Transcription contributed by Martie Callihan 22 April 2005

The History of Warren County Ohio
Part IV Township Histories
Harlan Township by J. A. Runyan
(Chicago, IL: W. H. Beers Co, 1882; reprint, Mt. Vernon, IN: Windmill Publications, 1992)

Page
677

Butlerville was laid out by Abram B. Butler, April 20, 1838, the Goshen, Wilmington and Columbus Turnpike, on which it was located, being in process of construction at the time. On September 8, 1839, and May 17, 1841, respectively, he made additions to the town, and in November 19, 1844, an addition was made by J. W. Doughman, which he named in the plat thereof, Texas, and which comprised all that part of the village south of the old patent line.

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, and is the only incorporated village in the township. The first election of corporation officers was held March 11, 1851, when the following officers were elected, to wit: 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, since which time it has been the regular place of holding township elections.

The frame church on Back Street was the first church built in the town, and was erected by the Methodist Episcopal organization about 1839. The brick church on Main Street was built by the same society in 1857.

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, about 1843, engaged in the manufacture of carriages and wagons, etc., in Butlerville. His first shop was a frame building which soon gave way to the more commodious and substantial brick building now 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 this and surrounding counties. He quit the business about 1860.

Henry Runyan established a plow and wagon factory and repair shop here 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 1873, 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.

At present Butlerville has a hotel; a carriage and wagon shop, H. W. Price, Esq., proprietor; a blacksmithshop, by M. Keller, Esq.; and one general store, by Daniel S. Bird, Esq.