Butler County, Alabama - Chapter 13, 1885

Chapter 13

This thriving little city is beautifully situated on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, fortyfive miles south of Montgomery. The locality is healthful, the water freestone ; the land, however, is not as level as it is in some other portions of the county ; the soil is of the red clay variety, giving rise to an impalpable powder, or dust, in dry weather.

Although Greenville is not a very large town, she is one among the first places settled in the State, having received a few emigrants as early as 1 8 19. She has never made any rapid progress at any particular period of her history, but has gradually grown from a small village to her present size and importance. Like the great city of antiquity, Greenville was not built in a day.

Previous to 18 19, the present site of Greenville was a. favorite resort for wild deer, hundreds of them often being seen at one time feeding upon the luxuriant growth of grass which covered her verdant hills, or lying down resting themselves in the cool and refreshing shade of the cane thickets that hid the mossy banks of the crystal streams from the face of the bright luminary of day. On the evening of the 14th of January, 18 19, the peace of this happy forest of oaks was disturbed by a train of emigrants, who had come from the State of South Carolina to the new country in search of future homes. Being favorably impressed with the appearance of this locality, they stopped for the night on what is now known as Routon's Branch, to rest themselves from the fatigue of the day, and to breathe the fresh and invigorating air characteristic of the locality.

After further investigation the next day, thay were all well pleased with the surroundings, and at once decided to erect their future homes in this beautiful portion of Nature's happy vineyard. Among the settlers included in this train of emigrants were James Dunklin, Joseph Dunklin, John Dunklin, Dr. Hilary Herbert, Webster Gilbert, John Boiling, William Graydon, John Graydon, William Payne, Thomas Coleman and Dr. George Herbert, eight of these emigrants having families. They brought with them fifty-two horses and twelve wagons, loaded with bedding, clothing, cooking utensils, all kinds of food, and an assortment of tools used in mechanical work. Each family selected a particular spot upon which - to erect a rude cabin, for the shelter and protection of its inmates from exposure to the weather and the danger of attack from wild beasts.

A few weeks after the first batch of emigrants had pitched their tents here, Ephraim Palmer, John Cook, N. Hutchinson, and others, came from the older States, and cast their lots with their friends in this locality. The same year came John Caldwell, Samuel Black, Ezekiel Pickens, David Waters, and Thomas Burnett, all of whom settled near where Greenville was afterwards located.

The first marriage in this county was confirmed in February, 1819, by John Cook, the Justice of the Peace, and the contracting parties were Dr. George Herbert and Miss Anna Dunklin. The day set apart for this great event was a cold and rainy one ; the magistrate was sick in bed, thereby compelling the couple to visit his house, and the ceremony was pronounced by Esquire Cook while sitting up in bed. The attendance on this occasion was small, compared to such grand social events in the higher circles of Greenville society of to-day, and, of course, the ceremony was marked with brevity and simplicity.

Ephraim Palmer erected the first log cabin in the immediate vicinity of Greenville, it being situated about where the Sycamore stables were afterwards built. It was not long before this section of country was tolerably thickly settled, and it soon became necessary for the people of the county to have courts, judges, etc. The inhabitants of the South Carolina colony immediately took steps to have the court-house located in their midst, and thereby build up a town in this savage land.

The State Legislature, at its second session at Cahaba, in 1820, appointed a committee of citizens from different parts of the county, authorizing them to select a suitable place for locating the seat of justice for Butler County, and further investing in them the power of laying off as many lots as they may have purchased for that purpose, and dispose of the same in such a manner as they might deem most expedient for the county. The committee thus appointed, examined all the localities in the new county, and decided upon the present site of Greenville as the proper place for the location of the court-house. On the i8th of December, 1 82 1, the General Assembly passed an act authorizing the Judge of the County Court and the Board of Commissioners of the Roads and Revenue of Butler County to levy an extra tax upon the property of the people, for the purpose of building a court-house and jail in the town of Buttsville, said town having been made the permanent seat of justice for the county.

The 5th of May, 1822, was set apart as the day for laying out the future town of Buttsville. It was named in honor of Captain Samuel Butts> a

Georgian, who was killed at the battle of Calabee, January, 1814. The good people of the little town petitioned the Legislature, and had the name changed to Greenville, in memory of the district in South Carolina by the same name, from which a majority of the first inhabitants of the hew town had emigrated.

The court-house was soon completed, and was a neat frame building, which served all the purposes of the people for over twenty-five years. It was a very good house when it, with all the jfublic records of the county, was consumed by fire in 1852. Another frame building was shortly erected on the same spot, and this was replaced in 1 87 1 by a substantial brick structure, at a cost of ;^i2,ooo. This building is a handsome piece of workmanship, and will, no doubt, last fifty years without much repairing.

About the same time the first court-house was erected, James Johnson put up a log house for Caulfield & Bell, who opened a small stock of goods in it, having hauled them from Claiborne on the Alabama River, a distance of over seventy miles. Thomas McDaniel soon purchased the outfit, and continued the business in the same storehouse. Whisky was a great article of commerce in these early days, and it was sold to the customers at extremely low prices. J. C. and W. H. Caldwell entered the mercantile business shortly after, the former employing his spare time as a silversmith and jeweler. A hotel was now' erected by W. H. Caldwell, the father of Mrs. M. E. McKeller. William L. Yancey, the gifted orator of Alabama, who set the South on fire with his burning eloquence and caused the secession of the States in 1861, is said to have been among the early business men of Greenville.

The Boiling Hotel, with John Boiling as proprietor, was situated south of the court-house. The proprietor of this primitive inn sold whisky and groceries to his customers on the spot where the Boiling Bar now stands, and kept the accounts of his debtors on the walls of his store with long marks of charcoal. Old Uncle Johnnie was a rare specimen of Butlerian character, and many interesting tales are still told of his native originality and shrewd disposition shown in the accumulation of this worid's goods. It is said of this good old financier that he never allowed an opportunity for making a dime to pass without making good use of it.

The first church was erected on a spot that is now inclosed in the limits of the old cemetery. It was in this small church that Parson James Dulaney expounded the Holy Scriptures to the colonists in his primitive style of delivery. All denominations in the vicinity used this house for some time, though it was generally considered to be Methodist. Religion and education were somewhat neglected for several years. The absolute necessities of every-day life had to be provided

The little town constantly received additional citizens from the older States ; but, owing to the distance from the river and the inconvenience of transportation, she grew very slowly. Large teams were continually on the road to the landings on the Alabama River, carrying off the country produce and hauling goods to Greenville in return. The transportation of news in these early days was an item of great importance. The United States mail system was not so perfect then as it is now, and, in some counties in the State, there was no mail communication whatever. The enterprising people of Butler were not long in devising plans by which they could have their mail transmitted without much delay. Horse mail routes were soon established, the first one being from Montgomery to Mobile, and making weekly trips. The Federal Road, which passed through a large part of Butler County, and within five miles of Greenville, was the route. The mail was first carried by Ward Taylor, on horseback, and afterward in a one-horse wagon.

As civihzation advanced, passengers needed transportation as well as letters ; consequently, a stage line was established, which carried both mail and travelers between Mobile and Montgomery. Clute and Powell were the owners of this line for some time. Other mail and stage routes between different points in the State were after-

The restless minds of the progressive citizens soon became dissatisfied with this slow transportation by horse-power, and expressed a great desire for a more speedy transportarion of mail, passengers, and all kinds of freight. The earnest efforts of some of the most energetic business men of the State, resulted in turning this long stage line into the Mobile and Montgomery Railroad, the exact course of the route being necessarily changed to the shortest line between these points. This road passed diagonally across Butler County, and within the corporate limits of the town of Greenville. This little place was now a town of several hundred souls, and her progress had been greatly retarded for the want of a more convenient means of transportation.

The passage of this railroad gave new life to Greenville, and filled her streets with many persons in search of homes and occupation within the borders of the inland town. Carpenters and bricklayers were employed, houses sprang up as if by magic, and the future greatness of Greenville was considered certain. But, ah ! we are too fast. Before the deafening whistle had announced the arrival of the first iron-horse at the station of Greenville, war had been declared between the States of the Union, and instead of building up, the town retrograted during the time of this great conflict between the Union men and the Confed- erates. A hospital was erected here as an asylum for the maimed soldiers, who had been wounded in defense of the Southern cause. Many of these unfortunate braves were nursed in this place by our noble, kind-hearted women, and some of them regained their strength sufficiently to re-enter the Confederate ranks; but a large number of them lingered, and died, and were buried beneath Butler's sacred soil. Their lonely graves may be found in the old burial-ground below the old Crenshaw place, in the southwestern part of Greenville. The old hospital building still stands on the hill west of the depot, but is now used for tenant-houses, instead of a refuge for sick and wounded soldiers.

We will now go back and bring up the history of the schools and churches from the earliest times down to the present, leaving the progress of Greenville since the war for the latter part of this article. Let us first take up the churches.

The Holy Spirit knocks, and is forced to linger for some time, at the door of the colonist, before it finds an entrance into his rude apartments. The pioneer, who leads an easy, careless kind of life, filling his mind with heroic adventures, and caring more for hunting than for anything else, turns a deaf ear to the earnest pleadings of the evangelist, and forgets that this faithful adherent is teaching the sacred truths of the beloved Savior. From this fact, no churches were erected in Greenville for several years, and but few of the people con-

The Presbyterians are supposed to have established a church here some time before 1830; there was, however, preaching by the Methodists and Baptists previous to this time. The lot on which the church was built, was given by William Kirkpatrick, in 1825. This church has never been a strong one in Greenville, though it has always had on its roll of membership some of the most influential persons in this vicinity. Her members have always stood up to the standard of the old orthodox Presbyterian Church, whose followers, as a rule, live more in accordance with the laws of the Church than any other denomination now in existence. The pastors of this church have been the following highly esteemed servants of God: J. Bradshaw, James Stratton, E. O. Martin, S. McKee, D. Swift, Dr. Nail, James Nail, Robert Nail, Jr., George T. Petrie, Robert Keer, M. M. McCoy and John C. Duncan. The last-named gentleman has done a great deal to revive the cause here, and has managed to receive enough subscriptions from the members and friends of the church, to build a handsome brick structure as an earthly temple in which the generations to come can assemble and sing praises unto the Giver of all good and holy gifts.

Rev. Hanson Lee came into this part of God's vineyard in 1847, and held a series of meetings in the Presbyterian Church, which resulted in the conversion of many precious souls into tne Baptist faith of salvation. With this outpouring- of God's Spirit among the people, this little band of Baptists has been increasing in strength, until today the membership of this church numbers over two hundred souls. Through the kindness of their Hberal friends, the Baptists held their religious services in the Presbyterian Church, until they could build a church of their own, which they did in 1854. Prominent among those who assisted in this noble enterprise, were : J. Thames, H. Rudulph and Dr. T. M. Bragg. The names of the pastors of this church are: Revs. W. Keith, J. E. Bell, Dr. J. B. Hawthorne, N. Taylor, P. Lundy, Dr. B. Goodwin, B. H. Crumpton, T. W. Hart and C. P. Fountain. It is said, that the services of Mr. Crumpton, at this church, met with more success than those of any other pastor ever in charge of this gentle fold.

The Protestant Methodists claim to have established the first church in the vicinity of Greenville. This denomination was never very strong here, and finally sold their lot to the Methodist Episcopal denomination, in 1872. These earnest Christians immediately went to work, and succeeded in erecting the finest church ever built in Greenville. William H. Flowers, Joseph Steiner and W. W. Wilkinson opened their hearts and purses, contributing ;^ 1,000 each for the completion of this handsome edifice, which will stand for many years as the sanctuary of God, in all its beauty and grandeur. This little flock, in the short space of thirteen years, has increased to two hundred and thirty-five members. The Conference has sent the following reverend gentlemen to look after this fold: J. W. Glenn, Charles King, W. M. Motley, Josiah Barker, O. R. Blue, John Urquhart, W. J. Mangum, W. A. J. Briggs, W. M. Motley, Josiah Bancroft, Dr. R. H. Rivers, J. R. Peavy and A. J. Lamar.

The Episcopal Church was founded in i860, by Rev. James Jarrett, of Montgomery, and its few followers served their Master for several years in the building that is now a part of the South Alabama Female Institute. In the course of time, however, this devoted rector succeeded in constructing a building which bears the name of St Thomas's Church. Soon after the completion of this church, Mr. Jarrett went to Florida, and left the parish under the protecting care of Rev. Dr. Benister, who was followed by Rev. James D. Porter. After the untimely death of this young minister, the church was for several years without a resident priest. Rev. George R. Upton is now serving the church to the great satisfaction of the parish.

There are also a few Primitive Baptists in Greenville. Their church was erected in 1881, on a piece of land donated by Judge Samuel J. Boiling. Rev. E. L. Norris, who has been the pastor ever since the church was moved to Greenville, was

We have already taken up more space than was set apart for this article, but some remarks on the history of the schools of Greenville must be made. The South Alabama Institute is nothing more than the old Greenville Female School, established in 1846, by Thomas Herbert and his accomplished wife, Mrs. Dorothy Herbert ; both of whom came from Laurens Court House, South Carolina, where they had been successfully engaged in teaching for a number of years. Some time after the war, Prof. J. Mack. Thigpen became the Principal of this school, and soon built it up to the reputation of a female seminary of learning. He was greatly assisted by Rev. B. H. Crumpton, who advertised the school thoroughly, and induced a great many persons to send their daughters here. All those coming from a distance, were allowed to board in any of the private families in the vicinity of the college buildings. In 1879, this institution was chartered, with the authority to confer certificates of graduation in the different branches taught in its curriculum. This school is indirectly under the control of a Board of Trustees, consisting of members of the Baptist Church, with the pastor of the Greenville Church as President of the Board. It has enrolled as many as 200 pupils during one session. Its prosperity has been gradually diminishing ever since Prof. J. M. Thigpen and Rev. B. H. Crump- ton severed their connection with it. Prof. Milton Park, of Texas, was Superintendent of this institution, but remained in, charge of it for only one year, when he returned to Texas.

The Greenville Male High School was established through the instrumentality of Rev. B. H. Crumpton, about 1876. The principal teachers have been Professors M. M. McCoy, L. R. Graham, B. H. Abrams, George W. Thigpen, W. R. Mustin, Thomas J. Howell and John C. Duncan. Prof. George W. Thigpen has been the Principal since 1878, and has now Hmited the number of pupils to thirty. This school was originally a branch of the South Alabama Institute, and under the control of the Baptist denomination.

The Greenville Collegiate Institute was founded by the late Colonel James H. Dunklin, and chartered in 1872. This earnest educator was greatly assisted by Joseph Steiner and W. W. Wilkinson in this important enterprise. The first President elected by the Board of Trustees, was Colonel James H. Dunklin, followed by Prof. Dyer, Rev. Dr. Urquhart, Prof. M. E. Butt, Rev. R. S. Holcomb, Prof. George D. Hughes, who died in the service of President. He was succeeded by Prof. J. W. Holmes, whose successor is Prof. S. P. Rice. The college is now in a flourishing condition, and enjoys a more extended patronage than ever before.

most influential citizens fell in the battles of this great conflict, but when the smoke had cleared away, the future size and importance of the town were clearly seen in the background. Houses were erected on every hand, persons moved in from all parts of the country, property rose in value, and, in 1870. the town had reached such dimensions as to require the services of a Mayor and other municipal officers to keep order in the thriving little city, now restless with progress. The State Legislature was accordingly petitioned to incorporate Greenville as a city. A charter was granted by the Legislature, March 9, 1871, and ratified and accepted by the vote of the people on May 20, of the same year. John B. Lewis was elected the first Mayor of the city of Greenville.

Since this time, Greenville has continued to grow, both in population and in business, until today she claims 4,000 inhabitants in her vicinity, and an annual trade of ;^850,ooo. The authorities erected the City Hall and Market House in 1880, at the expense of the city. This commodious building cost the city ;^ 10,000, but is paying for itself in the way of fees collected for the use of it as a market and for other purposes.

In June, 1874, the young men of the city organized a military company, which was given the name of the Greenville Light Guards, with D. B. Taylor as captain. The successors of Captain Taylor have been Captains H. M. Amerine, R. Y. For-

Methodist Episcopal Church, Greenville

In August, 1884, another military company was organized, and is under the command of Captain A. Steinhart. This company was named the Butler Rifles. Both of these organizations are excellent military companies, and rank high among the different companies of the Second Regiment of Alabama State Troops. The whole of Butler County, as well as Greenville, feel a just pride in their gallant soldiers, even in the happy times of peace, for the members of these companies are among the best young men of Greenville. Three cheers for Greenville's militia !

The authorities of the city liave always striven to make all the improvements and changes that they thought would be most beneficial to the citizens. At different times they have improved her streets, sidewalks, etc. , and have kept her treasury well guarded. They have now begun the boring of artesian wells, for the purpose of furnishing the city with an abundant supply of water. Notwithstanding all this, Greenville is financially in a very healthy condition, having a surplus of several thousand dollars in her treasury unexpended. As long as progress and internal improvement is her motto, the outlook for Greenville's future prosperity is very promising.

The author regrets that he was unable to procure a complete list of the councilmen and other officers of the city, from 1871 down to the present