USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio > Part 61
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On the farm of Thomas J. Brown, just north of Clio, section 10 (3. 5.), then owned by Amos Wilson, was located the first mill for grinding corn in this township, if not in the county. It was pro- pelled by hand, and operated by the neighbors, as they, in turn, would grind their own corn, from which that well-known article of common diet, called " mush," was made. One of the stones of this mill is now in the possession of Mr. Brown, and is about fourteen inches in diameter.
INCIDENTS.
The first marriage of which there is any record was that of John Wilson, jr., to Miss Mills, sister to the wife of Amos Wilson. It occurred before the organization of the county, sometime prior to 1803. It seems that the lady had gone, with her sister's family, . some twenty-five miles east, toward Ross County; and the inten- tion was for a party to go after her, and have the ceremony per- formed at the old John Wilson house, but objections were made by the women, that the marriage license did not extend to the terri- tory, and the party was compelled to go over the Ross County line, where, under a leaning white oak tree, while the rain poured down upon them, James Carman performed this romantic ceremony. The party then returned to John Wilson's, where the festivities of the occasion were duly celebrated.
Wild animals abounded in this locality; in fact, the early settlers depended on the large game of the forest for supplies of meat. Between the Wilson settlement and where Centerville now stands,
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was what they called a " bear wallow," a place where these animals would go and roll themselves in the mud, like hogs. Near here, also, the deer usually went for water. One evening Daniel Wilson killed two bears and one deer at these places, which was considered one of the exploits of the times.
General Wayne, on his expedition against the Indians (1793-'94), passed through what is now Waynesville, along the Clio road, on to Dayton, clearing out what since has become Wayne Street, for the passage of his forces.
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During the war of 1812, General Johnson led a reinforcement of two thousand men, over this same route, to the aid of General Har- rison. They encamped on the southwest corner of T. J. Brown's farm, at Clio, and during the night a heavy snow storm fell, and covered the tomahawks and other war implements of the soldiers, so they were compelled to leave them, and they were afterward found in great numbers.
EARLY SETTLEMENT AT BELLBROOK.
In the early spring of 1797, Daniel Wilson, as he was returning to settle permanently near Clio, overtook Joseph C., and John Vance, in the valley south of where Lebanon now stands, who were then on their way to this locality, and hence they were the first settlers. Joseph entered the land extending along east side of what is now Main Street, Bellbrook, being part of sections 31, 32, (3. 5). Ile built a long cabin on the site now occupied by the carriage manufactory of Willoughby and Davis, on the southeast corner of Main and Walnut Streets, Bellbrook. This was the first building in this locality, and was erected sometime in the year 1797. It also was the building in which the first store was kept by James Gowdy, who came from Xenia, but owing to scarcity of money in the neighborhood, soon returned. The first hotel was also kept in this same house hy James Clancey. Joseph C. Vance removed from this locality after surveying, and laying out the city of Xenia. In the fall of 1803, he went to Champaign County, where he died in 1843. His son Joseph Vance, was elected governor of Ohio, in 1836; was defeated in 1838 by Wilson Shannon. Among the old settlers of this county, were Nathan Lamme, James Snowden, Ephriam Bowen, John Hale, Joseph Hale, James and Robert Snod-
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grass, James Barrett, John MeLain, Stephen Bell, James Clancey, Boston Hoblet, and Henry Opdyke.
Nathan Lamme came from Virginia, some time in the year 1797, and entered lands in sections 33, 27, (3. 6), northeast of Bellbrook. Ile built a cabin on the hill, just north of Washington Mills. IIe served as volunteer in the Lord Dunmore war, and participated as captain in the battle of Point Pleasant, at the mouth of the Great Kanawha, under General Lewis. He also served as captain in the revolutionary war. He had five sons: Josiah, William, James, Samuel, and David; also two daughters, Anna and Martha. He died in 1835, and was buried in the " old grave-yard," north of Bellbrook. It is related of him that he was intimately ac- quainted with the famous General Simon Kenton, whom he had often entertained for weeks in the log cabin above mentioned, as the "old pioneer" passed to and from Kentucky, to his lands in Champaign County. David Lamme, succeeded his father on the home place. Samuel lived where Jesse now lives, while the other brothers removed from this locality.
James Snowden settled just northwest of Bellbrook, about 1799. IIe came from New Jersey, and built a cabin just north of the pre- sent residence of Henry Harman, being southeast of center of sec- tion 2, (2. 6). His lands embraced all of east part of the above section, being then all of western part of Bellbrook, which he afterwards sold to Stephen Bell and Henry Opdyke. He was one of the first associate judges of the county, and attended the court regularly, walking from his home to the county seat, through the then almost unbroken forest. IIe had great aver- sion to riding, but once he was persuaded to take a horse, and on starting, it seemed he neglected to mount; but slip- ping the bridle rein over his arm proceeded to walk, leading the horse; the judge no doubt fell into deep cogitations of legal lore, and the horse concluding his company more ornamental than useful, slipped his bridle, and turned his attention to the more pleasing prospect of the then unexplored pastures of the Miami bottoms. In the meantime, the judge pursued his way alone, until reaching the end of his journey, he found the empty bridle dangling on his arm. IIe removed from this locality to Indiana where he died.
Ephriam Bowen, and Joseph Hale, both came from Kentucky in 1802. The former settled where Andrew Holmes now lives, south- east section 3, (2. 6), and the latter where Daniel Holmes lives,
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northeast section 3, (2. 6), to which Jacob Huffman succeeded, of whom Mr. Holmes purchased. They both removed from this local- ity at an early period.
James and Moses Collier, had first lease on land entered by Nathan Lamme; they lived in a cabin near the present residence of John Kable north of Bellbrook, being central part of section 33, (3. 6). Moses is remembered as the first assessor of the township. James Barrett came from Virginia, and settled on the land now owned by Robert Tate, northwest of Bellbrook, being south part of section 9, (2. 6). He was one of the associate judges of the first court of this county, in 1803.
James Snodgrass settled on the farm where John C. McClure now lives, just west of Bellbrook, southwest section 2, (2. 6). He was a soldier in the revolutionary war; and refused to receive the pension awarded by the government, on the ground that a truly . loyal, and patriotic man would not receive pay for fighting in de- fence of his own liberty.
Robert Snodgrass settled where John Bigger now lives, west of Bellbrook, northwest section 7, (2. 6). His cabin stood near the spring south of his present residence.
John McLane came from Lexington, Kentucky, and entered the land where William Huston now lives, north section 4, (2. 6). He was a confirmed bachelor, and was much given to complaint against the school laws, which compelled him to school other people's chil- dren. He denominated the members of the legislature who passed these laws, "a sett of dung-hill gods" from whom he prayed for " deliverance." IIe succeeded. James Snowden as associate judge, in 1810. He lived to be cighty-three years of age, and was buried as he had lived, in a lone grave on his land north of Bellbrook ..
John Hale came from Kentucky in 1802, and entered land now owned by his son, Silas Hale, northeast of Bellbrook-southeast section 3 (2. 6). He built a house where the present farm house stands. The floor of this cabin was made of plank sawed by hand, the log first being hewed square, then raised on a scaffold high enough for one man to stand under, with another man on top, and they both using the saw together. He had five sons, James, Bowen, Silas, Harmon, and Lewis, all of whom, except Silas, soon removed from the township. He (John) built a tannery just east of his cabin, which he operated until 1838, when he removed to Indiana, in which state he died.
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Silas IIale. [See Beaver Creek Township, page 601.]
James Bain settled the land now owned by heirs of Archibald Berryhill, north of Bellbrook-northeast section 32 (3. 6). He built a cabin near the present farm house, about the year 1802 or 1803; subsequently he erected a malt house west of the cabin. He was also a school-teacher, combining the two avocations of teaching school and brewing beer. He is remembered as a man combining many other seemingly uncongenial professions. It is related of him that he would rise very early in the morning, proceed to his " clear- ing" work until his good wife would blow the horn for breakfast, after which he would proceed to his school, and the faithful horn would call him to his dinner; so at evening the sound of the horn echoing through the woods gave welcome warning to the boys that the dreary, hard day's work of school was done-but called the "master" to his clearing, and the maul and wedge.
Stephen Bell came some time in 1803 or 1804, and bought the land adjoining Bellbrook on the west. He had six sons, John, William (doctor), Charles, Aaron, Benjamin, and Frank.
Samuel Brewster entered the land adjoining Bellbrook on the south, extending around east, including the farm now owned by George Harman-north, section 1 (2. 6); formerly the farms of his sons, Nathaniel and Francis. South of this, Boston Hoblet settled, and built a cabin near the present residence of James and Martha McClure-southeast, section 1 (2. 6). In 1813 Alexander Berry- hill bought six hundred and forty acres of land south of Bellbrook, on which his sons subsequently settled. The deed for these lands was signed by James Madison, then President of the United States, and is now in the possession of Franklin Berryhill.
William Morris, Michael Swigert, Thomas Bigger, John C. Murphy, Jonathan Austin, and Jeremiah Gest, subsequent settlers, are remembered as prominent men in their day.
THE PINKNEY ROAD
Was the first beaten track through the wilderness, leading from Cincinnati through Lebanon, extending through what is now Main street, Bellbrook, north toward Alpha, past what was then known as Pinkney Pond, from which the road is supposed to have taken its name. .
Over this road the early settlers received their supplies of salt
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and iron, and such other commodities as they could not produce for themselves. It required long absence from home and laborious travel to go to Cincinnati then with a load of ground corn, and exchange it for salt, and return home again. After a time this road became more of a thoroughfare, the demand for supplies for the growing settlement continued to increase, and large teams of belled horses began to make regular trips, carrying loads of flour . and returning with merchandise.
Another road, leading from this one, just north of Bellbrook, to Dayton, was called the Beer Road because it was used, mostly, by James Bain to transport his beer to market. The main road crossed the Miami at what is now the " upper " flour mill, and passed north of where Bellbrook now is, and extended toward Centerville. Over this route the mail was carried, and the news-boy made his weekly journeys to the Xenia postoffice.
BELLBROOK,
The only incorporated village, is centrally located. It was first laid out in 1816, by Stephen Bell, Henry Opdyke, and James Clancy, who owned the land, the latter the east and the former the west side. Pinkney road separated these lands, and ran on the dividing line between sections 2 (2. 6) and 32 (3. 6); the southern border of these sections formed the southern boundary of the original plat, the south corner-stone being in the middle of the Pinkney road. On both sides of this road (which became Main street) the lots running north were laid out two deep, four rods wide, and ten rods long, first forty lots inclusive, to where they made the first cross-street, called Franklin, sixty-six feet wide; then proceeding north twenty- four lots to Walnut street, sixty-six feet wide; thence north to High street, sixty-six feet wide; the cast boundary of these lots was called East, and the west boundry West streets; next proceeding west on Franklin from West street, sixteen lots, making in all one hundred lots in the original plat. Additions have since been made on the west, north, and south, and Maple street, next south of Franklin, was made by widening the alley. The village now being located, a name for it seemed to perplex the pioneer progenitors of the coming metropolis, and we can best imagine that it was after very long and serious cogitation that finally produced the original cognoman, Bellbrook, after one of the founders, Stephen Bell, and,
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it is supposed, the brook, Little Sugar, which skirts the eastern bor- der of the town. The only house within the limits of the plat was the Clancy tavern, being the first house built in this locality, as be- fore mentioned. In the following year after the plat was made, the auction of the lots began, presided over by a worthy genius in the profession, Aaron Nutt, whose fund of anecdote and wit seems to have been wonderfully drawn upon to make this sale attractive in many more ways than simply the acquisition of real estate. The first lot sold was number one, southwest corner Main and Frank- lin streets, then proceeding south, crossing and coming north again. The first house built in the new town was erected by James Webb, near the northwest corner of Main and Franklin, on Main street. The oldest house now standing, is on the last lot south, on the east side of Main street, and was built by David Black, in 1817, and is now occupied by David Rape.
In the year 1832, Dr. William II. Frazier, at the suggestion of Dr. Bell and R. E. Patterson, drafted a petition to the legislature, praying that the town might be incorporated, which was granted that same year. At the first election, following soon after, William Bigger was elected mayor; Abner G. Luce, recorder; Silas Hale, marshal. The business of the village was as follows: John Sow- ards had a hatter shop on the corner of the first alley, north from Franklin, on the east side of Main; Silas Hale, cabinet-maker, on Main, near the northwest corner of Franklin, in James Webb's house; William Holmes, blacksmith, in the southeast of town, northeast of where David Rape now lives. At present, there are two dry-good stores, one drug store, two groceries, one carriage manufactory, one livery stable, one cabinet-maker, three black- smiths, two wagon-makers, two barbers, one pump manufactory, two coopers, and two shoe shops; also, one Methodist Episcopal, one Methodist Protestant, one United Presbyterian, and one Old School Presbyterian Church; also, a graded union school of three departments.
In 1850, the population was 502, but in 1870 was only 369, while in 1880 it reached 425. Many public institutions have flourished here. The I. O. O. F., some years ago, was one of the prominent ones; also, the Cadets of Temperance, the Sons of Temperance, and others, perhaps; but they have all long since been numbered with the things of the past. The "Grange" is the only organiza- tion of this kind now in operation here. It was first organized in 1874, and is now in but moderate prosperity.
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INCIDENTS, ETC.
The first and only case of homicide in this town, or township, was committed by Andrew Kirby, who stabbed John Stanton with a butcher-knife, on the 20th day of February, 1858. It occurred in the house now, as then, occupied by Mrs. Cusic, in the southeast of town, on East Street. Kirby, after the deed, about 10 o'clock P. M., immediately ran to the present residence of Silas IIale, who was then justice of the peace, and gave himself up. Stanton lived a short time, perhaps a day, when he died. At the trial, Kirby was defended by Hou. Thomas Corwin, but was sentenced to a life term in the Ohio penitentiary.
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 honse, 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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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 MeClure, 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. Me- 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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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. MeClure, 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.
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