History of Franklin and Cerro Gordo counties, Iowa and biographies of representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races, Part 44

Author: Union Publishing Company (Springfield, Ill.) pbl
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 990

USA > Iowa > Cerro Gordo County > History of Franklin and Cerro Gordo counties, Iowa and biographies of representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races > Part 44
USA > Iowa > Franklin County > History of Franklin and Cerro Gordo counties, Iowa and biographies of representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races > Part 44

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 painter was W. D. F. Ran" dolph, who did the most of the work in this line for many years. There were many others from time to time, among whom were E. J Stonebraker, L. S. Cut- ler and W. N Davidson. In 1883 the trade was represented by E. J. Stone- braker, A. C. Boals, C. B. Savage, Engene Dean, J. S. Trowbridge and J. M. Ross.

A. J. Cannam, Ike White, I. Justus and J. Bates, were among the pioneer carpen- ters of Hampton. The principal ones working at this trade in 1883 were: M. A. Ives, Roberts & Kiefer, C. W. Boutin & Brother, J. W. Johnson, C. H. Peterson, E. A. Norton, G. HI. Wilcox and A. A. Gillett.

Major C. W. Boutin came to Franklin county in March, 1869, locating at Hamp- ton, where he has since operated as a con- tractor and builder. He was born in Chester, Windsor Co., Vt., Nov. 8, 1839. He is a son of Joachim and Martha ( War ner ) Boutin. At eighteen, he decided on his vocation in life and worked as a carpenter until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he enlisted in company C, Ist Vermont Volunteers, in the first three months requisition. At the expira- tion of his term of service he re-enlisted in company K, 4th Vermont Infantry, was elected first lieutenant, then pro- moted to captain, and finally commis- sioned as major, June 4, 1865. In August, 1865, he was honorably discharged, and soon went to Chicago, from there to Lake Co., Ill., and finally moved to Hampton from Webster City. He was married to Julina French, in March, 1864.

W A. Roberts, carpenter, has been a resident of Hampton since 1873. He was

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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.

a native of Wales. His parents, J. W. and Catherine ( Humphrey ) Roberts, emi- grated to Watertown, Wis., in 1848. Their family consisted of two children. The mother died soon after removing to Wisconsin. W. A. Roberts attended school until fourteen years of age, when he worked on the farm one year, then enlisted and remained in the war until its close, after which he learned the carpen- ter trade in Milwaukee, which he has since followed. In 1872, he married a daughter of Charles and Mary Ann Mc- Coy, of Wisconsin. He moved to Mason City in 1868, where he remained three years, then removed to Kansas, but being unsuccessful he came again to Iowa, locat- ing in his present home, where, by energy and perseverance, he has secured a farm of 160 acres under good improvement, a home residence with two lots, also a earpenter shop, located in the city. They have two children-Agnes, aged eleven, and Frank Orison, aged nine.

E. C. Kiefer was born April 23, 1848, in Milwaukee, Wis. His parents, Chris- tian and Elizabeth ( Leonard ) Kiefer, were natives of Germany. The father was engaged in the bakery business in his native country until coming to America in 1845. He settled in Wisconsin and now owns 400 acres of land. E. C. Kiefer received a liberal education and remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age. Before he became of age he learned the carpenter's trade, which business he has followed ever since, at present doing a jobbing business in part- nership with W. A. Roberts, under the firm name of Kiefer & Roberts. He came to Franklin county in 1870 and set-

tled in West Fork township, remaining there until 1880, when he removed to Hampton, where he has since lived. In 1873, he was married to Amelia Rohmer, of Ingham township, Franklin county. This union has been blest with two chil- dren-Leonard Edward, aged five years, and Florence, two years old.

E. A. Norton, carpenter and builder, came to Hampton in 1876. He was born in Crawford Co., Ill., Oct. 8, 1840. His parents went to Beloit, Rock Co., Wis., in 1846, and in 1852 moved to LaFayette county, same State. In 1863, E. A. Nor- ton enlisted in company E, 43d Wiscon- sin Volunteers, and served for two years, when he was discharged, his health hav- ing been permanently injured. In 1876, as stated, he settled in Franklin county. Mr. Norton has been twice married. He had one child by his first wife-Sybil, now the wife of Walter A. Church. Aug. 15, 1865, he was married to Catherine H. Taylor, of Platteville, Wis. The second marriage has been blessed with seven children : Nellie, Jasper, George, Mary, Andrew, Clara and Guy, and one, Jasper, is dead. Mr. Norton, religiously, is what would be termed an Old School Baptist.

The first harness shop was run by A. E. Rogers in a little building on second street, east of Rule's meat market. He ran it for about one year, during the war. In 1883 the harness business of Hampton was attended to by W. L. Burres and E. E. Alexander, Mr. Burres running two shops.

E. E. Alexander is a native of Iowa. He was born at Plainfield, Mitchell county, Aug. 12, 1853. His father, Henry A.

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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.

Alexander, moved to Mitchell county, where he was a pioneer, in 1852. Mr. Alexander was a resident in Mitchell county until 1873, when he began learn- ing his trade at Waterloo. In 1876, he went to Mona, Iowa, and opened a harness shop, which he managed until December, 1878. In that year he came to Hampton and established his business on Fourth street. He was married in November, 1877, to Elizabeth McDowell. Their only daughter is named Lilly M. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander are both members of the Metho- dist Church. In his store Mr. Alexander carries about $2,000 worth of stock.

W L. Burres was born in Randolph Co., Ind., Dec. 30, 1846. He has re- sided in Hampton, Franklin county, since 1878. Most of his early life was spent in his native county. In April, 1861, he enlisted in the three months service, in company A, 8th Indiana Infantry. At the end of the three months, the regiment was re-organized as the 27th Indiana, in which he served in company F for one year. He was then honorably discharged, but soon after enlisted in company A, 147th Indiana. He was afterward pro- moted to sergeant, and in November, 1865, he was discharged with the com- mission of 2d lieutenant. He came to Hardin Co, lowa, in 1869, and worked at the carpenter trade at Steamboat Rock for three years. He then spent one year in California and then returned to Hardin county where he was engaged in railroad- ing until 1877, when he opened a harness shop at Steamboat Rock. He followed this business there until September, 1878, when he came to Hampton and went into the same business. He was married Oct.

1, 1879, to Rachel Hadden. They have one child-Edna B.

The first lumber yard was established by I. W. Benson. The second by W. P. Smith. In 1883, this line of trade was being represented by W. P. Smith, F. D. Smith and J. B. Gray.

W. P. Smith has resided in Hampton, Franklin county, since June, 1870 He was born in Rensselaer Co., N. Y., Jan. 14, 1834. His early life was spent on his father's farm, receiving a good common school education. In 1854, he came with his parents to Rock Co., Wis., where for some time he engaged in farming. He was afterwards engaged in the grocery business at Broadhead, and also in the lumber trade at Delaware, Wis. After coming to Hampton, in 1870, he, in con- pany with his brother Frank, opened the first lumber yard at Hampton, in which business he has been actively engaged ever since. Mr. Smith is an active mem- ber of the M. E. Church. He is a master mason and a member of Anchor Chapter, No. 61, at Hampton. In 1856, he was married to Mary Locke. They have four children-Charles W., Carrie, Nellie and George.

F. D. Smith became a citizen of Hamp- ton, Franklin Co., Iowa, in 1870. He was born in Oncida Co., N. Y., Aug. 11, 1849. He is a son of David and Priscilla (Potter) Smith. In 1854, his parents came and set- tled in Whitewater, Wis., where he grew up on his father's farm and received a liberal education, first in the common school, and afterwards in the State Nor- mal school and at the Albion Academy. When he came to Hampton, with his bro. ther, he went into the lumber trade, and

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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.

has ever since been identified with the lumber interests at this place. Mr. Smith is a master mason and a member of Anchor Chapter, No. 61, at Hampton, In 1880, he was married to Ella I Hemming, a native of Ohio. They have one child- Carrie H.

The first photograph gallery was opened by R. I. Smith, in 1864. In August, 1883, the artist was O. B. Bates.

The first hall in Hampton was in the Empire block, and was called Holden's Hall. The furniture and fixtures were sold to O. B. Harriman, who, in 1878, erected the fine building known as Harri- man's Opera House, which is used for all purposes of amusement.

The first dealer in agricultural imple- ments in Hampton was D. W. Dow, who opened a warehouse in 1866, on the corner of Fourth nd Main street. He remained in trade for about two years. In the spring of 1874, Robert Jeffers established his agricultural warehouse, and is still in trade, carrying a vast stock and doing a business of $100,000 per annum. In 1877, T. H. Coble opened his agricultural implement depot, and still does a large business. James Allinson opened his stock in 1883.

Robert Jeffers is now the oldest dealer in agricultural implements at Hampton. He was born in Henry Co., Ky., June 4, 1830. When he was eight years old his parents moved to southern Illinois, and afterwards to Rock Co., Wis., where Mr. Jeffers worked on his father's farm. In 1852, he settled on a farm in LaFayette Co., Wis., where he lived until 1870, and then moved to Franklin Co., Iowa, and settled upon a farm near Hampton. In 1874, he abandoned agricultural pursuits

to follow his present business, but still owns a farm of 320 acres in Marion township. Mr. Jeffers is one of the trus- tees of Washington township, and has been a member of the school board of the independent district of Hampton for nine years. He was a charter member of the Hampton Lodge, No. 218, I. O. O. F. Mr. Jeffers was married in 1854, at Shellsburg, Wis., to Elizabeth Day, a native of Illi- nois. They have seven children now living-Byron L., W. P., Nancy I .. , Sarah J., Sherman C., George W. and Robert F.

T H. Coble came to Hampton in 1877, and instituted his present business. He is engaged in the sale of agricultural machinery, etc. He was born ™ La Fa- yette Co., Wis., Sept. 21: 1846. He was reared and educated in his native county. In 1870, he came to the State of Iowa and located on a farm in Butler county, near Aplington, which he operated until he came to Hampton, save one year that he lived in the village of Aplington. His business is in every way successful, and he is es teemed a substantial and public spirited citizen .. He was married in 1871 to Mar- gery Mason. Their children are-Lola and Mattie.

W. C. Stickney came to Hampton in 1879, and was associated one year with T. H. Coble in the business in which that gentleman is now engaged. In 1881, he commenced operations as a harness maker and soon after embarked in pump manu- facturing. He was born in Prince Ed- ward county, province of Ontario, June 8, 1842. He passed the first twenty-seven years of his life in his native county and acquired a good common school educa- tion. In 1869, he went to Jo Daviess

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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.

Co., Ill., and engaged in farming. A year later he settled in Butler Co., Iowa, and remained two years, returning to Canada. He was married in 1870, to Nancy E. Coble, born in La Fayette Co., Wis. Their four children living are-Edwin, Russell, Walter and Edna.

The first regular dentist was Dr. Ross, who located in 1867, and has been in Hampton ever since. Next to him, came M. L. Jones, about 1872 and remained un- til 1876, when he moved to Iowa Falls. L. E. Douglas came in 1873, but only re- mained about six months, when he removed to Montreal and soon afterward died. He sold to Dr. M. H. Ross who is yet in the business. L. T. Hale located in 1879, practiced one year and removed to Iowa Falls. V. B. Pool settled at Hampton in the dentistry practice in 1882, and was still here in 1883. F. C Musser came a few months later and is still here.

The first tailor was Stephen Murphy, who came about 1860, and remained for several years. A. M. Bailey located at Hampton in 1872. In 1883 he was the only one in trade at Hampton. Among those who have been in the business at Hampton are Stephen Murphy, D. J. Paige & Co., and Mr. Fargo.

The first feed store was opened by W. G. Beed in 1875, in a building on Fourth street, but in 1877, moved into a building opposite the postoffice block, on Reeve street. This is the only exclusive flour and feed store in Hampton and is run in connection with the Franklin mills

George Hansell, David Church, G. W. Soper, E. L. Clock and J. E. Cannam all handled stock here at an early day, as did D. W , C. J. and A. M. Mott, who were

still dealing in this line in 1883. G. W. Soper, N. McDonald and Northey & HIar- rison, also attend to the same business.

G. W. Soper has been a resident of Reeve township since 1856, his parents J. M. and Angeline (Gray) Soper, emigra- ting to Franklin county, at that time. He was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Jan. 23, 1837. He enlisted in 1861, in the 3d Iowa Battery, serving six months. For the past ten years he has been en- gaged in the stock business at Hampton, in which he has been very successful. He was married in 1857 to Constantia M. Leggett, a native of Ohio, by whom he had six children, five of whom are living -Florence A., Ella M., Charles M., Cora A. and Lu Verne W. His wife died in 1871. In 1872, he married Ella M. Brown. Their children are-Constantia E., Jessie M., Wallace W. and Leaverett Ingersoll.

N. MeDonald, assessor at Hampton, first located his interests in Franklin coun- ty, in 1861, when he was his brother's agent for the Franklin mills. He afterward established himself in trade at Hampton, in which enterprise he met with gratify- ing success. He closed his business in 1864, but found a life of retirement un- suited to his active temperament. and in 1867, he again commenced operations in trade, continuing until 1873. Since that date he has been engaged in real estate traffic and has been recently dealing ex- tensively in fine stock. In politics, Mr. MeDonald is a republican. He was mar- ried in 1851 to Mollie Marshall. He was born in Perry, Co., Ohio, Feb. 8, 1832. Ile passed the first twenty-four years of his life in his native county, and in 1856

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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.

came to Champaign Co., Ill., and there engaged in commercial life.

The first butchering was done by the farmers of the surrounding country. The first regular meat market was opened in 1868, by Mr. Newton. In 1883, there were two meat markets in Hampton, run by Rule Brothers and Phelps Brothers.

The United States Express Company opened an office in Hampton sometime in 1870. T. H. Chance was the first agent. O. F. Sweet was the agent in 1883, having the office in his grocery store.

The American Express Company opened an office in 1880, at Baldwin & Hutchins' drug store. They were the agents, but their clerk, L. M. Street, did the business. E. M. Funk succeeded Baldwin & Hutchins, and was the agent in 1883, having the office in his drug store.

HOTELS.

The first hotel in Hampton was built for John E. Boyles, by A. J. Cannam and James Hogan, in the spring of 1857. In April, 1857, it was opened by John E. Boyles. Those who ran the house after Boyles, were James A. Guthrie, A. J. Can- nam, Morticai Dodge, J. E. Hunter, Abner Adams, J. E. Hunter, A. J. Cannam and John Collony. The latter was running it when it was destroyed by fire in 1876. It stood on the lot near the alley, where the Beed house now stands.

The second hotel in Hampton was opened in what was known as the Barger building. A. J. Cannam was the first landlord.

The original building, of that which goes to make up the Pheonix Hotel of to-day, was erected by Chauncy Gillett, in 1858, who occupied it for a number of

years. Shortly after the close of the war E. S. Stiles opened up the building as a hotel. Many additions have been made to the original building, and it is now a pleasant, cozy tavern, run in a satisfactory manner by T. L. Boylan.

The Cannam House was opened Aug. 16, 1875. It was built by A. J. Cannam, at a cost of $11,272 and contained thirty-one sleeping rooms. It was run by A. J. Can- nam until 1879, when he sold it; but in 1881 again purchased it and operated it until May, 1883, when J. H. Rule became proprietor.

The Beed House, in Beed's block, which was erected in 1880, at a cost of $55,000, was opened by D. P. Simpson in 1880. He was succeeded by Frank L. Taylor, who operated it until May 1, 1883, when A. J. Cannam leased the property and now does a large business, both local and transient. This hotel is three stories in height, built of brick, finished and furnished in the best modern style. It is one of the best houses in northern Iowa, and has become a pop- ular place of resort for commercial men and pleasure seekers.

Andrew J. Cannam, proprietor of the Beed House, is the son of William and Priscilla (Thompson) Cannam, and was born in Ohio, Sept. 19, 1832. In 1837, his parents emigrated to LaFayette, Ind., where he grew to manhood and acquired his education and learned the trade of carpenter. In 1856, he removed to Hamp ton, Franklin county, where he followed his trade eight years. He assisted in building the first hotel built in Hampton. HIe embarked in the hotel business, in 1864, which he has since engaged in and in which he is eminently successful, not

NEW /0 . PUBLIC LIBRA ...

Mrs. Alice J. Myers.

T NEW YOR PUBLIC LIBRARY

Astor, Lenox and Inder Founda" a.c

417

HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.

only financially, but is known far and near as one of the most popular hotel proprie- tors in Iowa.

HAMPTON CREAMERY.

Among the valuable industries of the town is the creamery which was estab- lished by I. W. Myers, in 1880. It was the first creamery in Franklin county. This creamery is located on Squaw creek, in the northeastern part of Hampton. It is a commodious building 24x48 feet, two stories and a basement. An eclipse wind- mill furnishes the power by which the pump, churns and other machinery are run. The first year the creamery was established it used the cream of about 200 cows. The farmers were at first somewhat skeptical in the matter, and would sell their cream a few weeks and then try to realize more from their cows by making their own butter in the old fash- ioned way, but each attempt only proved to them the fact that more could be made by selling to the creamery, as their facili- ties, both for making and marketing, were more limited than those of the creamery, and, finally, it has become an established fact that the creamery system gives a bet- ter return than any other plan. In 1882-3, Mr. Myers used the cream of 1,200 cows. He ran six wagons over a territory having a radius of over twelve miles, and from the cream thus collected, made two tons of butter per week. This product is sold mostly in New York and Boston and mar- kets at fully as high a price as that made in the eastern States, thus proving that Franklin county, in common with all Iowa, is soon destined to rank as high in the dairy business as the Orange Co., N. Y., butter making district.

I. W. Myers settled on the east half of . section 24, in Hamilton township, in 1868, where he engaged in farming, cultivating timber and teaching. His work in the Sabbath school was highly appreciated; especially is this true of his leadership in vocal music throughout the neighborhood. In 1872 he was elected county superintend- ent of schools, and was re-elected in 1876. On the expiration of his term he spent a short time in selling school supplies and Ridpath's History of the United States. While engaged in this business he had an opportunity to get acquainted with men who were building up a new enterprise in various portions of the State. He at once determined that Franklin county should take a leading part in the new enterprise, the creamery. Realizing the dangers that might beset such an undertaking, and knowing the value of personal experience, he resolved to leave nothing undone that would supply the requisite experience. He accordingly went to work in a cream- ery as a practical butter-maker until he was acquainted with all the particulars of the business. He then built the Hampton creamery, a. Hampton, the first in the county. In operating the new business he had many obstacles to overcome, as such an institution was but little known gen- erally; but energetic perseverance was at last rewarded with success, and his busi- ness is moving along on a substantial basis. The Hampton creamery has many friends and no enemies. Mr. Myers was born in Waterloo Co., province of On- tario, Canada, Nov. 20, 1839. His paren's were natives of Pennsylvania. He re- mained at home until seventeen years old, where he incidentally became a

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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.

teacher, and afterwards became a student at the Galt Grammar School, which he left in 1861. He passed the next three years in teaching in Canada. In 1864 he went to Lena, Ill. During the win- ter of that year he enlisted in company G, 147th Illinois Volunteers, and served until the close of the war, receiving an honorable discharge. He returned to Lena and in 1866 became principal of the public schools. His experience as a teacher has been extensive and successful, having spent over forty terms in the school room. He possesses well devel- oped illustrating powers. Mr. Myers was married in 1866 to Alice Francisco, daughter of the late Charles Francisco, of McHenry Co., Ill. She was a teacher of rare abilities, and a lady of high moral culture and refinement; one who is now indefatigable in her efforts to put her children in possession of the same quali- ties. Her amiability is constant and en- during. Her faith in the Christian relig ion is unshaken. She has ever been a willing worker in the Sabbath school. The names of their six children are- Alice Inez, Orson Francisco, John Perci- val, Aaron Irving, Helen Maria and Garfield. The youngest, Garfield, died when he was one year old.

The following letter from Rev. George Cuthbertson may be of interest to the friends of Mr. Myers:

"WYOMING ONT., May 22, 1883.

To the Union Publishing Company:

GENTLEMEN: Twenty years ago in my capacity of superintendent of schools in the county of Waterloo, Canada, I met with men of many shades of character.

Trustees, teachers and parents were almost all known to me.

"There was one family that made a deep impression on my memory. The father, John Myers, was an industrious, sober, intelligent and upright man. He possessed by his force of character, the confidence of the surrounding country. In politics, in municipal and agricultural gatherings, his counsels were always listened to with re- spect; and he was in all these gatherings assigned a position of honor. For years he was reeve of the township, and thus had a seat in the county council. But in education he seemed to manifest a deeper interest than in any other public question. He trained up his children to be sober, industrious, intelligent members of society. In one of these I took a deep interest I came into contact with him both officially and privately. He had good natural talents, and took every opportunity of add- ing acquired knowledge and information. He was one of the most successful teachers under my charge, because he took a deep interest in his work, and faithfully dis- charged his duty, not as a man-pleaser, but as a conscientious man. He thus endeared himself to the scholars, and was a favorite throughout the school sections. Natur lly amiable and with such parental example and home surroundings, Isaac could not help making his mark in whatever locality his lot might be cast

"Called away from labor in a distant part of Ontario, I lost sight of Mr. Myers, and only lately I hear of his being the proprietor of the Hampton Creamery, in the State of Iowa. It matters not what Isaac Myers puts his hand to, he will, by honesty, diligence and courtesy, succeed;

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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.

and I am sure that the more a community knows him, the more will it be convinced that he is worthy to be entrusted with office or positions of confidence. My memories of Isaac Myers are of the most pleasant kind. Yours truly,

GEO. CUTHBERTSON,

Pres. Minister, late Inspector of Schools."

Hampton foundry and machine shop was built by the Hampton Manufacturing Company, in 1880, at a cost of $10,000. The object of the enterprise was to pro- vide a general foundry and repair shop. It was afterward sold to Pinkham, Higley & Warren, subsequently owned by C. W. Boutin who sold to Pinkham, Higley and Cole. This enterprise was a valuable ac- quisition to Hampton.

BANKS.

The Franklin County Bank was estab- lished in 1871 by J. F. Latimer and A. J. Kellam. The former was president, and the latter cashier. The bank was first kept in a small building which stood just west of the present bank building. From there it was inoved to the brick building on the corner of Reeve and Fifth streets. In June, 1876, R. S. Benson was admitted as a partner, and became vice-president. Soon after Mr. Benson purchased J. F. Latimer's interest, when the bank was officered by A. G. Kellam, president ; R. S. Benson, vice-president; T. C. MeKenzie, cashier. In November, 1877, Fred. Ward became cashier, and in 1880, R. S. Ben- son became president. The same year Mr Kellam retired. The following sea- son they built the present bank block, at a cost of $20,000. The vaults of this bank are so constructed that they are the most secure of any in the State; and they

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History of Franklin and Cerro Gordo counties, Iowa and biographies of representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races, Part 44

Author: Union Publishing Company (Springfield, Ill.) pbl Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Union publishing company Number of Pages: 990

Author: Union Publishing Company (Springfield, Ill.) pbl
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 990