Bond County IL Archives History..... History of Bond & Montgomery Counties, Part I
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History of Bond and Montgomery Counties Illinois 1882 - Part I, 
pages 101-128, Chapter X - XIV, City of Greenville, Bond County, IL.

[Page 101] Chapter X  ...

As has been referred to heretofore, Greenville was surveyed and platted by John Russell, in June, 1821. 
The court ordered June 5, 1821, “that thirty lots be sold in the town of Greenville on the first Monday 
in July, on a credit of six, twelve and eighteen months, payable in three equal installments, for the 
benefit of the county;: and it was further “ordered that the Clerk procure the insertion of the foregoing
advertisement in the Edwardsville Spectator and the Illinois Intelligencer, for three weeks successively.” 
The proceeds of the sale of the lots to be applied toward erecting public buildings for the county.

At a court held September 4, 1821, it was “ordered that the court house of Bond County be let to the 
lowest bidder on Wednesday, the 19th inst., and that the Clerk give due notice by advertisement of the 
same.” The court met on the 19th of September, 1821. When the bids were opened, it was found that Robert 
G. WHITE was the successful bidder, for the sum of $2,135, and he immediately entered into bond for the
fulfillment of the contract, with Andrew MOODY, Samuel HOUSTON and Elisha BLANCHARD his securities, 
payment of same to be notes of purchasers of town lots. At a court held December 3, 1821, the 
Commissioners delivered notes from sale of lots to R. G. WHITE on his contract to the amount of $1,338. 
The lots sold for average price of $44.60 per lot, provided the thirty lots were sold; if a less number 
sold, the average would be larger. Other lots were sold at various prices at private sale. By agreement
between the court and the contractor, some change was made in the number of lights to be put in the 
windows, those below, twenty-four lights instead of twenty, and those above, twenty in place of sixteen, 
as per contract, and only to have two windows in each end to correspond with those on the sides in size. 
The glass in the windows were 8x10 inches, and to have but one chimney in place of two, as first designed, 
and that one in the end opposite the Judge’s seat. At this time, and for several years after, there was 
not a stove in the county, the old fashioned fireplace, that which yet brings to our minds the comforts 
of other days, was in use in every house, many of them being from four to six feet in length, and when 
a good fire was made in the same, resembled the burning of a log heap, such as are made when clearing 
timber fields for the plow. This house, made of a poor quality of bricks, was badly damaged by storms, 
wind and rain before it was completed. In fact, it can hardly be said to have ever been completed. 
Commenced in 1821, it was so nearly completed on June 4, 1822, that the court paid to Rob-

[Page 102] –ert G. WHITE, the contractor, nearly the balance due.

At this time the center of business of Greenville was at the crossing of Main and Sixth streets, in the 
west end of the present town. And the bad boy, of which there is sufficient evidence, was fully represented 
in this new town, would, for pastime and comfort, only understood by himself, gravitate, when his 
convenience was suited, near that public institution of justice, and with his sling in hand, under cover 
of the surrounding bushes, would watch the falling stone drop on those coveted 8x10 lights. The building, 
only half built at first, greatly perplexed the court to get and keep it in repair for the few years that 
it stood. They made at least two orders appointing agents at different times, to prosecute those who broke 
the glass, smashed in the sash, and defaced the house generally. Nothing appears on the record to show that
any guilty parties were brought to justice. In the building of the next court house, which was commenced 
in 1829, and not completed until about 1835 or 1836, the court had the benefit of the experience of the 
court who superintended the building of the first one. On consultation, they thought best to try a frame
building this time. Instead of the letting of the whole contract o one man, they let it out in parts. 
Thomas STOUT furnished most of the lumber, others hewed the timbers, some furnished the shingles. Hosea 
T. CAMP engaged to haul a large part of the lumber from STOUT’s Mill, and James MCGAHEY contracted to 
“lay the floor, partition the upper story into four rooms, run up stairs, make Judge’s seat and bar 
agreeable to the draft, previously season the plank in a suitable manner, furnish and put in such joists 
as may be necessary, make suitable steps of hewn timber at the outside doors, and have the same completed 
on or before the 1st day of September next (this was April 6, 1829), for which he is to be paid such sums 
of money as may be ascertained and fixed by three disinterested workmen, chosen by the County Commissioners,
to be paid on or before the first Monday of December next.” The house was several years under contract 
before it was called completed, as a sale of window sash, with glass, paints and oils, was made at public 
sale on the 25th day of June, 1836.

This building served the people until 1853, when a contract was made in April, 1853, with Mr. Daniel W.
NORRIS, to build the present court house of brick, at a contract price of $10,000. Some improvements have 
been added, making the total cost about $12,000. Those who witnessed its erection can hardly realize that 
it is now more than a quarter of a century since it was completed. Could the court have fully comprehended 
the growth and prosperity of Bond County at that time, they would have built more with reference to fifty 
than twenty-seven years. The present building is 40x60 feet, two stories high, with two jury rooms, which 
are used outside of court for the Stat’s Attorney and Surveyor, two rooms for the use of the County Clerk,
Circuit Clerk’s office, with vault for records, Sheriff’s office, and one for the County Judge, and for 
the holding of County Courts.

Let us go back again in this history for a moment. Although the village of Greenville contained but 
few inhabitants, and the county was sparsely settled from the time of its organization of the latter, 
until twenty years had rolled by, yet we find that the number of “taverns” licensed should have only 
been called for if the necessity for such could be admitted in a county containing many times the number 
of people in Bond County.

The tavern licenses were more designed for the sale of liquors than for the accommoda-

[Page 103] tion of “man and beast;” but, with the granting of such license, a lists of charges that the
landlord may make were attached to each permit. We give the rates made by the County Court, March term, 
1827. These rates varied slightly from year to year: 
For breakfast, dinner or supper – 25 cents.
Bedding, per night – 12 ½ cents.
Food for horse – 12 ½ cents.
Stable and forage, per night – 50 cents.
Whisky peach or apple brandy, per half pint – 12 ½ cents.
Rum, French brandy or wine, per half pint – 25 cents.
Gin, per half pint – 18 ½ cents.

Whilst but few can be found who can go back to the first days of the county, when we step forward fifteen 
or twenty years we find many who, if fifty-five years old or more, and here at the time, cannot forget the
excitement generally that attended “court week,” “election” and “muster” days. The men of muscle were the
heroes of that day. Each militia company had one particular man who could whip any man in any other similar
company. Each neighborhood had within its borders a man who could and would, on any suitable occasion, whip 
any man in some other neighborhood; and last, though by no means least, one political party had each a
particular man who could and would, on any pretext, whip any other man or particular man belonging to 
that other party.

The writer of this article, when a boy, say in 1835-36, so well understood these matters, that on public
occasions referred to, or on Saturdays, he would station himself upon the fence across the street in good
season opposite "Uncle Jimmy CLARK's" "grocery," as such places were then called, about 1 or 2 o'clock in 
the afternoon, and await the milling fun that was sure to come, especially if Chap CLANTON, Cob COFFEE, 
Allery ALLEN, the ADAMSes, WASHBURNes, Will COYLE, Henry HARMON, the ALBERTSes, BATEMANs or DOWDs, or 
many others that might to named, were patronizing Uncle Jimmy. When all got ripe, the first intimation 
of what was certain to follow would be first, a quick, rumbling sound, "like a small earthquake in close
proximity," then out they would come, piling over each other as they came out of the door, with their 
coats flying thick and fast in the air, only likened by coming out of bees from their hives to swarm. As 
soon as a ring could be formed, they raised or lowered their names with their friends, as the tide of 
battle turned. If any "foul" was called, then the fight became general, and under such circumstances, 
the high fence upon which the writer was perched as a witness, would have to be abandoned in haste to 
some more distant place of safety. In later years, in 1844, in the high political excitement, when CLAY 
and POLK were candidates, The Democrats thought they had a man, Mr. James ADAMS, who could whip any Whig 
in the county. Of course, the Whigs could not stand such a challenge, or perhaps, the challenge came from 
the Whigs to the Democrats. With many, this was the biggest issue in the campaign, when and where would 
it take place! The mere mention of the subject in any crowd was enough to start excitement. On a hot, 
sultry day, when a great gathering of people was in the city of Greenville, these two giants were in the 
crowd with their friends. They seemed slow to meet each other from the fact that both kept reasonably 
clear of that which both knew might put them out of condition; but suddenly they came together, in the 
cross of Main and Second streets (between JUSTICE’s store and the southeast corner of the public square), 
they struck (as a bystander said), like “horses kicking.” They were both powerful men. When the fight 
was over, the animosity was gone, and they became better friends. Of all this long

[Page 104] list of men whose manes are mentioned, most of them were as honorable men as the community
afforded, and only acted in harmony with their surroundings of the times in which they lived. Those who 
have lived on to the present time find no satisfaction in allowing a stronger man than they to whip him, 
or for themselves to find some man not so powerful as themselves, and turn upon him and force him to cry
“enough.”

Liquor was common at almost every house, and a store without it would be as hard to find as the average 
retail store in Greenville at the present day without sugar and coffee. One thing may be said in its 
favor then, it was pure, and not the poisonous compound made at present under the name of liquor.

As we have said, Daniel CONVERSE was the first County Clerk for Bond County in 1817-18; Thomas HELMS in
1819-20; James JONES, June 6, 1820; Jonathan H. PUGH, March 5, 1822; Green P. RICE, August 15, 1822; 
James M. JOHNSON, March 23, 1823; Asahel ENLOE, March, 1825; Joseph M. NELSON, April 10, 1827; Isaac 
Murphy, March 2, 1829; James E. RANKIN, June 1, 1829; James DURLEY, June 30, 1830; Willard TWISS, December 
31, 1831; James BRADFORD, March 9, 1836; Enrico GASKINS, September 7, 1846; J. S. DENNY, November, 1865;
Robert L. MUDD, November, 1874, the present County Clerk.

James JONES was the first Circuit Clerk, in 1819. His successor was James M. JOHNSON, March 2, 1821, Clerk 
at the first court held in Greenville, on that date; next, David NOWLIN, September 19, 1825; Thomas MORGAN,
June, 1833; James BRADFORD, October, 1836; Alexander KELSOE, 1848; John B. REID, November, 1860; J. A. 
COOPER, November, 1868; George S. PHELPS, September, 1872; T. P. MOREY, November, 1876, the present 
incumbent.

First Sheriff, Samuel G. MORSE, 1817-18; second, Samuel HOUSTON, 1819 and 1824; Hosea T. CAMP, 1824 to 
1827; Lawson H. ROBINSON, 1828-1829; Sloss McADAMS, 1830 to 1846; W. K. MASTIN, 1846, and part of 1848; 
S. H. CROCKER, balance of 1848; Richard BENTLEY, 1 848 and 1850; Samuel H. CROCKER, 1850, and 1852; Jacob
KOONCE, 1852, and 1854; Williamson PLANT, 1854, and 1856; Josiah F. SUGG, 1856, and 1858; Samuel H. 
CROCKER, 1858, and 1860; William WATKINS, 1860, and 1862; Williamson PLANT, 1862, and 1864; James L. 
BUCHANAN, 1864, and 1866; John FISHER, 1866, and 1868; John F. WAFER, 1868, and 1870; Williamson PLANT, 
1870, and 1872; Andrew J. GULLICK, 1872 to 1878; John M. McCASLAND, 1878, and 1880; Andrew J. GULLICK, 
1880, and 1882.

Mr. Francis TRAVIS was first County Treasurer, appointed June 5, 1819; next, James Galloway, June 6, 1820;
James DURLEY, June 5, 1821; Felix MARGRAVE, March 2, 1824; Leonard GOSS, March 11, 1825; Thomas S. WADDLE,
April 10, 1827; John GILMORE, March 5, 1828; James BRADFORD, March 9, 1831; Peter HUBBARD, March, 1836.

Peter LARRABE, Treasurer, 1845; John M. SMITH, November, 1851; J. F. SUGG, November, 1853 to 1854; J. F.
ALEXANDER, 1854 to 1856; J. K. McLEAN, 1856 to 1858, J. S. DENNY, 1858 to 1864; Milton MILLS, 1864 to 
1866; Cyrus BIRGE, 1866 to 1870; R. L. MUDD, 1870 to 1876; M. J. SHARP, 1876 to 1880; J. M. McADAMS, 1880 
to 1882.

One of the first difficulties met by the people of Greenville was the supply of water needed. The first
settlers, Mr. Samuel DAVIDSON, Capt. Paul BECK, Asahel ENLOE, with their families, settled near the spring 
on the west of the present town to obviate any trouble for water. But those settling up in the town 
carried all the water they used from the springs, except for washing clothes, and for that purpose went 
to Wash Lake, just

[Page 105] west of town; but they found it too much labor for so small return. About March, 1822, the 
subject of public wells was discussed. Some attempts had been made, and failed to find water within a
reasonable depth. The depth necessary to find water was found to be from ninety to one hundred feet. 
Three wells were finally dug and curbed with wood puncheon or plank, the part under water was mulberry,
“charred by fire” before using, to add, as was supposed, to its lasting qualities. The first well was dug 
in the middle of the street, where Main and Sixth streets cross each other, in the west end of town. The 
next one was in the middle of the street, where Third and College streets cross, the other at the crossing 
of Second and Main streets. The mode of drawing water was with the old fashioned windlass, a brake to hold 
on the same while the bucket was sent down. There was a frame around each well above the ground some three
feet, which made it dangerous for the many boys of ten or twelve years that often had to draw from them. 
In 1836, whilst a son of Mr. HILDRETH, some twelve or fourteen years old, was looking over the curb into 
the well, when his feet slipped out, and down he went head first. It was never known whether he ever drew
breath after striking the bottom. An accident also occurred at the well in the middle of the street, near 
the southeast corner of the public square. A Mr. William GRAY, an experienced well-digger, was employed 
to clean out the well. Two men were at the windlass. He was warned by some bystanders of their fears of 
the safety of the rope, but be fearlessly stepped into the bucket, holding to the rope or chain above, 
and had only made a start when the upper part of the rope or chain broke, and he was precipitated to 
the bottom, a distance of over ninety feet. He received internal injuries, beside dislocation of the 
ankle. He lived about twenty-four hours, and died in great pain. In time, these wells gave evidence of 
caving in, and were filled up to prevent accidents. A few months ago, the filling that had been put in 
this well more than twenty-five years before sunk, leaving a hole the size of the well, eighty or ten 
feet deep.

Cisterns have since become plentiful, and the water is so much preferred to the limestone water contained 
in the former wells, that no complaint is made on the question of water, except in excessive dry seasons, 
or when by some cause the sistern is out of order. Some of the best natural springs immediately north and 
west of the town are found, and the day is not far distant when they will be utilized by water-works in
furnishing the town with a bountiful supply of water.

The St. Louis, Vandalia & Terre Haute Railroad is supplied with water from two of these strong springs. 
Nearly all trains take water at Greenville, the water giving the least trouble to their boilers of any 
other along the line of the road. The railroad company have made some very substantial engine houses, 
tanks and dams to secure the water.

In the year 1825, the Legislature appropriated $200 to aid in constructing a bridge across Shoal Creek, 
on the St. Louis wagon road. Before this bridge was built, Benjamin HENSON had a primitive boat at his 
house, a short distance below the present bridge, that was used in cases of high water. It has been 
stated in a preceding chapter in this boot, that Mr. HENSON was thought to have been the first white 
settler in Bond County, having been here in 1812 or 1813, and for a considerable time his house was a 
large, hollow sycamore tree, not far from the cabin he afterward built and lived in until his death, 
about 1848. When he first came into the county

[Page 106] the Indians were in some parts of the then large county.

At a session of the County Court held June 3, 1822, an order was made for the erection of a “stray pen 
in Greenville, forty feet square, to be made of posts and railing, each panel six feet high above the 
surface of the ground, and the posts let into the ground two feet and a half.” In this “stray pen,” the 
estray stock of the county was brought during the sessions of the Circuit Courts, and, perhaps, muster 
and other public occasions in Greenville, and any one having lost stock would go to the estray pen on 
these days and examine for his missing animal.

When the county was first formed, not many years had elapsed since the struggle of the Revolution, and 
the war of 1812 and 1814 had only just preceded the first settlement.

It would be but natural for a people who had so signally in the first and latter struggle achieved and
maintained their independence, to call together their comrades in arms, with their neighbors and friends 
at stated periods, and refight those battles, and thereby infuse into the rising generations, who are 
always the hope of a country, the spirit of their fathers. Actuated by a spirit of patriotism, the people 
held the election of military officers, their drills and muster, as their highest privileges. The first
election of military officers was held as other elections for county officers, but in later years the 
mode adopted was for the candidates for whatever office they desired to elect, to step out of the crowd
assembled and call out, "All who will join ____ Company fall into line." This often let to much 
excitement, but was always kept within the bounds of good humor. Paul BECK was made a Captain as early 
as May 12, 1817, and Samuel DAVIDSON, Ensign, same date. John LAUGHLIN was elected Captain June 14, 
1817, and John HOPTON, Lieutenant, and John WHITLEY, Jr., Ensign, same date. The troubles with the Indians 
in some of the northern counties, and anticipated trouble within the borders of the county, followed soon
after by the Black Hawk war of 1831 - 32, kept the military companies throughout the county well organized
until about 1840. Since that time it declined rapidly, until a Captain, Major or a Colonel was only a 
thing of the past, until revived by the active military movements in this country during the late civil 
war. This civil war in so enlightened and refined, this fratricidal war, now as we review it when it is
passed, having seen its commencement, its continuance and its close, seems only as a dream of the past; 
yet it was to many hundred thousands a fatal dream.

Bond County was in the front in furnishing her full quota of brave and patriotic soldiers to defend and 
uphold the flag and honor of our whole country. They went promptly at every call for volunteers, carrying 
with them the prayers of sympathizing friends and relatives, many of whom never returned, some returning 
with lost or shattered limbs, or a diseased body, as can be attested by the large pension roll in our 
Bond County.

The volunteer companies, with their commissioned officers for Bond County, may be mentioned as follows:

Company D, Twenty-second Regiment Illinois Volunteers - Captains, James A. HUBBARD, John H. PHILLIPS; 
First Lieutenants, E. J. C. ALEXANDER, Lemuel ADAMS, John H. PHILLIPS, Enoch J. FILE; Second Lieutenants,
Lemuel ADAMS, Edward STEARNS, J. H. PHILLIPS, Cyrus M. GALLOWAY, Enoch J. FILE, Joel B. PAISLEY.

Company E, Twenty-second Regiment Illinois Volunteers - Captains, Samuel G. McADAMS, George GIBSON; First
Lieutenants, James M. HAMILTON, George GIBSON, J. M. McADAMS; Second Lieutenants, George GIBSON, J. M.
McADAMS.

[Page 107] Company C, Twenty-sixth Regiment Illinois Volunteers - Captains, George M. KEENER, James A. 
DUGGER, Owen W. WALLS, Isaac N. ENLOE; First Lieutenants, Thomas L. VEST, J. A. DUGGER, Owen W. WALLS, 
James MANES, John MCCALLISTER; Second Lieutenants, J. A. DUGGER, E. B. WISE.

Company E, One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment Illinois Volunteers - Captains, U. B. HARRIS, W. C. 
HARNED; First Lieutenants, William HARLAN, William C. HARNED, Charles W. JOHNSON; Second Lieutenants, 
W. C. HARNED, Charles W. JOHNSON.

Company F, One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment Illinois Volunteers - Captains, William M. COLBY, John D.
DONNELL, F. D. PHILLIPS; First Lieutenants, John D. DONNELL, Charles IVES, Fielden D. PHILLIPS, John 
MURDOCK; Second Lieutenants, Charles IVES, F. D. PHILLIPS.

Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Regiment Illinois Volunteers – Captain, Samuel G. McADAMS; First
Lieutenant, James A. HUBBARD; Second Lieutenant, Edward STEARNS.

Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Regiment, enlisted June 6, 1864, and discharged September 28, 
1864; served one hundred days; only one man died during the time, viz.: James McCANN, at Ironton, Mo., 
July 25, 1864.

The Twenty-second Infantry Illinois Volunteers was organized at Belleville, Ill., May 11, 1861, and 
was mustered into service for three years at Caseyville, Ill., June 25, 1861, by Capt. T. G. PITCHER< U. 
S. A. July 11, they moved to Bird’s Point, Mo. November 7, seven companies engaged in battle at Belmont, 
three being left to guard the transports; loss, 144 killed and missing. At Stone River, December 31, 
1862, and January 1, 1863, they lost 199 men out of 342 going into action. At Chickamauga, September 19 
and 20, they lost 135 officers and men out of an aggregate of less than 300 men. The severity of the 
battle was such on the 19th they lost ninety-six men in less than ten minutes. They were engaged in 
many hard-fought battles during the three years of their service, including the storming of Mission 
Ridge, Resaca, battle of Farmington, Chickamauga, etc. Among the many brave officers and men who had 
their names inscribed on the roll of honor in Company E, may be mentioned that of our lamented Capt. 
Samuel G. McADAMS.

The history of the Twenty-sixth Infantry of Volunteers would be almost a history of the war. They were
mustered into service at Camp Butler, Ill., August 31, 1861, and, after serving four years, were 
discharged or mustered out of service at Louisville, Ky., July 20, 1865. The company was paid off at
Springfield, Ill., July 28, 1865. The commanding General ordered the placing on their banners “New 
Madrid,” “Island No. 10,” “Farmington,” “ Siege of Corinth,” “Iuka,” “Holly Springs,” “Vicksburg,” 
“Mission Ridge,” “Kenesaw,” “Ezra Church,” “Atlanta,” “Savannah,” “Columbia,” etc., etc., as recognition 
of the many hard-fought battles in which they had been engaged. The One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment 
of Infantry Illinois Volunteers was especially noted for bravery, of which Companies E and F, from Bond
County, whilst in the services, discharged their duty nobly. They were engaged in the battles at Port 
Gibson, siege of Vicksburg, siege at Jackson, Miss., battle at Sabine Cross Roads, or Mansfield, where 
Col. J. B. REID was seriously wounded, siege of Blakely, Spanish Fort, Ala., and Mobil. Maj. J. B. REID 
was promoted to that of Lieutenant Colonel in this regiment for meritorious services. Dr. David WILKINS 
was First Assistant Surgeon, and Rev. W. D. H. HOHNSON, of Greenville, Chaplain of the regiment.

The Third Cavalry was organized at Camp Butler by Col. E. A. CARR, in August, 1861. The regiment moved 
to St. Louis September 25; October 1, moved up the Missouri River to Jefferson City, and thence marched 
to Warsaw, where they arrived October 11; on the 23d, marched toward Springfield, Me., in Col. CARR’s 
Brigade, Brig. Gen. ASHBOTH’s

[Page 108] Division. On November 2, Gen. HUNTER took command of the army. November 13, the First and 
Second Battalions moved with the army on Rolla, Mo. The Third Battalion, Maj. RUGGLES commanding, 
remained with SIGEL's Division, and was the last to leave Springfield.

On the 18th of February, 1862, the Third Battalion participated in a calvary charge, routing the enemy. 
The regiment moved rapidly from point to point as ordered and the interest of the service required, and 
were engaged in many skirmishes and battles during the three years they were in the service. Their active 
duty was at Pea Ridge, Huntsville, Grenada, Vicksburg, Chickasaw Bayou, Port Gibson, Tupelo, Okolona, and 
Gun Town, Miss. September 27, 1864, six companies crossed the Tennessee at Clifton, and confronted HOOD’s
army; fell back skirmishing, and took apart in the battles of Lawrenceburg, Spring Hill, Campbellsville 
and Franklin. They were also engaged in an expedition after the Indians in 1865. Capts. Thomas M. DAVIS, 
J. K. McLEAN and S. M. TABOR, all belonging to Bond County, made for themselves a noble record. The 
regiment was mustered out of service at Springfield, Ill., October 13, 1865. During the time of service, 
a large number of regiment re-enlisted as veterans.

Hilliard Rifles. - The company was first organized with a view of entering the State militia, entitled 
the National Guards of Illinois. Charles H. BEATTY was one of the most active in securing the names 
that formed the first organization, effected December 30, 1878. At a meeting held at the county court 
house the above date, and presided over by Lieut. Col. James T. COOPER, of Alton, Ill., the following 
list of officers was elected; Captain, P. E. HOLCOMB, a retired Major of the regular army; First 
Lieutenant, S. M. INGLIS; Second Lieutenant, Charles H. BEATTY. The number enrolled in this first 
company was seventy-one. Maj. HOLCOMB, being a retired army officer, consequently skilled in military 
science, the company, under his command, became one of the best drilled companies in Southern Illinois, 
and enjoyed general prosperity. In December, 1878, it received the title of Company G, Fifteenth 
Battalion, I. N. G., and was assigned to the Second Brigade, under command of Brig. Gen. J. N. REECE, 
and in September, 1879, entered encampment at Camp Cullom, near Springfield. The company at this time 
had been recruited to the number of forty-five members, with three commissioned officers. The Hilliard 
Rifles, as a social organization, by this time had gained some local prominence. In November, 1880, 
they leased and established themselves in their commodious and well-equipped armory (hall), in which, 
from time to time, under their auspices, the public was treated to first-class lectures, musical and 
other entertainments, festivals, etc. In the fall of 1881, they again went into encampment near 
Bloomington, Ill., where they made a reputation and an excellent record in target practice, Lieut. 
ELAM representing his battalion, and doing excellent work. February 18, 1882, the company was 
re-organized by a new election of officers, the term of service of the fist elected having expired. 
Col. George C. McCORD, of Gov. Cullom's staff, and a resident of Greenville, presided at this meeting, 
and Lieut. S. M.INGLIS was elected Captain, C. F. THRANER, First Lieutenant, John A. ELAM, Second 
Lieutenant. About this time the State militia was also re-organized into ten regiments, and the 
Hilliard Rifles, Company G., Fifteenth Battalion, was assigned to the Eighth Infantry as Company F. 
It has been recruited to fifty-three men, with three commissioned officers, and in all essential 
respects is enjoying prosperity.

[Page 109 - Chapter XI written by Williamson PLANT] The education of children at an early day, all 
over the country, was much the same, and many were to be found who would recognize the necessity of 
any special effort to educate the females. They were quite unanimous forty years ago in believing that, 
at most, they might learn to read and write. Arithmetic and grammar were thought to be quite useless. 
But however much the parents may have desired to give their children a good education at that time, 
they would have found it often very difficult to find teachers with the requisite qualifications to 
teach the required branches to enable them to draw the small school-fund distributed annually by the 
State.

The first schools taught at Greenville, so far as can now be known, was by Mr. ENLOE, a Mr. BEEMAN and 
WHITE. Miss Elizabeth NORTON (afterward Mrs. FOSTER) taught a school in 1835, in a cabin on part of Lot 
22, Greenville, nearly in front of Mrs. LARRABEE’s present residence. A number of teachers were at 
different times employed with varying success, until under the free-school system the present brick 
school building was erected about 1859. The first teachers in the new building as principals, have 
been Messrs. CUNNINGHAM, CLARK, HYNES, TAYLOR, MUDD, DEAN and INGLIS.

August 8, 1868, the School Directors of Greenville District employed Samuel M. INGLIS, at a salary of 
$100 per month, and who has also been employed from time to time since, and at the end of the fifth year 
as Principal of the school he had the pleasure of having seven graduates. The sixth year, 1874, seven 
more graduated; in 1875, nine graduated; in 1876, eight; in 1877, eleven; in 1878, six; in 1879, nine; 
in 1880, fourteen; in 1881, eleven; in 1882, twelve, making a total graduation of ninety-four for the 
ten years after the school was brought up to the present graded system. The same Principal is employed 
for the coming school year, making fifteen years of continuous principalship. Ten assistants are now 
necessary to aid in giving instructions in the different departments.

This school is very popular at home and enjoys a high reputation abroad.

Almira College. – In 1827, two lads, Stephen MORSE and John B. WHITE, attended school together at a 
public institution in New Hampton, N. H. One year later they entered Brown University, Rhode Island, 
where they were class and roommates during their collegiate course. After a few years, one devoted 
himself to teaching, and the other engaged in the mercantile business. These boys were raised by 
unusually intelligent, devoted, Christian parents, and each sought the path in life that seemingly 
would promise the most useful and lasting results.

Mr. MORSE was prospered in his business,

[Page 110] and accumulated wealth. Occasional letters passed between these old friends and classmates, 
in which the subject of education was frequently discussed. Nothing of unusual interest occurred, 
however, until 1854, when they arranged to meet in Greenville, Ill., which meeting resulted in the 
initiatory steps for founding the much-talked-of institution. After some days of consultation and study, 
it was decided that the institution should be for the higher education of young women. That it should 
not be engaged in as a private enterprise, but that an act of incorporation should be secured, so that 
the contributions could be held in perpetuity for educational purposes. Mrs. Almira B. MORSE, a lady 
of thorough and accomplished education, was fully in sympathy with her husband, and seconded every 
effort of his for the advancement of the worthy enterprise, aiding not only by words of encouragement 
and cheer, but with a generous personal money gift; and thus the institution was founded in 1855-56, 
a charter being obtained in 1857. The work of erecting the building was immediately begun, and one 
wing completed and occupied in May, 1858. Work was gradually carried on and the main structure was 
finished in 1864. It presents a frontage of 160 feet; width, forty-eight feet; is four stories high, 
and contains seventy-two large and elegant rooms. The college grounds contain twelve acres, consisting 
of a park, a yard front of the building, and land in the rear for domestic and ornamental purposes. In 
honor of the lady, Mrs. Almira BLANCHARD MORSE, who endowed it with her little fortune of $6,000, this 
college was appropriately named Almira.

From its foundation, the institution has been under the instruction and general management of Prof. 
WHITE, and his wife as assistant, except for three years during the rebellion, during which time the 
Rev. D. P. FRENCH and Mr. MORSE assumed control. Prof. WHITE severed his connection with the institution 
in 1879, when Prof. J. B. SLADE, of Springfield, took control.

Mrs. Almira B. MORSE died at her home in Palva, Kan., in August, 1881. Her remains were returned to 
Greenville and interred in Mt. Rose Cemetery.

The ladies of Greenville and vicinity, desirous of promoting social intercourse and of aiding in the
intellectual and moral elevation of society, met on the 19th of January, 1856, and organized a society 
for the aforesaid purpose and adopted a constitution and by-laws. It was called the Social Circle, and 
its object was the purchase of a library. The ladies present at the meeting for organization were Mrs. 
A. MORSE, Mrs. M. SHIELDS, Mrs. L. STEWART, Mrs. E. HUTCHINSON, Mrs. S. MORSE, Mrs. E. G. SMITH, Mrs. 
S. SPRAGUE, Miss J. MERRIAM and Miss E. M. WHITE.

The meetings were held once a week. In the afternoon, the ladies sewed, and, in the evening, gentlemen 
came in and some literary entertainment was given. An idea of the energy and labor bestowed upon the 
project may be seen from a single quotation from the records: Work on hand for January 28 – Knitting, a 
cradle quilt, three sun-bonnets, two pairs of pantalets, infants’ dresses, caps and aprons, three 
shirts finished and price for making the same $2.25.

An attractive feature in the evening entertainments for years was the reading of The Gazette, a collection 
of articles and essays written by the members of the society. Many of the papers contained productions 
that reflected no discredit upon their composers, indeed some evinced more real literary merit tan much 
that appears in the leading periodicals of today.

Besides the labor thus bestowed, we note a supper given April 25, 1858, at which $61.88 were realized; 
also, June 25, a concert, the proceeds of which were $21. The first purchase of books was made August 
26, 1856; the

[Page 111] amount invested, $100. October 22 of the same year, by vote, the mane was changed to Ladies’
Library Association. Thus we find the little germ, planted and nurtured by the ladies, and supported by 
the good wishes and patronage of the gentlemen, steadily growing.

In the year 1867, through the instrumentality of Hon. J. F. ALEXANDER, a charter was obtained. About 
this time, the need of a town hall being greatly felt in Greenville, a number of ladies, many of them 
being also members of the Library Association, determined to raise money to build one and connect with 
it a room for the public library, which had been kept at the residence of some member of the society. 
After nearly $1,000 had been obtained, the project was abandoned, and a donation of $712.40 was made to
the Library Association on the 13th of February, 1873.

The interest of this fund is annually expended in the purchase of books. The services of librarian 
having always been gratuitous, the institution is self-supporting, and has added some to the permanent 
fund.

The twenty-fifth anniversary was celebrated on the 19th of January, 1881, at the residence of Dr. 
William ALLEN. The event proved an important epoch, in that it revived much of its history that had 
never been put on record, and awakened new zeal in the work. Letters were read from absent members, 
an historical sketch of the society was given, some poems of merit, good music and an elegant repast, 
combined to form a delightful re-union.

At present the library consists of 1,500 volumes. Seventy-five or one hundred new books are added yearly, 
and it furnishes patrons the best magazines of the day. The library room is large, pleasantly situated in
Bennett's Block, well furnished, and kept open every Saturday afternoon.

The following is a list of the officers at the present time: Mrs. F. C. MUDD, President; Mrs. E. DENNY, 
Vice President; Mrs. J. W. HOILES, Secretary; Miss A. E. WHITE, Treasurer and Librarian; Misses E. BIRGE 
and G. BLANCHARD, Assistant Librarians.

Presbyterian Church. - On the 10th day of March, 1819, a church was formed in Bond County, called the 
"Shoal Creek" Church, embracing all the Presbyterians in the county at that time, with thirty-three 
members enrolled. On the 15th of September, 1825, the committee appointed by the Presbytery of Missouri, 
at a meeting held for that purpose, divided this church into three separate churches, known as the Bethel,
Shoal Creek and Greenville; and the following list of male members was assigned to Greenville at that 
time: John GILMORE, Hugh T. WHITE, James WHITE, John B. WHITE, Samuel WHITE, John RUSSELL, John SHORT, 
George DONNELL, Robert G. WHITE, John WHITE, Joseph HOWELL and William NELSON.

The location of the Shoal Creek Church was in what was then known as the Ohio Settlement, some four or 
five miles northwest of Greenville, where the Union Grove Church now stands. The Bethel Church was about 
ten miles northwest of Greenville. These churches maintained a separate existence until April 7, 1832. At 
this time, the Shoal Creek Church had become so enfeebled by removals and deaths, it seemed necessary for 
them to unite with the Greenville Church. The Greenville Church was organized by Messrs. GIDDINGS and Lacy 
and Elder COLLINS, of Collinsville, September 15, 1825, with twenty-nine members. As before stated, the 
two branches of the church were consolidated April 7, 1832. Up to this time, no house of worship had been
built at Greenville, but soon after the churches had united they built a house about two miles northwest 
of Greenville, as a more central and convenient point for all the members. The members of the united 
church hauled and hewed the logs, sawed the timber, split the boards and shingles and did all the work for

[Page 112] the completion of the same within the membership. From 1825 to 1829, the church had no stated
pastor, but was served from time to time by transient ministers whose names are unknown. From 1829 to 
1831, Rev. Solomon HARDY was the minister in charge; in 1832, Rev. W. J. FRASER; then followed the labors
of Revs. A. EWING, T. A. SPILLMAN, W. K. STEWART; Rev. J. STATFORD, from 1837 to 1838, and again from 1840 
to 1850. In 1847, the pastor was absent, and P. D. YOUNG supplied the place for six months. In 1851 and 
1852, Rev. William HAMILTON, and from 1852 to 1867, Rev. Thomas W. HYNES were the stated supply; 1867 to
1868, Rev. Arthur ROSE, 1869 to 1872, Prof. George FRAZIER, were the ministers in charge. About this time,
eighteen members withdrew from the New School or Congregational Church, and joined the Presbyterian Church 
of Greenville. Rev. N. S. DICKEY was the stated supply from 1873 to 1880, since which time the Rev. HILLIS 
has been their very acceptable minister of the Greenville Presbyterian Church. In 1873, the building of 
the church had become so dilapidated, having been built and occupied since about 1845, that the members 
and friends enlarged the same with cupola, at a cost of about $2,000. It was re-dedicated July 13, 1873, 
free from debt. And now today it stands, as it has stood for more than fifty-seven years, like a city set 
upon a hill, radiating its light, shedding its beneficent influence on all around, in harmony with the
community for good, and in fellowship with its sister churches. Its large membership and its admirable 
Sunday school speak well for its continued usefulness in the future.

Congregational Church. – The origin of the Congregational Church was with the division of the 
Presbyterian Church about 1836, into the old and the new school churches. Dr. LANSING from New York 
came to Greenville in 1839, and through his influence a house of worship was commenced soon after, 
which was not, however, completed and dedicated until January 1, 1843. Rev. Thomas LIPPINCOTT preached 
the dedicatory sermon.

Up to this time no Presbyterian Church for the old division of the church had been built at Greenville, 
and many of both branches of the church held their membership together with a number of Congregationalists. 
By an act of the Legislature of Illinois in 1844, the worshipers of the new building were afterward known 
as the Congregational Church of Greenville. About this time the old Presbyterian branch had built for
themselves a house of worship, and the churches exchanged and withdrew from time to time according to 
their peculiar ideas – the Congregational society making some payment to the Presbyterians withdrawing 
from their church for their interest, and aid in building the Congregational Church. Considering the 
early period in which it was built, the Congregational Church today is quite an imposing structure, 
standing as it does on Lots No. 27 and 28, Davidson’s Addition to Greenville.

The church was for many years prosperous, especially so during the time Rev. Robert STEWART, Rev. George 
C. WOOD and Rev. M. M. Longley were pastors, since which time the church has so often been without a 
regular pastor that its spiritual interests have not advanced as it otherwise would. Rev. John INGERSOLL,
father of Robert G. INGERSOLL, of infidel notoriety, preached to this church about six months about the 
year 1852. Since that time Rev. LONGLEY was for a time a stated supply, as also have Rev. Isaac GODELL 
and Rev. M. A> CRAWFORD not labored in vain for the short time they each occupied the pulpit. The 
present pastor, Rev. Joseph WOLFE, sustains well the position assigned him, and the outlook of the 
church is brightening.

Methodist Episcopal Church. – It is impossible to give anything like a complete history of the Methodist
Episcopal Church in Greenville, because, as its present pastor,

[Page 113] Rev. E. A. HOYT, states, Methodism sets little value on the formalities of organization. Its
methods are simple; those who desire a home in her communion are enrolled as a class, and one of the 
number appointed her leader. No official minutes of the transactions are kept or recorded, except 
incidentally on the class books. The first sermon perhaps preached in the count by the minister of any
denomination was that by Rev. John POWERS, a Methodist minister at Jones Fort, in February, 1816. His 
next appointment was at White’s Fort or Hill’s Station in March, 1816, and for a time these two forts 
or stations were his regular preaching places. Jones Fort was in the Green neighborhood, and White’s 
Fort was a few rods southeast of the old residence of Wilson BROWN in Section 6, Town 4, Range 3. The 
first Methodist meetings at Greenville were conducted by Rev. John KIRKPATRICK, assisted occasionally 
by Rev. John POWERS, Joshua BARNES, John DEW and others. The several KIRKPATRICK families were Methodists. 
The first Methodist Church was built about a mile and a half southwest of Greenville where camp-meetings 
were held for several years, at which an old neglected burying ground some eight or ten rods northwest 
of the southeast corner of north half of northwest quarter of southeast quarter of Section 16, Town 5, 
Range 3, is yet visable. For more than twenty years after the first settlement of the county, Methodist
services were very irregular. Mr. J. E. TRAVIS, now living in Greenville, remembers of Methodist 
preaching at the house of his grandfather, Tapley YOUNG, where the old cemetery is now located, and 
heard their family relate of those attending church bringing their guns and stacking them at the door 
whilst two sentinels stood watch outside the door to give the alarm, if any Indians made their appearance. 
His first recollection was associated with class meeting, being held at the house of one KNAPP, in 
Greenville, by Rev. John H. BENSON, an early circuit rider of Carlisle Circuit in 1839. His appointment 
at Greenville was once in four weeks and continued one year; only four of that class are obtainable. 
KNAPP and wife, Elizabeth DRAKE and Elizabeth STUBBLEFIELD. The Rev. Thomas BROWN was the next to take 
up the work, just at what date cannot be stated, but he held services once in four weeks until the fall
of 1844, when he died, having left a good name. For the next three or four years services were only held 
by transient preachers. The first Methodist Episcopal Church built in Greenville on Lot No. 15, Davidson’s
Addition to Greenville, in the years 1848 and 1849. For several years previously meetings were held in 
the old court house, and in the Odd Fellow hall, which was the upper story of the present residence of 
William EVANS.

Before the building was erected, the “circuit riders” were unceasing in their labors to increase the
membership of the church, and to that end, one of them, a Mr. FALKNER, would at the close of every 
service, “open the doors of the church.” On one occasion, after the usual services in the Odd Fellows 
hall, whilst the brethren were singing a familiar hymn, the minister calling loudly and earnestly for 
any “who desired to unite with the church to manifest the same by coming forward, and give to him their 
hand, and God their hearts.” As they were singing the chorus of the second verse, and manifestly a deep
feeling prevailing through the audience, two well-known females of not the most unblemished character 
came forward, and gave to the minister their hands, who took them, but without that cordiality sometimes
discernible, and with a queer and much-puzzled expression on his countenance, remarked, as he released 
that slight grasp: “Occasionally, when the fisherman casts in his net he brings in a gar.” It is 
unnecessary to add, that the records of the church next day did not show any increase of membership for 
the meeting of the previous night to the Methodist society in Greenville.

[Page 114]

For more than thirty years past the Methodist Episcopal Church in Greenville has enjoyed a reasonable 
degree of prosperity under the charge of the many preachers sent by the conference of the church to 
minister to her people. A few familiar names of some of those worthy men are called to the mind of 
those acquainted with the church for half of a century or more, such as KIRKPATRICK, POWERS, BARNES, 
BENSON, JOHNSTON, FALKNER, LINGENFELTER, MUNSON, MOORE, VANCLEVE, MORRISON, TAYLOR, WAGGONER, HOUSE, 
MASSEY, VAN TREESE, GIBSON, ROBINSON, down to the present minister, E. A. HOYT.

Some six years ago, the old church was sold, the title to the property being made to some of the members 
of the Christian Church, and the Methodists by the aid of many friends outside the church, have built a
handsome brick edifice on Lot No. 50, on Second and Sumer streets, which was finished and dedicated some 
five years since. The membership of this church is steadily increasing, and their congregations and Sunday
schools rank with the first in the city.

Greenville Baptist Church - was organized September 18, 1836, by Revs. James LEMEN, Elijah DODSON, Joseph
TAYLOR, Joseph LEMEN and A. W. COOLEY. The church comprised six members, namely, Lemuel BLANCHARD, Charles,
Eunice, A. N. and Elizabeth C. NORTON and Sibbel BLANCHARD. Within a year of its organizing, although 
without a pastor, and having preaching only occasionally, the number of members had increased to twenty, 
and up to 1842 twenty-two had been received by experience and baptism, and fourteen by letter, making the
total membership forty-two. From this date, July, 1842, no additions were made, but on the contrary the 
church declined in numerical strength, until in May, 1847, the church relations were dissolved. This was 
done at a meeting held by the Rev. Ebenezer ROGERS, who acted as moderator. At a meeting held in July, 
1847, a new organization was effected, under the title of the Baptist Church of Christ of Greenville. 
The Revs. E. ROGERS and I. D. NEWELL assisted, and the following persons signed the roll: K. P. and 
Elizabeth MORSE, Sibbel BLANCHARD, Elizabeth FOSTER and others. During the year, seven others were 
added, making in all twenty-two. Like most churches organized in early days, this one had to depend 
for preaching for years on such occasional supplies as could be obtained. Among those who occupied the 
pulpit from time to time were Revs. John M. PECK, James and Joseph LEMEN, Joel SWEET, Elijah DODSON, 
Joseph TAYLOR, Eben ROGERS and Jonathan MERRIMAN, all now deceased.

The first regular pastor was the Rev. Thomas W. HYNES. He served two months, from June to August, 1838,
and was succeeded by Rev. E. DODSON, et. al.

Lemuel BLANCHARD and M. P. ORMSBY were ordained the first Deacons, and served until their deaths, 1838 
and 1845, respectively. Benjamin FLOYD and K. P. MORSE succeeded them. Prior to April, 1854, meetings 
of the church were held in private houses or in the Presbyterian Church. In 1839, the subject of erecting 
a Baptist meeting-house in Greenville was agitated, but nothing was accomplished, and the courtesies of 
the Presbyterian Society were gladly extended and accepted, until the present church, 32 x 50, was 
completed in April, 1854, at a cost of $2,500. In the summer of 1856, Mr. Charles PERRY donated $200, 
to be used in procuring a bell. The sum was made sufficient by additions, and the present bell, weighing 
1,500 pounds, was cast in St. Louis. Much more might be said of this flourishing Christian organization, 
but space forbids more than that it is firmly established, and is now doing a good work.

Catholic Church of Greenville - was organized in April, 1877. First mass was celebrated on Sunday, May 
6, following, Rev. Father QUITTER,

[Page 115] of Vandalia, officiating. There were but a few Catholics in the Greenville district, and those
living remote from Catholic divine service had become lukewarm in the faith. A few of the faithful, 
feeling the need of religious culture and a strengthened faith, had accustomed themselves to meet in 
a small hall on the third floor of the First National Bank building. In this room services were conducted 
for about three years. The subject of a more suitable place of worship was from time to time discussed 
and a building fund started. The citizens of Greenville were all afforded an opportunity, and many 
responded with liberal donations, Protestants not excepted. In November, 1879, a contract for the 
building of their present commodious edifice, situated in the eastern portion of the city, was awarded, 
the good work pushed to completion. On the first Sunday in June, 1880, Father QUITTER, assisted by by 
Mr. James HENRY and others from Vandalia, celebrated the first High Mass. This congregation was made up 
of Catholics of many nationalities, but all met upon one religious plane for one and the same purpose. 
The same harmony and true fellowship still prevail, and while the church is still in its infancy, it 
is thought that a permanent pastor will in the near future be engaged and a larger church needed.

Protestant Episcopal Church. Up to the year 1878, the Protestant Episcopal Church had not been known 
in Bond County. There had been several Episcopalians in Greenville for years past, but no effort had 
been made to secure the servies of the church. Feeling the importance of a Christian education for 
their families they had worshiped with other religious societies.

July 20, 1878, Messrs. C. K. DENNY, M. B. CHITTENDEN, W. S. OGDEN, Henry HOWARD and Henry CHITTENDEN 
met at Squire HOWARD’s office, and there decided to organize a parish to be known as Grace Church. To 
the above list of names of about seventeen persons were added, who had been baptized in the Episcopal 
Church, also names of twelve others who were not connected with any church, and seemed inclined to aid 
in sustaining this. The Rev. Mr. VANDUZEN, then officiating at Paris, Edgar Co., Ill., heard of this 
movement and visited Greenville, and about the 1st of August, 1878, and for the first time, services 
of the Protestant Episcopal Church were held in Greenville, at the Congregational Church. It was found 
that the Canons of the Diocese did not permit the organization of a parish to so limited a number of
communicants. W. S. OGDEN was sent to attend the annual Diocesan Convention of 1879, at Springfield, 
Ill., and to confer with Bishop McLAREN, Bishop of the Diocese. He carried with him a petition embracing 
some thirty-odd names. The petition was favorably acted upon, and Messrs. ODGEN and DENNY appointed 
Senior and Junior Wardens; M. B. CHITTENDEN, Treasurer, and H. A. STEPHENS, Clerk, with Henry CHITTENDEN
Licensed Recorder. In July, 1879, Rev. R. E. G. HUNTINGTON was called as Rector of Christ’s Church,
Collinsville, and as Missionary to Grace Mission, Greenville, and thereafter, fortnightly, services were 
held until May, 1881, when Mr. H. resigned and removed to Kansas. During these two years, quite a number 
were added by baptism and confirmation. The church, however, lost, by death and removals more than she 
had gained. For about one year, the church was without a rector; but April 1, 1882, the Rev. Joseph G. 
WRIGHT, of Altamont, took charge of the Mission, and the life of the church much revived. Measures have 
been taken looking toward the erection of a church edifice, and it is now believed that a pretty Gothic
structure, sufficiently large to seat some two hundred worshipers, will be built at a cost not to exceed
$2,000, and completed this coming fall of 1882. Everything connected with the Mission, owing to the zeal 
and energy of the rector, is in a flourishing

[Page 116] condition, and no doubt but that a bright future is before it.

The Plymouth Brethren (so called). By one of the Brethren. – Those people who, for about twenty-eight 
years, have met together in this city as Christians, are not connected in any way with any of the 
other denominations of Christians, as they meet on quite different ground than they do. First of all, 
they have no creed; (and as one of them expressed) our creed is the word of God. They take into 
fellowship any believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose doctrine is sound according to God’s word, 
and whose walk in the world is in accordance with the teachings of God’s word, as to how a believer 
should behave himself, who has been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. As to their ground of 
meeting together, they do so as the disciples of the Lord, after he had left them to go in the glory; 
that is, meeting every Lord’s Day morning to break bread in remembrance of their Lord, as He told them, 
before He departed, “Do this in remembrance of me.” They do not believe in ordination accepting only 
the word of God, which says that He has given the church gifts, some apostles, some doctors, evangelist
teachers, etc.; not educated by man, but by God alone. They meet without preachers, and any member of 
the body, led by the spirit, is free to offer a prayer or give a word of exhortation, or words of thanks 
to the Lord. If the Lord sends them one of His gifted servants from time to time, they gladly receive him, 
as from the Lord, to either teach, exhort or comfort, or preach the Gospel to sinners. Those gifted 
servants receive no fixed salary, but depend entirely on the Lord, thus walking by faith, and they are
generally better cared for than those who are depending on man for support, though surely man is the
instrument that God uses. This is, in short, the history of those people, so called, Plymouth Brethren. 
The building in which they meet was built by Mr. George RUTCHLEY, for the purpose, and the assembly pays 
rent for it to him with money put in a box every Lord’s Day morning, by those whose heart is opened, and 
are able to thus contribute not only to expenses of rent, light, and so on, but also for the servants of 
the Lord, who are traveling from place to place, working for the Master.

A. F. & A. M., Greenville Lodge, No. 245, received a dispensation October 28, 1866, and the following list 
of officers were elected; W. H. COLLINS, W. M.; T. W. HUTCHINSON, S. W.; W. T. WHITE, J. W.; W. A. ALLEN,
Secretary; J. BURCHSTED, Treasurer; Neely McNEELY, Tiler. Charter for this lodge was issued October 7, 
1857, and was signed by J. H. HIBBARD, G. M.; William LANE, D. G. M.; Harrison DILLS, S. G. W.; F. M. 
BLAIR, J. G. W.; Harman G. REYNOLDS, Grand Secretary. Charter members were: W. H. COLLINS, P. W. HUTCHINSON,
W. T. WHITE, John BURCHSTED, W. A. ALLEN and Neely McNEELY. According to last report, the lodge contained
sixty-five members.

I. O. O. F., Clark Lodge, No. 3, was instituted January 10, 1839; chartered August 1, same year. The 
following were the charter members, of whom only one, James E. STAR, of Elsah, Jersey County, Ill., is 
now living. James CLARK, Patrick O'BYRNE, David P. BERRY, George FILES, Thomas DAKIN. Charter was signed 
by S. C. PIERCE, M. W. G. M.; M. BOTKIN, D. G. M.; Daniel WARD, G. W.; John M. KRUM, G. T.; Alfred SHANNON, 
G. S.; J. R. WOODS, P. G.; James E. STAR, P. G.; A. W. CHENOWETH, P. G.; John R. BATTERTON, P. G. Original
officers were; James CLARK, N. G.; Patrick O'BYRNE, V. G.; James BRADFORD, Secretary; R. F. WHITE, Treasurer.
Present number of members of the lodge is fifty-three.

I. O. O. F., Greenville Encampment, No. 39, was instituted February 5, 1869. First officers were: Henry
HOWARD, C. P.; C. W. HOLDEN, H. P.; L. ADAMS, S. W.; J. F. BOWMAN, J. W.; G. A. COLLINS, Scribe; E. 
REIDEMANN, Treasurer.

[Page 117 - Portrait of Alfred BLACKWELDER]
[Page 118 - Blank page]

[Page 119] Charter was issued October 12, 1869, and was signed by J. J. TICHNER, Grand Patriarch; N. C. 
NASON, Grand Scribe. Present number of members, twenty-five.

Independent Order of Good Templars, Greenville Lodge, No. 446, chartered Mary 2, 1870, with the following
members and officers: C. W. MOORE, Wyatt CANSEY, J. H. HALLAM and thirty-one others signed the call. 
First officers elected: S. FRENCH, W.C.T.; Mrs. E. C. SMITH, W. V. T.; Rev. M. N. POWERS, W. C.; J. J.
CLARKSON, W. S.; George PERRYMAN, W. A. S.; W. C. BROWN, W. F. S.; Mrs. Alice PHELP, W. T. R. E. A.; 
Munroe McADAMS, W. M.; Miss Alice ALEXANDER, W. D. M.; Mrs. C. LARABEE, W.I.G.; H. H. HUGHES, W. D. G.; 
Miss Kate KELSO, W. R. H. S.; Miss Flora LARABEE, W. L. H. S.; H. H. SMITH, P. W. C. T. Original number 
of members in good standing was forty-six, and present number is sixty. The lodge is in a prosperous
condition, and accomplishing much good.

The title, Women's Christian Temperance Union, is strikingly suggestive of the laudable object of the 
society. A union of Christian women representing the different evangelical churches, organized so as 
to systematically, and with the blessings of God, aid in the suppression of intemperance in their 
midst, working in harmony with the State and National organizations of their order. The Greenville Union 
was constituted April 1, 1879, with officers as follows: Mrs. E. W. DEWEY, President at Large; Mrs. Dr. 
R. C. SPRAGUE, Vice President at Large; Mrs. A. B. BYRAM, from the Presbyterian Church; Mrs. S. PERRY, 
from the Baptist Church; Mrs. W. S. DANN, from the Methodist Church; Mrs. Charles CLARK, from the
Congregational Church; Caroline PHELPS, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. Samuel COLCORD, Recording 
Secretary; Miss Allie ROBINSON, Treasurer. The Union is in a prosperous condition and accomplishing 
much good, and at their last election, April 11, 1882, the following officers were elected: Mrs. A. 
E. HAVEN, President; Mrs. P. C. REED, Vice President; Mrs. N. H. JACKSON, Recording Secretary; Mrs. 
Mary MURDOCK, Treasurer. The Union has about thirty enrolled members.

A temperance society that accomplished much good was organized April 6, 1848, by J. R. WOODS, A. D. G. 
W. P. of the State of Illinois, with the following charter members: Robert F. WHITE, John BURCHSTED, 
John T. BARR, Otis B. COLCORD, Daniel DETRICK, John WAITE, Franklin BERRY, John A. DOWLER, S. B. 
HOLCOMB, George FERGUSON, Nathaniel MADDUX, Lonson LANE, Joseph T. FOUKE, Samuel H. CROCKER, E. GASKINS 
and James STAFFORD. The following officers were elected and installed; Franklin BERRY, W. P.; John T. 
BARR, W. A.; John WAITE, R. S.; S. B. HOLCOMB, A. R. S.; Joseph T. FOUKE, F. S.; Daniel DETRICK, F.; R. 
F. WHITE, C.; George FERGUSON, A. C.; Nathaniel MADDUX, I. S.; O. B. COLCORD, O. S.; E. GASKINS, P. W. 
P. James STAFFORD was appointed Chaplain, and John WAITE alternate. During the remainder of April 
sixteen more were added to the membership, making thirty-two. This number increased rapidly, and the
prosperity of the order was unbounded. Many men joined who had been for years habitual drunkards, came 
for miles to attend the meetings, and in most cases were prosperous in their business whilst they were
members, and often testified to their enjoyment during those several years of their membership. It gave 
way to other temperance societies, its last meeting being April 29, 1853. Its enrollment was over 200 
members.

Integrity Lodge, No. 72, A. O. U. W., was instituted April 28, 1877, with the following officers: S. M.
INGLIS, P. M. W.; George S. PHELPS, M. W.; Henry HOWARD, F.; William BALLARD, O.; Cyrus BIRGE, Recorder;
George C. SCIPIO, Financier; M. V. DENNY, Receiver; C. W. HOLDEN, G.; Samuel WERNER, I. W.; S. M. 

[Page 120] TABOR, O. W. Henry HOWARD was the first representative to the meeting of the Grand Lodge at 
Ottawa, Ill., February, 1878. The lodge now has sixty-three members, and is in a prosperous condition.

I. O. M. A. was organized September 20, 1880, with the following officers: J. J. CLARKSON, P.; C. W. 
SAWALL, P. P.; John KINGSBERY, V. P.; Henry RAMMEL, R. S.; J. M. McADAMS, F. S.; H. T. POWELL, T.; E. 
C. STEARNS, J. J. CLARKSON, H. T. POWELL, Trustees; A. T. REED, C.; C. H. BEATTY, I. G.; O. L. LUPTON, 
O. G.

The I. O. M. A. is a State organization, and the Greenville branch contains twenty-seven members.

The Greenville Band consists of thirteen public-spirited and enterprising young men of esthetic musical
tastes, who have, by enduring perseverance, accomplished much in the way of musical culture, and rendered
themselves a credit to their city, county and State.

The band was organized October 19, 1879; chartered November 12, 1880, with John A. ELAM as their leader; 
Adel ALBRIGHT, first E flat cornet; Ward REID, second E flat cornet; Will E. ROBINSON, clarinet; Charles
THRANER, piccolo; Wallace BARR, first B flat cornet; Will Johnson, second B flat cornet; Will DONNELL, 
third B flat cornet; Robert JOHNSON, first solo alto; Jesse WATSON, second solo alto; Walter POWELL, 
third solo alto; Rome SPRAGUE, first tenor; Jesse SMITH, second tenor; Frank SHAW, baritone; Louis 
DERLETH, tuba bass; Frank BOUGHMAN, tenor drum; Will WHITE, bass drum and cymbals.

Of the above only five were, according to law, old enough to have their names appear on the charter, 
namely, Leader ELAM, Messrs. ALBRIGHT, JOHNSON, SHAW and BOUGHMAN. Messrs. REID, ROBINSON, ALBRIGHT 
and SMITH have resigned and their instruments are at present silent, but a movement is on foot that 
will undoubtedly result in filling their places.

On the Evening of September 20, 1880, the band was treated to a most happy and appropriate surprise by 
the loyal ladies of Greenville, who presented them with an elegant flag of our country, twelve feet long 
and six feet wide, mounted on a substantial staff, and surmounted with a gold gilt American eagle with
extended pinions. The stars are worked in silk floss, and among them appear the letters G. B. The cost 
of this flag was $50. The band is in constant practice, and bids fair to soon become one of the best 
in Illinois.

[Page 121 - Start of Chapter XII written by Williamson PLANT]

To what extent the early settlers of Bond County believed in the existence of ghosts, no official record 
has been left; but they have recorded their belief in that mysterious healing art where faith is the 
active agent as late as June 2, 1829. In that record is found that Polly HARNESS, “in consequence of a 
canser or ulser is unable to earn a livelihood;” whereupon the court makes the following order: “Ordered, 
that Thomas HUNTER be appointed Agent to convey Polly HARNESS to a Dutch Doctor, living about ten miles 
below Herculanium, in Missouri, and that the sum of $30 be paid to said Thomas HUNTER to defray said
expenses.” The record in due time shows that the said Thomas HUNTER reported to the court the delivery 
of the said Polly HARNESS to one “William NEILL, and took his receipt for the cure and maintanence” of 
the said HARNESS “near Harkalenaum”, and that the $30 was duly expended; after that announcement the record 
is silent.

At least two jails have been built in Greenville before the one now in use, which was built in 1859. The 
first was built by Andrew MOODY and Thomas STOUT, of square logs, according to specifications, at a cost 
of $244.50, in State paper. It was built somewhere near the present house of Samuel BRADFORD. The contract 
is dated July 4, 1829, to be completed by the first Monday in December following. The second jail was built 
by Richard TATOM, on the public square, for $321.74, payment made for same July 4, 1835, that probably 
being the date of receiving the building. The present jail is a very respectable building, having none of 
the forbidding outward appearances often attending that class of buildings. It was built at a cost of 
about $5,000, with the cells since fitted up on the west side. But few persons have escaped from the same
since it was finished.

The city of Greenville, containing a population of 2,500 inhabitants, is located on the highest point of 
land on the line of the St. Louis, Vandalia & Terre Haute Railroad, fifty miles from St. Louis, gently 
sloping to the south, with woodland in close proximity on the north and west, through which numerous 
springs of pure water flow continuously, giving early promise of furnishing for the city and manufactories, 
to be established, a bountiful supply of water.

Beginning as the town did in 1819, with one small building made of unhewed logs, in which Green P. RICE
measured his first yard of cotton goods to the early settler; next, to the time when it was made the 
county seat, in 1821, when he had retired from the trade, and his successor, Samuel DAVIDSON, was no 
more; then the erection of county buildings, and, within the next ten years, the increased number of 
stores in the hands of BLANCHARD,

[Page 122] BIRGE, LONG, DURLEY, DRAKE and WHITE, although frequently changing in the time. Then George
DAVIDSON with his small cabin entertains, as best he can, man and beast. Next, Seth BLANCHARD, his 
successor, and David BERRY, each with enlarged cabins, gave ample accommodations for shelter, and their 
ever well loaded tables (of which tradition speaks in praise), fed the weary traveler as he wended his 
way on horseback through the new country to the West. The next ten years bring an increased population, 
more extensive business in every department. The first old court house had returned to the ground if 
not to the dust. The old jail failed of its purpose, and both were condemned as unsuitable longer for
usefulness.

We have now reached 1841. The business houses have increased not only in number, but their stocks of
merchandise have been greatly enlarged. Within this last ten years we find Seth BLANCHARD, J. B. DRAKE, 
Ansel BIRGE, Williard TWISS, W. S. SMITH, L. D. PLANT, William DAVIS, GOODING, MORSE & Bros. and James 
M. DAVIS have been selling goods, not all at one time, for many changes were made within that time. The 
hotels in the meantime had made further improvements under the management of BLANCHARD; then his 
successor, Thomas DAKIN, and David BERRY at his old stand, second house west of DRAKE's. A new court 
house has also been built, of wood, in place of the old crumbled brick, and a new jail on the southeast 
corner of the public square.

During all these years, many times without building for Clerk's offices and places for holding courts, 
among the first places for holding the courts was in the building west of ELAM's old blacksmith shop,
southwest of Joel ELAM's present residence; then in the house of Wyatt STUBBLEFIELD; then in the old 
BERRY Tavern, where the difficulty between two lawyers occurred during the session of court. One twisted 
the nose of the other, which he resented with his cane. If we move up ten years more, to 1851, living
witnesses are numerous who know of the changes. We have some of the old merchants, with many that are 
new. The list now is covered by W. S. & Thomas W. SMITH, J. B. DRAKE, MORSE & Bros., Charles HOILES, 
George W. HILL, S. B. BULKLEY, P. J. HOLCOMB AND L. D. & W. PLANT.

The hotels, by David BERRY, Thomas STOUT, J. B. O. WHITE, the latter where Mrs. McCORD's hotel is now 
kept, and who that lived within the last period named does not remember the private boarding house of 
Mr. And Mrs. John ACKERIGE, next bouse east of Dr. DRAKE’s? what nice meals at “moderate prices” they
prepared! During court week, their table was always crowded by jurors, witnesses and those interested 
in court, living in the county, whilst the Judge and most of the members of the bar from abroad stopped 
at the Berry House. The tables of these houses were abundantly supplied with wild game, such as venison,
prairie chickens, quail, etc., which were plentiful and very cheap. The common price for :venison saddle” 
(the hind quarters with the loin), would sell for 37 ½ cents per pair. The average weight would be from 
thirty to fifty pounds each, making the meat average about 1 cent per pound. What boy now living that 
was in Greenville during this time does not remember the ginger cakes made by old mother ALLRED? The 
next ten years takes us to 1861. Increased business on every hand. We find during this time that 
merchants are covered by the following list: W. S. & T. W. SMITH, MORSE & Bros., G. W. HILL, Samuel 
A. BLANCHARD, ELLIOTT & KERSHNER, A. W. HYNES, and BARR & ELLIOTT.

[Page 123] The hotels are now all removed to near the public square. The St. Charles Hotel, by E. B. 
McCORD, Franklin House, by Franklin G. MORSE, from whom it took its name. Within this last period a new 
jail has been built, of brick, where it now stands on Third street, and the present court house completed 
in 1855.

Now let us pass from 1861 to the present, 1882, covering a period of twenty-one years, as the town has 
grown until it would be impossible to make mention in detail of many changes and occurrences. The 
greatest impetus given to Greenville since it was first named, was the building and completion of the 
St. Louis, Vandalia & Terre Haute Railroad through the southern line of the city. The first passenger 
train from Greenville to St. Louis was on the morning of December 8, 1868, and from that date we mark 
the first march of improvement. As has been shown by an article in this book covering a history of the
Vandalia Railroad that the citizens of Greenville and Bond County have more than ordinary interest in 
the success of this road.

The stores that have been in operation in that time, but have closed out, are as follows: W. S. SMITH & 
Co., J. M. SMITH, MORSE & Bros., C. HOILES, G. W. HILL, A. BUIE, William M. EVANS & Co., J. G. SPRAGUE, 
H. Y. SCHELL, J. W. ELLIOTT, P. C. REED, McLAIN & WAFER, John B. REID, Samuel B. HYNES, E. V. BUCHANAN, 
George F. SALISBURY.

If a stranger visiting Greenville for the first time should desire detailed information in regard to 
the business transacted in the city at the present time, and ask to be shown first the merchant longest 
in the trade, any one of whom the request was made would conduct him to the well-filled “U.S.” store of 
John T. BARR, successor of Messrs. BARR & ELLIOT, on Main street, south side of the public square. This 
house has always had a good, regular trade.

He would next be shown the store of Daniel R. GRIGG, on Lot 31, corner of College and Second streets. 
Mr. GRIGG has well proved the old adage to be correct, that “He who by the plow would thrive, himself 
must either hold or drive.” Mr. GRIGG has succeeded well by his personal attention to his business. He 
would next be shown north across the street to the large, well-filled house of W. S. DANN & Co. This 
house speaks for itself, the proprietors having the happy faculty of pleasing their numerous customers, 
and to meet the requirements of their trade have recently enlarged their already commodious building.

The firm of BERRY & DAVIS, Third street, west side of the public square, would claim his attention next. 
The business of this firm has increased until they now stand in the front raks with their worthy 
competitors; the range of their trade is varied, keeping a general stock of dry goods; they have bought 
and sold grain, wool, etc. Adjoining their store on the north is the well and favorably known house of 
JANDT & WEISE, successors to JANDT & REED. This house is connected in some degree with the house at
Pocahontas, under the name of H. A. JANDT & Co., and, by concert of action by the two houses, have now 
a lucrative business.

These five stores of general merchandise are all in a prosperous condition, each house having their 
friends, makes a good division in the trade, and, the competitions being close, each stands as a guard 
on prices, to keep them within proper bounds.

Only three clothing houses are in operation at present; a fourth, however, is in prospect.

The New York Clothing House, on Lot 42, corner of Third and Main streets, first made its bow to the 
public some fifteen years ago, with Mr. S. STEARN as proprietor. Mr. STEARN was lost whilst crossing 
the Atlantic on the

[Page 124] steamer Schiller, in company with Mr. John SUPPIGER and family. Soon after, Mr. Louis KAUFMAN 
took charge of the store and conducted it successfully until recently. Mr. E. B. WISE became associated 
with him under the name of KAUFMAN & WISE. They have always had a good trade. The store of A. ABRAMS, on 
Lot 41, corner of Main and Second streets, under the name of “Golden Eagle,” though not one of the 
largest, is well assorted for the trade. This store was broken into one night a few months since by 
two tramps, strangers to the town, and several hundred dollars’ worth of goods taken. The thieves 
were captured soon after, the goods recovered, and are now serving out their sentence in the Chester
Penitentiary.

Theodore W. CLOVERDALE is proprietor of the “Elephant” clothing, boot and shoe house on Lot 61, corner 
of Second and South streets. Commencing some eight years ago with a small stock of boots and shoes, he 
now enjoys a large, prosperous trade from his new stand with his large stock of clothing, as well as 
boots, shoes, etc. 

Mr. H. T. POWELL is just fitting up his building on the northwest corner of Lot 47, on Main street, with 
a new stock of readymade clothing. He has been a successful business man in the past, which argues well 
for him in the future.

Of the grocery stores there are five, all apparently doing a flourishing business. The oldest is that 
of Mr. E. P. JUSTICE, on Lot 48, corner of Main and Second streets; has held a good trade for many 
years past. Mr. John PERRYMAN’s comes next. Mr. PERRYMAN’s business has been conducted for several 
years by his son George, who has made a first-class grocery house of it. It is situated in his new 
building, built recently on his lot for the business for which they are so successfully using it. It 
is located on the south side of the public square. ROBINSON & Son, just north of ABRAM’s clothing 
store, have had their share of the grocery business during the seeral years they have been in 
business, always keeping reliable goods.

The firm of WATSON & JETT, although only some two years in business, have a trade that often takes many 
years to secure its equal. They were not new men in the trade, but had had several years' experience in
business at another point. Their trade is all they should desire.

Mr. Warren B. BEEDLE, successor to E. V. BUCHANAN, on the west side of the public square, enjoys his 
share of the grocery trade. He is well located, and his pleasant address will not fail to add to his 
already increasing business.

Four drug stores adorn the town. The health of the county and city is so good that did they depend on 
the sale of medicines alone for a support, one would easily satisfy every demand; but these stores 
include, besides their drugs and medicines, a great variety of fancy and toilet goods, cutlery, paints, 
oils, dye stuffs and some medicinal liquors, to which they add the soda fount, etc., etc., and with a 
full line of these, each establishment, although of good proportions, find a paying business throughout 
the year.

C. R. BENNETT may be found at his old stand, on Lot 23, corner of Third and College streets. Mr. M. 
OUYDEN, with a comparatively new stock of goods, just south, across the street, on the opposite corner. 
C. W. WATSON & Co., successors of H. T. POWELL, one door east of the First National Bank, and George W.
SEAMAN, on the corner of Lot 47, corner of Main and Second streets. These four drug houses are all
first-class.

Only two tin and hardware shops are located in Greenville, but they have ample facilities to meet the
requirements that may be

[Page 125] made upon them. Mr. Theodore SMITH has been in business more than twenty-five years; is 
proprietor of one of the shops. He is now located on Lot 45, on Third street, in a large, commodious 
room, well suited to his business. The other is owned and conducted by Messrs. F. SEEWALD & Co., on 
Lot 49, Greenville, on Main street. A double building was found necessary to give sufficient room for 
their work and trade.

There are two furniture stores, one kept by GERICHS & NORMAN, on Third street, who also keep undertakers’
goods. The other, in charge of Mr. Gus TRIPOD, on Second street; besides which there is the cabinet shop 
of Mr. BARBEY, who includes in his stock picture frames, undertakers’ goods, etc.

Three regular agricultural warehouses, with partial hardware stores attached, are to be found in the 
city – one on the corner of Main and Third streets, kept by Messrs. J. J. CLARKSON and G. W. LOWRANCE, 
under the name of Clarkson & Lowrance. They handle many manufactures of plows, several self binders, 
and keep a good stock of hardware, seeds, etc. Another, and quite similar establishment, is first door 
north of the Presbyterian Church, kept by Jonathan SEAMAN and HUBBARD, under the style of Seaman & 
Hubbard. The third agricultural house is kept by William LEIDEL. He keeps everything belonging to a
first-class agricultural establishment, and is located across the street, west form his residence, near 
the railroad depot. Other agricultural implements are sold by parties who have no regular house for 
their sale.

Three millinery and fancy stores may be named. McLAIN & Co., on Lot 49, Main street, is a house that has 
been established a number of years, and has always had the confidence of the public. The millinery 
parlors kept by Misses Jennie F. and May BARR, on Second street, one door south of the Thomas House, is 
well filled with fashionable goods; and the St. Louis Bazaar, by Mr. A. W. HYNES, one door east of E. P.
JUSTICE’s grocery store. This last is more of a fancy store, with rare fruits, than to be called a 
millinery establishment. These houses have careful attendants, and are getting good trade.

Five blacksmiths are scattered through the town. John SCHLUP, who also makes a specialty of manufacturing
wagons, has his shop on Third and Summer streets, T. B. SAVAGE, aid to N. W. McLAIN's machine shop is 
also, on Third street; J. E. TRAVIS' shop is on Summer street, and W. W. WILLIAMS is located on Main, on 
Lot 50. J. D. DORSEY, "the village smith", makes a specialty of horseshoeing, on what is claimed to be an
improved system; is located between the Baptist and Christian Churches.

Three banks have been in successful operation from fifteen to twenty years each. The first was under the
style of W. S. SMITH & Co., which was succeeded by the First National Bank of Greenville, located on the
northwest corner of Lot 46, Main and Third streets, with a capital of $100,000, which has since been 
reduced about one-third. Its officers are Nathaniel DRESSOR, President; Abe McNEIL, Vice President; M. 
V. DENNY, Cashier.

Mr. Charles HOILES having retired from the bank bearing his name some two years ago, the same is now 
very successfully conducted by his two sons, C. D. and S. M. HOILES, under the old firm name of HOILES 
& Sons. Their bank is located on the southeast corner of Lot 47, on Second street. The bank of James 
BRADFORD and Samuel BRADFORD, under the style of BRADFORD & Son, is situated on the southwest corner 
of Lot 31, Second street. Each of the banks has the confidence of the people as regards their solvency.

Two large lumber yards are located within

[Page 126] the corporation, that of Messrs. G. W. FLINT & Co., successors to GERICHS & KOCH, on Fourth 
and Washington streets, and that of C. D. HARRIS & CO., successor to MUDD & HARRIS, opposite the public
school buildings. The lumber trade of Greenville is very large. The hotels should not be overlooked. 
The Franklin House, by L. SILVERMAN, is well located on College and Third streets. The house was built 
in 1840, by L. D. PLANT, for a hotel, but was not used as such for many years after. It has undergone
considerable repairs and additions since building. The hotel on the east side of the public square, by 
Mrs. Elizabeth McCORD, is the same building in which J. B. O. WHITE kept hotel over twenty-five years 
since. Mrs. McCORD has attended closely to her duties, and has kept up the name of her house. She has 
many old traveling friends.

The THOMAS House, kept by Mrs. Mary A. THOMAS, deserves special notion. She commenced some ten years 
since, keeping her first hotel in the old Sargeant House; then the Franklin; next the new Empire. Her 
success in these houses enabled her to purchase the house she now occupies, which she has been keeping 
for the past three years, under the name of the Thomas House. She has shown more than ordinary executive
ability in conducting her hotel business in the past, which is a sure guaranty for success in the future. 
Her table is loaded with the delicacies of the season, as the market affords.

Three jewelry stores are at present in Greenville. That of G. S. HAVEN, on Lot 32, northwest corner of 
court house square, is the oldest, Mr. HAVEN having been in the business about thirteen years. The other 
two stores are situated side by side on Lot 47, southeast corner of the square, one kept by Mr. Charles
DERLETH, the other by Mr. Phillip FRECH. Both make attractive exhibits of their wares. There is but one
machine shop in the city, and is kept on Lot 11, Third street, where ordinary repairs to machines 
needing experts are repaired.

A number of shops for the manufacture of boots and shoes can be found by walking through the town. Across 
the street, on the north side of the square, may be seen the shop of Messrs. FLAHARTY & SALA. Just south 
of Mr. JUSTICE’s store the shop of Mr. JACOT, and south, on the same street, on Lot 53, the well-known 
shop of Louis DERLETH, in the basement of HOILES Block, has had a good run of trade since he has been
conducting the same. Mr. James LYON’s, two doors west of the Baptist Church, is the convenient shop for 
those living at the west end of the city. He has not been known to refuse to sell or work for those living 
in any other part of Greenville.

For a number of years three elevators have been in operation in Greenville, buying and shipping grain,
besides the mill of Plant & Wafer. The proprietors of the largest of these elevators have recently retired
from the business, but the business will probably continue under another management.

Adolphe BRENCHAND and his brother Mark BREUCHAND have each an elevator on the line of the railroad, some
forty rods distant from each other. The buying of wheat for shipping and grinding at Greenville annually
amounts to more than two hundred thousand bushels, in good seasons.

There are three steam flouring mills at Greenville – one situated half a mile north of the city, near 
the creek, from which the supply of water needed in running the mill is taken. A similar mill, though 
not so large, was burned on the spot where the present one stands, by one PAGE, some forty years ago, 
for which he suffered the penalty of the law. Mr. W. S. SMITH is the owner of the property

[Page 127] at present. On account of its having been built on the ashes of the old mill, it was for years
known as the Phoenix Mills. The small mill immediately north of the railroad, known as the Star Mills, 
was built some ten years ago by J. E. WALLS and W. M. EVANS. It was designed for a custom or exchange 
mill. Mr. E. TINKEY, its present proprietor, has made some improvements in the same during the past two 
years he has owned it, and he runs it to the extent that business justifies.

The mill on the south side of the railroad, known as the Greenville City Mills, was built some fourteen 
years ago by N. W. McLAIN and James E. WAFER, who ran it for a number of years, when John B. REID became
their successor, added some improvements, and sold it to its present owners, Williamson PLANT and Thomas
WAFER, who have recently expended several thousand dollars putting in improved machinery to enable them 
to manufacture a superior grade of flour for their large and growing trade. They have opened up a good
shipping trade within the past two years with Belfast, Ireland, Glasgow, Scotland, Liverpool and London,
having shipped to those points within that time over thirty car loads of flour, at prices in advance of 
any market in the United States. This mill also does a general exchange business with farmers the same 
as the other two mills before referred to. The water for running this mill is abundant in a good well in 
the mill. In addition to the above, Messrs. ELAM & Sons are putting up a mill on the railroad near the 
stock pens for sawing walnut blocks into legs for tables, and hickory butts into carriage and wagon 
spokes, etc.

The perplexities and uncertainties of the law in Greenville is explained and argued if necessary, for 
a proper fee, by Messrs. S. A. PHELPS, D. H. KINGSBURY, A. G. HENRY, W. H. DAWDY, John KINGBURY, W. A.
NORTHCOTT (Mr. NORTHCOTT at present being State’s Attorney), and L. H. CRAIG. ROBINSON & REID, over the 
post office, are engaged in an abstract, loan and insurance business.

The citizens of Greenville claim that the health of their city and surrounding country has been so good 
that they will need, if such continues, a list of the names of their resident physicians placed in some
conspicuous place that they may not forget them. If such a list was posted in the order in which they 
came to the city, it would be in the following order: Drs. W. P. BROWN, R. C. SPRAGUE, J. A. SLAUGHTER, 
David WILKINS, James GORDON, D. R. WILKINS, Frank BROWN, W. H. H. BEESON and Miss Florence B. HOLDEN.

The above list will not need to have the name of our excellent dentist, Dr. N. H. JACKSON, inscribed on 
it for fear we may forget him, as each one, sooner or later, will have occasion to know of him or his
brethren in the profession elsewhere. He is at present located pleasantly in rooms above the Elephant
Clothing House.

The three harness shops will not be overlooked by the farmer, or those in need of their goods. That of 
T. B. WOOD, one door south of BRADFORD’s Bank, of W. J. MILLS, on Lot 25, northwest corner of the public
square, and last, but not least, that of Will HODZKOM, on Lot 32, west side of the square. All these men 
give personal attention to their business.

The pleasure-seekers will always be glad to make the acquaintance of the good natured livery stable man. 
When you step out of the TOMAS House, on the first lot to your left you will find the Empire Stable, 
kept by Mr. James W. WHITTAKER, and he keeps many new buggies to sell to those who do not want to ride 
in his.

Capt. S. M. TABOR, in the Fancisco Stables, has had an excellent run of business. Capt.

[Page 128] TABOR’s friends are loud in praise of the speed of some of his horses.

Mr. Robert MERRY, successor to Wood & Merry, has found it necessary to own tow stables to enable him to 
carry on his large and growing business – one just west from Capt. TABOR’s, and the other across the 
street north. Mr. MERRY has some good rigs for the business. All seem to do a good business.

The tonsorial art, in the hands of Messrs. C. R. JONES, Thomas BARBEE, Mr. KEPLER and Joseph JONES has 
had the tendency of smoothing the faces and shortening the locks of their numerous visitors, adding 
largely to their personal appearance in proportion as they remove this surplus growth.

No one should shun Messrs. HURLEY & Co., on Third street, below the First National Bank, because their 
home and business is among the tombstones. A call upon them will give some idea of the work that may 
stand as a sentinel at your last resting place.

No business list of Greenville would be complete that did not include the bakeries of Messrs. Frank 
PARENT and Nicholas FAUST; and they know how to make a good lunch or square meal.

Mr. C. R. BRENNING makes a specialty of his restaurant, and knows how to please his patrons by keeping
a nice, clean house. The ice cream saloon and fancy bakery of Mrs. HEFFER & Sons commands the attention
of not only the young man and his girl, but older people find real comfort in those dishes they know so
well how to serve. In closing our Greenville notes, mention must be made of the “boy merchant,” Lincoln
REID, son of Col. J. B. REID, a mere lad, yet he has been in business about three years, beginning at 
first selling stationery on a small scale from a counter in the corner of the post office in Greenville.
His business is steadily increasing, until now it is developing into a business of larger proportions.
Such enterprise give hopeful promise in the future.

To write of incidents of a foreign land as they fall under our observation or related to us by others, 
is largely of the nature of machine work. But to write of one’s home, early associations and 
recollections, of incidents of days that are passed never to return and bring back those happy 
inspirations of youth, cannot but bring its share of sadness. But let these be as they may, the writer 
has honestly, but perhaps too hurriedly, given in the preceeding pages (or at least that part allotted 
to him), which came under his personal knowledge, or was derived from official records of the different
events as they occurred, faithfully and impartially, knowing full well that some errors may have crept 
in unobserved, for which great care has been used to make the number of such as few as possible.

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