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Milltown Elm
Six-hundred year-old elm tree located on the banks of Dana’s Run.
Early settlers and Indian tribes embedded relics in the tree remain as proof of their visitation.
By Myrtle Davis Nott
At Milltown on the banks of Dana’s Run, a stately old elm tree, sometimes referred to as the “tree that owns itself,” has been regarded by many as the oldest, largest and most unique elm tree known to man.
Charles Wing, a Mechanicsburg tree surgeon in the late 1931’s judged the tree to be approximately six-hundred years old and third largest in the United States. The Rathbone elm in Marietta, and a tree in Connecticut were first and second in size. Since then the Rathbone elm has been removed and the eastern one has perhaps disappeared from mother nature. Now, the oldest and largest elm has fallen. Its measurements were 27 ft. in circumference and 9 ft. in diameter.
The tree is unique in that it has been protected through the years by a deed and financial provision for its maintenance.
This humble contract made nearly a century ago tells an interesting story.
“Sold to W. C. Greenwood al large stately elm tree. Standing in the East Bank of the Creek and about 12 rods east of my Store. Said tree is never to be disturbed, defaced, mutilated, or in any way despoiled of its beauty and grandeur so long as it lives as Mother Earth with nature it.”
Milltown, June 19th, 1879
Signed M. Rea
Marcellus (Mac) Rea who made the sale to W. C. Greenwood, grandfather of William (Bill) greenwood, present owner of Greenwood Farm, attached great sentimental value to the old legend; he and his sweetheart were engaged under this tree. Therefore, he wished to insure its preservation.
In later years his son Junius Greenwood, carrying out his father’s tradition, supposedly was married under the branches of this beautiful giant elm.
The deed was written in pencil on a shoebox top; no money was given.
The tree is on the Patrick Blake property who bought it from Lydia Rea, who succeeded M. Rea as owner of the Milltown property.
The Ashland Kentucky Tree Cutters filled the old elm tree. A huge stump remains as a landmark.
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