Clermont County, Ohio

Clermont County, popularly called Clermont (/ˈklɛərmɒnt/ KLAIR-mont),[2][3][4][5][6][7] is a county in the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2010 census, the population was 197,363.[8] Ordinanced in 1800 as part of the Virginia Military District, Clermont is Ohio's eighth oldest county, the furthest county west in Appalachian Ohio, the eleventh oldest county of the former Northwest Territory.[9] Clermont County is part of the Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county is named for the Clermont Province of France, the home of Vercingetorix, from the French "clear hills or mountain."[10][11] Its county seat is Batavia.

Clermont County
U.S. county
Clermont Commission Building, 2012, Batavia
Seal
Location within the U.S. state of Ohio
Ohio's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 39°03′N 84°09′W
Country United States
State Ohio
FoundedDecember 6, 1800[1]
SeatBatavia
Largest cityMilford
Area
 • Total460 sq mi (1,200 km2)
 • Land452 sq mi (1,170 km2)
 • Water7.7 sq mi (20 km2)  1.7%
Population
 • Estimate 
(2019)
206,428
 • Density437/sq mi (169/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district2nd
WebsiteClermont County, Ohio

History

Clermont's name is taken from a prefecture in France notable as the home of Celtic leader Vercingetorix who led the unified Gallic resistance to Roman invasion. Clermont connotes "clear mountain," which described the area when it was first viewed through the thick Ohio River fog by French explorers in the 1600s. Clermont's peoplification dates to the Paleoindian, Adena, Hopewell, and Fort Ancient cultures. The Gatch Site and other sites provide glimpses into what life was like for these otherwise mysterious people. The Shawnee, Miami, Lenape, Mingo, Odawa, Cherokee, and Wyandot each have or had a presence in Clermont.

At its ordinance in 1800 by the Commonwealth of Virginia to reward Virginian military veterans with land bounties, Clermont encompassed twenty-three current Ohio counties and over 4.2 million acres of dense old-growth forest. The first deed was issued on February 20, 1796. George Washington owned three parcels of land in Clermont County, whose first capital was Williamsburg, founded by William Lytle, and like Milford, was founded in 1796. A stone dairy house, constructed in 1800, is thought to be the oldest standing building in Clermont. The edifice is located beside Harmony Hill on South Third Street in Williamsburg. Harmony Hill, one of the area's first farms, was built by William Lytle.

The last American Indian village was located two miles south of Marathon in Jackson Township, along the mouth of Grassy Run on the East Fork of the Little Miami River. The site saw the largest frontier battle in Clermont, the Battle of Grassy Run, during which pioneer Simon Kenton clashed with chief Tecumseh on April 10, 1792. The Wyandot lived at this site until 1811. The Bullskin Trail, once a major American Indian trail, runs north and south through Clermont along Ohio Route 133, and was used by frontiersmen Kenton and Daniel Boone on hunting and warfare expeditions.

In 1823, New Richmond became the capital, and in 1824, it moved to Batavia, the current capital. Clermont's Moscow became the exiled home of French royalty during the early 1800s, including future King of France Louis-Philippe in 1815 and the Marquis de Lafayette in 1825.[12] Point Pleasant was birthplace and boyhood home of military hero, Union general, and President Ulysses S. Grant, born on April 27, 1822.

During the 1800s, antislavery sentiment remained strong. Bethel was the residence of Democratic United States Senator Thomas Morris who also served three terms in the Ohio House of Representatives, as Ohio Supreme Court Justice, and four terms in the Ohio Senate. His U.S. Senate career lasted from 1833 to 1839, and in 1844, Morris was the vice presidential candidate for a third party with the goal of abolishing slavery—approximately sixteen years before the first antislavery Republican president. Also in 1844, Clermont became the site of Utopia, an egalitarian haven of Puritans who espoused the doctrines of François Marie Charles Fourier.[13] In 1847, future Ohio Governor John M. Pattison was born near Owensville. Grant became commander-in-chief of the U.S. Army in the Civil War, during which John Hunt Morgan and his Confederate raiders invaded Clermont in 1863. Grant was elected the eighteenth president in 1868.

Clermont's last-standing covered bridge was built in 1878 on Stonelick Williams Corner Road, near US Route 50; it was renovated in 2014.[14] The Grant birthplace, originally a one-room cabin, continues to welcome visitors and in 1890 was removed from its original location, travelling by boat to be viewed by citizens along various waterways. It was also taken to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair before returning to Clermont.

Around 1900 clerics from numerous congregations gathered to create a list of ten places on Earth where the Garden of Eden could have been located. Among the locations was Clermont County, Ohio, listed for its many fruiting trees and the early influence of American Indians who built earthen mounds in the form of serpents. Subsequently, prominent men from Hamilton County dedicated Eden Park to honor the distinction.

Pattison became the first Clermont Countian elected Governor of Ohio in 1905, Ohio's first Democratic governor of the twentieth century. Pattison lived in Milford, and at a time before the influence of Columbus, governed from his home called the Promont, which was used as the official governor's residence. The mansion, completed in 1865, today is a museum that houses a library and other historical memorabilia. It is located at 906 Main Street, Milford.

Democrat Hugh Llewellyn Nichols of Batavia served as 32nd Lieutenant Governor of Ohio and became the first Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court in 1914. Orpha Gatch of Milford, the first woman elected to its school board, locally sponsored the county LWV, and is the namesake for the club's award given annually at its suffragist brunch honoring the recognized volunteerism and leadership qualities.[15] Clermont's progressivism created a climate of political independence. Despite recent Republican prevalence in its offices, heavy nonpartisan and union influences exist. Clermont's growing population as well as environmentalism have contributed to this climate.

Geography
See also: Numbered highways in Ohio

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 460 square miles (1,200 km2), of which 452 square miles (1,170 km2) is land and 7.7 square miles (20 km2) (1.7%) is water.[16]

Adjacent counties

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
18109,965—
182015,82058.8%
183020,46629.4%
184023,10612.9%
185030,45531.8%
186033,0348.5%
187034,2683.7%
188036,7137.1%
189033,553−8.6%
190031,610−5.8%
191029,551−6.5%
192028,291−4.3%
193029,7865.3%
194034,10914.5%
195042,18223.7%
196080,53090.9%
197095,72518.9%
1980128,48334.2%
1990150,18716.9%
2000177,97718.5%
2010197,36310.9%
2019 (est.)206,428[17]4.6%
U.S. Decennial Census[18]
1790–1960[19] 1900–1990[20]
1990–2000[21] 2010–2019[8]

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 197,363 people, 74,828 households, and 53,800 families residing in the county.[22] The population density was 436.5 inhabitants per square mile (168.5/km2). There were 80,656 housing units at an average density of 178.4 per square mile (68.9/km2).[23] The racial makeup of the county was 95.9% white, 1.2% black or African American, 1.0% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, 0.4% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.5% of the population.[22] In terms of ancestry, 34.0% were German, 18.1% were Irish, 12.0% were American, and 11.1% were English.[24]

Of the 74,828 households, 35.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.1% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 28.1% were non-families, and 22.5% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.06. The median age was 38.5 years.[22]

The median income for a household in the county was $58,472 and the median income for a family was $68,485. Males had a median income of $50,204 versus $36,746 for females. The per capita income for the county was $27,900. About 6.9% of families and 9.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.6% of those under age 18 and 5.5% of those age 65 or over.[25]

2000 census

As of the census[26] of 2000, there were 177,977 people, 66,013 households, and 49,047 families residing in the county. The population density was 394 people per square mile (152/km2). There were 69,226 housing units at an average density of 153 per square mile (59/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 97.13% White, 0.91% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.63% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.26% from other races, and 0.86% from two or more races. 0.87% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 32.7% were of German, 16.7% American, 12.0% Irish and 11.0% English ancestry.

There were 66,013 households, out of which 38.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.40% were married couples living together, 10.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.70% were non-families. 21.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the county the population was spread out, with 27.90% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 31.70% from 25 to 44, 22.60% from 45 to 64, and 9.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 96.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.60 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $49,386, and the median income for a family was $57,032. Males had a median income of $40,739 versus $27,613 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,370. About 5.30% of families and 7.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.70% of those under age 18 and 7.90% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

Aviation is served by the Clermont County Airport. Clermont's newspapers are the Clermont Sun, positing historical stories and statistics, and the Community Press papers. According to the county's 2013 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[27] the top employers in the county are:

# Employer # of Employees Location
1 Clermont County 1,409 Batavia
2 Total Quality Logistics 1,302 Union Township
3 American Modern Insurance Group 1,200 Batavia Township
4 Mercy Health Clermont Hospital 825 Batavia Township
5 Milford Exempted Village School District 725 Milford
6 Siemens PLM Software 660 Miami Township
7 West Clermont Local School District 600 Union Township
8 L-3 Fuzing & Ordnance Systems 600 Withamsville
9 Tata Consultancy Services 600 Miami Township
10 Milacron 550 Williamsburg Township

Education

Colleges and high schools in Clermont

These buildings may not have been high schools when they were first constructed, but have since become high schools. The building years listed connote the current buildings' initial openings and do not include renovations or additions.

Parks and libraries

Clermont County has the Cincinnati Nature Center at Rowe Woods[28] and Valley View Nature Preserve, both in Milford,[29] and oversees five parks, three nature preserves, a hiking/biking trail, and several green spaces, encompassing over six-hundred acres.[30]

Clermont is the location of East Fork State Park and Stonelick State Park, and also benefits from the Clermont Public Libraries.

Politics

All of Clermont's elected officeholders, including judges, are members of the Republican Party.

United States House of Representatives
Main article: Ohio's 2nd congressional district

Clermont's congressional seat is occupied by Brad Wenstrup, who resides in Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio.

Elected Commission
See also: Ohio county government

The three seats of the Clermont Commission are occupied by Edwin Humphrey, last elected 2016; David Painter, last elected 2016; and Claire B. Corcoran. The commission employs an administrator, Thomas Eigel (as of 2020), to run day-to-day operations of Clermont.

Ohio Statehouse
Main article: Ohio Legislature

Encompassing all of Clermont, the 14th Ohio Senate seat is occupied by Joe Uecker, last elected 2016.

Covering northern Clermont, the 65th statehouse seat is occupied by John Becker, last elected 2016.

Covering southern Clermont, the 66th statehouse seat is occupied by Doug Green, last elected 2016.

Elected Officers

Clermont's elected officers include Debbie Clepper, Recorder; Vince Faris, Prosecutor; Linda Fraley, Auditor; Robert S. Leahy, Sheriff; Pat Manger, Engineer; Tim Rudd, Municipal Clerk of Courts;[31] Brian Treon, Coroner; Jeannie Zurmehly, Treasurer; and Barbara Wiedenbein, Clerk of Courts.

Elected Judges

The elected Common Pleas Court is occupied by Judge Richard Ferenc, Judge Victor Haddad, Judge Anthony W. Brock, and Judge Jerry McBride.

The elected Domestic Relations Court is occupied by Judge Kathleen M. Rodenberg.

The elected Municipal Court is occupied by Judge Jesse Kramig, Judge Kevin T. Miles, and Judge Jason E. Nagel.

The elected Probate/Juvenile Court is occupied by Judge James A. Shriver.

National outcomes

Prior to 1912, Clermont County has voted for Democratic candidates in presidential elections, only voting Republicans 3 times since 1856. The county was a bellwether from 1912 to 1936. But starting with the 1940 election, it has become a Republican stronghold with Lyndon B. Johnson being the lone Democrat to win since. Clermont has been visited by recent national ticket candidates from Republicans and Democrats.[32][33][34][35][36]

Presidential elections results
Presidential elections results[37][38]
Year Republican Democratic Third parties
2020 67.4% 74,570 30.8% 34,092 1.9% 2,048
2016 67.5% 67,518 26.7% 26,715 5.7% 5,739
2012 66.5% 64,208 31.6% 30,458 1.9% 1,859
2008 65.4% 62,559 33.0% 31,611 1.6% 1,564
2004 70.7% 62,949 29.1% 25,887 0.3% 243
2000 67.5% 47,129 30.0% 20,927 2.6% 1,821
1996 56.8% 36,457 33.2% 21,329 10.0% 6,388
1992 50.0% 32,065 27.4% 17,558 22.6% 14,519
1988 70.5% 37,417 28.9% 15,352 0.6% 316
1984 74.6% 35,316 24.8% 11,713 0.6% 290
1980 63.4% 26,674 31.4% 13,199 5.3% 2,218
1976 56.0% 19,616 42.4% 14,850 1.6% 571
1972 71.7% 22,936 25.9% 8,276 2.4% 777
1968 48.0% 15,299 27.8% 8,859 24.2% 7,691
1964 44.7% 13,367 55.3% 16,523
1960 61.6% 18,802 38.4% 11,723
1956 62.3% 14,914 37.7% 9,026
1952 57.7% 13,221 42.3% 9,702
1948 50.9% 8,592 48.7% 8,224 0.4% 71
1944 53.5% 9,125 46.5% 7,937
1940 51.2% 9,367 48.8% 8,942
1936 44.1% 7,608 53.3% 9,204 2.7% 458
1932 46.1% 7,684 52.0% 8,662 1.9% 321
1928 69.6% 9,732 30.0% 4,194 0.4% 57
1924 55.2% 6,867 36.5% 4,544 8.3% 1,034
1920 51.9% 6,857 47.3% 6,245 0.8% 108
1916 44.8% 3,549 53.6% 4,247 1.7% 133
1912 33.5% 2,543 47.5% 3,610 19.0% 1,444
1908 48.9% 4,137 49.1% 4,150 2.0% 171
1904 53.8% 4,207 42.7% 3,339 3.6% 278
1900 47.4% 3,990 50.4% 4,244 2.1% 179
1896 47.4% 4,272 51.8% 4,672 0.8% 76
1892 45.9% 3,715 50.3% 4,069 3.8% 307
1888 48.2% 4,097 49.2% 4,180 2.7% 228
1884 49.3% 4,242 48.7% 4,193 2.1% 177
1880 46.3% 4,028 50.8% 4,417 2.9% 252
1876 47.1% 3,848 52.8% 4,315 0.2% 14
1872 48.2% 3,408 51.7% 3,658 0.1% 5
1868 49.2% 3,475 50.8% 3,594
1864 50.0% 3,316 50.0% 3,314
1860 46.1% 2,965 49.8% 3,206 4.1% 266
1856 38.3% 2,188 48.0% 2,741 13.7% 781

Communities

Clermont communities are not published necessarily along historical or perceived collectivity, hence Goshen Township and unincorporated Goshen. To review each locale's unique designs and bodies, click their links.

Map of Clermont County, Ohio With Municipal and Township Labels

Each municipality has an elected-nonpartisan council where the highest vote-getter is designated mayor. Mayors preside during mayor's court, among various other roles. These mayor-council arrangements pass municipal ordinances and affect municipal taxes, such as the municipal income tax[39][40] where most of the revenue comes from.

Cities

Villages

Dissolved villages

Townships

https://web.archive.org/web/20160715023447/http://www.ohiotownships.org/township-websites

Census-designated places

Unincorporated communities
  • Amelia Bowdoin's House in Amelia
  • Goshen at Ohio Rt. 132
  • U.S. Grant's Birthplace at Point Pleasant
  • Miami Township Civic Center on Meijer Drive
  • Main Owensville intersection at US Rt. 50 and Ohio Rt. 132
  • The Promont in Milford
  • Stonelick-Williams Corner Covered Bridge near Owensville
  • Utopia marker on US Rt. 52
  • Utopia sign
  • Utopia, west on US Rt. 52
  • West Clermont High School aerial view

See also

References
  1. "Ohio County Profiles: Clermont County" (PDF). Ohio Department of Development. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 21, 2007. Retrieved April 28, 2007.
  2. "Clermont Chorale". Clermont Chorale. 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  3. "Clermont Chamber". Clermont Chamber of ommerce. 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  4. "West Clermont Local School District". West Clermont School District. 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  5. "Clermont Northeastern Schools". Clermont Northeastern Schools. 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  6. "Clermont College". UC Clermont. 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  7. "Clermont Seniors". Clermont Senior Services. 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  8. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
  9. "Pick Your County Overview". Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved May 10, 2011.
  10. "Clermont County data". Ohio State University Extension Data Center. Retrieved April 28, 2007.
  11. "Local History". Clermont County. Retrieved August 16, 2018.
  12. Spate House of Moscow, Ohio. Retrieved April 18, 2012. http://www.forgottenoh.com/Counties/Clermont/spate.html Archived November 16, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  13. The Ohio Politics Almanac, Second Edition. Michael F. Curtin. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  14. "Clermont covered bridge to reopen soon". The Cincinnati Enquirer. December 11, 2014. Retrieved January 3, 2017.
  15. "Gatch: A Milford First United Methodist Church and music maven". The Cincinnati Enquirer. January 16, 2015. Retrieved January 3, 2017.
  16. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on May 4, 2014. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
  17. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved March 26, 2020.
  18. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
  19. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
  20. Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
  21. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
  22. "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  23. "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 – County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  24. "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  25. "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  26. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  27. Clermont County, Ohio Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, for the Year ended December 31, 2013
  28. "Cincinnati Nature Center at Rowe Woods". Cincinnati Nature Center. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  29. "Valley View". Valley View. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  30. "Clermont Parks". Clermont Parks. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  31. "Conrad challenges Rudd for court clerk". The Clermont Sun. October 15, 2009. Retrieved June 12, 2017.
  32. "Join Buckeye Firearm Endorsee Sarah Palin For Four Rallies Sunday". Cincinnati Nature Center. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  33. "See Vice President Joe Biden in Milford." Archived January 18, 2017, at the Wayback Machine Obama For America, www.barackobama.com
  34. "VP Joe Biden to make campaign stop in Milford." WXIX Fox19. September 6, 2012. Retrieved September 9, 2012.
  35. "Vice President Joe Biden headed to Milford to campaign." WKRC Local12, September 6, 2012. Retrieved September 9, 2012.
  36. "Milford prepares for Joe Biden's visit: VP to speak at Milford High School." WLWT NBC News5. Retrieved September 9, 2012.
  37. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  38. "Ohio Historical Election Results". Retrieved January 21, 2021.
  39. "Regional Income Tax Agency Municipalities Member List". Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA). Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  40. "Municipal Income Tax Forms". Ohio Department of Taxation. Retrieved February 22, 2017.

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