Breese, Griffith, Farm
a.k.a. Breeswood
2875 Fort Amanda Rd., Lima, OHBreesewood Farm is significant for its architecture and as the most intact residence and farm of an original white settler on Shawnee Indian lands following their forced removal in 1831-32. It is probably the most outstanding homestead in Allen County.
Many legends relate the early history of this farm with the Shawnee Hog Creek Reservation. Giffith Breese, born in Wales in 1790, came north from Paddys Run, a Welsh community in Butler County, Ohio, but did not become a part of the community being established in Sugar Creek, Putnam County. Histories report Giffith Breese lived in the Shawnee Council House until the sale of Reservation lands in 1833. Seven Indian cabins were on the land, evidently part of a Shawnee village. Mr. Breese first purchased these 80 acres in Section 10 and added tracts in other sections until he owned 1100 acres. Family stories tell of an Indian princess being buried on the land shortly before the march West. The Indians were said to have gathered and left this farm site. The grave reportedly was visited biannually by runners from Oklahoma until the site was inadvertently plowed by one of Griffith Breese's hired farmers.
The entire farm is being nominated because it represents the most intact pioneer farming homestead in this part of Allen County, and for its importance as a part of the Shawnee Reservation. Shawnee Township has become the most desirable suburban area in Allen County with high land values. Breesewood is surrounded by ranch homes on one or two acres, and two small malls and new condominiums are on nearby Shawnee Road. Stacks from Standard 011 and Vistron are visible to the northeast. In addition, the farm may have the potential for archaeological exploration or study. It is an important historic and architectural farm in Allen County and Northwest Ohio.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.