St Francisville History

An article in the April 1881 Rural Republican that sets forth the history of St Francisville as written by a correspondent named “Clodhopper”. 

Credible people tell us that this village known as St Francisville was settled by the French and Indians at a very early period of its existence. …The first entrepreneur was very popular with his neighbors for he sold whiskey at a nickel a drink while at Allendale and other places they charged a dime. The inhabitants emulate the saloon owner’s virtue for there has not been a day since his death that a man could not get a given quantity of whiskey for cash. Since the early days referred to, Saint Francisville has witnessed many thrilling scenes, fisticuffs, cuttings and shootings, frequently occurring, with now and then a murder.

Many changes have taken place and are still going on. Some have become wealthy, while others have become poor. Many good people have died; many others would have benefited the country and their families by following their example.

At the present time the village has quite an imposing appearance… The first object that attracts the notice of strangers arriving here by rail is the commodious depot, a model of architectural beauty. The freight houses, telegraph, and express offices are a credit to the railroad company.

In passing down Main Street the first place of importance is the boot and shoe manufacturing of Mr. H Potts.  On the same side, on the next corner, is the hardware establishment belonging to DW Catt. Across the street is situated one of the livery stables of Mr. Paul Tugaw.  On another street, the gentleman owns a much larger livery and feed stable, all under the management of Mr. Stanley and Sons.

On the opposite side of the street are the business houses of J Potts and Sons, and W G Davis, hardware dealers. next Towering above some of the houses is the city hall.  The next buildings are the milliner shop, grocery and provision store, and drug store. The post office is in the same block.

Opposite this block is a business house of the Bright Morning Star who sells a general assortment of goods, very cheap. Across the street on the corner, is the wholesale and retail house of John Rinebolt, where a man can buy anything he wants, from a pound of soap to a coffee mill.

On the same square are situated three other establishments of note.  The boot and shoe factory of Joseph Kirkey, a barber shop where a man can get a shave anytime he wants it, a restaurant and eating house where they are prepared to serve oysters in four different languages and other things in proportion. In addition to the aforementioned business places, there are two fine hotels where is square meal can be had for a quarter, besides there are several other places where strangers are “taken in”.

There is a fine lodge of the IOOGT in good working order as well as three physicians, a blacksmith shop, and a factory where Erwin and Lavalette’s patent car carriages are manufactured.

St Francisville and vicinity support three saloons. The clinking of glasses and the rattle of pool and billiard balls can be heard from early dawn till late at night.

There are a few more things of less importance that might be mentioned such as schools and churches etcetera but we must defer that manner to another day.