BELLBROOK — John M. Stake was born in 1801 in Washington County, Md., he was one of 12 children. He apprenticed as a cabinet maker in Pennsylvania and then came to Ohio in 1838. He established his business in Bellbrook where he continued making furniture. He extended his cabinet making business to include a general furniture factory which became known as John M. Stake and Son after his son came into the business. Mr. Stake also became the local undertaker, a business which also involved his son.