It was Mr. Benefield’s understanding that the machine was patented in the U. S. Patent office.
The gas used in the manufacturing of the ice was made at the plant and the machinery was run by steam power. The old site of the plant is within the City Limits, just beyond Willard Hill on Highway 49.
Mr. Henry Scott, one of the founders, has a son and daughter now living in Dallas.
At a meeting of the Southwestern Ice Association on December 3rd., 1926, Mr. F. R. Senor presented a motion, which was accepted by the Association, the erection of a memorial in Jefferson to the honor of the man and place where the first artificial ice was manufactured in the U. S. However, that monument has never been erected.
CHURCHES
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
On June 8th., 1860 the friends of the Protestant Episcopal Church held a meeting in the Cumberland Presbyterian place of worship for the purpose of organizing an Episcopal congregation. Bishop Alex Gregg, D. D. was called to the chair and E. G. Benners appointed secretary, the Rev. E. A. Wagner being present, the secretary read the articles of association which had been prepared in accordance with the canons.
Signed by:
E. G. Benners Helen Benners Abbie Foscue Amanda M. Winslow Adeline G. Pitkins W. I. C. Rogers I. Winslow Orville Yerger Virginia Yerger A. M. Walker Jennie E. Duke Alexander Starr Emmer Charlotte Cox Martha Murphy Virginia Todd H. Witherspoon
Services were held in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Freemans Hall, and private homes until 1886 when the new church was completed. Bishop Gregg was the first clergyman to preach in the new church and Rev. E. G. Benners the first minister in charge.