IT  is difficult to separate the first settlement of Canaan township from that of Athens, of which Canaan was originally a part.  It will have been noticed that the pioneer settlements clung pretty closely to the water courses.  In the absence of roads or any other means of communication, the navigable streams always decide the movements of emigration.  The Hockhocking was, from all accounts, a considerably deeper stream and carried much more water seventy-five years ago than now, and was easily navigable for heavily laden barges.  It thus became valuable as a means of communication and supplies, and the regions accessible by it were the first to be settled in teh county.  Accordingly, many of the first settlers of Athens township located within the present limits of Canaan, whose rich bottom lands proved very attractive.  The township was organized in 1819.
     The first election for township officers was held at the house of Edward Pilcher, on the first Monday of April in that year.  The name of Canaan was suggested by Judge Walker, of Ames township, one of the county commissioners at this time.
     The population of the township is 1820 was 356; in 1830 it was 375; in 1840 it was 800; in 1850 it was 1,142, and in 1860 it was 1,272.
     The first election for township trustees was held at the house of Edward Pilcher were judges, and Joshua Hoskinson and John McGill, clerks of the election.

Township Trustees.

Successive Justices of the Peace.

Personal and Biographical,
(FOR BIOGRAPHIES, CLICK HERE)
William Jackson
The Barrows Brothers
Joseph Simmons
Martin Mansfield
Peter Boyles
John Boyles
Peter W. Boyles
Samuel Gillett
Abel Miller
Captain Parker Carpenter
Joshua Hoskinson
William Henry