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The boundary lines of Sugar Creek Township, were cast by the first organized court of the county, which convened on the 10th day of May, 1803, and is, therefore, one of the original townships of the county organization. Originally, it embraced what is now Spring Valley Township, until sometime in the year 1856, a separation was made, and the township formed from the eastern portion, taking the name as above mentioned. It is situated in the extreme southwest of the county, having the county lines of Montgomery, and Warren for its west and south borders, with Beaver Creek on the north, and Spring Valley on the east, and contains all of sections 34, 35, 36, town four, range five, all of sections 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, with fractional parts of sections 3, 9, town 3, range 5, all of sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, town 2, range 6, all of sections 31, 33, 34, with fractional parts of 32, 27, 28, town 3, range 6. These sections form almost a perfect parallelogram running north seven, and east three sections inclusive, to which must be added on the northeast, a part of what is known as
THE "VIRGINIA MILITARY RESERVATION."
This irregular piece of territory lies east, and borders on the Little Miami River, and hangs to the otherwise well proportioned map of the township like a ragged patch. The irregularity of outline of this section, is fully explained in a few words of its history. At one time, all this then "western wild" belonged to the state of Virginia, but was granted to the general government with a reservation, which included all that territory between the Scioto and Little Miami rivers This reservation was made by the state to pay her soldiers, to whom she was indebted for military service. Warrants were issued for a certain amount of land somewhere, and anywhere between these two rivers ; no survey being made by the state, so each claimant located his claim wherever he might choose,
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and consequently many of the claims over-lapped each other, from which arose great confusion of titles, leading to a great deal of litigation, ending eventually in the compromise adjustment of boundary lines as represented on the map.
The Little Miami River enters the township at the northeast, is a tributary of the Ohio, and flows southward to more than half the extent of the township, when it suddenly turns eastward, and enters Spring Valley. Little Sugar Creek, a small stream, extends from the extreme northwest, toward the center, where, at a point just south of Bellbrook, it joins Big Sugar Creek, which flows from the west. At this juncture the uniting streams become simply Sugar Creek proper, and flowing in a southeastern direction, empty into the Little Miami. From this small stream, or from the abundance of sugar timber of this locality, the township takes its name. The whole extent of the township is considerably broken, especially along the river, but eastward and south are the high, rolling lands, with beautiful and fertile valleys interspersing "the grand old hills." The soil of the highland is of rich clay, with limestone base, especially in the north, while in the south this clay soil has a sandstone base, and is especially adapted to the production of, all kinds of fruits ; in the valleys or bottom lands is found the black, sandy alluvial. The principal productions are wheat, corn, oats, rye, and tobacco; considerable attention is given to the cultivation of the latter; superior grades commanding good prices are raised in this locality.
The woodlands, of which a considerable portion has escaped the woodman's ax, abound mostly in sugar, walnut, oak, ash, and poplar. The chief industries belong to the agricultural department, though there are two flouring mills on the Little Miami, northeast of Bellbrook, and at present a considerable amount of good building limestone is being quarried in the north part of the township.
Bellbrook is the only incorporated village, though there is a closely settled neighborhood in the extreme south, called Clio.
Many railroads have been projected though this township, from all quarters and at divers times-indeed at one time two surveying parties for two different, routes crossed their chains in the southwestern part of Bellbrook. This has always been considered a good omen, but as yet no road has been built, nor is the future more hopeful than the past. Communications with the near cities are
628 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
now well piked, and good gravel roads extend throughout the township.
The census of 1880 gives the township a population of 1,588, a gain of one hundred and six since 1870.
FIRST SETTLEMENTS.
The first settlement in this township, and, indeed, the first in Greene County, was made in the extreme southern part of the township, near what is now known as the village of Clio. It was here that the first white human habitation was built, and where the first page of the history of Greene County begins.
In the spring of the year 1796, George Wilson, Amos Wilson (two brothers), and Jacob Mills, came up from the neighborhood of Cincinnati, and located in the southwest part of section 4, town 3, range 5, about three-fourth miles east of Clio, on what is now known as the Gauze property. Here they built a temporary but about twelve feet square, without floor or chimney, which was intended as a temporary shelter for these men while they were engaged in clearing the land. They cleared about three acres near the hut, and planted it in corn, when they returned to the vicinity of Cincinnati to care for their harvest which they had there. In their absence, Daniel Wilson, another brother, came and settled just west of Clio, on the farm now owned by his grandson, Abner Wilson, being southwest part section 10, town 3, range 5. He cleared two acres of land, and got the logs ready for his cabin. In the fall of the same year, George and Amos Wilson, with another brother, John, returned to their former settlement, and immediately began to build their cabins. The first of these was built for Daniel Wilson, about sixty rods west of the village of Clio, on the farm as above described. Another was built for George, east of this, on the farm now owned by John James; another for Amos, just north, on the farm now owned by Thomas J. Brown. After the cabins were completed, they returned to their former homes for their families. George and Amos returned again with their families, to their new homes in the wilderness, in the latter part of the winter. Daniel did not arrive until the 3d day of March, 1797.
Soon after the Wilson brothers had settled, their father, John, came to visit them, and was so well pleased with the new settlement, that he concluded if the "boys" would build him a house,
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he would locate with them. The proposition was gladly accepted, and they immediately erected a two-story hewn-log house, with puncheon floor and quite an extensive fire-place, which took up the whole west end of the house. The house is now standing on the site of its first erection, about three-fourths of a mile east of Clio, southwest section 4 (3. 5), and is, no doubt, the oldest house now standing in this township, if not in the county, having been built in 1800-1.
John Wilson, sr., father of Daniel, George, Amos, and John, jr., was born in Pennsylvania, in the year 1738 or 1739, and came to this township about 1800, after the settlement had been made by his sons, as above mentioned. He had purchased the lands on which the settlement had been made from John Cleves Symmes. he (Wilson) was a delegate' to the convention, in 1802, which framed the first constitution of the State of Ohio. He attended as delegate from Hamilton County, to which this part of the country then belonged, as Greene County bad not then been organized.
Daniel Wilson, oldest son of John Wilson', was born April 21, 1759. He came to this township in the fall of 1796, and settled on the farm, as before mentioned, where he lived until 1811, when he removed to Montgomery County. he had four sons, John S., James, David, and Andrew.
George, Amos, and John Wilson, jr., all removed from the township at a very early period.
John Sutton Wilson, son of Daniel Wilson, was born in Pennsylvania, December 29, 1786, and died May 24, 1879. He had three sons, Samuel, Abner, and David. From the papers he has left behind him, we gather all that is known of the early settlement of this locality. IIe was a pious, conscientious mail, and has left, written in full, many of the hymns taught him by his mother, and which have never been printed. They were sung from memory by the early settlers in their religious worship, and thus handed down from generation to generation. Many incidents connected with early times, are found among these papers, but we regret that the want of space precludes the most of them from these pages.
James Brelsford came from Pennsylvania, in the year 1811, and purchased the Daniel Wilson farm, where he lived for the period of fifty years. He is remembered as one of the upright, substantial citizens of this locality. he had two sons and two daughters, John, William, Mrs. Jarvis Stokes, and Mrs. Jonathan Austin.
630 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
John Brelsford left no children. The descendants of William were Horace, James R. (Dr.), Samuel, John, Mary A., and Effie J.
Daniel Clark was the first minister of the gospel in this locality. He was a Baptist, "after the strictest order of his sect," preaching here as often as once every month. His salary was made up of whatever the settlers could give, and consisted mostly of deer hides, which were then considered a very acceptable legal-tender, and was the common material for clothing.
In the year 1802, James Carman, also a Baptist minister, settled on the George Wilson farm. He performed many of the marriage ceremonies of these times, receiving, in some cases, the then liberal fee of two dollars. he is remembered as a zealous and faithful minister.
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 propelled 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 intention was for a party to go after her, and have the ceremony performed at the old John Wilson house, but objections were made by the women, that the marriage license did not extend to the territory, 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.
During the war of 1812, General Johnson led a reinforcement of two thousand men, over this same route, to the aid of General Harrison. 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 nov 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). He 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 by 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-
632 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
grass, James Barrett, John McLain, 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. He built a cabin on the hill, just north of Washington Mills. He 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 acquainted 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 hone place. Samuel lived where Jesse now lives, while the other brothers removed from this locality.
James Snowden settled just northwest of Bellbrook, about 1799. He came from New Jersey, and built a cabin just north of the present residence of Henry Harman, being southeast of center of section 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. He had great aversion to riding, but once he was persuaded to take a horse, and on starting, it seemed he neglected to mount; but slipping 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. He 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, southeast 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 locality 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 liable 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, jest 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 defence 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 children. He denominated the members of the legislature who passed these laws, " a sett of dung-hill gods" from whom he prayed for "deliverance." He succeeded James Snowden as associate judge, in 1810. He lived to be eighty-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. IIe 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 cast of his cabin, which he operated until 1838, when he removed to Indiana, in which state he died.
634 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Silas Hale. [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 a clearing" 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 Berryhill 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 belied 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 east boundary of these lots was called East, and the west boundary 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,
636 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
it is supposed, the brook, Little Sugar, which skirts the eastern border 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 before 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 Franklin 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 H. 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 Sowards 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 blacksmiths, 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 organization of this kind now in operation here. It was first organized in 1874, and is now in hut 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 Hale, 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 Hon. 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 belonging to Samuel Elcook's hotel, which stood where the present stable now stands. This fire occurred in the night, and is remembered 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 Bellbrook, over which the same teacher presided. As before mentioned, 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.
638 - 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. Patterson, intermediate, and Jennie Parry, primary. The board of education was composed of John McClure, John M. Stake, and William Morris.
There are now eleven school districts throughout the township, all provided with good houses, and the means of furnishing education 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 representation 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 township 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 organization 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 commonly 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 Presbyterians Church (Bellbrook).-The present building was the first erected by this organization, in 1859, under the ministry of R. E. Stewart: after whose death, which occurred
SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. - 639
shortly after the erection of the new church building, J. B. Mesucceeded to the pastorate of this congregation, in which capacity he served for sixteen years, until 1878, when he was called 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 corner 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 Methodist 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. Sabbathschool meets in the afternoon of every Sabbath.
Methodist Protestant Church (Bellbrook).-The history of this organization 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, maintained 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.
640 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Among the ministers were Joshua Devore, John M. Young, Reuben 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, 0. S. (Bellbrook).-Was first organized in 1827 or 1828, by Revs. William Gray and Adrian Aten, the latter preaching one or two years; after him John S. Weaver for some three years; and the present minister, T. B, Atkins, now regularly holds serviecs every alternate Sabbath morning and evening. 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 congregation 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 Predestinarian Baptists.
The Christian Church (Sugar Creek).-This church building is situated southeast of Bellbrook, central part section 12 (3.5). It was first organized in 1835, by Elder George Owens, and was the 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. Amon the ministers were George Owens, Joseph Weeks, Peter McCullough, Thomas Brandon, A. L. McKinney, C. C. Phillips, Pete Banta, R. Brandon, C. T. Emmons, H. Y. Rush, B. F. Vaughn, an 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 present 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, Jonathan Davis and wife, Abraham Darst, Jacob Real, and others. They have Sabbath-school through the summer months, and regular 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 northeast of Bellbrook, was built, in 1832, by Samuel Lamme, with Resin Tucker and Thompson Vaughn, millwrights. The saw-mill was built by Jeremiah Gest, in 1838. These mills have run continuously 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, manufacturing 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 extensive excavation is now made, from which an endless supply of excellent building stone is now being taken.
642 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
CEMETERIES.
Many of the original religious organizations had their burialgrounds located near the church buildings; hence, in various localities throughout the township are found many of the almost deserted 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 respectable 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 repaired and beautified, until now they compare favorably in modern respectability.
INDIAN RELICS.
In the hills along the river, and indeed, throughout the township, in almost all the specially elevated points, relics 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 considerable 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 sitting posture was found, and evidently was that of an Indian about
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six feet high. These graves were buried under several wagon loads 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 described above, but none, we think, presenting more valuable information 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 Toni's career forever, he lost his eye-sight, becoming totally blind. He was then withdrawn from the track as worthless, 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 understand, 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
644 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
24 and 25, 1879, Tom taking the third, fourth and fifth mile heats in 2:16 1/2, 2:16, and 2:12 1/4, 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.