Sprigg Township near West Union in Adams County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Bentonville Anti-Horse Thief Society

Bentonville Anti-Horse Thief Society Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By John Swank, September 15, 2012

1. Bentonville Anti-Horse Thief Society Marker

Inscription. Originally a vigilante group, the Anti-Horse Thief Society was formed here in March 1853 by area landowners to recover stolen horses and prosecute the thieves. Horse theft was a serious offense in the antebellum era. Trustees nominated a captain and riders who received a $10 reward upon the capture of a thief or a stolen horse. As horses lost their importance in society in the early 1900's, the organization evolved into a social club. Its annual banquet, held each April, celebrates the continuity of this Adams County tradition.

Erected 2001 by The Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, The Bentonville Anti-horse Thief Society, and the Ohio Historical Association. (Marker Number 10-1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1853.

Location. 38° 45.084′ N, 83° 36.681′ W. Marker is near West Union, Ohio, in Adams County. It is in Sprigg Township. Marker is at the intersection of Ohio Route 41 and Texas Street, on the right when traveling north on State Route 41. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7824 State Rte 41, West Union OH 45693, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Joseph Moore (approx. 4 miles away); Jeremiah Ellis (approx. 4 miles away); Massie’s Station (approx. 4.3 miles away); Pioneer County Seat / Camp Hamer (approx. 4.4 miles away); Lafferty Funeral Collection (approx. 4.4 miles away); Manchester (approx. 4½ miles away); Manchester, Ohio (approx. 4½ miles away); Olde Wayside Inn (approx. 4.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Union.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Council Grove Minute Men - First Horse Theft Detective Association

The Bentonville Anti-Horse Thief Society Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Grant & Mary Ann Fish, February 27, 2021

2. The Bentonville Anti-Horse Thief Society Marker

Photographed By Craig Doda, June 2, 2022

3. Bentonville Anti-Horse Thief Society Marker

On OH-41 about 2 blocks west of the marker.

Photographed By Craig Doda, June 2, 2022

4. Bentonville Anti-Horse Thief Society Marker

On the road near the marker.

Photographed By Craig Doda, June 2, 2022

5. Bentonville Anti-Horse Thief Society Marker

On the ground beside the post of the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 17, 2012, by John Swank of Piqua, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,227 times since then and 523 times this year. Last updated on January 22, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. Photos: 1. submitted on September 17, 2012, by John Swank of Piqua, Ohio. 2. submitted on March 2, 2021, by Grant & Mary Ann Fish of Galloway, Ohio. 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 22, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.