USA > Iowa > Kossuth County > History of Kossuth County, Iowa > Part 70
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101
The Algona Chautauqua Association incorporated October 2, 1909. The arti- cles named the first directors who in turn then elected their officers. They were : J. T. Chrischilles, president ; E. J. Gilmore, vice president ; T. P. Harrington, sec- retary ; E. E. Conner, treasurer ; J. F. Overmyer, E. J. Murtagh and S. E. Mc- Mahon. For a few years previous to that time the chautauqua had been success- fully run under the management and control of Prof. Avery, of Spencer. Since the local association was organized the chautauquas have been conducted in a way that have given the best of satisfaction. All realize that no where else can so much valuable information be obtained at so small a cost as at these educational assem- blies. Following the close of the 1912 chautauqua, the stockholders elected the present board of directors : E. J. Murtagh, E. J. Gilmore and E. E. Conner for one year ; S. E. McMahon and Wm. Galbraith for two years; H. C. Adams and L. J. Dickinson for three years.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
The city waterworks and electric light plant has reached its present efficiency through a slow growth, reaching back over a long period of years, and through the administrations of various mayors and councilmen. All the. equipment is housed in substantial fireproof brick structures with cement floors, that have been erected with a view to permanency and future needs. All the water is pumped by electricity from two deep wells into the reservoir, which holds 110,000 gallons of water, and after being cleansed is forced up into the stand pipe where it passes through the eight or ten miles of piping to the hundreds of homes and business places. In times of fire the water from both reservoir and stand pipe is forced into the mains by the use of a large fire pump witu sufficient power to meet all requirements. One well is 818 feet feet deep with six-inch tubing, and the water is hoisted up through it by a Harris Air Lift. The other is an eight-inch well and was originally 1,046 feet deep but has filled in with sand a distance of about 200 feet. In that a deep well pump is used with success. Three great Fairbanks-Morse oil engines were installed in the electric light department during the summer of 1912 by Mayor J. W. Wadsworth and his council. One of these is used for the day current, and day pumping, but in the evening, when there is a much greater load to carry, all are put into operation.
Dlaiized by Google
529
HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY
During the past year many changes have been made in the equipment by discard- ing certain machinery and replacing it with a considerable amount that is more effective; so that now there seems no apparent reason why the plant will not be a continued success.
The council, while J. T. Chrischilles was mayor, took the first steps towards having an electric light plant established. The city voted in 1897 to allow the council to issue bonds for the purpose to the amount of $10,000.00, and the next year the contract was let for the construction of the necessary building. Then the equipment was ordered, received and installed. Following these move- ments the lamp posts and kerosene lamps along the streets began to disappear after having been in use for many years. Since that time lights have been fur- nished by the city at rates lower than those charged in most other cities in the state. Numerous changes have been made from time to time concerning the power. For several years it was furnished by a 150 horse power steam engine and two boilers, but during the mayoralty of W. K. Ferguson the gas-producer equipment was installed and many other improvements made. This system was in use until the remodeling of the interior took place during the summer of 1912.
The sewer system began as a private enterprise in 1892 when Ambrose A. Call, W. K. Ferguson, Horace Hoxie, Gardner Cowles and A. D. Clarke con- structed a sewer, which started at the Opera House and after running north- easterly emptied into the ravine near the former residence of D. A. Haggard. This sewer was for the benefit of the above named parties who owned property near its starting point. During the year following, Mr. Ferguson and J. M. Cowen put in another sewer, which started near their residences in the 2nd ward, and connected it with the other. These were the first sewers in town, and the only ones in 1898 when the city made them its property, extended the joint sewer to the river, and began the city sewer system. This change occurred the first year that J. T. Chrischilles was mayor, in fact he had been elected on an issue arising over the terminal of the private sewer.
The origin of the waterworks system dates back to the year 1889 when J. R. Jones was the mayor. It was that year that bonds to the amount of ten thousand dollars were issued to equip the system to furnish the town with water. For a period of twenty years following this action, the various councils in turn had worlds of trouble in procuring a sufficient amount of water to meet the demands. They were confronted with one vexatious problem after another, and thousands of dollars were expended in experiments as the result. Numerous parties with well-machinery tried their skill in making a satisfactory well. Marsh Stephens was the first. He began in 1889 by drilling a six inch hole 135 feet. For this service he received $600.00, but as the hole was too crooked to force the casing through he next dug the well 110 feet down and 6 feet in diameter. This he cemented and then received an extra $400.00 for that work. He had contracted to dig 25 feet further, but sand prevented his doing so. The city put in a pump, but water of sufficient amount was not there. Long points were then driven in the bottom of the well down to a water vein, but the sand made them practically useless. The city next employed the American Well Works Co., who arrived with a car-load of machinery, and after drilling and putting in two twenty-foot sand screens, received $700.00 for their labor. This well was accepted and gave Vol. 1-34
Di zedby Google
530
HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY
good satisfaction for about one year and then it failed. This well is known as the old Stephens well to distinguish it from the one later drilled.
The deep well was drilled 1,046 feet by Swanson of Minneapolis while Am- brose A. Call. was the mayor. It is an eight-inch hole, just fifteen feet from the other, and ends in solid stone. In going that distance the drill cut its way through sixty-two different geological formations. This well furnished all the water necessary until the growth of Algona made it necessary to have a larger amount. In the spring of 1897 A. F. Dailey drilled a six-inch hole 818 feet deep in the bottom of the Stephens well, passing through a heavy vein of water at a depth of 550 feet, and solid rock after going down a distance of 305 feet. This is still in daily use and stands the test of yielding 120 gallons of water per minute, while the deep well (Swanson's) yields eighty per minute. The first one has been filled up with the exception of the casing which extends up- ward to the surface. These two wells cost the city about $10,000.00 and caused much anxiety to Mayors J. R. Jones, Geo. C. Call, L. A. Sheetz, A. A. Call, D. A. Haggard, J. T. Chrischilles, E. E. Sayers, W. K. Ferguson and J. W. Wads- worth and their respective councils. The city property on that corner has cost all told more than $100,000.00.
The city fire company have for their chief, A. F. Dailey, and firemen num- bering nineteen men. Ten young men, under twenty at the present time, compose the hook and ladder company. The equipment in part consists of one hook and ladder truck, two hose carts, 1,575 feet of 21/2-inch hose, whistle; bell and alarm. The firemen are paid $2.00 each when water is thrown at a fire, and $1.00 each when making "dry runs". They have on hand a fireman's fund with which to provide insurance and take care of their sick.
The city owns another piece of property on the west side of town that is growing more valuable every year, and that is Maple Park. Block number 39 of the original plat was dedicated to the public by the Calls in 1886 and given that name. The trees were set out in 1889, largely through the influence of C. L. Lund. The 400 trees were arranged by J. P. Fohlin and were set by various parties.
Algona has gradually become the resident center of numerous settlers who located before the year 1860, and who have come to the county seat apparently to spend their remaining days. The number of these who were in mature years at that early date is very small, but the children they had then have long since grown to maturity and consequently must be considered in the count. The 1854 settlers who once lived here in town are all gone. Captain W. H. Ingham came up from Cedar Rapids that fall on a hunting and prospecting journey but did not come back to locate for a couple of months until in January, 1855. D. A. Haggard was also here in the county with his father's surveying crew in the summer of 1854, but he went away and did not return to settle until after the war.
The 1855 settlers living at the county seat are Captain Ingham, D. W. King, Lewis H. Smith, Ed and Ernest Blackford, Mrs. Thomas Robison and son Wesley, Mrs. Jennie Brown Altwegg, Hiram Wright, and Mrs. Iva Wright Crook. Mr. Smith has lived more years in Algona than any other man, because both Ingham and King, who came a short time before he did, lived many years in the country before coming to town to make a permanent home. Mrs. Robison.
bigmixed by Google
531
HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY
one of the very early settlers near Irvington, has made her home here for a long time. Among the residents who came in 1856 are Mrs. Maggie Heckart Hender- son, Mrs. Ella Algona (Blackford) Clarke, who was the first child born in the town, A. J. Jones, Mrs. Jane Reibhoff Winkel, Mrs. Nancy Henderson Call, Ha- vens F. Watson, Geo. Fisher, Mrs. Jane Thompson, Mrs. Josephine Minkler Tay- lor, Mrs. Josephine Green Crammond and Mrs. Naomi Carey Henry. Those coming during the year 1857 who are still living in town are Mrs. Harriette E. (Taylor) Stacy, Mrs. Jane Henderson Chapin, Julia Stacy Nelson, Mrs. Henri- etta Carlon and Walter Raney. Settlers during the year 1858 who are in Algona are Jacob Altwegg, B. F. Reed and brothers Albert and Will and Mrs. Mary Minkler Long; and during the year 1859, Mrs. Mary A. Hofius, Mrs. Lizzie Alt- wegg Smith and Mrs. Josephine Sample.
During the past forty years numerous lumber companies have had yards in town, but all have disappeared except those owned by F. S. Norton and the Quinn Co. Mr. Norton succeeded O'Neill & Getty in January, 1894. This is a continuation of the business established by W. W. Johnson in 1870 and later sold to the Queal Co. that had begun at the Northwestern depot. The Quinn Lumber Co., in April, 1912, succeeded to the business established by the Wood- ford-Wheeler-Tompkins Co., about twelve years ago.
The Chrischilles & Herbst dry goods store is the oldest mercantile estab- lishment in town, having been founded by Theo. Chrischilles early in the summer of 1870, on the corner now occupied by the Advance office. During all the grasshopper years he ran the business in his own store near where he started, until 1879 when he moved to the site now occupied by the S. D. Patterson & Son store. There his building and much of his stock were destroyed by fire in 1886, but he immediately put up the two story brick on the site and continued the business there until 1895 when he located permanently where the store is at the present time. He retired from the active management in 1900, since which time his interest in the firm has been well represented by his son Julius T. Chrischilles. Max Herbst, the junior member, after having been a faithful clerk for a long time was admitted as partner and has made good. Under the present manage- ment the business continues to grow and prosper.
The G. L. Galbraith store, now managed by Leo Peugnet, had its origin also back in 1870 on Call street when the Galbraith Bros. first opened up their stock for sale. When the business center of town shifted over to State street, Geo. L. Galbraith abandoned his building and located on the corner where the Quinby Store is now conducted. In that brick structure which he built, he ran his store until he rented that part of the building to Quinby & Son, 1908, and then continued the business at his other store in the next block east. This store is next to the oldest in point of time in Algona. Mr. Galbraith now makes his home at San Antonio, Texas.
John Goeders has been a successful merchant for more than a quarter of a century. He not only owns the brick building where he is established, but a magnificent residence as well. He made a lucky deal when he bought the G. R. Woodworth store building for his business and became established on that corner. Few business men in town have prospered more than he has since he first became a resident of Algona. Before engaging in that line of work for himself, he clerked four years at the Chrischilles store, then three for G. N. Hancock and
Dignized by Google
532
HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY
next nine years for Thos. Earley. He has succeeded in building up a large dry- goods trade and in making friends of all his customers.
C. M. Quinby & Son began the dry-goods business in G. I .. Galbraith's build- ing, on one of the best corners in town, in 1908. R. H., the junior member who has had the principal control, is the right man in the right place, and the sales have continually increased from the first as the result. The store is a popular trading place, and the clerks are kept busy attending to the wants of the customers.
The Langdon & Long grocery firm, which was formed a couple of years ago, is continuing the business founded by H. S. Langdon in 1875, during the grass- hopper scourge. He hung on while his competitors one after the other dropped out of the business. D. D. Townsend, his son-in-law, became one of the firm and was principal manager for about ten years. Then for a like period after Mr. Townsend had retired, the firm became Langdon & Hudson, Cheever Hudson being the junior member. During this partnership H. S. Langdon, the founder, died in 1893, but the business continued under the firm name until 1901 when Mr. Hudson retired. Langdon & Company then became the name of the firm, the business being carried on by the heirs of whom Mrs. H. J. Putsch and Miss Ella Langdon were the principal ones interested. Leon McCall, at first, and then later Abner Long, were employed as managers. The firm was much strengthened when Mr. Long was made one of the partners. The store is se- curely established, and is the oldest in that line in town, and is well patronized.
The grocery store of S. D. Patterson & Son was founded in 1893 by the head of the firm and Charles Sarchett. The latter, two years later, sold out to Ed. Patterson, son of the senior partner, then after the death of the junior partner in 1905, his interest was conveyed to his brother Charles, who is now the second member of the firm. Sam Patterson is a name that is familiarly known to all people in the south half of the county, for it is that of one who came with other enthusiasts in 1870, when the Milwaukee road made its appearance. Although he has been terribly afflicted with rheumatism for years and unable to attend to the wants of the customers, his store has continued to be prosperous. Of all the business men he is one of the most genial and happy.
James Patterson, the grocery Leader man, has been the merchant at his pres- ent stand since January, 1894, but he had previously been in the same business for nearly five years with his brother Alex. He has been a resident for about thirty-seven years, and before becoming a merchant had done service as clerk in the postoffice, deputy sheriff and railway postal clerk. He attends strictly to business and has worked up a good trade which is yearly increasing. Among his customers are some of the best citizens in the community and his friends include all whether patrons or otherwise. There is only one "Jim" Patterson and that is the one who deals on the square at the Leader.
Raney & Raney succeeded at the Spitler store during the fall of 1911, and the firm is meeting with gratifying success in selling groceries at the stand where several others have tried their hand at the business. J. A. Raney is the son, and Hugh Raney the grandson, of Joseph Raney, who settled in the Irving- ton country in 1857. The firm is a reliable one, and deserving of the success it is having in the enterprise.
Dutton & Sorensen, the corner grocers, have a busy store and enjoy the
Tigiizedby Google
533
HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY
extensive trade they have built up during the past eight years. They succeeded the Gilmore Grocery Company and own the brick building in which the store is located. It was erected in 1894 by E. J. Gilmore who had succeeded Holloway in the business, just across the street from where the corner grocery now is. Both members of the firm are hustlers after business and get what they go after.
G. S. McMurray began in the grocery and home-baking line in February, 1910. Although his location is not as good as those of his competitors, yet he has managed to have a good trade and is getting along admirably.
Thomas Akre has his stand at the old college building where he is succeed- ing at the grocery and feed business. Much of the success of the store is due to the activity of Mrs. Akre. Both are hustlers after business and are being well paid for their energies.
Wm. C. Steele has his clothing store in the John Galbraith brick building where the old fort was built in the spring of 1857, and where the old town hall was built about the same time. Since beginning his store in 1902 he has been successful in securing a large number of patrons who deal exclusively with him. He has a large stock and does a nice clean business.
The Kraft-Misbach Clothing Company was incorporated in January, 1912. Joe Misbach, the junior member, was at first the local manager for the Kraft Clothing Company that began the store in January, 1896. Two years later he bought an interest, and then after four years he became a member of the corpora- tion. He is a good salesman and the store is well patronized.
Jimmie Neville, the Irish Jew, is the hustler of all hustlers and makes things happen lively at his store where he sells clothing and other goods that move rapidly. The uppermost thought on his mind is business.
Ralph H. Miller, the well known pharmacist, opened his new drug and jewelry store in March, 1899, succeeding no one. In the mean time he has in- creased his business wonderfully by strict attention to details and fair dealing. The Central Drug Company began in April, 1910, at the stand where several drug- gists had in turn been in business. A. W. Larson and A. S. Tyler own the stock, but the former is the active partner and has made the store a success. George W. Paine by having his drug store next door to the postoffice has the best loca- tion in town for that business. He understands how to advertise and hustle and is doing well financially as the result. He was in that business at Burt for a while, then after coming to Algona sold groceries before going into the drug line again. He became a pharmacist in 1900 after attending school at High- land Park College. E. W. Lusby owns the other drug store which was started by H. C. Adams. Adams & Clampitt, Adama & Adams, and Mr. Farrand have been predecessors. Mr. Lusby became the proprietor in 1912 and has held the former patrons of the store and secured many more.
No class of business has had a more frequent change of proprietors than has restaurant enterprises since 1870. J. H. Peterson succeeded C. E. Campbell in April, 1910, and has made a success in serving meals. Lowe & Taylor succeeded Lowe & Sarchett, who had succeeded J. A. Lang. The latter followed L. P. Anderson who had succeeded and also preceded George St. John. Edward Geise is the proprietor of the new Laura restaurant, which was started in September, 1912.
Dignized by Google
534
HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY
Notions and racket store goods are handled by three different parties. John Galbraith began in his own building on a small scale in 1908, but has a large stock now and a large patronage. He was interested with his brother, George I .. , in the general store started by the Galbraith Brothers in 1870. Henry W. Rist did a thriving business in that line for many years before going out west on a goose chase, and in September, 1912, after having been out of the harness for five years, began again in his own building and is doing well. Otto Neuman has been dealing in notions for the past twelve years, and had worked prior to that time for a longer period with the Durant Brothers as a clerk. Henry always referred to him as his Norwegian.
Moe Brothers' meat market was started in November, 1895, and after its proprietors had prospered five years, their building was destroyed by fire in 1900. They then immediately proceeded to build their present brick business building where they are firmly established and doing well. Anton Anderson and Chester L. Bailey own the only other market in town and have a large patronage which is increasing. Mr. Bailey has grown up in the stock business and understands every feature of that line. Mr. Anderson was with Leroy Barton in the stock and meat line prior to joining Mr. Bailey. Mr. Barton also has been in the cattle business since boyhood. The Stock Brothers, the Vincent Brothers, and a long list of others have tried their hand in the market business, but have retired. Since the early days when Peter Schweigg, John Winkel and several of his brothers did service in that line, their successors have been many.
J. A. Brownell began his shoe store in partnership with Mr. Allred in 1894 and has been much longer in the business than any of his competitors. About seven years after opening the store, the Brownell Shoe Company was incorpo- rated, and he became its manager, secretary and treasurer, a position he still holds. His store is one of the substantial and reliable mercantile establish- ments, the success of which is due to him for his good judgment in keeping a full line of the better grades of shoes. The "Other Shoe Store" was started by C. O. Simpson about thirteen years ago and came into the possession of Edwin Fiene, the present proprietor, in August, 1909. It is a popular trading place where shoes are sold at prices consistent with their merit. The latest venture in this business has been made by Hanson & Son, who began in Septem- ber, 1912, making the "Wear U Well" line their leaders. Being courteous and obliging the firm no doubt will get its full share of trade.
As has been the case for many years there are two, and only two, furniture stores. J. R. Laird came in 1887 and by purchasing the Bronson Brothers' stock began the business and has continued in it since that time. His competitors have called him a "hard bucker," for he has succeeded in prospering while many of the others did not find the business so profitable. By keeping a large stock he con- sequently has large sales. The other store across the street is owned and con- ducted by E. H. Reaser, who opened up there in December, 1905, upon his pur- chase from E. A. Patterson. Albert and Will Reed, John Cronin, the Bronsons and Louis Lessing are among those who have preceded him. Mr. Reaser keeps a well-selected stock and is satisfied with the patronage he is receiving.
The oldest established jeweler in this part of the state is E. G. Bowyer, who located in 1878 and has been at the bench and behind the counter since that time. Some of the spectacles he sold when he first came are still worn by the purchas-
Digiized by Google
535
-
HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY
ers, the lenses having been changed from time to time to meet the requirements of advancing age. His reliability has never been questioned. Fred and Herman Wehler are the proprietors of the Wehler Brothers jewelry store. They are building up a fine trade and gaining the confidence of a large circle of patrons. Their stock is an attractive one from which selections can be made. They suc- ceeded F. W. Dingley in the business in 1908. Ed Thornton is the jeweler at R. H. Miller's drug store and is having all the work he can do at that popular trading place.
There have been times in the past when there were three or four hardware stores running at the same time, but there are only two at the present time. E. A. Wolcott succeeded the King Brothers in October, 1903, and has made an evident success of the business. He has the natural makeup for that line of work and has prospered as the result, his extensive sales being the best evidence of the fact. Nierling & Skinner succeeded L. M. Stalker in 1912 and are con- tinuing the oldest established hardware business in Algona. They have a large trade and are keeping up the reputation for reliability acquired by the several predecessors. As early as 1869 Dammon & Griffin began the store and imme- diately admitted J. W. Robinson to the partnership. There the latter carried on the business alone after the first year, but soon thereafter was joined by his brother L. F. This firm continued for a long period of years until the latter decided to move to Florida. After being sole proprietor from that time until about two years ago, J. W. Robinson sold to Mr. Stalker, the predecessor of the present firm. The list of others who have been in the hardware business since the time James McIntyre began in 1866 is a long one, but some of the names best remembered are those of L. M. B. Smith, Butterfield, Howard, C. M. Dox- see, Watt Jones, R. H. Spencer, Henry Winkie and Otto Falkenhainer.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.