Marchant family - Revision history

GHM director: /* Martin Luther Marchant Sr., 1832-1897: the patriarch */

2023-05-06T14:11:52Z

Martin Luther Marchant Sr., 1832-1897: the patriarch

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:11, 6 May 2023
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	In May of 1889, he bought lot 35 from William Shumate '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+7a1HWxMkyTkc7UupAPwd6G+YZoNS+3ZtXSWhqNE2IZE3ClH2gPSaSxEXZM22YWiC788qgIyinwYp2GiAjXxMakx1VDnbT09XNwq85op0i2lQ== VV-121]'''; this was on the other side of the tracks, which is now part of the Victor baseball field at the [https://www.google.com/maps/@34.9353115,-82.2238794,3a,75y,123.07h,90.05t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sNquBsygugRVTzrEEbpyDdw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DNquBsygugRVTzrEEbpyDdw%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D85.8274%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192 corner of Park and Moore]. At some point previously he had bought the rest of the field, because he sold that half to T.W. Wood in February of 1889 '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+7a1HWxMkyTkc7UupAPwd6G+YZoNS+3ZtXSWhqNE2IZE+myEm4OMya+iG/CQAg1K/Lwki0DE3JCAK1A3WxNPL3zMlnDMC4E5EGorm28+/dX/g== YY-189]'''.		In May of 1889, he bought lot 35 from William Shumate '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+7a1HWxMkyTkc7UupAPwd6G+YZoNS+3ZtXSWhqNE2IZE3ClH2gPSaSxEXZM22YWiC788qgIyinwYp2GiAjXxMakx1VDnbT09XNwq85op0i2lQ== VV-121]'''; this was on the other side of the tracks, which is now part of the Victor baseball field at the [https://www.google.com/maps/@34.9353115,-82.2238794,3a,75y,123.07h,90.05t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sNquBsygugRVTzrEEbpyDdw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DNquBsygugRVTzrEEbpyDdw%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D85.8274%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192 corner of Park and Moore]. At some point previously he had bought the rest of the field, because he sold that half to T.W. Wood in February of 1889 '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+7a1HWxMkyTkc7UupAPwd6G+YZoNS+3ZtXSWhqNE2IZE+myEm4OMya+iG/CQAg1K/Lwki0DE3JCAK1A3WxNPL3zMlnDMC4E5EGorm28+/dX/g== YY-189]'''.

	Martin was one of the twelve founding principals of the Victor Manufacturing Company in 1895. Of those, he was the most knowledgeable and experienced in mill operations~~, Under his guidance~~, Victor Mill thrived to become a model of mill operation and, eventually, grew so large that Greer's Trade Street could have fit inside its enormous facility.		Martin was one of the twelve founding principals of the Victor Manufacturing Company in 1895. Of those, he was the most knowledgeable and experienced in mill operations. Though he passed away before the mill opened for business, Victor Mill thrived to become a model of mill operation and, eventually, grew so large that Greer's Trade Street could have fit inside its enormous facility.

	Somehow, he kept farming and set records for cotton production. In 1890, he was the top cotton producer in the county; he picked and ginned 24 bales from 25 acres with about a bale left to be done, raised with one mule; he also raised corn, wheat, oats, and meat. "He is a great believer in homemade manure and uses it almost exclusively." In 1889, he raised 48 bales on 52 acres. (Anderson Intelligencer, Jan. 9, 1890, p.4)		Somehow, he also kept farming and set records for cotton production. In 1890, he was the top cotton producer in the county; he picked and ginned 24 bales from 25 acres with about a bale left to be done, raised with one mule; he also raised corn, wheat, oats, and meat. "He is a great believer in homemade manure and uses it almost exclusively." In 1889, he raised 48 bales on 52 acres. (Anderson Intelligencer, Jan. 9, 1890, p.4) After he died, his wife Mary continued operation of his farm.
	* '''Dr. Robert Lee''' Marchant 1866-1933 [Emma '''Wham'''] ~~(5)~~		* '''Dr. Robert Lee''' Marchant 1866-1933 [Emma '''Wham''']
	* '''Martin Luther, Jr.''' Marchant 1868-1936 [Sallie Leona '''Few,''' then Kathleen '''Morrah'''] ~~(22)~~		* '''Martin Luther, Jr.''' Marchant 1868-1936 [Sallie Leona '''Few,''' then Kathleen '''Morrah''']
	* '''William Wesley '''Marchant 1873-1928 [Julie Agnes '''Wood'''] ~~(just contacted)~~		* '''William Wesley '''Marchant 1873-1928 [Julie Agnes '''Wood''']
	* '''Nancy “Nannie”''' Marchant 1875-1919 [Benjamin Few '''Zimmerman'''] ~~(just contacted)~~		* '''Nancy “Nannie”''' Marchant 1875-1919 [Benjamin Few '''Zimmerman''']
	* '''Clara''' Marchant 1878-1927 [Malcolm Clifton '''“Cliff” Davenport'''] ~~(2)~~		* '''Clara''' Marchant 1878-1927 [Malcolm Clifton '''“Cliff” Davenport''']
	* '''Thomas Mood''' Marchant 1880-1939 [Jessie P. '''Speed'''] ~~(36)~~		* '''Thomas Mood''' Marchant 1880-1939 [Jessie P. '''Speed''']
	* '''Mary Bessie''' Marchant 1882-1898		* '''Mary Bessie''' Marchant 1882-1898
	* '''(Mary) Louise ~~(Lilyann)~~''' Marchant Oct 1, 1885-Sept 25, 1959 ['''Arthur Hallam Cottingham, Sr.'''] ~~(17)~~		* '''(Mary) Louise''' Marchant Oct 1, 1885-Sept 25, 1959 ['''Arthur Hallam Cottingham, Sr.''']. Mary Louise Marchant went by the nickname '''"Kate"''' as a child and through her college years; she appears to have changed to "Louise" around the time of her marriage. Some ancestry.com family trees also list her with the name "lilyann," but we don't know where that came from and have found no evidence of it being used.
	* '''Kate ~~Louise~~''' ~~Marchant 1886-aft 1901~~
	~~The kids are~~ a ~~bit of a mystery, particularly Kate — making me question the accuracy of that list:~~

	* In the 1900 census, Kate L. is a 14-year-old girl who was born in May, 1886.
	* That census is, itself, a bit of a mystery. Mary Smith Marchant is, at this point, a widow; she ~~is listed with an occupation, farmer, and as head-~~of~~-household~~. ~~Four of her children are listed as living with her: Robert, William, Thomas, and Kate~~. ~~Robert is married and with four kids — so~~ also ~~living in the home are Emma, Hortense, Lucille, John, and Fitzhugh. That census says that Mary had four children, of which four are living: and indeed, four are living~~ with ~~her (census reports are notoriously unreliable on~~ the ~~accuracy of such numbers). Martin Jr.~~, ~~Nannie, and Clara might well have already moved out, given~~ that ~~they were likely married by this point;~~ and ~~Mary Bessie would~~ have ~~died two years earlier. And (Mary Louise) was 15, likely already a student away at Columbia Women's College (Kate would go there at age 15 just the following year).~~
	* But that raises a weird question: why did they name two daughters Mary, born just three years apart? That seems unlikely.
	* One more dual-name oddity: not only were there two Marys, but by this chart there were two girls with the middle name of ~~Louise. And one of those is~~ being ~~called Louise. So why did they name another child Louise, just a year later?~~
	* On Sept. 6, 1901, Kate went to Greenville with Luther and Bessie.
	* Then, Kate Louise Marchant went to Columbia Women’s College, according to a newspaper article, later in September 1901.
	* Kate again leaves for Columbia in September 1902. That December, she is noted as coming back to see her Mother, Mary, during Christmas break.
	* In June 1903, Kate is noted as returning from college. In January 1904, she returns to college after another Christmas break at home. From that point, Kate drops off the face of the planet.

	== Dr. Robert Lee Marchant and Emma Wham ==		== Dr. Robert Lee Marchant and Emma Wham ==
	R.L. Marchant was born in the Batesville community and went to school in Batesville and in Greer. He graduated from the Kentucky School of Medicine with an M.D. He moved back to the family home near Pelham and began work as a "country doctor" (primarily making house calls around the agricultural communities), and did this for five years. He then moved to Greer about 1898, opened a general practice, and remained there until his unexpected death in 1933. He married Emma Wham about 1893. A Mr. Wham came to Greer in 1900 to work for the Westmoreland-Marchant Drug Co., likely her father John Wham; her mother Elvira Wham was living with them in 1910.		R.L. Marchant was born in the Batesville community and went to school in Batesville and in Greer. He graduated from the Kentucky School of Medicine with an M.D. He moved back to live with his mother in the family home near Pelham and began work as a "country doctor" (primarily making house calls around the agricultural communities), and did this for five years. He then moved to Greer about 1898, opened a general practice, and remained there until his unexpected death in 1933. He married Emma Wham about 1893. A Mr. Wham came to Greer in 1900 to work for the Westmoreland-Marchant Drug Co., likely her father John Wham; her mother Elvira Wham was living with them in 1910.

	Westmoreland-Marchant Drug Co. reflects that Dr. Marchant partnered with Dr. Henry Varias Westmoreland, who had been practicing in the Greer area for many years prior to the town's formation. At that time, there were no hospitals or doctor’s clinics in the area. Doctors either had an office in their home, or ran a pharmacy and saw patients there. In October, 1902 the company moved to 220 Trade Street, a narrow building just to the right of Smith & James (we are not certain of the prior location). There's an interesting ad for the company placed in the November 10, 1903 edition of Greenville News, promoting a miraculous blood-purifying elixer called "V. V. V." H.V. Westmoreland seems to have left the business, as a 1904 photograph shows the building signage to simply read "Marchant's Pharmacy" and I have found no further record of the joint business.		Westmoreland-Marchant Drug Co. reflects that Dr. Marchant partnered with Dr. Henry Varias Westmoreland, who had been practicing in the Greer area for many years prior to the town's formation. At that time, there were no hospitals or doctor’s clinics in the area. Doctors either did house visits, had an office in their home, or ran a pharmacy and saw patients there. In October, 1902 the company moved to 220 Trade Street, a narrow building just to the right of Smith & James (we are not certain of the prior location). There's an interesting ad for the company placed in the November 10, 1903 edition of Greenville News, promoting a miraculous blood-purifying elixer called "V.V.V." H.V. Westmoreland seems to have left the business, as a 1904 photograph shows the building signage to simply read "Marchant's Pharmacy" and I have found no further record of the joint business.

	The October 20, 1910 issue of ''Manufacturer's Record'' shows that Robert awarded a building contract to J.C. Cunningham of Greer for the construction of a 3-story business building: 28x90 feet, ordinary construction; cost $8,500; plans by Thomas Keating, Greer." This building, on the corner of Trade and Victoria Streets, was the only 3-story building in downtown Greer until 2022, when the Hampton Inn opened. It was called the "Marchant Building" and housed the Greer Drug Company, of which he was a founding partner. The building came to be commonly known as the Rexall Drug, simply because of a Rexall sign on the building. The first floor held Marchant's pharmacy; the second floor was doctor and dentist offices (there was not yet a hospital or medical clinic in Greer); the third floor was used by Bailey's Masonic Lodge.		The October 20, 1910 issue of ''Manufacturer's Record'' shows that Robert awarded a building contract to J.C. Cunningham of Greer for the construction of a 3-story business building: 28x90 feet, ordinary construction; cost $8,500; plans by Thomas Keating, Greer." This building, on the corner of Trade and Victoria Streets, was the only 3-story building in downtown Greer until 2022, when the Hampton Inn opened. It was called the "Marchant Building" and housed the Greer Drug Company, of which he was a founding partner. The building came to be commonly known as the Rexall Drug, simply because of a Rexall sign on the building. The first floor held Marchant's pharmacy; the second floor was doctor and dentist offices (there was not yet a hospital or medical clinic in Greer); the third floor was used by Bailey's Masonic Lodge.

	Robert also served as a vice president of the Bank of Greer. The Marchants lived in a large home on Trade Street for several years, before moving to their final home on Church Street.		Robert also served as a vice president of the Bank of Greer. The Marchants lived in a large home on Trade Street for several years, before moving to their final home on Church Street.
	* Hortense Marchant ~~Stallworth~~, 1893-1971 (William Stallworth)		* Hortense Marchant, 1893-1971 (William Stallworth)
	* Mary Lucille Marchant, 1894-1975 (William Sheib)		* Mary Lucille Marchant, 1894-1975 (William Sheib)
	* John Luther Marchant, 1896-1938 (Mildred Thompson)		* John Luther Marchant, 1896-1938 (Mildred Thompson)

GHM director: /* Martin Luther Marchant Sr., 1832-1897: the patriarch */

2023-04-24T17:51:56Z

Martin Luther Marchant Sr., 1832-1897: the patriarch

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:51, 24 April 2023
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	Richardson's ''History of Greenville County, South Carolina'' states: "For more than half a century the name of Marchant has stood out in the Greer community of Greenville County as a beacon light pointing to business success and professional integrity. Back in the days of the War Between the States Martin Luther Marchant was engaged in the manufacture of cotton for the Confederate army at the Batesville mill, located only a few miles from the present town of Greer. He and his wife, Mary (Smith) Marchant, were the parents of a family of boys who were to play a conspicuous part in the building of Greer."		Richardson's ''History of Greenville County, South Carolina'' states: "For more than half a century the name of Marchant has stood out in the Greer community of Greenville County as a beacon light pointing to business success and professional integrity. Back in the days of the War Between the States Martin Luther Marchant was engaged in the manufacture of cotton for the Confederate army at the Batesville mill, located only a few miles from the present town of Greer. He and his wife, Mary (Smith) Marchant, were the parents of a family of boys who were to play a conspicuous part in the building of Greer."

	~~Before~~ the Civil War, M.L. ~~ran the Batesville Mill —~~ the ~~first textile~~ mill ~~in Greenville County~~. During the war, he pushed the mill's operation to its top capacity producing fabric for confederate uniforms.		He had come from Graniteville, the state's premier cotton factory, to work at Batesville, one of the oldest. By the beginning of the Civil War, M.L. was running the mill. During the war, he pushed the mill's operation to its top capacity producing fabric for confederate uniforms.

	In January 1864, he bought 576 acres of land '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+4HXm9tXzV85G6dZ6oUFXHjznKxcELaSzepsnwIvigpQVkJ3pDJBXWqxL28nKTcPhyqvT1W3IoI0E3EssOqIuG1 22-18]''' for '''$7,000'''. That land is due east of Saluda, SC, about a quarter of the way from Saluda to Columbia. In March of that same year, he bought another 300 acres of land in Greenville County for '''TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS'''! (!!!!), deed '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+5DlnSpK6bNBm3pDp7rrx9c3OAg9wAg5vST3MRDa3PPgBEQSG9x9MqHq4ZEubDOMsgjvIw8MUTfMTKhCe7KDIXn Z-940]'''. That land is southeast of Greenville, a bit west and slightly south of Gray Court, S.C.		In January 1864, he bought 576 acres of land '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+4HXm9tXzV85G6dZ6oUFXHjznKxcELaSzepsnwIvigpQVkJ3pDJBXWqxL28nKTcPhyqvT1W3IoI0E3EssOqIuG1 22-18]''' for '''$7,000'''. That land is due east of Saluda, SC, about a quarter of the way from Saluda to Columbia. In March of that same year, he bought another 300 acres of land in Greenville County for '''TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS'''! (!!!!), deed '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+5DlnSpK6bNBm3pDp7rrx9c3OAg9wAg5vST3MRDa3PPgBEQSG9x9MqHq4ZEubDOMsgjvIw8MUTfMTKhCe7KDIXn Z-940]'''. That land is southeast of Greenville, a bit west and slightly south of Gray Court, S.C.

	In January of 1874, he purchased two lots in the new town of Greer's Depot from William Shumate for $185 [https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+7a1HWxMkyTkc7UupAPwd6G+YZoNS+3ZtXSWhqNE2IZE9FZukTYb0eqneM0T7miF2aNMog7yRuvhMBZy4/nLLpmDZq/XDkDF268qAHbZb6PCA== '''FF-352''']. From what I've found so far, these were the first lots sold in Greer that didn't get repossessed (possibly related to the railroad bank crash a few months earlier). These were lots 4 and 12 on Dickson's plat map. Lot 12 is the triangle of land that now holds Wild Ace Pizza & Pub; lot 4 is now the parking lot behind CBT and some of the lot across from ~~hiWild~~ Ace. In November of 1884, he purchased another small piece of land across Randall from the triangle; that plot is now CSX (P&N) railroad tracks and right-of-way.		In January of 1874, he purchased two lots in the new town of Greer's Depot from William Shumate for $185 [https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+7a1HWxMkyTkc7UupAPwd6G+YZoNS+3ZtXSWhqNE2IZE9FZukTYb0eqneM0T7miF2aNMog7yRuvhMBZy4/nLLpmDZq/XDkDF268qAHbZb6PCA== '''FF-352''']. From what I've found so far, these were the first lots sold in Greer that didn't get repossessed (possibly related to the railroad bank crash a few months earlier). These were lots 4 and 12 on Dickson's plat map. Lot 12 is the triangle of land that now holds Wild Ace Pizza & Pub; lot 4 is now the parking lot behind CBT and some of the lot across from Wild Ace. In November of 1884, he purchased another small piece of land across Randall from the triangle; that plot is now CSX (P&N) railroad tracks and right-of-way.

	In May of 1889, he bought lot 35 from William Shumate '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+7a1HWxMkyTkc7UupAPwd6G+YZoNS+3ZtXSWhqNE2IZE3ClH2gPSaSxEXZM22YWiC788qgIyinwYp2GiAjXxMakx1VDnbT09XNwq85op0i2lQ== VV-121]'''; this was on the other side of the tracks, which is now part of the Victor baseball field at the [https://www.google.com/maps/@34.9353115,-82.2238794,3a,75y,123.07h,90.05t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sNquBsygugRVTzrEEbpyDdw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DNquBsygugRVTzrEEbpyDdw%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D85.8274%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192 corner of Park and Moore]. At some point previously he had bought the rest of the field, because he sold that half to T.W. Wood in February of 1889 '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+7a1HWxMkyTkc7UupAPwd6G+YZoNS+3ZtXSWhqNE2IZE+myEm4OMya+iG/CQAg1K/Lwki0DE3JCAK1A3WxNPL3zMlnDMC4E5EGorm28+/dX/g== YY-189]'''.		In May of 1889, he bought lot 35 from William Shumate '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+7a1HWxMkyTkc7UupAPwd6G+YZoNS+3ZtXSWhqNE2IZE3ClH2gPSaSxEXZM22YWiC788qgIyinwYp2GiAjXxMakx1VDnbT09XNwq85op0i2lQ== VV-121]'''; this was on the other side of the tracks, which is now part of the Victor baseball field at the [https://www.google.com/maps/@34.9353115,-82.2238794,3a,75y,123.07h,90.05t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sNquBsygugRVTzrEEbpyDdw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DNquBsygugRVTzrEEbpyDdw%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D85.8274%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192 corner of Park and Moore]. At some point previously he had bought the rest of the field, because he sold that half to T.W. Wood in February of 1889 '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+7a1HWxMkyTkc7UupAPwd6G+YZoNS+3ZtXSWhqNE2IZE+myEm4OMya+iG/CQAg1K/Lwki0DE3JCAK1A3WxNPL3zMlnDMC4E5EGorm28+/dX/g== YY-189]'''.

	~~When Greer's first textile mill~~ was ~~being planned, a small group of investors came together to make it happen;~~ one of the ~~key individuals was a young man named W. W. Burgiss, who would become president~~ of the ~~new company~~. ~~But M. L. Marchant~~ was the ~~only one~~ in ~~the group with any significant textile~~ mill operations ~~experience.~~ Under his guidance, Victor Mill thrived to become a model of mill operation and, eventually, grew so large that Greer's ~~entire~~ Trade Street could have fit inside its enormous facility.		Martin was one of the twelve founding principals of the Victor Manufacturing Company in 1895. Of those, he was the most knowledgeable and experienced in mill operations, Under his guidance, Victor Mill thrived to become a model of mill operation and, eventually, grew so large that Greer's Trade Street could have fit inside its enormous facility.

	Somehow, he kept farming and set records for cotton production. In 1890, he was the top cotton producer in the county; he picked and ginned 24 bales from 25 acres with about a bale left to be done, raised with one mule; he also raised corn, wheat, oats, and meat. "He is a great believer in homemade manure and uses it almost exclusively." In 1889, he raised 48 bales on 52 acres. (Anderson Intelligencer, Jan. 9, 1890, p.4)		Somehow, he kept farming and set records for cotton production. In 1890, he was the top cotton producer in the county; he picked and ginned 24 bales from 25 acres with about a bale left to be done, raised with one mule; he also raised corn, wheat, oats, and meat. "He is a great believer in homemade manure and uses it almost exclusively." In 1889, he raised 48 bales on 52 acres. (Anderson Intelligencer, Jan. 9, 1890, p.4)
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	== William and Agnes Wood Marchant ==		== William and Agnes Wood Marchant ==
	We know relatively little about William Marchant or his wife, Agnes.		We know relatively little about William Marchant or his wife, Agnes. They had had two sons. Their younger son died at age 11, and only 4 months later, William was drafted to WWI. William and Agnes later divorced and she remarried.

	March 27, 1901 he was making plans to open a laundry with J. Verne Smith; apparently the plan changed because the two men opened a wholesale business in 1902 carrying Armour products.		March 27, 1901 he was making plans to open a laundry with J. Verne Smith; apparently the plan changed because the two men opened a wholesale business in 1902 carrying Armour products.

GHM director: /* Martin Luther Marchant Sr., 1832-1897: the patriarch */

2023-04-22T20:43:44Z

Martin Luther Marchant Sr., 1832-1897: the patriarch

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:43, 22 April 2023
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	* '''William Wesley '''Marchant 1873-1928 [Julie Agnes '''Wood'''] (just contacted)		* '''William Wesley '''Marchant 1873-1928 [Julie Agnes '''Wood'''] (just contacted)
	* '''Nancy “Nannie”''' Marchant 1875-1919 [Benjamin Few '''Zimmerman'''] (just contacted)		* '''Nancy “Nannie”''' Marchant 1875-1919 [Benjamin Few '''Zimmerman'''] (just contacted)
			* '''Clara''' Marchant 1878-1927 [Malcolm Clifton '''“Cliff” Davenport'''] (2)
	* '''Thomas Mood''' Marchant 1880-1939 [Jessie P. '''Speed'''] (36)		* '''Thomas Mood''' Marchant 1880-1939 [Jessie P. '''Speed'''] (36)
	* '''Mary Bessie''' Marchant 1882-1898		* '''Mary Bessie''' Marchant 1882-1898
	* '''Mary Louise Lilyann''' Marchant 1885-1959 ['''Arthur Hallam Cottingham, Sr.'''] (17)		* '''(Mary) Louise (Lilyann)''' Marchant Oct 1, 1885-Sept 25, 1959 ['''Arthur Hallam Cottingham, Sr.'''] (17)
	* '''Kate Louise''' Marchant 1886-aft 1901		* '''Kate Louise''' Marchant 1886-aft 1901
	* '''Clara''' Marchant 1878-1927 [Malcolm Clifton '''“Cliff” Davenport'''] (2)		The kids are a bit of a mystery, particularly Kate — making me question the accuracy of that list:
	~~Kate is~~ a bit of a mystery. In the 1900 census, Kate L. is a 14-year-old girl who was born in May, 1886. Then, Kate Louise Marchant went to Columbia Women’s College, according to a newspaper article in September 1901.
			* In the 1900 census, Kate L. is a 14-year-old girl who was born in May, 1886.
			* That census is, itself, a bit of a mystery. Mary Smith Marchant is, at this point, a widow; she is listed with an occupation, farmer, and as head-of-household. Four of her children are listed as living with her: Robert, William, Thomas, and Kate. Robert is married and with four kids — so also living in the home are Emma, Hortense, Lucille, John, and Fitzhugh. That census says that Mary had four children, of which four are living: and indeed, four are living with her (census reports are notoriously unreliable on the accuracy of such numbers). Martin Jr., Nannie, and Clara might well have already moved out, given that they were likely married by this point; and Mary Bessie would have died two years earlier. And (Mary Louise) was 15, likely already a student away at Columbia Women's College (Kate would go there at age 15 just the following year).
			* But that raises a weird question: why did they name two daughters Mary, born just three years apart? That seems unlikely.
			* One more dual-name oddity: not only were there two Marys, but by this chart there were two girls with the middle name of Louise. And one of those is being called Louise. So why did they name another child Louise, just a year later?
			* On Sept. 6, 1901, Kate went to Greenville with Luther and Bessie.
			* Then, Kate Louise Marchant went to Columbia Women’s College, according to a newspaper article, later in September 1901.
			* Kate again leaves for Columbia in September 1902. That December, she is noted as coming back to see her Mother, Mary, during Christmas break.
			* In June 1903, Kate is noted as returning from college. In January 1904, she returns to college after another Christmas break at home. From that point, Kate drops off the face of the planet.

	== Dr. Robert Lee Marchant and Emma Wham ==		== Dr. Robert Lee Marchant and Emma Wham ==
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	In 1918, at age 45, he registered for the draft; his registration form shows that at the time, he was in Norfolk, Virginia working as a carpenter for Porter Brothers Contractors. Agnes remained back in Greenville, and was working at Monaghan Mill. He was still working as a contractor in Virginia in late 1920, when another carpenter was arrested and then convicted of forging checks with William's signature.		In 1918, at age 45, he registered for the draft; his registration form shows that at the time, he was in Norfolk, Virginia working as a carpenter for Porter Brothers Contractors. Agnes remained back in Greenville, and was working at Monaghan Mill. He was still working as a contractor in Virginia in late 1920, when another carpenter was arrested and then convicted of forging checks with William's signature.

	==Arthur and ~~Mary~~ Marchant Cottingham==		==Arthur and Louise Marchant Cottingham==
			We know relatively little about Louise Marchant Cottingham. She attended Columbia Women's College and was active in the Columbia College Club; she was active in the Women's Society of Christian Service at her church, Buncomb Street Methodist.

	A. H. Cottingham Sr. Was originally from Dillon. He attended Clemson; after graduation in 1904 he worked at the Victor Mill in Greer, then took a position as overseer in the card room of Ottaray Mill in Union; then he took over as mill superintendent. He moved from there to become superintendent of the Apalache Mill in Greer in August, 1911. Just months later he moved back to Union to be supervisor of Monarch Mills. While there, the mill doubled in size and A.H. became highly respected in the industry.		A. H. Cottingham Sr. Was originally from Dillon. He attended Clemson; after graduation in 1904 he worked at the Victor Mill in Greer, then took a position as overseer in the card room of Ottaray Mill in Union; then he took over as mill superintendent. He moved from there to become superintendent of the Apalache Mill in Greer in August, 1911. Just months later he moved back to Union to be supervisor of Monarch Mills. While there, the mill doubled in size and A.H. became highly respected in the industry.

GHM director: /* Benjamin and Nannie Marchant Zimmerman */

2023-04-22T03:01:59Z

Benjamin and Nannie Marchant Zimmerman

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:01, 21 April 2023
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	* '''Mary Bessie''' Marchant 1882-1898		* '''Mary Bessie''' Marchant 1882-1898
	* '''Mary Louise Lilyann''' Marchant 1885-1959 ['''Arthur Hallam Cottingham, Sr.'''] (17)		* '''Mary Louise Lilyann''' Marchant 1885-1959 ['''Arthur Hallam Cottingham, Sr.'''] (17)
	* '''Kate L.''' Marchant 1886-~~1886~~		* '''Kate Louise''' Marchant 1886-aft 1901
	* '''Clara''' Marchant 1878-1927 [Malcolm Clifton '''“Cliff” Davenport'''] (2)		* '''Clara''' Marchant 1878-1927 [Malcolm Clifton '''“Cliff” Davenport'''] (2)
			Kate is a bit of a mystery. In the 1900 census, Kate L. is a 14-year-old girl who was born in May, 1886. Then, Kate Louise Marchant went to Columbia Women’s College, according to a newspaper article in September 1901.

	== Dr. Robert Lee Marchant and Emma Wham ==		== Dr. Robert Lee Marchant and Emma Wham ==
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	== Benjamin and Nannie Marchant Zimmerman ==		== Benjamin and Nannie Marchant Zimmerman ==
	From roughly 1897-1909, B.F. Zimmerman was the cotton buyer for Victor Mill. In July 1909, Lewis Parker purchased the Edgefield Manufacturing Company, which contained a cottonseed oil factory and a textile factory; B.F. Zimmerman became manager of the mill. B.F. Zimmerman joined with ML Marchant Jr as founding partners with Lewis Parker of the Beaver Dam mills in Edgefield. Benjamin arrived at Edgefield in August; his family joined him a month later. This was a successful venture for him. Eventually he became head of the cotton departments of Spartan and Drayton Mills in Spartanburg, where he worked for another 28 years.		From roughly 1897-1909, B.F. Zimmerman was the cotton buyer for Victor Mill. In July 1909, Lewis Parker purchased the Edgefield Manufacturing Company, which contained a cottonseed oil factory and a textile factory; B.F. Zimmerman became manager of the mill. B.F. Zimmerman joined with ML Marchant Jr. as founding partners with Lewis Parker of the Beaver Dam mills in Edgefield; he became treasurer and general manager. Benjamin arrived at Edgefield in August; his family joined him a month later. This was a very successful venture for him. Eventually he became head of the cotton departments of Spartan and Drayton Mills in Spartanburg, where he worked for another 28 years.
	* Marchant LeGrand Zimmerman, 1897-1953 (Francis Anderson)		* Marchant LeGrand Zimmerman, 1897-1953 (Francis Anderson)
	* Rosa Few Zimmerman, 1903-1998 (Samuel T. Reid)		* Rosa Few Zimmerman, 1903-1998 (Samuel T. Reid)

GHM director: /* William and Agnes Wood Marchant */

2023-04-16T14:12:42Z

William and Agnes Wood Marchant

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:12, 16 April 2023
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	In 1910 the family composed a “jolly camping party” on a 20-day trip to Brevard with the I.M. Wood family.		In 1910 the family composed a “jolly camping party” on a 20-day trip to Brevard with the I.M. Wood family.

	In 1912, he went to Atlanta and returned with a (train) carload of mules, reported as the finest ~~miles~~ ever seen in Greer.		In 1912, he went to Atlanta and returned with a (train) carload of mules, reported as the finest mules ever seen in Greer.

	In Oct., 1913, accepted the position of outside superintendent of the Monaghan Mill in Greenville. Family moved to Greenville in 1914.		In Oct., 1913, accepted the position of outside superintendent of the Monaghan Mill in Greenville. Family moved to Greenville in 1914.

GHM director: /* Martin Luther Marchant Sr., 1832-1897: the patriarch */

2023-03-30T12:44:56Z

Martin Luther Marchant Sr., 1832-1897: the patriarch

GHM director: /* Martin Luther Marchant Sr., 1832-1897: the patriarch */

2023-03-30T12:31:58Z

Martin Luther Marchant Sr., 1832-1897: the patriarch

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:31, 30 March 2023
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	In May of 1889, he bought lot 35 from William Shumate '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+7a1HWxMkyTkc7UupAPwd6G+YZoNS+3ZtXSWhqNE2IZE3ClH2gPSaSxEXZM22YWiC788qgIyinwYp2GiAjXxMakx1VDnbT09XNwq85op0i2lQ== VV-121]'''; this was on the other side of the tracks, which is now part of the Victor baseball field at the [https://www.google.com/maps/@34.9353115,-82.2238794,3a,75y,123.07h,90.05t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sNquBsygugRVTzrEEbpyDdw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DNquBsygugRVTzrEEbpyDdw%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D85.8274%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192 corner of Park and Moore]. At some point previously he had bought the rest of the field, because he sold that half to T.W. Wood in February of 1889 '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+7a1HWxMkyTkc7UupAPwd6G+YZoNS+3ZtXSWhqNE2IZE+myEm4OMya+iG/CQAg1K/Lwki0DE3JCAK1A3WxNPL3zMlnDMC4E5EGorm28+/dX/g== YY-189]'''.		In May of 1889, he bought lot 35 from William Shumate '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+7a1HWxMkyTkc7UupAPwd6G+YZoNS+3ZtXSWhqNE2IZE3ClH2gPSaSxEXZM22YWiC788qgIyinwYp2GiAjXxMakx1VDnbT09XNwq85op0i2lQ== VV-121]'''; this was on the other side of the tracks, which is now part of the Victor baseball field at the [https://www.google.com/maps/@34.9353115,-82.2238794,3a,75y,123.07h,90.05t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sNquBsygugRVTzrEEbpyDdw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DNquBsygugRVTzrEEbpyDdw%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D85.8274%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192 corner of Park and Moore]. At some point previously he had bought the rest of the field, because he sold that half to T.W. Wood in February of 1889 '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+7a1HWxMkyTkc7UupAPwd6G+YZoNS+3ZtXSWhqNE2IZE+myEm4OMya+iG/CQAg1K/Lwki0DE3JCAK1A3WxNPL3zMlnDMC4E5EGorm28+/dX/g== YY-189]'''.

	He was elected twice as president of the South Carolina Cotton Manufacturer's Association, was a member of the Board of Governors of the American Cotton Manufacturer's Association, and was vice-president of the Cotton Textile Institute.

	When Greer's first textile mill was being planned, a small group of investors came together to make it happen; one of the key individuals was a young man named W. W. Burgiss, who would become president of the new company. But M. L. Marchant was the only one in the group with any significant textile mill operations experience. Under his guidance, Victor Mill thrived to become a model of mill operation and, eventually, grew so large that Greer's entire Trade Street could have fit inside its enormous facility.		When Greer's first textile mill was being planned, a small group of investors came together to make it happen; one of the key individuals was a young man named W. W. Burgiss, who would become president of the new company. But M. L. Marchant was the only one in the group with any significant textile mill operations experience. Under his guidance, Victor Mill thrived to become a model of mill operation and, eventually, grew so large that Greer's entire Trade Street could have fit inside its enormous facility.
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	== Dr. Robert Lee Marchant and Emma Wham ==		== Dr. Robert Lee Marchant and Emma Wham ==
	R.L. Marchant was born in the Batesville community and went to school in Batesville and in Greer. He graduated from the Kentucky School of Medicine with an M.D. He moved ~~from~~ the family home near Pelham to Greer about 1898~~; he practiced medicine~~ there until his unexpected death in 1933. He married Emma about 1893. A Mr. Wham came to Greer in 1900 to work for the Westmoreland-Marchant Drug Co., likely her father John Wham; her mother Elvira Wham was living with them in 1910.		R.L. Marchant was born in the Batesville community and went to school in Batesville and in Greer. He graduated from the Kentucky School of Medicine with an M.D. He moved back to the family home near Pelham and began work as a "country doctor" (primarily making house calls around the agricultural communities), and did this for five years. He then moved to Greer about 1898, opened a general practice, and remained there until his unexpected death in 1933. He married Emma Wham about 1893. A Mr. Wham came to Greer in 1900 to work for the Westmoreland-Marchant Drug Co., likely her father John Wham; her mother Elvira Wham was living with them in 1910.

	Westmoreland-Marchant Drug Co. reflects that Dr. Marchant partnered with Dr. Henry Varias Westmoreland, who had been practicing in the Greer area for many years prior to the town's formation. At that time, there were no hospitals or doctor’s clinics in the area. Doctors either had an office in their home, or ran a pharmacy and saw patients there. In October, 1902 the company moved to 220 Trade Street, a narrow building just to the right of Smith & James (we are not certain of the prior location). There's an interesting ad for the company placed in the November 10, 1903 edition of Greenville News, promoting a miraculous blood-purifying elixer called "V. V. V." H.V. Westmoreland seems to have left the business, as a 1904 photograph shows the building signage to simply read "Marchant's Pharmacy" and I have found no further record of the joint business.		Westmoreland-Marchant Drug Co. reflects that Dr. Marchant partnered with Dr. Henry Varias Westmoreland, who had been practicing in the Greer area for many years prior to the town's formation. At that time, there were no hospitals or doctor’s clinics in the area. Doctors either had an office in their home, or ran a pharmacy and saw patients there. In October, 1902 the company moved to 220 Trade Street, a narrow building just to the right of Smith & James (we are not certain of the prior location). There's an interesting ad for the company placed in the November 10, 1903 edition of Greenville News, promoting a miraculous blood-purifying elixer called "V. V. V." H.V. Westmoreland seems to have left the business, as a 1904 photograph shows the building signage to simply read "Marchant's Pharmacy" and I have found no further record of the joint business.
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	==Martin Luther, Jr. and Kathleen Morrah (and Sallie Few)==		==Martin Luther, Jr. and Kathleen Morrah (and Sallie Few)==
			M.L. attended school in Batesville, then in the Greer Graded School. Tom and Luther with several others, including Ellie Few and E.C. Bailey, sang special music at the Methodist church. The newspaper called out Tom as having a particularly gifted, good voice. The Greenville News, Tuesday, October 15, 1901. He went on to college at the Wofford Finishing School in Spartanburg.

	He married twice: Sallie Leona Few, 1870–1898; and Kathleen Morrah, 1890–1971. It amazes me that this man had two wives, one of which died in 1898 and the other in 1971. Kathleen was 22 years younger than him.		He married twice: Sallie Leona Few, 1870–1898; and Kathleen Morrah, 1890–1971. It amazes me that this man had two wives, one of which died in 1898 and the other in 1971. Kathleen was 22 years younger than him.

	Tom and Luther with several others, including Ellie Few and E.C. Bailey, sang special music at the Methodist church. The newspaper called out Tom as having a particularly gifted, good voice. The Greenville News, Tuesday, October 15, 1901.

	We know little about his first wife, Sallie Few. She was from another prestigious family in Greer; her father was a doctor who ran a pharmacy right in the center of town; her brother famously became first president of Duke University. She had a younger sister, Ellie, who was a popular socialite. Ellie is listed in every party, celebration, club, activity, and organization… Sallie is listed in none of them. She died young, before having any children.		We know little about his first wife, Sallie Few. She was from another prestigious family in Greer; her father was a doctor who ran a pharmacy right in the center of town; her brother famously became first president of Duke University. She had a younger sister, Ellie, who was a popular socialite. Ellie is listed in every party, celebration, club, activity, and organization… Sallie is listed in none of them. She died young, before having any children.
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	Katherine Morrah was a socialite herself; she grew up in Mt. Carmel. She attended Converse College, where she became close friends with Jessie Speed — who would become her sister-in-law. At Converse she was active and engaged in many student organizations. How she ended up marrying a man double her age is unknown; perhaps Jessie played a role in it. In any case they married Sept. 2, 1913.		Katherine Morrah was a socialite herself; she grew up in Mt. Carmel. She attended Converse College, where she became close friends with Jessie Speed — who would become her sister-in-law. At Converse she was active and engaged in many student organizations. How she ended up marrying a man double her age is unknown; perhaps Jessie played a role in it. In any case they married Sept. 2, 1913.

	~~In 1902~~ M.L. ~~was~~ the ~~cotton-buyer for Monaghan~~, ~~Victor, and Apalache Mills~~. He ~~joined~~ with ~~his brother~~-in~~-law B~~.F. ~~Zimmerman as founding partners with~~ Lewis Parker of the ~~Beaver Dam mills in Edgefield~~. He ~~was a director of~~ the ~~Bank of Greers~~. He became a director of Victor Mill in 1904. In July of 1904, he partnered with W.A. Gilreath to form W.A. Gilreath & Co., a cotton brokerage firm based in Greenville. This new venture required him to sever his position with the mills, since he would be in competition. It was at this time that he moved from Greer to Greenville. In 1909, he joined with his brother-in-law, B.F. Zimmerman, as founding partners with Lewis Parker of the Beaver Dam mills in Edgefield; Zimmerman moved there to run the plant.		After college, M.L. began work as a clerk at the mercantile of John W. Baker in Batesville, just outside Greer. He then entered the cotton business in Greer with A.F. "Frank" Burgess (the Burgesses were another high-power family in Greer). He moved to Athens, Georgia for a while and worked in cotton there, eventually returning to Greer and continuing his work with Burgess. When Lewis Parker was made president of Victor Mill in Greer about 1901, M.L. was hired to be the mill's cotton buyer. He remained in that position for two years, functioning as the cotton-buyer for not just Victor but also Monaghan and Apalache Mills. He became a director of Victor Mill in 1904. In July of 1904, he partnered with W.A. Gilreath to form W.A. Gilreath & Co., a cotton brokerage firm based in Greenville.

			This new venture required him to sever his position with the mills, since he would be in competition. It was at this time that he moved from Greer to Greenville. This did not last long, however; in 1905 he became VP of Victor Mill, and returned to Greer. During this time, he helped found the Bank of Greers with his brother-in-law Cliff Davenport, and was a director of the bank. In 1909, while remaining VP at Victor Mill, he joined with his brother-in-law, B.F. Zimmerman, as founding partners with Lewis Parker of the Beaver Dam mills in Edgefield; Zimmerman moved there to run the plant. In 1911 Victor Mill became part of the huge Parker Cotton Mills Company and was elected Second Vice President. With this change he moved back from Greer to Greenville. He remained in that position until the company was dissolved in 1918. He returned to the cotton business, connected with the W.E. Mason & Company in Greenville; after five years there, he became a Greenville agent for the George H. McFadden & Company, one of the largest cotton firms in the world at the time.

	In August 1910, M.L. purchased a Stephens-Duryea touring runabout car for $3,500 — a breathtaking price at a time when a house could be purchased for $1,000. We believe this vehicle appears in a photograph in our collection. In June 1911, just ten months later, the car was destroyed in a fire at a repair shop; there was no insurance on it, and it was a total loss.		In August 1910, M.L. purchased a Stephens-Duryea touring runabout car for $3,500 — a breathtaking price at a time when a house could be purchased for $1,000. We believe this vehicle appears in a photograph in our collection. In June 1911, just ten months later, the car was destroyed in a fire at a repair shop; there was no insurance on it, and it was a total loss.
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	In December 1910 the Parker Mills merger of 9 plants was proposed; in that, T.M. was named as one of three proposed vice presidents. An article on the proposed merger stated that T.M. was young but had first-hand specialized knowledge of textile processes and was entitled to be called a textile engineering expert. In Sept 1911 he was named vice president of the Wallace Mills in Greenville. In late 1911, Thomas Marchant moved from Union to Greenville, where he became employed at the Victor-Monaghan Company. In 1913, Thomas Parker resigned as president of both Victor mill and Monaghan mill, and Thomas was elected president over each of them with M.L. Marchant named vice president. He became president of the whole company in 1925, following the death of his predecessor William F. Beattie. This placed him over all of the southeastern-US mills in the company; he was considered perhaps the most powerful textile mill businessman in the state. At some point he was also VP of Marion Manufacturing Company in Marion, NC.		In December 1910 the Parker Mills merger of 9 plants was proposed; in that, T.M. was named as one of three proposed vice presidents. An article on the proposed merger stated that T.M. was young but had first-hand specialized knowledge of textile processes and was entitled to be called a textile engineering expert. In Sept 1911 he was named vice president of the Wallace Mills in Greenville. In late 1911, Thomas Marchant moved from Union to Greenville, where he became employed at the Victor-Monaghan Company. In 1913, Thomas Parker resigned as president of both Victor mill and Monaghan mill, and Thomas was elected president over each of them with M.L. Marchant named vice president. He became president of the whole company in 1925, following the death of his predecessor William F. Beattie. This placed him over all of the southeastern-US mills in the company; he was considered perhaps the most powerful textile mill businessman in the state. At some point he was also VP of Marion Manufacturing Company in Marion, NC.

			He was elected twice as president of the South Carolina Cotton Manufacturer's Association, was a member of the Board of Governors of the American Cotton Manufacturer's Association, and was vice-president of the Cotton Textile Institute.

	In 1920 T.M. purchased a historic hotel in downtown Greenville, the Alexandria. It had reached its end of life, with its reputation destroyed by soldiers from Camp Sevier using it for romantic trysts; in turn he sold it to the YWCA, who used it until the building was condemned in 1940.		In 1920 T.M. purchased a historic hotel in downtown Greenville, the Alexandria. It had reached its end of life, with its reputation destroyed by soldiers from Camp Sevier using it for romantic trysts; in turn he sold it to the YWCA, who used it until the building was condemned in 1940.

GHM director: /* William and Julie Wood Marchant */

2023-03-30T11:58:50Z

William and Julie Wood Marchant

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:58, 30 March 2023
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	Nannie died in 1918, and in 1923 Benjamin married Minnie J. Adams.		Nannie died in 1918, and in 1923 Benjamin married Minnie J. Adams.

	== William and ~~Julie~~ Wood Marchant ==		== William and Agnes Wood Marchant ==
			We know relatively little about William Marchant or his wife, Agnes.

	March 27, 1901 he was making plans to open a laundry with J. Verne Smith; apparently the plan changed because the two men opened a wholesale business in 1902 carrying Armour products.		March 27, 1901 he was making plans to open a laundry with J. Verne Smith; apparently the plan changed because the two men opened a wholesale business in 1902 carrying Armour products.

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	Arrested and fined $5 for being drunk in 1915.		Arrested and fined $5 for being drunk in 1915.

			In 1918, at age 45, he registered for the draft; his registration form shows that at the time, he was in Norfolk, Virginia working as a carpenter for Porter Brothers Contractors. Agnes remained back in Greenville, and was working at Monaghan Mill. He was still working as a contractor in Virginia in late 1920, when another carpenter was arrested and then convicted of forging checks with William's signature.

	==Arthur and Mary Marchant Cottingham==		==Arthur and Mary Marchant Cottingham==

GHMadmin at 17:28, 28 March 2023

2023-03-28T17:28:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:28, 28 March 2023
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	We know little about his first wife, Sallie Few. She was from another prestigious family in Greer; her father was a doctor who ran a pharmacy right in the center of town; her brother famously became first president of Duke University. She had a younger sister, Ellie, who was a popular socialite. Ellie is listed in every party, celebration, club, activity, and organization… Sallie is listed in none of them. She died young, before having any children.		We know little about his first wife, Sallie Few. She was from another prestigious family in Greer; her father was a doctor who ran a pharmacy right in the center of town; her brother famously became first president of Duke University. She had a younger sister, Ellie, who was a popular socialite. Ellie is listed in every party, celebration, club, activity, and organization… Sallie is listed in none of them. She died young, before having any children.

	Katherine Morrah was a socialite herself; she grew up in Mt. Carmel. She attended Converse College, where she became close friends with Jessie Speed — who would become her sister-in-law. At Converse she was active and engaged in many student organizations. How she ended up marrying a man double her age is unknown; perhaps Jessie played a role in it.		Katherine Morrah was a socialite herself; she grew up in Mt. Carmel. She attended Converse College, where she became close friends with Jessie Speed — who would become her sister-in-law. At Converse she was active and engaged in many student organizations. How she ended up marrying a man double her age is unknown; perhaps Jessie played a role in it. In any case they married Sept. 2, 1913.

	In 1902 M.L. was the cotton-buyer for Monaghan, Victor, and Apalache Mills. He joined with his brother-in-law B.F. Zimmerman as founding partners with Lewis Parker of the Beaver Dam mills in Edgefield. He was a director of the Bank of Greers. He became a director of Victor Mill in 1904. In July of 1904, he partnered with W.A. Gilreath to form W.A. Gilreath & Co., a cotton brokerage firm based in Greenville. This new venture required him to sever his position with the mills, since he would be in competition. It was at this time that he moved from Greer to Greenville. In 1909, he joined with his brother-in-law, B.F. Zimmerman, as founding partners with Lewis Parker of the Beaver Dam mills in Edgefield; Zimmerman moved there to run the plant.		In 1902 M.L. was the cotton-buyer for Monaghan, Victor, and Apalache Mills. He joined with his brother-in-law B.F. Zimmerman as founding partners with Lewis Parker of the Beaver Dam mills in Edgefield. He was a director of the Bank of Greers. He became a director of Victor Mill in 1904. In July of 1904, he partnered with W.A. Gilreath to form W.A. Gilreath & Co., a cotton brokerage firm based in Greenville. This new venture required him to sever his position with the mills, since he would be in competition. It was at this time that he moved from Greer to Greenville. In 1909, he joined with his brother-in-law, B.F. Zimmerman, as founding partners with Lewis Parker of the Beaver Dam mills in Edgefield; Zimmerman moved there to run the plant.

GHMadmin at 17:22, 28 March 2023

2023-03-28T17:22:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:22, 28 March 2023
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	In January 1864, he bought 576 acres of land '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+4HXm9tXzV85G6dZ6oUFXHjznKxcELaSzepsnwIvigpQVkJ3pDJBXWqxL28nKTcPhyqvT1W3IoI0E3EssOqIuG1 22-18]''' for '''$7,000'''. That land is due east of Saluda, SC, about a quarter of the way from Saluda to Columbia. In March of that same year, he bought another 300 acres of land in Greenville County for '''TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS'''! (!!!!), deed '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+5DlnSpK6bNBm3pDp7rrx9c3OAg9wAg5vST3MRDa3PPgBEQSG9x9MqHq4ZEubDOMsgjvIw8MUTfMTKhCe7KDIXn Z-940]'''. That land is southeast of Greenville, a bit west and slightly south of Gray Court, S.C.		In January 1864, he bought 576 acres of land '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+4HXm9tXzV85G6dZ6oUFXHjznKxcELaSzepsnwIvigpQVkJ3pDJBXWqxL28nKTcPhyqvT1W3IoI0E3EssOqIuG1 22-18]''' for '''$7,000'''. That land is due east of Saluda, SC, about a quarter of the way from Saluda to Columbia. In March of that same year, he bought another 300 acres of land in Greenville County for '''TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS'''! (!!!!), deed '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+5DlnSpK6bNBm3pDp7rrx9c3OAg9wAg5vST3MRDa3PPgBEQSG9x9MqHq4ZEubDOMsgjvIw8MUTfMTKhCe7KDIXn Z-940]'''. That land is southeast of Greenville, a bit west and slightly south of Gray Court, S.C.

	In January of 1874, he purchased two lots in the new town of Greer's Depot from William Shumate for $185 [https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+7a1HWxMkyTkc7UupAPwd6G+YZoNS+3ZtXSWhqNE2IZE9FZukTYb0eqneM0T7miF2aNMog7yRuvhMBZy4/nLLpmDZq/XDkDF268qAHbZb6PCA== '''FF-352''']. From what I've found so far, these were the first lots sold in Greer that didn't get repossessed (possibly related to the railroad bank crash a few months earlier). These were lots 4 and 12 on Dickson's plat map. Lot 12 is the triangle of land that now holds Wild Ace Pizza & Pub; lot 4 is now the parking lot behind CBT and some of the lot across from ~~Wild~~ Ace. In November of 1884, he purchased another small piece of land across Randall from the triangle; that plot is now CSX (P&N) railroad tracks and right-of-way.		In January of 1874, he purchased two lots in the new town of Greer's Depot from William Shumate for $185 [https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+7a1HWxMkyTkc7UupAPwd6G+YZoNS+3ZtXSWhqNE2IZE9FZukTYb0eqneM0T7miF2aNMog7yRuvhMBZy4/nLLpmDZq/XDkDF268qAHbZb6PCA== '''FF-352''']. From what I've found so far, these were the first lots sold in Greer that didn't get repossessed (possibly related to the railroad bank crash a few months earlier). These were lots 4 and 12 on Dickson's plat map. Lot 12 is the triangle of land that now holds Wild Ace Pizza & Pub; lot 4 is now the parking lot behind CBT and some of the lot across from hiWild Ace. In November of 1884, he purchased another small piece of land across Randall from the triangle; that plot is now CSX (P&N) railroad tracks and right-of-way.

	In May of 1889, he bought lot 35 from William Shumate '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+7a1HWxMkyTkc7UupAPwd6G+YZoNS+3ZtXSWhqNE2IZE3ClH2gPSaSxEXZM22YWiC788qgIyinwYp2GiAjXxMakx1VDnbT09XNwq85op0i2lQ== VV-121]'''; this was on the other side of the tracks, which is now part of the Victor baseball field at the [https://www.google.com/maps/@34.9353115,-82.2238794,3a,75y,123.07h,90.05t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sNquBsygugRVTzrEEbpyDdw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DNquBsygugRVTzrEEbpyDdw%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D85.8274%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192 corner of Park and Moore]. At some point previously he had bought the rest of the field, because he sold that half to T.W. Wood in February of 1889 '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+7a1HWxMkyTkc7UupAPwd6G+YZoNS+3ZtXSWhqNE2IZE+myEm4OMya+iG/CQAg1K/Lwki0DE3JCAK1A3WxNPL3zMlnDMC4E5EGorm28+/dX/g== YY-189]'''.		In May of 1889, he bought lot 35 from William Shumate '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+7a1HWxMkyTkc7UupAPwd6G+YZoNS+3ZtXSWhqNE2IZE3ClH2gPSaSxEXZM22YWiC788qgIyinwYp2GiAjXxMakx1VDnbT09XNwq85op0i2lQ== VV-121]'''; this was on the other side of the tracks, which is now part of the Victor baseball field at the [https://www.google.com/maps/@34.9353115,-82.2238794,3a,75y,123.07h,90.05t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sNquBsygugRVTzrEEbpyDdw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DNquBsygugRVTzrEEbpyDdw%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D85.8274%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192 corner of Park and Moore]. At some point previously he had bought the rest of the field, because he sold that half to T.W. Wood in February of 1889 '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+7a1HWxMkyTkc7UupAPwd6G+YZoNS+3ZtXSWhqNE2IZE+myEm4OMya+iG/CQAg1K/Lwki0DE3JCAK1A3WxNPL3zMlnDMC4E5EGorm28+/dX/g== YY-189]'''.
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	We know little about his first wife, Sallie Few. She was from another prestigious family in Greer; her father was a doctor who ran a pharmacy right in the center of town; her brother famously became first president of Duke University. She had a younger sister, Ellie, who was a popular socialite. Ellie is listed in every party, celebration, club, activity, and organization… Sallie is listed in none of them. She died young, before having any children.		We know little about his first wife, Sallie Few. She was from another prestigious family in Greer; her father was a doctor who ran a pharmacy right in the center of town; her brother famously became first president of Duke University. She had a younger sister, Ellie, who was a popular socialite. Ellie is listed in every party, celebration, club, activity, and organization… Sallie is listed in none of them. She died young, before having any children.

	Katherine Morrah was a socialite herself; she grew up in Mt. Carmel. She attended Converse College, where she became close friends with Jessie Speed — who would become her sister-in-law. At Converse she was active and engaged in many student organizations.		Katherine Morrah was a socialite herself; she grew up in Mt. Carmel. She attended Converse College, where she became close friends with Jessie Speed — who would become her sister-in-law. At Converse she was active and engaged in many student organizations. How she ended up marrying a man double her age is unknown; perhaps Jessie played a role in it.

	In 1902 M.L. was the cotton-buyer for Monaghan, Victor, and Apalache Mills. He joined with his brother-in-law B.F. Zimmerman as founding partners with Lewis Parker of the Beaver Dam mills in Edgefield. He was a director of the Bank of Greers. He became a director of Victor Mill in 1904. In July of 1904, he partnered with W.A. Gilreath to form W.A. Gilreath & Co., a cotton brokerage firm based in Greenville. This new venture required him to sever his position with the mills, since he would be in competition. It was at this time that he moved from Greer to Greenville. In 1909, he joined with his brother-in-law, B.F. Zimmerman, as founding partners with Lewis Parker of the Beaver Dam mills in Edgefield; Zimmerman moved there to run the plant.		In 1902 M.L. was the cotton-buyer for Monaghan, Victor, and Apalache Mills. He joined with his brother-in-law B.F. Zimmerman as founding partners with Lewis Parker of the Beaver Dam mills in Edgefield. He was a director of the Bank of Greers. He became a director of Victor Mill in 1904. In July of 1904, he partnered with W.A. Gilreath to form W.A. Gilreath & Co., a cotton brokerage firm based in Greenville. This new venture required him to sever his position with the mills, since he would be in competition. It was at this time that he moved from Greer to Greenville. In 1909, he joined with his brother-in-law, B.F. Zimmerman, as founding partners with Lewis Parker of the Beaver Dam mills in Edgefield; Zimmerman moved there to run the plant.
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	In 1910-1911, Thomas was president of Ottaray Mills in Union, SC. During that time he became a director of the Union Chamber of Commerce, then helped found the Union County Fair company and became chairman of the site committee. He also participated in newsworthy automobile ride, in which the driver was a 13-year-old boy.		In 1910-1911, Thomas was president of Ottaray Mills in Union, SC. During that time he became a director of the Union Chamber of Commerce, then helped found the Union County Fair company and became chairman of the site committee. He also participated in newsworthy automobile ride, in which the driver was a 13-year-old boy.

	In July of 1912, Jessie Speed, one of Converse College's ~~most~~ attractive graduates, hosted a dozen members of her book club for a luncheon and presented them with a puzzle: at each plate was a printed card which simply read "Speed Marchant Oct 1912." This was her way of announcing her engagement to T.M. Marchant. I found Jessie as a sophomore in the Converse yearbook from 1908; then as a junior in 1909, elected class poet, and serving with Kathleen Morah, who would become her sister-in-law. Unfortunately, she is not in the 1910 yearbook, when she would have been a senior (and had a photograph). She is referenced in the senior class prophecy, though, so she did attend that year, and apparently graduated.		In July of 1912, Jessie Speed, from Abbeville and one of Converse College's “most attractive graduates,” hosted a dozen members of her book club for a luncheon and presented them with a puzzle: at each plate was a printed card which simply read "Speed Marchant Oct 1912." This was her way of announcing her engagement to T.M. Marchant. I found Jessie as a sophomore in the Converse yearbook from 1908; then as a junior in 1909, elected class poet, and serving with Kathleen Morah, who would become her sister-in-law. Unfortunately, she is not in the 1910 yearbook, when she would have been a senior (and had a photograph). She is referenced in the senior class prophecy, though, so she did attend that year, and apparently graduated.

	In December 1910 the Parker Mills merger of 9 plants was proposed; in that, T.M. was named as one of three proposed vice presidents. An article on the proposed merger stated that T.M. was young but had first-hand specialized knowledge of textile processes and was entitled to be called a textile engineering expert. In Sept 1911 he was named vice president of the Wallace Mills in Greenville. In late 1911, Thomas Marchant moved from Union to Greenville, where he became employed at the Victor-Monaghan Company. In 1913, Thomas Parker resigned as president of both Victor mill and Monaghan mill, and Thomas was elected president over each of them with M.L. Marchant named vice president. He became president of the whole company in 1925, following the death of his predecessor William F. Beattie. This placed him over all of the southeastern-US mills in the company; he was considered perhaps the most powerful textile mill businessman in the state. At some point he was also VP of Marion Manufacturing Company in Marion, NC.		In December 1910 the Parker Mills merger of 9 plants was proposed; in that, T.M. was named as one of three proposed vice presidents. An article on the proposed merger stated that T.M. was young but had first-hand specialized knowledge of textile processes and was entitled to be called a textile engineering expert. In Sept 1911 he was named vice president of the Wallace Mills in Greenville. In late 1911, Thomas Marchant moved from Union to Greenville, where he became employed at the Victor-Monaghan Company. In 1913, Thomas Parker resigned as president of both Victor mill and Monaghan mill, and Thomas was elected president over each of them with M.L. Marchant named vice president. He became president of the whole company in 1925, following the death of his predecessor William F. Beattie. This placed him over all of the southeastern-US mills in the company; he was considered perhaps the most powerful textile mill businessman in the state. At some point he was also VP of Marion Manufacturing Company in Marion, NC.

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:44, 30 March 2023
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	Richardson's ''History of Greenville County, South Carolina'' states: "For more than half a century the name of Marchant has stood out in the Greer community of Greenville County as a beacon light pointing to business success and professional integrity. Back in the days of the War Between the States Martin Luther Marchant was engaged in the manufacture of cotton for the Confederate army at the Batesville mill, located only a few miles from the present town of Greer. He and his wife, Mary (Smith) Marchant, were the parents of a family of boys who were to play a conspicuous part in the building of Greer."		Richardson's ''History of Greenville County, South Carolina'' states: "For more than half a century the name of Marchant has stood out in the Greer community of Greenville County as a beacon light pointing to business success and professional integrity. Back in the days of the War Between the States Martin Luther Marchant was engaged in the manufacture of cotton for the Confederate army at the Batesville mill, located only a few miles from the present town of Greer. He and his wife, Mary (Smith) Marchant, were the parents of a family of boys who were to play a conspicuous part in the building of Greer."

			Before the Civil War, M.L. ran the Batesville Mill — the first textile mill in Greenville County. During the war, he pushed the mill's operation to its top capacity producing fabric for confederate uniforms.

	In January 1864, he bought 576 acres of land '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+4HXm9tXzV85G6dZ6oUFXHjznKxcELaSzepsnwIvigpQVkJ3pDJBXWqxL28nKTcPhyqvT1W3IoI0E3EssOqIuG1 22-18]''' for '''$7,000'''. That land is due east of Saluda, SC, about a quarter of the way from Saluda to Columbia. In March of that same year, he bought another 300 acres of land in Greenville County for '''TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS'''! (!!!!), deed '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+5DlnSpK6bNBm3pDp7rrx9c3OAg9wAg5vST3MRDa3PPgBEQSG9x9MqHq4ZEubDOMsgjvIw8MUTfMTKhCe7KDIXn Z-940]'''. That land is southeast of Greenville, a bit west and slightly south of Gray Court, S.C.		In January 1864, he bought 576 acres of land '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+4HXm9tXzV85G6dZ6oUFXHjznKxcELaSzepsnwIvigpQVkJ3pDJBXWqxL28nKTcPhyqvT1W3IoI0E3EssOqIuG1 22-18]''' for '''$7,000'''. That land is due east of Saluda, SC, about a quarter of the way from Saluda to Columbia. In March of that same year, he bought another 300 acres of land in Greenville County for '''TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS'''! (!!!!), deed '''[https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Details.aspx?q=WZVtA3xRXCQhPgfJFpiiIe32qeJS2bbBfh2Vc5zBdNbNdHpNDvhDNE5ZrGsmpflLuCy+WgrpLLTqTROEtpnhOYNXnOzZaWmA8sYQrt2DvvQXjAV0vXHJemv8X5h8fsWVqsuybvYWPorAjlKi1XLo7hV9Zkho2NpxvffQHUnR5+5DlnSpK6bNBm3pDp7rrx9c3OAg9wAg5vST3MRDa3PPgBEQSG9x9MqHq4ZEubDOMsgjvIw8MUTfMTKhCe7KDIXn Z-940]'''. That land is southeast of Greenville, a bit west and slightly south of Gray Court, S.C.
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	==Thomas Mood and Jessie Speed Marchant==		==Thomas Mood and Jessie Speed Marchant==
	Thomas was born in Batesville. He was first employed by Victor Mill in Greer as an office boy, but rapidly advanced.		Thomas was born in Batesville and went to school there. He did not attend college but did take an additional business course. He was first employed by Victor Mill in Greer as an office boy, but showed aptitude for textiles and rapidly advanced.

	In 1910-1911, Thomas was president of Ottaray Mills in Union, SC. During that time he became a director of the Union Chamber of Commerce, then helped found the Union County Fair company and became chairman of the site committee. He also participated in newsworthy automobile ride, in which the driver was a 13-year-old boy.		In 1910-1911, Thomas was president of Ottaray Mills in Union, SC. During that time he became a director of the Union Chamber of Commerce, then helped found the Union County Fair company and became chairman of the site committee. He also participated in newsworthy automobile ride, in which the driver was a 13-year-old boy.
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	In July of 1912, Jessie Speed, from Abbeville and one of Converse College's “most attractive graduates,” hosted a dozen members of her book club for a luncheon and presented them with a puzzle: at each plate was a printed card which simply read "Speed Marchant Oct 1912." This was her way of announcing her engagement to T.M. Marchant. I found Jessie as a sophomore in the Converse yearbook from 1908; then as a junior in 1909, elected class poet, and serving with Kathleen Morah, who would become her sister-in-law. Unfortunately, she is not in the 1910 yearbook, when she would have been a senior (and had a photograph). She is referenced in the senior class prophecy, though, so she did attend that year, and apparently graduated.		In July of 1912, Jessie Speed, from Abbeville and one of Converse College's “most attractive graduates,” hosted a dozen members of her book club for a luncheon and presented them with a puzzle: at each plate was a printed card which simply read "Speed Marchant Oct 1912." This was her way of announcing her engagement to T.M. Marchant. I found Jessie as a sophomore in the Converse yearbook from 1908; then as a junior in 1909, elected class poet, and serving with Kathleen Morah, who would become her sister-in-law. Unfortunately, she is not in the 1910 yearbook, when she would have been a senior (and had a photograph). She is referenced in the senior class prophecy, though, so she did attend that year, and apparently graduated.

	In December 1910 the Parker Mills merger of 9 plants was proposed; in that, T.M. was named as one of three proposed vice presidents. An article on the proposed merger stated that T.M. was young but had first-hand specialized knowledge of textile processes and was entitled to be called a textile engineering expert. In Sept 1911 he was named vice president of the Wallace Mills in Greenville. In late 1911, Thomas Marchant moved from Union to Greenville, where he became employed at the Victor-Monaghan Company. In 1913, Thomas Parker resigned as president of both Victor mill and Monaghan mill, and Thomas was elected president over each of them with M.L. Marchant named vice president. He became president of ~~the~~ whole company in 1925, following the death of his predecessor William F. Beattie. ~~This placed him over all of the southeastern-US mills in the company;~~ he was considered perhaps the most powerful textile mill businessman in the state. ~~At some point~~ he was also VP of Marion Manufacturing Company in Marion, NC.		In December 1910 the Parker Mills merger of 9 plants was proposed; in that, T.M. was named as one of three proposed vice presidents. An article on the proposed merger stated that T.M. was young but had first-hand specialized knowledge of textile processes and was entitled to be called a textile engineering expert. In Sept 1911 he was named vice president of the Wallace Mills in Greenville. In late 1911, Thomas Marchant moved from Union to Greenville, where he became employed at the Victor-Monaghan Company. In 1913, Thomas Parker resigned as president of both Victor mill and Monaghan mill, and Thomas was elected president over each of them with M.L. Marchant named vice president. On June 30, 1923, he was elected president and treasurer of the Victor-Monaghan Company, which comprised 8 mills in the Greenville area. Though I've not tracked all the details of the company changes, it grew into a larger organization with mills across the southeastern US; he became president of that whole company in 1925, following the death of his predecessor William F. Beattie. At that point he was considered perhaps the most powerful textile mill businessman in the state. In addition to his work at Victor-Monaghan, he was also President of the Wallace Manufacturing Company of Jonesville, SC; VP of Marion Manufacturing Company in Marion, NC; and a director of both the First National Bank of Greenville and the Greer Bank and Trust Company of Greer.

	He was elected twice as president of the South Carolina Cotton Manufacturer's Association, was a member of the Board of Governors of the American Cotton Manufacturer's Association, and was vice-president of the Cotton Textile Institute.		He was elected twice as president of the South Carolina Cotton Manufacturer's Association, was a member of the Board of Governors of the American Cotton Manufacturer's Association, and was vice-president of the Cotton Textile Institute.
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	In 1920 T.M. purchased a historic hotel in downtown Greenville, the Alexandria. It had reached its end of life, with its reputation destroyed by soldiers from Camp Sevier using it for romantic trysts; in turn he sold it to the YWCA, who used it until the building was condemned in 1940.		In 1920 T.M. purchased a historic hotel in downtown Greenville, the Alexandria. It had reached its end of life, with its reputation destroyed by soldiers from Camp Sevier using it for romantic trysts; in turn he sold it to the YWCA, who used it until the building was condemned in 1940.

	He seemed to have a habit of letting dogs stray and then running newspaper ads for them. This included ads for pointer "Kate" and setter "Jake" in July 1916; setter "Jack" in July 1919; setter "Vick" in Feb. 1920; setter "Jennie" in Nov. 1920; pointer "Jack" in Dec. 1920... and a Jersey cow, in Dec. 1918!		At one point in his life, he seemed to have a habit of letting dogs stray and then running newspaper ads for them. This included ads for pointer "Kate" and setter "Jake" in July 1916; setter "Jack" in July 1919; setter "Vick" in Feb. 1920; setter "Jennie" in Nov. 1920; pointer "Jack" in Dec. 1920... and a Jersey cow, in Dec. 1918!

	He died of a heart attack just after the end of a Clemson-Wake Forest football game in 1939. Jessie died less than six months later.		He died of a heart attack just after the end of a Clemson-Wake Forest football game in 1939. Jessie died less than six months later.