by Hanson, Lucinda Bundy.

See previous entry: Little Home Histories, Part 19 -- 'Kidnapped Doudna' Tradition.

The 'Old Brick House' was built in 1811 by William Hoagie.

This old brick house is believed to have been the first brick house built in Warren Township, Belmont County, Ohio. The date 1811 was cut in one of the black walnut joists over the second story at the top of the stairway. It was torn down in 1901.

This was located on the road now running past the Grange Hall just outside of Barnesville, Ohio. We would cross the creek, go up the hill, on the level for a little, then up another rise. There was an old double hollow walnut tree where an old blacksnake lived. In the hollow just before this rise the old brick house stood.

Before this was built, my grandmother's parents lived in a log house. After the oldest child, Ezekiel, was married and the others were older, grandmother's father Hodgin built this brick house. There was a loft over the kitchen. The only way to get to it was by a ladder off the porch. The kitchen was a lean-to. In the kitchen in the corner by the fireplace, there was a cook stove. There was a large fireplace in the living room.

Joel and Rebecca lived in this house until the board house at the top of the last above mentioned rise was built. My mother was born in this house. Joel and Rebecca's daughter Sarah and her husband Chalkley Bundy set up housekeeping in the old brick. These are my father and mother.

It has been said that Joel Doudna was known as "The Good Joel Doudna." He would loan to his neighbors and friends the things he needed for himself.

Rebecca E. Doudna Bundy, before she was married, lived with us a great deal and helped mother. She helped make apple butter in large kettles over the fire. There was a long stirrer which was a very long square stick. At right angles there was a stick that went down into the kettle. This enabled us to stir the butter while we were sitting down. My little sister was standing with her back to the fire, and Rebecca cautioned her to go away or the hot butter might pop onto her. She went away. I then went there, not thinking, and some hot butter splashed out onto my neck. Then Rebecca said she had not spoken to me because she thought I knew better. (I was about ten years old.)

My Mother died here in August, 1862.

Source: Written by: Lucinda Bundy Hanson, Richmond, Va., Feb. 12, 1942.

See next entry: Little Home Histories, Part 21 -- Historical Data Concerning Joel and Rebecca Doudna and Family: Spring.

For the table of contents and first entry in this series, please see: Little Home Histories, Part 01 -- Table of Contents and Introduction