History 1787 – 1939

1787-88

Daniel Bates arrives in this area. Buys land in 1804.

1789

Congress passes the Northwest Ordinance. This set up the Northwest Territory, of which Ohio is a part.

1788-94

John Cleves Symmes comes west. He buys, surveys, and starts selling most of Hamilton County, including Madeira.

“When the early surveyors mapped most of Hamilton County, including Madeira, they laid their section lines on magnetic north rather than true north. So Miami Road is about three degrees west of true north. By the time they got a few counties north of here, they were using true north. So we’re cocked a bit to the east.” – Warren Joy, June, 1985

1796-1856

Many now-famous settlers arrive, among them David Black, John Jones, Jacob Hetzler, James Jones, James DeMar, James Dones, Calvin Kitchell, John Mann, John Hosbrook and Leonard Fowler.

1824

What is now Montgomery Road is built. This made Madeira easier to get to and from Cincinnati.

1839

Oldest dateable building still standing in Madeira is built.

1857

Camargo Road converted from a rutted trail to a true road, and tolls are charged for passage.

1863

Confederate Army raid through southern Ohio, known as Morgan’s Raid. Raiders passed through northern parts of Madeira, taking horses, food, etc. Several local residents lost horses and bridles – John L. Hosbrook, Mahlon Hosbrook, James Dones.

1866

The railroad through Madeira is completed. Local stop is named after John Madeira, local landowner and treasurer of the Marietta and Cincinnati, Railroad. “Madeira” is on the way!

“The train depot was open 24 hours a day until the 40’s. Someone was always on duty there, so it was a hangout.” – Oscar Meyer, June, 1985

1873

First church building is built in Madeira, Methodist.

1890

Miami Road becomes a state road.

1901

The first telephone is installed in Madeira, in the home of John Molloy.

1905

An electric street car (the “traction line”) connects Madeira (and Milford) to Norwood. Madeira is selected for a power substation site. Electricity comes to Madeira.

1910

Madeira is incorporated as a Village. Village Council holds its first meeting on August 10th.

The population of Madeira reaches 500.

1914

Word of World War I arrives in Madeira via telegraph and word-of-mouth. No radios or TVs.

The traction line is abandoned, victim of the increasing popular automobile. Although there is no record, it is logical that “bus” service has arrived about this time.

“Where the Madeira Manor was used to be a vacant lot where they would have a tent show every year or so. they were called the Bartone’s Shows. They had rides and sold medicine, etc. You’d buy a box of candy to get the prize in it.” – (Circa 1920) – Marshall Sellman, June, 1985

“They also had a strip tease act for $.25 (cents) until Mayor Hudson closed it down.” – Oscar Meyer, June, 1985

In 1924, Clarence DeMar, Late of Madeira, placed second in the Olympic marathon. To this day, this Demar holds the record for having run in the most Boston Marathons. He ran thirty-four times and won seven times. It is known that he entered this world-renowned race at the age of 61 and finished with a credible performance. (Ask for Marathon, by Clarence Demar, New England Press, at the library) – Source (reprint) Madeira Milestones 1985

1920

The population of Madeira reaches 600.

1925

Cincinnati water is piped into Madeira. Pumps begin to disappear, but septic tanks and few remaining outhouses have to wait until 1933, when sewers are constructed.

1926

First local newspaper, The Madeira News, is published by local merchants.

Miami Avenue becomes a concrete “highway”.

1930

The population of Madeira reaches 1,165.

1931

Public Library started in Madeira. Carol Hauss is the first librarian. Located on Laurel Ave. was a branch of the Madisonville Library.