The History of Pickaway County and Circleville, Ohio & the Tann Family
- Dr. Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez D.Ac, L.Ac
- Sep 23
- 5 min read
A Friendly Journey Through Time
When you visit Circleville, Ohio, or drive through the farmlands of Pickaway County, it’s easy to forget just how much history lies beneath the soil. From the ancient earthworks that gave Circleville its name to the hardworking families who settled here—like Dennis Tann and his wife Frances Jones—the story of this community is rich, layered, and very much alive today. Let’s take a friendly walk through time and explore how this unique Ohio town came to be.
Ancient Roots: The Mound Builders
Long before European settlers arrived, this land was home to the Adena and Hopewell cultures, known as mound builders. These ancient peoples left behind ceremonial earthworks that stretched across the Scioto Valley.
One of the most famous was the great Circleville earthwork, a perfect circle measuring about 1,100 feet across, with tall earthen walls and a surrounding ditch. Built somewhere between 100 BC and 500 AD, the purpose of the circle is still debated—some say it was ceremonial, others believe it was astronomical. Either way, it was remarkable.
The town of Circleville was named in honor of this structure, though much of it was sadly dismantled in the early 1800s as the town developed. Still, its memory lives on in the city’s name.
Founding of Pickaway County and Circleville
Pickaway County was officially formed on March 1, 1810, carved out of Ross, Fairfield, and Franklin Counties. The name comes from the “Piqua” or “Piqua Shawnee,” one of the Shawnee groups that lived in this region.
Circleville was chosen as the county seat in 1810 and, fittingly, it was laid out in a circular street plan to echo the old earthwork. But while the design was clever, it proved impractical for everyday life. In the 1830s, residents “squared the circle” by changing the layout into a traditional grid, creating the downtown we know today.
Early Life in the 1800s
Pickaway County quickly grew during the early 19th century. The fertile land drew settlers from Virginia, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. By the 1820s, small farms dotted the countryside, schools were being built, and churches provided spiritual homes for the new community.
1810s–1820s: The first courthouse and jail were constructed in Circleville.
1830s: The Ohio & Erie Canal connected Circleville to larger markets, boosting trade.
1850s: Railroads arrived, making the county an important hub for agriculture.
Farming was central to life. Families raised corn, wheat, and livestock, while communities gathered for fairs and local celebrations. These early traditions laid the groundwork for what would later become the world-famous Circleville Pumpkin Show.
The Tann Family: From North Carolina to Ohio
One of the families who planted roots in this region was the Tann family. Their story reflects the broader migration of families who left the South in the 19th century and built new lives in Ohio.
Dennis Tann, born in 1815 in North Carolina, made his way north and found his future in Ohio. On November 15, 1852, in Ross County, Ohio, he married Frances Jones, beginning a new chapter not only for themselves but for their descendants.
Dennis and Frances raised their children in Ohio, and their family became part of the growing fabric of Pickaway and surrounding counties. Like many families of their time, they worked the land, raised children in faith, and contributed to their communities in ways that often go unrecorded but were essential to daily life.
This is a branch of the Tann family tree, preserved as part of the larger effort to keep Tann Family History alive for future generations.
Civil War and Change
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, many men from Pickaway County enlisted in the Union Army. The county saw its share of loss and sacrifice, but also resilience. Women, children, and families kept farms and businesses running while their loved ones were away.
For families like the Tanns, this was a time of adjustment and endurance. Communities leaned on one another, shared resources, and rebuilt after the war ended in 1865.
The 20th Century: Growth and Traditions
The new century brought new energy to Circleville and Pickaway County.
1903: Mayor George Haswell launched the first Circleville Pumpkin Show, celebrating the area’s rich agricultural tradition. It grew quickly into a beloved annual event, drawing thousands each year.
1920s–1930s: Like much of America, the Great Depression brought hardship, but families persevered with faith and community support.
1940s: World War II once again called young men to service, while those at home supported the war effort through farming and industry.
1950s–1970s: Circleville expanded with new schools, homes, and businesses. Farming technology changed, but agriculture remained central.
Through these decades, family names like Tann continued to appear in local records—whether in land deeds, school enrollments, or church rosters—showing how deeply they were woven into the county’s history.
Circleville Today
Today, Circleville is a blend of small-town warmth and historic pride. The Pumpkin Show, held every October since 1903, continues to attract visitors from all over the world. The county still celebrates its farming roots, even as new industries and businesses grow.
Historic homes, cemeteries, and local archives preserve the stories of early families, including Dennis and Frances Tann and their children. For genealogists and history lovers, these stories bring a personal connection to the broader sweep of American history.
Why This History Matters
The history of Pickaway County and Circleville isn’t just about famous events—it’s about people. The Adena and Hopewell mound builders, the Shawnee people, the early settlers, and families like the Tanns all left footprints here.
When we tell these stories, we remember that history is lived by everyday families—those who married, farmed, raised children, and built communities. Dennis and Frances Tann’s marriage in 1852 may seem like a small detail, but for their descendants and for the local community, it is part of the living heartbeat of Pickaway County’s history.
Conclusion
From the mysterious earthworks of the ancient past to the bustling streets of modern Circleville, the story of Pickaway County is one of resilience, growth, and tradition. Families like the Tanns remind us that history is not just grand events—it’s also the quiet strength of everyday lives.
This article highlights one branch of the Tann family tree, preserved to honor and celebrate their place in Ohio’s story. To learn more and continue exploring your Tann roots, visit www.tannfamilyhistory.com.
So next time you stroll through Circleville’s downtown or join the crowds at the Pumpkin Show, remember the deep roots beneath your feet. This land holds stories—of Dennis and Frances, of their children, and of countless others—woven together to form the fabric of Pickaway County.
About the Author
Dr. Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez, granddaughter of John and Emily (Tann) Vanderhorst, has over 40 years of genealogy research experience. She has written several family history books, published on Book Serenity.
She was also featured in the television program “Who Do You Think You Are” for her groundbreaking research on the Tan Americans of Clinton County, New York. Through her work, Dr. Rodriguez helps others discover their family stories and preserve them for future generations.
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