History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 130

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1316

USA > Iowa > Butler County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 130
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 130

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

- that the company would connect Sumner by rail to some road to the east of it. The completion advanced, in 1879, from Wav- erly eastward till Tripoli was reached; but the company concluded to forfeit Sumner's aid rather than try to reach Randalia, and thus Sumner endured another year of hope deferred.

To the original town plat has been added Carpenter's Addition, consisting of twenty-four acres in the southwestern part of the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of section 24. Carpenter's Addi- tion of six acres along the north side of the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section 25; Wescott's Addi- tion of fourteen acres along the entire north side of the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 25; Wescott's Addition of two acres in the northeast corner of section 26; Tower and Tibbett's Addition of ten acres on the southeast corner of section 23; Koerth's Addition of three acres immedi- ately north of Tower and Tibbett's Addi- tion. This gives a total in the town plat of ninety-nine acres, nearly all of which is fit for building lots without any prepara- tion. The main street runs east and west between sections 24 and 25, and is called on the plat, First street. The parallel streets to the north of this are numbered in their order, 2d, 3d and 4tlı streets. There is one street south of First street with the romantic name of Wapsie street. Of the north and south streets, the one running by the M. E. Church is called Pleasant street; by the postoffice, Carpen- ter street; by the depot, Railroad street; east side of stock yards, Guilford street. The streets are uniformly sixty-six feet

wide. The lots are each sixty-six feet wide by one hundred and thirty-two deep, and eight lots constitute a block. Eaclı block is divided by a sixteen and one-half foot east and west ally, with four lots abutting each side. The first house built on the present plat of Sumner is the resi- dence of Chauncey Carpenter, built in 1871.

Mr. Parsons built the second house, which is still his residence. The first erected on the original plat, was built in 1872,by Ebed Brooks, it being his present residence. He waded into wheat up to his elbows to choose his lots, and the deed he received was the first title given to Sumner property, except that given to the railroad company. A. S. Beels built the next house, in 1873. The next build- ing erected was I. N. Kepler's house, in the summer of 1873, by Jolin Borland, for a hotel, and known for several years thereafter as the "Sumner House." D. B. Hatch, who had for a time previously, been running a store on his farm near town, moved to town in the summer of 1873; this was the first store in Sumner. The building now stands where Mr. Hatchi placed it, and is occupied by F. N. Nor- man for a saloon. Mr. Hatch was soon succeeded by Brown & Ward, who opened up in Chauncey Carpenter's building, the one now occupied by Clarke & Austin; this was the second house built in the fall of 1873. The above firm was soon suc- ceeded by Green & Lovejoy, of Lawler, who occupied Carpenter's building during the spring of 1874, while their fine build- ing, now owned and occupied by William King for a hotel, was being erected. Ste- phen Todd put up, in 1874, the next busi-

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

ness place, and occupied it for a while as a furniture store; this building is now oc- eupied by Mrs. Woodring for millinery.

Sumner has several natural advantages. The surrounding country is of the greatest fertility, produeing eorn, oats, flax, barley, garden produets, timothy, clover, and many other products, in abundance, eom- mensurate only with their cultivation. The town is adjacent to timber on the east, of about four sections, consisting prinei- pally of hard woods, and furnishing large quantities of fenee-posts and fire wood.

An important factor in the growth of Sumner, has been the hand and enterprise of S. F. Cass. Mr. Cass eame to Sumner township, from Wisconsin, in 1866, with a few dollars, at most a few hundred dol- lars ready cash, and set about at onee to find a suitable location for a country store. He finally bought a few acres of land, about four miles northwest of the present town site, and built a residence thereon, using the front room of the same for a store room. This trade soon became ex- tensive, and his improvements and faeili- ties kept paee with his ever-increasing business. In 1867, he received the post- office. As a result of the large trade cen- tering here, two blaeksmiths, Samuel Koerth and John Blair; a physician, Dr. J. N. Wilson, and a large competing store, by G. R. Edmonds, became estab- lished here. So that "Cassville" beeame a place of considerable notoriety and im- portanee, and all prospered, except Ed- monds, who yielded up his stock to his ereditors, and his store building to Cass. Finally, notwithstanding Sumner's dubious prospects, the whole erowd, in 1875, eon-

eluded to east in their lot with those who had built here in the hope of the final advent of the railroad. Accordingly, the winter of 1875-6 saw all Cassville on runners. Mr. Cass moved seven build- ings, ineluding the building opposite the bank, and the two-story portion of tlie building oeeupied by Cass & Co. The latter building was drawn by a team of forty horses, and two yoke of oxen were attached to the rear for a "pull baek," while going down hill. Mr. Koerth also moved his shop. This was an addition to Sumner, quite equal to her former self, an addition that gave a new impetus to her growth, and a firmer prospeet of per- manency. The next summer the present school house, consisting of two stories, well finished and furnished, was built at an expense of $3,000.

In 1882 the growth of the place and rapid inerease of pupils demanded an ad- dition to this building, which was ereeted at a cost of $1,000. The first building was ready for occupaney in the fall of 1876, and W. W. Quivey, formerly sup- erintendent of Fayette county, was in- stalled as prineipal in the higher depart- ment, and his wife as teaelier in the lower department. Mr. and Mrs. Quivey had charge of the school during the first two years. Mrs. Quivey's sueeessors have been Miss Isadore Warner, (now Mrs. C. D. Hallett), Miss Mary Hateh and the pres- ent teacher, Miss Maggie Mitehell. Mr. Quivey's successors have been George Harwood, Miss Isadora Warner, Dr. G. B. Thompson, Miss Coryell and G. P. Linn, who has had charge of the school from September 1881, until November 30, 1882, when he resigned.

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

Chauncey Carpenter, the father of the town, has done as much, if not more, than any citizen here toward making Sumner the thriving and enterprising town that it is, neither sparing time or money where it would further the general advantage of the town, often sacrificing his own finan- cial interests for the purpose of encourag- ing and aiding the prosperity of Sumner.

Chauncy Carpenter was born in Brad- ford county, Pennsylvania, December 11, 1830. When he was about five years of age, his parents moved to DuPage county, Illinois; there he lived until he was twenty years of age, receiving but a lim- ited education. In 1850 he went to Will county, Illinois, and in 1851, during the · gold excitement in-California, Mr. Carpen- ter was seized with the desire to go to the mountains, to make a fortune, but was obliged to borrow money to make the trip. He went overland with a team, making the trip in ninety days, a remarkably short time. After arriving there, he was en- gaged in mining for three years, and was very successful, returning with quite a lit- tle fortune. He has quite a collection of photographs of gold nuggets that he dug himself, ranging from $15 to $3,000; hc also has kept as a memento, a nugget in the rough state, which he wears as a scarf pin, valued at $11. On his return from California, coming by water, via New York, he went to Will county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming until the spring of 1872, when he moved to Sumner having bought the present site of the vil- lage, in 1869. He has quite a number of lots yet unsold; owns a large farm and a fine residence in the village, which he oc- cupies; also a store 20x70, two stories high,

occupied by Clarke & Austin; the hardware store occupied by Copeland & Langmier; and several other buildings in the village. Mr. Carpenter is justly proud of the town he has been so instrumental in creating and building up; and well he may, for he- has spared neither time nor money in mak- ing this a lively and progressive town. He has been identified with the educa- tional interests of the town from the start; has taken an active part in the build- ing of the fine school house, and has been, and is now, a member of the school board. In politics, a staunch republican; in relig- ion, a Free-Will Baptist; a man of high moral standing, respected by all, disliked by none. Such a man as Mr. Carpenter is a credit to any community. He married, the first time, in 1854, to Miss Nancy Merwin, a native of Ohio. She died in October, 1863, leaving two children-Cor- delia, who died when she was sixteen, and Alice, who was nineteen years of age the 23d of October ._ In July, 1864, Mr. Car- penter married Miss Agnes Parsons, a native of Ohio. They have four children -Hattie, Ella, Lottie and Guy.

Orris Wescott, son of George and Olivia Wescott, was also identified with the in- terests of the town. He was born in Chau- tauqua county, New York, in March, 1830. His father died in 1870, at the age of 77; his mother is still living, and is 83 years old. The subject of this sketch received a common school education. He remained in New York until 1851, when he went to Erie county, Pennsylvania, and there lived for about fourteen ycars, when he again returned to New York, buying a farm ad- joining the one where he was born. He there continued to live until 1870, when

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

he came to Sumner, and settled on a farm, a portion of which is now included in the plat of the town. Some years after the village of Sumner was started, seeing that a portion of his farm could be utilized as building lots, he platted about twelve acres, known as Wescott's addition to Sumner. Mr. Wescott, for a number of years, was engaged in the general hardware business, in company with Mr. Thull. He has been one of the trustees of the town for a num- ber of years,is a member of the A.O.U.W., and is one of the officers of that organi- zation. He was married in 1856 to Miss Mary M. Carroll, a native of Pennsylvania. They have five children-Eugene M., Franklin R., Harley, Orris, Edna Maud.

At the present writing the town of Sumner has a population of about 500, and about fifty places of business, which are now briefly mentioned.

The firm of Clark & Austin has been doing business here since September, 1880, and have built up a good trade. With the beginning of the year 1883, they in- augnrated a new feature in Sumner busi- ness-"Strictly Cash." The business is in the personal charge of C. A. Austin. A. H. Clark is traveling for Reid, Murdock & Fisher, a grocery house, of Chicago.

C. A. Austin, of this firm, was born in Onondaga county, New York, November 1, 1851. In 1865, his parents, Albert and H. E. Austin, moved to Iowa, and settled in Horton, Bremer county, being among the first settlers in that town. Mr. Austin received his education at the High School in Charles City, and at the Bradford Academy. At the age of twenty, he en- gaged in the mercantile business, in com- pany with Mr. Terry, continuing for one

year. He then engaged in business, in Hor- ton, for himself; until the spring of 1878, when he and his father formed partner- ship. In 1880, Mr. Austin formed a part- nership, at Sumner, with Clarke Brothers. He still retained his interest in the store at Horton, but devoted his time and at- tention to the Sumner store, leaving the other in care of his partner. On March 8, he sold out his share of the business in Horton. Out of a comparatively small beginning in Sumner, through the push, energy and integrity of this wide-awake young business man, the business grad- ually increased, until now they are doing a cash business upwards of $50,000 a year. Mr. Austin was married in 1871 to Miss Eva Mary Watkins, a native of Illinois. They have four children-Fannic, Vina C., Katie and Mattie.

S. F. CASS & CO.

The members constituting this firm are S. F. Cass, Myron Congdon, C. E. Reim- ler and M. S. Wright, and, through a line of succession, might be considered the pioneer firm of Sumner. They own and operate the two large storcs, one formerly occupied by Tibbits, Rcimler & Co., the other by Cass Brothers & Littell.

S. F. Cass, banker and merchant, was born in Prescott county, Canada, Jannary 31, 1839, and is a son of S. C. and J. Cass, natives of Vermont. His father is still living in Wisconsin. His mother died in 1872, at the age of sixty-six years. The subject of this sketch was brought up on a farm until he was twenty-one years of age, receiving up to that time, but a com- mon school education. But after receiv- ing his majority he entered Bryant and

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

Stratton's Commercial College, at Ogdens- burg, New York, from which he graduated in 1864, after which he taught in the same College for one term. Previous to this, or in 1860, he with his parents removed to Vernon county, Wisconsin, where he worked on the farm at different intervals, between 1860 and 1864, while he was pur- suing his studies at Ogdensburg. In 1865, he severed his connection, as teacher, in Bryant and Stratton's Commercial Col- lege, after which he made a visit to his former home in Wisconsin; and then in the same year came to Iowa and settled in Sumner township, buying five acres of land on the southeast of section 9. Here he erected a small building in which he opened a country store on a very small scale. At this point it may be stated, the real career of S. F. Cass' life began. Com- mencing here as he did with a few dollars, or at most a few hundred dollars capital; out of this small beginning, a great and prosperous business has been built up. Year after year his business incrcases, demanding additions to his former small building, in which he, not only kept a general store and postoffice, but also a hotel. Other buildings were erected on liis land, until the place assumed the propor- tions of a lively village, in which Mr. Cass was the leading spirit, and which was known as Cassville. Here he re- mained until the present village of Sum- ner was underway, and he saw that busi- ness was bound to center there, so in 1875, he removed here his entire business interests, including several buildings, and soon came to the front as the leading merchant. His business has gradually increased until he is now at the head of

two immense stores, both being under the firm name of S. F. Cass & Company. Aside from these two large stores, Mr. Cass is the owner of several small build- ings and the large grain warehouse, in addition to which he has agricultural warehouses ctc, etc. Although Mr.

Cass has done a general banking and exchange business ever since he has been in business, he did not engage in banking as a separate business until January 1, 1881, when he started the Bank of Sum- ner, of which he is sole proprietor. The large building in which the bank is loca- ted, was built by him in 1878-9 and '80. In this building is located his private dwelling, Masonic Lodge, and on the first floor is located the banking room, which is a large and spacious room, fitted up with one of the bestsubstantial vaults in the State, inside of which is located a time- locking safe that cost $1,200. On the west of the banking room, and connected with, is the general business office of the- bank; opening out of this is the elegant private office of Mr. Cass. Aside from his business interests he has held various offices in the town; was appointed post- master in 1866, while he was a British subject. Some of his neighbors tried to have the office taken away from him on that account, but he made application for citizenship, and was retained in the office. He was for a number of years, assessor of Sumner; he was one of the charter mem- bers of "Lookout" Masonic Lodge, No. 395, and was Master of the lodge for one year. He was married in the fall of 1861, in Wisconsin, to Miss M. J. Wilcox, a native of New York. They have had six children, four living-Joseph, Louis,

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

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Eugene and Claude. Dwight H. died in 1862, at the age of three months; Ernest died May, 1878, at the age of four and a half years.

Myron Congdon, born in Broome county, New York, June 23, 1831, is a son of Elias and Rosamond Congdon. His father was a native of Vermont, and his mother of New York. His father was a farmer, but devoted a part of his time to railroad building; he died in 1867 at the age of 68. His mother is still living and a member of his family; she is 78 years old and in good health. When he was six years of age his parents moved to Belvidere, Boone county, Illinois. There he was brought up on a farm, receiving but a limited education. There he continued to live until 1861, "when he came to Iowa, and settled in the north- west quarter of sec. 3, Sumner township. There he lived, following farming, until March 1, 1882, when he came to this vil- lage; and in August of the same year formed a partnership with S. F. Cass, M. S. Wright and C. F. Reimler, under the firm name of S. F. Cass & Company, hav- ing an interest in both stores. Mr. Congdon has been township trustee for eleven years, was one of the charter mem- bers of Sumner Lodge, Number 88, A. O. U. W., of which he is the financier. He still owns his farm in Sumner town- ship. Was married to Miss Gertrude Orvis, a native of New York. They have two children, H. W. and Alice.

C. F. Reimler was born in Hille, Min- den county, Germany, November 24, 1849. At the age of fifteen he came to America and settled in Schenectady, New York, where he went to work on a farm. He received a good German education, and

attended school awhile after coming to this country. He remained in New York for two years, then went to 'Wisconsin, where he settled at Madison and was en- gaged in a store as clerk for two years. In 1872 he came to Sumner, Iowa, and worked on a farm about nine months,after which he worked on S. F. Cass's farm for two years, when he was taken into the store as clerk. Afterwards he, in com- pany with others, bought Mr. Cass out, the firm name being Tibbitts, Reimler & Co. This firm continued business until August, 1882, when it was succeeded by S. F. Cass & Co., Mr. Reimler remaining in the firm. About this time he was appointed post- master and express agent of the Ameri- can Express Company, which offices he still continues to hold. Mr. Reimler is a young man with fine business abilities, honest and upright in all his dealings and will undoubtedly make a mark in the finan- cial world. He was married in 1880 to Miss Rosa Hagg, a native of Wisconsin.

M. S. Wright was born in Littleton, Massachusetts, July 19, 1838. When quite young his parents went to Lowell, where he received an academical education. At the age of nineteen, he went into the pro- duce business with his brother, A. F. Wright, under the firm name of A. S. & M. S. Wright. In this he continued until 1870, when he came to Iowa, and settled in Sumner township. He was on a farm four years, then went to Lafayette town- ship, where he remained one year, and then returned to Sumner, and formed a partnership with Mr. Cass, in the mercan- tile business, under the firm name of Cass & Wright. In this business he continued one year, and then returned to his farm in

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

Lafayette township, where he remained until August, 1882; he then formed a part- nership with Mr. Cass and others, under the firm name of S. F. Cass & Co. He has the management of one of the stores, and keeps the books for both of the large stores.owned by this firm. Mr. Wright is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Knight Templar, and also of Pilgrim Commandery, of Lowell, Massachusetts, and is, also, a member of the A. O. U. W., of this place. He was married, in 1871, to Mrs. Lizzie French, a native of New Hampshire. She had one child, a daughter, named Ida M.

Hardware .- Copeland & Langmier are successors to Hoffman & Foster and came in possession in November, 1882. Joseph Copeland has charge of the business and is making many friends.

One of the oldest dealers in this town is M. Robish, having been in business here eight years. He deals in hardware and machinery, besides having a tin-shop in connection with his store. By close ap- plication to business, Mr. Robish has be- come one of the growing and prosperous men of the town.

Boots and Shoes .- The store of J. F. Fassel is filled with a good stock of boots, shoes and groceries. He has a store-room 18x56 and a good eellar. He is a prac- tical shoemaker and has a good, increas- ing trade.

Meat-market .- The first meat-market in the town was started by D. R. Littell in 1×75, and continued until 1880, when he sold to Fred Frank, who continues in the business, and has a well appointed market, for a town of this size.

D. R. Littell, son of David and Almira Littell, was born in New Jersey, October

30, 1843. In 1850 his parents moved to Illinois, making the trip by water, in the steamer "Belle of the West." They met with a severe loss in the burning of the steamer, losing all of their goods, and $2,000 in money. There were fifty-three lives lost, Mr. Littell and his parents barely escaping the tragic death of burning or drowning. After reaching Illinois they remained there only nine months, and then went to Fairchild county, Wisconsin, where they engaged in farming for four years, when they moved to Monroe county, where Mr. Littell lived until 1869, when he came to Bremer county, Iowa, settled in Sumner township, and engaged in farming for two years. In 1875 he started the first meat- market in the town, which he kept for five years. He was in the harness business one year, and then went into general mercan- tile business with the Cass Brothers, under the firm name of Cass Brothers & Littell. He continued in this until August, 1882, when he retired from business. He has been justice of the peace for six years. He was made a Mason in 1881, and was elected Junior Warden at the last election. He is, also, a member of the A. O. U. W., of which he is a charter member. He was Recorder of the lodge for three years. Mr. Littell's father is still living with him, and is seventy-seven years old. His mother died in Wisconsin in 1868. He was mar- ried, in 1867, to Miss Laura C. Davis. They have three children-William O., Franklin D., and Ezra B.

Fred H. Frank, the present proprietor of the meat market, was born in Ger- many in 1850. He is the son of Henry and Dora Frank, both living near Charles City. They came to America in 1866.

John Honighaus

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

Fred lived in Indiana one year, and then went to Chicago, where he remained seven years, engaged in a meat-market. From there he went to Charles City, on a farm, where he stayed four years, and then lived in Waverly one year, where he again engaged in the meat business. In the fall of 1880, he came to this place and bought the market belonging to D. R. Littell, in which business he has been since engaged. It is the only one in the place. He bought the building in which he has his market, and owns four lots in the village. Mr. Frank is a member of the German Lutheran Church. He was married, in 1874, to Miss Dora Scheffel, a native of Germany. They have two children- Henry and Johnnie.

11ARNESS SHOP.

The first business of this kind was es- tablished by Mr. Baumgartner, in 1873. From a small beginning, his trade has continued to increase, and, by strict integ- rity and hard work, he has built up a good and paying business.

A. Baumgartner was born in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, in 1854, and is the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Rubracht) Baum- gartner. He was reared on a farm until twelve years of age, receiving a common school education. When he was fourteen years old he commenced to learn the harness trade, in Jefferson, Wisconsin, there he lived until he came to this place, in 1873, and commenced business for liim- self. He first commenced in a little shop in the upper part of town. In 1874 he built his present shop. Mr. Baumgartner was one of tlic charter members of the A. O. U. W., and is the present Master of the

lodge. He was married in 1877, to Miss Mary Gada. They have had two children -- George and Ferdinand.

FURNITURE.

This business was first established by S. T. Todd, in 1874, who continued until 1876, when he sold out to the presnt pro- prietor, P. Woodring, who soon after making the purchase, erected a large and commodious building suitable for this branch of trade. He is a practical cabinet maker, and thoroughly understands his business in all its branches. In addition to general furniture, he carries a large stock of school furniture, organs, sewing machines and clocks. He is also under- taker for the town, and deals in tomb- stones and monuments. He has in a large measure, the respect of the community and has built up a large and constantly in- creasing business.

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 130

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company Number of Pages: 1316

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1316