Tate Township Cemetery (Bethel)

 cemetery, abolitionist

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This cemetery contains the burial sites of Bethel’s four most active members of the Underground Railroad. The individuals: Benjamin Rice, Richard Mace, Dr. William E. Thompson and Rev. Silas Chase, MD were all members of the Sugar Tree Wesleyan Church. Benjamin Rice (1814-1893), a Tate Township carpenter, often conducted slaves from Felicity to Bethel. Rice, frequently assisted by Richard Mace (1803-1894), transported slaves in a wagon with a false bottom, hauling oats as a cover. Dr. William E. Thompson (1835-1940), who had a medical practice in Bethel, became involved in the Underground Railroad as a teenager. Rev. Silas Chase, MD (1813-1864) was also a medical doctor with an office in Bethel. He founded the Sugar Tree Wesleyan Church in 1845, the first Wesleyan church in Clermont County. Chase was a member of the organizing committee of the great anti-slavery convention held in Cincinnati in 1850. (East St., Bethel - “between Cherry St. & Denham St.”)