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!

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.

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.