USA > Illinois > Greene County > History of Greene and Jersey Counties, Illinois : together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of representative men, History of Illinois > Part 107
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In 1837 or 1838, Joseph Atterbury built a small cabin on the site of the pres- ent Tremont House, but a year or so afterwards disposed of it to George W. Allen. As this building and site has long been used for hotel purposes in Greenfield, it is noticed at length fur- ther on, under the caption of hotels.
June, 1838, has been rendered mem- orable for the most terrible and destruc- tive hail storm ever witnessed in the history of this region. Swine, sheep and fowls without number were killed,
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
buildings badly damaged, and many other injuries done in the sudden de- scent of these aerial missiles, some six of which weighed, the following day, seven pounds and two ounces, while others were found to measure 17 and 18 inches in circumference.
In Febuary following this avalanche from the heavens, Joseph Hartsook, the pioncer carpenter and cabinet maker, originally from Virginia, made his ap- pearance with his family, and occupied for a season a small residence on the northwest corner of the public square. A residence for Dr. M. A. Cooper was about the first dwelling he erected, in 1840. To furnish himself with lumber for contracts, he also constructed the first whip-saw machine used in this place, which rendered good services for several years. Messrs. Woolley, Speaks & Heaton were immediate successors in this vocation.
During the year 1844, Norman C. Woolley, James Hall and Isaac R. Ostrom came, the latter locating upon land half a mile west of town. But not confining his attention strictly to agri- cultural pursuits, he soon afterward constructed the first circular saw-mill in this vicinity, a valuable accession to the industries at this point, furnishing as it did a sufficiency of all the lumber that could be manufactured. Super- added to this, Joseph Hartsook and Edwin Johnson put in operation the same year, 1845, the first turning lathe for the manufacture of bedsteads, etc. Under the operation of these increased facilities for manufacture, the incipient village wore the appearance of greater vitality and prosperity. But the latter firm did not operate their enterprise
long, for within the same year they transferred their interest in it to N. C. Woolley and William Speaks, who, as already noted, succeeded Mr. Hartsook as carpenters and cabinet makers, and who turned it to great practical utility in the prosecution of their business in these directions. As an evidence of this it may here be stated that the new firm built, or aided in building, most of the structures which were erected here from 1846 to 1852. Notably among them were Sheffield's first residence, the early palace of the town, Booker's house, Wilhite's frame store, Edwin Woolley's old home, the Temperance hall, Mr. Wahl's residence, the old seminary, the Union church, alias the town hall, Pro- fessor Wilder's dwelling, etc. After continuing a few years, this firm dis- solved, each going in the direction of his inelination and interests.
With the foregoing, the pioneer days of the town of Greenfield may be con- sidered to have passed away. Still, their names are legion who settled at a later date, and who have been promi- nent in the history of the growth and development of the place, and it would be unjust and improper to ignore these strides forward by an advanced state of civilization; therefore we append a care- fully prepared review of Greenfield to- day and its
PRESENT BUSINESS.
One of the leading establishments in Greenfield is the dry goods store of J. H. Rives, which commenced business, May 13, 1882, in a building erected for the purpose.
The dry goods house now operated by Metcalf & Smith, was established, in 1879, by E. P. Metcalf. Two years
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
later the firm became Metealt & Wood- cock, but in 1883, the latter gentleman retired, leaving Mr. Metcalf to run the place alone, which he did until Jan. 1, 1885, when the present firm was formed.
John F. Collins, after leaving the army, where he served as 1st lieutenant, on Jan. 1, 1865, formed a copartnership with E. Woolley, under the firm name of Woolley & Collins, and buying the stock of Cooper & Kinkead, did a busi- ness of about $20,000 a year for three years, dealing in dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes, etc. On the 1st of Jan., 1867, he sold his interest to E. L. Cooper, and retired.
John F. Collins, dealer in dry goods, clothing, ete., commenced buriness in May, 1867, at this point, in connection with G. T. W. Sheffield, under the firm name of Sheffield & Collins. This part- nership endured until 1874, when Jasper Johnson succeeded Mr. Sheffield. Un- der the firm name of Collins & Johnson, the business was transacted until Sept., 1876, when Mr. Collins purchased the interest of Mr. Johnson.
J. B. Brodmarkle, dealer in general hardware, farm machinery, etc., com- meneed this business by putting in a stock of agricultural implements, in connection with his blacksmithing busi- ness. In Jan., 1871, he added hard- ware, all of which lines he carried on until Jan., 1882, when he gave up his labors at the forge, giving his attention to his other business, in which he has secured a liberal patronage.
John B. Brodmarkle, one of the busi- iness men of Greenfield, was born April 2, 1836, in Alleghany county, Md., his parents being John and Ellen (Beall) Brodmarkle. His father was born in
Alleghany county, Md., Jan. 18, 1804, and was of German extraction. His mother was born at the same place, in 1811, and was of Scotch descent. His grandfather was a soldier in the British army, and settled in Maryland, where he died. In 1839, his father left Mary- land for Illinois, and on arriving here, settled in what is now Wrights township, where he resided until 1848, when he went to Scott county, remaining there until the spring of 1850. He then de- cided to go to California, but only went as far as St. Joseph, Mo., and while making the return trip to Greene coun- ty, was drowned while crossing the Mississippi, at St. Louis, Dec. 25, 1850. His wife had died Jan. 18, 1842. They raised a family of three children, of whom John B. was the second. He grew to manhood in this county, receiv- ing a common school education. He learned the trade of blacksmithing, which he followed until 1882. March 25, 1858, he was married to Eliza Lee, born in Monroe county, 111., Dec. 21, 1840. By this union there are three children-J. Ed, born Jan. 29, 1860; Liz- zie Lea, born Jan. 30, 1865; Ellen Love, born June 26, 1871. J. Ed received his education at the Greenfield high school, and during the year 1878, he took Horace Greeley's advice and went west, locating in Kansas. He, however, re- turned to the parental roof after a period of two years. In 1881, he engaged in business with his father, where he still continues. On the 28th of Oct., 1885, J. Ed Brodmarkle, of Greenfield, and Mae Worcester were united in marriage, at the residence of her father, F. A. Worcester, of Apple Creek Prairie, the ceremony being performed by Rev. D.
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
R. Thompson, of White Ilall. Mr. Brodmarkle, Jr., is a charter member of the K. of P. lodge, and is a member of the orchestra and band here. Lizzie Lea is a graduate of 1883, from the city high school, and is now occupying a position as teacher in that school, this being her second terni. Mr. and Mrs. Brodmarkle are members in good stand- ing of the M. E. church. Mr. Brod- markle is now engaged in the gen- cral hardware and machinery busi- ness, mentioned above. In politics he is a republican, and he has held positions of trust both in the township and city. He is a member in good standing of both the Masonic and I. O. O. F. societies. Mr. Brodmarkle is one of Greenfield's most enterprising citizens, and takes an interest in every- thing which he deems beneficial to the city, or community residing therein, and is an energetic and prosperous busi- ness gentleman.
The hardware firm of Callaway & Metcalf commenced business Jan. 1, 1881, under the name and style of Cal- laway, Metcalf & Woolley, which was composed of J. T. Callaway, E. K. Met- calf and N. C. Woolley. They remained in partnership until Jan. 1, 1884, when Mr. Woolley disposed of his interest to his partners, and the firm became Calla- way & Metcalf, which it has since re- mained. They are also the agents for the U. S. Express Company, which agency was established here in 1883.
The hardware, stove and tinware es- tablishment of Jackson Drennan was purchased by him in 1865, at the close of the war, and has been run by him ever since.
Piper & Woolley deal in hardware,
groceries, queensware, cte. In 1877, John W. Piper commenced this business and ran it alone until April 1, 1879, when he removed his stock to a new lo- cation and admitted his brother, Benja- min F., as a partner. The latter was in the grocery business, and thus the stocks were united. January 1, 1882, Emmet D. Woolley purchased the in- terest of B. F., and the present firm was formed.
G. B. Metcalf, dealer in groceries, etc., commenced business in May, 1871, in a frame building on the south side of the public square, built for the purpose, in company with W. T. Saxton. They put in a stock of groceries, Mr. Metcalf owning the building. They remained in partnership until Oct. 2, 1872, when C. H. Hammott purchased the interest of Saxton. After about three years, R. L. Metcalf purchased a half interest, but two years after sold to his brother, E. K. Metcalf. This firm remained in business until 1880, when G. B. Metcalf purchased an interest in the business, which he has operated ever since. In the summer of 1882, Mr. Metcalf moved the old building and erected a fine brick building, 18x90 feet in size, into which he moved. The two other store rooms were built at the same time, making a very handsome block. These were built by Belknap & Metcalf, dry goods, and J. Reeves, also dry goods.
The grocery house of Secor & Cato is also a representative of that line of trade in this place.
J. Howard Gray, dealer in drugs, books and jewelry, established this place in 1859, and has continued the business ever since. His salesroom is 20x104 feet in size.
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Cooper & Weisner commeneed the drug business on the southeast corner of the square in February, 1883. In Feb- ruary, 1885, they removed to their pres- ent quarters. The firm is composed of John M. Cooper and Thomas A. Weis- ner.
The clothing house of Wilbert P. En- nis was established in October, 1875, in a building owned by Charles Wahl, where he remained until 1880, when he purchased a lot on the east side of the square and erected his present brick building. Mr. Ennis has remained alone in business ever since his estab- lishment here, except one year when L. E. Cunningham was associated with him. He also earries on the merchant tailor- ing business.
In 1874 Mapes & Burke built a plan- ing mill here 60 feet square, which they ran for about two years, when it prov- ing not lucrative, they removed the ma- chinery, and abandoned the business. The building was afterwards used for a eider mill and for a cooper shop, but is now vacant.
The boot and shoe house of T. N. Knudson, was established by C. H. Schreiner, in 1865. In 1879, the pres- ent proprietor came into possession.
The pioneer lumber yard, in Green- field, was instituted by Edwin Gris- wold, in 1870. Those who have since been in this line of trade, are: Lemas- ter & James, Williams, King, VanArs- dale & Gray, and C. J. Edwards.
There are at present, two lumber vards here, one operated by J. H. Entre- kin, successor to G. G. Edwards, who purchased the business in Mareh, 1885; and one owned and controlled by Rich- ard Simms, who commenced business
in May, 1875, in company with his brother, C. H., under the firm name of Simmons Bros. This terminated in 1879, Richard buying the interest of his brother.
The first blacksmith in this section of country was Robert McKnight, one of the early settlers of the township, who now resides in Macoupin county .
GRAIN WAREHOUSES.
During the summer of 1870, the rail- road having been completed, three grain warehouses were erected. One by Greer & Eekus, which was 24x60 feet in ground area, which has since been destroyed by fire; one by Nulton & Davis, 26x72 feet in size, and which is now operated by W. S. G. Allen; and one by Allen & Ilaven, 30x60, now owned by G. W. Piper. The first grain bought and shipped, was by Greer & Eckus. The present representatives of this business are: W. S. G. Allene and John Wahl, Jr. Each warehouse ships about 100 car loads annually.
BANKS.
The banking establishment of Shef- field & Co., was established in the fall of 1875, by Skilling, Sheffield & Co., with a capital of $10,000. Under this firm name it was run until 1874 or 1875, when the present firm was formed, buy- ing out the other interests. It now has a capital and surplus, of over $20,000. The first offieers of the bank were-Dr. David Skilling, president; J. R. Shef- field, eashier.
The banking house of Metealf & Johnson was established Jan. 1, 1884, in a briek building, built especially for the purpose. Their individual responsi-
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
bility will foot up in the neighborhood of 880,000. Ralph Metealf, the cashier, has held this responsible position ever sinee the bank started.
POSTOFFICE.
The postofliee was established in 1835, at this point, and George W. Allen commissioned as postmaster. This office he held until 1850. He was sue- eeeded by James B. Carter, who held it until 1853. E. M. Gilmore, from 1853 to 1858 was the next postmaster. He was followed by G. W. Coonrod, who served until 1861, when he was succeeded by J. H. Gray, who held the office until 1870. E. A. Belknap was appointed in September of the latter year, but resigned Feb. 4, 1871, and was followed by T. A. Weisner, who served until July, 1875, when he gave place to W. M. Ward, who was postmaster until 1883. V. H. Haven became the eus- todian of the mail in July, 1883, and served until Aug., 1885, when Harriet E. Cooper, the present incumbent, assumed the duties of the office. It was made a money order offiee in July, 1872.
The first postal note was issued from the Greenfield postoffice, on Sept. 3d, 1883. It was drawn on St. Louis, and was for 75 eents.
HOTELS.
The site now oeeupied by the Tremont house has long been used for hotel pur- poses. As early as 1837 or 1838, a small log cabin was erected thereon by Iseph Atterberry, who transferred it to George W. Allen, a year or so after- ward, through whom William Brown obtained it, only to oeeupy it a short term, when he in turn sold out to the late William A. Secor, who, moving
back the eabin for an L, put up a larger structure in front, in which he continued to live for many years. In 1857 or 1858 he employed Messrs. Drake & Stoek, at an expense of about $3,000, to transform it into the eentral structure of the Green- field hotel. This was further improved in 1875, and transferred by the Secor heirs to B. B. Bartholomew, who made the addition of a large L, and otherwise improved it. Some time afterward O. R. Southworth came into possession of the business, and at the time of the de- structive conflagration, May 2, 1873, the building was eonsumed, being a total loss to its owner. Notwithstanding this, however, Mr. Southworth immediately began the ereetion of the present fine briek hotel building, which was com- pleted the following fall at a cost of about $3,500. He continued to operate it until August, 1884, when it was dis- posed of to W. H. Wylder, the present owner. At that time Benjamin U. Bass- ham leased the building, and still eon- tinues in the eapaeity of landlord. The Tremont house, as it is called, is a large, two story briek building, well appointed and furnished throughout, and contains some twelve sleeping apartments, in addition to parlors, dining room, office, ete.
The Bassham house was eommeneed in the summer of 1875, by B. U. Bass- ham, the present proprietor. It is 40x60 feet in ground area, two stories in height, with an L 28x34, the whole sur- mounted with a hipped roof. It is built of frame, and is surrounded on two sides by porches. It presents a fine ap- pearance, which is borne out by the manner in which it is furnished through- out, and by an irreproachable cuisine.
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
A first-class livery is also run in con- nection with the house. This house is located near the depot.
Benjamin U. Bassham, proprietor of both the Bassham house, and also of the Tremont house, at Greenfield, is a native of Jackson county, Tenn., born Nov. 4, 1842. He is a son of Meredith A. and Elizabeth A. (Fox) Bassham, the father a native of Virginia, born Nov. 24, 1805, the mother a native of Ten- nessee, born Nov. 23, 1810. They were married in Tennessee, Nov. 2, 1826. His father followed farming, and was also engaged as a blacksmith and wagon- maker. They came to Illinois, Nov. 20, 1852, making the trip with teams, and settled in Madison county, where they remained for two years, death tak- ing away two of their children while there. They then removed to Jersey county, and after remaining there 10 years, they again pulled up stakes and moved to Macoupin county, where Mer- edith purchased a farm on which he lived until the fall of 1873. He sold out there and removed to Greenfield, where he lived until his death, April 2, 1875. Mrs. Bassham survives her husband, and is still a resident of Greenfield. They were the parents of nine children-Parizetta F., born Sept. 15, 1827; Parilee J., born May 24, 1829; Sarah A., born May 15, 1832; Rhoda L. E., born April 3, 1834; Cynthia A. T., born Oct. 29, 1836; William D., born Feb. 20, 1838; Benjamin U., born Nov. 4, 1841; Elvira E., born Aug. 29, 1844, and John B. R., born Dec. 28, 1846. Benjamin, the subject of this sketch, remained at home until he was 15 years of age, and he then went to work on neighboring farms, continuing until he
was about 20 years of age, at first re- ceiving but $12 per month for his labor, but when he quit was getting 822. With the money which he had saved from those earnings he purchased a team. He was married, in April, 1865, to Louisa V. McBride, a native of Ma- coupin county, born June 14, 1848, and by that marriage there were four child- ren-John H., born Jan. 12, 1866; Eva M., born May 1, 1868; Altha A., born Sept. 14, 1870, and Laura E., born Feb. 1, 1873. Mrs. Bassham departed this life March 11, 1873, and after her death he remained on the farm until Oct. 11, of that year, when he came to Green- field and engaged in the livery business. In 1875 he built the Bassham House, of which he is still proprietor. He rented the Tremont House, Aug. 18, 1884, and is also proprietor of that. Mr. Bass- ham was again married, June 22, 1876, to Elizabeth Crouch Chinoweth, a native of Washington county, Tenn. Mr. Bassham is one of the most enterprising business men of Greenfield and has met with merited success.
MILLS.
The first mill at Greenfield was built in 1838, by George W. Allen and Edwin Henderson, on the east side of the pub- lie square. It was quite primitive and the power was furnished by oxen on an inclined wheel. It was used principally for the grinding of corn, and a carding machine, and was afterward sold and used by R. M. Booker, for the manufac- ture of castor oil, considerable of that bean being raised in this neighborhood. In 1842, it was torn down and removed to near N. C. Woolley's residence where castor oil was manufactured. A new flouring mill was built the same year,
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
by Allen & Henderson. At that time the new mill was 18x42 feet on the ground, two-stories in height, built of wood. It had been put up at a cost of $2,500 It was equipped with one run of buhrs and was operated with the aid of a small steam engine in connection with a carding machine, and was the first grist mill in the place. Additions were made from time to time and oper- ated by the old firm until Mr. Allen's death, in 1865, although Mr. Henderson retired in 1842. It was then run by W. S. G. & G. B. Allen until 1869, when the firm was changed to Allen & Haven, W. S. G. Allen and W. W. Haven, who continued to run it until 1876, when Haven, Ardinger & Co. assumed the con- trol, and run it until the present firm, Ardinger & Cress took charge in 1878. In May, 1884, the roller system was adopted and twelve sets of rolls were put in by this enterprising firm, at a cost of $8,653.52. The mill, at present, is a large three-story frame building, surmounted by an attic. The main structure is 32×50 feet in ground area, with an annex 20x50 feet in size, two- stories high, and an engine and boiler rooms. The motive power is derived from-an engine of 40-horse power, the cylinder of which is 12x24. The mill has a capacity of 100 barrels of fine flour every 24 hours. The entire plant is valued at about $20,000. The mill is well equipped with four purifiers, five bolt- ing chests, three wheat feeders and one corn buhr.
John W. Ardinger, of the firm of Ardinger & Cress, proprietors of the Greenfield Roller Mill, was born at Williamsport, Washington county, Md., Dec. 31, 1837. He is a son of Charles
and Jane (Shook) Ardinger, natives of Virginia, who were married in that state in 1836, and removed to Maryland soon after, where they still reside. John's father was a miller, and from him, he also learned the trade. He grew to manhood in his native state, and receiv- ed a good common school education. Mr. Ardinger was a practical miller be- fore coming to Greenfield, Ill., in Feb., 1876, when he went in partnership with William H. Cress, purchased the flour- ing mill, and has since continued in that business. Mr. Ardinger was married in Maryland, Nov. 20, 1857, to Susan E. Albert, born in Washington county, Md., Oct. 13, 1840. Her parents were also natives of that state. Mr. and Mrs. Ardinger have been blessed with a fam- ily of eight children-Mary J., John W. Jr., George L., Susan E., Fannie E., Charles, Winnie and James Garfield. Mr. Ardinger is a member of the Green- field lodge of I. O. O. F., and is one of that city's enterprising, intelligent citi- zens, who by industry, close attention and good management, has met with merited success in his business.
EDUCATIONAL. [D. O. Witmer.]
Education early engrossed the atten- tion of the citizens of Greenfield, and in 1830, while there were but few peo- ple in town, the first school house was erected on the extreme southwestern portion of the premises now occupied by Mr. Carter Drake. It was an un- pretentious log building, about 20 feet square. A log sawed out on the east and north sides, furnished light, while on the west side was a huge fire-place, for the traditional back-log. Mr. Geo.
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
A. Cowden was the first teacher. He was succeeded by R. M. Booker, a new arrival from Kentucky, who quit the profession after one term, and engaged in merchandising. Eliza Wilson then wielded the birch a session or two, and was succeeded by Matilda Worden, who occupied the position for three succes- sive terms. She afterward became the wife of that honored old settler, Capt. Richard Robley, of Bluffdale, both of whom have since died. About this time, a moving family took possession of the school house, and through their negligence, the building caught fire, and was entirely consumed, thus, at once, de- priving the community of a church and school house, for, in this rude building, the people worshipped. It was here the first Sunday school, the beginning of the present prosperous M. E. Sun- day school, was inaugurated, with Mr. Geo. W. Allen, as its steadfast patron and friend. At that early day, it had a circulating library, which afforded read- ing matter for the entire community.
Other buildings were used for school purposes, and Mr. Dickerman, Gracia Gould, Ira B. Picket, Alva Craw and Win. Brown, taught and trained the youths of the growing town, in the mys- teries of the three R's, until 1844. A second school house was erected on the spot now covered by the residence of our popular druggist, J. Howard Gray. The building was a frame one, 22x20, built by Joseph Hartsook, architect. Jefferson Coonrod, then a young man, helped to saw the timber with an old fashioned whip-saw, worked by hand. The money was furnished by R. M. Booker, and Geo. W. Allen donated the land. The first teacher was Wm. A.
Tunnell; his successors were, Reuben Andrews, now president of Asbury Un- iversity, Greencastle, Ind .; Hiram Sears, Chas. Seandreth, J. W. Langly, and Lysander Edwards. The increas- ing number of pupils soon made addi- tional school facilities a necessity, and in 1852, the Greenfield Institute, now used for the primary department, was erected by enterprising citizens of Greenfield and vicinity. The money was raised by subscription, and the fol- lowing named gentlemen contributed from $50 to $200: R. M. Booker, Nor- man Woolley, Geo. W. Allen, Wm. Speaks, Jr., Geo_ Shackelford, John Anderson, G. T.W. Sheffield, and James Rives. The amount raised was about $2,500, and the contract was awarded to Messrs. Speaks and Kincaid at 82,200. The school was opened in the fall of 1852, with two departments, Prof. R. E. Wilder being principal, and one assist- ant. Prof. Wilder was a native of Massachussetts and well qualified for the profession of teaching. He remain- ed at the head of educational effort in Greenfield, until the adoption of the public school system in 1857, when he erected, at his own expense, the build- ing known as the Greenfield Academy, in which he taught successfully for a number of years, retiring with honor and credit as a thorough in- structor and efficient educator of youth.
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