Springboro in Warren County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Clark Williams House

Circa 1824

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 1, 2008

1. Clark Williams House Marker

Inscription. Built by Clark Williams, this early brick Federal style building was owned by the Dayton Leather & Collar Company in the late 1800s. In the early 1900s it was owned by Napoleon Johnson, a former slave who was freed in Virginia in 1847 when his master, James Epps, freed all forty of his slaves at once. Johnson settled in Springboro the following year. In 1849 he married Celia Anderson and they had three children. Only their daughter Maria survived childhood and lived in Springboro all her life. Johnson served in the Union Army during the Civil War. As a successful plasterer, in later life he was able to purchase several properties in town.

Erected by Old Springboro.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.

Location. 39° 33.313′ N, 84° 13.983′ W. Marker is in Springboro, Ohio, in Warren County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (Ohio Route 741) and North Street, on the right when traveling north on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 South Main Street, Springboro OH 45066, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Springboro Area Underground Railroad (here, next to this marker); "Squatter's House"

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(within shouting distance of this marker); The Stanton House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lyceum (within shouting distance of this marker); Edward Potts House / John Potts House (within shouting distance of this marker); United Brethern Church of Springboro (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jonah Thomas Shop (about 400 feet away); Jonah Thomas House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springboro.

Regarding Clark Williams House. Per his military service record, Napoleon Johnson enlisted in Company G, 16th United States Colored Infantry at Dayton, Ohio, on January 19, 1865, with assignment on 18 March 1865. He was 42 years of age, five feet five inches tall, and was born in Dinwiddie County, Va.

Clark Williams House and Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 1, 2008

2. Clark Williams House and Markers

House marker at far left and Underground Railroad marker to the right.

Photographed By Craig Doda, July 2, 2023

3. Clark Williams House Marker

On the right side porch.

Old Springboro Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 1, 2008

4. Old Springboro Sign

Credits. This page was last revised on July 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,751 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 21, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on July 10, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 4. submitted on November 21, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.