Want to learn about Trader Jack?

GRANVILLE – The life and legend of “Trader” Jack Redshaw was stranger than fiction.

Redshaw, a staple in the village of Granville in the early to mid-1900s, had a gift of gab and the ability to find things that were “unfindable.” He had a store full of unique items and a warehouse that was rumored to include a bulldozer, a Ferris wheel and a merry-go-round. It was rumored his inventory at the time of his death was worth more than $1 million, according to an article in the Chicago Sunday Tribune.

Redshaw worked in a coal mine; he served in World War I and was also appointed the postmaster in the village of Granville. Along the way he became master of the “swap.” He became a collector of fine items and his clientele was rumored to be worldwide near the time of his death. Customers would come from far and wide to visit Trader Jack’s store and warehouse.

His death on Sept. 27, 1958, shocked the residents of Granville. Redshaw was found with three .38 caliber bullets in his bashed-in skull in the vault of his shop. The story of Trader Jack’s life and suspicious, never-solved, death was told to local Putnam County resident John Redshaw as he grew up by his father Ervin Redshaw. John became fascinated with the unique life of Trader Jack and put together a show he has presented previously.

Redshaw will give his Trader Jack presentation at the Granville Public Library Branch on May 13 at 6:30 p.m. The free presentation is brought to the community of Putnam County as part of the 75th anniversary of the Putnam County Library District. The public is invited to attend.