USA > Iowa > Clay County > History of Clay County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1909 > Part 23
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There is another commendable and important factor in the composition of this organization, and that is it is equitable. Their motto is even-handed justice to all. No quibbling, but promptness in the payment of a just and honest debt. The farmers of Clay county should avail themselves of the easy terms of the company, and insure in it and thus keep their money at home.
The association is ably officered by strong, substantial and wealthy farmers, who are noted for probity and judgment. The following list of officers is for the year 1889: President, A. W. Green ; secretary, E. H. Crandall ; treasurer, Fred Lachner; directors, J. L. Eckley, J. C. Winset, R. J. Archer, James Goodwin, F. A. Hiser and A. J. Livingston.
The present officers are as follows : J. P. Mills, president ; J. H. Graham, vice president ; A. W. Green, secretary; W. H. Mincer, treasurer. Including the officers the board of directors consists of J. L. Lowe, J. B. Wilson, G. W. Moehller, C. L. Halthoues, and G. H. Schuneman.
The risks for this company for 1908 were $2,420,574. The average cost to the insured per $1,000 each year for the past five years was $1.98. Which is about the general average for the twenty years of existence.
The company completed its chartered life December 3, 1908, and was again reorganized with practically the same list of officers.
CLAY COUNTY ABSTRACT COMPANY.
The Clay County Abstract Company was organized in 1906 by J. W. Cory, W. S. Bemis, J. E. Steele, Harlan J. Buck, Fred Kirkpatrick, W. E. Barnhart and Guy H. Martin, all of whom, prior to the consolidation, owned sets of abstract books of the county. The gentlemen named, all members of the bar, entered into an agreement to turn all abstract records over to the company, at a certain price for each set, and it was agreed that the capitalization of the company should be $8,000. The firm of Buck & Kirkpatrick undertook to do the abstract business for the company, at a fixed percentage, and the balance of all fees to go into the company treasury. J. W. Cory was selected for president ; H. J. Buck, secretary ;
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J. M. Oliver, assistant secretary and stenographer ; J. H. McCord, treasurer. The official title of the concern is the Clay County Abstract Company.
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF SPENCER.
The First National Bank is regarded as one of the leading banking institu- tions of the northwest and has become a useful and important factor in promoting and fostering the interests of the community. That it has attained a degree of prominence and the confidence of the public is evidenced by the fact of its immense and increasing business. It began business August 23, 1888, and in its sworn report to the comptroller of the treasury July 12, 1889, showed that its deposits had reached $44,271.79, and its resources aggregated $122,275.90, a most creditable and healthful state of financial prominence and prosperity. Its first officers were the following: President, A. W. Miller ; vice president, T. P. Bender ; cashier, P. E. Randall ; directors, A. C. Perine, David Painter, E. C. Hughes, T. P. Bender and A. W. Miller. Its paid up capital was $50.000. When the First National consolidated with the Clay County Bank, its capital stock was increased to $100,000. The present officers are: President. Charles McAllister ; vice president, H. N. Smith ; cashier, C. P. Buckey. This bank has a surplus fund of $20,000 ; deposits of $280,000.
THE PEOPLE'S SAVINGS BANK OF SPENCER.
The People's Savings Bank was organized in 1891, and has a paid up capital of $25.000, although its authorized capital is $50,000. Its deposits amount to $230,000. The bank was organized by J. L. Nicodemus, Edward Nicodemus, Franklin Floete, W. L. Bender, S. S. Snow, J. W. Cory, W. S. Bemis, and S. E. Burley. Its first officers were: President, J. W. Cory; vice president, Edward Nicodemus ; cashier, S. S. Snow. Board of directors: Edward Nicodemus, Franklin Floete, W. L. Bender, S. S. Snow and J. W. Cory. Its present officers : H. N. Smith, president; J. L. Nicodemus, vice president ; Charles L. Howe, cashier.
M. E. GRIFFIN'S BANK OF SPENCER.
This bank was established in 1880, by M. E. Griffin and J. Q. Adams, both of whom were large land dealers. Some years ago Mr. Adams retired from the firm. Mr. Griffin does a general banking business. For an extended sketch of Mr. Griffin see another page of this work.
Connected with the Griffin bank is E. G. Morgan, who has been the general manager and right hand man of Mr. Griffin for the past twenty-six years. E. Taggart has been bookkeeper for some time.
THE CITIZENS' NATIONAL BANK OF SPENCER.
The Citizens' National Bank of Spencer is an offshoot of the Citizens' State Bank of Spencer. The State Bank was organized in March, 1897, and capitalized at $50,000.
The Citizens' National Bank was organized in September, 1903, and capital- ized at $50,000. Franklin Floete was the first president; Andrew R. Smith, vice president, and Ackley Hubbard, cashier. The present officers of the bank are as
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follows: Franklin Floete, president ; A. R. Smith, vice president ; J. H. McCord, cashier; P. J. Cilley, assistant cashier. The bank's deposits will reach $200,000.
THE CITIZENS' SAVINGS BANK OF SPENCER.
The above named bank was organized in 1900. Capitalized at $10,000 and deposits $75,000. The first president was Ackley Hubbard; vice president, W. L. Bender; cashier, Alice Hubbard. The present officers are : President, J. H. McCord ; vice president, W. L: Bender ; cashier, P. J. Cilley.
CLAY COUNTY BANK.
This was one of the first banks in the county, having been established in the spring of 1876 in Spencer. It had been so long and prominently identified with the county and had been so liberal in its dealings with its depositors and patrons that it was regarded as one of the solidest institutions in the northwest. It was noted for the helping hand it extended, not alone to the people but to the county, whose credit it was largely instrumental in maintaining, at a period when it was necessary that the county's warrants should be received and passed for one hundred cents on the dollar.
The bank was organized in 1876, with J. L. Nicodemus as president and A. W. Miller as cashier. A small frame building was erected on Main street, near the old courthouse building, where they transacted its business until 1882, when they moved in their handsome two-story, double brick building on the corner of Main and Fourth streets. Mr. Nicodemus, who was a heavy capitalist of Maryland, who had previous to opening the bank made a number of loans in the county, came west and after looking over the country decided to open a bank at Spencer. In company with A. W. Miller, who had been a resident of the county several years, he established the Clay County Bank. From a small beginning its growth was steady and substantial, until it was not only the oldest but the strongest financial banking institution in this section of Iowa. Its capital and surplus aggregated $175,000. The loans amounted to an immense sum and its exchange business was proportionately large. In 1901, it was consolidated with the First National Bank.
FOSTORIA BANK.
The Citizens' Savings Bank of Fostoria was organized in 1902. It is a private bank, and was organized by Ackley Hubbard and others. They have a capital of $10,000, and deposits of $77,500. Ackley Hubbard was its first president, but he was afterwards succeeded by Franklin Floete; A. R. Smith is the vice president and the cashier is George W. Anderson.
GREENVILLE BANK.
The bank at Greenville was established in 1901 by J. P. Farmer, F. H. Helsell and H. L. Farmer. These gentlemen are the present officers of the bank.
GILLETT'S GROVE SAVINGS BANK.
This bank was established in 1908. S. Ferguson is president ; Anton Bargloff, vice president, and Frank A. Lahr, cashier. They have a capital of $10,000.
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WEBB BANK.
The Citizens' Savings Bank of Webb was organized in 1902. The first officers were Ackley Hubbard, president; Franklin Floete, vice president; R. S. Davis, cashier. They have a capital of $10,000, deposits of $45,000. Ackley Hub- bard was succeeded by J. H. McCord as president.
ROYAL BANK.
The Citizens' Savings Bank of Royal was organized out of a private bank, owned by Ackley Hubbard and others, which was called the Citizens' Bank. The Citizens' Savings Bank was organized in 1902, with Ackley Hubbard, president ; William Flindt, vice president; O. B. Scott, cashier. Its capital is $10,000, and deposits $80,000. J. H. McCord succeeded Mr. Hubbard as president.
BANK OF DICKENS.
The Exchange Bank of Dickens was organized January, 1892, by F. M. Tuttle and P. E. Randall. It is a private concern. The present officers are Charles McAllister, president : A. C. Perine, vice president : E. P. Flint, cashier ; C. H. Walsh, assistant cashier.
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BIOGRAPHICAL
LIBGAP
ASTOR. LENOX ILDEN FOUNDATIONS
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR. LENOX TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
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Sehrweallister
BIOGRAPHICAL
CHARLES MCALLISTER, M. D.
The name of Dr. Charles McAllister has come to be regarded as synonymous with business development and progress in Clay county, for he is not only a most able and successful physician and surgeon, but is also president of the First National Bank of Spencer, president of the Exchange Bank at Dickens and presi- dent of the Everly Bank. He thus figures prominently in financial circles and throughout his entire life has directed his efforts where mature judgment and sound discrimination have led the way. Among those who have achieved promi- nence as men of marked ability and substantial worth in this section of the state Dr. McAllister occupies a prominent position.
A native of New England, he was born at South Lee, Massachusetts, on the Ist of February, 1840, and is of Scotch lineage. His grandfather, Alexander McAllister, was born in the land of hills and heather, of crag and plain, of lowland heath and highland. He was of the Presbyterian faith and both he and his wife lived to a ripe old age, the latter being more than ninety years when called to her final rest. Their children were Daniel, Archibald, Alexander, Charles, Mary and John McAllister.
The last named became the father of Dr. McAllister. He was born in Columbia, New York, and gave his attention to general farming in South Lee, Berkshire county, Massachusetts. He wedded Cynthia Heath, a daughter of George Heath and a representative of one of the old Puritan families of the Bay state. Her father was a native of Massachusetts and was a farmer by occupa- tion. He died at the age of sixty-five years, while his wife passed away when about seventy years of age. Their family numbered one son and eleven daughters. The home of Mr. and Mrs. John McAllister was blessed with three sons and one daughter: George, deceased, who was a surgeon of the Civil war; Mary, who died when about sixteen years of age: Charles, of this review; and Henry, deceased. The parents have also passed away, the father's death occurring. in 1874 when he was seventy-four years of age, while his wife died in 1875 at the age of seventy-four. The former was of the Scotch Presbyterian faith, while the mother was a member of the Methodist church.
CLAY 13.
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Dr. Charles McAllister, now the only living representative of the family, was reared upon the home farm in Massachusetts and supplemented his prelimi- nary education by a course in Williams College, which he completed as a member of the class of 1863. He had engaged in teaching for two winter seasons prior to that time and after finishing his literary course he took up the study of medicine and was graduated from the Berkshire Medical College in 1865. He then located for practice in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where he was accorded an enviable patronage. In 1870 and 1871 he resided at Dixon, Illinois, after which he traveled through the northwest and in 1872 took up his abode in Spencer, where he has since remained as an active representative of the profession. He did not regard his professional education completed when he finished his course in medical college but has always remained a student of the principles of the medical science and through his perusal of the latest medical literature has kept in touch with what the world is doing in the line of his profession. He is quick to adopt any new idea or method which he believes will have real value, in professional service and yet he does not hastily discard old and time-tried methods of practice, the worth of which has been proven in years of experience. He is very careful in the diagnosis of his cases and his ability is demonstrated in a large practice. His brethren of the medical fraternity have accorded him prominence in electing him for several terms to the office of president of the Clay County Medical Society. He is also a member of the Upper Des Moines Medical Association, the State Medical Association, the American Medical Asso- ciation and the Association of American Railway Surgeons. At the present writing he is president of the pension board of examiners and he has been sur- geon for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad for thirty years.
Aside from his professional interests Dr. McAllister has figured prominently in the public life of Spencer and Clay county. He is the owner of a valuable farm of six hundred and forty acres in Riverton township and has other desirable real estate. In 1887 he built the McAllister block in Spencer and has always taken an active interest in encouraging the development of various business indus- tries and the general improvement of Spencer. Since 1897 he has been president of the First National Bank and has gained a notable place in banking circles in this part of the state, being also president of the Exchange Bank at Dickens and of the Everly Bank. His knowledge of the banking business is comprehensive and exact and to the solution of difficult financial problems he has brought keen discernment and penetrating sagacity.
On the Ist of January, 1869, Dr. McAllister was married to Miss Laura McAllister, the adopted daughter of his uncle, Charles McAllister. Three sons were born unto them: Charles, who died in 1878 at the age of two years ; Charles, the second of the name, who passed away at the age of fifteen years ; and Alexander, who is a graduate of Williams College of the class of 1906 and is now living in Los Angeles, California. The wife and mother passed away in April, 1892, at the age of forty years. She was a member of the Congregational church and her many excellent traits of character endeared her to those with whom she came in contact. On the 28th of December, 1898, Dr. McAllister was married to Miss Fannie E. Spencer, a graduate of Grinnell College and a daugh-
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ter of J. A. Spencer, of Alden, Iowa. Both Dr. and Mrs. McAllister hold mem- bership in the Congregational church and are greatly interested in its work and the extension of its influence. He is now serving as church trustee and has been chairman of the board for many years.
In fraternal lines Dr. McAllister is connected with Evening Shade Lodge, No. 312, A. F. & A. M., Clay Chapter, R. A. M., Esdraelon Commandery, K. T., and the Mystic Shrine. His name is also on the membership rolls of the Spencer lodge of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Encampment and Estherville Lodge, No. 528, B. P. O. E. Recognized as one of the leaders in republican cir- cles, he has ever given stalwart allegiance to the principles in which he believes and represented his district in the seventeenth general assembly in 1877-8. His is a well rounded character, not so abnormally developed in any direction as to become a genius and yet with that strength of purpose and ability that has enabled him to accomplish what he has undertaken. Broad-minded and liberal in his views, he has wrought along the lines of the greatest good to the greatest number and Clay county has profited by his efforts in various fields of endeavor. His unbending integrity of character, his fearlessness in the discharge of duty in every relation in which he has been found and his appreciation of the responsibili- ties that have rested upon him have made him a citizen whose worth is widely acknowledged.
ARCHIE HILLIARD.
The home of Archie Hilliard is just outside the city limits of Spencer in Section I, Riverton township, and the opportunities and advantages of the city are therefore easily obtainable while the comforts of country life are also to be enjoyed. The life of Mr. Hilliard has been a most busy and useful one and various commercial interests have been promoted and successfully conducted by him. He is now extensively engaged in the manufacture of tile, brick and cement blocks, his factory being near Spencer. He is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred in Webster City. July 17. 1863. His father, Ira Hilliard, was a native of New Hampshire. born at Colebrook, where he remained until twenty-five years of age. He then removed to Pennsylvania and in the meantime had become familiar with the business of manufacturing brick. At Wilkesbarre Pennsylvania. he was married to Emily Carr, a native of that city. While resid- ing in Pennsylvania he engaged in the manufacture of brick, but believing that still better opportunities might be enjoyed in the new but rapidly growing west, he made his way to Iowa and became one of the pioneer residents of Webster City. There he established a brick yard and engaged in the manufacture of brick for a quarter of a century. He was very successful in his undertaking, for he placed before the public a very marketable commodity, the excellence of his out- put and his fair dealing securing to him an extensive and lucrative patronage. In 1882 he removed to Clay county and established a brick yard here. He also carried on business in this county for twenty-five years and made brick for all the public buildings and for many of the private residences of Spencer and this
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part of the state. His enterprise and business activity constituted forces in the commercial development here of different locations in which he lived, while his energy and industry brought to him merited success. He died here in 1906 and is still survived by his wife. While in Webster City he owned and operated a machine shop and also invested extensively in land near that place. In Clay county he owned two hundred and forty acres and upon his farm erected a good brick residence and substantial outbuildings.
Archie Hilliard, whose name introduces this review, was reared in Iowa and pursued his education in the schools of Webster City, passing through con- secutive grades until he became a high school student. After completing his studies he joined his father in Clay county, and for two years was his assistant in the operation of the brick yard. Later he went to South Dakota and estab- lished a brick yard at Mitchell, where he carried on a successful business for four years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Iowa and was here mar- ried, in 1887, to Miss Lelia S. J. Horner, a native of Oswego county, New York, where her girlhood was largely passed. The young couple began their domestic life at Mitchell, South Dakota, where they remained until about 1889, after which Mr. Hilliard disposed of his place there and removed his machinery to Spencer. Here he joined his father as a partner but assumed the entire management of the business, which he carefully conducted. For a number of years he was here en- gaged in brick-making and in 1894 removed to Michigan, where he pursued a course in a school for training nurses at Battle Creek. For about two years he followed the profession and was then obliged to give it up on account of ill health. At that time he removed to Toledo, Ohio, where he established a bakery business which he conducted for two or three years, and then sold out and returned to Battle Creek, Michigan, where he engaged in the manufacture of cercal coffee. He devoted three years to that business, at the end of which time he disposed of his interest in Michigan and again came to Spencer in 1900. Here he bought out his father's business and for about three or four years engaged in the manti- facture of brick. He then extended the scope of his undertaking by beginning the manufacture of tile. He has been manufacturing and shipping on an average of from two to three carloads of tile per day. He has erected a large four-story brick building for the conduct of the business, has four large kilns and his fac- tory is thoroughly modern and up-to-date in every particular. He has installed the latest improved machinery and in addition to the manufacture of brick and tile his output also includes building blocks. His industrial interests are of an important nature and constitute one of the chief features among the productive industries of Spencer. Mr. Hilliard also conducts farming interests, owning and operating eighty acres of rich and productive land that constitute one of the well improved farms of the neighborhood. It is situated on section 1, Riverton township, and upon the farm are found all modern accessories while the home is a commodious and attractive brick residence.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hilliard have ben born eight children: William I. and Harry E., who are students in Union College, at College View, Nebraska : Isa- belle, who is a student in a private school in Spencer ; Blanche ; Edith ; Calleen : Leona; and Corliss. The parents are members of the Seventh Day Adventist church of Spencer. Mr. Hilliard is acting on the official board and both he and
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his wife take a helpful interest in the church and sabbath school work, he having served for several years as sabbath school superintendent. His political alle- giance is given to the republican party. He is active in advancing the interests of the county along many lines of development and upbuilding, gives his hearty cooperation to many movements for the good of Spencer and is now at the head of one of its leading productive industries, while his enterprise, indefatigable energy and business probity are the salient features of his career.
ALBERT GRUCHOW.
When pioneers make their way into a new and hitherto undeveloped region, necessarily the first step which they take is the development of farms, for the production of those crops which are useful as foods. Gradually, as the country becomes more thickly settled, so that markets supply almost everything. demanded by the people, the farmer's work becomes somewhat more diversified and today those who are occupying homes on the best farms of Clay county are busily, extensively and successfully engaged in raising stock. It is to this work that Albert Gruchow gives much of his attention, being well known as a dealer in Aberdeen Angus cattle. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land. adjoining the corporation limits of Spencer, and this constitutes a neat and well- improved farm, upon which he has resided since 1881. Germany numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred on the 15th of August, 1864. When a little lad of five summers he was brought by his parents to the new world, the family home being established in La Salle county, Illinois. His father, John Gruchow, was also a native of Germany, where he was reared and educated. In that country he married Hannah Westfall, who was likewise born in the fatherland, and they became parents of four children ere they came to the United States. On reaching La Salle county, Illinois, the father secured a farm, which he cultivated and improved for twenty-two years. In 1881 he removed from that state to Iowa and purchased land in Riverton township, becom- ing the owner of two hundred acres, on which he resided until his death in 1903. His wife still survives him and is a resident of Clay county. Their family num- bered nine children, five sons and four daughters, all of whom have reached mature years and married with the exception of the two youngest. The others are all residents of this county.
Albert Gruchow was reared in La Salle county, Illinois, upon the old home farm and, after attaining his majority, started out in life on his own account, choosing as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared. The year 1881 witnessed his arrival in Iowa and, selecting Clay county as the place of his residence, he here engaged in farming, on a tract of rented land. For some years he continued to rent the place and then purchased it and it remains his present place of residence. He has since erected a new dwelling. has built two barns and has also erected very substantial outbuildings, while a grove of forest trees and an orchard of fruit trees have been set out by him, adding to the value and at- tractive appearance of the place. He employs the most modern methods in car-
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