A Quiet Township Facing Hard Truths with Community Resolve
Masury, Ohio is a small, unincorporated community located in eastern Trumbull County, bordering Pennsylvania and the city of Sharon. With a population of approximately 2,000 residents, Masury is known for its quiet neighborhoods, working class roots, and proximity to Brookfield Township. Though modest in size, Masury has long been a place where families settle, neighbors know each other, and local pride runs deep.
In recent years, however, Masury has faced difficult moments that have tested its resilience and brought attention to the need for stronger community support systems and public safety resources.
Historical Background and Community Identity
Masury was originally settled in the early 1800s and developed as a residential and industrial extension of Brookfield Township. Its name honors the Masury family, early landowners and industrialists who contributed to the region’s growth. The community’s history is tied to the rise of steel and manufacturing in the Mahoning Valley, with many residents working in nearby mills and plants.
The area’s development was shaped by its proximity to Sharon and the Shenango Valley, which provided access to railroads, river transport, and industrial jobs. Masury’s neighborhoods reflect this legacy, with modest homes built for mill workers and their families. Today, Masury remains a quiet residential area with a mix of older homes, small businesses, and local churches. It shares public services with Brookfield Township, including police, fire, and schools.
Population and Demographics
Masury spans approximately 3.5 square miles and maintains a population density of about 570 residents per square mile. The median age is 45.2 years, and the racial composition includes 87 percent White, 9 percent Black or African American, and smaller percentages of Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial residents. The average household income is 52,000 dollars, and the poverty rate is approximately 14 percent.
The community includes multi-generational families, retirees, and younger residents who commute to work in Sharon, Hermitage, Warren, or Youngstown. While the population has remained relatively stable, Masury faces challenges common to many small towns, including aging infrastructure, limited economic development, and the need for expanded social services.
Public Safety and Recent Incidents
Masury is served by the Brookfield Township Police Department and Fire Department. While the community is generally quiet, recent years have brought tragic incidents that have shaken residents and prompted calls for greater awareness and support.
In December 2024, a domestic violence incident escalated into a fatal standoff on Lucy Street. Fifty seven year old Andrew Reedy, a resident of Hermitage, Pennsylvania, was charged with the murder of Jane Peyton, a longtime Masury resident. The standoff lasted nearly twenty four hours and involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including Brookfield Police, Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office, and SWAT teams. Peyton’s death highlighted systemic gaps in domestic violence prevention and response, and led to renewed calls for expanded victim services and mental health outreach.
In January 2025, another fatal shooting occurred on the 500 block of Beechwood Avenue. The victim, a 32 year old male, was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident remains under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest it may have stemmed from a personal dispute. This marked the second homicide in Masury within thirteen months, a rare and deeply unsettling trend for a community of its size.
These tragedies have prompted renewed conversations about mental health services, domestic violence resources, and community policing. Brookfield Township officials have pledged to review protocols and expand outreach efforts to prevent future violence. Local churches and civic groups have hosted vigils and support meetings to help residents process grief and promote healing.
Parks and Recreation
Masury residents enjoy access to Brookfield Township Green and nearby recreational areas such as Yankee Run Golf Course and Mosquito Lake State Park. The community also benefits from youth sports programs, seasonal festivals, and shared use of Brookfield Schools’ athletic facilities. While Masury does not have a dedicated municipal park, residents frequently utilize Brookfield’s public spaces for walking, picnics, and community events.
Education and Civic Life
Masury is served by Brookfield Local School District, which includes Brookfield Elementary, Middle, and High School. The district emphasizes academic achievement, athletics, and community involvement. Brookfield High School’s Warriors teams compete in the Ohio High School Athletic Association, and the district offers programs in music, STEM, and career readiness.
The Brookfield Historical Society, located on Strimbu Drive, preserves the area’s legacy through exhibits, lectures, and school partnerships. Local churches such as Masury United Methodist and St. Bernadette Catholic Church provide spiritual support and host community events.
Housing and Real Estate
Masury’s housing market is modest and affordable. The median home value is approximately 85,000 dollars, with a mix of single family homes, duplexes, and rental units. Many properties date back to the mid twentieth century and reflect the community’s industrial heritage. Residential development is limited but steady, with ongoing efforts to rehabilitate older homes and improve infrastructure.
The township continues to invest in road repairs, water line upgrades, and blight removal. Housing assistance programs and senior services are available through Trumbull County agencies and local nonprofits.
Business and Local Economy
Masury’s economy is supported by small businesses, auto repair shops, trucking firms, and service providers. Its location near Sharon, Hermitage, and Youngstown allows residents to access broader employment markets while maintaining a rural home base. The Brookfield Township Trustees continue to support responsible development and business retention in the area.
Local enterprises include family owned diners, barbershops, and convenience stores. While Masury lacks large commercial centers, its proximity to Route 62 and Interstate 80 provides access to retail and employment hubs in the Shenango Valley and Mahoning Valley.
Community Events and Local Culture
Masury participates in regional events hosted by Brookfield Township and neighboring communities. These include
Brookfield Township Easter Egg Hunt
Brookfield Knights of Columbus Fish Fry
Fall Harvest Weekends at White House Fruit Farm
Community yard sales and vendor markets
Holiday tree lighting and Veterans Day ceremonies
Church festivals, sports banquets, and civic award presentations
These events reflect the community’s commitment to connection, tradition, and healing. Residents take pride in their shared history and continue to support one another through volunteerism, faith, and civic engagement.
Why Masury Matters
Masury is a township that values its history, its people, and its potential. While recent tragedies have brought sorrow and reflection, they have also sparked conversations about safety, support, and resilience. Masury’s story is one of quiet strength—a community that faces hard truths and chooses to move forward together. It is a place where neighbors look out for one another, where families gather for fish fries and football games, and where the future is shaped by shared responsibility and hope.