Cheshire, Ohio
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Cheshire, Ohio | |
|---|---|
Village | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Ohio |
| County | Gallia |
| Established | 1811 |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 123 |
| • Density | Template:Infobox settlement/densdisp |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
Cheshire is a small village situated in Gallia County, Ohio, United States, positioned along the banks of the Ohio River. According to the 2020 census, the population totaled 123. Cheshire belongs to the rural Point Pleasant micropolitan area.
History
Established in 1811, Cheshire, Ohio, derives its name from Cheshire County in England.
American Electric Power's Purchase of the Town
By the year 2000, residents of Cheshire were contending with hazardous sulfurous gas emissions and acid rain originating from the nearby coal-powered Gavin Power Plant. The community pursued a buyout option. American Electric Power (AEP), which owns the plant, conducted investigations that revealed no significant long-term health risks but sought to acquire additional land for prospective technological developments. In 2002, AEP reached a $20 million settlement with most of the 221 inhabitants, who agreed to relocate and waive future claims against the company. A portion of residents remained either through agreements or refusal to sell their properties. AEP intended to demolish existing buildings and construct a coal barge dock; however, construction has not commenced.
In 2004, some remaining villagers along with neighboring residents attempted to extend Cheshire’s municipal boundaries by annexing properties approximately one mile north and west of the original village limits but encountered resistance from AEP.
Geography
The village encompasses a total area of , consisting of as land and as water.
2010 census
The 2010 census recorded 132 inhabitants residing in 67 households, including 36 families. The population density was , accompanied by 76 housing units at a density of . The racial makeup was largely White at 96.2%, with African Americans representing 0.8%, other races 2.3%, and individuals of two or more races at 0.8%. Hispanic or Latino individuals accounted for 1.5% of the population.
Household dynamics showed that 17.9% included children under 18 years old, married couples composed 44.8%, while non-family households made up 46.3%. Individuals living alone represented 41.8%, with those aged 65 or older living alone comprising 20.9%. The average household size measured 1.97 persons, and the average family size was 2.67.
The median age was calculated at 52 years, with age distribution including 15.2% under the age of 18, 6.9% between ages 18 and 24, and 24.2% aged 65 or older. The gender ratio was approximately 53% male and 47% female.
2000 census
During the 2000 census, Cheshire had a population of 221 people living in 93 households and forming 59 families. The population density stood at , with housing units totaling 110 at a density of . The racial composition was predominantly White at 98.19%, with African Americans making up 1.36%, and Native Americans comprising 0.45%.
Among households, 29% had children younger than eighteen years old; married couples accounted for 53.8%, while non-family households represented 35.5%. Individuals living alone constituted one-third (33.3%) of households, including 18.3% aged sixty-five or older living independently. Average household size was calculated at 2.38 persons; average family size was slightly larger at 3.05.
Age distribution was fairly even, with those under eighteen years making up 25.8%; median age was forty years old; gender ratios were close to equal.
Median household income reached $30,179 while median family income was $31,786. Males earned a median income of $31,250 compared to $21,667 for females; per capita income stood at $13,926. Approximately 11.4% of families and about 12.4% of all residents lived below the poverty line, including nearly one-quarter of minors but no seniors aged sixty-five or above.
Education
The Gallia County Local School District oversees public education services within Cheshire.
Noteworthy Individuals
- Frank Cremeans, served as a U.S. Representative representing Ohio
- Emma Rowena (Caldwell) Gatewood, recognized as the first woman to complete a solo thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail
- Harvey V. Higley, prominent businessman
- Wendell Holmes (actor), actor from the United States