By Caroline Rosacker
Mederville, located in Cox Creek Township, Clayton County, was originally called St. Johan. When the town was first mapped out by Louis Reuther and Henry Meder, the town's namesake, a residence and sawmill were already in existence, built by James Beatty in 1854.
Reuther added a general store, and together he and Meder established both a saw and flour mill. Another businessman, Joseph Unternahrer, opened up a blacksmith shop.