History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 62

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 62
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 62

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).

county, Iowa. When Rev. Moore took charge of his present church it had only eighteen members, and the meetings were held in a school house. Now it numbers one hundred members, and has a good church edifice. This, alone, speaks vol- umes for the work done by Rev. Moore. The children are-William A., John F., Palmer O., and Arthusa A.

CLARKSVILLE.

This is the only town in Butler town- ship, and is one of the largest and most important in Butler county. It is situated upon a second table of perfectly level and dry prairie, about two and one-half by three miles in extent, and is one of the most productive tracts in the whole Shell Rock valley. The farming region is ex- cellent, and the farmers are in good cir- cumstances. Many of the homesteads have been under cultivation for the past thirty years. The river at this point fur- nishes excellent power, which will support any amount of manufacturing enterprises. Shipping facilities are also excellent, as there are two railroads passing through the village, the B., C. R. & N. and the D. & D.

The original town was surveyed during the month of August, 1853. Soon after- ward two additions were made, one on the east by Daniel Mather and one on the south by Seth Hilton. With these addi- tions the town comprised seventeen blocks, and was thus put on record. For the first two or three years the town seemed to flourish and prosper, but in 1857 a damper seemed to be placed upon its enterprise, consequent upon the notably "hard times" of that day. However, a place so favor-

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ably located could not long remain unno- ticed, but just as life and enterprise seemed to infuse new strength, the "great Ameri- can conflict" called to arms, and civil war, so disastrous to every undertaking, had its effect upon the embryo village, and but little progress was made for a number of years. The fact that this would soon be- come a place of some importance was ap- parent to anyone who would take cogni- zance of the surroundings, and it was when better times set in, a rapid and substantial growth began. Men of means and brains were attracted hither. This impetus was augmented in 1871 by the advent of the Burlington, Ceder Rapids and Minnesota Railway company, which commenced the construction of a line, taking in this place on its route up the Shell Rock valley, and in a short time Clarksville had easy com- munication with all inportant points, and her growth and permanence were assured.

It is needless to speak of her strides to- ward prominence. Suffice it to say that in a short time she outgrew her "village" clothes, and was duly incorporated as a city. The election upon the question was held on the 21st day of September, 1874. The first officers elected were, John Palmer, mayor; S. M. Townsend, H. Il- genfritz, H. F. Burton, T. Shafer and Ed- win Fowle, trustees; E. A. Glenn, re- corder. The first meeting of the city coun- cil was held at the mayor's office, October 23, 1874. Present-S. M. Townsend, Thos. Shafer and Henry Ilgenfritz, trus- tees. E. A. Glenn, the recorder elected, having sent in his resignation, H. F. L. Burton was chosen, pro tem. Palmer, Burton, Fowles and Shafer were appointed a committee ou ordinances, and Shafer,

Ilgenfritz and Townsend a committee on streets and alleys. Hiram Newman was appointed marshal, but did not qualify, and at the next meeting of the council E. Duncan received the appointment. The city officers since elected have been as follows:

In 1877-J. J. Eicher, mayor; H. F. L. Burton, G. W. Poisal, C. G. Schellinger, F. G. Phillips and J. Palmer, councilmen; Donald McDonald, recorder; William Morrison, assessor; David Moul- ton, treasurer; E. Duncan, street commis- sioner. On March 10, the council elected G. W. Wilcox, marshall.

1878-J. J. Eicher, mayor; D. McDon- ald, recorder; David Moulton, treasurer; M. B. Wamsley, G. W. Poisal, F. G. Phil- lips, Henry Brandon, Ed. Fowle, jr., coun- cilmen; Ed. Duncan, street commissioner. Council elected Ed. Duncan, marshall.

1879-John Palmer, mayor; O. F. Lush, recorder; David Moulton, treasurer; J. E. Neal, assessor; John Loomis, street commissioner; M. B. Wamsley, Henry Brandon, G. W. Poisal, Geo. Fisher, Wm. Morrison, Frank Hesse, councilmen.

1880-J. J. Eichar, mayor; S. Vale, re- corder; D. Moulton, treasurer; M. Wam- sley, M. Moore, councilmen; B. Ravens- croft, assessor; E. Duncan, street commis- sioner.

1881-L. Slimmer, mayor; Ed. Davis, recorder; B. Ravenscroft, assessor; David Moulton, treasurer; E. Duncan, street com- missioner; Thos. Shafer, Geo. Fisher, councilinen. At this election the question of license was also submitted, with the following result: For license, 70 votes; against license, 99 votes.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

1882-J. J. Eichar, mayor; M. Hartness, recorder; E. Fowle, assessor; T. E. Kep- hart, A. J. Ilgenfritz, councilmen.

The present councilmen are, M. B. Wamsley, M. Moore, T. E. Kephart, Thos. Shafer, Geo. Fisher.

THE BEGINNING.

The first house built in what is now Clarksville, was a log structure erected by Seth Hilton.

Abner Clark was the first merchant. He erected a store building on the ground - where the Tremont House now stands. There he opened a general stock, and con- tinued in trade about two years, when he sold the goods to John Palmer, and they were removed. Mr. Clark then converted the building into a hotel, after which it changed hands a number of times until purchased by "Billy" Brandon. Mr. Bran- don run a hotel a short time, and was fol- lowed by his son, Henry, who soon took down the building, and in 1874 erected on the ground the present edifice. He con- tinued there the hotel business a little more than a year, then rented to Mr. Ravenscroft, who remained a time; then purchased the property and rented it to Mr. Younger. Mr. Younger remained one year, when Ravenscroft again resumed, and is the present proprietor.

The second store was Palmer & Mone- ton, in the fall of 1853, on the west side of the court house square, where the residence of John Polly now stands.

The next store was kept by Eichar & Dollison, located on the main street. They remained in the business six years, and sold out.

The first hardware store was opened in this building by Davis & Griffin.

The first blacksmith was John Hardy, who built a log shop and log house where the Peet Hotel now stands. He also kept a hotel at the same place.

The first term of district court was held here October 5, 1857; James D. Thompson, Judge.

The first newspaper in Butler county was published here by Palmer & James, in July, 1858. It was politically republican.

Jeremiah Clark was the first practicing physician, and was followed by Dr. James E. Walker, in 1854.

J. Gilbert opened the first drug store, on the corner where the new bank now stands, in a one story frame building. He is yet in the business in the city.

James Hazelett run a large grocery store a number of years. He is now in Boone.

In 1856 Henry Newman opened a large store and remained a number of years. He built several houses in town, and was an extensive dealer in cattle and hogs. He removed to Oregon.

George Riley Peet came to Clarksville in 1856 and purchased the hotel property, a small building located where the Central House now stands. Some years afterward he'erected the Central House, and with the exception of about three years was landlord of the same until his death, which was the result of a sad accident, on Fri- day, October 10, 1879. On the day men- tioned Mr. Peet took the 1 p. m. train, which was somewhat late, for Shellsburg, this State, to attend a stock sale. The en- gine took water a few rods above the sta- tion, and when it stopped for that purpose the rear end of the train rested upon a

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

high bridge. When the train stopped some one, whether a train hand or some passenger, spoke to Mr. Peet, who was lying down at the time, partly asleep, that that was his station. In his usual quick, impetuous manner he jumped up, grabbed his ' overcoat and walked out of the car, supposing it to be at the station. He stepped off and fell a distance of twelve feet or more to the ground below, breaking his neck. He was immediately discovered by Conductor Loomis and a brakeman, who went to his assistance, and who claim that he said: "Help me on my feet, boys; I feel faint," and then expired in their arms. A surgeon was called, but he was beyond all human aid. His wife was tele- graphed the sad tidings and took the 10:35 train, returning on the 3:15, Saturday, with the remains. George Riley Peet was a man of indomitable energy, full of enter- prise, public spirited, and a liberal giver, always ready to give time, money and en- couragement to public improvements or charitable works. He always worked hard for his town and did much for its advance- ment. He rendered great assistance to the farming community by bringing in and breeding good stock. He was a man of impetuous disposition, and what he did was with all his might. No man ever went to Riley Peet in distress or need that did not receive aid and comfort, and many a hungry-unfortunate has been fed at his table and sent away rejoicing, without money or price. Mr. Peet was born in Courtland county, New York, June 30, 1826; emigrated with the family to Jones county, Iowa, in 1848, and commenced mercantile life as a clerk. Subsequently he went to Marion, Linn county, where he

made the acquaintance of Miss Sarah Par- sons, who became his wife in September, 1851, and resided in Linn county until hè came to Clarksville. Mrs. Peet still rnns the Central House. They had five chil- dren - Cora, now Mrs. Thomas Heery; Carrie, now Mrs. Frank Newman; Jennie, now Mrs. Samuel Vale; Florence and George.

Others followed representing different lines of trade, but this is enough to show the character of the commencement.

CLARKSVILLE MILLS.

In 1856 J. J. Eichar, Geo. W. Dollison, and O. A. Strong, formed a co-partnership, and as Eichar, Dollison & Strong, erected the Clarksville mill, the first mill in the county. The building is 42 feet long, 32 feet in width, with 32 feet posts, contain- ing three stories besides basement. It was built for three run of stone, but only two run have been put in. Those were brought from St. Louis; the balance of the machinery was obtained at Rock Island. The mill was completed and put into oper- ation in 1857. It is run by water-power, having five feet head, and is situated on the northeast of the northwest quarter of section 19, Butler township, on the east bank of the Shell Rock river. In 1860 the firm changed to Eichar, Dollison & Abbott, and in 1864 this firm sold to Thomas Shafer, who is still operating the mill.

Mr. Shafer has at different intervals had various parties associated with him, and since 1878, Captain C. A. L. Roszell has been his partner, and the firm is Shafer & Roszell. The mill is operated as a cus- tom and merchant mill, and is doing a good business.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Thomas Shafer is a native of Pennsyl- vania; born in Washington county, on the 1st day of September, 1822. His parents, Abraham and Eleanor (Johnston) Shafer, were both natives of said State. He is the youngest of three children; received a good education; taught sehool; followed railroading, and subsequently learned the shoemaker's trade. In June, 1845, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Passi- more, also of Washington county. In 1853 he went to Ohio, but did not remove his family to said State until the year fol- lowing. Here he was engaged in railroad- ing until 1856; then removed to Wisconsin, and from 1857 until 1864 was station agent at Juda station. During this time lie also dealt in merehandise, lumber and live stoek. Since then he has been opera- ting the Clarksville mill. Mr. Shafer is a democrat in polities, has held local offices, -and is a eitizen who is highly respected. Mr. and Mrs. Shafer have had nine chil- dren, five of whom are now living-William W. B., George P., Thomas T., Mary E. A., now Mrs. William J. Clemmar; and Orten- sius D.

ARTISTS.

It eannot be said just when or by whom the first photograph was taken in Clarks- ville, as for several years every now and then an artist would come along with his gallery mounted on wheels, stop a few days, and go on his way. But in January, 1873, George Fisher located here, and has since continued the business with inereas- ing patronage, and he is therefore the first permanent artist of Clarksville.

George Fisher is a native of Novia Seotia, born on the 12th day of August,

1823. His father, John P. Fisher, was also a native of the Provinee; but his mother, Agnes (Connelly) Fisher, was born in the State of Pennsylvania. He learned the carpenter's trade, and followed the same near the place of his nativity until 1847, when he came to the United States, and for eleven years was engaged in repairing the machinery of eotton mills in the States of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. In 1858 he eommeneed his present vocation, and he is therefore one of the few artists whose experienee dates back to the days of daguerreotypes. In 1862 Mr. Fisher enlisted in Company F of the Seventh Rhode Island Volunteers, and was wounded at the battle of Fredricksburg, Virginia, December 13, 1862, and was therefore on the 27th day of March, 1863, honorably discharged. He then emigrated to Minnesota, and for two years resumed work at his trade. In 1865 he eame to Iowa, and has sinee been engaged in his present business, being first located at Waterloo, subsequently at Vinton before eoming to Clarksville. Mr. Fisher has been thriee married. In 1844 to Miss Mary A. Jenkins. She died in 1858, leav- ing four children-Robert, Isabelle, Agnes and Jessie. In 1859 he married Mrs. Mary Percival nee Falls. She died January 2, 1865, and in June, 1871 he married Mrs. . Harriet M. Marsh nee Cox, and by this union has one daughter-Lillian.

LUMBER.

The first lumber yard of Clarksville was opened by John Bartlett, in 1870, who eon- dueted the business for three years, then sold to Samuel MeRoberts & C. H. Ilgen- fritz. The gentlemen under the firm name

GR. Pues.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

of McRoberts & Co. continued two years. McRoberts thien withdrew, and A. J. Ilgen- fritz became a partner. Since that time the firm has been Ilgenfritz Bros. The business has been steadily increasing, and it now amounts to about one million feet annually.

A. J. Ilgenfritz is a son of Henry and Ann Ilgenfritz, and was born in St. Joseph county, Indiana, in 1848. He came with the family to Clarksville, in 1863. Previous to his engaging in his present business he was employed in farming. Mr. Ilgenfritz in 1869 married Miss Didama Wamsley, daughter of W. S. Wamsley. They have three children-George, Fred and Belle.

CREAMERY.

The Clarksville creamery was erected in the spring of 1881, by Charles Bulckens, at a cost of about $2,500, and during the first year of its existence manufactured about 500 pounds of butter daily. The creamery has been under the management of Edward Brula, who is a man well quali- fied for the position. IIe was born in Dubuque, Iowa, December 15, 1840, and resided under the parental roof until 1867. He then moved to Waverly, where he fol- lowed various branches of business until 1880, when he entered the Waverly creamery, and one year later took charge of the one at Clarksville. He was mar- ried, in December, 1870, to Miss Edna Ellis. They have one daughter-Nellie.

BUTLER COUNTY BANK.

This institution was founded with M. B. Wamsley, J. Perrin, James Butler, A. Slimmer, S. Lenhart, W. S. Wamsley, N. B. Ridgway and Samuel McRoberts as the

principal stockholders. The first officers were: Malon . B. Wamsley, president; Jeremiah Perrin, vice-president; Lewis Slimmer, cashier. They commenced busi- ness under the name of "Butler County Bank," with a capital stock of $50,000. This same organization continued until September, 1881, when L. and A. Slimmer purchased the stock, and now have full control of the institution. It is called the Butler County Bank of Lewis Slimmer & Co. Correspondence: International Bank, Chicago; First National Bank, Dubuque.

Lewis Slimmer came to Clarksville in 1870, and commenced as clerk in a general store. When the Butler County Bank was organized he was employed as book-keeper, three months later he became its cashier, in which capacity he served until Septem- ber, 1881, when he became a partner, as already stated, the business being con- tinned under the name of the Butler County Bank of Lewis Slimmer & Co. In 1882 he erected his present spacious and magnificent bank building, which is an ornament to the town, and furnishes him one of the best banking rooms in northern Iowa. The building cost $15,000. Mr. Slimmer is a very idustrious and public spirited citizen, who is ever ready to lend a helping hand to any public enterprise, which will benefit the town in which he resides. He is a man who always meets his obligations promptly. Lewis Slimmer is a native of Prussia, where he was born October 30, 1850. He came to the United States in May, 1867, and first stopped at Berlin, Wisconsin. In 1869 he came to Iowa and dealt in live stock, at Waverly, until he came to Clarksville. On Novem- ber 15, 1870, Miss Clara F. Root, daughter

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

of Ruluff Root, became his wife, and they now have one son-Ruluff. Mr. Slimmer attended school in his native country until fifteen years of age, and for two years read law. He clerked in Berlin, Wisconsin, for two years, and dealt in live stock until 1870. He is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, and is a Royal Arch Mason. He was one of the charter members of the Royal Arch Lodge, and was one of the first officers of the lodge. He has been secretary of the Blue Lodge for several years. He was mayor of the city in 1881: In politics he is a republican, and in re- ligion a liberal.

OTHER BUSINESS INTERESTS.

Henry Ilgenfritz, furniture dealer, es- tablished his present business in 1869. He is a native of Easton, Pennsylvania, born in 1820; removed with his parents to Maryland and from there to Ohio, where, in 1843, he married Miss Anna Murray. In 1863 he came to Iowa and settled at Clarksville and first engaged in farming. The children are-Louisa, now Mrs. Sam- uel McRoberts; Alice M., Alonzo J., Charles H. and Anna A. He was mayor of the city, also one of the councilmen for some time, and a member of the school board for sixteen years.

A. E. Smith, successor to Marion Wam- sley, general merchandise, is a native of Adams county, Iowa, born June 2, 1845, is a son of W. T. and Rebecca Smith. In 1871 he went to Jefferson county, remained eleven months and returned to Butler county the following year. Previous to coming west, August 11, 1869, he mar- ried Miss Alice Belle Wamsley, daughter of Allen Wamsley. They have; two chil-

dren-Willie C. and George F. Mr. Smith located on section 12, Jackson township, where he now resides, in April, 1878. His mother died in 1865, but his father soon after married Emily Wamsley, and with A. E. came to Iowa in 1869.

Henry Riefe, successor to J. M. Hous- ton, is now carrying one of the largest stocks of general merchandise in the county. Mr. Riefe is a native of Hanover, Germany, born in 1858, emigrated to the United States in 1873 and first stopped in New York, where he engaged as clerk in a grocery store. He subsequently clerked in Brooklyn. In 1875 he came to Iowa and engaged as clerk at Greene, and sub- sequently at Charles City. In 1879 Mr. Riefe returned to Germany to visit his friends and was absent five months. On his return to the United States he again stopped about three months in the city of New York, then came to Clarksville, and has since been in his present business. In 1879 Mr. Riefe married Miss A. Hoffmann, daughter of C. Hoffmann, of Charles City. They have had one child (deceased). In the winter of 1882-3 he bought the busi- ness of J. Cohn, in addition to his other business, and took possession of it January 1, 1883, which was in the large double store owned by Mrs. Walker, and has now the largest and most complete stock of goods in the town. In his native country he was brought up in town and received a liberal education, graduating from the public schools and took a course at the higher school.

The principal blacksmith shop and wagon manufactory in Clarksville is owned and operated by T. E. Kephart. He engaged in business in 1875 in connection

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

with his brother, J. E. Kephart, who then owned the shop. T. E. Kephart subse- quently purchased his brother's interest, and has since conducted the entire busi- ness; and the "Kephart wagon" now takes the lead in Butler county.

Mr. Kephart is a native of Venango county, Pennsylvania, born November 14, 1848. His father, H. G. Kephart, now resides in Clarksville, and although well along in years, he still follows his trade --- that of blacksmith. His mother, Margaret (Berdine) Kephart, died in 1866. When F. E. was yet an infant the family emi- grated to Iowa and settled in Dubuque county. J. E. resided here until 1866; he then went to Guttenberg, Clayton county, where he served a three years apprentice- ship to the blacksmith and wagon-maker trades, after which he was engaged in busi- ness in Deleware county,.until he came to Clarksville. Mr. Kephart is an industri- ous and successful business man, who is highly respected by all who know him. In 1869 he married Miss Catherine Horsch, of Cassville, Wisconsin.

H. F. L. Burton is the sixth of the eight children of Clement N. and Ann (Marry- weather) Burton; the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Kentucky. He was born in Parks county, Indiana, in January, 1834, and was left motherless at the age of six years; but his father subse- quently married Mrs. Rachel Taylor nee Roby, and in 1853 the family emigrated to Iowa, and settled on section 8 of Butler township, Butler county, where the father died in 1854. H. F. L. Burton helped till the soil; received a good education, and at different intervals taught school. When the rebellion broke out Mr. Burton at once

enlisted as a private, but was not accepted on account of his disability. But he was determined to do something for his country, and therefore raised a company-eighty- four men-of which he was chosen Cap- tain. It was mustered into service as Company E of the Forty-fourth Iowa Infantry, and served until the close of the conflict. Mr. Burton then returned to Iowa, and in 1871 purchased the business of W. H. Bettinger, continued the same until 1876, when he closed out the business and again became a tiller of the soil. In 1877 he again engaged in business, and continued alone until September, 1882, when he associated Byron Poisal as part- ner. Since then the firm has been Burton & Poisal, and is now doing a good busi- ness. Mr. Burton has acted with the re- publican party since 1856, and at different intervals has been chosen to fill local offices. He was married in 1858 to Miss Margaret Edwards, whose native town is Newport, Indiana. They have two daugh- ters-Carrie, now Mrs. A. L. VanHousen and Mary.

The leading livery business of Clarks- ville is conducted by J. M. Smith, who came to the town in 1880, and on the 11th day of June established his present busi- ness, which, under his judicious manage- ment, has grown to be one of the leading liveries in this part of the State.

Mr. Smith was born in Onondago county, New York, in 1841, and when ten years of age emigrated with his uncle, H. Sage, to Illinois, where he helped till the soil until 1862. He then enlisted in . Company G, Ninety-fifth Illinois, and served three years. In 1866 he removed with his uncle to Iowa « and resided at Waterloo. In 1880 he came *

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

to Clarksville. Mr. Smith is an excellent horseman, and is therefore a success in his present business. He married in 1870 Miss Susan L. Corey. They have four children -Lettie, Eugene, Edwin and Clayton.

John Hartness became a resident of Clarks- ville in 1857 .. He worked at his trade- carpenter-until 1863, when he departed for the mining regions of Idaho. Mr. Hartness was born in Indiana, in about 1827, and resided in that State until his removal to Clarksville. In 1858 he mar- ried Miss Susan Bonwell, daughter of John Bonwell; and by this union had three chil- dren-Moulton, John C. and Nellie.

Moulton Hartness was born in Clarks- ville, in 1859. He commenced mercantile life at the age of sixteen years, and has since continued the same. He is a young man who has many warm friends in his na- tive village. He was in business on his own account for about four years, but is now clerking for J. Cahn. His mother is still living in Clarksville. His brother, John C., is in Council Bluffs; his sister, Nellie, is living at home.

E. J. Davis, only son of J. W. and Mar- garet (Weaver) Davis, was born in Herk- imer county, New York, on the 15th day of February, 1852. He came with his family to Butler county and here received a common school education. At seventeen years of age he learned the shoemaker's trade, and followed the same until 1880, since that time he has conducted the busi- ness of Hunt & Davis. Mr. Davis is an honest and upright citizen who is highly respected. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and is at present serving his second term as Master of Butler County Lodge No. 94. , In politics he is republican. On the 24th

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 62

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