Woodsdale in Butler County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

John Augspurger Portable Fences

Photographed by Craig Doda, June 7, 2025

1. John Augspurger Portable Fences Marker

Inscription. One of John Augspurger's many inventions was his version of the portable fence, which was patented on April 16, 1867. So unique was the invention that it won the grand prize at the 18th Ohio State Fair in 1867.

In addition to gaining instant statewide notoriety by those in attendance, John won the premium prize of $3.00. This is how John described his portable fence:

"My invention relates to a light, portable fence, easily moved from place to place, and quickly set up and connected, when desired, without the labor of digging post holes, while it forms a firm fence, and cannot be lifted or disconnected by swine to get under, nor pushed over by cattle, nor easily blown down by the wind, but may be quickly and easily separated and removed by the proprietor when desired."

The portable fence was very useful to farmers. If an area of the farm became flooded, the fence could be moved to a safe location. It could also be moved to allow livestock to graze on fresh pasture and it could be disassembled and stored if necessary.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is April 16, 1867.

Location. 39° 26.678′ N,

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84° 27.68′ W. Marker is in Woodsdale, Ohio, in Butler County. It can be reached from the intersection of Woodsdale Road and Wayne Madison Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2070 Woodsdale Rd, Trenton OH 45067, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Cincinnati

and in the Miami Valley.

It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Chrisholm Summer Kitchen (within shouting distance of this marker); Chrisholm Cellar (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to the Chrisholm Farmstead (within shouting distance of this marker); Chrisholm Native Pollinator Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); The Amish Mennonite Settlement (within shouting distance

Photographed by Craig Doda, June 7, 2025

2. John Augspurger Portable Fences Marker

of this marker); Alsdorf Windmill (within shouting distance of this marker); Sanitary Outhouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Butler County's First Green Restroom (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Woodsdale.

Photographed by Craig Doda, June 7, 2025

3. John Augspurger Portable Fences Marker

Photographed by Craig Doda, June 7, 2025

4. John Augspurger Portable Fences Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 88 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 18, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.