William Johnson owned the land that this covered bridge was built on. Frederick Welshheimer had a still-house located nearby on the Johnson's property. In the 1800's, old fashioned copper stills were common in Fairfield County.

August Borneman was a popular and versatile bridge builder. Unlike other contractors, Borneman would use any truss that the customer requested. However, he preferred the Howe Truss. Trademarks of Borneman's Howe Truss Bridges are iron blocks along the lower cords and iron sway bracing along the roof. In 1882, he built a massive 472 foot bridge over the Walhonding River. Borneman later founded the Hocking Valley Bridge Works.