History of Cass County, Iowa; together with sketches of its towns, villages, and townships; educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of old settlers and representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races, and a brief review of its civil, political, and military history, Part 66

Author: Continental Historical Company, Springfield, Ill
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 918

USA > Iowa > Cass County > History of Cass County, Iowa; together with sketches of its towns, villages, and townships; educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of old settlers and representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races, and a brief review of its civil, political, and military history > Part 66

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also learned the carpenter's trade, of his father, and followed the same for three years. In 1877 be went to Chicago, where he was employed for a few months, in the freight office of the railroad company above mentioned. He then went to Shelby, Iowa. Here he was station agent in the employ of the same company, two years, after which he came to Lewis, where he is at present agent and telegraph operator. Mr. Phillips was married in Lewis, December 4, 1883, to Jessie Myers. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have one child- Rassy B. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. During his residence here, Mr. Phillips has, by his strict attention to business and polite and gentlemanly treat- ment of the public generally, gained many warm friends.

The grading for the Kansas City, Atlantic and Northern railroad, was finished in 1883, from a point three miles below Lewis to Atlantic, and runs parallel with the At- lantic Southern, or C. R. I. and P. branch.

PRESENT BUSINESS INTERESTS.

Lewis has a flourishing trade, and num- bers among its merchants some of the largest dealers, and most enterprising business men in Cass county, and who have, many of them, helped to make the town what it is, one of the trade centers of this section of the country. The fol- lowing account of the different mercan- tile houses will not be without interest to the general reader, while to the trades- man and business man, it will be an in- valuable guide, in many ways:

In 1864, the firm of S. M. Childs and Company, commenced the dry goods trade in the east end of town. In 1867, L. O. Reinig bought the interest of Mr. Chapel,

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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.

the "Company" of the firm, and the busi- ness was conducted by Messrs. Reinig and Childs, until 1879. In the meantime, in the winter of 1868-69, the firm estab- lished a store in Atlantic, just after the railroad had been built into that place. In 1879 the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Reinig taking the Lewis store, and Mr. Childs the Atlantic business. From that time until 1881, Mr. Reinig conducted the business alone, when he took in Messrs. R. C. Kennedy and W. J. Wood- ward, as partners. Since that time the style of the firm has been L. O. Reinig and Company. They handle a general stock of merchandise, including dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, etc. The firm is known as one of the largest in their line of business, in the county, and their store is a credit to Lewis. Their trade extends far into adjoining town- ships, and into Pottawattamie county. Their goods fill up a building twenty- four by eiglity feet in dimensions, and two stories in height. The upper floor is used principally for a carpet show and sales- room.

L O. Reinig is a son of John M. and Johanna Reinig, and was born in the Rhine province, Germany, November 5, 1841. In 1850 he emigrated with his par- ents to America, locating in New York city. Two years later they removed to Attica, Wyoming county, New York, where the subject of this sketch was par- tially educated. In 1855 they moved to Lancaster, Fairfield county, Ohio; there he completed his education, and in 1857, came to lowa with his brother, who had been in business in Ohio. They located at Des Moines. In the spring of 1862,

L. O. Reinig went south, was connected with the army until 1865; then went to New York city, where he was offered a position as salesman in a wholesale house, remaining there until the fall of 1867, at which date he came to Cass county,and located at Lewis,engaging in the dry goods trade. His parents died in Des Moines, his father in December, 1879, and at the age of eighty-two years; his mother in February, 1882, aged seventy-nine years. L. O. Reinig was married in Lewis, November 8, 1869, to Laura J. Wood- ward, a daughter of one of the early set- tlers of this county. They have two chil- dren living-Frederick Woodward and Hugh Marshall. They lost one child in infancy. Mr. Reinig owns real estate in Lewis, a farm in Bear Grove township, and land in Sioux county. He was the second mayor of Lewis, succeeding Mr. Stuart, who was the first. He is a mem- ber of the Masonic order, and has held the offices of president, director and sec- retary of the school board. He is one of the prominent business men of Lewis, and a highly respected citizen.

R. C. Kennedy was born in Washing- ton county, Pennsylvania, May 19, 1849, and is a son of William and Rachael (Carson) Kennedy, the former of whom was born in the same county, and the latter, in Lancaster county of the same State. William Kennedy died in 1881. His widow is still living in Washington county. R. C. Kennedy was educated in his native county, where he lived upon a farm until he came to Iowa and settled at Lewis, Cass county, in 1869. He engaged with Childs & Reinig, with whom he con- tinued till 1880, since which he has been

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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.

a partner of L. O. Reinig, in general mer- chandising. Mr. Kennedy was married in June, 1882, to Carrie Gardner, a native of Illinois, and daughter of Will- iam A. and Lucretia Gardner. He be- longs to the I. O. O. F., and is one of Lewis' most enterprising and popular business men.

W. J. Woodward, of the firm of L. O. Reinig & Co., is a son of Jehu and Jane (Marshall) Woodward, pioneers of Cass county, who came here in 1856, and settled on a farm near Lewis. W. J. Wood- ward was born, January 18, 1844, in Trumbull county, Ohio. He came here with his parents in 1856, remaining with them on the farm until 1870, excepting one year in the army. He then engaged in the grocery business in Lewis, which he continued till 1876. In September, 1880, he purchased an interest in the bus- iness of the firm above mentioned, since which time he has been engaged in mer- cantile trade. Mr. Woodward was united in marriage, July 15, 1871, with B. J. Strong, a native of Oneida, Madison county, New York. They have two children-Theodore W. and Adolph S. Mr. Woodward is a member of the I, O. O. F.

C. W. Baker commenced the general merchandise business in 1869, at the east end of town, and removed to the east side of the new square in 1880. He handles clothing, gents' furnishing goods, boots and shoes, jewelry, etc. C. W. Baker was born in Maine, in 1823. He came to Iowa in 1853, and to Cass county early in 1858, locating in Lewis. In February, 1858, he made the first set of harness ever made in Cass county, for

Dr. Carey. He was married in Lewis, January 1, 1862, to Sarah Allen. They have two children. He is a member of the Masonic Order.

The business now carried on by Per- kins & Wherry was established by Alex- ander Mckinney. In February, 1881, D. M. Perkins bought a half interest, and March 10, 1882, the other half. On May 28, 1882, J. P. Wherry purchased a half interest in the business, and no changes have been made in the proprie- ship since that time. They handle a general stock, including dry goods, gro- ceries, boots and shoes, crockery, flour and feed. Their building is 20x70 feet.

McEndree and Son are also engaged in the mercantile trade in Lewis, handling a stock of dry goods and clothing.

The first hardware sold in Lewis was by Joseph C. Yetzer. He conducted that business in connection with his general trade.

S. F. Martin kept the first exclusive hardware store in Lewis.

The largest hardware and stove store in Lewis, and one which would do credit to a place of much greater pretensions, is that of Kennedy Bros. This firm is composed of W. A. Kennedy and D. C. Kennedy, both well known in every en- terprise having for its object the advance- ment of the interests of their town and county. The business was started by C. C. Reynolds in the old east end of town, in 1871, and when the railroad was built into Lewis, he erected the building now occupied by the firm, and removed his stock to it. In September, 1880, the pre- sent proprietors purchased the stock and building. The latter is 46x75 feet in di-

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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.

mensions, and two stories in height. It is well stocked with a thoroughly com- plete line of light and heavy hardware, of every kind, stoves, tinware, lanterns, buckets, tubs, etc. Their specialty in stoves is the Riverside, both heating and cooking. The firm also lias a building in the rear of their store, for the storage and sale of agricultural implements. This building is 22x50 feet in size, and con- tains all the latest and best improvements in farm machinery.

William A. Kennedy was born in Wash- ington county, Pennsylvania, December 4, 1842, his parents being William and Rachel (Carson) Kennedy. He was reared and educated in his native State, and on the 25th of March, 1869, was mar- ried to Maria Case, from Lee county, Iowa. They have two children-W. Homer and M. Ethelwyn. A daughter, Bessie, died when two years old. Mr. Kennedy en- listed in the army raised for the preserva- tion of the Union during the "great Amer- ican conflict," in May, 1861, in the Twelfth Pennsylvania Infantry. September 3, 1861, he re-enlisted in company K, First Penn- sylvania Cavalry, and by Governor Curtin was commissioned first lieutenant. They were assigned duty in the army of the Potomac, and he was under Pleasanton and Sherman, also with the Cavalry Corps under Sheridan when they almost reached the gates of Richmond. He was wounded just before the battle of Cold Ilarbor. by a gun shot wound through the head, just between two arteries, which was a narrow escape from almost instant death. Not- withstanding this disability he was able to rejoin his command, and was honorably discharged in September, 1864, at Phila-

delphia. Ile is a member of the I. O. O. F., having passed through the chairs of that organization, and is now secretary of the Legion of Honor. He is also a mem- ber of the G. A. R., and has been quarter- master of the post, ever since its organiza- tion. He came to this county with his brother, D. C., in October, 1865, settled in Cass township, and was engaged in farming until entering into business in the village of Lewis.

W. A. Gardner is one of the hardware dealers of Lewis. The business was start- ed by Steele and Hamlin, on the east side of the square, in August, 1880. After three months there, they removed to the present location on Main street. They had been in that place some three months when Mr. Steele purchased Mr. Hamlin's interest, and in a short time sold it to W. A. Gardner. The latter became sole owner by purchase, June 23, 1884. He handles light and heavy hardware, stoves, tin ware, etc. The building is 20x70 feet in size, and two stories high. He has an imple- ment store, 25x60 feet. W. A. Gardner was born in Middlesex county, Massachu- setts, in 1830. He grew up to manhood there, and in 1875 removed to Illinois. During the same year he removed to Grinnell, Iowa, and was in the hardware business three years in that place, then followed farming until he came to Lewis. He was married in 1857 to Selena Andos. They have two children-Carrie (Ken- nedy), and Edwin. Their child William, died in 1860, aged seven months. Mr. Gardner is a member of the Masonic or- der.

Dr. M. J. Davis commenced the drug business in 1867, in partnership with James

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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.

Morris. This partnership lasted six months when Dr. Davis bought the interest of Morris. He then carried on the business until July 1, 1869, when Dr. Findley, now of Atlantic, purchased an interest. This partnership continued some eighteen months, when Dr. Findley sold out to W. W. Walton, in the spring of 1871. In the summer of 1876 Dr. Davis purchased the interest of Mr. Walton, and since then has been sole proprietor. HIis building measures 20x50 feet. He handles a fine line of drugs of all kinds, druggist's sun- dries and fancy articles, paints, oils, lamps, wall paper, cigars, school books, etc. He is known as one of the public spirited men of Lewis.

Dr. E. B. Downs commenced the drug business in Lewis in July, 1880, at his present location, on Main street. At that time he erected the building, at present occupied by him, which is 22x40 feet in dimensions. He handles a general line of drugs, and some school books, and at- tends in person to prescriptions. Dr. Downs was born in Berkeley county., Virginia, in 1827, and is a son of Charles and Anna Downs. Ile received his pre- liminary education in Virginia and Mary- land. He attended three terms at Dick- inson college, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and then engaged in the mercantile business in Virginia. In 1861 he studied medicine with Dr. Fiser, near Toledo, Ohio, and in 1862 he attended medical lectures at Cin- cinnati Medical college. He has practiced in several counties in Iowa, and also in Missouri, but since coming to Lewis has devoted his attention to the drug business. He was married in 1868 to Jennie Okell. They have four children.

HI. A. Gifford runs the only furniture and undertaking establishment in Lewis. The business was commenced by C. F. Hamlin, in March, 1880, and Mr. Gifford bought the business in March, 1883, and las continned the same since that time. He handles furniture of all kinds, parlor, kitchen, etc .; also wall paper, curtains and picture frames. A. II. Gifford carries on the sewing machine and organ business in the same building.

S. R. Barhite commenced business in the east end of town in 1879, and in 1881 removed the building and contents to its present location, near the west end. The stock consists of groceries, queensware, glassware, etc. The building is twenty by thirty feet in dimensions.

Jones & Shindley is the style of a firm which does a considerable portion of the meat business in Lewis. The business was established by Horace Baker. He sold to W. A. Terry, Sr., who continued the trade till 1880, and then disposed of it to W. A. Terry, Jr., and C. B. Halsey, who conducted the business one year un- der the name of Terry & Halsey; then Mr. Halsey purchased Mr. Terry's inter- est, and ran the shop for one year. In the winter of 1882, A. II. Chase took the building, which had just been vacated," and put in a stock of groceries. In the spring he closed out the business, and the place remained vacant till April 9, 1884, when Lowe and Jones commenced the meat business in it. In September, 1884, M. E. Shindley bought Mr. Lowe's inter- est, making the firm Jones and Shindley. Mr. Jones has also been engaged for years in the machinery business, and still han-

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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.

dles the Enterprise wind mill, pumps, pipe and fittings.

J. R. Jones, Jr., is a native of Utica, New York, and a son of J. R. and Aman- this E. (Newell) Jones. J. R. Jones, Sr., is a native of Westchester county, New York. Mrs. Amanthis E. Jones was born in Utica, where she died in 1853, at the age of forty-one years. When the subject of this sketch was fourteen years of age his parents removed to Iowa county, Wiscon- sin, where he resided sixteen years, en- gaged principally in farming. IIe came from that county, to Cass county, Iowa, in the summer of 1878, and in the follow- ing fall his father also came. They lo- cated in Lewis, where they have since re- sided. Mr. Jones was married in Iowa county, Wisconsin, October 25, 1869, to Elizabeth B. Bainbridge, a native of that State. Her father, William Bain- bridge, was one of the earliest settlers in Dubugne, and is now a resident of Iowa county, Wisconsin, where he operates a grist mill. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have four children living-Mary B, John R., Julia E., and Louisa A. One daughter, Carrie A., died April 30, 1883, at the age of twelve years.

The meat market of M. W. Sumers is located on Main street, and furnishes the best of fresh meats to the inhabitants of Lewis and vicinity. The building is 18x48 feet in dimensions, and well ap- pointed. The business was commenced in the spring of 1884.

In October, 1879, the grain and stock firm of Myers, Harris & Robberts com- menced business in Lewis, and built an elevator, in the following summer. In August, 1881, Mr. Myers withdrew from

the partnership, and the firm remained IIarris & Robberts until 1883, when Mr. Robberts retired, and since that time W. J. Harris has conducted the business alone. His elevator is 28x42 feet, and twenty-six feet in height, with an annex 24x32 feet in dimensions. Its full capac- ity is 16,000 bushels. Mr. Harris also has corn cribs which will hold 50,000 bushels. He ships mostly to Chicago.

C. E. Myers, was born in St. Law- rence county, New York, on the 21st of February, 1846, and is the son of Benja- min and Jennie Myers. His mother died in New York, while his father is still liv- ing with him. Charles E. was reared in New York, and there remained until six- teen years of age, when he went into the army. IIe enlisted in company D., One Ilundred and Sixth New York Infantry, and was assigned with his regiment to the Sixth Corps. He participated in the engagements of Cold Harbor, in the whole fight at the Wilderness, at Win- chester, Cedar Creek, Stilor's Run, Pe- tersburg, Manor Junction, fall of Rich- mond and at Lee's surrender. IIe was discharged on the 3d of July, 1865, in New York. He remained in that State until 1860, when he came to Grinnell, Iowa, and was there engaged in the grain busi- ness nearly ten years. He then came to Lewis and has since been engaged in his present business. Mr. Myers was married in 1868, to Miss Merilla Shirland, a native of New York. They have two children- Wilber and Orson. Mr. M. is a promi- nent member of the Masonic order of Lewis and Atlantic.

The lumber and coal office of I. W. Baker is located on Main street, not far

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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.

from the depot. IIc commenced the bus- iness in January, 1881. IIe carries about $6,000 worth of stock in his yards. IIis trade is principally from the southeast, and extends several miles from Lewis.

J. W. Baker was born in Jersey county, Illinois, February 22. 1843, his parents being Ira and Sarah Baker. The family, when J. W. was about seven years old, removed to Chicago and there remained one year, then returned to Lee county, Illinois. The most of the life of the sub- ject of this sketch was spent in the coun- try, and he received a limited education in the common schools of the "Sucker State." He is a person of natural busi- ness tact, and in 1868 went to La Salle county and engaged in mercantile trade, handling groceries, dry goods, etc. In 1877 he returned to Lee county and there remained until coming to Iowa in Jan- uary, 1881. IIe was married in La Salle county in November, 1878, to Anna E. McDonell, a native of Pennsylvania. They have three children -Charles E., Bertha A. and Willie O. Mr. Baker is a member of the Baptist church at Lewis, and a man who has the respect of the community in which he lives.

E. J. Porter, blacksmith, came to Lewis in March, 1881, and went to work for John H. Winn. In February, 1884, Mr. Porter took possession of the shop. He does blacksmithing and horseshoeing. The shop is 22x36 feet in dimensions.

E. C. Newcomb opened a photograph gallery in Lewis in May, 1881, and sold it March, 1883, to George Adams, who converted it into a portable gallery. When Mr. Newcomb started it, he had the first stationary gallery ever in Lewis.

T. Worthington, proprietor of the lead- ing bakery and restaurant of Lewis, opened business here in June, 1881, at his present stand. IIe keeps on hand a fine and complete line of canned goods, con- fectionery, cigars, tobacco and everything usually found in a first-class establish- ment of that kind. He was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, September 14, 1830, and is a son of Seth and Cynthia (Good) Worthington, both of whom were natives of Germany. They are now deceased. Mr. Worthington lived in Pennsylvania till nineteen years of age, then moved to Ohio and engaged in a brewery in Col- umbus. He remained there one and a half years, then went to Keokuk, Iowa, and there engaged in a carriage making establishment, having learned that trade in Philadelphia. From Keokuk he went to Grinnell in the same State, where he was in the livery business for a number of years, after which he opened a carriage shop which business he carried on until the date of his coming to Cass county. IIe owns his store building and is doing a prosperous business. Ile was married in Warren, Lee county, Iowa, in October, 1854, to Sarah C. Ilarris. They have four children -- Mary A., Susan F., Carrie B. and Nellie M. Mr. Worthington is a member of the board of trustees of Lewis, also belongs to the I. O. O. F., the A. O. U. W. and the I. L. II.

E. C. Newcomb commenced the res- taurant business August 8, 1883. His building is 18x40 feet in dimensions. He also does gold, silver and nickel plating.

Mrs. H. Langdon, milliner, commenced business in the east end of town in 1876, and removed to her present location in

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IIISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.

the west end, when the railroad was built in. Iler place of business is 15x20 feet in dimensions. The stock carried by this lady is quite complete.

Mrs. Royal is, also, a representative of the millinery business of Lewis.

Misses Campbell and Worthington, dressmakers, occupy a commodious build- ing near Main street, and are kept busy in the making of attractive costumes for the ladies of Lewis and vicinity.

S. A. Keil is the shoemaker of Lewis. He came in 1883 from Iowa county. Ile makes boots to order, and also keeps a ready-made stock.

Iliram J. Graham was born in Mont- gomery county; New York, in 1822, and is the son of IIiram Graham. IIe was reared in that county, and in 1843 went to Ful- ton county, Illinois. IIe was in the mer- cantile business. In August, 1855, he came to Lewis, and located land in this and adjoining counties. He went to Col- orado in 1859, and returned to Lewis in 1868. He was married in 1853 to Ellen Dean, in New York. They have five children. Mr. Graham is a farmer and surveyor.

A. A. Case was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, January 10, 1812, his parents being A. and Cynthia (Chapel) Case. He was reared in that county, and was mar- ried there in 1837 to Maria A. Tuttle. In 1839 he removed to Portage county, Ohio, where their first child, Persis M., was born. In 1840 he removed to Lee county, Iowa; in 1857 he came out and located land in Cass and Pottawattamie counties, and went back and brought out his fam- ily, locating at Iranistan in 1858. Since coming to Iowa seven children have been

horn to them-II. M., Henry L., Harlan P., Howard, Maria J., Alice and Mary A. The two latter have since died. From 1872 to 1878 the family resided at Atlan- tio, since which time they have lived in Lewis.

BANK OF LEWIS.

L. O. Reinig established this bank, which was the first in the town, in 1879, immediately after he dissolved partner- ship with Mr. Childs. It is a private bank, and does a regular commercial busi- ness. He buys and sells exchange on Europe, as well as on American banks. Many people of the contiguous territory in Pottawattamie and Montgomery coun- ties transact their monetary business at this bank. The size of the building is 20x40 feet, two stories in height.

HOTELS.

The construction of the first hotel in Lewis was commenced in the spring of 1854, and the building was finished and occupied the same fall. S. K. Myers was the pioneer landlord. His house had no name, but was well known, at it was made the stage station. Myers kept the hotel. two years, when Charles Baldwin pur- chased it. He gave it the name of the Henderson House, in honor of one of Lewis' prominent merchants. Mr. Bald- win kept it some years, and T. K. Chapel took charge. In 1866, Peter Hedges bought it, and presided as landlord for about two years. B. Parker Lewis was the last host of the Henderson House, for it burned down while occupied by him and his.

S. K. Myers, the pioneer hotel-keeper of Lewis, came from Wisconsin in the fall of 1854. He had a wife and child.

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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.

His child Lewis was the first born in Lewis, and was so-called in honor of the town. Mr. Myers was well liked by the towns-people, and kept fair accommoda- tions for travelers at this hotel. He re- mained until 1856, when he went to Au- dubon county, where he was living at last accounts. Ile was tax-collector the last year he lived in Lewis.

The old Union House was built in 1859, by Charles Baldwin. Its first landlord was David Johnson, who did not keep it a great while. Joseph Everly was the next in that capacity, and while he was there, Jeremiah Bradshaw kept a picture gallery in the building. The house changed hands very rapidly after this, until March, 1863, when G. I. Chizum took charge, and ran it one year; Frank Whitney had it the next year; then S. Shields took charge, and continued the business till 1866, when it was destroyed by fire.

The Commercial House is located near the center of business, and is patronized largely by the traveling community. It was erected by J. W. Fuson, in 1880, just after the railroad was built into Lewis. Mr. Fuson conducted the business abont two years. The next landlord was Wil- liam Sturtzel, who presided as host until March, 1884. At that time the present proprietor, M. W. Sumers, took control, and also purchased the building and grounds from the owners, Barton and Lahman. Since then improvements have been made in its appointments, and the traveler can now feel at home at the Com- mercial. It has twenty-four rooms, with spacious dining room aud complete culin- ary department.

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Author: Continental Historical Company, Springfield, Ill Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co. Number of Pages: 918

Author: Continental Historical Company, Springfield, Ill
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 918