USA > Iowa > Kossuth County > History of Kossuth, Hancock, and Winnebago counties, Iowa; together with sketches of their cities, villages, and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 49
USA > Iowa > Winnebago County > History of Kossuth, Hancock, and Winnebago counties, Iowa; together with sketches of their cities, villages, and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 49
USA > Iowa > Hancock County > History of Kossuth, Hancock, and Winnebago counties, Iowa; together with sketches of their cities, villages, and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 49
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Council Room, April 22d, 1872. Attest: CHA'S BIRGE, Mayor.
F. M. TAYLOR, Recorder.
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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.
Ordinance No. 2.
An Ordinance in Relation to Side Walks.
Be it ordained by the Town Council of the Incorporated town of Algona, Kossuth county, Iowa:
Sec. 1. That twelve feet in width shall be set apart from the sides of all streets for side walk purposes.
Sec. 2. That all side walks shall be built two feet from the outside line of the street, unless otherwise ordered by the council, and of such material and con- struction as shall be ordered by the council.
Sec. 3. That any shade or ornamental tree or trees hereafter planted in the street shall be set ten feet from the line of the adjacent premises.
Sec. 4. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its publica- tion in any newspaper of general circula- tion published in said town of Algona.
Council Room, April 22d, 1872.
Attest: C'HA's BIRGE, Mayor. F. M. TAYLOR, Recorder.
The following is a list of the mayors and recorders of Algona for the succeed- ing years to the present time:
1873 .- Charles Birge, mayor; F. M. Tay- lor, recorder.
1874 .- F. M. Taylor, mayor; C. E.Church, recorder.
1875 .- D. S. Ford, mayor ; HI. M. Taft, recorder.
1876 .- J. J. Wilson, mayor; Pitt Cravath, recorder.
1877 .- J. J. Wilson, mayor; Pitt Cravath, recorder.
1878 .- J. E. Stacy, mayor ; J. Wallace, clerk.
1879 .- J. E. Stacy, mayor; D. H. Setehell, clerk.
1880 .- J. J. Wilson, mayor; G. H. Samp- son, clerk.
1881 .- The same, re-elected.
1882 .- J. M. Comstock, mayor ; R. M. Palmer, elerk.
1883. - J. G. Smith, mayor; R. A. Palmer, elerk. The latter however resigned and, in May, R. B. Warren was elected to fill the vacancy.
The first marriage in Algona, was that of Ilurlbut W. Lake to Rachel N. Eggers, upon the 21st of July, 1857.
The first birth was that of Ella Algona Blackford, daughter of J. E. and Mary A. Blackford.
The first school was taught by Flavia Fleming, in a private dwelling, during the year 1857. Miss Fleming married and went to Wisconsin.
The first building used for school pur- poses, by the district, was the town hall, which was built during the winter of 1856 and 1857.
The first religious services were held by Elder Marks, who came here and preached during the fall of 1855.
The first store was erected by II. F. Watson in the spring of 1856. The stock of goods belonged to Major W. W. Wil- liams, of Fort Dodge, who had sent them up for sale.
The first saw-mill in Algona was erected by Asa C. Call, in the winter of 1855-56.
The first postmaster was J. W. Moore, who was appointed to the position in the fall of 1856.
The first hotel was erected by Hezekiah A. Henderson in the summer of 1856.
The first frame residence in Algona, was erected by II. F. Watson, in the fall
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HISTORY OF KOSSUTHI COUNTY.
of 1856. This historie structure is now a part of the dwelling of W. H. Ingham.
Algona grew but slowly until the advent of the railroad in 1870. Judge Asa Call, his brother, Ambrose, and several other gentlemen labored assiduously to bring the rails to this place. Their first effort was as early as 1861, when the Me- Gregor, Sioux City & Missouri River Railroad was instituted in Clayton county. This company became involved and noth- ing eame of it. In 1869 when the Me- Gregor Western, ( or as it now is ealled, the Iowa and Dakota division of the C. M. & St. P. R. R.) was pushing westward from Calmar, these parties united their efforts and brought the road to Algona, at a vast expenditure of time and labor. The Messrs. Call donating some 400 aeres of land to the company, and many town lots to accomplish it.
From that time the town has grown rapidly until it is a large and beautiful eity. The seat of county government is located here and the fine court house, ereeted in 1872,at a cost of nearly $40,000, is one of the finest structures in the town, and in fact, in northern Iowa. It stands upon a rise of ground in the center of the business portion of the town, and in the middle of a fine park or square. Fine blocks of business houses line the streets, and a busy hum of industry arises from the place of commerce. These business interests, like all things else, have devel- oped from a very small beginning.
The first store, as has been stated, was that of Major Williams, managed in 1856 and later by H. F. Watson, still a resi- dent of the town. This was the first step taken in the direction of mer-
eantile interests. This stock, which Mr. Watson opened in September, was of the character usually known under the head of general merchandise. It was conduet- ed under the name of the owner, Major Williams, until the spring of 1858. Shortly after the establishment of this store, in the spring of 1857, James Eggers eame to Algona, from Waterloo, Iowa, with a stoek of goods, and opened a rival estab- lishment. These were the first stores in the town. In the same line, the next store was started by Havens F. Watson, for himself, in the spring of 1861, which he continued to operate until 1871. James L. Paine soon followed and opened a store in 1861.
As trade increased and the business of Algona began to assume eity proportions, the general merchandising, to a certain extent, began to separate and many of the merchants handled larger stocks but in fewer lines until now there are but few that handle more than one or two lines.
In the dry goods trade, or those that are the heaviest dealers in that line at the present in the city are: G. R. Wood- worth, S. C. Spear, George L. Galbraith, J. M. Comstock, Theodore Chrisehilles and Thomas Earley.
G. R. Woodworth, who handles cloth- ing, boots and shoes and notions, in ad- dition to dry goods, began business in Al- gona, in May, 1869. He ereeted the fine brick structure that he ocenpies at present, in the fall of 1883. It is 22x90 feet, two stories, high ceiling and french plate win- dows. It is one of the finest buildings devoted to mercantile pursuits in the city. George R. Woodworth, merchant, was born in June, 1843, in Orleans Co., N. Y.
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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.
When sixteen years age he removed to Jamestown, N. Y., and was there engaged in the dry goods business until 1862. He then went to Faribault, Minn , remaining until 1865, then returning to Jamestown. In 1869 he came to Algona, where he has since been a prominent dry goods mer- chant. Mr. Woodworth was married Dec. 14, 1867, to Gertrude Hatch, also a native of New York. They have two children-Romeo II. and George W. Mr. Woodworth has been a member of the board of aldermen of this city and also of the school board. Ile is a member of the Masonic order.
S. C. Spear dispenses general merchan- dise in connection with dry goods. His business dates from October, 1870. Ilis present building was erected by him in the spring of 1877, and is 22x93 feet in dimensions.
S. C. Spear was born in Philadelphia, Penn., in June, 1843, and was reared and educated in Boston, Mass., and from his sixteenth year has been engaged in the clothing business. In 1868 he went to Portsmouth, N. HI., and Portland, Maine, where he remained nntil 1868. He then came west and visited the cities of Chi- cago, Ill .; Dubuque, lowa; Charles City, Iowa and other places, and engaged in business for a short time at Manches- ter, Iowa. In 1870, he came to Algona, engaging in general merchandise busi- ness, handling dry goods, clothing, gro- ceries, etc. Ile is still engaged in the business, carrying a large stock and doing a good business. Mr. Spear enlisted, in 1864, in company C, 424 Massachusetts regiment, serving with Gen. Phil Sheri- dan. He married, in 1870, Emeline C.
Stront, a native of Portland, Maine. They have one child-Alice E.
George L. Galbraith began business in Algona, in December, 1870, and carries a large stock of carpets and fancy goods in addition to dry goods.
Theodore Chrischilles still continues to handle a stock of general merchandise, which business he established in Angust, 1870.
J. M. Comstock, who embarked in the dry goods business in 1872, is to be ranked among the most solid men in the mercan- tile circles. His store room, 21×60 feet, is too circumscribed for his well assorted stock, which foots up to about $10,000. J.M. Comstock was born Sept. 6, 1838, in Onei- da Co., N. Y. Ilis parents, George and Eliza (Paine) Comstock, were natives of Connecticut. They were married in Con- nectient, and immediately went to Onei- dla Co., N. Y. In 1846 they moved to Waukesha Co., Wis., where they have since lived on a farm. J. M. Comstock was raised on a farm, receiving a liberal education, In Angust, 1861, he enlisted in the Ist Wisconsin Cavalry. Dec. 1, 1861, was promoted to first lieutenant, and in the fall and winter participated in the guerrilla warfare in Missouri. In July, 1863, he was made captain of com- pany F, same regiment. ITis command took part in the battle at Cape Girardeau, at the time of Marmaduke's attack. In the summer of the same year he was ap- pointed provost marshal on Gen. McCook's staff, was in the battles of Shelbyville, Chickamauga and many others, among them the engagements in east Tennessee from the siege of Knoxville as well as the engagements in Sherman's march to
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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.
Atlanta. He was mustered out in Decem- ber, 1864, at Louisville, Ky. In 1866 he was married at Oconomowoc, Wis., to Elizabeth Annis. They have two chil- dren-Mary and Jessie. In 1866 he went into mercantile business at Monterey, Wis. In 1872 he came to Algona, where he has since been engaged in mercantile trade. In politics he is a republican, has been councilnan for six years, and in 1882 was elected mayor of the city. Ile is an ardent supporter of the temperance cause.
Thomas Earley, one of the young, en- terprising merchants in this line, carries a fine stock of clothing, boots and shoes, and furnishing goods, besides dry goods. He instituted his present business in April, 1876. In June, 1883, he removed to his present fine store, which is twenty-five feet wide by 100 long. Here, displayed upon counter and shelf, he shows the largest stock of goods in the county.
Thomas Earley is a native of Grafton Co., Wis., and was born April 6, 1849. IIis parents, Patrick and Anna (Burn) Earley, were natives of Ireland, and came about 1843 to Wisconsin. In 1851 the family removed to Winnebago Co., Wis., where Thomas was reared and educated. In 1867 he enlisted in the United States army, serving in company G, 35th regi- ment, which regiment afterwards formed a part of the 4th regiment, Mr. Earley then being in company II. He was lo- cated during most of the time of service at Fort Russell and Fort Steele, Wyoming territory. After serving in the army three years he returned home, and in 1872 engaged in business at Winneconne, Wis., residing there four years. In 1876 he came to Algona and engaged in the cloth-
ing, dry goods and boot and shoe business. Mr. Earley has been very successful in business, having worked up gradually from a small store, until now he has the largest and best equipped store in the county, and is doing an extensive busi- ness. He was married Sept. 11, 1874, to Sarah Taylor, a native of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Earley have two children-Net- tie and Jessie. Mr. Earley is a member of the city council. He is a member of Algona Lodge, No. 236, I. O. O. F.
J. G. Smith is another of Algona's merchants that still continues to deal in merchandise. This business was estab- lished in October, 1866, by John G. and Lewis H. Smith, under the name and style of Smith Brothers. In 1868 Francis C. Rist gave up his stage and mail business on account of ill health, and was admitted as a partner. Lewis HI. Smith withdrew from the firm in May, 1870, but the firm was still continued under the old name. Mr. Rist dying in 1872, John G. Smith has continued to run the business alone.
In October, 1866, they were appointed agents for the American Express Com- pany, but on the withdrawal of that com- pany from this line of railroad, in 1869, this agency ceased. In July, 1872, J. G. Smith was appointed agent for the United States Express Company, a position he holds yet.
J. G. Smith, general merchant, was born in Middlesex Co., Mass., March 10, 1840, being there reared and educated. In 1866 he came to Algona and engaged in general merchandise business, being now the oldest merchant doing business at this point. Mr. Smith was for many years agent of the Northwestern Stage
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HISTORY OF KOSSUTHI COUNTY.
Company. He was married in June, 1868, to Lucinda T. Smith, a native of St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. They have five children-Mande A., Kate N., Gracie B., Lou R. and Howland S. Mr. Smith has been a member of the city board of alder- men and school trustee of this district, and is now mayor of Algona, being elected in March, 1883. IIe belongs to the Masonie fraternity and is a Knight Templar.
Only one house handles clothing and its accompaniment exclusively, that of George Solomon, who began business here Sep- tember, 1881, in a store one door north of the Bongey House. Here he remained until July, 1882, when he moved next door west of G. L. Galbraith's store on State street, only to remove to his present commodious quarters May 1, 1883. Mr. Solomon, although many of the stores carry lines of the goods he handles, does a large and lucrative business.
George Solomon is a native of Ger- many, born Aug. 23, 1854. In 1872 he emigrated to the United States, settling in Chicago, Ill., being engaged in the wholesale house of B. Ginsburg as clerk for five years. In 1877 he went to Tama City, Iowa, clerking for his brother at that place until 1881, when he engaged in the clothing trade in Algona, carrying a stock of elothing, boots and shoes, etc. Mr. Solomon was married July 30, 1882, to Sarah Sime, a native of Germany. They have one child-Ida. Mr. Solomon is a member of the I. O. O. F. of Algona, and of V. A. S. Fraternity of Algona Coliginm.
The first drug store was established by Durant brothers in 1866. At a later date
Dr. L. A. Sheetz became a partner. In the fall of 1878 this firm dissolved and the stock was divided. The business is at the present in the hands of Durant Brothers, L. A. Sheetz and B. G. Forbush.
Durant Brothers carry, in addition to their stock of drugs, medicines and such goods, a large line of fancy goods, sta- tionery, etc.
L. A. Sheetz, in the Palace drug store, has a place of business that would do credit to a metropolitan city, and does an extensive business.
B. G. Forbush, the proprietor of the Good Samaritan drug store on east State street, does a nice business and holds good the name that ornaments his sign.
The first to embark in the grocery busi- ness exclusively was Samuel Ilessler, who, in 1869, opened a store devoted to that line. This pioneer grocery store is still in existence, under the proprietorship of O. II. Marvin, who was his immediate sue- cessor.
The present dealers in groceries exclu- sively are the following named: Crose & Brunson, Orville Minkler, J. C. Heckart, Booth & Buell, C. A. Hurd & Co., O. II. Marvin, II. S. Langdon, D. W. C. Ackley and the Grange store.
Crose & Brunson instituted their busi- ness in September, 1881. They carry a stoek of $4,000 worth of first-class gro- ceries, and keep everything in the neatest possible manner.
A. A. Brunson was born May 29, 1840, in Grand Isle Co., Vt., and there grew to manhood. In August, 1862, he enlisted in company H, 106th New York Volun- teer Infantry, and was rendezvoused at Camp Wheeler, Ogdensburg, from there
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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.
sent to West Virginia, where he spent the winter of 1862-63. The following May he participated in the battle of Mar- tinsburg, battle of the Wilderness, South Anna River, Spottsylvania Court llonse and Cold Harbor. He was then promoted to first lieutenant, and took command of company 1. At the battle of Winchester he was wounded in the right hip, and in 1×65 discharged at Indianapolis. lle came west in April, 1865, settling in Clay- ton Co., Iowa, and engaging in mercantile business. In 1870 he came to Kossuth county and took a homestead. In 1873 he was elected superintendent of schools, and in 1875 re-elected. Ile was after- wards appointed mail agent on the Chica- go, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad for two years. In 1866 he married Dora Ben- jamin, of Clayton Co., Iowa. They have two sons-Willis and Glenford. He is a Master Mason of Prudence Lodge, No. 205, of Algona; also belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic.
J. C. Heckart was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Dec. 2, 1838, and is a son of John and Elizabeth Heckart. When fourteen years of age, he removed with bis parents to Elkhart, Ind., remaining there until 1856, when they came to Algona, Kossuth Co., Iowa. In 1861 Mr. Ileckart enlisted in company F, 2d Iowa Cavalry, remain- ing with this command until the follow- ing February. In August, 1862, he again enlisted in the 32d regiment, Iowa Volun- teer Infantry, company A, and partici- pated in the following engagements-Fort De Russy, Pleasant Hill, Lake Chicot and Fort Blakely. Hle also took part in the capture of two rebel transports, on Little Red river, Ark, while detailed on board
the gunboat Lexington, in 1863. After the elose of the war, he returned to Kos- suth county and engaged in farming. In 1871 he went into the mercantile trade, which business he has since followed. In :866 Mr. Ileckart married Amelia M. Phelps, of Fond du Lac, Wis., by whom he has had three children-Grant W., Jessie and Hattie. Mr. Ileckart is a Mas- ter Mason, a member of Prudence Lodge, No. 205. He is also quartermaster of James C. Taylor Post, G. A. R.
De Witt Clinton Ackley, grocer and confectioner, was born in Pomfert, Chau- tanqua Co., N. Y., Oct. 22, 1831. When two years of age, the family removed to Bristol, Trumbull Co., Ohio. Mr. Ackley resided there until nineteen years of age, during which time he learned the black- smith trade; he ther, removed to Sheboy- gan Co., Wis., there working at his trade until 1852. He then returned to Ohio, remaining until 1853, when he again went to Wisconsin, and after a short residence in Sheboygan county, removed to Keno- sha county, where he resided until April, 1857; then removed to Kansas, stopping for a short time in Leavenworth and then moving to Ilickory Point, Jefferson county, taking an active part in the strug- gle then in progress which made Kansas a free State. In May, 1859, Mr. Ackley went to Denver, Col., where he remained until July of that year, then returned to Ohio, and in July, 1861, enlisted in the 14th Ohio Battery of mounted artillery, serving until January, 1863. At the bat- tle of Pittsburg Landing, Mr. Ackley was wounded in the right leg and discharged on account of physical disability. Ile returned to Ohio, where he remained
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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.
until March, 1863, at which time he re- turned to Kenosha Co., Wis. In October, 1863, he came to Iowa, first locating at Waverly, and in March, 1864, removed to Freeborn Co., Minn. In November, 1865, he removed to Mitchell, Iowa, and in August, 1870, came to Algona, working at the blacksmith trade until 1883, when he engaged in the grocery business Mr. Ackley was married April 30, 1854, to Clarissa Woodworth, a native of New York. They have four children-Mary A., Olive A., Delia O. and Buel C. Mrs. Ackley is a member of the Congregational Church. Mr. Ackley is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
Booth & Buell, who are the successors to Phillips Bros., entered into business partnership in 1883, and enjoy a fair share of the patronage of the people of this locality.
Dumont A. Buell, of the firm of Booth & Bnell, grocers, was born in April, 1840, in Monroe Co., N. Y. When thirteen years of age he removed with his parents to Ottawa, Ill., where he was reared and educated. Hle engaged in farming at Ot- tawa until 1880, when he came to Algona and entered into land speculations, at which he is still engaged. In April, 1883, he went into the grocery business with Mr. Booth. Mr. Buell was married Oct. 17, 1867, to Emma Hardy. They had two children-Hardy and Emma. Mrs. Buell died in March, 1877. Mr. Buell married, in 1879, Pamelia Thurber, a native of Illinois. They have two children-Ella L. and Julia T. Mr. and Mrs. Buell aro members of the Congregational Church. Mr. Buell is a member of the Masonic order.
The Grange store is under the general management of .I. E. Blackford, and car- ries a stock of abont $4,000 in various lines.
The growth of the furniture trade has been interesting to watch. In 1856 John Heckart opened a cabinet shop for the repair of disabled and maimed furniture, and in connection ran a turning lathe and did odd jobs at painting. This lathe of Mr. lleckart's was in a small buikling, which hung upon a pivot. The lathe was driven by a wind-mill, and as the wind varied the building was moved around to the proper position for sails of the mill to catch the wind. Mr. Ileckart for many years made and repaired almost all the furniture in the county, and is at present one of Algona's prominent citizens, hav- ing retired from active pursuits and en- joying the fruits of his former industry.
John Heckart, the pioneer cabinet maker of Algona, was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., May 14, 1805. In 1832 he was married to Elizabeth Fisher, and they have lived happily together for more than half a century. In 1836 he left his na- tive State and moved to Wayne Co., Ohio, where he resided until 1854, when he re- moved to Elkhart, Ind. In 1856 he came to Algona, then a place with two log cabins. Here he embarked in the cabinet business, being the first cabinet maker in the county. IIe made chairs and bed- steads, many of which are now in use.
From the humble beginning made in this line, has grown the present fine busi- ness of Bronson Bros. Starting July 12, 1881, they have succeeded in building up a fine trade and carry a heavy stock of goods in their line.
5
391
HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.
The first hardware store was opened by James McIntyre, who came from Illi- nois. He afterward died here, and the business passed into other hands. In 1869, Dammon, Griffin & Robinson estab- lished themselved in the hardware busi- ness at this point, but after running about a year, the interest of the senior partners was purchased by J. W. Robinson, and the firm, under the name of Robinson Brothers, has continued one of the insti- tutions of the town ever since. They carry a full line of shelf and heavy hard- ware, stoves and everything usually hand- led in that business.
J. W. Robinson, one of the prominent business men of Algona, was born Ang. 7, 1841, in New Hampshire. His parents, Frederick and Philena Robinson, were natives of New Hampshire. J. W. Rob- inson grew to manhood in his native State, receiving an academical education, also graduated at a business college in Boston. In 1862, he enlisted in company A, 11th New Hampshire Volunteer Infan- try, and was wounded in the right arm at the battle of Fredericksburg, sent to a hos- pital at Washington, from there to Ports- mouth Grove, R. I., where he staid five months. He then joined his regiment at Knoxville and was soon after sent to the army of the Potomac under Gen. Grant, participating in all the engagements, till the surrender of Gen. Lee; he was also at the Grand Review in Washington. After his discharge from the service, he re- turned to New Hampshire. In 1870 be came to Kossuth Co., Iowa. and has since followed the hardware business. In 1874 he married Antoinette Veazey. They have three children -Howard V., Abra
L. and Norman W. Mr. Robinson is an honorable member of the Masonic fra- ternity, Prudence Lodge, No. 205. His wife died Nov. 10, 1882.
P. L. S. Bronson and L. M. B. Smith are also prominent and representative merchants in this line.
Peter L. S. Bronson, dealer in hardware, stoves, etc., is a native of Norway, born April 29, 1856. When six years of age he emigrated with his parents to the United States, settling in Chicago, Il., where Peter was reared and learned the tinner's trade. In 1872 he went to Sioux Rapids, Iowa, where he remained four years, then came to Algona, working for L. M. B. Smith. In August, 1878, he en- gaged in business for himself, and is now one of the successful business men of Algona. Mr. Bronson was married Jan. 27, 1875, to Thorena Thoreson, also a na- tive of Norway. They have four children -Adolph, Secegwart, Fred and Clara. Mr. Bronson is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
In the spring of 1870, J. J. Wilson opened a lumber yard at Algona, which is claimed to have been the first in the town, although lumber had been sold here previ- onsly, but by no regular established dealer. The business is at present in the hands of J. J. Wilson, W. W. Johnson and John J. Queal.
D. S. Ford, it is claimed, is the pioneer agricultural implement dealer. He was the first to erect a warehouse and engage in it as a specialty. To Mr. Ford is Kos- suth county indebted for the introduction of flax seed. This business is represented at present by the following firms : D. S.
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