Our History
Explore the people and milestones that shaped the village, from its early years through 2026. Choose a century to explore its milestones, then select an event to read its story.
1700s Early settlement4 milestones
1790sSurgeon General
The town of Owensville in Stonelick Township, Clermont County stands on Dr. Richard Allison’s Revolutionary War military land grant, which was originally 441 acres. He was the first man to be called “Surgeon General” of the United States.
His two-story double-log cabin stood on the north side of U.S. 50, just east of its intersection with State Route 222. The area was originally named Allisonia after him. He died there in 1816 and was buried in Cincinnati, at the site of Fort Washington, where he had served under General “Mad” Anthony Wayne in the early 1790s.
1792Pioneer Cabin
In 1792, pioneers built a small log cabin and deadened the timber about a mile above the mouth of Stonelick Creek, but immediately were run out by the Indians.
1798Cabin Again Occupied
Dr. Allison’s brother Henry moved into the small log cabin.
1799Dr. Richard Allison
Dr. Richard Allison moved into the cabin with his brother Henry and remained there until his big hewed log house was built. As owners of Stonelick Township, Dr. Allison and his brother were its first residents.
Other early families who followed the Allisons into the area included John Metcalfe, Richard Hill, Richard Taliaferro, Josiah Prickett, and Conrad Harsh.
1800s The village takes shape8 milestones
1802Conrad Harsh
Conrad Harsh settled on a farm north of Owensville, which later became the property of F.X. Iuen. Harsh’ Run names the stream and the surrounding land by the bridge on the east side of town, that was to be renovated in 1989.
Harsh was the first blacksmith in the area. From 1828 to 1831, he and Elza Cook also did carpentry at what later became the site of St. Louis Catholic Church.
1832Post Office
A post office called Owensville has been in operation since 1832.
The present name is derived from Mr. Owens, the first postmaster.
1836Boston
Owensville officially platted as Boston, its first name.
1847Birth of John M. Pattison
John M. Pattison was born in Owensville on June 13, 1847. He would later become Ohio’s 43rd governor.
Source: Discover Clermont.
1859The future Village Hall is built
The building now used as Village Hall began as a Methodist Episcopal church in 1859 and later housed a Church of Christ.
Source: Clermont County Bicentennial marker.
1863Morgan’s Raid reaches Owensville
According to the Village Hall historical marker, on July 14, 1863, Morgan’s Raiders entered the church on horseback to capture a man who had fired at them from its steeple.
Source: Clermont County Bicentennial marker.
1864Clermont County Fair moves to Owensville
The Clermont County Fair moved to Owensville in 1864. Initially known here as the Boston Fair, it became a lasting part of the community’s agricultural traditions.
Source: Clermont County relocation guide.
1867Owensville is incorporated
Owensville incorporated as a village in 1867. The Village Hall marker records that the incorporated village consisted of 77 acres.
Source: Clermont County Bicentennial marker.
1900s Community milestones3 milestones
1906A local native becomes governor
Owensville-born John M. Pattison was inaugurated as Ohio’s 43rd governor on January 8, 1906.
Source: Discover Clermont.
1988Historic church becomes Village Hall
The village purchased the former church in 1988 for use as Village Hall, preserving a building connected to Owensville’s religious and Civil War history.
Source: Clermont County Bicentennial marker.
1997Owensville library branch opens
The Owensville branch of the Clermont County Public Library opened in 1997, according to the library’s published branch history.
Source: Clermont County Public Library.
2000s Preserving our heritage3 milestones
2003Village Hall history is commemorated
The Clermont County Bicentennial Commission erected the Village Hall historical marker in 2003, recording the building’s history and the village’s incorporation.
Source: Clermont County Bicentennial marker.
2025Museum rededication and a new mural
During the museum’s June 2025 rededication, Owensville unveiled Monica Rosselot’s mural, “The Key to the Future.” Its Revolutionary War soldier and symbolic key connect the community’s roots with hope for the future.
Source: Discover Clermont.
2026America 250 celebrates local heritage
For America’s 250th anniversary, the Owensville Historical Society and Beautification Committee promoted red, white, and blue porch chairs honoring the village’s 19th-century chair-making industry. The Society also advertised a county museum passport program with visiting dates in 2026.
Source: Owensville Historical Society.
Preserving Owensville’s Story
The Owensville Historical Society and Museum collects and shares photographs, documents, artifacts, and stories connected to the village. Its museum library includes historical photographs, newspaper clippings, maps, records, and genealogical resources; volunteers can help with research inquiries.
A heritage of craftsmanship
The Historical Society recognizes Owensville’s 19th-century chair-making industry as part of the community’s heritage. The village also celebrated its history through The Key to the Future, a mural by Monica Rosselot unveiled in 2025. The artwork connects America’s founding with 1836, when Boston—now Owensville—was laid out.
Visit the museum
The museum is at 410 South Broadway, Owensville, Ohio 45160. The Historical Society says it is generally open on the second Sunday of most months from 1 to 4 p.m. Please contact the Society to confirm hours or ask about research, donations, and membership. You can also explore its events and programs.
This section is summarized from the Owensville Historical Society and Museum. We thank the Society for preserving and sharing the village’s history.
Owensville by the Numbers
The 2020 U.S. Census figures reported by the State of Ohio counted 786 residents living in 397 households within Owensville village. In 2010, the census counted 794 residents and 387 households; in 2000, it counted 816 residents and 361 households. These are census counts for the village, not the entire ZIP code or township.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 geographic data, the village covers approximately 0.45 square miles of land.
Interesting Facts
- Once called Boston: The village was laid out under that name in 1836 and later became known as Owensville, after its first postmaster. Read more on Wikipedia.
- A historic Village Hall: A local historical marker says the building was constructed as a Methodist Episcopal church in 1859 and purchased by the village in 1988. Read the Village Hall marker.
- Fairground traditions: Owensville is home to the Clermont County Fairgrounds, where the annual county fair brings the community together. Explore Owensville with Discover Clermont.
- Local learning: Owensville has a branch of the Clermont County Public Library. See the Owensville overview.