John N. C. Schenck

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John Noble Cummings Schenck (January 24, 1778 – October 26, 1867) was an American pioneer and early postmaster in the Northwest Territory. He was born in Churchville, Pennsylvania, the son of Rev. William Schenck, and was educated by his father with opportunities in Ballston and Huntington, New York. He moved to the Northwest Territory, first in Cincinnati, where he connected with local merchants like Martin Baum and built a successful trading career. Around 1801 he settled in Franklin, Ohio, to trade and built a two-story log cabin there in 1802.

In 1802, President Thomas Jefferson appointed him as one of the first postmasters for the Great Miami River valley. His home in Franklin became the Franklin Post Office, the oldest post office in Ohio, though it has since moved to a new location. Schenck prospered in trade in Akron and Cleveland and helped in the founding of Dayton. He became a prominent citizen in Franklin, serving as an elector and helping to plan neighborhoods.

Schenck married twice. His first wife was Sarah Tapscott, whom he married on September 2, 1802; they had twelve children. His second wife was Phebe W. Reeder, widow of his cousin William R. Schenck, whom he married on October 8, 1843. He retired in 1847 and died on October 26, 1867, at the age of 89.