Joseph B. Greenhut

Joseph Benedict Greenhut
Born	Template:Birth date Bischofteinitz, Austria
Died	November 17, 1918(1918-11-17) (aged 75)
Occupation(s)	Merchant, soldier, inventor, business executive
Known for	President of Siegel-Cooper Company; Civil War service as Union officer

Joseph Benedict Greenhut (February 28, 1843 – November 17, 1918) was a Jewish-American merchant and soldier originally from Austria.

Early life

Born in Bischofteinitz, Austria, Greenhut was the son of Benedict and Mina Greenhut. After losing his father at age four, his mother remarried Wolf Schaefer. He emigrated to Chicago when he was nine years old, began an apprenticeship in tin and copper smithing at thirteen, and subsequently worked in St. Louis and Mobile, Alabama.

Military career

Greenhut returned to Chicago in March 1861 as the Civil War commenced and enlisted as a private in the 12th Illinois Infantry on April 17, becoming the second individual from Chicago to join. By August, he advanced to sergeant and participated in military campaigns throughout Kentucky and Tennessee under General Ulysses S. Grant. He sustained injuries during the Battle of Fort Donelson in February 1862 and soon after left the 12th Illinois Infantry.

In August 1862, he was commissioned captain of Company K in the 82nd Illinois Infantry, engaging in Virginia operations under Generals Burnside, Hooker, and Meade, including the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. Subsequently appointed Adjutant-General on the staff of Brigade Commander Friedrich Hecker, Greenhut took part in significant Western battles such as Wauhatchie, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, and Knoxville. He resigned on February 24, 1864, receiving a brevet promotion to colonel.

In 1892, Greenhut assisted with the construction of monuments honoring Illinois soldiers at Gettysburg National Military Park. Half a century after Gettysburg, he was commended by the Secretary of War for leading volunteers who eliminated Confederate sharpshooters targeting Union officers during the battle’s second day.

Post-military career

Following his military service, Greenhut dedicated himself to mechanical inventions in Chicago, securing patents for innovations including a twine-binder designed for McCormick reaping machines. In 1869, he assumed the roles of secretary and treasurer at Chicago’s Keller Distilling Company. In 1887, responding to appeals from American distillers, he established the Distillers' and Cattle Feeders' Company and presided over it until 1895 when shareholder disputes led to his resignation. Subsequently relocating to Peoria, Illinois, he became an officer and director for several enterprises: Central Railway Company (later Peoria Railroad Company), Commercial German-American National Bank, Merchants National Bank, and National Bank of the Republic of Chicago. Additionally, Greenhut served as president of Peoria’s National Cooperage and Woodenware Company, a prominent business in its industry. Together with associates, he founded the Great Western Distillery in Peoria, which became the largest distillery worldwide at that time. His home was situated at Moss Avenue and Sheridan Road.

During his last twenty years, Greenhut resided in New York City where he led the Siegel-Cooper Company as president. The store opened its doors in 1896 with an elaborate public event drawing approximately 150,000 visitors. In 1902, he purchased Henry Siegel’s stake in the company. Five years later, Greenhut partnered with former Ambassador Henry Morgenthau Sr. to create Greenhut & Co. Siegel-Cooper merged with Greenhut & Co. under the Siegel-Cooper name in 1910. After Henry Siegel’s financial collapse in 1914, the enterprise was renamed J. B. Greenhut Company but ultimately failed in 1915; it underwent reorganization until a decision to liquidate was made in March 1918. Greenhut remained president until his retirement in March 1917.

Greenhut held a directorship at Montefiore Home and was affiliated with organizations such as Royal Arch Masonry, New York State Chamber of Commerce, B'nai B'rith, Grand Army of the Republic, and Loyal Legion. In 1866 he married Clara Wolfner; their children included Fannie V., Benedict J., and Nelson W., with Benedict serving as secretary and treasurer of Siegel-Cooper.

Death

Greenhut passed away at his residence due to heart disease on November 17, 1918. The eulogy at his funeral, held at Congregation Emanu-El of New York, was delivered by Rabbi Joseph Silverman. General George B. Loud, who formerly served as Department Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic in New York, paid tribute to Greenhut’s military contributions by placing a wreath and a Legion of Honor flag upon his coffin. Distinguished honorary pallbearers included prominent individuals such as Jacob H. Schiff, Henry Morgenthau, and ex-New York Supreme Court Justice David Leventritt. His final resting place is Salem Fields Cemetery located in Cypress Hills.

Legacy

The Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall in Peoria, Illinois, stands as a dedication to Greenhut, recognizing his $10,000 donation that helped fund its construction.