Lanier Township in Gratis in Preble County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

James I. Nisbet

1777 - 1830

— Hall of Honor —

James I. Nisbet Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, June 28, 2025

1. James I. Nisbet Marker

Inscription. James L. Nisbet was an early settler of Preble County and founder of New Lexington in 1805. He created the first flour mill, township schoolhouse, tannery, and store in the township as well. Additionally, he was appointed associate judge for the Preble County Court of Common Pleas and county recorder, both in 1808. Nisbet served as the first postmaster of the township, and even built the first brick home in the county in 1811. Later he served in the War of 1812 as a captain, Nisbet is often considered the heart and soul of New Lexington, as he truly built the town from the ground up.

Inducted into the Hall of Honor September 30, 2023

As recorders of Preble County history, PCHS and The Register-Herald are natural partners in co-sponsoring the Hall of Honor

Erected 2023 by Preble County Historical Society - The Register-Herald. (Marker Number 52.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is September 30, 2023.

Location. 39° 39.507′ N, 84° 32.85′ W. Marker is in Gratis, Ohio, in Preble County. It is in Lanier Township. It is at the intersection of Swartsel Road and Ohio Route 122, on the right when

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traveling south on Swartsel Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9693 Swartsel Road, Eaton OH 45320, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Till Plains.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

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: Myron Edgar "Scottie" Scott (here, next to this marker); Mr. Hiram Evans (1808-1876) & Mrs. Elanor Humphrey Evans (1805-1850) (here, next to this marker); Henry Horn (here, next to this marker); Harry Raymond McPherson (here, next to this marker); Dr. Charles Floyd Hildebolt II, D.D.S., Ph.D. (here, next to this marker); Gabriel "Old Gabe" Smith (here, next to this marker); Kenneth J. Garber (a few steps from this marker); Paul E. (1914-2007) & Ruth Phelps Fitzwater (1916-2004) (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gratis.

Preble County Historical Society & Nature Reserve - Hall of Honor image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, June 28, 2025

2. Preble County Historical Society & Nature Reserve - Hall of Honor

Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 99 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 3, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.