In 1852 George M. Earl came to what is now named Earlville. Earl, his wife and family settled near a heavily wooded area near a spring. Earlville was at one time known as Nottingham (after a stockholder in the railroad). The government later changed the name because of conflict with another community by that name.
Earlville is located just off US Highway 20 in the eastern section of Delaware County. A community center is available for rental by contacting the City Clerk. Businesses include agricultural, auto, construction, financial and insurance services, health and beauty, manufacturing, plumbing-heating and electrical and real estate.