-day Saints. Members of this faith still worship in the structure and kindly allow interested visitors to see the inside of this historic building.

The fallen headstone seen above  is that of a young woman named Perlea Moore. While not noted on the headstone itself, cemetery records indicate that, while alive, this young woman “provided the pillow when Joe Smith was tarred and feathered.” Where the headstone once stood may also be seen in the image below:

The Oliver and Rosetta Snow family, including children Eliza and Lorenzo, were the eleventh family to settle in the township. About one mile south of SR 82 on Mantua Center Road is the home of Oliver and Rosetta Snow and Lorenzo Snow birth home. It is situated just north of Pioneer Trail Road.

Map & Directions

Mantua Center Historic District is located at the intersection of SR 82 and Mantua Center Road (CR 4) in Portage County, Ohio. The gps coordinates for the church and town hall are: 41°18’33.57″ N; 81°14’39.28″ W.

Ownership Status

The structures located at Mantua Center are visible from dawn to dusk. Interior views of the town hall and Christian Church are subject to local government officials and church leaders. There is no charge if scheduling allows one to visit.

Photos

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