USA > Alabama > Butler County > The history of Butler County, Alabama, from 1815 to 1885 > Part 5
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The first church was erected on a spot that is now inclosed in the limits of the old cemetery. It was in this small church that Parson James Dulaney expounded the Holy Scriptures to the colonists in his primitive style of delivery. All denominations in the vicinity used this house for some time, though it was generally considered to be Methodist. Religion and education were somewhat neglected for several years. The abso- lute necessities of every-day life had to be provided
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for, before mental and spiritual training could be taken into consideration.
The little town constantly received additional citizens from the older States; but, owing to the distance from the river and the inconvenience of transportation, she grew very slowly. Large teams were continually on the road to the land- ings on the Alabama River, carrying off the coun- try produce and hauling goods to Greenville in return. The transportation of news in these early
days was an item of great importance.
The
United States mail system was not so perfect then as it is now, and, in some counties in the State, there was no mail communication whatever. The enterprising people of Butler were not long in de- vising plans by which they could have their mail transmitted without much delay. Horse mail routes were soon established, the first one being from Montgomery to Mobile, and making weekly trips. The Federal Road, which passed through a large part of Butler County, and within five miles of Greenville, was the route. The mail was first carried by Ward Taylor, on horseback, and afterward in a one-horse wagon.
As civilization advanced, passengers needed transportation as well as letters; consequently, a stage line was established, which carried both mail and travelers between Mobile and Montgomery. Clute and Powell were the owners of this line for some time. Other mail and stage routes be- tween different points in the State were after-
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wards established for the convenience of the public.
The restless minds of the progressive citizens soon became dissatisfied with this slow transpor- tation by horse-power, and expressed a great desire for a more speedy transportarion of mail, passengers, and all kinds of freight. The earnest efforts of some of the most energetic business men of the State, resulted in turning this long stage line into the Mobile and Montgomery Railroad, the exact course of the route being necessarily changed to the shortest line between these points. This road passed diagonally across Butler County, and within the corporate limits of the town of Greenville. This little place was now a town of several hundred souls, and her progress had been greatly retarded for the want of a more convenient means of transportation.
The passage of this railroad gave new life to Greenville, and filled her streets with many per- sons in search of homes and occupation within the borders of the inland town. Carpenters and brick- layers were employed, houses sprang up as if by magic, and the future greatness of Greenville was considered certain. But, ah ! we are too fast. Be- fore the deafening whistle had announced the ar- rival of the first iron-horse at the station of Greenville, war had been declared between the States of the Union, and instead of building up, the town retrograted during the time of this great conflict between the Union men and the Confed-
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erates. A hospital was erected here as an asylum for the maimed soldiers, who had been wounded in defense of the Southern cause. Many of these unfortunate braves were nursed in this place by our noble, kind-hearted women, and some of them regained their strength sufficiently to re-enter the Confederate ranks; but a large number of them lingered, and died, and were buried beneath But- ler's sacred soil. Their lonely graves may be found in the old burial-ground below the old Crenshaw place, in the southwestern part of Greenville. The old hospital building still stands on the hill west of the depot, but is now used for tenant-houses, instead of a refuge for sick and wounded soldiers.
We will now go back and bring up the history of the schools and churches from the earliest times down to the present, leaving the progress of Greenville since the war for the latter part of this article. Let us first take up the churches.
The Holy Spirit knocks, and is forced to linger for some time, at the door of the colonist, before it finds an entrance into his rude apartments. The pioneer, who leads an easy, careless kind of life, filling his mind with heroic adventures, and caring more for hunting than for anything else, turns a deaf ear to the earnest pleadings of the evangelist, and forgets that this faithful adherent is teaching the sacred truths of the beloved Savior. From this fact, no churches were erected in Greenville for several years, and but few of the people con-
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fessed their belief in the teachings of the Holy Book.
The Presbyterians are supposed to have estab. lished a church here some time before 1830; there was, however, preaching by the Methodists and Baptists previous to this time. The lot on which the church was built, was given by William Kirk- patrick, in 1825. This church has never been a strong one in Greenville, though it has always had on its roll of membership some of the most influential persons in this vicinity. Her members have always stood up to the standard of the old orthodox Presbyterian Church, whose followers, as a rule, live more in accordance with the laws of the Church than any other denomination now in
existence. The pastors of this church have been the following highly esteemed servants of God: J. Bradshaw, James Stratton, E. O. Martin, S. McKee, D. Swift, Dr. Nall, James Nall, Robert Nall, Jr., George T. Petrie, Robert Keer, M. M. McCoy and John C. Duncan. The last-named gentleman has done a great deal to revive the cause here, and has managed to receive enough subscriptions from the members and friends of the church, to build a handsome brick structure as an earthly temple in which the generations to come can assemble and sing praises unto the Giver of all good and holy gifts.
Rev. Hanson Lee came into this part of God's vineyard in 1847, and held a series of meetings in the Presbyterian Church, which resulted in the
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conversion of many precious souls into tne Bap- tist faith of salvation. With this outpouring of God's Spirit among the people, this little band of Baptists has been increasing in strength, until to- day the membership of this church numbers over two hundred souls. Through the kindness of their liberal friends, the Baptists held their religious services in the Presbyterian Church, until they could build a church of their own, which they did in 1854. Prominent among those who assisted in this noble enterprise, were : J. Thames, H. Rudulph and Dr. T. M. Bragg. The names of the pastors of this church are: Revs. W. Keith, J. E. Bell, Dr. J. B. Hawthorne, N. Taylor, P. Lundy, Dr. B. Goodwin, B. H. Crumpton, T. W. Hart and C. P. Fountain. It is said, that the services of Mr. Crumpton, at this church, met with more success than those of any other pastor ever in charge of this gentle fold.
The Protestant Methodists claim to have estab- lished the first church in the vicinity of Green- ville. This denomination was never very strong here, and finally sold their lot to the Methodist Episcopal denomination, in 1872. These earnest Christians immediately went to work, and suc- ceeded in erecting the finest church ever built in Greenville. William H. Flowers, Joseph Steiner and W. W. Wilkinson opened their hearts and purses, contributing $1,000 each for the comple- tion of this handsome edifice, which will stand for many years as the sanctuary of God, in all its
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beauty and grandeur. This little flock, in the short space of thirteen years, has increased to two hundred and thirty-five members. The Confer- ence has sent the following reverend gentlemen to look after this fold : J. W. Glenn, Charles King, W. M. Motley, Josiah Barker, O. R. Blue, John Urquhart, W. J. Mangum, W. A. J. Briggs, W. M. Motley, Josiah Bancroft, Dr. R. H. Rivers, J. R. Peavy and A. J. Lamar.
The Episcopal Church was founded in 1860, by Rev. James Jarrett, of Montgomery, and its few followers served their Master for several years in the building that is now a part of the South Ala- bama Female Institute. In the course of time, however, this devoted rector succeeded in con- structing a building which bears the name of St. Thomas's Church. Soon after the completion of this church, Mr. Jarrett went to Florida, and left the parish under the protecting care of Rev. Dr. Benister, who was followed by Rev. James D. Porter. After the untimely death of this young minister, the church was for several years without a resident priest. Rev. George R. Upton is now serving the church to the great satisfaction of the parish.
There are also a few Primitive Baptists in Green- ville. Their church was erected in 1881, on a piece of land donated by Judge Samuel J. Bolling. Rev. E. L. Norris, who has been the pastor ever since the church was moved to Greenville, was
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very instrumental in the establishment and promo- tion of the primitive faith in this locality.
We have already taken up more space than was set apart for this article, but some remarks on the history of the schools of Greenville must be made. The South Alabama Institute is nothing more than the old Greenville Female School, es- tablished in 1846, by Thomas Herbert and his accomplished wife, Mrs. Dorothy Herbert; both of whom came from Laurens Court House, South Carolina, where they had been successfully engaged in teaching for a number of years. Some time after the war, Prof. J. Mack. Thigpen became the Principal of this school, and soon built it up to the reputation of a female seminary of learning. He was greatly assisted by Rev. B. H. Crumpton, who advertised the school thoroughly, and in- duced a great many persons to send their daugh- ters here. All those coming from a distance, were allowed to board in any of the private fami-
lies in the vicinity of the college buildings. In 1879, this institution was chartered, with the authority to confer certificates of graduation in the different branches taught in its curriculum. This school is indirectly under the control of a Board of Trustees, consisting of members of the Baptist Church, with the pastor of the Greenville Church as President of the Board. It has enrolled as many as 200 pupils during one session. Its prosperity has been gradually diminishing ever since Prof. J. M. Thigpen and Rev. B. H. Crump-
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ton severed their connection with it. Prof. Milton Park, of Texas, was Superintendent of this insti- tution, but remained in, charge of it for only one year, when he returned to Texas.
The Greenville Male High School was estab- lished through the instrumentality of Rev. B. H. Crumpton, about 1876. The principal teachers have been Professors M. M. McCoy, L. R. Gra- ham, B. H. Abrams, George W. Thigpen, W. R. Mustin, Thomas J. Howell and John C. Duncan. Prof. George W. Thigpen has been the Principal since 1878, and has now limited the number of pupils to thirty. This school was originally a branch of the South Alabama Institute, and under the control of the Baptist denomination.
The Greenville Collegiate Institute was founded by the late Colonel James H. Dunklin, and char- tered in 1872. This earnest educator was greatly assisted by Joseph Steiner and W. W. Wilkinson in this important enterprise. The first President elected by the Board of Trustees, was Colonel James H. Dunklin, followed by Prof. Dyer, Rev. Dr. Urquhart, Prof. M. E. Butt, Rev. R. S. Hol- comb, Prof. George D. Hughes, who died in the service of President. He was succeeded by Prof. J. W. Holmes, whose successor is Prof. S. P. Rice. The college is now in a flourishing condi- tion, and enjoys a more extended patronage than ever before.
We will now take up the history of Greenville after the war. Many of Greenville's wealthy and
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most influential citizens fell in the battles of this great conflict, but when the smoke had cleared away, the future size and importance of the town were clearly seen in the background. Houses were erected on every hand, persons moved in from all parts of the country, property rose in value, and, in 1870. the town had reached such dimensions as to require the services of a Mayor and other municipal officers to keep order in the thriving little city, now restless with progress. The State Legislature was accordingly petitioned to incor- porate Greenville as a city. A charter was granted by the Legislature, March 9, 1871, and ratified and accepted by the vote of the people on May 20, of the same year. John B. Lewis was elected the first Mayor of the city of Greenville.
Since this time, Greenville has continued to grow, both in population and in business, until to- day she claims 4,000 inhabitants in her vicinity, and an annual trade of $850,000. The authorities erected the City Hall and Market House in 1880, at the expense of the city. This commodious building cost the city $10,000, but is paying for itself in the way of fees collected for the use of it as a market and for other purposes.
In June, 1874, the young men of the city organ- ized a military company, which was given the name of the Greenville Light Guards, with D. B. Taylor as captain. The successors of Captain Taylor have been Captains H. M. Amerine, R. Y. Por-
MOSSENE CONTOMED
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, GREENVILLE.
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ter and Robert E. Steiner, the present excellent commander.
In August, 1884, another military company was organized, and is under the command of Captain A. Steinhart. This company was named the But- ler Rifles. Both of these organizations are excel- lent military companies, and rank high among the different companies of the Second Regiment of Alabama State Troops. The whole of Butler County, as well as Greenville, feel a just pride in their gallant soldiers, even in the happy times of peace, for the members of these companies are among the best young men of Greenville. Three cheers for Greenville's militia !
The authorities of the city have always striven to make all the improvements and changes that they thought would be most beneficial to the citi- zens. At different times they have improved her streets, sidewalks, etc., and have kept her treasury well guarded. They have now begun the boring of artesian wells, for the purpose of furnishing the city with an abundant supply of water. Notwith- standing all this, Greenville is financially in a very healthy condition, having a surplus of several thousand dollars in her treasury unexpended. As long as progress and internal improvement is her motto, the outlook for Greenville's future pros- perity is very promising.
The author regrets that he was unable to pro- cure a complete list of the councilmen and other officers of the city, from 1871 down to the present
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time. The list of Mayors, however, is about cor- rect.
COUNCIL FOR 1885.
Louis Harrell, ex-officio member of the Board and President.
J. C. Richardson, First Ward.
J. T. Perry, Second Ward.
J. M. Steiner, Third Ward. A. B. Dulin, Fourth Ward. P. N. Weatherly, Fifth Ward. LIST OF MAYORS.
1871-John B. Lewis.
1872-Alexander McKeller.
1873-A. B. Dulin.
1874-A. B. Dulin. 1875-S. B. Otts.
1876-John W. Mallett. 1877-L. M. Lane. 1878-J. F. Thames. 1879-J. F. Thames. 1880-Hiram Pierce. 1881-Louis Harrell. 1882-Hiram Pierce. 1883-Louis Harrell. 1884-Louis Harrell. 1885-Louis Harrell.
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CHAPTER XIV.
Greenville, 1885.
WE have just carried the reader briefly over the gradual development of this pleasant little city. We shall now turn our attention to the Greenville of the present day.
Her corporate limits are about two miles square, and her officers claim 4,000 inhabitants, the majority of whom are whites. In a business point of view, she is generally considered the most important point on the Louisville and Nash- ville Railroad between Mobile and Montgomery, receiving more freight, and shipping more cotton and other produce.
The amount of trade carried on here can be estimated, and its character and quality deter- mined, by the number and variety of stores, which may be classed thus: fifteen dry goods and grocery stores, four dealing in drugs, one in books and stationery, eight in family groceries, two in furniture, two in jewelry, four in hardware, three in notions, ten in confectioneries, and two in tinware. There are also three well-kept livery and feed stables, six warehouses for weighing and storing cotton, three gun-shops, two excellent car- riage shops, two shops for the manufacture of bri- dles and saddles and all kinds of harness, two shops for making tinware, several good blacksmith and
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shoe-shops, eight liquor and billiard saloons, one poor-house, three bakeries, five millinery stores, etc. The names of the most important firms are: D. G. Dunklin & Co., H. Z. Wilkinson & Co., A. G. Winkler, Flexner & Lichten, Charles Neuman, Drum & Ezekiel, Steiner Bros. & Co., Long & Greenhut, Wimberly & Co., J. T. Perry & Co., A. Steinhart, Weatherly & Barrow, Payne & Burnett, Beeland & Co., and J. K. Seale. The only bank- ing house here is owned by Joseph Steiner & Sons. H. Z. Wilkinson & Co. carry on some banking business, but do not keep a regular ex- change.
The travelers stopping here have the privilege of choosing between three well-kept hotels-the Perry House, at the depot; the Holzer House, about the center of the business part of town, and the City Hotel, near the court-house. Persons so desiring can procure very good board at private boarding-houses at reasonable rates.
The people belong to nearly all the religious denominations found in Southern cities. The whites have five churches- Methodist, Mission- ary Baptist, Primitive Baptist, Presbyterian and Episcopalian. The Methodists and Presbyterians have very durable brick churches; the other de- nominations have neat frame buildings, suffi- ciently large for their present congregations. The colored people have four churches, all of which are made of wood.
The children and young people of Greenville
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enjoy the advantage of receiving instruction from any of the following schools: The Greenville Col- legiate Institute, governed by a Board of Trustees appointed from members of the Methodist Church, and directly under the management of Professor S. P. Rice, male and female; the South Alabama Female Institute, now under the supervision of Mrs. M. E. Garrett, who is assisted by several com- petent teachers ; the Greenville Male High School, with Professor George W. Thigpen as principal ; the Butler High School, for boys and girls, with Professor E. L. Norris as principal; the Home School, taught by the Misses Farrior. There are a few other schools taught in private families. Besides these, the State and county pay for the teaching of a public school, free of tuition. Green- ville could be made a great educational center, as it is healthful, conveniently located, with a favor- able climate and a refined society.
The health reports from the Medical Board of the county show that Greenville is the most healthy city of its size in the cotton belt. Within three miles of the court-house are situated the celebrated Roper Wells, whose waters, upon an- alysis, are found to be very valuable for medical purposes. Water is shipped from these wells to all parts of the United States. Five miles west of the city are found the Reddock Springs, noted for their healing properties in cases of dyspepsia, dropsy, consumption, etc. Within the limits of the city the water is freestone, of the very best
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quality, and is found about forty feet from the surface of the earth. An artesian well is now be- ing bored, and when completed will furnish the city with an abundance of water for all uses.
The city is governed by a Board of Councilmen, elected by the citizens, and the laws are enforced by a mayor, as chief executive officer, assisted by a marshal and several police officers. By this means the people have perfect order, and enjoy all the privileges of city life. The city owns the two-story brick building called the City Hall, which is located near the center of the city. The basement of this building is rented and used as a market-house; the second floor is used as the ar- mory for the Greenville Light Guards, and for theatrical performances, balls, etc. All the rev- enue collected from the use of this building is turned into the city treasury.
Greenville has twelve pleaders at the bar, whose persuasive powers make them rank high in their noble profession, and no citizen need fear that he will not get his deserts in this locality, for these followers of Blackstone are ever ready to prose- cute or defend those who may happen to be in need of their assistance and counsel. Those in need of medical advice have the privilege of nam- ing one of eight skilled physicians, who are ever ready and willing to prescribe, to the best of their ability. Greenville is not wanting in the dental profession. Three of these happy relievers of human pain hang their signs in conspicuous
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places in her streets, and inform the public that all work in their line will receive prompt and careful attention.
The Greenville Advocate, the only paper printed in the county, is issued here, and employs a large number of men to do different kinds of work.
From what has been said, we see that nearly every profession and trade is represented in Greenville, so that no one need go from her salu- brious shades in search of employment, for no city of the same size and importance has so great a diversity of work as the county-site of Butler.
The private residences here are mostly neat, comfortable and substantial structures, of the cot- tage order of architecture, and are especially adapted to this locality and climate. But few are found of the palatial order. All, however, impress the observer with the fact that they are constructed in accordance with the most ap- proved patterns of modern workmanship, and are built both for their beauty of design and for the great convenience of those who occupy them.
The society of Greenville is marked by hon- esty, morality and intelligence, and will com- pare favorably in culture with that of any other city of the same size in Alabama. Since the late war, the higher circles are not controlled by the so-called aristocrats, and any person who is honest and worthy of respect is now permitted to enter the social circles without further restrictions.
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CHAPTER XV.
Ridgeville.
THIS place was once the center of civilization and culture in Butler County, but is now inhab- ited almost entirely by the American citizen of African descent. A high ridge of drift soil, with Cedar Creek on the north and Wolf Creek on the south, extends from Manningham about eight miles west, and this Ridge is the dividing line of the black prairie land in the county from the com- mon sandy land. This situation attracted the at- tention of many of the earliest settlers, who erected stately mansions upon this elevated locality, and enjoyed the healthful properties of the pure free- stone water that poured forth in abundance from the sides of the Ridge. This situation allowed the planters to live on the healthy Ridge and farm in the sickly swamps of Cedar Creek. As farming was the principal occupation, and as this was on the edge of the best farming land in the county, many of these planters soon accumulated wealth, and became the leading men in Butler County, both in culture and politics. Each farmer owned from twenty to sixty slaves, as much rich land as he cared to cultivate, and a fine buggy and car- riage, drawn by fat, sleek horses. But the Ridge has been considerably affected by the late war,
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and now appears to be deserted, as far as wealth and culture is concerned. Who would have proph- esied this state of things in 1850? No one knows to-day what changes the morrow's sun may bring. The Ridge was first permanently settled about 1819. The following is a'list of the early settlers, as far as is known, with the names of the places settled : Adam Livingston settled the place now known as the George Lewis old place, in 1820; he sold out, and located the John B. Lewis place; Matherson Patton, the Watts place; John and Dave Griffit, the Caldwell place. William Drake entered the land at the foot of the Ridge, now owned by Captain Ira Traweek. Drake sold to Thomas Hays in 1822. The same year, Jack Womack built a house on the place now owned by Dr. C. J. Knight. Andy Tarver entered the place now occupied by Mrs. M. A. Thompson. He killed a negro in 1822, and was forced to leave the State, giving his place to his brother, who soon sold it to Jesse Womack. The latter traded it to Thomas Hays, about 1830. The first store started on the Ridge, about 1822, was owned by James Earnest, and was at the place now known as the Lewis Womack place. There was a post- office at the store at that time, and the store was known as the old stand. This was a general dis- tributing point of the mail for the western and northern part of the county. This store and post- office was moved down the Ridge to the Caldwell place, and called Ridgeville. It was in 1835 re-
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