What do Oxford's Lorenzo Langworth, the father of modern beekeeping; the Kroger Co. of Cincinnati; and Adams County pioneer Israel Donalson have in common?

        Their stories will be shared on Ohio Bicentennial historical markers approved this month by the state.

        Five of the 32 new markers are in southwest Ohio.

        “These permanent memorials help Ohioans of all regions learn more about our state, and serve as a way to bring communities together to commemorate and celebrate what is important to them,” said Stephen C. George, executive director of the Ohio Bicentennial Commission in Columbus.

        The deadline to apply for the 14th and final round of markers is Sept. 30.

        Since 1998, the Longaberger Legacy Initiative, a competitive grant program that pays up to two-thirds of the cost, has awarded 240 markers in 81 counties. The marker program started in 1953 for Ohio's sesquicentennial.

        The bronze signs, made of cast metal with raised gold letters, measure 46 inches by 42 inches.

        Before the latest round, Butler County had received 5 new markers; Hamilton County, 14. Clermont County had added none, according to the commission's Web site. Newly approved area markers are:

        Lorenzo Langworth, the “father of American beekeeping.” The Oxford minister “revolutionized the beekeeping and honey industry with his theory on beehive construction,” said Fred Stratmann of the Ohio Bicentennial Commission.

        Manchester's Israel Donalson, a framer of Ohio's first constitution and a founder of Manchester, Ohio's fourth-oldest settlement, in Adams County.

        Shandon's Paddy's Run, a small stream in Butler County that gave its name to part of Ohio's first Welsh settlement.

        The Kroger Grocery and Baking Co., which opened its first store in Cincinnati in July 1883. Kroger succeeded in combining meats and groceries under one roof.

        The Bunker Hill House, a stop for stagecoaches and an Underground Railroad site in Preble County.

        One new marker is in Ripley in Brown County at the John Parker House, 330 Front St., in the village's historic district.

        “He is known for (being) three things: an African-American abolitionist, inventor and a man who raised a group of colored troops for this area during the Civil War,” said Betty Dragoo Campbell, president of the John Parker Historical Society.

        “He led a remarkable life,” Ms. Campbell said. “He was a slave and foundry molder who bought his freedom for $1,800 in Mobile and headed north. He spent time in Cincinnati, where he met his future wife, Miranda Boulder, in 1845.”

        He died in 1900.

        To apply for a Bicentennial marker in round 14, contact the Ohio Bicentennial Commission at 1-888-Ohio-200 or at www.ohio200.com.

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