Grafton’s Polish Settlement (est. 1894)
The first local settlement in Grafton was in 1817, when Jonathan and Grindall Rawson arrived from Massachusetts and built a log cabin. In 1818, along with newcomer Nathaniel Boughton, they built a sawmill. Later, in 1826, they built a grist mill.
In 1846, the Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati Railroad wanted to build its railroad across the Rawson property. They would establish Grafton Station, and Jonathan Rawson would develop a town that became known as Rawsonville.
In 1849, J. W. Hart opened a stone quarry near Parsons and Indian Hollow Roads. Immigrants from Wales, Ireland, Germany, and later Poland arrived to work in the quarries. Sandstone was also found in the Willow Park area in 1877, attracting more immigrant workers. It was at this time the town’s name was changed to Grafton.
By 1892, 75 Polish families lived in the area, and they wished to worship in their native tongue. Their wish was granted, and the Assumption Church was established in 1894.