Jefferson Township near Greer in Knox County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Southern Cross Windmill
Photographed by Craig Doda, July 26, 2025
1. Southern Cross Windmill Marker
Inscription.
Southern Cross Windmill. . The origin of windmills has been lost in antiquity. We do know that windmills began to be used widely in Europe in the 12th century. They continued to be used in great numbers, especially in the Low Countries, until the development of steam power in the 18th century. Windmills in America became immensely popular in the 1890's, but the rapid advance of rural electrification during the 1930's eliminated most of them. Most of those remaining are used to water livestock in remote areas. Other uses: to keep ponds full of fresh water, by the Amish on their farms, and for ornamental and business landmarks., This windmill with its 8-foot diameter wheel-rises 40 feet. It was made in South Africa by the Southern Cross Co., the oldest windmill manufacturer in the world. Ken and Sharen O'Brock of North Benton, Ohio erected it at the end of the 20th century.
The origin of windmills has been lost in antiquity. We do know that windmills began to be used widely in Europe in the 12th century. They continued to be used in great numbers, especially in the Low Countries, until the development of steam power in the 18th century. Windmills in America became immensely popular in the 1890's, but the rapid advance of rural electrification during the 1930's eliminated most of them. Most of those remaining are used to water livestock in remote areas. Other uses: to keep ponds full of fresh water, by the Amish on their farms, and for ornamental and business landmarks.
This windmill with its 8-foot diameter wheel-rises 40 feet. It was made in South Africa by the Southern Cross Co., the oldest windmill manufacturer in the world. Ken and Sharen O'Brock of North Benton, Ohio erected it at the end of the 20th century.
Erected 2000.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Man-Made Features. In addition, it is included in the Windmills series list.
Location. 40° 33.112′ N, 82° 12.028′ W.
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Marker is near Greer, Ohio, in Knox County. It is in Jefferson Township. It is at the intersection of Walley Road (County Route 360) and Vess Road (County Route 357), on the right when traveling north on Walley Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 21296 Township Rd 360, Glenmont OH 44628, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Amish Country. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 106 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on August 12, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
