History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 138

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 138
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 138

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.

in 1874. Mr. Lush was married October 4, 1864, to Miss M. A. Lucas, daughter of Parker Lucas, and sister to Captain W. V. Lucas, now auditor of the State of Iowa, also sister of J. E. Lucas, cashier of bank at Allison. They have three children, Estella, Ethel and Pearl.

D. P. Holt, the first president of the Bremer County Bank, was born in Bran- don, Rutland county, Vermont, February 17, 1806. His father was Lieutenant Seth Holt, a soldier of the War of 1812. His mother was Abigail (Cheney) Holt. His father died in Cayuga county, New York, when D. P. was about one year old. After his father's death his mother removed to Brandon, Vermont, where she married Daniel Galusha. By the first marriage there were three children-D. P., Elijah H. and Phylancy. By the second mar- riage there was one child-Lucien. In 1840 the family removed to Carroll county, Illinois, locating in Fair Haven Township where his mother died in 1866. When seven years old, D. P. was thrown on his own resources. His first undertaking was to learn the tanner and currier trade, which he followed for a couple of years. His mother removed at that time to Lyons, where he accompanied her. They re- mained here a short time, when she re- moved to Cayuga county, New York, and from there to Sodus, Wayne county, New York. His first work here was on the Erie Canal; his business was the distribu- tion of whisky rations to a large body of men employed on the work, receiving six dollars per month, with privilege of keep- ing crackers and cheese for sale to the laborers, making about as much money out of the sales as he received for his labor.

From this labor he saved his first one hundred dollars. From there he went to Leroy, Greene county, New York, where he was employed by an uncle on a farm, at six dollars per month. The following year he went to Batavia, New York, where he worked in a brick-yard. Two years later he took the yard on shares, and mar- ried Miss Sarah Huntington, a daughter of G. Huntington, the owner of the yard. By this union there were six children- five of whom are living-Julia, Mary Ann, Susan, Frances, and Sarah O. After marrying, he remained in the brick business one year, when he turned his attention to farming, taking a place on shares with his uncle, who was to receive one-third, himself one-third and the landlord the same. At this time he was not worth a cent, and had to get trusted for his household goo ls, which amounted to five dollars, giving security for that amount. The next year he bought a yoke of oxen, for which he ran in debt, and rented land another year. Meeting with good success, he paid for his oxen and wagon and some other things for the house. The following year he traded his oxen for a horse team, and moved to Niagara county, New York, where he purchased a claim of Elijah Cheeney of 100 acres, with heavy birch and maple timber standing upon it. With his axe he cleared this 100 acres, and a few years later he purchased 50 acres more ad- joining, making a farm of 150 acres. IIc then entered into the land speculation with a man in Batavia by the name of Mix, which proved a financial success. He rented his farm for five years at $500 per year, taking a mortgage on another farm

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

for the rent. He then embarked in the mercantile business with a man by the name of Knup, for one year, when he pur- chased Knup's interest, remaining in the business for three years. Selling out, he went to St. Louis, where he embarked in the steamboat business, engaging first as a hand at $40 per month, loaning his cap- tain $500. He worked one year and lost his wages and $500. The following year he still kept in the business, loaning his captain $500 as before and did the collect- ing of freight bills at New Orleans. He again lost his money which he had earned but made it out of the freight bills. The following year he moved to St. Louis, where he engaged in the tobacco trade, buying and shipping. He afterwards pur- chased a boat running between St. Louis and Cairo, having as a partner Mr. Doug- las. In 1840 he went to Carroll county, Illinois, with Mr. Galusha, when he be- came infatuated with the country, and purchased a large tract of land in Fair Haven township. In 1848 he moved to Carroll county, where he improved his land. In the fall of 1849 he purchased a stock of goods and embarked in the mer- cantile business, in Savanna, which busi- ness he prosecuted for eighteen years. In the mean time he was director of the old Racine & Mississippi Railroad. Mrs. Holt died in Wisconsin. He afterward married Mrs. Coy, by whom he. had five children-Josephine, Frank, Albert, Emma and Edward. Mrs. Holt died and he then married Mrs. Mary Bowker, One child blessed this union. In 1870 Mr. Holt sold his interest, in Savanna, Illinois, and came to Waverly; embarked in the banking

business in company with Joseph Rosen- baum and A. Slimmer, purchasing the Bre- mer County Bank, Mr. Holt being chosen president, Joseph Rosenbaum cashier. He afterward established a bank in Grundy Centre, and Steam Boat Rock. Mr. Holt is a large land owner in Grundy county, possessing 2,563 acres of land. He has 100 acres in Bremer county. His landed property and real estate is valued at $108,000. In 1881 he sold his banking interest in Grundy county and Steam Boat Rock for $32,000. Mr. Holt was the first supervisor of Fair Haven township, being elected on the democratic ticket.

N. P. Ellis, a native of Fairfield county, Connecticut, was born October 4, 1847. He was reared on a farm and received his education in subscription schools of that day. When four years old his parents moved to Seneca Co., New York. When 21 years old, he entered a mercantile establish- ment, where he remained ten years. In 1831, he married Esther Bailey, by whom he had one child-George P., now of Wa- verly. After living with her for about twenty years, she died, and he afterward married Cindirella Bailey, by whom there was one child-Lillie. Mr. Ellis has re- tired from the mercantile business, leav- ing that in the hands of his son, George P. Ellis, now one of the leading merchants in the city. He has 200 acres of Bremer county land, valued at $35 per acre. Mr. Ellis is a temperance man in all which the name implies. He has never used any in- toxicating liquors or tobacco in any form. He was one of the prime movers in organ- izing the temperance movement in the county.

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES.

The first saw mill in the city was erected in 1853, by William P. Harmon and R. J. Ellsworth.

The next saw mill was erected in 1858, by Eben Martin. It stood on the west. , side of the river upon the site now occu- pied by the grist mill. It was a financial success, and was kept in operation until after the war, when it was torn down to make room for the grist mill. Eben Martin, the founder of the saw mill, was a native of Maine, and came here from In- dependence.

About the time the mill was torn down, a steam saw mill was erected on the east side of the river by Carr & Hoppins, the latter an ingenious Scotchman, who was for a number of years a partner of Mr. Mooney in the blacksmith business. The mill was well equipped with circular saws and the necessary machinery. It is yet in operation, at present owned by Mr. Boattcher.

The Waverly Woolen Mills were estab- lished by William P. Harmon, in 1861. The building is 30x40 feet in size, and is three stories in height. Carding machines were placed in it, and all the necessary ap- paratus to make a complete establishment. It is now owned by G. D. Stowell. Con- nected with the woolen mills Mr. Stowell operates a feed mill, which has a capacity for grinding about three hundred bushels of feed per day.

The flouring mills of Waverly are two in number-the Waverly City mill, on the west side of the river, and the White Swan mill on the east side. The White Swan mill was the firstin this section of the State.

It was erected by William P. Harmon. The Waverly City mill was constructed about 1866, and for the past twelve years has been under the management of Ridge- · way & Coy, having been put up by Joseph Kidd.

In the fall of 1876 the White Swan mill, then belonging to the Harmon estate, was also purchased by the above gentlemen, since which time both mills have been under one management. Both mills have recently been overhauled, and new ma- chinery substituted, being with the latest improvements made, the equipments are not inferior to any mills in the State. The two mills contain ten run of burrs, afford- ing an extended capacity, and while their facilities enable them to grind corn, rye, etc., the manufacture of wheat flour is a specialty, and the patent, or improved pro- cess flour made here occupies a foremost place in the various markets of the country. In the arrangement and construction of the establishments, nothing has been omit- ted that tends to better the process of flour making, and with the aid of the best and most experienced millers that can be procured, the great disideratum has been accomplished. Mr. Coy, of the firm, is a practical miller of many years' experience, and under his personal supervision both establishments are operated. They do both merchant and custom work. The Waverly City mill contains six run of burrs, which are kept continually on mer- chant grinding. The market for their pro- ductions is wide spread, and wherever in- troduced the Waverly mills' flour has achieved a leading reputation. Ridge- way & Coy are also owners of the water power here, and their combined interests

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

form one of the most important features in the industrial or business affairs.

In 1854, Alexander Buckmaster put up a building about 20x40 feet in size, just north of the Harmon grist mill, and established a furniture factory. A lathe, circular saw and some other machinery was put in. It was run by water power, Buckmaster owning 100 inches of water. This was in a short time after sold to Shores & Keith, who subsequently enlisted in the army. It came to the possession of William and Alfred Mores, who equipped the mill with the necessary machinery, and employing eight or ten men, did a large business for a number of years. Lyman Tondro was the next possessor of the property, and finally the work was discontinued.

Woodring Brothers next started their furniture factory near the river. They still own and operate it, doing an extensive business. They also have a store on Bre- mer avenue.

Among the leading business interests of Waverly is the cigar manufactory of Selbig & Son. The fact that one of the firm, Charles Selbig, is a practical and experienced cigarmaker, warrants success. L. Selbig has been a resident and identified with the county in various ways for the past twenty-seven years, and is one of the pioneer business men of Bremer county. By honorable and fair dealing they have built up a lucrative business which is a credit to themselves and the city in which they live.

Lawrence Selbig, a cigar manufacturer, of Waverly, was born in the Rhine Prov- ince of Bavaria, February 12, 1825. In 1848, he emigrated to the United States, locating in Rochester, New York, where

he learned the trade of boot and shoe making. March 10, 1855, he settled in Waverly, Bremer county, Iowa, and im- mediately opened a shoe shop. At that date there were but four buildings on the west side of the town, and about fifteen on the east side. Many were the times, after working late in the evening, that Mr. Selbig stumbled over stumps and logs, in picking his way home. In May of 1856, he, in company with Mr. Michael Caspes, opened the first brick yard in Bremer county. Subsequently he sold out and embarked in the saloon business, with Peter Fosselmann. During September of 1878, he began manufacturing cigars, and also wholesaling and retailing tobacco. The firm is now known as Selbig & Son. They carry a $2,000 stock, and some of their favorite brands are Diploma, Young Tar and Young America. Mr. Selbig was married in 1853, to Johanna Casper, a native of France, and born in 1835. Thir- teen children were born to them-seven sons and six daughters.

The Waverly Canning Company was ef- fected under the general incorporation laws of Iowa, December 1, 1882, with a capital stock of $20,000, with the following named officers: Louis Case, president; H. L. Ware, vice-president; S. H. Morse, sec- retary; W. R. Bowman, treasurer. This enterprise is yet in its infancy, but bids fair to soon become one of the main indus- tries of the city.

Arrangements are perfected for the erection of a factory in the spring of 1883, for the purpose of canning fruits, vegeta- bles, etc., 64x80 feet, two stories. During the season it will furnish employment to over one hundred persons.

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

WAVERLY PRODUCE ASSOCIATION. The advent of the railroad dates the commencement of Waverly as a shipping point. O. A. Strong shipped the first car load of wheat and the first car load of dressed hogs from this place in the latter part of December, 1864. During the year 1865, the town enjoyed the distinction of being one of the best shipping points in northern Iowa. The shipments for the year were over 500,000 bushels, requiring over 1250 cars for transportation.

The vast amount of shipments brought into the field a large number of buyers, who, in their anxiety to purchase, often gave more for grain than the market price would warrant. This necessitated the withdraw- al of some from the trade and the organi- zation of the Waverly Produce Association, which has since, to some extent, regulated the market. The Association sprang into existence in 1873, and was composed of W. C. Holt, president; O. A. Strong, sec- retary; Edward Knott, Clark Fairfield, S. R. Hunt, Amon Fortner and Samuel Bes- wick. During the first year the Associa- tion shipped over 300,000 bushels of wheat in addition to other grain and live stock, and expended between $800,000 and $900- 000. . 1

The shipments at present are not so large as formerly, there being many competing points surrounding, and farmers receiving the same price for grain and stock, sell to dealers nearest their place of residence. Mr. Holt still retains the presidency of the Association, and Mr. Strong is yet its sec- retary.

Orrin A. Strong, secretary of the Asso- ciation, was born in Summit county, Ohio, May 3, 1829.' He is the son of L. M. and

Nancy (Griswold) Strong. In 1838 his parents emigrated to Iowa, locating at Marion, Linn county, where his father was elected a member of the first constitutional convention. In 1850 his parents removed to Dodgeville, Iowa county, Wisconsin, - from which place, in 1856, his father was elected county judge, which office he held until his death, which occurred in 1868. Orrin came west with his parents, and was educated in the common schools of Iowa. In 1844 he went to Iowa county, Wiscon- sin, and while there was employed by a company at Chippewa Falls, scaling logs. While in the latter place he did not see but one white woman for one and one-half years. In the spring of 1851 he went down the Mississippi river on a raft. At that time there was but one dwelling at Reed's landing. In 1852 Mr. Strong removed to Cedar Rapids, where he engaged in the lumber trade. In 1854 he went to Clarks- ville, where he built a saw mill, and in 1857, built a grist mill, the first on the Shell Rock river, north of Black Hawk county. In 1862 he removed to Cedar Falls, where he engaged in the produce trade. In December, 1864, he came to Waverly, engaging in the same business. In 1852 Mr. Strong was united in marriage with Emily A. Doolittle, a cousin of the renowned P. P. Bliss. They have had four children, one son and three daughters -Addie B., Emma T., L. E., and Nellie B.

PHOTOGRAPHY.

Waverly, in 1883, is represented by two first class photographic establishments. A superior class of work is made. A. Garner is proprietor of one gallery and N. E. Pierce of the other.

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

A. Garner, is a native of Howard county, Indiana, and was born March 4, 1848. He is a son of Samuel and Charity (Moon) Garner, natives of Ohio. Eight children, five sons and three daughters, blessed their home. In 1851 Mr. Garner turned his steps westward, emigrating with an ox team, to Franklin county, Iowa, and locating near Hampton, where he entered a large tract of land, which is now known as Maine's Grove. After remaining therc -about twelve years, he removed to Bremer county, and thence to Black Hawk county, where he at present resides. He built the first log cabin in Franklin county. J. O. Garner, a grandfather of A's., was the founder of the town of Hampton, giving to that place forty acres of land, on which is now the business portion of the city. Isaac, a brother of Mr. Garner, was the first white child born in the county. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and obtained his education in the common schools of the county. When nineteen years of age, he embarked in the photo- graphic business, working in various local- ities until 1878, when he came to Waverly, where he has since continued his business. By close attention to the same, and by fair dealing, he has become the possessor of a trade which is a credit not only to himself but to the city. His marriage with Mrs. Esther C. Sewell (widow of Thomas J. Sewell, Jr.), occurred in 1868. One child, Birdie, brightens their home.

N. E. Pierce, was born in New York State, June, 1848. He is the son of H. N. and Olive Pierce, who are both natives of Vermont ; he is the oldest of a family of five children. In early life he received a

common school education ; also took a course at Eastman's Commercial College. When he was seventeen years of age, in company with his parents, he came west and settled at Janesville,in Bremer county. There he worked at the painter's trade for a time. In 1874 he commenced to learn the photographer's trade, working in Chi- cago and Dubuque, until he had thoroughly mastered his business, after which he fol- lowed his trade in different places until 1881, when he returned to Bremer county and settled at Waverly. In September, 1882, he fitted up his fine gallery in Bur- bank's building, where he is building up a large and constantly increasing business. His pleasant and agreeable manner and his superiority as an artist, is making him very popular with the public. Some of his pictures are said by good judges to equal, if not surpass, many of the noted artists of the east. Mr. Pierce is some- thing of an inventive genius, having in- vented various machines used in his busi- ness. In 1876, he invented and patented a re-touching machine, which for the time proved to be quite a success. He was mar- ried in 1869 to Miss Honor D. Lehman, of Janesville. She died November 16, 1882, leaving three children, aged respectively eight, ten and twelve-Willie, Herbie and Charlie.

POSTOFFICE.

This office was established in the winter of 1853-4, or early in the spring following. Porter Earle was the first postmaster ap- pointed. He kept the office in a little log building, which stood on the corner now occupied by the stone corner belonging to J. P. Olds. After a few years the little

DA Long.

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

log building was torn down, the stone store now standing was erceted, and into this the office was removed. The first mail was carried from Independence, through the woods, and consisted of less than a dozen letters.

The postoffice has been moved at various times, to different places about town, and has changed hands many times. Early in the seventies, Daniel Fiehthorn was ap- pointed and held the office for nearly four years.

In 1876, Edward Knott was appointed postmaster, and is tlie present incumbent, making a gentlemanly, courteous and efficient official. The deputy postmaster is L. M. Sholes.

Edward Knott, the present postmaster of Waverly, was born in the city of London, England, Mareh 4, 1842. He is the son of Alfred and Jane (Blondon) Knott, who emigrated to this country in 1855, and located in Boone county, Illinois. Edward received liis education in his native country. He came to Boone county with his parents, and thenee to Richmond, Me- Henry eounty, Illinois. In 1863, he eame to Bremer county and settled in Janes- ville, where he engaged in working by the month. Here he became acquainted with Eliza Egleston, and was married Jan- uary 31, 1865. He then went on a farm, which he carried on for one year, mecting witli suceess. Hc then engaged in buying grain, at Janesville, shipping the first car load from that place. In the spring of 1866, he came to Waverly, where he cm- barked in the livery and grain business. In conncetion with the livery business, he is also engaged in buying and shipping horses. In 1882, he paid out $35,000 for

horses alone. Mr. Knott has, for the last few years, taken an active interest in the politics of the county. In 1876, he was appointed postmaster of Waverly, which position he holds at the present time. He has also held other local offices of trust in the gift of the people. Mr. Knott came to the county in limited circumstances, but went to work with a will, and by judieious management and close attention to busi- ness, has accumulated a comfortable prop- erty, and to-day ranks with the well-to-do business men of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Knott are the parents of four children- John, Carrie, Marion and Alfred. Mr. Knott is a member of the Masonic frater- nity, of Waverly.

Lewis M. Sholes, deputy postmaster and express agent, was born in Otsego eounty, New York, May 24, 1828. He is the son of Miner and Mary (Sheldon) Sholes. Lewis was edueated in the common sehools. In 1852, he married Miss Euphemia Tyler. In the spring of 1857, he left New York, with his family, for Bremer county, Iowa, and located in what is known as Summer township, where he engaged in farming. In January, 1867, he removed to Waverly. In May, 1870, he was appointed agent of the American Express Company. No- vember, 1874, he was appointed as assist- ant postmaster, which offices he holds at the present time. Mr. and Mrs. Sholes are the parents of four children, three sons and one daughter. Mr. Sholes is a member of Tyrrell Lodge, No. 116. In polities, he is a republican.

RELIGIOUS.

There are nine regular churches in the eity, in addition to which other denomina- tions occasionally liold services.

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

THE FIRST SUNDAY SCHOOL. By a Local Writer.

The first Sunday School in Waverly was organized May 1, 1854; the settlement then contained about fifteen families. Three small stores, kept by Messrs. Wm. B. Hamilton, John Hazlett and Thomas Downing, were of ample capacity for the business of the place; the last named gentleman, who also kept the postoffice, has a vivid recollection of the interests and excitement usually manifested by the company seen together around the office when it was known that the mail had come, especially when it had been delayed a month or so, as was sometimes the case. Preaching services were usually held every Sabbath, alternating between Rev. Burley, Methodist; Terry, Baptist, and Blakely, Presbyterian. The place of meeting had been, until about this time, a small log house, built by R. J. Ellsworth and Wm. P. Harmon, and used successively as a dwell- ing, meeting house, school house, lunatic asylum, jail, cooper shop, etc. It stood in the center of what is now Bremer avenue, near the east end of the present bridge. A Good Templar's - Society was also organized about this time, showing the anxieties of the fathers at that early day upon the subject of intemperance. Another enterprise creating much interest in the community, was building the first school house, commenced in the autumn of 1855, and (Mr. Hullman says) finishing ever since, and not done yet. But the grand movement was the organization of the first Sunday School. The meeting was held in the old court house, then new, being simply a covered frame with an oak floor of green boards, not nailed. Said

meeting was called to order by Mr. Buck- ingham. Mr. R. J. Ellsworth offered the opening prayer, after which Mr. Geo. A. Brown was appointed superintendent, and Miss Agelia Wordsworth assistant; Mr. Hegley, secretary; O. M. Reeves, treasurer, and J. W. Low, librarian. The teachers were Miss Augusta Morse, Mrs. Ellsworth, Miss Martin, O. M. Reeves and Oliver P. Haughawout. D. Patterson was chosen bible class teacher. The average attend- ance was about twenty-five, nearly all the children in the settlement. The Misses Ada Downing, Rosa Foster, Clara and Abner Harmon, Harry Hazlett, H. B. and G. E. Ellsworth were among the first scholars. The school started out with an eighteen dollar library, partly the gift of the Sunday School Union. Deacon O. M. Reeves purchased and brought it from Dubuque, arriving here on Saturday even- ing; busy hands, until a late hour, got the books properly marked and ready for the next days use. The school was kept up through the summer, and made a source of much interest, most of the citizens tak- ing an active part. This school, with change of officers, was kept up for three summers, when two schools were organized.

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 138

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