In 1832, George W. Allen and his brother-in-law, Rev. Amos Prentice opened Greenfield's first store. Mr. Allen originally came to the Greene County area in 1819. He was a teacher and a farmer. In a short time he built a 1½-story residence adjoining the store. In 1832 Mr. Allen's holdings had expanded to include a lumber mill. The nearest post office was in Carrollton and mail was sent for weekly. In 1834, Mr. Allen surveyed and platted on his land a town site.
   He wished to name it Greenville, but another town in the state was so named. The name "Greenfield" was actually coined by Rev. James B. Corrington. The town was originally platted for 34 lots and soon increased to 208. Through the persistent efforts of Mr. Allen, the first mail route between Alton and Jacksonville was secured. He was commissioned the first postmaster and held the position until 1850.
    A proposed railroad line was halted by the Civil War, to be purchased in 1869 by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy. In 1883, the Litchfield, Carrollton and Western gave Greenfield a much closer tie with the County Seat.
   Greenfield had a coal mine on the west edge of town until 1937. On the east side were mineral springs. The Greenfield Springs, used for healthful effects, are still evident today.
    The Greenfield Bandwagon was built in 1875. It carried the Greenfield Cornet Band and is still used sparingly in parades.