Community News
From the Librarian’s Desk by Steve Joyce: Banks in Gillespie
As usual, one article leads to another. In this instance, doing a search in the newspaper led to something interesting. This particular case it was a picture that came to my attention.
If you look at all the buildings that line Macoupin Street from SS Simon and Jude to the Shell Station, which one would you say has changed very little in 100 years and is the most recognizable by its design? It’s been a saloon, bank, grocery store, flower shop, and maybe a few more. Today it is an empty tavern with a “chalet” design. You’ll recognize it by the picture I found in the Gillespie News in February 1915.
John Rendolfi was a local businessman and saloon owner in Gillespie. Redolfi’s saloon sat at the corner of West Chestnut and Macoupin Streets. Redolfi was in negotiations with the Lemp Brewery to build a new building on site of his saloon in April 1914. Lemp and Falstaff beer had a strong presence in Gillespie. After several delays, the building was finished in July 1915 at a cost of approximately $12,000.
The new Lemp building or Falstaff Inn was a two-story building that stretched half way down the block. It had an upstairs meeting room and a saloon downstairs occupied by Redolfi. A barber shop was located in the rear room. In the basement there was a bowling alley. Redolfi already owned a bowling alley behind his saloon. It was the most attractive and expensive building built on Main Street and had all the most modern improvements. The Order of the Moose used the upstairs for several years as a meeting hall with pool table and card and club rooms.
Eventually, the Lemp building was sold to Gillespie Trust and Savings Bank. In 1931 after the bank merger, Bunn Grocery moved into the building.
In investigating this building, I found some interesting information that brought my into another fascinating series of business moves that involved the banks in town.
Starting in 1894, the Bank of Gillespie was located in the 200 block of South Macoupin. A new building was built on site in May 1913. Eventually the Bank of Gillespie because Gillespie Trust and Savings in April 1914. In March 1918, the Lemp building was sold to Gillespie Trust for over $19,000. Again, another bank move. The Gillespie Trust became American National Bank in February 1923.
Meanwhile, we have another bank that the outside façade still stands. The Gillespie National Bank was started in November 1905 and moved into a new building on the corner of Walnut and Macoupin Streets in April 1906 with another new building on site in May 1912. In August 1930, both national banks merged. The American National Bank moved all its reserves to Gillespie National Bank. This merger made the new Gillespie National Bank the largest in Macoupin County.
Now the third bank in this puzzle. In July 1922, Peoples State Bank opened its doors at the corner of Macoupin and East Chestnut Streets in the old Long’s Pool Hall. So by 1923, Gillespie has three banks including two national banks and a state bank. There is little difference between the two types. National banks are ruled by federal laws versus state regulations. State regulations are less strict on real estate loans and the amount of capital on hand. These loose regulations forced many state banks to fail in the 1920’s.
I found out that when doing research one thing leads to another and before you know it, the Falstaff saloon created a brief early history of Gillespie banks. I’m going to following this article with a brief look at Gillespie bank notes issued by banks.
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In a decisive finish that underscored his rising dominance in Illinois Class 1A cross country, senior Chaz Oberkfell of Gillespie High School claimed the state title with a time of 14:31.10 at the IHSA State Cross Country Championships held at Detweiller Park on Saturday, November 8.
Finishing just behind Oberkfell, sophomore Evan Knobloch of Toulon (Stark County) crossed the line in 14:46.25, placing second. Rounding out the top five were senior Blake McLeese of Tuscola (14:46.45), senior Luca Bryja of Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy) with 14:48.38, and senior Elijah Teefey of Pleasant Plains at 14:49.02.
This victory marks Oberkfell’s second IHSA Class 1A state championship. He also won the state crown as a junior in 2024 with a time of 14:31.87. In his sophomore year, he finished 21st with a 15:21.43 season-best time.
Looking ahead, Oberkfell is set to compete in the New Balance NXR Midwest Regional Championships on Sunday, November 16, at the LaVerne Gibson Course in Indiana. The meet serves as a critical stepping stone toward the national championships, and Oberkfell will look to carry his state momentum into the regional stage.
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The community is invited to participate in a family-friendly, drive-thru charity event aimed at keeping local students warm this winter. The “Warm Up Our Kids” drive-thru takes place on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Karmak Campus, located at 1 Karmak Plaza, Carlinville, IL and is sponsored by Karmak and Carlinville Area Hospital and Clinics.
Additional drop-off boxes will be available at the following locations to maximize participation and convenience:
- Sullivans in Carlinville, Gillespie, and Litchfield
- Pharmacy Plus in Girard
- Sav-Mor Pharmacy in Virden
- CAH&C Clinic sites in Gillespie, Girard, Carlinville, and Virden
- Briar Rose in Litchfield
- Brave Hazel in Carlinville
- Oh-So Cute Boutique in Virden
Drive through the event route and drop off much-needed supplies listed below. All donations will directly benefit students in the participating school districts, helping ensure every child has the warmth and essentials they need to face the winter season. Community support help bridge gaps and bring tangible, immediate relief to families in need.
Join us in spreading warmth and goodwill this December. The Ben Gil Post and community partners look forward to seeing you at the Karmak Campus drive-thru.
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A Macoupin County jury found Jeffrey D. Brown, 50, of Sawyerville guilty of aggravated battery with a firearm in connection with the shooting death of Rodney Messerly, 42, also of Sawyerville, authorities said.
The verdict was delivered a little before 6 p.m. on November 4, 2025, after a days-long trial led by Macoupin County State’s Attorney Jordan J. Garrison. Brown now faces a mandatory prison sentence ranging from six to 30 years with the sentence to be served at 85 percent. The sentencing will take place on January 12, 2025.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, the incident unfolded on September 17, 2024, when Brown called 911 claiming Messerly had entered his home. Responding deputies found Messerly deceased on the front stoop outside the residence. Brown testified that Messerly had forced his way into the home, and he fired in self-defense inside the residence.
Surveillance video played to the jury depicted portions of the confrontation: Messerly speaking with Brown at the door outside the residence before Messerly pushes inside—off-camera for a stretch—followed by four gunshots fired from within the home. Messerly is seen falling back onto the front steps.
A video interview of Brown with Lt. Ryan Dixon of the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department revealed Brown stated he took three steps back inside the residence before firing the initial shots. Forensic pathologist Dr. Nathanial Patterson testified that the first four shots would have been fatal. Approximately seven seconds pass before Brown fires a final shot from inside the residence, striking Messerly in the chest as he yells an expletive.
Garrison offered condolences to Messerly’s family, calling the incident a “horrible situation” and noting that the healing process is just beginning for those affected. He described Messerly as having been experiencing delusions at the time of the incident and emphasized that the last shot was not in self-defense, characterizing it as an act of vengeance.
Brown faces additional charges in unrelated matters: Armed Violence (Class X felony) and Production of Cannabis Plants (Class 4) in 2024CF228, and Resisting Arrest Causing Injury to an Officer in 2024CF252.
Public sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2025. Prosecutors cautioned readers that charges are not proof of guilt and that Brown is presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law.
