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Miscellaneous Facts
The first blacksmith in the township was Peter Kieffer, who
erected a shop on his own land, one mile west of Pocohontas, in
1806. The shop was burned in 1856(?)
The first distillery in the township was erected in 1792 by
Peter Deal, an early settler, and his sons. There have been no
distilleries operating in Greenville for many years.
The first sawmill was erected on the present farm of Jacob P.
Miller, by John Klink. At present there have been three steam
sawmills in operation in the township. They are owned by the Beck
brothers, Rosenberger Brothers and Jacob P. Miller.
Religious History
Greenville Reformed church was organized by Rev. D. H.
Kieffer, probably in 1820. Among the original members were Elder
Christian Lint and wife, Deacon Jacob Lint, John Lint and wife,
Peter Engle and Jacob Garlitz. The pastors have been:
Rev. D.H. Kieffer, 1825
Rev. H.E.F. Voight, 1827-8
Rev. H.G. Ibbeken, 1836-41
Rev. Benjamin Knepper, 1846-74
Rev. L.D. Steckel, 1874-81
Rev. J.M. Schick, 1881-1896
From it's organization the congregation worshipped in an old
log church and schoolhouse, now burned down. The present house of
worship was erected in 1848 at the cost of $100. Present number
of members is 106. Sabbath School scholars is 80.
Source: History of Bedford and Somerset County, by William H. Welfley, 1906, 3 volumes, 1802pp.
Church History
The first church in the township was erected by the citizens
as a union-meeting house about 1810, and was principally occupied
by the Presbyterians and the Lutherans. It was also used as a
school house. The old building stood about 1 1/2 mile northwest
of Pocohontas. It was of logs and the shingles were fastened on
by means of wooden pins driven into holes made with a gimlet.
Probably the first preacher was Rev. Hunger, who preached in
the farmhouse of Peter Deal. There are at present two church
edifices in the township - one owned by the Reformed and
Lutherans and the other by the German Baptist Brethren. The
Reformed and Lutheran church was erected in 1848 at the cost of
$1200, on land presented to the congregation by Jacob Deal.
The Brethren church was erected in 1855 on a lot given by
George Clingaman (Klingaman). The cost of this house was $400.
The present minister is Rev. E. K. Hostetler. This is a branch of
the Meyersdale Church.
Towns in Greenville
Pocohontas, the only collection of houses in Greenville
township, was laid out about 1845 by Samuel M. Heller, surveyor,
on land then owned by Daniel Yutzy. The place at present contains
one hotel, one store, one blacksmith shop and one carpenters
shop.
Charles Miller built the first house in Pocohontas in 1843. It
was a log building and was kept as a hotel. It burned down in
1875, and Mr. A.J. Stoner has erected a fine dwelling house upon
it's site.
Jacob Lint and Gabriel Miller built the first store about
1852. The building was burned in 1875, and in 1876 Frederick Durr
erected his hotel upon the same site.
The post office at Pocohontas was established about 1851. The
postmasters have been B.J. Joder, A.J. Stoner, Solomon Houtzel,
and Sallie Houtzel.
Source: History of Bedford and Somerset County, by William H. Welfley, 1906, 3 volumes, 1802pp.
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