USA > Iowa > Guthrie County > Centennial history of Guthrie county, Iowa > Part 10
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" Oh dear," says Jennie, "I am so tired climbing in and out of this buggy ; do send it home and let us walk." And we tramped the rest of the day, stopping for dinner of course.
"Jennie, let's go and buy our groceries next." " Why, silly, where are you going to put them? The houses are not yet done." " It is not necessary to have them delivered until we need them, but we can leave our orders."
As we had bought dry goods of all the dry goods and grocery houses, we went to those who sold groceries exclu- sively. Mr. J. E. Bell, on the corner of Main and Nassau streets, in the Dunham building, has a good stock of nice groceries, which he sells at fair prices. Mr. Bell came here from Nebraska in December, 1875; and in May, 1876, asso- ciated with himself a Mr. Downs. So the firm name here- after will be Bell & Downs.
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Now, I never could endure tobacco in any form, but dear little Jane thought Isaac ought to have some of those nice looking cigars, we saw in Mr. Scott's window, so to indulge the indulgent little woman, we went in. Mr. Scott came from Newton in March, 1876, and occupied the old meat market built by Mr. Trent in 1870; the original building has been enlarged, painted and papered, and made to look like new.
The next place-grocery -- visited was that of J. E. Dutton successor to J. Taylor, whom he bought out in February, 1876. Mr. Dutton has been in the same business in Dexter, and bids fair to make this house as popular as it was under the old management.
Wall & Glassock commenced business on the corner of Nassau and Division streets, in December. 1875. Mr. D. B. Wall went into partnership with Mr. Veile in March, 1874, and sold to Wineman, October, 1875. Judging by the crowd of customers, he is doing well.
There is also a grocery house on the south side, kept by a Mr. Smull, but being tired out we did not go over, but rested until the next day. Bright and early we started on our "gadding tour " over town. We were just in the act of engaging Billy Warren to move us to our temporary habitation, (we had some goods stored away in a barn, or warehouse, or no matter where, they were only " old things" anyway, and we were not going to spoil our new one,) when we were met by Mr. Dixon, who informed us it would not be worth while to move twice, as we could have our new houses in about two weeks from the time they were com- menced. "Why, dear me," cried Jane; "if you haven't the smartest folks in Stuart I ever saw. Just think of it; a house ready to move into, in two weeks from its com- mencement ! I'm so glad Isaac is going to stay here." Our spirit of enterprise started my friends off with such an im- petus, it fairly took my breath to keep up with them. I finally remonstrated in these gentle words: "Now, look here, good people, if you are going on at this rate, you can go on without me; I'm not going to kill myself in one day."
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Fearing I meant what I said, my friends slackened their speed-and we sauntered into A. A. Savage's bakery and restaurant, and had a cup of hot coffee to "rest " us. Albert was very polite and attentive, gave us the best of bread, nice pies and cakes-I mean for Isaac -- you know, we ladies didn't want any thing but the coffee.
Jane wanted a pair of new shoes, so we went into Moul- ton & Little's, where we found just what we wanted. Mr. Moulton came to Stuart in 1871, and commenced in the office of the old Stuart House as a shoemaker; he moved two or three times, but by industry, economy, upright and fair dealing, bis business increased to such an extent that in 1873, he took Mr. Little as a partner.
And they built the house they now occupy, and put in a good stock of boots, shoes, and every thing kept in a first class shoe store. Mr. Moulton is our pioneer shoeman, and one of the good substantial citizens who give tone and per- manence to our community. Both members of this firm are natives of Massachusetts. Little Johnny says he ate his first chowder on Plymouth Rock, and was near enough the hub to be one of the fellows.
The clothing and shoe store of D. Felgar was the scene of our next raid. Mr. Felgar commenced here in 1871 as a clothier, shoe dealer and manufacturer; in 1875 he sold the manufacturing part of the shoe business to Mr. J. M. Ross, who continued the same in the back part of the same build- ing. In 1872 Mr. Felgar was burned out, as were all the houses in this block-south side of Nassau street, between Tremont and Division-including P. H. Lennon, Veile, Hussey, Dixon & Eustace, John Leonard and J. T. Mont- gomery, several of whom were at the time residing as well as doing business in the block. Louis Zeiger, too, lost a building by the fire.
N. B. Kahn, two doors west of the post-office, came here from Chicago in October, 1875, and has the only exclusive ly furnishing house in the city.
Isaac, though well pleased with Stuart, and not knowing
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that we are not incorporated, thought to have a little fun at the city's expense. Said he, "Mrs. M-, why don't you fall through one of these man traps in your sidewalk and break your neck -- no, I mean your arm? You might col- lect damages enough to make you rich." Thinking he had said something witty, he threw back his head for a good laugh, when down he came, plump on the sidewalk, running his elbow through a broken plank and tearing the sleeve of his new coat. You all know just how he looked when he got up. To illustrate, let us " digress " from our expedition long enough to tell the story of a fall of one of our promi- nent lawyers.
The street being as slippery as ice and sleet could make it, he slipped and fell. On getting up he gave the prescribed and customary glance to see if any one was looking. A man on the opposite side of the street, haw-hawed at the top of his voice, when our Blackstone indignantly called out: "Fool, what are you laughing at? I see nothing funny."
But to go back to poor Ike; we took him into Mr. Todd's tailor shop to have his coat mended, and while there learned that Mr. Todd came here in 1872, that he keeps a good assortment of the best cloths and vestings, which he manu- factures to order. We left Isaac to have his coat mended and his boots blacked by our city boot-black, who waited outside, while we went to the place, said to be dearest to the female heart, (I know it is dear to her purse,) the jeweller's. We went first to see W. P. Huntoon, late of Victor, who came here in February, 1876. We found a good assort- ment of clocks and watches, and a fair showing of silver- ware; we purchased a nice berry dish and spoon, and took them up to E. V. Boynton, watchmaker and engraver, to have them engraved; not that Mr. Huntoon could not en- grave them, but you know we are dividing our trade. We found the former house four doors west of Main street, on Nassau, and the latter, one door east of the post-office, Mr. Boynton came here from California in June, 1875.
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W. K. Lindsay, jeweller and watchmaker, successor to Lindsay & Campbell, next door west of Mrs. Compton, is our pioneer jeweler. He came here from Davenport in 1871. A peculiar and eccentric man by the name of Cornish was our very first jeweller, who kept a little shop where Dr. Beach's office now is; he remained but a short time, leav- ing about the time Mr. Lindsay came. The building occu- pied by him was erected by Jos. Barker, in 1870, for a grocery store.
Having done our errands to the jeweller's, we went back up street in time to see Ike come sheepishly out from the tailor's. Jane laughed so heartily at the thought of the "joke," that her false teeth took a new departure and fell into another of our side walk traps, striking a stone be- neath and-alas, and a lack went to pieces. It was now her turn to look 'round, to see if any one was looking. Seeing a lot of street urchins looking delightedly on, the poor little woman began to cry, but I hurried up stairs to Dr. Miller's office, where she soon had an impression taken with the promise that she should have her teeth in the even- ing. Dr. Miller came from South Bend, in October, 1874, and everybody wonders how they got along without a dentist. His office is over D. Felgar's clothing store, corner of Tremont and Nassau street.
Well, here we are at the new bakery and restaurant of J. G. Goodman; we'll go in and take dinner. (Jane dined on oyster soup for obvious reasons.) Mr. Goodman began in March, 1876.
Next to W. A. Eustace's, on Nassau street, three doors west of the post-office, to select our furniture. Mr. E. came here in the fall of 1869. In 1872 went into partnership with Mr. Dixon, who withdrew from the firm in January, 1876. This is the only furniture house in town, but as he keeps every thing we need, there is no necessity of our suffering for want of furniture.
Then up street, three doors west of Division, to S. C. Walters', where we bought one of those nice Western Cot-
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tage organs-though he sells other kinds, as well as sewing machines, sheet music, &c. This house was established in October, 1873. Mr. Walters came from Des Moines.
On the southeast corner of Tremont and Nassau streets, we found Messrs. Hartsell & Dowdle, successors to Mont- gomery & Weaver, whose pet organs are the Burdette and Silver Tongue; and their favorite sewing machine, the Wilson. They have been in business since January, 1876.
Thursday morning our friends wanted to send word home, so we went to the Atlantic & Pacific telegraph office in Dr. Dosh's drug store, and asked Bert Hurlbut, operator, to say "all is well." Then we went to the Western Union, Pat. Levy, operator, and telegraphed home for more money, that we might continue our investigations of the business houses of Stuart -- you know it takes money to get all 'round.
Next to A. Swartz's photograph rooms, west of the Dean House, and sat for a "negative." We also tried his sweet- toned Estey Organs, which he keeps to sell. He began in 1872, and is evidently doing a good business.
A friend had sent me an Indian pony from the west, and Rodecker & Pearson were to build me a handsome phæton, so we went to see if it was finished. We started for the old Stuart House, but remembered that it had burned to the ground on the night of the 24th of February, 1876, just after the close of a masonic ball. Messrs. R. & P., after the fire, moved their stock into Gibbs' place, corner of Main and Nassau streets, and were as busy as if nothing had happened. Mr. Rodecker has met with losses of a similar character before, and Mr. Pearson with disasters of various kinds; among which, is the occasional washing away of his mill-dam on Raccoon river, three and a half miles north- east of town. Nothing daunted, they are going at once to rebuild on the old site. Mr. Rodecker established the bus- iness here in 1873, and admitted Mr. Pearson as a partner in 1875.
We called at W. C. Crocker's harness and saddlery store,
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opposite the Dean House, in Berner & Toedt's first build- ing. He came here from Atlantic in January, 1875; em- ploys three hands, and is doing a brisk business.
At John Leonard's, west of the post office, we bought a nice harness for our pony, and as " it will be summer time bye and by," we also bought fly nets, etc. In 1871 Mr .. Leonard bought out John Brown, our first harness maker; was burned out in 1872, but has rallied from that disaster, and is doing a good business.
In the evening, Thursday, we went to the new Episcopal Chapel and reading room, to enjoy a social evening with the Helping Hand Society. We were pleasantly entertained and noticed that the building was gothic in design, 18x40 feet. This society deserves special mention and credit, as it has, in the face of many discouragements, built this house in less than a year's time. To the perseverance of the ladies is this enterprise mainly due. Though it is con- trolled by the Episcopal Society, yet it is free to all who may avail themselves of the privileges offered by a free li- brary and reading room.
We were weary enough to enjoy our nice clean beds at Dean's, and after breakfast Friday morning started again on our tramp. Mr. D. calls it gadding. Jane and I went in search of a laundry, and Isaac went to the barber's. In- . stead of one, we found three, while Ike found Billy Schlarb, our pioneer barber, who has been here since 1871. He evi- dently believes the old saying about the rolling stone. Our friend found everything neat and orderly, and Billy and two or three assistants quite busy.
Isaac brought his dog and gun with him-he never goes without them-and as the latter was a little rusty, he took it to Geo. Morse, on the South Side, and had it cleaned and "fixed up," and as the former was hungry (he didn't get round in time for breakfast at the Dean House,) we went to Geo. Gray's meat market " to get the poor doggy a bone." Mr. Gray put up the building and opened the market in January, 1874. They furnish to Stuart and vicinity seven
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or eight beeves per week, besides sheep and hogs. They may be found on the south side of Nassau street, between Main and Tremont.
We were told there were two other meat markets; one east of Main street, kept by Chas. Griffiths, the other, south of the track, by Mr. Simcoke. Speaking of meat markets, reminds us; the first one kept in Stuart was by C. E. Dean.
Really ; here comes Mr. Dixon again, and says he is ready for the plasterers and painters, so we went in search of J. T. Montgomery, whom we found in the office with Corry & Dixon, two doors east of Exchange Bank. Mr. M., with a squad of assistants, started for the scene of action, but gave us a gentle hint that it was too cold to plaster without fire, and we ordered up three or four stoves, from Berner's and Seydell's, and went to Gould & Holmes' and asked them to ·'send up some of their nice clean coal. Their office is on Front street, two doors east of the Iowa House. This firm began business as ice dealers in 1874. In 1875 they added the coal business; in March, 1876, they added agricultural implements, lime, etc. They are both railroad engineers, but if they both happen to be absent at the same time, Charlie Darling, their clerk, will attend to all customers. Tommy Holmes, of this firm, run the first engine to Stuart, being the engine of a construction train. We had no special business at the elevators, but as we were doing the whole . town we could not slight them. We went first to that of Gray & Blanchard, successors to Chas. Stuart, of whom they purchased in May, 1875. The amount of grain han- dled is from four to five million bushels per year. The ele- vator is operated by steam, runs a feed mill, corn sheller, and fanning mills, and has every appliance necessary in a business of this kind. It is said to have no " superior " in the State.
Immediately west of this is the elevator of the Joint Stock Company, J. R. Bates, President; Wm. Gray, Secre- tary; A. H. Savage, Treasurer. It was built in 1875, has a «capacity of twenty thousand bushels; a twenty-five horse
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power engine; steam separator, and wheat cleaner, corn shellers, etc. Cost of the building $9,000.
Being so near, we went up to the steam flouring mill, to see what was going on there. . In 1872 Capt. Stuart offered Wm. Leach $1,200 to move his (Leach's) mill from Nepon- set, Ill., to Stuart. He accepted the offer, tore down the mill, brought it here and rebuilt it; and when it had been running only two weeks, was burned to the ground-un- doubtedly the work of an incendiary. The building was three stories high, contained two run of burrs, and a forty." horse power steam engine. In a few hours after the fire- the generous citizens of Stuart, with Capt. Stuart at their head, had subscribed $4,000 toward the re-building of the mill, which was done at once. The present mill is about the same as the first one, and is at present owned by Messrs. Cooke & Drake.
On our return down town we stopped in at Stoke's feed store, and engaged feed for pony. Next to this place we saw a sign that read "Pumps and Lightning Rods," and as we knew we should want both, we stopped-much to Isaac's chagrin, as he was getting very hungry -- and made a pur- chase of J. Montgomery. The last two named places are on Division street near Front.
Our bonnets were pretty dusty after our "climb" through the elelevators and mill, and after dinner we took them to Miss Hills', on Nassau, and had her " brush them up.". She has plenty of nice new ones, but for economic reasons we are wearing our old ones. Miss Hills began here in 1874; is a native of Dallas county, and was for a number of years a school teacher. She owns the building she occupies, and is one of the sensible women who practically demonstrate their ability to take care of themselves. We would add, Miss Hills keeps a full assortment of notions and fancy goods as well as millinery; she also does dress making.
Up on Tremont street we found Mrs. Chamberlain, who keeps a choice lot of hats and bonnets, trimmings, etc., and does dress making. She came here in 1875.
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Two doors west of the post office is the firm of Rowell & Hooker, Milliners, who commenced here in November, 1875, though Mrs. Rowell has been a resident of Stuart since 1872. In 1873 her husband was appointed postmaster, and filled the office for about eighteen months, when he died. Mrs. R. succeeded him, and retained the office seven or eight months.
Isaac said if he didn't sell his farm he should want some new farm machinery, so I took him up to J. E. Gharrett's warehouse, on West Nassau street, and as he commenced " jerking " the machines around and making comments cal- culated to awe "green ones," hunting items, J. E., in his quiet way remarked, "I have the Marsh Harvester." "Is that so?" asked my friend; "that's just what I want; in fact I wouldn't have any other." In 1869 Mr. Gharrett opened the first dry goods house in Stuart, in which he continued until the fall of 1872, when he went to selling agricultural implements. Besides the Marsh Harvester he keeps other reapers, as well as a general stock of farm ma- chinery. He has a branch house at Casey. Is a native of Indiana.
Of the other warehouses of the above kind, we found that of Gould & Holmes-as before mentioned-in their coal office on Front street, and Bunker Brothers in their real estate office, near their livery stable. The above firms are all doing a good business, which may be taken as an indication of the improvements going on in the country. I presume the gentlemen thought the plows were very clean; may be they were, but some how our gloves were stained and our hands soiled, so we we went to Dr. LeRoy's drug store for some of his nice toilet soap for our hands, and erasive soap for our gloves. Besides a good stock of first class goods, kept in a handsome and well finished store- room, we found a quite extensive Circulating Library. To Dr. LeRoy, Stuart is indebted for "reading " not otherwise attainable.
Next, to Dosh & Herriot's Drug Store and engaged pa-
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per hangings, etc., for our new houses. They are in a good brick building, 20x70 feet, two stories high, and well fin- ished. Have a good stock of the various articles usually kept in a first class drug store. In 1873 Dr. Dosh com- menced this business in the first building erected by Dr. Le Roy, and removed to the present place in 1875, Mr. Her- riot being admitted a partner previous to their removal
In August, 1875, there was erected on the corner of Tre- mont and Division streets, a substantial and handsome brick building 25x55 feet, two stories high. In March, 1876, Dr. Treat, a native of Orion, Michigan, but who has prac- ticed medicine for the last eight years in Marquette, Michi- gan, and previous to that time in Chicago, opened in the above building (which he owns) a new drug store, and in our rambles about town, we called upon him. On either counter there are beautiful oval-front show-cases, and the shelving is finished in black walnut, veneered with burl butternut, the same being neat and very handsome. The Doctor's stock, which is entirely new, is full and complete.
Then to Given & Phillips', on Nassau street, in the build- ing formerly occupied by E. Lindley. Mr. Given came here in 1871, from Vinton, Iowa, formerly from Pittsburg, Pa., and has been engaged as salesman in the several drug stores ever since, until he went into business for himself, in April, 1875. Though their building is not so new or nice as the others, they are doing a good business. Mr. Phil- lips, familiarly known as "old Phil," is at present in Wales, his native place. In Ollie's case we shall have to reverse the saying, " last but not least," in matter of stature we mean.
Learning that the Working Band, the Congregational Society, met that afternoon at the pleasant home of Mrs. Lunt, we looked in upon them, and they certainly looked very happy and seemed to be enjoying themselves; they have prepared a great many fancy and useful articles for the fair they expect soon to hold, the proceeds of which are to furnish their church. Mrs. A. E. Todd, wife of the
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minister, is president of this society, and Mrs. Dr. Miller, secretary. The life of the society is Mrs. Gharrett.
Now we'll go the post office, and then home. We found the business of the office for the last quarter was as fol- lows: No. of money orders issued, 377; amount of money received $4,907.79; amount of fees, 42.90; No. of money orders paid, 184; amount required to pay them, $2,350.75; No. of letters mailed, 17,750; No. received, 16,550; greatest No. mailed in one day, 330; average number per day, 225. H. C. Trout, post master since 1874.
The first thing we did Saturday morning, was to go to Masonic Hall, over J. P. McQuistion's store. It was locked up so we could not get in, but one of the good brothers in- formed us that the hall was 19x50 ft. The Lodge was chartered in 1870. It now has a membership of forty. The Odd Fellows meet in the same hall. This latter Lodge was chartered in 1871, and has a membership of one hun- dred.
The Congregational Church on Division street was built in 1871, Captain Stuart donating the lot whereon to build. It will seat two hundred persons; has an organ and a good choir, Mrs. Todd, organist; Mrs. Adams, soprano. By the efforts of the Working Band, a part of the Church has been carpeted. This society has a membership of forty; a flourishing Sabbath school of ninety pupils, Mr. Reed superintendent. Rev. A. E. Todd, the minister, is a native of Massachusetts, and was educated at Yale College.
Speaking of Sabbath schools, we are reminded of the first one held in Stuart. 7 The first building erected after the town was laid out, was used as a grocery store and post office, as spoken of in the beginning of this chapter. A Sabbath school, under the direction of William Crow, and numbering as many pupils and teachers as could crowd in, was held in this building. Captain Stuart happened in one morning as they were trying to get $10 subscribed for a library. The Captain told them if they would buy a $30 library, he would give them $15. He also
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promised them a better place wherein to hold their school, in three weeks, and in three weeks from that day the school was held in the Stuart House.
Captain Stuart also donated the lot upon which the Meth- odist Church is built. This is a nice little frame 40x60 ft., nicely finished and capable of seating three hundred per. sons. Here, too, is an organ and a choir, led by S. C. Walters. Mr. Martin, the minister, is a native of Indiana and was educated at Asbury University. This society, too, has a Sabbath school, numbering one hundred and fifty pupils, Mrs. Dr. Beach, superintendent. These items con- cerning the churches, we learned from members, as we could not attend services until the next day, there being none held on Saturday.
The lot for the Catholic Church was sold by Captain Stuart, at half price, and in the fall of 1875, the Church, which is not yet finished, was built at a cost of $3,000. Service is held by Rev. Father Gaul, of Atlantic, but the society expects soon to have a resident priest.
Services are conducted in the Episcipal Chapel, by Rev. J. S. Read, of Des Moines.
There is also a Christian Church on the south side, which was built in the early part of 1875. This society numbers about twenty members, and employs the Rev. Mr. Kennel, of De Soto, to conduct religious services occasionally.
Having learned these particulars, and rested ourselves with a good dinner, we went, upon invitation, to the hos- pitable home of Mrs. Dr. Dosh, to meet the Ladies Mite Society of the Methodist Church, and found a happy and united little band, with Mrs. Dr. Beach, as president, 'and Mrs. Dr. Dosh, as secretary. The pecuniary object of the society, is the furnishing of the church, but the primary object, is the promotion of good will, the better acquain- tance, and sociability of its members.
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