Warren County Genealogical Society
Warren County, Ohio
Place Names

Compiled by Hazel Spencer Phillips

General Info

Description of Place Names



General Info

Place names are frequently a source of local history. Named for persons' locations or events that concerned the pioneers, these places assume new interest when the name is explored.

This list contains the more familiar names but many early ones have been lost to the present generation.

The name Ohio was of Indian origin and was given to the River which had its beginning trickle at Pittsburgh and became the highway to the west for thousands of pioneers.

The name Ohio became prominent after a meeting of Revolutionary War veterans at The Bunch of Grapes Tavern in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1781 and organized the Ohio Company to open the western territory to settlement.

The River was the southern boundary and gave its name to the State of Ohio, which was established in 1803.

Warren County was established by an act of the First General Assembly of the new State of Ohio and was passed on March 24, 1803. It was named for the first great martyr in the cause of American independence, General Joseph Warren, who died at Bunker Hill. The name, chosen to honor this great man and a great cause, is of interest in this collection of place names.

Warren County was made up of the Virginia Military Land, given for military service, which was all of the county east of the Little Miami River; the Symmes' Purchase, west of the Little Miami and south of an east-west line passing about a mile north of the present city of Lebanon; and the Congress Lands, which were transferred immediately to the occupant or purchaser by the officers of the Government, comprising all the land west of the Little Miami River and north of the Symmes' Purchase. The Symmes' land was named for John Cleve Symmes who purchased this land from the U.S. Government for resale to settlers.

Waterways

The names of the waterways in the county record many historic facts. The Great Miami and the Little Miami received these names from the tribe of Indians who roamed this area when it was first occupied by pioneer settlers.

bullet Turtle Creek was named for the great Chief Little Turtle of the same tribe.
bullet Caesars Creek is said to have been named for a faithful colored slave who was buried on its banks.
bullet Todds Fork carries the name of Robert Todd who came from Kentucky to survey that section.
bullet Other creeks bear the names of pioneers who located along the waterways. One such is Reeder’s Run where David Reeder purchased 320 acres of land west of Lebanon in 1797. Other such names are Ertle Run, Jonah’s Run, Cottle Run, Newman Run, Martin Run, Hall's Creek and Linton Ditch.
bullet In recent years more family names have been used, occasionally substituted for older names, as shown on modern maps. Most of them are familiar to Warren County natives: Dearth's Run, Wolfe Creek, Miller, Baker, Fannie Tullis, Weaver, Green, Dugan, Roser, Riley, Emley Satterthwaite, Dakin, Cook, Rich, Cowan, Mulford, Irons and Foley are a few.
bullet The Shakers, who established their community west of Lebanon in 1805, lent their name to Shaker Creek where their mills were located, and Shaker Swamp, whose treacherous lands and waters played havoc with the Warren County Canal.
bullet Station Creek was so-named after William Bedle established Bedle Station and built the only block house in Warren County in the autumn of 1795.
bullet Clear Creek was named for its clear waters. Muddy Creek and Little Muddy, obviously less clear. Dry Run for its condition at certain seasons and Salt Run for the same reason.
bullet The names of Twin Creek, First Creek and Second Creek, as well as Flat Fork seem justified.
bullet Other waterways incite wonder or curiosity, such as Turkey Run, Goose Creek and Gander Run, Dog Run, Bear Run, Hen Run, and perhaps Lick Run. To be added are: Coon Run, Bitter, Bee Run, Plum Run, Bull Run, and Rat Tail Branch.
bullet Sugar Creek probably slashed a sugar maple grove, but how did Grog Run happen to have its name?
bullet Conocoche Creek was named by Samuel Walker who came from that area in Pennsylvania. There must certainly be other place names reminding the historians of "back home" locations.

Taverns

In the early years of our nation when less than half of population could read, a law was passed making it necessary for all taverns to display a picture sign. Even the most unlearned traveler could see such a sign and understand that he had reached this destination The most colorful chapter in the history of place names in our county is the result of that practice.

Among the taverns of Warren County with picturesque signs were: The Black Horse, The Golden Lamb, The Red Lion, The Black Bear, The White Horse, Two White Horses, The Black Hawk, The Bull's Head, The Red Buck, The Blue Ball, The Green Tree, The Crossed Keys, The George Washington, Goddess of Liberty, Andrew Jackson and many others.
 

Townships
The township names are of interest too

 Franklin Township was established May 10, 1803. It took its name for the town within its borders and was one of the four original townships in the county.
Wayne Township, also established May 10, 1803 was named for the settlement within its borders, and was one of the original four.
Deerfield Township was organized at the same time, May 10,1803, and its name derived from the many salt licks where deer came to lick the saline waters.
Hamilton Township, another of the original four, was established May 10,1803, and named for Alexander Hamilton.
Turtlecreek Township, established August 15, 1804, was named for Chief Little Turtle and for the creek of that name which crossed it.
Eaton Township was established in 1806 and was a large area in the northeast section of the county. This township was in the land granted to Clinton County in 1810 and is the only township name lost to the County. It was named for Jonah Eaton who made his home in a large sycamore tree.
Salem Township was formed from a part of Hamilton Township in June, 1813. In 1860 it was briefly called Corwin Township but soon returned to the original name.
Union Township was established January 3, 1815. It embraced land from Turtle Creek and Deerfield Townships.
Clearcreek Township was established October, 1817 and named for the large creek which stretched across the township.
Washington Township was established June 8, 1818. Named for George Washington who died as the first settlements were made here.
Massie Township was established October 10, 1850 and was named for General Nathaniel Massie who surveyed the area in 1792.
Harlan Township was established March 16, 1860. It was the last of the Warren County Townships to be established. Formed from part of Salem Township it was named for George Harlan, an early settler. [date corrected - originally listed as "1850"]

There are many crossroads, cemeteries, hills and valleys that bear interesting names and could be added to this list. Spook Hollow, a low valley running from Rt. 48 to East 73, through an old cemetery, has long been associated with spooks. Summer breezes down, this valley carry whispers of ghosts—winter gales carry wailing shrieks. Thus nature itself lends reality to names.

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Description of Place Names

Place Name

Description

Township

Beech Grove

Named for a large Beech Grove where a Freewill Baptist Church was established in 1849.

Massie Twp

Beedles Station

Named for William Beedle who came with his family in 1795 and built the only block house in Warren County. A bronze marker, placed by the Warren Co. Historical Society, records the site today.

Turtlecreek Twp

Binns

A Family name.

Harlan Twp

Black Hawk

Named for an Indian leader, Black Hawk, it was platted in 1838 with 26 lots.

Harlan Twp

Blue Ball

Located in both Warren and Butler counties. The settlement was named from the Blue Ball Tavern located at the cross road. The road from the Red Lion to Middletown, by the way of Blue Ball, was named Irish Road.

Franklin Twp

Bowyer

Settled by the Bower family.

Deerfield Twp

Browns Store

Was Established as a Post Office on August 21, 1841, with Samuel Brown named Postmaster. Discontinued in 1858.

Not Located

Butlerville

Named for Abram B. Butler. The town was laid out in 1838 and incorporated, with additions to the original plat, in 1851. Was made a Post Office on December 17, 1838.

Harlan Twp

Butterworth Station

Named as a station on the Little Miami Railroad on the land of Benjamin Butterworth.

Hamilton Twp

Carlisle

This was first named Jersey Settlement when settled by New Jersey pioneers in 1804. James Tapscott gave land for the Tapscott Meeting House in 1814. The name was changed to Carlisle in 1850, when Hon. John Carlisle, of Cincinnati, bought a tract of land and divided it into lots.

Franklin Twp

Clarksville

Established in 1875.

Washington Twp

Comargo

Presumed to be of Indian origin.

Harlan Twp

Corwin

The station for Waynesville on Little Maimi Railroad. Was named for Governor Thomas Corwin.

Wayne Twp

Cozaddale

Named for John J. Cozad who built the town (1871).

Harlan Twp

Cranetown

A settlement of Crane families, located northeast of Pekin.

Clearcreek Twp

Crosswicks

Founded by James Jennings, July 1821, it then contained twelve lots.

Wayne Twp

Dallasburg

Established as a Post Office on August 22, 1848 with William Wene, Postmaster.

Hamilton Twp

Deerfield

Named for deer licks in area. Post Office established January 1, 1805, with Ephraim Kibbey, Postmaster. (Now called South Lebanon).

Union Twp

Doods

Changed from Utica when Post Office was established. Was a Station on DL&C Railroad with canning factory, school, and church.

Clearcreek Twp

Dunlavy

Post Office established January 17, 1850, with B. A. Stokes, Postmaster.

Clearcreek Twp

Edgewood

At crossing of Dayton, Lebanon & Cincinnati Railroad on present St. Route 73.

Wayne Twp

Edwardsville

First town in Harlan Township. Established by Edward Thomas 1824; the town was named for him.

Harlan Twp

Five Points

At the junction of five roads in Clear Creek Township; it was a small settlement of school, blacksmith shop and homes.

Clearcreek Twp

Flat Fork

A School and church on Flat Fork Creek.

Massie Twp

Floraville

South hill section of Lebanon, so called for many fine flowers grown in the gardens a century ago.

Turtlecreek Twp

Fort Ancient

Mound builder area built as a fort on top of hill in prehistoric days. A Post Office was established on the Little Miami Railroad May 28, 1846, with Thomas C. Nelson Postmaster. This village no longer exists.

Washington Twp

Foster

Formerly Foster’s Crossing named for Foster family. Post Office established October 27, 1859, with James T. Matthews as first Postmaster.

Deerfield Twp

Foster’s Crossing

Changed to Foster when bridge was built in 1900.

Deerfield Twp

Franklin

The town was laid out by William C. Schenck and Daniel C. Cooper in 1796, on the Great Miami River. A Post Office was established April 1, 1805 with John N. C. Schenck Postmaster.

Franklin Twp

Frederickburg

This village was located on Little Miami River, was laid out in 1818 by Nathan Howell and contained fourteen lots. Now a part of Morrow.

Salem Twp

Freeport

On the Little Miami River, it was established by Nebo Gaunt who built a mill here in 1800. Later called Oregon and finally Oregonia.

Washington Twp

Gainesboro

Named for Gaines family. Post Office established January 18, 1822 with Jacob Reeder, Postmaster. Later called Kings Mills, when King’s powder mills were built there.

Deerfield Twp

Genntown

Named for Colonel Jethro Genn, who located a short distance northeast of Lebanon.

Turtlecreek Twp

Green Tree

Originally (1816) called Morristown for its founder Morris. Later called Green Tree from tavern of that name.

Turtlecreek Twp

Gum Grove

A small settlement named for a neighborhood school located in a grove of Gum trees.

Washington Twp

Hageman

Settlement named for Rev. R. S. Hageman, (minister & farmer) as Camp Hageman. Post Office established May 9, 1879, with John B. Jack as Postmaster. Called Hageman Station or Camp Hageman.

Union Twp

Hammel

This settlement was laid out about time the Little Miami Railroad was constructed (in 1844) and took the name of its proprietor. It was located on East side of Little Miami across from Millgrove.

Washington Twp

Harveysburg

Was laid out in 1827 and was named for Willaim Harvey. The Post Office was established August 3, 1839, with Robert E. Lefetra, Postmaster.

Massie Twp

Henpeck

Origin of name unknown. Listed in 1875 Atlas.

Massie Twp

Hickoryville

Hickory groves gave the name. Located South of Harveysburg.

Massie Twp

Hicks

Named for Elias Hicks, Quaker.

Wayne Twp

Hicks Station

Named for J. Hicks.

Harlan Twp

Hopkinsville

Established by John Hopkins. Was made a Post Office February 25, 1825, with James Hopkins, Postmaster.

Hamilton Twp

Jersey Settlement

Settled in 1804-5 by Arthur Vanderveer, William Barklow and others from Freehold, New Jersey, now Carlisle.

Franklin Twp

Kings Mills

Named for Ahimaaz King, founder of King Powder Company. Originally established in Gainesboro.

Deerfield Twp

Kirkwood

A Post Office was established here on July 27, 1829. The Postmaster was William N. Kirkwood. Originally called Palmyra. The name was changed to Mason in 1835, honoring William Mason.

Deerfield Twp

Kitchener

Station on Dayton, Lebanon & Cincinnati Railroad at Pekin Road crossing.

Clearcreek Twp

Lebanon

Established 1802, named for Biblical Cedars of Lebanon, and called The Cedar City. Post Office established April 1, 1805, with William Ferguson, Postmaster. Chosen county seat because of central location in county.

Turtlecreek Twp

Level

First called Winsor Station and later Level Station located about three miles east of Butlerville on the M&C RR. Post Office established February 1834 with Thomas Adams, Postmaster.

Harlan Twp

Liberty Hall

Post Office established October 25, 1848 with David brown, Postmaster. Discontinued August 12, 1851.

Deerfield Twp

Maineville

First called Yankeetown. Settled by pioneers from Maine in 1818. Established as Post Office January 14, 1854, with James Ford, Postmaster.

Hamilton Twp

Mary Ellen

Now part of South Lebanon.

Union Twp

Mason

Named for Major William Mason who established the town in 1815 and called it Palmyra. Established as post Office, called Kirkwood July 27, 1829, it was changed to Mason in 1835.

Deerfield Twp

Mather’s Mill

David Van Schoyck and Lewis Rees settled here prior to 1807. Lewis Rees built a mill in 1807, and sold it to Richard Matherm who name was given the settlement.

Washington Twp

Merritstown

Established by Caleb and Abram Merritt who built a drain tile factory here in 1816. Had church, school, cabinet maker, and a number of homes.

Clearcreek Twp

Middleboro (Middleborough)

On Goshen and Wilmington Pike about 5 miles northeast of Butlerville. It was laid out by George Bowman in August 1838.

Harlan Twp

Millgrove

Millgrove was settled early in the present century on the Little Miami River. It contained a grist and sawmill, a dry goods store and a paper mill. A Post Office was established on January 9, 1832, with PostMaster James S. Duvall, which was discontinued in 1845.

Union Twp

Millsborough

Settlement in 1804 on Little Miami River. Later called Stubbtown from Stubb’s mills located there.

Salem Twp

Mormontown

Settled by Mormons 1840 became Socialville when Mormons moved west.

Deerfield Twp

Milthompson

A stop on CL&N Railroad.

Deerfield Twp

Morristown

Platted as town by Morris in 1816. Later called Green Tree from the Green Tree Tavern which was built at the crossroads of the settlement.

Turtlecreek Twp

Morrow

Established in 1844. Named for Gov. Jeremiah Morrow, Ohio’s first member of Congress. Post Office established November 5, 1845. Postmaster Warren Morrison.

Salem Twp

Mount Holly

Named for Mount Holly, New Jersey; it was established July 1833 by Jacob Pearson with twenty-five lots. Established as Post Office March 8, 1843 with Samuel Hill, Postmaster, discontinued 1863.

Wayne Twp

Mounts Station

Settled by William Mounts and others in 1795, who built their cabins around a large spring. A bronze marker placed by the Warren Co. Historical Society marks the site.

Salem Twp

Moxley

 

Harlan Twp

Murdoch

Named for Professor James E. Murdoch, Shakesperian actor and reader. Post Office established on May 4, 1866 with William H. Walker Postmaster.

Hamilton Twp

New Columbia

Established in 1882. Later became Pleasant Plain.

Harlan Twp

Oakland

Established by James Murray in December 1806 with seventy-two lots.

Wayne Twp

Oregon

Now Oregonia, was first called Freeport. Post Office established as Oregon February 8, 1846 with William H. Hamilton Postmaster.

Washington Twp

Oregonia

Founded by Nebo Gaunt who built one of the first mills on Little Miami in 1800. Was first called Freeport. (Oregon post Office established February 8, 1846).

Washington Twp

Osceola

Named for Indian leader, the village was laid out in 1838. Located on the Goshen, Wilmington and Columbus turnpike.

Harlan Twp

Olive Branch

Joel Drake and Jordan Drake settled Olive Branch about 1810.

Washington Twp

Palmyra

Established 1815 by Major William Mason and was later called Mason.

Deerfield Twp

Pekin

Small cross road’s settlement, established as post office December 8, 1874 with David W. Earnhart, Postmaster.

Clearcreek Twp

Pence Mills

Post office established June 21, 1867. Postmaster Edward M. Pence. Discontinued 1872.

Wayne Twp

Pleasant Plain

Was called New Columbia and also called Plum Sock. Post Office established June 29, 1857 with Peter Spurling Postmaster.

Harlan Twp

Raysville

Established November 1855 by M. Mills and others. The town contained twenty-two lots.

Wayne Twp

Roachester

Settled in 1816 and once called Salem. Later named for Malon Roach who laid out the town. Post Office established September 13, 1825, with Oliver Cook, Postmaster. Discontinued July 16, 1853.

Salem Twp

Red Lion

Originally called Westfield by Abner Crane who platted it in 1817 but the Red Lion Tavern became so well known that common usage called for a change of name. Post Office established February 2, 1834 with John S. Todd, Postmaster.

Clearcreek Twp

Ridgeville

Platted and named by Fergus McLean in 1815 and located on top of a ridge. Post Office established October 1, 1816 with John Blair Postmaster.

Clearcreek Twp

Rossburg

Named for Enoch A. Ross who built a tannery there in 1820. Post office established January 19, 1833, with Jefferson Stevens, Postmaster. Changed to Butlerville, 1838.

Harlan Twp

Scottsville

Post Office established July 8, 1852 with John C. Bercaw, Postmaster. Discontinued 1855.

Deerfield Twp

Senior Powder Mills

Made gum powder during First World War.

Washington Twp

Shakertown

So-called because Shakers settled there in 1805. Later (1810) became Union Village. Now known as Otterbein Village.

Turtlecreek Twp

Silver Grove

Settled around a pioneer school and Baptist Church.

Washington Twp

Socialville

Settled by Mormons 1840 once called Mormontown. Post Office established May 1, 1878 with Abel Conover, Postmaster.

Deerfield Twp

South Lebanon

Established as Deerfield in 1795. Name was changed when railroad was built. Post Office established July 28, 1871 as South Lebanon with John Cooper, Postmaster.

Union Twp

Spences Station

Named for Spence family, first settlers.

Harlan Twp

Springboro

Settled in 1815. Named for many never-failing springs in area. (First suggested Wrightsville, for founder, Jonathan Wright). Post Office established March 8, 1821, with John Penington, Postmaster.

Clearcreek Twp

Spring Hill

One of earliest settlements in township. Was camping grounds of Indians. Established by four or five families including Solomon and Hester Reed.

Washington Twp

Stubbtown

Isaac Stubbs came from Georgia and purchased the grist mill of Jabish Philips built in 1802. He added other mills and called the town Millsborough. But it was soon called Stubbs Mills or Stubbtown.

Salem Twp

Taylorsville

East end subdivision of Lebanon. Named for a blacksmith named Jefferson Taylor.

Turtlecreek Twp

Turtle Creek

The settlement in the Lebanon area was called Turtle Creek until the town was established in 1802 and named Lebanon.

Turtlecreek Twp

Twenty Mile Stand

Was twenty-mile stage-coach stop from Cincinnati. Post Office established September 28, 1824, with Samuel Clendenen, Postmaster.

Deerfield Twp

Union Village

Settled by Shakers officially called the United Society of Believers. Called Shakertown in 1805.

Turtlecreek Twp

Unity

Settlement around the land given by J. D. Lowe for first burying ground in township.

Deerfield Twp

Utica

Later changed to Dodds- 1881.

Clearcreek Twp

Venable

Stop on DL&C Railroad. Named for William Venable in 1856.

Clearcreek Twp

Waynesville

Established in 1796. Named for General Anthony Wayne. Made first Post Office April 1, 1804, with Samuel Heighway, Jr., Postmaster.

Wayne Twp

Wellman

Settlement of a dozen lots on Harveysburg-Oregonia Road. Frequently called Henpeck.

Massie Twp

Westfield

Established 1817. Name changed to Red Lion.

Clearcreek Twp

West Woodville

Settled both in Warren county & Clermont county.

Harlan Twp

Winsor Station

Now called Level.

Harlan Twp

Yankeetown

Settled by Yankees from Maine. Changed to Maineville in 1850.

Hamilton Twp

Zoar

Named by German settlers. Was manufacturing area in 1800’s.

Hamilton Twp

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