The first entrepreneur

The Poplar Bluff Museum tells many unknown tales of our community. I want to tell you some of those hidden tales found within the museum walls.

An entrepreneur is defined as someone who starts a business at great financial risk. George Begley was such a man. He was described by the Daily American Republic as a man who “looks at the whole world in the face, for he owes not any man” (from Longfellow’s poem “The Village Blacksmith”). Begley’s risks not only made him successful but helped make Poplar Bluff successful.

Begley started early. At age 15, he began as an apprentice in his uncle’s blacksmith shop in Cape Girardeau. In 1877, Poplar Bluff was just a muddy spot on the road where travelers stopped between Illinois and Arkansas. Pioneer wagons were no match for the rough roads and Indian trails. Young Begley saw an opportunity for a blacksmith and opened up a shop in town. He rented a forge and a building on the corner of Pine and Broadway streets. With just 65 cents left, Begley began making horseshoes and repairing wagons.

Begley saw that there was a demand for new wagons and buggies, so he expanded his business. After he built 1,000 wagons, Begley had to open a second shop a block away. There was no stopping him. What else could he build? Soon Begley was building hardware, furniture and even caskets.

Besides taking financial risks, an entrepreneur must identify a need or create a demand for a product. Despite building caskets for the small town, Begley noticed that there was no undertaker. He began embalming the unfortunates who required his caskets. In 1879, Begley opened the first mortuary in Poplar Bluff. He later pushed through legislation in Missouri requiring certification and training in the embalming arts.

Although Begley’s Buggy Whip Factory no longer exists, his mortuary still stands. Today it is known as the Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral Home. Begley’s entrepreneurship brought Poplar Bluff from a buggy stop to a thriving town. Brave risk takers and visionaries like him is what built this great nation. We owe men like George Begley a debt of gratitude, thankful that he chose our town.

George Begley’s biography is recorded in “Deem’s History of Butler County” on file at the museum. His story and photo is also on display in the People Room.

The museum is open free of charge and handicap accessible. It is open 1-4 p.m. Sunday at 1010 N. Main St. Tell them Mike sent you.