MANSFIELD — On Saturday, a group gathered at South Park for the dedication of the 1812 Mansfield Blockhouse by the Ohio Society United States Daughters of 1812. Members attended from Cedarville, Akron and Cincinnati. Nona Quinn, president of the National Society United States Daughters of 1812, made the trip from Oklahoma to be at the dedication.

Akron Garfield High ROTC presented the colors; the 1812 Prayer was given by Barbara Liszniewski, state chaplain; and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Gloria Fast, flag chairwoman. Gwen Wallot, Ohio 1812 president and native of Knox County, welcomed the onlookers and talked briefly of the importance the blockhouse played in the history of Richland County.

John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed) made the trip from the blockhouse in Mansfield to Mount Vernon to get help to protect the settlers from the Indians who were helping the British against the United States. Wallot said that according to legend, Chapman ran barefoot and made the 60-mile round trip overnight.