History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio, Part 62

Author: R. S. Dills
Publication date: 1881
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1037

USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio > Part 62

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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 MeCul- 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 (Sulem) 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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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 stretch 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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24 and 25, 1879, Tom taking the third, fourth and fifth mile heats in 2:163, 2:16, and 2:121, 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. Ile 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 II., Ebenezer E., Catharine (wife of Rev. C. Ewing, now missionary in Alexandria, Egypt),

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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 circun- stances, James II. 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. ITis 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. IIe 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 II., 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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is an estimable lady. For nearly half a century Mr. and Mrs. Elcook have traveled life's journey together, and now we find them in enfeebled health, but enjoying their declining years amid peace and plenty.

James Eliot, farmer, Bellbrook, was born May 4, 1803, in Greene County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Peter and Elizabeth (New- ton) Elliot. His father was born near Philadelphia, and his mother in Delaware. They were parents of eleven children, of whom only our subject survives, he spending the early part of his boyhood days on the farm and around the mill, his father being a miller. James received the rudiments of his education in the common schools of that day. Afterward he completed his education in Ohio, where he, with his parents, came; and before he attained the age of eighteen he, with his father, engaged in milling, and at the age of eighteen he rented a mill and run the business on his own account for about four years, and at the age of twenty-six pur- chased a farm containing eighty acres. He also owned and oper- ated a saw-mill. Mr. Elliot being very prosperous, kept adding farm after farm to his possessions, till in a very short time, he found himself the owner of six hundred and fifty acres of land. Our subject was married to Catharine Silvers, October 18, 1828, to whom were born twelve children, eight of whom are now living: Mary, wife of Albert Wilson; Sarah A., wife of Matthew Berry- hill; Charles F., Lawson A., Martha J., Rebecca F., George O., and Ruth L .; the deceased are Margaret, wife of William James, and John, whose death was occasioned by the kick of a horse. He left home in the evening in the flush of health, and was returned in a few hours a lifeless corpse. Mr. Elliot is a self-made. man in the strongest sense of the term; commencing in life single-handed, he has accumulated property to the amount of $60,000.

G. W. Griffith, farmer, Bellbrook, was born in Louden County, Virginia, in the year 1813, and is a son of Samuel and Eva (Stream) Griffith, who were parents of eight children, of whom only our subject survives. The deceased are John, Samuel, Daniel, Isaac, Margaret, Nancy, and one died in infancy. G. W. learned his trade in his native state, commencing at the age of eighteen and completing it when twenty-one, but continued working till he came to Ohio, in the year 1840. He worked as a journeyman one year after coming to this state, and worked a mill for a term of three years; he then rented William Morris' mill, and afterward changed

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his occupation to that of farming, which he now follows. On Jan- uary 10, 1850, he was married to Matilda Armstrong, whom he buried September 17, 1876, and married his second wife in Septem- ber, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Griffith are members of the Old School Presbyterian Church. He now owns two hundred and thirteen acres of land, all well-improved.

George M. Harmen, carpenter, Bellbrook, was born December 5, 1826. in Greene County, Ohio, and is a son of Henry and Polly (Clark) Harmen. Henry was born in Augusta County, Virginia, September 10, 1803, and was a son of George and Cloie (Clemen- ger) Harmen. Henry's boyhood days were spent on the farm, where he received his education, and at the age of seventeen he was bound to T. H. Clark to learn the carpenter trade. Served three years and nine months. Mr. Harmen was married to Polly Clark October 4, 1825, who bore him sixteen children, eight of whom are now living: Elias R., George M., Leonard J., William H., Caroline B., Calista B., John and Andrew M. Our subject was reared in town, where he received his education, and learned his trade with his father, with whom he remained till he attained his majority. Then he started in life for himself, and worked in Ohio for a while; then, with some others, went west about the time of the Kansas trouble, when it was not safe for a northern man to go south of Mason and Dixon's line. He remained five years, how- ever, going into business in St. Joe, Missouri, which, though very lucrative, he sold about the time the rebellion broke out, and re- turned cast. On his return he went into partnership with his brother, and at the end of one year bought his interest, and con- tinued in the same business for about three years, when he pur- chased a farm, and turned his attention to farming and tobacco raising, a pursuit he followed for about three years, then sold and removed to Springfield, where he worked at his trade a short time. He returned to his native county in 1876, where he bought a farm containing one hundred and fifty-seven acres, two miles west of Bellbrook, where he now lives. Our subject was married to Julia A. Shank, May 2, 1861, to whom were born three children, two now living, Harry C. and Florence. Mr. and Mrs. Harmen are members of the Methodist Protestant Church.

Daniel Holmes, retired farmer, was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, in the year 1794, and is a son of Hugh and Mary Holmes, who came here in 1812, and settled in Sugar Creek Town-

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ship, where they lived till they died. She was a daughter of Dan- iel Garrison. To them six children were born, John, Polly, Hugh, Daniel, Samuel and William. He died in 1833, aged seventy-six. She died in 1851, aged eighty years. They were members of the Baptist Church, and though born in Catholic Ireland, were Protes- tants. Our subject was first married in 1821, to Margaret, daughter of Gaines Bain, by whom he had eight children, four living. She dying, he, in 1842 or 1843, married Mary Lewis, daughter of Dan- iel Lewis, who bore him three children, two living. His son John * was a member of the Second Ohio Heavy Artillery, and afterwards in the One Hunred and Eighty-Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving from 1862 till the close of the war. His last wife died 1857. He has published pamphlets on Church Government and Slavery. He owns one hundred and sixty-one acres of land, which is all in cultivation and well improved. Ile belongs to the Congregational Church, and has always been an exemplary Christian, and done much to help spread the gospel. He has been a very benevolent man, and during his life has done much for the comfort, and happiness of the unfortunate. By his appointment, he has made life direc- tors of the American Bible Society, General Scott in 1859, Gov- ernor Brough in 1864, Lincoln in 1863, Colfax in 1869, Hayes in 1867, President Johnson in 1865, Grant in 1868, Governor Cox in 1866, Governor Noyes in 1872, and Rev. John Shields in 1879.

Andrew Holmes, farmer, Bellbrook, was born on the Montgom- ery County line, on land now owned by Samuel Holmes, November 10, 1827. Is a son of Daniel and Margaret Holmes, whose sketch appears in this work. His boyhood was passed on the farm, and he received a common school education in the district schools. In 1854, he was married to Sarah J., daughter of William and Jo- hanna Fitton, of this county, by whom he has had seven children, Maggie, Anna, Nettie, James, William, Mary, and Flora, the latter deceased. After his marriage he located where he now resides, owning one hundred and twenty-two acres of land, mostly under cultivation, and well improved. He has been trustee of the town- ship for a number of terms. Both himself and wife are members of the Sugar Creek United Presbyterian Church, with which they have been connected since they made a profession of religion, he having served in the official capacity of ruling elder for upward of twenty years. Both are much interested in religious matters, and the cause and development of the Christian religion. Politically,

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History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio, Part 62

Author: R. S. Dills Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1037

Author: R. S. Dills
Publication date: 1881
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1037