09/09/2026
Today we share from The History of Warren County by W.H. Beers about the small town of Butlerville
According to The History of Warren County by W.H. Beers (page 677), Butlerville was laid out by Abram B. Butler, April 20, 1888, on the Goshen, Wilmington and Columbus Turnpike (aka State Route 132). On September 8, 1889, and May 17, 1841, respectively, he made additions to the town, and in November 19, 1844, an addition was made by J. W. Doughman.
The village was established under auspicious circumstances, and several industries early sprung up, which for many years made it a prosperous and active country town. It was incorporated in 1851. The first election of corporation officers was held March 11, 1851, when the following officers were elected; Mayor — Sullivan F. Stevens; Council — A. G. Walden, James Coddington, Hiram St. John, James Starry and Geo. W. Starkey. Butlerville was established as the voting place for Salem Township about 1841.
Among the early merchants appear the names of Sullivan F. Stevens, Isaac Lemmon, Henry Morgan, William Vaughn, Elias L. Runyan, Hiram L. Runyan and Hiram St. John. Hiram St. John, in about 1848, engaged in the manufacture of carriages and wagons in Butlerville (see advertisement in this post). His first shop was a frame building which soon gave way to the more sizable and substantial brick building that was subsequently occupied by H. W. Price, Esq. The business proved a success, and for several years from fifteen to twenty-five mechanics were constantly employed. His carriages and buggies acquired a considerable reputation and were extensively sold in Warren and surrounding counties. He quit the business about 1860.
Henry Runyan established a plow and wagon factory and repair shop in September 1847. The enterprise was successful and furnished several mechanics with employment. He manufactured a very large proportion of the farming implements purchased and used in that vicinity. He retired from the business in September 1860.
Thornton Thompson, carpenter and builder, engaged in business here about the same time, and gave employment to several mechanics. He retired from the business about 1860.
In addition to those mentioned above, there were several other industries, including a tannery, which was established by J. St. John, who conveyed it to William Spence. He sold it to John Morsback, who carried on the business until about 1878, when it was abandoned.
These little industries so healthy to a community have been here, as elsewhere, almost swallowed up by the economy of labor-saving machinery, concentrating them in large manufacturing communities; and the thrift and activity which characterized the early years of the village are greatly diminished. Today the town is a shadow of its former self but still is home to many residents.
Transcript of the advertisement below:
Carriage & Wagon Manufactory
AT BUTLERVILLE, WARREN CO.,
On the Goshen and Wilmington Turnpike, near the Cincinnati and Hillsborough Railroad Crossing.
HIRAM ST. JOHN,
Manufactures to order, and keeps constantly on hand, a general assortment of
CARRIAGES, BUGGIES, ROUGH AND READY PHAETONS & ROCKAWAYS,
of the latest and most approved styles, all of which will compare favorably with the work of any other manufactory. Also, WAGONS, CARTS, etc., made of the very best materials, by experienced and competent workmen.
From my knowledge of the business, I feel confident that I shall be able to satisfy all who may favor me with their custom, having in my favor the greatest advantages of timber, living in a part of the country where the best of timber can be had, thereby warranting me in speaking with assurance as to the quality of my work.
Returning thanks to my friends for their former liberal patronage, I respectfully solicit a continuance of the same.
☞ Repairing of all kinds done at the shortest notice.
