History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 86

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 86
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 86

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).

During the summer of 1880 the build- ings now occupied by Fletcher Moore, J. A. Riggs & Co., Donald Bruce & Frank Elliott, and the McLeod buildings were erected, making an improvement upon the appearance of Main street.

The first dry goods store was opened by C. D. Williams, who commenced doing business in the summer of 1880, in the Mc- Leod building, keeping a general merclian- dise stock. He erected the store now oc- cupied by W. W. Pattee, where he con- tinued the business for a time, finally closing out his stock of goods, selling the buildings to Craig & Smith.

In February, 1881, the Birkbeck Brothers opened one of the finest stock of goods in the county, and still continue in the trade with growing patronage. They came from Etna, Lafayette county, Wisconsin, where Turner, the elder of the brothers, was associated with his father in merchandising. J. T. Birkbeck, the father of the Birkbeck brothers, was born in

Yorkshire, England, in 1825, emigrating to Grant county, Wisconsin, in 1850. He resided in Grant and Lafayette counties, Iowa, for a number of years. He spent several years in California; dying at his old home in Etna, Wisconsin, October 7, 1880. Mrs. Birkbeck was born in England, in 1831. Their children are-Turner, John W. and Anna; the latter born in Lafayette county, in 1868. The family all reside at Allison. Turner, of the above firm, was born in England, in 1858, and John W. in 1863. The Birkbeck brothers are young men of energy, and by enterprise and attention to business, are building up a fine trade in the promising town of Allison.

In November, 1881, G. M. Stockwell, in company with Emmett Laughlin, started a general merchandise store in the Tribune Building, No. 287, owned by the Dodge Brothers. They did a fair business for about one year, when they were closed by mortgages.

This stock was purchased by W. W. Pattee, who still continues to supply a large trade from the Craig & Smith building. Mr. Pattee is county recorder. A bio- graphy of him will be found in the article under that head.

Anderson & Harbert came from Shell Rock in the spring of 1881, and opened a stock of dry goods, groceries, clothing, boots and shoes, in the building now occupied by the restaurant. They moved to the Burbank Block on its completion, and at present handle clothing and boots and shoes.

The first drug store was started in 1880, by Dr. J. S. Riggs, who erected the neat store and office just opposite the Allison

Frank L Dodge

Mers Frank L. Dodge.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Hotel. In 1881 he took his brother, John A., as a partner in the business, and con- tinued until September, 1882, when he sold his interest to Dr. S. E. Bourroughs, late of Grundy county. The firm name is J. A. Riggs & Company.

Dr. Burbank & Son started their drug store in the fall of 1882, erecting one of the best business houses in town, known as "Burbanks' Corner Block." One half of this is used by the drug store, and the other rented to Anderson & Harbert. Both of the drug stores carry a good stock and do a good business. The doctors are noted in the medical chapter.

The elevator was commenced early in January, 1880, by the Town Company, and completed early in the spring. George Woodward, of Minnesota, was first placed in charge, and, as stated, purchased the first wheat marketed at Allison, which was stored in the elevator. Mr. Woodward has removed to Dakota Territory, and at present James Dobbins has charge of the elevator.

The first blacksmith in Allison was Michael Weires, who commenced work April 8, 1880, and is still faithfully work- * ing at his trade. Anotlier blacksmith came here for a time but has since re- moved.

Louis Pharo, from Galena, Illinois, was the first wagon-maker, and still continues this business here.

The first barber shop in town was opened by F. J. Smith. In the fall of 1882 he left for a new location in the northern part of the State. He is now in Waverly. Frank Elliott is the present knight of the razor.

The first furniture dealer in the town was John Bell. He was succeeded by C.

B. Bishop, who still represents the trade, carrying a heavy stock and doing a good business. He settled here October 14, 1879. There was but one residence here at that time-that of George Martin. He was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, in 1842. When nine years of age he removed with his parents to Canada, and thence to Winona, Minnesota, in 1852. There was at that time only one house in that flourishing city. In the fall of the same year he moved to Wisconsin. His father, Jonas B. Bishop, now resides in Wood county, Wisconsin. Corydon B. Bishop enlisted in 1861 in Company F, Seventh Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Iron Brigade for three years. He participated in the principal battles of the Army of the Potomac until the battle of the Wilderness, including the second Bull Run, South Mountain, Fredricksburg, Chancelorville and Get- tysburg. He was wounded at the battle of the Wilderness. He went to Minne- sota after the war, coming to Iowa from Wisconsin in 1868. He located at Osage and engaged in the business of joiner and carpenter. He lived for a time in other parts of the State, coming to this place from Nashua in October, 1879, and was the first carpenter and builder to locate here. He was in partnership with M. B. Butler in the building of the court house at Allison. He engaged in the furniture business in February, 1882, succeeding John Bell. His wife was Miss Hattie Bunder, born in St. Lawrence county, New York. They have three children-Lottie, Lulu N. and Gilbert Haven.

Early in the summer of 1881 Levi Baker opened the restaurant which he still runs.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

The first harness shop was started by R. Pond & Company, and conducted by Henry Farnum.

The first millinery store was opened, and is still continued, by Mrs. Anna Myers. Business was commenced in May, 1881.

The abstract firms are Lathrop, Hyde & Levis, and Geo. M. Craig & A. I. Smith; the former being formed in 1880, and the latter in July, 1881.

The legal profession is represented by Lathrop & Davis, Craig & Smith, George A. McIntyre, and O. H. Scott, who are all noted at length in the History of the Bar.

Mettler & Elliott were among the first masons. Pattee & Levis opened an insur- ance office. C. B. Bishop was the first contractor and builder. E. S. Thomas, Esq., dealt out justice. J. B. Combellick started the first meat market in the winter of 1880-81.

HOTELS.

The first stopping place in Allison was at the residence of George E. Martin, who accommodated the weary traveler while the hotel was in process of erection; but he did not make it a business. There are, at present, two hotels in the town, the Al- lison House and the Digman House.

THE ALLISON HOUSE.

This was one of the first buildings erected in the village. It was built by the Allison Town Company, the contractor being Mr. M. Flick, of Dubuque, one of the most extensive hotel builders in Iowa. The architectural design was drawn by F. D. Hyde, of Dubuque. The building was commenced in September, 1879, and finished, as originally designed, just before

Christmas, of that year. Its size was then 32x36 feet, three stories high, with Man- sard roof, and had cost about $5,000. On the 2d day of January, 1880, the house was opened to guests, by C. W. Corwin, of Waterloo, who arrived and took charge of it. The house remained as originally built until August, 1881, when an addition was made to it, doubling its former size. The addition is 32x50 feet, three stories high, with Mansard roof, and a kitchen 20x28 feet, one and one-half stories high. These improvements cost about $6,000; the house was furnished at a cost of $2,000, making the total cost about $13,000. The interior of the hotel is admirably arranged, containing twenty-two sleeping rooms, of which eight are large double ones. The lower floor is divided into a ladies' parlor, office, sample rooms, wash room, and din- ing room, and all have been very tastily furnished by the company. The entire house is furnished with water by means of a force pump. In February, 1880, an ex- cellent barn was erected at a cost of $1,000.

C. W. Corwin came to Allison and opened the Hotel, January 2, 1880, two weeks after it was completed. The house in general structure, excellence of finish, number of rooms and general convenience, is not excelled in this part of the State of Iowa, and does credit to the new and thriv- ing town of Allison. Mr. Corwin is a native of Tompkins county, New York, where he was born in 1834. His parents removed to Schuyler county, in that State, when he was a boy, and thence to Lake county, in 1847. The family removed to Black Hawk county, Iowa, and settled on a farm in Fox township. His father,

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Joshua C. Corwin, afterward removed to Waterloo, where he resided until his death. A brother of C. W. Corwin, I. T. Corwin, settled in Poyner township sev- eral years earlier. He was quite promi- nent among earlier settlers of Black Hawk county; he was one of the supervisors and justice of the peace of that county, for many years. He is now a resident of Sioux county and an extensive land owner near the town of Rock Valley. Mr. Cor- win was deputy sheriff of Black Hawk county under sheriff W. F. Brown for several years, and was also notary public and collector. He is at present agent for the town lot company, at Allison. Mrs. Corwin was formerly Miss Alice McStay, born in the State of New York. They have one son-Williard H., and a bright little daughter-Daisy Pearl. Mr. Corwin is a genial popular landlord, and the Alli- son House, under his charge, has estab- lished an excellent reputation.

THE DIGMAN HOUSE.

This popular house was first built in Butler Center, by Franz Digman, now de- ceased. It was removed to Allison, after the re-location of the county seat, in the summer of 1881, and late in the fall open- ed to guests. Mrs. Digman is proprietress and Carl Frank, clerk. They are accom- modating and pleasant and the house is justly popular.

BANK OF ALLISON.

This institution was organized on the 4th of April, 1880. The founders were, Ridgeway, Perrin and Slimmer. Messrs. Ridgeway and Slimmer, of Waverly, and Mr. Perrin, of Clarksville. The capital

of the bank was nominally $7,000, yet was really unlimited. The bank was first opened in the drug store of J. A. Riggs & Co. The present bank building was soon after erected. It is a neat and tasty build- ing, with glass front, standing nearly op- posite the Allison Hotel. I. E. Lucas was the first and is the present cashier; a more accommodating and capable cashier never signed a draft. He was born in Carroll county, Indiana, in 1846, coming to Bre- mer county with his father, Parker Lucas, who settled on a farm in Lafayette town- ship, in that county. Mr. Lucas was brought up on a farm, attending the pub- lic school at Clarksville for three years, and for one year a student at Osage Col- lege, in this State. He was engaged for a number of years in teaching in Bremer and Butler counties. For three years he was principal of the school at Clarksville, where he was formerly a student; also principal for a time of the school at New Hartford. On the organization of the Bank of Allison, April 4, 1881, he was made cashier. Mr. Lucas was a very suc- cessful teacher. Politically he is a repub- lican.

Irving M. Fisher, the superintendent of the Iowa Central Stock Farm, lives in this township. He was born October 2, 1839, in Williamstown, Massachusetts. He is the son of Minot and Mary (Austin) Fisher, natives of the same State, but of English origin. His mother died when he was but five years of age. He then lived with an aunt two years. His father being again married, he returned home and re- mained there until thirteen years of age, during which time he attended school in his native State and also in Union village,

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

New York. Leaving home he went to Vermont, there making his home with Colonel Baker, attending school during the winter months and assisting on the Colonel's farm during the remainder of the year. In the spring of 1857 he re- moved to Columbus, Wisconsin, with Henry Baker, a son of the Colonel, with whom he remained until the following October, when he went to Bradford, Chickasaw county, Iowa. Here he re- mained two years. He then went to Nashua, in the same county, and was there when the rebellion commenced. On the 8th day of July, 1861, he enlisted in Com- pany B, Seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry. With his regiment he participated in the battle of Belmont and sieges of Forts Henry and Donelson. He was honorably discharged on the 22d of March, 1862, on account of disability. Recovering his health, on the 13th of October, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Fourteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and was one of the sergeants of the company. He was in the ordnance department with General A. J. Smith in the Red River expedition. At tlie close of the service he was again hon- orably discharged and returned to Nashua. On the 1st day of January, 1867, he was united in marriage , at Bradford, Iowa, with Mary J., daughter of William and Elizabetlı Biggar, a native of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, but of Scottish de- scent. Mrs. Fisher received an academic education, and while attending school ranked first in all her classes. She has taught in some of the best schools in Chickasaw county, and was a teacher in the public schools of Bradford at the time of her marriage. She still retains an in-

terest in schools and school work. On the 6th day of January, 1875, Mr. Fisher re- moved to the Central Iowa Stock Farm, of which he has since been manager. Thrown upon his own resources at the age of thir- teen, he has had a struggle in life, but success has crowned his efforts. He now owns a farm of 280 acres one and one-half miles from Allison. Mrs. Fisher also owns a small farm in Chickasaw county, three miles from Nashua. Mr. Fisher's father died in 1879 in his native State. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher are members of the Congrega- tional Church. In politics he is a stauncli republican and a worker in the cause.

POST OFFICE.

The post office was established during the winter of 1879-80. The office was kept at the depot, with J. M. Daggett, post- master, who was the father of E. W. Dag- gett, station agent. In May, 1881, the office was removed to the Williams build- ing, just opposite the north of Burbank's corner block. On the first of November, 1881, E. S. Thomas was appointed post- master, and on the first day of December, 1882, removed the office across the street, to the old office of the clerk of the courts. Mr. Thomas is still the incumbent, and makes a most accommodating and satis- factory officer. He was treasurer of But- ler county four years. A sketch of him appears in connection with the article upon county officers. The office is a fourth class one, the business amounting to about $1,- 300 per year. About $900 worth of stamps are cancelled annually. It was estab- lished as a money order office in August, 1882.

765

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

INCORPORATION.

Allison was organized as a city munici- pality in the summer of 1881, the election for the city officers being held on Saturday, August 13, 1881. The campaign was quite active, the canvass showing eighteen can- didates for official honors. The success- ful candidates and first officers were: Mayor, W. A. Lathrop; recorder, George A. McIntyre; trustees, George M. Craig, W. W. Pattee, Louis Pharo, J. K. Winsett, D. K. Harbert, and George Woodward.

The city council assembled for the first time, at the auditor's office, on August 22, 1881, with the following members present: Mayor, W. A. Lathrop; recorder, George A. McIntyre; W. W. Pattee, George M. Craig, Louis Pharo, George E. Woodward, J. K. Winsett. Mr. Craig moved that the recorder be instructed to draft rules and regulations for council meetings, to be presented at the next session. The motion prevailed.

The mayor appointed committees as fol- lows: Ways and means-Pattee and Winsett; claims-Harbert and Woodward; streets and alleys-Craig and Winsett; ordinances and printing-Craig and Har- bert; health-Pattec and Pharo; offices and accounts-Woodward and Winsett; supplies-Harbert and Pharo; judiciary- Craig, McIntyre and the mayor.

At the next meeting on August 29th, Levi Baker was appointed city marshal.

At the election in March, 1882, the fol- lowing officers were elected and are the present incumbents: Mayor, W. A. La- throp; recorder, George A. McIntire; coun- cil, W. W. Pattec, George M. Craig, Louis Pharo, Turner Birkbeck, J. K. Winsett and Charles Franklin; marshal, George

Dopking, Meetings of the council arc held at the office of Mayor Lathrop.

MASONIC.

Opal Lodge, A. F. and A. M., was in- stituted under dispensation, on the 1st of September, 1881. W. W. Pattee made W. M .; E. S. Thomas, S. W .; J. W. Ray, J. W .; C. H. Ilgenfritz, Treasurer; J. M. Daggett, Secretary; Levi Baker, S. D .; J. W. Davis, J. D .; and G. M. Dopking, Tyler. The charter members aside from the above named officers were, H. Far- num, James Scofield, A. I. Smith, A. G. Fellows, I. E. Lucas, J. W. Spencer, and G. M. Craig. The first meeting of the lodge was held on the 6th of October, 1881, and the following were raised under dispensation: J. K. Winsett, J. S. Riggs, George A. McIntyre, John A. Riggs, G. E. Franklin, W. A. Lathrop, Frank Baker, C. W. Lewis and Edward H. Burnham. A charter was granted the lodge in June, 1 1882, and A. I. Smith was appointed D. G. M. He called the lodge together, and it was organized under the charter on the 6th of July, 1882, at which time the fol- lowing officers were elected: W. W. Pat- tee, W. M .; E. S. Thomas, S. W .; J. W. Ray, J. W .; C. H. Ilgenfritz, Treasurer; and J. M. Daggett, Secretary. The W. M. appointed L. Baker, S. D .; J. A. Riggs, J. D .; J. K. Winsett and C. W. Davis, Stewards; and Frank Baker, Tyler; all of whom were installed.

The regular meetings of the lodge are held on the Thursday night on or before the full moon, in each month. A com- mendable interest is manifested, and it is in a flourishing condition.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

BRASS BAND.

The Brass Band of Allison was organ- ized in August, 1881, consisting of the fol- lowing musicians: F. L. Dodge, leader, E flat cornet; G. L. Anderson, first B flat cornet; Henry Farnum, second B flat cor- net; C. W. Levis, first alto; Will Corwin, second alto; M. Weires, first tenor; Will Daggett, second tenor; W. E. Hyde, bari- tone; Ed. Lincoln, tuba; James Gillen, bass drum; Zena Thomas, snare drum.

The officers of the organization were as follows: President, G. L. Anderson; vice- president, Henry Farnum; secretary, W. E. Hyde; treasurer, C. W. Levis.

There has been but little change in the band, and its members have become very proficient in the use of their instruments.

PROHIBITION CLUB.

This club was organized during the agi- tation of the constitutional amendment. It had fifty members to commence withi. The officers were: J. W. Davis, president; F. L. Dodge, vice-president; Mrs. G. M. Craig, secretary; Turner Birkbeck, treas- urer. When the amendment was carried the work of the club ceased.

TERPSICHOREAN CLUB.

Early in December, 1882, a dancing club was organized with George A. McIntyre, president; F. L. Dodge, secretary; E. H. Burnham, treasurer; J. W. Spencer and O. E. Mullarkey, managers; J. W. Spen- cer, O. E. Mullarkey and J. K. Winsett were made a committee on membership and invitation. The Parkersburg Orches- tra were engaged to furnish music for a series of five parties which it was proposed to hold during the winter.

CHORAL CLUB.

This musical society effected an organi- zation on the 13thı of October, 1882. George A. McIntyre was elected president; Mrs. J. W. Davis, vice-president; Mrs. Frank Burbank, secretary; Miss C. Dag- gett, treasurer; Mrs. Beck, Mrs. Evans and Mrs. Dodge, committee on meeting; and F. L. Dodge, musical director. Thursday evenings were decided upon for the meet- ings of the club.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

This society was organized on the 15tlı of August, 1880, with the Rev. Laban Winsett officiating, and the following members: D. Bruce, Flora Bruce, F. Moore, C. B. Bishop, Hattie Bishop, Catherine McCleod, Christian McWilliams and Mary Cleaver.

The first officers were: Leader, D. Bruce; stewards, D. Bruce, F. Moore and C. B. Bishop; trustees and incorporators, I. M. Fisher, D. Bruce, C. B. Bishop, F. Moore, J. K. Winsett and C. W. Corwin. The first religious services for the denomination were held at McCleod's Hall, by Rev. Labon Winsett, who after filling the pul- pit for about three months was succeeded .by Rev. W. H. Records, who remained one year, and was followed by the present minister, Rev. J. M. Hedes. The neat church building was erected in the summer of 1881, at a cost of $2,200, and is a frame building, 30x50 feet in size.

The present officers are :- Class leader, D. Bruce; stewards, John Bell, Mrs. Bell, T. Birkbeck, Mary Cleaver, . Mrs. M. J. Davis; trustees, W. A. Lathrop, D. Bruce, F. Moore, C. B. Bishop, John Bell, T. Birk- beck, J. K. Winsett, F. L. Dodge and J.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

W. Davis. The present membership of the church is sixteen. All the incumbrances or indebtedness is provided for, and the society is in a most flourishing and prosper- ous condition, with a future before it full of promise that much good will be accom- plished.

The M. E. Sunday School was organized in May, 1880, with C. B. Bishop as super- intendent, and has grown in interest from the first until it now has an enroll- ment of 70 scholars and an average attend- ance of about 30. The present officers are as follows: T. Birkbeck, superintendent; Frank Elliot, assistant; F. Moore, treas- urer; L. Davis, secretary.

The church building was dedicated on the 14th of May, 1882, Rev. L. D. Parsons officiating.

FIRST OCCURRENCES.

The first birth within the thriving town of Allison, occurred on the 24th of April, 1880, a son to Frank and Mary Jane Elli- ott. The boy was christened Frank Alli- son, in honor of the town. The happy father is the genial barber of the town.

The first death occurring in Allison was that of a child of Mr. and Mrs. George M. Craig, on Tuesday night, August 16, 1881, the remains were taken to Butler Center for interment.

The first marriage of parties belonging in Allison, occurred in Waverly, and joined the future destinies of Michael Weires, of Allison, and Miss Nellie Mor- row, of Wisconsin. Their child, Frank, was the third birth in town.

Charles Grasley, of Allison, was soon after married, in Waterloo, to a lady of that city. They now live in Waterloo.

The first marriage ceremony performed in Allison, was that uniting Mr. and Mrs. Coonley, of Bristow.

TOWN OF BRISTOW.

This town was formerly called West Point. George Lash and H. A. Early entered the land on which the place now stands. The original town was platted by them, consisting of 10 acres on section 18 and ten acres on section 19. The situation is a pleasant one on the Dubuque and Dakota Railroad, and on the west line of West Point township. The first business building was erected here in 1860, by Julius Huffman. It was a frame log house, " in which, for about two years, he kept a small stock of goods, when he removed to Cedar Falls, and thence to Ackley, where he still remains.

The next party to embark in mercantile business at this point was James Butler, from Clarksville, who purchased a small dwelling house, converted it into a store, and opened a stock of goods in 1866. Like his predecessor, he remained but a short time, as in June, 1868, he sold out to. H. J. Playter, and returned to the place from whence he came, where he died in 1880. Mr. Playter carried on the business until 1871, when he went to Butler Center. He returned, however, the following season and resumed business. In the fall of 1874, he again removed and tried Aplington as a business point for a season; but 1875 found him again at the old place in Bris- -tow engaged in business with his son. They remained until 1877, when they closed out entirely. The son is still a resident of the town.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Henry J. Playter is station agent on the Dubuque and Dakota Railroad. He was born in England, in 1821. He has been a resident of Bristow since 1868. He went to Buffalo, New York, from Canada, in 1843, and removed to Dubuque in 1856. He was, for some time, in the service of the Union, during the war of the rebellion. He assisted in raising and organizing Com- pany H, of the Twelfth Volunteer Regi- ment, and commanded the company in the field for about two years. . On coming to Bristow he engaged in mercantile business, which he followed for several years. He has been station agent at Bristow since the railroad was completed. H. J. Playter, on the 1st of December, 1882, received an appointment as clerk in the war depart- ment, at Washington, where he now re- sides. His wife was born in the State of New York. They have three sons-Frank HI., John B., and Edward A.

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 86

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