History of Sato Church

Excepts from the History of Sato Church, by Betty Ditzler Duetch:

The first coal mine was started in 1886 by a Mr. Bryden. Located at foot of the "Big Hill", just north of T. A. Nisbet's residence, known as Mine #1. Bryden coal Company sunk other shafts later, #5 being a well known mine. Other coal companies began to secure leases and open up mines. The Sato Coal and Mining company had a large mine, just a short distance south-east of Mrs. Mary Morgan's home, known as the Syndicate, and the Willis Coal and Mining company had a mine over beyond Bryden. (I remember a shaft just east of the Sato crossroads a short way and north of the road). Bryden was a small junction town on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad about two miles south-east of Sato. From this junction the railroad switch was built into Sato, the track coming up from the south-easterly direction, around the "Big Hill", into the various mines. Frank Grissom set up a general store in 1887 on KILLION HILL. Sold to T. A. Henson. Mr. Hack from Vergennes set up one, also sold to Mr. Henson. Later, Mr. Dempster opened a large store near the present school building. (possibly remembered as the Lodge Hall). Perkins Blacksmith north-east of crossroads. Lewis Killion operated another one on the Killion Hill, left to him by his uncle Silas Killion. A hotel and boarding houses also were operated. Known as "Greasy Row", it consisted of four saloons (one being the Blue Goose), a dance hall and a calaboose (jail). This area may have been known as Gasville.

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