History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 81

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 81
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 81

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).

The first agricultural implement ware- house was established by O. L. Eastman in 1867.

The first burial in the cemetery, which is located just north of Shell Rock on the west side of the river, was the wife of Charles Leverich, who was called from earthly labors on the 18th of June, 1855.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

HOTELS.

The first hotel in Shell Rock was erected by R. D. Cram, during the spring of 1856, and was opened by him in connection with his store. It afterward became the property of W. R. Cotton, and was called the "Butler House." This is now known as the "Revere House," -

G. W. Adair, who platted the town of Shell Rock, opened the second hotel in the place, on the east side of the river, in 1867, which was called the "Shell Rock House." He continued this business for about thirteen years, when, his health fail- ing, he took a trip to Kansas, hoping there- by to be benefited. He died while in that State.

The "Central House" was erected in 1878, by Boomer Brothers & Phillips. It. was afterwards purchased by J. W. Phil- lips, and finally came into the hands of John Speaker, the present proprietor. The hotel is a neat, two-story frame building; size, 36x80 feet.

John Speaker was born in Seneca county, Ohio, on the 8th day of April, 1832. He is a son of John and Sobina (Speaker) Speaker, who were natives of Maryland. He remained in his native county until 1845, when he, in company with his parents, moved to . Winnebago county, Illinois. Here he remained until 1865, when he moved to Waverly, Bremer county, Iowa, where. he engaged in the hotel business, and subsequently, in the grocery trade. In April, 1878, he came to Shell Rock and took the proprietorship of the Central House, and is now its genial landlord. He was married, in 1860, to Miss Mary Jane Cowan, who was born in Canada. Four children have been born to

them, three of whom are now living- Orilla, wife of J. F. Cole, who now holds a government position in China; Carrie, and Ralph.

LEGAL PROFESSION.

The first lawyer to locate here was Or- son Rice, in 1855, and who remained about five years. William Norval came soon after. There are no practicing attorneys here at present, although several have come and gone in the meantime. The attorneys are treated at length in the chap- ter upon the history of the bar.

MEDICAL PROFESSION.

The first physician was Dr. John Sco- bey, who came in May, 1856, and who practiced medicine here until 1875, when he retired from practice. He is still a resident and an honored citizen. - The present members of the medical profes- sion are Drs. E. H. Dudley, W. H. Smith, E. L. Thorp and E. E. Sill. These gentle- men are sketched in the proper chapter.

SCHOOL MATTERS.

The first school in Shell Rock was taught by Mrs. Nancy McAllister in a room of. the dwelling of Ebenezer Wal- ter, during the summer of 1855. The Methodist Church was afterward used for school purposes, and Ozro R. Newcomb taught the second term.' The town is now divided into two independent districts, one on each side of the river, respectively called the East and West Shell Rock dis- tricts.

In 1862 a school house was erected on each side of the river, and these were used until 1874, when the present school build- ings were erected, each costing $3,000.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

POST OFFICE.

The postoffice of Shell Rock was estab. lished in the summer of 1855, in a building now owned and occupied by J. W. Stewart as a residence. The first postmaster was George Hawker. Mail was, at this time, brought by carrier from Janesville; but the town was afterward on the route from Cedar Falls to St. Ansgar, Minnesota. It was then a weekly mail, but was changed to a daily upon the arrival of the railroad in 1871. For some time previous they received three mails per week.

In 1856, O. S. Newcomb was appointed postmaster, and the office was moved to his store. He was succeeded by John Smith; he by James Leverick; then came Wm. R. Cotton, J. H. Carter, Wm. Mullen, James Leverick, E. L. Thorp and A. G. Stonebreaker, the present incumbent. It was made a money order office July 1, 1877, and the first order was drawn July 2, 1877, Dr. E. H. Dudley being the re- mitter, in favor of E. F. Ingalls, of Chicago, to the amount of $2.00. The first order paid was to Minerva Wellman from W. H. Cramer, of Galena, Illinois, July 13, 1877, for $3.00.

MILLS.

George W. Adair erected the first grist mill on the west side of the river in 1856, but did not commence operations until 1857. It is now known as the Shell Rock Mills. The mill was built at a cost of $10,000, and was 30x40 feet in size and three stories high, containing two run of stones. In June, 1857, it became the prop- erty of John F. Wright, and he afterward sold a one-third interest to the Overman Brothers, and also a like share to Sheldon

Fox. In 1866 Wright purchased one-half of Overman's interest and Fox possessed himself of the remainder. Soon afterward Fox sold his interest to Francis Levins, and in 1868 this interest became the prop- erty of C. H. Parsons, subject to a mort- gage to the Dean estate. This half was finally divided between the estate and Benjamin Levins. In 1878 John Ray pur- chased the half in question, and Mr. Wright having retained his interest, the firm of Wright & Ray have since been owners. Its size is the same as when first built; it now has three run of stone.

J. F. Wright, of the milling firm of Wright & Ray, is a son of Dan. and Ruby (Fellows) Wright. He was born in Mary- land, Otsego county, New York, on the 12th day of July, 1828. He remained in his native State until nineteen years of age, and then made a trip to Wisconsin, where he spent one year. He then re- turned to the State of New York, and engaged in millwrighting, which work he followed in that State until 1855. In Sep- tember, of that year, he came west to Cedar Falls, Iowa, and there remained till June, of the year 1857, when he removed to Shell . Rock, and bought an interest in the flouring mills of this place. On August 13, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, Thirty- Second Iowa Volunteers, and was commis- sioned Second Lieutenant. He was wounded at the battle of Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, taken prisoner, and remained in rebel prisons about three months. From the effects of his wound he has never entirely recovered, and now receives a pension therefor. At the close of the re- bellion he was honorably discharged, at Clinton, Iowa, and, in September, 1865, re-

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

turned to Shell Rock, where he has since been actively engaged in the milling busi- ness. In 1867 Mr. Wright was elected county treasurer, and on the 1st of Janu- ary, 1868, entered upon his new duties. He was re-elected in 1869, and continued to fill that office until January 1, 1872. He was married, in 1871, to Miss Anna J. Follett, who is a native of Otsego county, New York.

ROCKLAND MILL.

This flourishing mill was erected by George W. Adair in company with Eman- uel Metzger, on the east side of the river, in 1870, at the cost of $18,000. It was a two-run mill, propelled by water power, the building being the same as at present, a four story frame structure. In 1872 the builders sold it to Robert McDonald, who added another run of stone in 1874, and in 1879 sold to the present proprietors-the Haynes Brothers. In 1880 another run of stone was added.

Thomas L. Haynes, of the firm of Haynes Brothers, is a son of Thomas and Hannah (Lester) Haynes, and was born in England on the 29th day of March, 1849. When he was eleven years of age his par- ents came to the United States. They first located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but after living there a short time, left for Waukesha county, where they resided for many years. In 1869 Thomas left home and engaged in milling at different points for the space of ten years, after which time he and his brother William bought the Rockland Mill at Shell Rock, Iowa, and here he has since lived. He was married in the year 1880, to Miss Kate Robinson, who is a native of Menasha,

Wisconsin. Mr. Haynes is a Master Mason, a member of Escollop Lodge, No. 263.

William H. Haynes, of the firm of Haynes Brothers, was born in England, December 2, 1853, and is a son of Thomas and Hannah (Lester) Haynes, who are both natives of England. Seven years after William's birth his parents left their home for the United States, and upon reaching the new land started westward until they came to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Here they stopped a short time and then went to Waukesha county, where they found themselves a good home and settled. In 1873 W. H. left his parents' roof and engaged in milling at different points for six years. In 1879 he came to Shell Rock, and in company with his brother Thomas bought the Rockland Mill of this place.

WAGON AND FURNITURE MANUFACTORY.

A wagon and furniture manufactory was built in 1858 on the east side of the river by Ross & Town. This building was changed to a woolen mill in the spring of 1868, and Hard & Royce became owners, where they carried on a general manufac- ture of all kinds of woolens. Mr. Hard sold his interest to James A. Morrison in 1869. Royce, Morrison & Mason were the next owners, who ran the mill two years, when Morrison sold to Phineas Weed, and he afterward to D. P. Holt, who after- ward bought the whole mill. The mna- chinery was taken out and the manufac- tory abandoned in December, 1877. The building is now used as a feed mill.

THE HAWKEYE CREAMERY.

This enterprise was established at Shell Rock, during the winter of 1878, by W.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

W. Murray and Charles Austin. During the first year 50,000 pounds of butter was manufactured. In July, 1881, the firm changed, and W. W. Murray owned the property, retaining it until November, 1881, when Charles Austin became propri- etor. In April, 1882, Samuel Kennedy purchased a half interest, and the firm has since remained Austin & Kennedy. They manufacture an average of 200,000 pounds of butter a year, employing six teams and nine men to gather cream throughout the surrounding country. The propelling power is an eight horse steam engine. In connection with their butter business, the firm handles 20,000 dozen of eggs monthly, shipping to eastern markets.

W. W. Murray was born in Franklin county, Ohio, October, 1844. He remained in his native county until he was sixteen years of age, and then came west and set- tled in Woodford, Illinois. In 1861 he enlisted in Company K, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and served until honorably dis- charged, in October, 1865. He enlisted as a private, but was afterward made a sergeant. Upon returning to civil life, he came to Linn county, Iowa, and engaged in merchandising at Palo. There he re- mained until 1869, and then spent some time in Missouri. In 1874 he came to Shell Rock, Butler county, and opened a hardware store. This business he followed some time and then farmed for two years; after which he again opened a store at Shell Rock. After continuing in business here for some time, he went to Walker, and engaged in trade, and in November, 1878, he opened the Hawkeye Creamery, and there did business until the fall of 1881, when he sold it and rented the Hall

factory, and engaged in the manufacture of butter and cheese. During the winter of 1882, he opened the creamery on his farm. Mr. Murray was married in Octo- ber, 1874, to Miss Emma Hollenbeck.

G. P. GREEN'S STOCK EXCHANGE.

One of the leading and most important industries in the business of Shell Rock is the Stock Exchange of G. P. Green; and there is probably no one branch of indus- try that brings trade to the town as this does. G. P. Green established the busi- ness here in 1871. In 1873, seeing the ne- cessity for better facilities, he built his present commodious yards, which are well worth a visit. To give a complete descrip- tion and a correct idea of the amount of business can hardly be done. Suffice to say that they were erected at a cost of $8,000. In the building and under one roof is, first, the scale house and office. Back of these come the main stock sheds, which are mainly used for swine. This shed is 18x220 feet in length, and is divided into pens large enough to ac- commodate twenty hogs each. Running through the center of this building is an alley, and by an ingenious arrangement in the shape of a gate the swine can be separated with but little trouble. Con- nected with the building and under the same roof is a slaughter house and a store room 18x54 feet. . This part of the build- ing is two stories, the upper one being used for offices, scale house, cook room (for cooking feed), store room, wagon house and horse barn. Underneath is an- other lot of pens and a stable for fatten- ing cattle. Underneath the building is a well which supplies the whole building

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

with water, by means of a pipe running the entire length of the building and out into the yards. The power used is a wind- mill, and by turning a faucet the stock can be watered in any part of the grounds, or by attaching a hose the stables can be cleaned. The building is located on the banks of the Shell Rock, so that all refuse matter can be carried away. Mr. Green does a business of $200,000 annually. In connection with his business here he also has stock yards at Allison, Bristow and Dumont. During four months of the sum- mer of 1882 he shipped 106 carloads of stock from this point.

G. P. Green is a son of Lewis and Nancy (Lewis) Green. He was born in Erie county, Ohio, December 23, 1837. He re- mained in the county of his birth until twenty-five years of age, and then moved to Huron county, Ohio, where he lived one year. From Huron, he moved to Loraine county, where he remained two years, and from there to Wood county, where he made a stay of four years. During these years he was engaged in buying and selling horses. In 1869 he came to Butler county, Iowa, and, soon after, embarked in stock trade, in which business he has since en- gaged. He was married, in 1860, to Miss Julia Cain, who is a native of Ohio. Mr. Green began life with nothing, and, by perseverence, good management and strict attention to business, has accumulated a large property.

THE SHELL ROCK BANK.

This banking institution was established, in September, 1876, by Boomer Bros. & Phillips, with Benjamin Boomer, president; J. H. Boomer, vice-president, and J. W.

Phillips, cashier. On the 15th of May, 1878, it was purchased by Fairfield & Phil- lips, and started in present management with Clark Fairfield, president, and J. W. Phillips, cashier. The bank does a good business, and is of sound financial stand- ing. Its correspondents are Preston, Kean & Co., Chicago; National, of New York, and the First National Bank, of Dubuque. -

INCORPORATION.

The town of Shell Rock was organized as a distinct municipality, under the spec- ial laws of Iowa, in 1873. The first elec- tion was held in 1875, when the following officers were elected: Mayor, E. Town; trustees, R. McDonald, J. G. Rockwell, C. Sweitzer, Orville Jones and A. G. Stone- breaker; recorder, R. D. Prescott; treas- urer, J. W. Phillips.

In 1876, the officers were: Mayor, R. D. Prescott; trustees, H. L. Sweitzer, Jolın Williams, A. G. Stonebreaker, Orville Jones, W. C. Eastwood; recorder, N. Jolin- son; treasurer, J. W. Phillips; marshal, C. S. Simons.

The officers for 1877 were: Mayor, R. D. Prescott; trustees, W. C. Eastwood, E. Town, H. L. Sweitzer, G. O. Van Vleck and John Williams; recorder, N. Johnson; treasurer, J. W. Phillips; marshal, W. J. Reed.

The officers for 1878 were: Mayor, J. H. Carson; trustees, H. L. Sweitzer, J. W. Ray, M. B. Speedy, John Williams, James H. Graham; recorder, Anson Peck; treas- urer, J. W. Phillips; marshal, E. Winship.

In 1879 the officers were: Mayor, John Jamison; trustees, John Williams, A. G. Stonebreaker, J. H. Graham, E. Town and Robert McDonald; recorder, J. S. Auner;

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

treasurer, J. H. Carson; marshal, E. B. Morill, .

In 1880 the officers were: Mayor, E. M. Jones; trustees, E. Town, G. P. Green, C. Sweitzer, R. Wilford, J. A. Graham and John Williams; recorder, R. W. Fulton; treasurer, J. H. Carson; marshal, E. B. Morill.

In 1881 the officers were: Mayor, John Hamilton; trustees, W. C. Eastwood, W. W. Murray, E. Town, G. P. Green, R. Wilford and John Williams; recorder, E. D. Ross; treasurer, J. H. Carson; marshal, J. W. Walter.

The officers for 1882 were: Mayor, Richard Hughes; recorder, E. D. Ross; trustees, W. C. Eastwood, J. P. Reed, H. L. Sweitzer, R. Wilford, J. A. Graham, G. P. Green; treasurer, J. H. Carson; mar- shal, James Jerolaman.

PRESENT BUSINESS OF SHELL ROCK.

Of the present business men of Shell Rock a great deal could be said, and de- serving commendation be bestowed. They are a live and energetic class, made up of men who arc of standing in the commer- cial world, and who are recognized as hon- orable and upright. They established their various branches of business as fol- lows:

J. L. Stewart commenced his wagon trade in 1854.

The business of Newcomb & Carter was established in 1855, by O. S. New- comb, and they now do an annual business of $30,000.

.J. H. Carter was born in Parkman, Geanga county, Ohio, on the 4th day of April, 1837, and is a son of James H. and

Caroline G. (Burgess) Carter, who were natives of Vermont, and early settlers of Ohio. His educational advantages were, first the common schools and afterward two years at Hiram College, under James A. Garfield. In the spring of 1857, lie came to Shell Rock; Iowa, and after rc- maining about two years, returned to Ohio. In 1862 he made a second trip to Shell Rock, and this time entered in partner- ship with O. S. Newcomb, with whom he has sinec been associated. In politics he is a republican, and during late ycars, has taken an active part in the politics of the county. He has always taken great in- terest in the building up of the town of Shell Rock, and has left no stone unturned by which he could further its advance- ment. He is a genial, whole-souled gen- tleman, and esteemed by all who know him. In 1863 he was united in marriage to Miss Kate J. Nash, who was born in the State of Ohio. They have two children- Carrie H. and James H.

O. L. Eastman engaged in blaeksmith- ing in 1856. In 1870 he put up his pres- ent establishment, 25x65 feet, and does a general blacksmithing business, employing three men. He also, in 1867, established an agricultural warehouse.

T. S. Walter commenced business in the harness trade in 1868.

L. F. Bristol established himself in the furniture trade in 1871, and in 1882 changed to undertaking goods exclusively.

Fairfield & Phillips, in 1871, established their lumber yard, and also erected a ware- house with a capacity of 10,000 bushels of grain.

The following year J. P. Bement con- menced the grain trade.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

J. P. Bement is the son of J. C. and Frances E. (Cornell) Bement, and was born July 13, 1836, in Niagara county, New York. Here he received an academic education, and remained in his native State until twenty-two years of age. In 1858 lie came west and settled in Waverly, Bre- mer county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming three years, drugs one year, and after that in the grain business. In 1872 he came to Shell Rock and started in the lumber and grain trade, which branches of business he now follows. While living in Waverly Mr. Bement went back to his na- tive State and spent two years among old friends. He was married in 1867, to Miss Mary E. Taber, who is a native of Wis- consin. They have two children-Charles P., and Frank T. Mr. Bement's parents are now residents of Iowa. Commencing as weigher in a warehouse, he worked up till he now is proprietor of an elevator and lumber yard. He spent one winter buying grain at Ackley.

The same year-1872-W. C. Eastwood opened his boot and shoe store and shop, in which he now does an annual business of $15,000. He was born at Brockville, Canada West, March 30, 1817. He is the son of Amos and Sarah Eastwood, of Con- necticut. At the age of fifteen he removed to St. Lawrence county, New York. At the age of twenty he married Mahala Dayton, of Rossie, St. Lawrence county, New York. He was engaged in the hotel business until 1840, when he moved to Brockville, Canada West. He remained in Canada until June 10, 1849, when he re- moved to Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin. On the 7th of April, 1859, his wife died. They had seven children, five of whom are

still living-Mary J., wife of J. B. Kelsey, of Shell Rock, Iowa; Charlotte, wife of W. P. Cary, of Sheboygan Falls, Wiscon- sin; Harriet A., wife of Frank Wesenfel- der, of Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin; Edgar O., resides at Chicago, Illinois, and Elvo- retta, who resides at home. In 1875 Mr. Eastwood married a Mrs. Hurd, of Shell Rock, Iowa.

. D. J. Gould commenced doing business in his shoe shop in September, 1874.

In November, 1874, J. R. Clawson com- menced business in the hardware trade, and the business now amounts to $30,000 annn- ally.

Dudley & Stonebreaker, in 1875, com- menced business in the drug line.

A. G. Stonebreaker was born in Cattarau- gus couuty, New York, October 25tlı, 1840. Here he remained until fifteen years of age and received a good common school education. In 1855 he moved witlı his parents, Peter and Julette (Reed) Stone- breaker, to Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he remained until he entered the army. He enlisted in Company K, First Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, in 1863 and served as a non-commissioned officer until honorably discharged at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at the close of the Rebellion. Upon his re- turn to Kenosha, he engaged in stock buying, which business he followed un- til 1874, when he came to Shell Rock, Iowa, and opened a drug store. He was appointed postmaster of Shell Rock, De- cember 25, 1875, and fills that position at the present time, besides doing a good business as a druggist. He was married in October, 1861, to Miss Addie Bristol, who died in 1863. He again united him- self in marriage to Miss Lucy M. Upson,

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

in August, 1866. They have had three children, two of whom are now living- Ellen A. and Grace Edna.

Wright & Ray, the same year, took charge of the Shell Rock Mills, as else- where stated.

The photograph gallery was established in 1875, by H. Apfel. This was in August.

J. H. Carson, in 1876, opened his store with a stock of $700, which by close appli- cation to business has increased until he now carries a stock of $7,000, and does an annual business of $25,000.

In January of the same year, the open- ing of C. W. Bishop's jewelry store took place.

J. P. Bement established his lumber yard in 1877.

The millinery store of Mrs. H. Apfel was opened in the spring of 1878.

J. H. Paley's boot and shoe shop was opened in September, 1878, and now does a thriving business. He was born in Sax- ony, Germany, October 11, 1833. Here he passed his youth, and, in the course of time, learned the shoemaker's trade. When twenty-one years of age he came to the United States, and after remaining -in New York State a short time, went to Wisconsin. He made short stays at .dif- ferent points in this State until 1857, when he located at Lake Mills, Wisconsin, and worked at his trade for some time, and then moved to Columbus, Wisconsin, where he remained nine years. At the expiration of this time he went to Tomah, Wisconsin, where he lived eight years. In 1876 he came to Shell Rock, Iowa, and worked two years for W. C. Eastwood, and then opened his present shop. He was married in 1857, at Lake Mills, Wis-

consin, to Amelia Bartel. They have had eight children, seven of whom are now living-Matilda, now the wife of Augustus Werehran; Amelia, now the wife of A. Baker; Emma, Gustave, Frances, Otto and Bertha.

In 1879 Haynes Brothers took charge of the Rockland mills, a history of which ap- pears elsewhere.

J. E. Patton opened his harness shop for trade in July, 1880.

Graham & Jerolaman established them- selves in the stock trade in 1880, and now do an annual business of $30,000.

E. J. Young opened up in the furniture business, in February, 1881. He is a native of Oswego county, New York, born June 15, 1858. He is a son of Frederick and Sarah (Hawthorne) Young. When he was seven years of age, his parents moved west, and settled in Shell Rock, Iowa, where he grew to manhood. In February, 1881, he embarked in the furniture trade, and now carries a fine, and well-assorted stock of goods. He was married, September 27, 1882, to Miss Jennie B. Dean, of Waverly, Iowa. His parents are living in Shell Rock.

During the winter of 1881, J. B. Kelsey established his grocery store.

J. M. Longfellow commenced in the hardware trade in May, 1882, and does a thriving business.

About the same time Graham & Jones took charge of the general merchandise establishment, formerly conducted by Kothe & Graham. This store now does an annual business of $20,000.

In October, 1882, W. F. Stoddard estab- lished his grocery store, which has a healthy and growing trade.

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 81

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