This is the
sub-division of Guernsey in which the city of Cambridge and
the seat of justice is situated. It is one of the five
original townships to be organized in this county. It
dates its precinct history, therefore, from April 23, 1810.
It ahs had its boundary lines changed several times, but at
present it comprises about thirty-five sections of land; is
five miles wide from east to west by seven miles north and
south. Wills creek, the principal stream of Guernsey
county, meanders its way through the township from north to
south, with two large ox-bow bends to the north of the city
of Cambridge. Crooked creek also forms a junction with
this stream in Cambridge township. Other streams are
tributaries to Wills creek, including Leatherwood creek, of
some historic fame as to its name. What are now the
Pennsylvania and the Baltimore & Ohio railroads cross each
other at Cambridge, the former running north and south and
the latter about east and west, bearing somewhat to the
south. The old National road, or pike, crosses this
township on its course through Guernsey county, with toll
bridges at Cambridge.
Coal mining is the principal industry of the township,
but agriculture, horticulture and gardening are also carried
on with fairly good success, as is also stock raising.
Its educational, religious and social features, having been
treated in the chapters including the city of Cambridge,
will not be referred to in this connection. The early
settlement of this township has also been mentioned in
various general chapters, including the city chapter.
It may be stated in passing, however, that Cambridge
township had the honor of being the home of the first white
man to locate within Guernsey county - Mr. Graham who
invaded the wilds of this section in 1798. His was the
only dwelling between Wheeling and Zanesville.
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