Joe Helmick once owned the surrounding land, where he built the Helmick Mill. In 1863, several of Morgan's Raiders tried to avoid capture in this area by traveling up Island Run. They stopped at the Helmick Farm for food before continuing northeast towards Eagleport. Thomas L. Gray led a small group of men into the darkness to cut them off. Once confronted, the raiders surrendered, fearing a large group of soldiers. Luckily, a dozen Muskingum County militiamen arrived before the rebels noticed that they had been fooled. The rebels were held hostage overnight at the Helmick Mill.