Shelby County History

    In 1792 the Ohio Territory had only 2 counties: Washington, covering the east half and Hamilton, covering the west half.  When Ohio became a state in 1803, there were 17 counties and to date, there are 88 counties.   The first place of English settlement in Ohio was at the mouth of Loramie's Creek, in Shelby County, as early as 1752.  Ft. Loramie was built in 1794 by Wayne.
    Montgomery County was formed from Hamilton County in 1803 and on January 16, 1807, Miami County was formed from Montgomery County.   During several succeeding years, Shelby continued to be under the jurisdiction of Miami County, but in the year 1819 it was detached.  At the time, it's jurisdiction extended northward over the present counties of Auglaize and Allen, which formed the original Auglaize & Amanda Twps of Shelby County.
    On May 17, 1819 the court of Common Pleas was in session in Hardin.  The next session convened September 13, 1819 with a full staff of judicial, executive, and clerical officers.  At this meeting, the 1st grand jury was called and reported.  The term adjourned on December 14, 1819.   The next term of the court, comprising of the same judicial, executive, and clerical officers was convened at Sidney on April 24, 1820.  The seat of Justice has been maintained at Sidney since 1820.
    The southern portion of Shelby County is undulating and, in some places, hilly.  Through the north is a flat tableland that produces wheat, corn, oats, and grass.
 
 

 

Commisioners

The first Board of Commisioners consisted of Robert McClure, William Berry, and John Wilson, and they held the first session in the village of Hardin on June 7, 1819.  Due to David Henry and John Lennox resigning (in 1822) and the term of Joseph Mellinger expiring, an election was held for two members and it resulted in the selection of William Berry and Joseph Mellinger.  They entered office at the December session in 1822.