MS – 256 Gebhart Family Papers

Introduction

The papers of the Gebhart family were accessioned into the Wright State University Department of Archives and special collections during Spring Quarter 1994. They were donated by the Montgomery County Historical Society.

The papers in this collection date from 1794-1930 and fill 1 Hollinger box and 11 file folders. The collection is arranged chronologically within each series as follows:

Series I: Financial Papers

Series II: Land Deeds and Mortgages

Series III: Legal Documents

Series IV: Correspondence

Series V: Maps and Land Plats

There are no restrictions on the use of this collection.

Biographical Sketch

The Gebhart’s were an early and prominent family of Dayton. They came to the Miami Valley area in 1809 from Burks and Allegheny Counties in Pennsylvania. The Gebharts were involved in local business and government, and were landowners in both Pennsylvania and Ohio. They were also active members of the First English Lutheran Church, which was sometimes referred to as the “Gebhart Church” because of the number of family members that attended each Sunday.

Scope and Content

The Gebhart family papers consist of various documents and personal correspondence. The collection is made up of various financial papers, legal documents, land deeds and mortgages, correspondence, and maps and land plats. The collection provides insight into the business affairs of the family, their land holdings in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and a brief look at Gebhart inter-family relationships.

Series I, Financial Papers, contains monetary promissory notes, stocks, personal account sheets, bills, receipts, and ledger book.

Series II, Land Deeds and Mortgages, contains property deeds and mortgages for land in Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Series III, Legal Documents, contains wills, judgments, and other miscellaneous legal papers.

Series IV, Correspondence, contains telegrams and letters between family members and business associates.

Series V, Maps and Land Plats, depicts lands held by the Gebhart’s in both Pennsylvania and Ohio.

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