USA > Iowa > Henry County > Mount Pleasant > Mount Pleasant city directory, 1870 > Part 1
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Dehinner
E. CHAMBERLIN & Co.,
Successors to WRIGHT, BELL, CHAMBERLIN & CO.,
Wholesale Grocers
NO. 5 VALLEY STREET,
(Rand & Coolbangh's Block,)
E. CHAMBERLIN, C. H. CHAMBERLIN. (
Burlington, Iowa.
WILLIAM BELL & Co.,
WHOLESALE DEALERS IN
DRY GOODS AND NOTIONS !
No. 7 Valley Street,
W.M. BELL, General Partner. HIRAM BEARD.
J. W. ATKINSON, Special Partner -. S. R. CLARK. BURLINGTON, IOWA
THE OLDEST BOOK STORE IN THE STATE OF IOWA !
ESLEY ONES,
WHOLESALE DEALER IN School, Miscellaneous and Blank Books WALL PAPERS, CURTAINS, PICTURE FRAMES, MOULDINGS, NOTIONS AND FANCY GOODS, Chromos, Lithographs, Etc., Etc.,
Jefferson Street, Burlington, lowa.
s Special discounta given to dealers. Prompt attention paid to orders.
graff
BURLINGTON
The Newberry Library
The Everett D. Graff Collection of Western Americana
66
RANCE COMPANY !
OF BURLINGTON, IOWA.
xtracts from the Press.
We have spent a little time in arranging a few extracts from the many favorable notices received from the press. The whole would fill a respectable volume, so we must be content to give the following as samples of the lot. When our friends look over what we have time and space to present herewith, we think hey will candidly admit the solid service performed by the Old Burlington : that her character and . reputation is fairly based on meritorions con- duct under "fiery trials, " that she deserves in return the full confidence and patronage of the public, and that she possesses not only the ability but the disposition to serve them as faith- fully as it is possible for any corporation to aspire to.
That the public approve and appreciate their conduct is clearly proxen by their steady increase of husiness. It is pretty certain that their present month's business will be largely in excess of any previous month. We think that it would be cheaper to pay douhle, er even higher rates, if necessary, to such a company as the Old Burlington, than to insure in con- panies which delay an adjustment and then wait their full time of sixty or ninety days after that to pay a loss in. We say, all the time, insure in the Old Burlington .- Burlington Hawk- Eye.
The Old Burlington by adhering to a strictly legitimate business, having ample means at its command to fulfill all'its contracts, being liberal and prompt in the adjustment and pay- ment of its losses, has fairly and honorably earned the position of the leading insurance com- pany of the State. Having gained the position and commanded the acknowledgment of it by the best Underwriters of the State, they naturally feel proud of the honor, and are deter- mined to maintain it against all competition. And they will do it too .- Jowa Gazette, (Bur- lington.)
The Burlington is a first class company, and we are pleased to hear is doing a first class business, which speaks well for the citizens of our State who take pride in patronizing home institutions, especially such reliable ones as the Burlington. The Fairfield Ledger, in no- ticing several ficavy losses in that vicinity says: " While other companies wait from one to three months, there is no unnecessary delays with the Burlington; every claim was settled within eleven days." Pursuing such an honorable policy. it is no wonder that the Company's business is rapidly Increasing, and its friends are numberless throughout the State .- Davenport Democrat.
In our opinion the Burlington Insurance Company, cf Burlington, stands a head and shoul- ders over any other Iowa company .- Eddyville Independent.
It is admitted by the best Underwriters in the State that the Burlington takes the prece- dence of all lowa companies,-ht. Pleasant Journal.
It is really one of the best and most reliable companies in this or any cthier State .- Free Press, (Mt. Pleasant.)
Those of our readers who desire real solid protection, will do well to insure in the favorite Old Burlington."-Washington Press.
Remember the favorite Old Burlington when yen want reliable Home Insurance .- Osku- loosa Herald.
Every farmer should have his property protected hy a policy in some company, and we advise our readers to insure in the Old Burlington .- Union Guard. (Bloomfield.)
We advise all our friends to obtain a policy in the Old Burlington without delay. Allia Union.
Let our readers bear these things in mind, and by all means sustain and patronize the fa- vorite Old Burlington .- Sigourney News.
We have heretofore taken occasion to speak favorably of the Burlington Insurance Com- pany. We are glad we did so, and are only sorry that we did not speak more favorably of it. We have no hesifancy in pronouncing it the best home company within our knowledge. . It is controlled by high-minded, honorable men, who know their business and are determined to do it .- Fairfield Ledger.
We call attention to the advertisement of the Burlington Insurance Company on our last page. It is not necessary for ns to add onr testimony to that already published as to the sta- bility of this reliable old company, but we do say that we do consider her among the safest companies in the country. We insure in the Old Burlington, we advise our friends to, and all who wish good, reliable home insurance. Read her record ! and be proud that lowa, acenreed above all other States by her multiplicity of wild-eat companies-cane boast of at least one company that can show a clean record. Hler officers are men of integrity, men whose charac- ters are irreproachable. and her secretary, William A. Torrey, we consider the best under- writer In the State. Burlington Trade Circular, March, 1868.
WM. HI. DUNGAN, Special Agent, Mt. Pleasant, lowa.
MOUNT PLEASANT
Cito Directory;
CONTAINING
A CATALOGUE OF INHABITANTS; A FULL REPORT OF RELIGIOUS, EDUCATIONAL, BENEVOLENT, SOCIAL AND POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS; A BUSINESS IN- DEX, TOGETHER WITH THE ADVERTISEMENTS OF INSTITU- TIONS AND ENTERPRISING BUSINESS MEN. APPRO- PRIATELY CLASSIFIED AND INDEXED, TO WHICH IS PREFIXED
A HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE CITY.
1870.
E. H. ANNEWALT, COMPILER.
BURLINGTON : DAILY GAZETTE BOOK AND JOB PRINTING HOUSE, PARSONS' BLOCK.
1870.
STREETS AND AVENUES.
Adams, runs north and south, 1 block E. of Main, extending N. to Front St. Allen, runs from Monroc N. 3 blocks to R. Road St., 2 blocks E. to Walnut. Asylum Avenue, runs from Washington St. to Asylum, east of Wilson. Brazelton, runs north and south from Plank Road, 11 blocks E. of Main. Rroadway, runs north from Saunders to North St., 1 E. Main and College. Burr, runs north and south 5 blocks cast of Main and south of Webster. Charles, runs west from Main, one block north of University.
Chestnut, runs north and southi, 5 blocks east of Main and N. of Monroe. Clark, runs north and south, 5 blocks north of Monroe-R. Road St. Clay, runs east and west, 1 street south of Washington and east to Walnut. College Avenue, runs N. and S., 1 block E. of Broadway and N. of College. Elm, runs north and south, 1 block east of College Av. and N. of Exchange. Exchange, runs east and west, 2 blocks north of University.
Front, runs east and west, north of Univ. from Broadway to N. Wash. Green, runs east and west, 3 blocks south of Washington.
Harlan, runs east and west, 5 blocks north of University.
Harrison, runs north and south, 2 blocks east of Main and south of Henry. Henry, runs east and west, 2 blocks north of Monroe.
Jackson, runs north and south, 1 block W. of Jefferson and S. of Saunders. Jay, runs north and south, 4 blocks east of Main and north of Monroe. Jefferson, runs north and south of Public Square, and north to Saunders. Locust, runs north and south, 3 blocks east of Main and south of Monroe. Madison, runs cast and west, and one block north of Monroe.
Main, runs north and south, east side Public Square, and north to Exchange. Marietta, runs east and west, 7 blocks south of Wash. and E. to Wilson. Marion, runs north and south, 4 blocks W. of Jefferson and N. to Saunders. McDowell, runs east and west, 6 blocks south of Wash. and E. to Wilson. Mill, runs east and west, 4 blocks north of University east to N. Washington. Monroe, runs east and west, north side of Public Square.
North Washington. runs N. and S., 2 blocks E. of Main and N. of Henry. Orange runs east and west, 3 blocks north of Univ. and east to N. Wash. Pearl, runs east and west, south side University from Main to White. Pine, runs north and south, 7 blocks east of Main and north of Washington. Poplar, runs east of North Washington and north of Henry and R. Road. Porter, runs north and south, north from Washington.
Saunders, runs east and west, 3 blocks north of Monroe and west of Main. St. Charles, runs east and west, 5 blocks south of Washington.
Van Buren, runs north and south, 3 blocks W of Jefferson and N. to R. R. Vernon, runs east, from North Washington to Poplar north from Henry. Walnut, runs north and south of Henry, 6 blocks east of Main.
Warren, runs east and west, 2 bloeks south of Waslı. and east of Wilson. Washington, runs east and west, south side of Public Square.
Webster, runs east and west, 4 blocks south of Wash. and east to Wilson. White, runs north and south, two blocks west of Jefferson.
INTRODUCTORY.
The publishers, in tendering to the citizens of Mt. Pleasant, this second vol- ume of the Directory for 1870, would say that having carefelly canvassed the City, desiring rather to give to the citizens a satisfactory and reliable guide than to make money, having endeavored, as far as industry and experience in the compilation of works of this character warrant, to produce one every way worthy of their patronage.
In view of the peculiar difficulties met with, in compiling a work of this kind, the publishers trust that any inaccuracies that may occur in the book, will be looked upon with leniency, although with the system adopted but few will occur. The citizens' list is intended merely as a record for citizens and their private residences, inserting the styles of firms, when such exist.
No one examining the Business Index, will fail to observe and acknowledge the practicability of its arrangement, as also that of Churches, Institutions Schools, etc., etc.
To those who deem a work of this kind, one of value and benefit, having aided by their advertisements and subscriptions, the publishers are under obli- gations, trusting that those who refrained, will be convinced of the utility of the present volume.
If successful in having satisfied our friends and patrons, we shall feel happy in having merited their kind appreciation, in endeavoring to correctly represent the interests of this flourishing and beautiful City.
Very respectfully, THE PUBLISHERS.
-
MOUNT PLEASANT
female Seminary,
Washington Street, S. E. Cor. Asylum Avenue,
TWO SESSIONS PER YEAR,
OF TWENTY WEEKS EACH.
The Year Begins with the First Monday in September.
MODERATE
MUSICAL DEPARTMENT,
IN CHARGE OF
PROF. A. ROMMEL AND MISS MARY L. BARNES.
PAINTING TEACHER,
MISS BELLE R. WILLIAMS.
REV. E. L. BELDEN, Principal.
1870
HISTORY
OF THE
CITY OF MOUNT PLEASANT.
THE city of Mt. Pleasant is located in Center Township, a little south of the geographical eenter of the county, on a high prairie whence it derives its name- Including in its corporate limits at this time quite a large amount of territory, it is yet pretty well settled with a population of some six thousand, constituting a community than which, for its size, there is not another more intelligent, more moral, more religious, to be found in the State. By strangers visiting the place, its situation and surroundings are considered peculiarly beautiful. At a dis- tance of four miles the Skunk river, one of the principal streams of the State, takes its south-easterly course to the Mississippi : while Big ereek, a small clear stream, surrounds us in the shape of a horse-shoe, one and a half miles distant north, west and south. In these directions, thiekly studding the loamy bottom lands, are seen heavy forests of oak, hickory, walnut and maple, which on the little tributary Saunders' run, approach on the west to the very limits of the corporation ; and feathering here into a luxuriant growth of sapling among the large trees, invite many a merry picnie group to find enjoyment in their shade. In the east, the seene is one monotonous prairie, stretching far as the eye can reach, relieved only by houses here and there, and groves which the hand of man has planted.
Henry county was organized by an aet of the Territorial Legislature, then Wisconsin, at its first session, held at Belmont, Wisconsin, during the winter of 1836-7. The same act that organized the county, located the county seat at the then village of Mt. Pleasant. And here, despite two or three vigorous efforts to remove it, it has sinee remained.
8
MT. PLEASANT CITY DIRECTORY.
The first white settler on the territory now embraced in Henry county, (then constituting a part of Des Moines,) was one James Dawson, who, in the spring of 1834, squatted on a elaim one and a half miles west of town. The land afterwards became the Caulk farm, and is now owned by Hugh B. Swan, Esq. Presley Saunders, the first settler in Mt. Pleasant, moved here in February, A. D. 1835. Other families soon after moved in, and in the summer of 1836, the town was platted by Presley Saunders, after a survey by Dr. J. D. Payne, and a record thereof made February 3, 1837. By this, with a slight addition soon afterwards made, the town consisted of forty-eight blocks, including the public square.
Meantime, the population of the place had steadily increased, and at the time of which we speak amouuted to about two hundred persons. But the dwellings were still but the huts and cabins of pioneers, as we are told there was "not a single two-story house, shingled roof, brick chimney or plank floor," in the place. During the fall of that year, however, the first bricks were made, and their in- troduction greatly improved the appearance of things.
The first store in the place was opened by Col. J. H. Randolph, May 12th, 1836. The Colonel liad first started business in Burlington, but not liking the location, removed to this place. Trade, in those days, was conducted largely on the credit system, but the pioneers were an honest set of fellows, and always paid their debts.
The first school was taught by John P. Grantham, Esq., in a little old log cabin in the bush west of town, commencing in the spring of 1837. The same building was also used as a church by the different denominations who could keep up preaching.
The town of Mt. Pleasant was first incorporated by act of the Iowa Territorial Legislature, approved January 25, 1842. The town charter provided for a city government, consisting of a president, four councilmen and a recorder, to hold their offices for one year. Under this, as far as we can learn, S. B. Parker, Esq., familiarly called Judge Parker, was elected the first president, and Col. Ran- dolph and Mr. Hubbard were of the council. At a subsequent election, Colonel Randolph was called to the presidency. The town at this date was small, and it was found rather tedious to keep up the dignity of municipal government -- though we are assured that an infinite amount of the first talent was expended in the composition of ordinances-and finally, by general consent, the thing was allowed to collapse. The State was admitted to the Union in 1846, and after this, by act approved February 5, 1851, the "town of Mt. Pleasant " was again incorporated. This time, the executive authority was vested in a Mayor ; the other officers remained as before. At the election thereupon, held in April of that year, Col. Wm. Thompson was chosen mayor ; Messrs. Harpin Riggs, Titus V. Taft, John S. Green and Alvin Saunders, councilmen, and Henry H. McMil- lan, recorder. We ran under this charter until the spring of 1857, when, by virtue of the act of July 15, 1846, we became a city, with enlarged corporate powers and privileges. At the present time we rank as a city of the second class under the general incorporation act.
Joma Wesleyan University.
THIS INSTITUTION, SITUATED IN MT. PLEASANT, OFFERS ITS
Extensive Educational Opportunities
TO STUDENTS OF BOTH SEXES.
THE FACULTY CONSISTS OF
Rev. JOHN WHEELER, D. D., President, and Professor of Moral Seienee;
Rev. J. HOPKINS, A. M., Vice President, and Professor of Latin;
J. M. MANSFIELD, A, M., Professor of Natural Philosophy and Chemistry; Rev. I. C. GEORGE, A. M., Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy; Rev. G. W. F. WILLEY, A. M, Professor of Greek and Teacher of Modern Languages;
Miss P. E, AMBLER, A. M., Professor of English Literature and Perceptress;
H. AMBLER, A. M., Prosessor of Law; W. M. TRELOAR, Professor of Music;
Miss L. E. WHITON, Teacher of Painting; Miss EMMA L. MUNSELL, Teacher of Drawing and Ornamental Work; T. R. JACKSON, B. S., Principal of Commercial Department.
IN APPARATUS, MUSEUM AND LIBRARY,
The University has a good foundation, and to each
ADDITIONS ARE BEING MADE FROM TIME TO TIME.
In the Collegiate, Scientific and Preparatory Departments,
Tuition free. Janitor's fee $5 per term; owners of scholarships, $3 per term.
GOOD BOARDING CAN BE HAD IN PRIVATE FAMILIES
At from Three to Four Dollars Per Week.
The College year embraces three terms; first term commences September 7th. 1870; second term eommenees December 14th, 1870; third term commenees March 15th, 1871.
H. AMBLER. R. AMBLER. W. I. BABB
AMBLERS & BABB,
ttorneys at
a w
MT. PLEASANT, IOWA.
Will practice in the State Courts throughout Southern and Eastern Iowa, in the Supreme Court of the State, and in the District, Circuit and Supreme Court of the United States.
COLLECTIONS PROMPTLY ATTENDED TO.
T. W. & JNO. S. WOOLSON,
Attorneys at Law
SOLICITORS IN CHANCERY,
JNO. S. WOOLSON, { NOTARY PUBLIC. Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.
Particular iltention Given to Collections and Real Estate Litigation.
GLENNY & GLADDEN, S. W. Corner Public Square,
MT. PLEASANT.
-
-
IOWA,
DEALERS IN ALL KINDS OF
first-class farm
Implements
AND MACHINERY,
OF THE LATEST AND BEST IMPROVED STYLES.
(" A large supply always on hand. Prices reasonable.
9
MT. PLEASANT CITY DIRECTORY.
The first newspaper published in the county was " The lowa Freeman," by D. M. Kelsey. This had been published for some time previons in Ft. Madison, and was purchased and brought here in 1848 or '49. In 1850 the furniture and good will of the establishment were bought out by Prof. S. L. Howe, who remo- ved the office to his high school building, where, for five or six years, he pub- lished " The Trne Democrat," a radical newspaper of the strietest sect. Its edi- tor was Prof. Howe ; its compositors, his pupils. Several of the young typos who set np the abolition leaders of the editor, have since become known to tame in connection with John Brown's operations in Kansas, and in that more gigan- tie conflict whereby the snpremaey of the national government has been main- tained. Of later date flourished " The Observer," started by Sam Galloway-af- terwards in the editorial charge of Messrs. Wickersham & McFarland. "The Home Journal," " The Iowa Tribune," " The Republican News," are names of papers that have since been printed here, but under those names no longer exist. At present, we have "The Mt. Pleasant Journal," by Mr. Frnk Hatton, and " The Free Press," by Dr. D. W. Robinson.
The first church in the place was built by the Cumberland Presbyterians, in the year 1840, on the corner of Main and Madison streets. The same building is now occupied as a residence by Dr. W. Bird, Other churches were erected in time, and we now number no less than eleven, to-wit : Two Methodist, one Pres- byterian (O. S.,) one Baptist, one Episcopalian, one Christian, one Congrega- tionalist, one Universalist, one United Presbyterian, one Methodist colored, one Baptist colored-besides some other societies not provided with meeting houses.
In the earlier days of the town, there were a great many Indians still linger- ing in the county, whom the introduction of " fire water" and its civilized vices soon so far corrupted that Pope would seareely have ventured on his apostrophe had he met them on our streets. They were a mixture of the Sae and Fox tribes, relics of tha+ band which the defiant Blackhawk had led to defeat in 1830-32. For some years a few of these poor forlorn creatures lingered in the vieinity, subsisting by beggary, or sometimes by that singular abstraction of other people's goods which results from confused ideas of the rights of proper- ty. But as civilization advanced, the axe of the white settler ringing in the forest, and his cabin building on the prairie, with the strange apparition of a city growing up in their midst day by day, these wild children of the woods turned their faees to the setting sun, and passed away from their old hunting grounds forever.
Though Mt. Pleasant has like every other town, passed throug a time of pio- neering, and known the day of small things, yet there are now probably none in the State which excel it in the culture of all those delicate refinements which make this life pleasant. To such extent, indeed, have the citizens encouraged and promoted the cause of liberal education, the adoption of all true reform movements in every department, the dissemination of principles of striet moral- ity and temperanee, that the reputation of the city has gone abroad, as that of a locality where it were good to dwell. And it has ever been the boast of the city that drunkenness is not tolerated in the shadow of her walls, From the first, a class of the most intelligent and moral have been attraeted here to settle, and this element gaining so great an ascendency, all rival influences have been effectually discouraged from making any effort. At this time, the presence of first-class schools, with their good influence, and churches for the accommodation of all, give us good cause to believe that here the seeds of vice may never spring to full growth, but in our garden the flowers of virtue bloom forever. The Iowa Wesleyan University, elsewhere noted at length, numbering already among her graduates more than one hundred persons, with full classes in attendance; the academy of Prof. Howe, one of the oldest schools in the place, whose pupils are scattered all over the west ; the Female Seminary, founded within a few years, and now enjoying great prosperity, under the superintendence of Rev. E.
2
10
MT. PLEASANT CITY DIRECTORY.
L. Belden : and a well organized and graded system of public schools, with a high school department wherein may be completed a good course of study ; these are some among the features that attract the immigrant seeking a home .--- Nor has it been without proportionate advantage to us, that by the choice of the legislature, this was selected for the location of that eminenty charitable institu- tion, the state Insane Hospital. Large and commodious, at once a credit to the architect who planned, and the hands that built, its presence is an honor to the place.
As a business center, Mt. Pleasant has not ranked so high as her sister cities, probably through the mistaken management of her capitalists, or the misappli- cation of their means. At present, she supports two banks, three hotels, eigh- teen dry goods stores, seventeen groceries, six clothing stores, six boot aud shoe stores, five hardware stores, four drug stores, three furniture stores, three book stores, three pump and lightning rod establishments, two marble works, one foundary, two tanneries, two lumber yards, onc queensware storc, and others in proportion. What she needs is manufacturing establishments. These her pop- ulatiou aud that of the county ean well sustain. The money which goes away to buy clothing could then be kept at home. We need woolen factories, paper mills, foundaries -- we need more labor and more capital, and the profit will am- ply repay. Situated in a region of country exceedingly fertile, and whose min- eral resources promise abundantly ; well watered by the Skunk river and its tributaries Big ereek and Big and Little Cedar, on each of which are forests of fine timber, with several quarries of excellent building stone, and frequent beds of coal ; sustained by a population of intelligent, thrifty farmers ; located in a State than which none stands higher on the roll of national honor ; with a past reputation to which she can point without regret ; there is certainly no reason why Mt. Pleasant should not continue to rise in importance and increase in wealth. The Burlington & Missouri River Railroad furnishes direct communi- cation with the East, while now the immediate prospect of another road, the great St. Paul and St. Louis line, crossing the other at this place, already checrs us with the hope of increasing trade. Established thus as a junction point on two such important lines of travel, with a rival market for produce, incalcula- ble advantages are at onee secured.
With these considerations duly weighed, regarding location, population, and the prosperts of growth, incident upon causes now working, it is hoped the pre- dictions here expressed of the future of our city have not been too sanguine .-- We would not have them so. Our needs are great. We want more farmers- more men to till our fertile fields that lie adjacent, with their great wealth un- developed. On these depends the growth of the city. It is not in the number of houses, or the wealth in our tills ; not in the multitude of our schools, or the altitude of our church spires, that prosperity consists. Our population must be right.
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