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 82

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield IL : Union Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 950

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 82
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 82
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 82

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The town of Britt was incorporated June 23, 1881, the ordinances being drafted by J. G. Strong and W. E. Bradford. The following is the list of the first offi- cers entrusted with the municipal govern- ment: George Stubbins, mayor; II. Il. Ellsworth, recorder; S. F. Benson, asses- sor; J. D. Smith, marshal; B. Hudson, street commissioner; Thomas Daylor, John J. Clemmens, H. E. R. Hill, Joseph Treganza, P. S. Ellsworth and D. W. Far- rer, aldermen.

The following represents the present goverment: George Stubbins, mayor; 11. Il. Ellsworth, recorder; A. D. White, as- sessor; M. Nugent, street commissioner and marshal; Thomas Daylor, C. C. Way, J. Treganza, Eugene S. Ross, J. F. Bullis and Joseph Osborne, aldermen.

Ilowe Post, No. 179, Grand Army of the Republic, located at Britt, was insti- tuted upon the 23d day of May, 1883, Gen. Milo L. Sherman, of Fredericksburg, Chickasaw Co., Iowa, being the mustering officer. The following put their names upon the first enlistment paper, becoming the charter members thereof: J. G. Strong, M. Nugent, Levi Huntly, Il. D. Woodard, Levi Chandler, P. P. Griffin, J. G. Bing- ham, O. N. Wilcox, Eli Bliekensdefer, Jerome Bailey, J. R. Wolf, C. B. Howe, J. F. Bullis, M. MeGrnder, C. S Rock- wood and Thomas Graham. Of these, Capt. J. G. Strong was elected comman- der, and II. D. Woodard adjutant. The post is officered at present as follows:

Henry Bush, commander; C. B. Howe, senior vice-commander; Levi Chandler, junior vice-commander; H. D. Woodard, adjutant; P. P. Griffin, quartermaster; J. R. Wolf, surgeon; J. G. Bingham, guard. The post is in good flourishing condition, and considerable interest is displayed in the work by the comrades who stood shoulder to shoulder in the lurid light of fateful battle. The present membership is about twenty-one.

Darius Lodge, No. 431, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, was organized on the 27th of June, 1883, with the following list of charter members: J. A. Treganza, Thomas Daylor, II. E. R. Ilill, J. D. Ma- ben, George Stubbins, Joseph Osborne, Moses Brown, J. M. Dunaway, J. F. Bul- lis, James Dickerson, Thomas Daff, John M. Orthel, S. A. Healy and Mat Johnson. At the first gathering of the craft the ofli cers for the ensuing year were chosen, that the lodge might be ruled according to the ancient rites and usages, and the traveler might be guided aright. The following were selected to fill the various positions: J. A. Treganza, W. M .; Thomas Daylor, S. W .; H. E. R. Hill, J. W .; J. D. Maben, S. D .; George Stubbins, J. D .; Joseph Osborne, See .; Moses Brown, Treas .; J. M. Dunaway, Tyler. The lodge is in a prosperous condition and has a total membership of fifteen brothers, and the work is pronounced as more than fair, by the initiated.

The Congregational Church society was organized on the 26th of December, 1879, although the Rev. R. R. Wood had been preaching the Word for six months pre- vions. Among the names of those com- prising the original membership of this

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HISTORY OF HIANCOCK COUNTY.

portion of the Lord's vineyard may be found the following: E. E. Adams and wife, Smith A. Healey, George Alexan- der, Georginia Way, and William HI. Breese and wife. Many others, who were not as yet identified with the Church, assisted in the formation of the society, and in the building of the church edifice. The first services were held in the school house in lieu of a more suitable temple of worship, but during the summer of 1880, the present house was erected at a cost of $1,500. The Rev. R. R. Woods con- tinued pastor until 1883, in July, when he was succeeded by the present incumbent, Rev. B. St. John. The first officers of this Church were as follows: Smith A. Healy and George Alexander, deacons; W. II. Breese, clerk; E. E. Adams, treas- urer; and C. C. Way, Edwin Hale and William Breese, trustees.

The Rev. Benjamin St. John, the pres- ent pastor of the Congregational Church of Britt, is a native of Delaware Co., N. Y., where he first saw the light on the 10th of December, 1848. He resided in that locality until he was ten years of age, when his parents removed to Howard Co., Iowa, where the subject of this sketch lived until 1870, when he entered the Iowa College, at Grinnell, in this State. Here he was a student for six years, burn- ing the midnight oil, in preparation for his life's duties. In 1877 he matriculated at Yale College, New llaven, Conn., graduating therefrom in 1880. In July of the same year he took charge of the Railroad Congregational Church, at Eldo- ra, Hardin county, where he remained until July, 1883, when he accepted a call to this charge. A rare scholar and

talented gentleman, Mr. St. John is bound to elevate the Church, and win many souls to the service of his Master. He was married May 27, 1880, to Louisa Upson, a native of Connectient.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in November, 1878, through the instrumentality and labors of the Rev. Z. C. Bradshaw, now of Belmond, Wright county. The following parties were included among the original mem- bers: K. K. Liquin, William Wright, C. Graves, Mrs. R. G. IIill, Mrs. J. II. Bur- dick, William Pritchard, Andrew An- derson, G. Devenpeek and C. C. Way. The first board of trustees was composed of the following gentlemen: K. K. Liquin, William Pritchard, Andrew An- derson, G. Devenpeck and C. C Way. On account of the destruction of the records of the Church society, by fire, much valuable information is of a neces- sity inaccessible, but the names of the various pastors who have ministered 10 the spiritual wants of the Church has been obtained by personal memory of the members. These were: Rev. Z. C. Bradshaw, the instigator and originator of the society, who served through 1878; Rev. J. Jeffrey, 1879; Rev. W. II. Drake, 1880 and 1881; Rev. E. Turner, 1882 and 1883, and the present incumbent, newly appointed, Rev. II. J. Huston. The Church edifice was erected in 1881, at a cost probably of $1,500, and is a plain, substantial frame building. The present officers of the society are: K. K. Liquin, W. W. Wright, Carrol Graves, Joseph Osborne, Mrs. R. G. Hill, Mrs. Eliza Liquin, Mrs. Sarah Morrison and W. II. Iluston. The membership at the present

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ILISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

writing (1883) is thirty-two, and is in- creasing gradually. The Church is re- ported to the conference as being in a very prosperous condition and with rich promise of future growth and usefulness. A fine Sabbath school is attached to this Church of which William II. Inston is superintendent; Nellie Morrison, treas- urer; Bert Morrison, librarian, and Charles Brown, secretary. This school has an average attendance of about sixty scholars and teachers, and is a useful adjunct to the Church.

Rev. Henry J. Huston, the present in- eumbent of the pastoral charge of the Methodist Church of Britt, was born in Canada, on the 19th of November, 1832. When he was six years of age his parents removed to Freeport, Ill., where he grew to manhood. He was educated at the Lawrence University at Appleton, Wis., graduating from thence in 1862. In 1866 he became a member of the Rock River Conference, and was assigned to the charge at Franklin Grove. Lee Co., Ill. He remained in the north part of Illinois, in charge of several Churches, until May, 1881, when leaving the charge at Mount Carroll, which he then occupied, he re- moved to Colorado, for the benefit of his wife's health. Ile remained in the "silver land" until March, 1883, when he returned eastward, and located upon a portion of section 18, in Britt township, where he owns 400 acres of land. In October, 1883, he took charge of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the town of Britt, and is the present pastor. He was mar- ried Sept. 8, 1857, to Frances A. Frost, a native of Wisconsin, who died on the 30th of June, 1867, leaving one son, William

HI. Mr. IInston was again married April 9, 1869, to Almira M. Squier, of Illinois.

The first hotel built in the town of Britt was the Star Hotel, which was erected by S. F. Benson, in October, 1876. Ile continued to act the part of jolly host until September, 1882, when he sold it to A. D). White, who became its landlord. Until May, 1883, he enacted this charac- ter, when he disposed of the house, good- will, etc., to J. W. Ball. The present proprietor is F. B. Rogers.

Frank B. Rogers, proprietor of the Commercial House, was born in Clayton Co., Iowa, April 27, 1848. His parents, Alvah C. and Maria (Plum) Rogers, were natives, respectively, of Vermont and Pennsylvania. They moved to Clayton Co., lowa, in 1847, where they still reside. Frank was reared in his native county and was employed on a farm until 1868, when he engaged in the hardware business at Clayton, Iowa. In the spring of 1869 he removed to St. Ansgar, Mitchell county, remaining for eighteen months, after which he went to Osage, Iowa, clerking in a hardware store for four years and a half, and then moving to New Hampton and going into the mercantile business. In March, 1879, he came to Britt and en- gaged in the hardware business, which he continued until 1882. Ile then moved on a farm near Britt, and Nov. 1, 1883, re- moved to the city and became the propri- etor of the White House. Mr. Rogers was married Dec. 29, 1866, to Anna Mass- ingham, a native of Illinois. They have three children-Ernest L., Frank E. and Mary A. Mr. Rogers held the office of school treasurer of Britt township for 1882 and 1883,and was for three years sec-

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

retary of the Hancock County Agricultu- ral Society and is now president of the society.

The Hales House was first started by the present proprietor, Edwin Hales, in the spring of 1880. At that time the building was 20x84 feet in size, but he has since added a wing, 20x40 feet, two stories high. The building has at present some twenty-four sleeping rooms, and affords ample accommodation to the traveling public.

Elwin Hales, proprietor of the Hales' House, Britt, was born in Shropshire England, June 21, 1843. He there re- mained until 1857 when he came to Amer- iea, locating in Jefferson Co., N. Y., liv- ing there five years. He then removed to Berlin, Wis., where he was engaged at his trade, milling, having learned the same in New York. He remained in Berlin six years. Hle then removed to St. Louis, Mo., where he worked one year; thence he went to Raleigh, Mo., where he re- mained two years, lle then removed to Jacksonville, III., where he lived three years. In 1866 he returned to Berlin, Wis., there residing until 1873. He then went to Clear Lake, Iowa, remaining one year; thence to Forest City, Iowa, where he lived four years; then returned to Clear Lake, residing there until October, 1879, when he came to Britt, and in the spring of 1880 engaged in the hotel business. He was married in April, 1875, to Maggie Couper, a native of lowa, they have one child-Frank E. Mr. lales is a member of the I. O. O. F.

Taylor & Osborne, bankers, real estate dealers, attorneys, etc., began their multi- farious business, in Britt, in June, 1881,

and have ever since been doing a large and rapidly increasing business. This firm represent a capital of over $30,000. The bank of Mossrs. Taylor & Osborne is in reality the pioneer institution of Britt. Jay D. Maben is assistant cashier.

Jay D. Maben, of Britt, Iowa, was born in Stephenson Co., Ill., Aug. 22, 1853. He is a son of John and Mary (Curren) Maben, who are old settlers of Hancock county. They remained in Stephenson county until 1854 when they removed to Benton Co., Iowa, there residing one year. They then came to this county. In 1874 Jay engaged with his brother in the real estate business at Garner, remaining so engaged until the fall of 1875, when he became deputy county treasurer under his father, holding that position until 1882, when he came to Britt as assistant cashier of Tay- lor & Osborne's bank, where he is at present engaged. Ile was united in mar- riage July 4, 1878, to Imogene Matteson, of Illinois. They have two children-Ida M. and Ethel. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He was assessor of Garner in 1876, and is the present treas- urer of Britt.

The banking house of C. C. Way & Co. was organized in July, 1881, J. E. Anderson and C. C. Way being the co- partners in the firm. Shortly after its in- stitution, however, Mr. Anderson retired from the firm and Mr. Way assumed the sole control, which he continues to do at the present writing. The bank has a working capital of $30,000, and does a large and lucrative business. Mr. Way also transacts a large real estate business. Thomas A. Way is the cashier of the bank, a position he fills to the satisfaction of all.

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

The first lawyer to locate in the village of Britt was W. E. Bradford, who settled down here, and hung out his shingle, in July, 1880. The profession is now repre- sented by Mr. Bradford. I. G. Strong and Taylor & Osborne.

In May, 1878, Thomas Daylor erceted the first building for the transaction of the mercantile business. On its comple- tion in August of that year, he placed therein a stock of goods, and after arrang- ing them to his satisfaction, opened his doors for business, thus becoming the first merchant in the town of Britt. The first sale made over his counter was twenty- five cents worth of Japan tea, and the enstomer was J. H. Burdick. Mr. Daylor continued the sole owner of this business until February, 1883, when he admitted Mr. Ennor as a partner. The firm carry a stock of general merchandise that will invoice fully $10,000, and do a large trade, in fact the best in that line transacted in the "burg." During the first year of Mr. Daylor's business life here he was en- gaged in the grain business, but did not continue that branch of trade long.

Thomas Daylor, of the firm of Daylor & Ennor, merchants, was born in Ottawa, Canada, May 24, 1849. His father, Frank A. Daylor, was a native of Vermont, and his mother, Mariah McDonald, was of Canada. Her death occurred in 1850. The subject of our sketch, when six years of age, was taken by the family to Du- buque, Jowa, where he entered the employ (when thirteen years of age) of James Levy, with whom he remained for two years. He then clerked with E. S. Stone & Co., dry goods merchants, for some two years. He then engaged in the insurance

business, following the same until 1869, when he emigrated to Denver, Col., re- maining in that city and vieinity for one year. lle thon returned to Dubuque, Iowa, and for four months, was engaged in mining. He then entered the employ of G. II. McDonald & Co., as clerk, and remained with them in that capacity, and as their traveling salesman three years, when he engaged as traveling salesman for John Bell & Co., until July, 1878, when he came to Britt and engaged in merchan- dising. Mr. Daylor was married March 29, 1873, to Annie E. Zaunck, a native of Dubuque, Iowa. They have two children living-Thomas and Frank A. His wife's death occurred Jan. 10, 1882. Mr. Day- lor is a member of the Masonic order and of Commandery No. 43, of Mason City, Iowa, and he is also a member of the A. O. U. W. He is an alderman of Britt and also a member of its school board.

William F. Ennor, of Daylor & Ennor, merchants, was born in Grant Co., Wis., Aug. 22, 1856. Ilis father, William T. Ennor, was a native of England as was his mother, Annie (Uren) Ennor. The family located in Wisconsin in 1848. Our subject was reared and educated in his native county, and there resided till April, 1878, when he came to Britt, Iowa. In the fall of that year he entered the em- ploy of Thomas Daylor, and bought grain and clerked for that gentleman until Feb- ruary, 1883, when he became a partner with Mr. Daylor in their present business. He has been clerk of Britt township for the past three years.

K. K. Liquin was the second merchant in the general merchandising line. In August, 1878, he ereeted his store room

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

and in October opened his stock for in- spection and sale. He continued to operate this store until March, 1879, when he disposed of it to Henry Lucas, who sold out shortly after to G. Stubbins.

After Mr. Liquin had sold out his in- terest in his store he entered into a co- partnership' with T. Woodford, and the firm thus formed, engaged in the lumber trade. In February, 1879, Mr. Liquin, looking around for a business to invest his spare capital in, entered into the grain business and later on added to it that of coal dealer. All three of these busi- nesses he is interested in, the two lat- ter alone. He has about $4,000 invested in these different trades and realizes a handsome income therefrom. He is the owner of the West elevator and is also the owner of some 200 acres of fine land, lying within this county. Mr. Liquin is considered one of the most prominent business men in the community.

Knud K. Liquin, grain and coal dealer, was born in Winneshiek Co., Iowa, Feb. 1, 1854. llis parents, Knud K. and Carrie (Williams) Liquin, were natives of Nor- way. They came to Iowa in 1851. Knud was reared in his native county and there remained until 1878, when he came to Britt and engaged in merchandising. Ile has since been identified with the interests of that town. Mr. Liquin was married Dec. 6, 1875, to Eliza Christian, a native of Norway. They have two children- Lotta and Charlie. Mr. Liquin has held the office of justice of the peace of Britt township. lle is a member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church.

Among the representative business houses of Britt is the general merchan-

dise store of S. Stubbins. This is the business first established by K. K. Liquin, who sold to N. O. Lucas, who was in turn succeeded by the present proprietor, who has placed it under the supervision and control of George Stubbins. Mr. Stub- bins' management dates from the 10th of November, 1879, and has been a complete snecess.

Dr. II. F. Fort opened the pioneer drug store of this town, on the 17th day of August, 1878. Ile continued to carry it on until October, 1879, when he disposed of it to Alexander Moir, who continued to be the sole proprietor of this establishment until May, 1883, when he admitted J. L. Kinyon to a partnership. The firm is known at present as J. I .. Kinyon & Co., and is doing the principal business in their line, carrying a nice, clean stock of about $3,000 worth of the various items that go to make up the contents of the usual drug store. The firm has a large local reputation for integrity and relia- bility that wins them a large and lucrative trade.

James Temple also opened a drug store in Britt, July 19, 1882, and does a fair share of the business in that line. Ile carries a stock carefully selected of about $3,000 in a building owned by himself, and is noted as a careful compounder of the various prescriptions submitted to his manipulation.

The pioneer hardware store was estab- lished by F. B. Rogers, who came here from New Hampton, Chickasaw county, in 1878. Hle sold out his stock and good will in February, 1882, to H. B. Morrison, who continues to enjoy a remunerative trade in that line. Mr. Morrison carries

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

a stock of over 84,000, and by careful at- tention to patrons draws a large custom.

Iloratio B. Morrison was born Jan. 7, 1831, in Belknap Co., N. H. His parents, Jacob and Hulda (Chapman) Morrison, were also natives of New Hampshire. In 1839 the family removed to Franklin, N. II., where Horatio grew to manhood. When seventeen years of age he engaged in surveying, and when nineteen years of age lie became assistant chief engineer of the Connecticut & Passumpsie Railroad, being in that position one year. He con- tinned as surveyor on various roads until 1854, when he went to Huron Co., Mich , and ran a saw mill for fourteen months. Ile then became engaged in the lumber bus- iness at Minneapolis, Minn. In 1856 he went to St. Mary, Minn., and from there in 1858 to Burean Co., Ill., where he engaged in farming. In 1862 he removed to Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa, where, after farming five years, he engaged in mason work, which occupation he followed ten years. Ile then began to introduce his patent stove pipe register, which he still manu- factures, it now having a large sale. In February, 1882, he came to Britt, engag- ing with E. I. MeGraw in the hardware business. A short time afterward he purchased Mr. McGraw's interest and now continues the business alone. Mr. Morri- son was married Sept. 25, 1854, to Caro- line P. Greeley, a native of Franklin, N. 11. Four children blessed this union- Emma L., Minnie J., Herbert and Sarah E. Mrs. Morrison died in March, 1868. In February, 1869, Mr. Morrison married Mrs. Mary A. (Sawyer) Scribner. They have four children-Hattie M., Clara,

Winnie and Roy. Mr. Morrison is a member of the I. O. O. F.

The hardware trade is also represented by the firm of E. I. MeGraw & Co., which was established in October, 1882. They carry a well assorted stock of general hardware, run a tinner's department in connection, and handle paints and oils. In consequence of fair dealing and earnest endeavors to meet the wants of their patrons, the establishment is doing an ex- cellent business. The members of the firm are Mr. McGraw and the Palmeter brothers, and they carry a stock that would invoice between $3,000 and $4,000.

Elbert 1. McGraw, of the firm of E. I. McGraw & Co., is a native of Wadsworth Co., Wis., born Aug 23, 1856. His par- ents, Alonzo and Mary (Anchambangh) McGraw, were natives of New York State. They reared six children, Elbert being the fourth. Elbert was reared in his native county, and when eighteen years of age he engaged in the photograph business,contin- uing in that business until 1877. He then went to Clear Lake, Iowa, engaging as elerk in the hardware house of Palmeter Bros., with whom he was engaged until 1881. Ile then came to Britt, and with II. B. Morrison, engaged in the hard ware busi- ness. In October, 1882, he sold out his interest to his partner, and established the present firm, which consists of Mr. Me- Graw and Palmeter Bros. Mr. McGraw was married May 12, 1880, to Mary Palmeter, a native of Illinois. They have one child-Alice Emily, born Aug. 22, 1883.

A lumber yard was opened in March, 1880, by I. W. Jamison, and S. A. Healy installed as manager. It was but a short-

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

lived affair as it was discontined after but six months of business.

Smith A. Healy was born in Huron Co., Ohio, April 11, 1846. His parents, Abra- ham and Phæbe C. (Warren) Healy, were natives, he of Rhode Island, and she of New York. Smith was reared in his na- tive county, and there followed farming till 1865. In February of that year he enlisted in company I, 186th Ohio In- fantry. The war then drawing to a elose, he was discharged in June of that year. In December, 1866, he went to Mentor, Ohio, where he resided until April, 1867. Ile then removed to East Saginaw, Mich., which place he made his home for one year; thence to New Hampton, Iowa, where he was in the nursery business for three years. He was then engaged in varions occupations until September, 1878, when he went to Bassett, Iowa, there re- maining till September, 1879, when he came to Britt, taking charge of the hun- ber interests of R. W. Jameson, and after a short time engaged in the dray and transfer business, and finally exchanged that for the restaurant business. He was. married June 13, 1872, to Carrie Adams, of Ohio. They have three children-Lil- lie M., Smith A. and George E. He was elected justice of the peace in 1883, and also filled that office while at Bassett, Iowa, and while there was also a notary public. Mr. Healy is a member of the Masonie fraternity of Britt.

Joseph F. Bullis is also one of the prom- inent business men of Britt, being en- gaged in the lumber and coal trade. In. February, 1881, he entered into the latter business, and in September, 1882, added a stock of lumber thereto. Ilis yard is

close to the Minneapolis & St. Louis Rail- way depot, where he transacted business last year to the amount of 8,000,000 feet of lumber and 8,000 tons of coal.

Joseph F. Bullis, Inmber dealer, was born Dec. 12, 1844, in Wayne Co., N. Y. When eight months old his parents moved to Rock Co., Wis., being among the early settlers there. Joseph received his edu- eation and grew to manhood in Roek county. In 1867 he moved to Boone Co., Ill., where he resided two years, then went to Texas. After staying there eight months he returned to southern Illinois, remaining, however, less than a year. He then moved to Minnesota, where he resid- ed eighteen months. Hle then came to lowa, and in 1880 located in Britt, Ilan- coek county. When he came to Britt he had but $2.50 in cash, but by hard work and close attention to business he has built up quite a nice coal and lumber trade. Mr. Bullis was married Dec. 25, 1877, to Mary Fisher, a native of Iowa Falls, Iowa. They have two children-Beulah and Earl A. Mr. Bullis belongs to the Ma- sonic fraternity. Mr. Bullis served his country during the Civil War, and was honorably discharged Nov. 1, 1865. He is now a member of the Howe Post, G. A. R., and viee commander of the same.

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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 82

Author: Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Springfield IL : Union Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 950

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield IL : Union Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 950