Definition of Youngstown Township

The definition of the boundaries of Youngstown Township have been of a fluid nature in the history of the Mahoning Valley. From 1800 to 1913 the township changed its shape and size dramatically before disappearing into the City of Youngstown.

Historical Collections of the Mahoning Valley. Volume I, Youngstown, OH: Mahoning Valley Historical Society, 1876, page 20 provides the following:

“The first Court of Common Pleas and General Quarter Sessions was there (Warren) held on August 25, 1800. At that Court the county was divided into townships for civil purposes. The township of Youngstown, as then organized, comprised the now townships of Poland, Coitsville, Hubbard, Liberty, Youngstown, Boardman, Canfield, Austintown, Jackson and Ellsworth. George Tod was appointed prosecuting attorney of the county, and James Hillman was appointed constable of Youngstown….”

Joseph G. Butler, Jr. in his History of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. Volume 1. Chicago: American Historical Society, 1921, page 59; quote from 106 gives further insight. August Term, 1800 set up eight townships in Trumbull County. These Civil Townships were called the Lower Townships: Youngstown, Warren, Vernon, Middlefield. Youngstown Township was an “artificially created civil township embracing Poland, Boardman, Canfield, Ellsworth, Coitsville, Youngstown, Austintown and Jackson” and also Liberty and Hubbard Townships.

For those who are seeking historical information or families in this early time frame, knowledge of the boundaries of the artificial township of Youngstown may be of assist. Youngstown Township’s boundaries were firmly established by the time Mahoning County was split off from Trumbull and Columbiana Counties in 1846, having taken on the designation as Township 2 Range 2. Poland Township received the designation of Township 1 Range 1.

Youngstown Township ceased to exist in 1913 when it was annexed by the City of Youngstown. Parts of Boardman and Coitsville Townships were also affected in 1929-1930 when the City of Youngstown added to its territory through additional annexations.