More About Utica
History and pictures provided by the Utica Historical Society
The village of Utica is a small farming community in central Ohio nestled in a lush valley along the bank of the North Fork of the Licking River in Licking County and has a population of 2,064. Utica was established in 1814. However, its founder, Major William Robertson, purchased the land and settled the area in 1810. Originally called Wilmington, the name of the settlement was changed to Utica in September 1821 with the opening of the village’s post office.
Robertson was determined to build his community, and he figured prominently in the village. He already owned the sawmill and grist mill, and in 1821 he purchased a wool carding machine. These machines were used to mechanize the process of preparing wool for spinning. He probably owned the first one in the county. In 1825, he built a new house at South Main St. and Mill St. for his wife and four children. The Robertsons furnished and reserved and upstairs front room for any guest ministers that needed a place to stay in town.
William "Major" Robertson, died on Nov. 9, 1840. The cause of death was listed as consumption, resulting from his efforts to develop the area. His wife Sarah outlived him by 37 years when she died Dec. 28, 1877. The founder of Utica and his family are buried at North Lawn Cemetery. The home was eventually sold to the telephone company. The company placed the switchboard in the front room on the first floor. For many years, the manager or chief operator was permitted to live in the home. In March 1965, the telephone company tore the house down and constructed the red brick building you see today.
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