Place:Matrom, Noble, Ohio, United States

Village of Matrom

Matrom historically was an unincorporated village in the north-central part of the township of Olive, county of Noble, state of Ohio, United States of America. It was situated along Duck Creek in the southeast quarter of section 10 of township 6, range 9 (1st Congressional Survey). It later came to be known by the name of Socum, or Soakum, and was, for a brief time, a post village.

History

The earliest mill in the township, and in all probability the earliest in the territory that would become Noble County, was erected as early as 1812 by Samuel Allen, assisted by the few settlers in the valley. A saw mill was also in operation at the same place, erected about the same time with the gristmill.

The village of Matrom was surveyed and platted by George Bell on 25 March 1846, for the proprietor, Joseph Schofield. It prospered for a time, but a half century after its founding it consisted of only a few dilapidated houses. Of this village, Watkins says: “Even its name has passed away; and instead of high-sounding ‘Matrom’, plebeian ‘Socum’ has taken its place. ‘Socum’ is supposed to have been derived from Soak 'em, which title was fastened upon the place on account of the bibulous and whisky-selling habits of its inhabitants.” (History of Noble County, Ohio, p. 331.)

The Soakum Post Office was established on 12 February 1872 and discontinued on 6 January 1873.

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Bibliography

See the entries for Noble County.