There is perhaps no township of Montgomery County so closely identified with the early history and subsequent growth of Dayton as Mad River, and although it was one of the last townships erected, its pioneer history begins with the settlement at the mouth of the stream whose name it bears. It was not until May 24, 1841, that Mad River was cut off from Dayton Township, and its present boundaries established [1882]. The first election was held on Monday, May 28, 1841, at the tavern of John Cox, in Section 27, on the road leading from Dayton to Zenia, and this old building is still in a fair state of preservation. This subdivision is very irregular on its western boundary, which follows the meanderings of the Great Miami to the mouth of Mad River, and then the corporation line of Dayton until the northern boundary line of Van Buren Township is reached, the latter forming its southern boundary; on the east lies Greene County, and to the north Wayne Township. It varies from one-half mile to six miles in length, and from three to five and a half miles in width, and is watered by the Great Miami and Mad Rivers, with a few small branches flowing into the latter stream. The soil along the rivers is a rich, black loam, while the uplands are of a sandy clay nature, and as a whole are second to none, in value and productiveness. The products and timber do not differ materially from that of the county in general, and its roads will compare favorably with its sister townships. Five railroads pass through Mad River Township, and we might say that there is scarcely a farm in the township out of sight of these monuments of civilization and the spirit of progress they represent. Owing to its close proximity to Dayton, many of its citizens have been prominently identified with the development and prosperity of that city, while many Daytonians have built them houses within its limits, thus assisting in beautifying and increasing the value of its lands. In Section 27 is located the large fruit farm of Nicholas Ohmer, containing 104 acres handsomely improved and covered with all classes of vines and fruit-growing trees. This is said to be the finest fruit-farm in Ohio, and adds much to the wealth and reputation of Mad River Township.
From "The History of Montgomery County, Ohio by W. H. Beers & Company, 1882."