Sample Chapter
Batesville Carving Company
Frederick Greeman founded the Batesville Carving Company in 1866. This company evolved into the Batesville Bracket Factory. A fire destroyed this company's factory sometime around 1879. The Greeman's next formed the Greeman Brothers Manufacturing Company, which lasted until its acquisition by the American Furniture Company in 1913.
Frederick W. Greeman (1824 - 1910)
Frederick W. Greeman was born in 1824 in Hanover, Germany and migrated to Cincinnati, Ohio sometime before 1862. When Confederate Generals Braxton Bragg and Kirby Smith invaded Kentucky, the commander of the forces guarding Cincinnati Major General Lew Wallace feared that Smith would attack the city. He ordered local officials to organize regiments to help defend the city. City officials organized three regiments, a cavalry company and an artillery company. Frederick Greeman enlisted in the 8th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Militia in Company G. The regiment mustered on September 3, 1862, with an enlistment period of 30 days. Wallace deployed the regiment to Fort Smith in Kentucky. Smith withdrew on September 12. The regiment finished their enlistment performing garrison duty before mustering out on October 4, 1862. Greeman was wounded during this service. Three years later he moved to Batesville Indiana, at the request of Henry Boehringer, and established the Batesville Carving Company. Over a period of years it developed into the Greeman Brothers Manufacturing Company. He came to Batesville with his five sons after regaining his health. Greeman was a painter by trade as well as a carver. His oldest son, William F. Greeman, succeeded him as active head of the carving company, and later the Bracket Manufacturing Company, and served as president of the Greeman Brothers Manufacturing Company.
Frederick died in 1910.
