On Bear Creek, near Rome, Perry County, IN. Rev. Moot, a German Methodist minister, began preaching about 1838. He soon secured a small class, the leading families being those of Jacob Muller, Fred Warner, the Blocks. A log church was built quite early. Rev. Bush was an early pastor. William Small, Julius Helwith, August Small, Mr. Hatliff and others, belonged with their families.
Rev. Helker succeeded Bush, and Henry Lookemyer took charge next, and organized a class on Oil Creek in about 1855. The Bear Creek Society, though small, is yet in existence in 1915. The Oil Creek Society, organized about 1855, had among its first members the families of Ernst Winter, Daniel Keilman, Jacob Keilman. John Ruhl, John Bengle, John Kisley, Mr. Masener, Mr. Schmitley, Mr. Keiser and others. A log church was built before the war. The Bear Creek Society later built a new frame church.
1861 plat map of Tobin Township
History, Genealogy, Early Settlers and Historical Points of Interest in Perry County, Indiana
