Greene County Historical Society

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"Preserving Greene County's Past for Future Generations."

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Moving the Trebein-Flynn Town Home in 2016
Trebein-Flynn Home
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A Closer Look
The latest news and research topics by GHCS Executive Director, Catherine Wilson.

Neff House

Civil War Generals and their Families at Yellow Springs

Discover the fascinating history of Yellow Springs, Ohio, a charming village that became a refuge for the families of five prominent Union Generals during the Civil War. From the elegant Neff House to the bustling Yellow Springs Hotel, this picturesque town was a hub of activity and camaraderie. Learn about the lives of Generals Rosecrans, Scammon, Schofield, Smith, and Stanley, their families, and the unique connections that brought them together in this serene setting. Uncover the stories behind their time in Yellow Springs and the lasting impact they had on the community.

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February 14, 2026 No Comments
Your Home

Researching Your Home’s History

Unraveling the history of your home can be a fascinating journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. Did you know that Xenia’s house numbering system has been a source of confusion for over a century? With buildings often lacking numbers and directories using abbreviations instead, finding the age of a structure can feel like piecing together a puzzle. From deciphering old maps to exploring county records, the quest for your home’s past requires patience and a keen eye for detail. Join us as we delve into the challenges and rewards of uncovering the stories hidden within your walls!

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September 17, 2025 No Comments
boys in band with instruments, white uniforms, xenia

Ohio Soldiers & Sailors Orphans Home 1869-1995

The Ohio Soldiers and Sailors Orphans’ Home (later the Ohio Veterans’ Children’s Home) was a landmark institution in Xenia, Ohio, that served over 13,500 children during its 125-year history. Established in response to the devastation of the Civil War, it provided a self-sufficient sanctuary for children of veterans who were deceased or unable to care for them.

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June 17, 2025 No Comments
127th Ohio Volunteer Infantry was composed of African-American men

Black Soldiers from Greene County in the Civil War, 1863-1865

Between 1863 and 1865, black residents from Greene County, Ohio, served in pivotal Civil War units, including the 54th and 55th Massachusetts Infantry and the 5th and 27th U.S.C.T. Regional efforts, supported by figures like John Mercer Langston, saw dozens of local recruits join the fight, with records identifying roughly 265 men linked to the area who served in major battles from Florida to Virginia. For more details, explore the full research on Greene County’s Black Soldiers in the Civil War.

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May 17, 2025 No Comments

Swiss Families in Xenia, Ohio

Earlier version published in Ohio Genealogical Society Report 37:2 (1997) written and revised by Catherine Wilson, GCHS Sometime during the 1860s, a man named Pierre Pachoud and his wife Josephine

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April 17, 2025 No Comments