The Alaska Christian Church, originally the Liberty Church of God, was organized in 1836 by Elder Street Cox, Benjamin Edwards, John Brown, and Daniel Y. Smith. A frame church was built in 1838, but was later abandoned due to a rise in membership. Members traveled as much as nine miles to attend service at the church even though there were other churches nearby. When membership rose to 200, the need for a new church was recognized. A location was chosen between Lewisville and Alaska and the current brick structure was erected.

A.P.W. BRIDGES, Doctor of Medicine, was born on September 27, 1856 in Indiana to Moses C. and Sophia J. (Doyle) Bridges of North Carolina. He attended the Indiana Medical College and the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Indianapolis, Indiana. February 1882 he moved to Alaska, Indiana and began practicing his profession. He married the daughter of James and Louisa (Bartlett) Alverson, Emma F. Alverson, in 1883.

BENJAMIN CORNWELL was born in Oldham County, Kentucky on December 3, 1844. John and Minerva (Williams) Cornwell were the parents of Benjamin and four other children. He learned to blacksmith at a young age and practiced this trade until enlisting in the 53rd Indiana Volunteer Regiment, Company K. Between 1861 and 1865 he served actively at Vicksburg, Black River, Bolivar, Jackson, Shiloh, and other fields of battle.When he returned he farmed and then resumed his trade as blacksmith. He married Vernilla Ludlow and they had five children.

Ashland Township's first school was located in the area. Built in 1830 of hickory and ash logs, it had a limestone and mud fireplace and chimney. Classes one through eight were taught by Stephen F. Hancock. School continued locally until the 1949 consolidation with Eminence school.      Eminence Consolidated School serves the area of Alaska as the local school today and has approximately 460 students in grades K - 12.