USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County : together with historic notes on the Northwest, and the state of Ohio, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and all other authentic sources > Part 61
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The first fire of particular magnitude destroyed what was known as the "Academy," belonging to Harrison Vaughn, near the Old School Presbyterian Church, in 1850. In 1855, the carriage shop of E. Bumgardner, which stood where the present wood-shop stands, on the first alley north of Franklin, off Main. With this large two-story building was also consumed the livery stable be- longing to Samuel Elcook's hotel, which stood where the present stable now stands. This fire occurred in the night, and is remem- bered as an occasion of great alarm and excitement.
SCHOOLS.
The first school house of which there is any account, stood nearly opposite the present union school building, Bellbrook. It was built of logs, with a very extensive fire-place in each end. The windows were furnished with greased paper for lights. Heavy boards, resting on pegs from the wall, extended around the room for writing desks. The seats were made of plank, with strong pegs, without backs. James Bain was the teacher. After this, another house was built near the southeast corner of what is now known as the "Pioneer Associate" grave-yard, north of Bell- brook, over which the same teacher presided. As before men- tioned, this teacher was also a brewer. His malt-house stood in the hollow southeast of this last mentioned school house, and, it is related, was in those days given to periodical conflagrations. When this occurred, the "master" would sound the alarm, and quickly ordering the school dismissed, lead the improvised fire-brigade to the rescue.
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Many other houses for school purposes were built in different places in this locality, until 1854, when the present union school building, situated in the northern part of Bellbrook, was erected. This is now a graded school of three departments-high-school, intermediate, and primary-employing a superintendent and two assistants. The first session in this house began in September, 1855, with Andrew Amyx, superintendent, assisted by J. P. Patter- son, intermediate, and Jennie Parry, primary. The board of edu- cation was composed of John McClure, John M. Stake, and. Wil- liam Morris.
There are now eleven school districts throughout the township, all provided with good houses, and the means of furnishing educa- tion to all alike are exceedingly ample and free.
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS.
Many of the prominent religious denominations, especially those known as the orthodox, have always had a good representa- tion in this township, to which may be ascribed the present high state of morality, and high degree of good order which universally obtains. ¿ The fact that nowhere within the bounds of this town- ship is there a single place where intoxicating liquors are sold, may be adduced as a standing monument of victory in a great moral conquest.
The Associate Presbyterian Church was the first religious organi- zation in this locality (Bellbrook), and the first house for religious worship was erected by this church at the northeast corner of the "Pioneer Associate" grave-yard, (old cemetery) north of Bellbrook about 1811. This branch of the Presbyterian Church was com- monly known as the "Seceders," probably to distinguish them from another branch called the " Associate Reformed"; the latter had no organization in this township, but attended church at Xenia. The first minister of the above organization was Robert Armstrong. The next building was erected northwest of Bellbrook on Sugar Creek, in which the congregation continued to worship, until the union of the Associate (Seceders), with the Associate Reformed Church, forming the United Presbyterian Church.
The United Presbyterian Church (Bellbrook) .- The present build- ing was the first erected by this organization, in 1859, under the ministry of R. E. Stewart: after whose death, which occurred
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shortly after the erection of the new church building, J. B. Mc- Michael succeeded to the pastorate of this congregation, in which capacity he served for sixteen years, until 1878, when he was call- ed to the position of president of Monmouth College, Illinois. Under his pastorate another building was erected on the Dayton pike, adding another congregation to his charge. Rev. W. McClure is now the lately-called minister to this congregation. Services held every Sabbath afternoon.
Methodist Episcopal Church (Bellbrook). - The first Methodist- Episcopal Church in this township was built on the southwest cor- ner of Thomas White's farm, where the Bellbrook road joins the Dayton pike, about two miles west of Bellbrook. The year in which this house was built cannot be ascertained. Afterward this organization erected a log house on the site of the present Metho- dist Protestant Church ; then they removed to a school house just west of Dr. J. R. Dawson's present residence, where they held their meetings until 1844, when the present substantial brick house was built in Bellbrook. Among the prominent ministers were James B. Finley, - Christy, - - Bigalow, - Raper, Dr. Latty, - - Chase, Newson, Webster, Fields, Hypes, J. G. Black, J. F. Conrey, Robinson, Verity, Shultz, and at present Rev. Porter. At present services are held every alternate Sabbath, in the afternoon. Sab- bath-school meets in the afternoon of every Sabbath.
Methodist Protestant Church (Bellbrook) .- The history of this or- ganization is cotemporary with that of the denomination to which it belongs. In 1828 the agitation of lay-representation in the Methodist Episcopal Church culminated in the expulsion from that body of a large number of ministers and laymen, who formed a new church, called the Methodist Protestant, embracing in this name their principle objection to the old church, i. e. a protest against Episcopacy. This revolution found the Methodists of this locality worshiping in the log meeting-house before mentioned ; but the new church found adherents in the congregation, and soon a separation became necessary; and it seems that the "radicals," as they were then frequently called, by securing the owner of the land-Stephen Bell-as a member of the new organization, main- tained possession of the house and grounds, for which they received a deed in 1832. Henry Harman, James Snodgrass, and Thomas Sparks, were the first trustees. The present house was built in 1842, where this organization has since continuously worshiped.
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Among the ministers were Joshua Devore, John M. Young, Reu- ben Rose, Henry Brown, T. B. Graham, J. B. Walker, J. J.White, W. R. Parsons, William Overholtz, and at present W. Creamer. At present services every alternate Sabbath, A. M. Sabbath-school in the morning.
The Presbyterian Church, O. S. (Bellbrook) .- Was first organized in 1827 or 1828, by Revs. William Gray and Adrian Aten, the lat- ter preaching one or two years; after him John S. Weaver for some three years; and the present minister, T. B. Atkins, now regularly holds services every alternate Sabbath morning and even- ing. Sabbath-school in the morning. The first house was built on the hill now belonging to J. C. McClure, just west of Bellbrook, in 1829. Josiah Lamme, John Cooper, and William Russell, were the first elders. In 1858 the present building was purchased- having been formerly built by Universalists-where the congrega- tion has since held their regular services.
Middle Run Baptist Church (Sugar Creek) .- This church building is located in the extreme southeast part of the township, near the Warren County line, southwest, section 34 (4.5). The first house was erected on the site of the present building, in 1799, being the first church building in the township. It was a log house, and was removed for a brick house, in 1832, and this, in turn, was succeeded by the present frame structure, in 1852. The first minister was John Clark; next, Lemuel Cotterill ; following him was Hezekiah Stites, who preached here for the remarkable period of forty years. Revs. Read and Littleton now preach here alternately every month. Their chief distinction from other Baptists is their belief in what is known as "predestination," hence they are often called Predes- tinarian Baptists.
The Christian Church (Sugar Creek) .- This church building is situ- ated southeast of Bellbrook, central part section 12 (3.5). It was first organized in 1835, by Elder George Owens, and was then known as "Union Baptist Church of Jesus Christ," until 1846, when its name was changed to that which it now bears. The first building was a frame, and was occupied by the society for thirty years, until 1867, when the brick building was erected. Among the ministers were George Owens, Joseph Weeks, Peter McCul- lough, Thomas Brandon, A. L. Mckinney, C. C. Phillips, Peter Banta, R. Brandon, C. T. Emmons, HI. Y. Rush, B. F. Vaughn, and J. F. Ullery. Sabbath-school is held in connection with church
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services regularly throughout the year. B. F. Vaughn is the pres- ent pastor.
The Disciples (Salem) Church (Sugar Creek) .- This church building stands just north of Clio, and was erected some time in 1845, at the organization of the society. Among the original members were William Brelsford and wife, David W. Brown and wife, Jon- athan Davis and wife, Abraham Darst, Jacob Real, and others. They have Sabbath-school through the summer months, and regu- lar services every month, by the present pastor, James Smith, of- Lebanon. Among the prominent ministers were Walter Scott, Joshua Swallow, William Pinkerton, and James M. Henry.
MILLS.
The first flour-mill in the township was built by William Rogers, on the Little Miami River, about one mile east of Bellbrook-the present mill site-at a very early period. On this site another more substantial and modern mill was afterward built, but was destroyed by fire about 1870.
Also, at a very early period, a man by the name of Staley built a mill on the Little Miami, on the then main road from Bellbrook to Xenia, which at present is called the Eureka Mills, being rebuilt in 1839, and again in 1877-'78, by the present owner, John Tessler.
Washington Mills, on the Little Miami, about two miles north- east of Bellbrook, was built, in 1832, by Samuel Lamme, with Re- sin Tucker and Thompson Vaughn, millwrights. The saw-mill was built by Jeremiah Gest, in 1838. These mills have run con- tinuously since, and especially since the destruction of the lower mill, have furnished this locality with mill produce of all kinds, besides shipping a great deal of flour to other points. Bigger &. Swallow, the present owners, have operated here since 1873, man- ufacturing flour on what is known as the " old system."
LIMESTONE QUARRIES.
In the north part of the township, on the farm of Barbara Huston, is situated the most extensive quarry in the township. This quarry is operated by the Huston Brothers, and quite an ex- tensive excavation is now made, from which an endless supply of excellent building stone is now being taken.
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
CEMETERIES.
Many of the original religious organizations had their burial- grounds located near the church buildings; hence, in various lo- calities throughout the township are found many of the almost de- serted grave-yards. Notably among these is the Pioneer-Associate Grave-yard, north of Bellbrook, and the Sugar Creek Grave-yard, southeast. In these grounds many of the pioneers of this locality are buried, and watchful friends still keep their places in respecta- ble repair.
In 1850, the "Bellbrook Cemetery Association " was organized, as a joint-stock company. Benjamin Bell, A. B. Hopkins, James Brown, Silas Hale, and R. D. Rowsey, trustees, and John G. Kyle, clerk. Constitution and by-laws were adopted, and incorporation effected in this same year. The association immediately proceeded to purchase land (four acres) about half a mile north of town, which was laid off in lots and streets, and otherwise improved, for burial purposes. From year to year these grounds have been re- paired and beautified, until now they compare favorably in modern respectability.
INDIAN RELICS.
In the hills along the river, and indeed, throughout the town- ship, in almost all the specially elevated points, relies of the Indians are found : skeletons, stone-axes, or club-heads; pipes, and many other well-known articles common to the pre-historic races.
On the farm of John C. James, northeast of Bellbrook, near Washington Mills, just southeast of his residence, on the hill next the river, is a circular mound, having the appearance of consider- able former elevation, in which was found double circular walls, with a space of two feet between them; the walls are about two feet thick, and were put up in good masonry, and laid with dirt mortar, some of the stones evidently requiring the strength of three strong men to move them. Just outside the walls were three graves, two of which were paved in the bottom, and curbed on all sides; skeletons found in these graves were resting supinely, and with them were a curiously formed clay pipe, and a roll of mica weighing about two pounds. In the other grave, a skeleton in sit- ting posture was found, and evidently was that of an Indian about
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six feet high. These graves were buried under several wagonloads of stone. Near by these graves were several other small elevations, circular in form, and about fifteen feet in diameter. About one- fourth of a mile northeast of this point is another larger mound, about twenty-five yards in diameter, with an elevated circle around it. The earth composing this circle is plainly distinguished from the land on which it is built, being of an entirely different color.
There are many other places in the township similar to those de- scribed above, but none, we think, presenting more valuable infor -· mation as to the peculiar characteristics of the strange race of people that preceded us as inhabitants of this continent.
" SLEEPY TOM," THE "PACING WONDER."
This remarkable horse having achieved more than a national reputation in the American speed ring, deserves special mention in these pages.
He was foaled at the hotel stable in Bellbrook, and is now (1880) about thirteen years old; is a stoutly bred horse, sired by Tom Rolph, he by Pocahontas; his dam was sired by Sam Hazzard. Tom was a very unpromising colt, both in gait and appearance, and led a vagabond's life in his early days, being racked about the streets of his native village as a common " scrub." His dam being a natural pacer, and as he showed inclinations toward that gait, which were more manifest as he grew older, his owner, Isaac Dingler, put him in training, but with indifferent success; when, seemingly, to end poor Tom's career forever, he lost his eye-sight, becoming totally blind. He was then withdrawn from the track as worth- less, and was traded and sold from hand to hand, at one time changing hands for thirty dollars and a bottle of very poor whisky. Finally he fell into the hands of his present trainer, Steve Phillips of Xenia, who again put him in training for the speed ring, with the success now so well known. The sightless horse seems to under- stand, and obeys perfectly every word spoken to him by his driver, as, in the race, he leans over him and incites him to renewed effort. "Go in, Tom, and win," are the words that spurs the intelligent horse to his fullest speed at the last quarter streteh in a close race, and well does he heed it. He is the brightest star of the splendid pacing quartette of 1879-Sleepy Tom, Mattie Hunter, Rowdy Boy, and Lucy, which three were beaten at Chicago, Illinois, July
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HISTORY. OF GREENE COUNTY.
24 and 25, 1879, Tom taking the third, fourth and fifth mile heats in 2:163, 2:16, and 2:12}, for a purse of $15,000. The last heat he recorded the best time known in the world in any gait, and Sleepy Tom's name immediately became a household word, and his fame spread throughout the world.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Franklin Berryhill, minister, Bellbrook, was born in Augusta County, Virginia, March 1, 1811, and is a son of Alexander and Rachel (Thompson) Berryhill. . His mother was a neice of Charles Thompson, of revolutionary fame, and secretary to the first Con- tinental Congress; a man of some executive ability, and a lover of liberty. Alexander, father of our subject, was a Virginian by birth and at the age of nineteen volunteered in the American army, being under the command of General Greene. At the bat- tle of Guilford Court House, North Carolina, in the heat of the engagement his company was surrounded by the merciless, victo- rious British : commanded to give up their arms, and on doing so he was struck on the head with a sword, producing a severe wound, the scar of which remained until the day of his death. Was held a prisoner by his captors two years, then exchanged; returned to his home, and after some years married and settled on a farm, where our subject was born. Eleven children were the fruits of this union, eight sons and three daughters, of whom only two survive: Matthew and Franklin. The latter was educated in the common schools, and afterwards took a full course at the Han- over College, in Indiana, graduating in 1837. He studied theology under Dr. Mathews, who was his tutor for three years, and then entered the ministry of the old school Presbyterian Church, where for ten or twelve years he was actively engaged in the promotion of Christianity. Owing to ill-health, he was obliged to abandon active work, and was honorably retired from his chosen profession. He then sought the invigorating influence of farm life, preaching occasionally, and working earnestly in the Sabbath-school. Mr. Berryhill was married January 21, 1841, to Miss Nancy Sloan, by whom he had five children : Theodore B., Thomas C., Elmira (wife of William Rupert), and Finette, living, and Caroline, de- ceased, in her thirteenth year. Mrs. Berryhill departed this life June 13, 1864. In 1865 Mr. Berryhill was united in marriage
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with Miss Julia A. Cooper, of Bellbrook. Mr. Berryhill owns three hundred and seven acres of land, which is principally under cultivation and well improved, making a most delightful place in which to pass the declining years of a long and well-spent life.
John Bigger, farmer, Bellbrook, born in Montgomery County, December 7, 1825; was a son of John and Mary (Bradford) Bigger, the former was born in Kentucky; Mrs. Bigger in Ohio. They were married in 1824, and were parents of four children, three of whom are now alive, John, Joseph A., and Samuel; one deceased, Linley .. Our subject was'reared on the farm, where he received his educa- tion in the common schools, and remained with his parents till he attained the age of twenty-eight years, when his father bought the farm where he now resides; he then went to farming for himself, which he has followed ever since. He now owns a farm of one hundred and thirty-eight acres, all in a good state of cultivation and well-improved. He married in 1854, and he and Mrs. Bigger are worthy members of the United Presbyterian Church.
Andrew Byrd, farmer, Spring Valley, was born August 10, 1813, and is a son of Andrew and Mary (Hawlker) Byrd. He was reared on the farm, and received his education in the common schools. Our subject has been doing for himself since he was fourteen years of age, and before he had attained his majority he had completed his trade. In the fall of 1832 he made a trip to Missouri. On his return he started the cabinet business in Bellbrook, in which he continued for about four years. Sold out in 1839, and moved to Miami County, where he purchased a farm. Remained about two years, and then returned to Greene County, where he has remained ever since. In January, 1835, he married Sarah Bull, who bore him five children, one of whom, Madison, is living. The deceased are Nathan S., William F., Wilbur, Marquis, and Madison. Mr. Byrd now owns five hundred and ninety acres of land, most of which is well improved.
James H. Bradford, farmer, Bellbrook, was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, May 22, 1827, and is a son of John and Ann (Hamilton) Bradford, both of Pennsylvania. They were the parents of nine children, all of whom are now living: Elizabeth (now Mrs. Friend), Margaret (wife of Mr. Servis, of Dayton), Mar- tha J. (widow of Mr. Hamilton, Roanoke, Indiana), Rev. W. G. Bradford, Princeton, Illinois; James H., Ebenezer E., Catharine (wife of Rev. C. Ewing, now missionary in Alexandria, Egypt),
4I
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Abigail. M. (wife of Thomas P. Ferguson, of Greenwood, Missouri), and Mary A. (wife of James Andrew, of Beavertown). Our sub- ject was reared on the farm, and received his education in the country schools. His father being in rather straitened circum- stances, James H. was obliged to hire out on a farm, which he fol- lowed for about eight years, commencing when he was only ten years of age. His father then purchased a farm in Washington County, Pennsylvania, on which they remained about two years and a half, and in the fall of 1855 sold out, removing, in November, to Hamilton County, Ohio, where they remained a few months with some friends, and in the spring of 1856 came to this county, pur- chased the farm on which they now live, and commenced the work of improving. Our subject was married June 24, 1866, and had three children, of whom John E. and Annie M. are now living, and George G. deceased. His first wife died April 8, 1875, at the age of thirty-seven, and on June 1, 1876, he was again married. Mr. and Mrs. Bradford are members of the United Presbyterian Church. HIe now owns a farm of two hundred and thirty acres, all well im- proved.
Thomas Cramer, deceased farmer, was born in Kentucky, in the year 1805; he was a son of John and Margaret (Hoover) Cramer, who were probably born in Maryland. About 1807 they removed to Ohio, and settled in this township, where they lived until their decease, he dying in 1845. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm, and received his education in the district schools. Was first married with Hannah Bowen, by whom he had two chil- dren, both deceased: she departed this life in 1835. Mr. Cramer was again married in 1844, to Mary M. (Getter) Crane, by whom he had two children, both deceased, Elizabeth and Rachel. Mr. Cramer was a farmer by occupation, and previous to his death re- moved to Bellbrook, where he died September 16, 1871, aged sixty- six years. Mrs. Cramer is a daughter of Henry and Catharine Getter, who were born in Frederick County, Maryland, where they were married. In 1812, they came to Ohio and located in Warren County, near Franklin, settling in the woods. They made a per- manent home here, living and dying in the home of their adoption. He died in March 1875, aged ninety years; she departed this life in 1850, aged sixty-one years. They were parents of nine children, who all lived to be grown : Mary M., Margaret, Catherine, Rachel, Elizabeth, Barbara, John, Sarah, and Adeline. Mr. and Mrs.
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Getter were members of the German Reformed Church until their death, attending the old and well-known David Winters Church. Mrs. Cramer's first marriage was celebrated with James Crane, in 1832, by whom she had three children, two living, William and Catherine. The former resides in Illinois, the latter in Missouri; Mary, deceased. After their marriage, they settled near Alpha, Greene County, where they resided till his death; which occurred in August, 1849. He was born in Warren County, Ohio, in 1810. Mrs. Cramer was born in Frederick County, Maryland, January 15, 1812. She is a member of the German Reformed Church, with which she has been connected for fifty-five years, joining with her father when only sixteen years old. She has a comfortable home in Bellbrook, and is surrounded by the necessaries and comforts of life, and though separated from her children by many intervening miles, and the companions of her life by the visitant Death, we find her reconciled to the alternative.
Samuel Elcook, retired, Bellbrook, was born in York County, Pennsylvania, in 1807. Is a son of William and Rebecca Elcook, of Pennsylvania, who lived, died, and were buried in their native state. Samuel's boyhood was passed in Pennsylvania, and at the age of twenty-one went to Maryland, where he labored on the farm as a hand eight or ten years. In 1835 he came to Greene County, locating in Bellbrook, where he followed marketing or huxtering for twenty years, after which he engaged in keeping hotel in Bell- brook for fifteen years, and during the time made considerable improvement in the town. He exchanged his hotel property for a farm south of Dayton, on which he lived six years, and then sold out and returned to Bellbrook, purchasing soon after the property where he now lives. In 1835 he was married to Mahala, daughter of Samuel Leaming, of Maryland, by whom he has had three chil- dren, two living, James F., and John L. The deceased, William HI., who was a member of Company A, Thirty-Fourth Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry, enlisted when he was eighteen years old. At the battle of Cedar Creek he was taken prisoner, in which he suffered more than pen can portray. Suffice it to say, that his boyish frame and strength fell a victim to rebel atrocity, and died the most hor- rible of all deaths-starvation. His great-grandfather, Brown, was a soldier in the war of the revolution, and is buried in the same place. Mrs. Elcook is a member of the Old School Bap- tist Church, with which she has been connected thirteen years, and
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