Oberlin College Athletics

Josiah Harlow Bellows entered Oberlin in 1874 as a student in the preparatory. He was classed as a freshman in 1877 and graduated in 1881 with a bachelor of arts degree. Bellows was a member of Oberlin College's first varsity nine and was a founding member of the Yeomen baseball program along with Moses "Fleetwood" Walker. Josiah was a star catcher for the program. After graduating from Oberlin, Bellows went on to teach school for a year. From 1882 to 1889 he practiced law and engaged in a loan and real estate business in his place of birth , Weeping Water, Nebraska. Beginning in 1891 he conducted a real estate business in Toldeo, Ohio, which was responsible for the development of areas such as Farmington and many other suburbs of Toledo. Bellows then proceeded to show interest in the promotion of Catawba Cliffs as a summer residential colony. During the commencement ceremonies of 1934, Bellows, along with two other Oberlin alumni of his time, received "letters" for their participation on the athletic teams of their day.