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         This village is situated in Massillon Township, in the northeast part of the county, and on the Wapsipinicon River. The country around was settled at an early period in the history of the county, and is reputed to be one of the richest agricultural sections in the county. Among the early settlers in that section were William Williams, George, William and John Thorn, and the Shriver family—the Widow Shriver still living on the old homestead.

         Massillon was first known as Denson’s Ferry, named after Joseph Denson, who first settled there and established the ferry. The river is now spanned by a very excellent bridge, some 1,100 feet in length. Its first cost was borne equally by the farmers interested in having a bridge erected there and the county.

         The following statements or certificates are attached to the plat of Massillon on file in the office of the County recorder, at Tipton:

         Massillon is situated on the northeast quarter of Section 14, Township 82, Range 1, west of the 5th P.M. It was re-surveyed and re-platted December 31, 1875, by F. A. Gates, County Surveyor, at the request of M. D. Keith, C. C. Butler and Amos Deming, and also assented to by William Williams, one of the original owners and proprietors of said town. In the re-platting of the lots and blocks, the original lines, corners and numbers have been strictly observed, and no changes made in any respect, save such as have been made by sales of lots or parts of lots.

         The original town consisted of Blocks 1, 2, 3 and east half of 4 and 5, and all of Block 6. M. D. Keith’s first Addition consisted of the west half of Blocks 4 and 5, and his second Addition of Block 7. C. C. Butler’s Addition consists of the east half of Block 2.

         The certificate of William Williams, bearing even date with the plat, and made part thereof, certifies that he was one of the persons who originally caused the said town of Massillon to be platted and laid out, and that Thomas Sloper since deceased, was his associate, and that after said town was properly surveyed and laid out, neither of them ever caused the plat of said town to be recorded in the proper office of said county, as required by the laws of the State of Iowa, and further that the town was originally surveyed and laid out in the year 1854, by Deputy Surveyor Graham.

         The village of Massillon is a station on the Davenport & Northern Railroad, and is a shipping point of considerable importance. A number of the farmers thereabouts ship their surplus grain and stock direct, while others sell to middle-men.

         A. W. Cram is a general dealer in dry goods, groceries, etc., dealer in grain and stock, and proprietor and manager of a large grain elevator.

         There are several mechanics, such as blacksmiths, carpenters, shoemakers, etc.

         Amos Deming is station agent, Postmaster and hotel-keeper.

         The Methodist Episcopal denomination has a regularly organized society, but no church edifice. The school house is used as a meeting place, and is supplied regularly by the preacher in charge of the Louden Circuit.

         The population of Massillon is estimated at 150.