History of Kossuth and Humbolt 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 50

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Union Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 898

USA > Iowa > Humboldt County > History of Kossuth and Humbolt 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 50

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).

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 np a fine trade and carry a heavy stock of goods in their line.

Din .coo by Google

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 he came to Kosanth 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, Ill., 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 Inmber had been sold here previ- ously, 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. Ile 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 hy the following firms : D. S.

Digiszed by Google

392

HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.

Ford, J. R. Jones & Co., Robinson Bros., and Mathew Richardson.

J. R. Jones & Co., established by Mr. Jones, in the fall of 1870, when he put up the present building he occupies. In the spring of 1872, he admitted, as a partner, Thomas Hamson, and the business was conducted under the firm name of Jones & Hamson. This lasted but about a year when Mr. Jones became the purchaser of lris partner's interest. In 1882, G. II. Lampson purchased a half interest therein and the style of the firm name changed to its present one of J. R. Jones & Co.

The first harness shop was started by F. W. Hawes, in the spring of 1870. He came here from Nashna, Chickasaw Co., Iowa, and opened in a small building on the north side of State street where the drug store of B. G. Forbush now stands. In 1871, he moved into his present quar- ters This store room is 22x70 feet in size and is filled with a fine stock of har- ness and everything in that line, besides a stock of clothing, boots and shoes and trunks. Besides Mr. Hawes, this line of trade is worthily represented by M. W. Stough and Walters & Co.

Milton R. Walters, harness maker, was born in Fort Wayne, Ind., Jan. 19, 1850. Ile is a son of Reuben and J. Mitchell Walters, natives of New York, who emi- grated to Indiana in an early day. Mr. Walters was a soldier in the Union ariny, where le contracted a disease of which he lost his life. The subject of this sketch went to Humboldt Co., Iowa, in 1861. Here he turned over the first sod where Humboldt now stands. Also helped to hanl the first lumber to build the first honse. He was married in Humboldt

county to Clara Penny, by whom he has had four children-George, Jennie, Ella and Edna. In 1874 he came to Al- goua, where he has followed his trade ever since. Mr. Walters is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge of Algona. In politics he is a staunch republican, and has held several local offices of trust.

P. L. Slagle was born June 6, 1845, in Greene Co., Ohio. His parents were George W. and Martha (Long) Slagle. His mother was from Philadelphia, Penn. Ilis father was a Virginian and came to Ohio at an early day. In 1843 they moved to Wheatly county, where they still reside. P. L. Slagle was reared in Ohio and In- diana. When seventeen years of age he was apprenticed to the trade of saddler and harness maker. In 1864 he enlisted in company D, 11th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battle of Nashville, Tenn., and other engage- ments. He served till the close of the war. In 1858 he married Sarah Crabb. They have five children-Charles II., Ehner II., Frank HI., George II. and Walden H. In 1868 he came to Algoua, where he has followed his trade. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Blue Lodge and Chapter, also belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic.

The first merchant milor in Algona was J. K. Fill, who established that business on the 26th day of March, 1860, when he came here. He came from Ogle Co., Ill., where he had been engaged in the same line of business. Ile is regarded as one of the first business men of the city.

J. K. Fill, merchant tailor, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Jan. 22, 1811. Here

Digitized by Google

HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.

393

he learned the trade of tailor in the shop of his father, at the age of fourteen years, serving three years' apprenticeship. In 1838 he emigrated to America, locating in Baltimore. He remained in Baltimore a few years, and then removed to Dauphin Co., Penn. In 1853 he removed to Ogle Co., Ill., remaining there until 1860, when he came to Kossuth eounty and settled on a farm in Irvington township. While run- ning his farm he again engaged in his pres- ent business. In 1873 he removed his family to Algona, where they have since resided. He was united in marriage, in 1843, in Dauphin Co., Penn., with Eliza J. Price. By this union there were eight children. Mr. Fill is a republican politically. He enlisted in company F, 2d Iowa Cavalry, and participated in many engagements.

For many years the repairing of wagons had been done by the blacksmiths, who were al-o workers in wood to that extent, but in 1876, Bradley & Nicoulin em- barked in the business of manufacturing wagons, carriages, etc., and repairing the same. They have a large establishment, employing twelve men, and turn out 300 wagons and carriages per year. The Al- gona lumber wagon made by them has an excellent reputation, not only local, but as far west as Chamberlain, Dak., to which point and intervening ones they are shipped.

A. M. Johnson & Son are also an enter- prising wagon making firm. They opened a shop in 1882 and are doing quite an ex- tensive business. The Johnson wagon is deservedly popular.

A. M. Johnson is a native of Delaware Co., N. Y. When eighteen years of age he learned the blacksmith's trade. He

was married in 1844 to Elizabeth Fish, they having four children-George, Lafay- ette, Edward and Augusta. In August, 1862, he enlisted in company F, 31st Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and took part in Sher- man's raid on Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, Young's Point, siege and capture of Vicks- burg; here he was taken sick and sent to Lossing's hospital, from there to Quincy, Ill., when in February, 1864, he was dis- charged. Ile then returned to Jackson Co., Iowa, where he had settled in 1856. In 1865 he located in Irvington township, now Sherman township, on section 5, where he engaged in farming, and in the spring of 1879 came to Algona. In the spring of 1882 he opened up a wagon shop in company with his son, where they turn out some excellent work, and are known far and wide as the Johnson wagon. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Watch repairing was first done by J. H. Warren, and the business, as well as stocks of jewelry kept by F. M. Bronson and E. G. Bowyer, at the present.

William Cordingley was the first to deal exclusively in the shoe business, and manufacture and repair the foot gear of this community. Ile started in it abont fifteen years ago, in 1868, and is still the most important merchant in that line, where it is handled exclusively.

The meat market business is well rep- resented by three stands, those of Frank Winkel, Mrs. Schweigs and J. Winkel.

It is claimed that the first photographer to locate here, was a party by the name of Thompson. This line is represented at this time by Saunders & Fuller and

DAzed by Google

394 HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.

J. F. Niconlin, who enjoy a large and Incrative business.

J. F. Nicoulin was born Feb. 24, 1847, in Massachusetts. His parents were Xa- vier and Paulina (Parset) Nicoulin, his father a native of Switzerland, and his mother of France. When young people they came to America, and were married in Pittsfield, Mass. In 1849 they went to Vermont, and iu 1354 emigrated to Dodge Co., Wis. Mr. Nicoulin was drowned in 1859, in Rock river, while constructing a bridge over the stream. Mrs. Nicoulin was afterwards married to Frank Bernard. They are living at Appleton, Wis. J. F. Nicoulin went to Appleton when four- teen years of age, and was employed for nine years as clerk in a store. In 1870 he came to Algona, and in 1873 opened a photograph gallery. In 1880 he married Isabella Gilbraith, a daughter of William Gilbraith, of Kossuth county. Mr. Nicon- lin is a member of the I. O. O. F.

Dr. Parker was the first dentist to lo- cate in Algona. At the present C. B. Cole, E. S. Ensign and L. K. Garfield, M. D., are the representatives of this branch of business.

In 1868 E. S. Lamb commenced the first livery business, and followed it for several years in connection with the hotel. Several parties have engaged in it since then, but Grove & Co., and Smith & Ring are the live liverymen of Algona, at the present writing.

Isaac Grove, liveryman, Algona, was born June 13, 1818, in Union Co., Penn. He there learned the shoemaker's trade, continuing to work at the same until 1844. Hle then went to Rockford, Ill., being engaged in teaming between

that city and Chicago for many years. He also engaged in farming near Rock- ford. In 1864 he moved to Charles City, Iowa, being engaged in farming and other occupations until 1873. He then located near Nora Springs, farming in that neigh- borhood until 1875, then coming to Kos- suth county, and settling on section 4, Algona township. He engaged in farm- ing nutil 1879, when he went into the liv- ery business in Algona Mr. Grove was married, Jan. 1, 1842, to Annie E. Ziebach. He has five children living -Marion, Emily J., Samuel, John and Jacob F. Mrs. Grove died Feb. 17, 1864. Mr. Grove married in August, 1864, Mrs. Laura (Tennant) Lynch, a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. Grove is a member of the Congregational Church.

J. A. Smith was born Sept. 27, 1847, in Prussia. In June, 1870, he emigrated to America, settling in Clinton Co., Iowa, and engaged in farming. After one year he went on a farm in Calhoun county. In 1880 he disposed of this farm and pur- chased another. In 1882 he removed to Pomeroy, where he engaged in the livery business. In June of the same year he was burnt out. In 1883 he came to Algona, and is still in the livery business. He still owns the farm in Calhoun county.

In all new counties the real estate busi- ness has always taken a prominence, and the town of Algona, in this respect, has at all times been particularly favored. The first party to engage in this line was Axa C. Call, who came to Algona in 1855, with that intention. The first mention of any transfer of property in the town of Algona, is the sale of a town lot by him to Lyman L .. Treat, for the consideration

Digixod by Google

Dlgized by Google

Henriette Carlon

Digmood by Google

Kuzey Carlos'

Dig zed by Google

Deizedby Google

HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.

399

of $1. There are many parties in the city, at present, engaged in this business, prominent among whom are: George C. Call, who is the successor to his father, A. C. Call; J. W. Jensen, the representa- tive of Fredericksen, Hansen & Drum- mond; C. Byson, J. E. Stacy, the agent of the American Emigrant Society; C. L. Lund, J. B. Jones, W. HI. Nycum and O. E. Palmer. Ambrose A. Call, W. H. Ing- ham and L. H. Smith are also interested in this business, in connection with their general banking business.

George C. Call, real estate, abstract and loan agent, is a son of Asa C. Call, and is successor to his father in the oldest estab- lished real estate business in Algona, his father having established the same in 1854. Mr. Call became interested in the business in 1879, and Dec. 5, 1882, he suc- ceeded the firm in his present business. He is a native of Algona, and was born Sept. 24, 1860. He was here reared and educated. From his youth he has been engaged in the land business, and though a young man has been unusually success- ful. Mr. Call. is a member of Algona Lodge, No. 236, I. O. O. F. of this city.

John W. Jensen is a native of Norway, born May 31, 1854. He was there reared on a farm. In August, 1872, he emigra- ted to the United States, locating in Kos- suth Co., Iowa. He here engaged in farming and various lines of business un- til the spring of 1883, when he accepted his present position as agent for Freder- icksen, Hansen & Drummond. Mr.Jensen was married June 8, 1878, to Mary Jacob- son, also a native of Norway. They have three children-Emma Julie, Ida Maria

and William Martin. Mr. and Mrs. Jen- sen are members of the Lutheran Church.

C. Byson, real estate agent, was born in Denmark, Feb. 22, 1842, being there reared on a farm. In April, 1869, he emigrated to America, settling in Warren Co., Penn He divided his time between Jefferson and Clarion counties, Penn., un- til 1882. He then came to Algona, tak- ing charge of the real estate business of A. Boysen until October, 1883, when he established his present business. When Mr. Byson arrived at Castle Garden, N. Y., he had but $1 in his pocket. and his success may be judged from the fact that he is now quite a large property owner in the city of Algona. In June, 1870, Mr. Byson was married to Anna M. Peterson, also a native of Denmark. They have three children-John R., Kinnie E. and Anthony.

Christian L. Lund, real estate agent, was born in Denmark, Aug. 3, 1850. He was there reared to manhood, receiving his education at the Royal University of Copenhagen, at which institution his father, Miller Lund, has for many years been professor of theology. When twenty- one years of age he entered the regular army of Denmark, according to custom, and served one year. In 1873 he came to the United States, going directly to Chi- cago, Ill., where he resided one year, then removed to Saline Co., Neb., where he re- mained one year. He then went to Kear- ney Co., Neb., where he resided three years, engaging in real estate business and stock raising. He then went to Colo- rado, residing in Leadville and Denver for one year, after which he returned to Chicago, where he again remained one

DA zed by Google

400

HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.

year. He then removed to Algona, Iowa, engaging in the real estate business. He owns large farms in Kossuth and Emmett counties, and is extensively engaged in stock raising in the southeastern part of Emmett county.

In the line of insurance, the business is well represented by HI. Hoxie, A. D. Clark, F. M. Taylor, J. J. Wilkinson, L. HI. Smith, Jonathan B. Winkle, C. F. Calkins and J. B. Jones.

J. Wallace & Co., the proprietors of the creamery and cheese factories, are among the most prominent business men of the community. They commenced operations in Kossuth county in 1874, building that year a cheese factory about three miles east of Algona. Early the next year they erected one six miles east of the city. Later they built two more, one in Irvington and another three miles north of Algona. In 1876 four factories were erected by them, one in the south- west part of the county, one in Lott's Creek township, one in Fenton, and the fourth in the northwestern part of Hum- boldt county. They continued their busi- ness until 1877, when the style of the firm was changed to Wallace, White & Reed, but only remained this way for one year, when it was changed back to the original name of'J. Wallace & Co. In 1878 they reduced their business, discontinning all but four factories. They engaged in the creamery business in the fall of 1879, and were the first in Kossuth county, and the second in the State to adopt the new sys- tem. During their first year of the creamery business they made 2,500 pounds of butter daily. In the spring of 1885 they engaged in the same line of business

at the rising town of Bancroft, in this county, and are among the heaviest deal- ers in this line in northern Iowa. They also bny all kinds of produce and grain, and are live, energetic, business men.

Blossom Bros. began business in Algona in May, 1878, in the line of buying and shipping all kinds of produce, butter, eggs, poultry, etc. They are also propri- etors of a creamery at East Algona, and occupy two store rooms, 22x60 feet, and the upper stories of the same building also. They manufacture during the proper season about 3,000 pounds of butter daily, and handle three car loads of poultry,and 200,000 pounds of dairy butter per year.

C. H. Blossom, of the firm of Blossom Bros., produce merchants, was born in Cook Co., Ill., Ang. 19, 1853. He came to Waverly, Iowa, in 1861, and has been in the produce business since 1872. He located in Algona in 1878. The firm is doing a large business in dairy butter, poultry, eggs, and the manufacture of creamery butter.

The flax mill and hay press of B. Mor- ris & son, is one of the foremost bnsi- ness enterprises of the town. This was erected in July, 1880, and is somewhat of a success, and will doubtless improve as more and more flax is grown by the agri- culturista of the county. They press and bale about 1,000 tons of hay per year, also, and have $8,000 invested in their business.

The steam grist mill and grain elevator located at the depot of the C. M. & St. P. railroad are the property of J. J. Wilson, one of Algona's most prominent, enter- prising and energetic business men. In 1871 he engaged here in the lumber busi

Digi zod by Google

401

HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.

ness, and in that same summer built the ele- vator, to handle the grain he was buying. This structure is 20x52 feet, with an ad- dition, since erected, of 24×32 feet in size. The mill, which is one of the best in this section of the State, was built by O. J. Hack, in 1872, but came into the posses- sion of Mr. Wilson in 1874. This build- ing is 36x56 feet in dimension, and is thoroughly equipped with the most mod- ern machinery on the roller system, and has a capacity of turning out sixty bar- rels of flour daily. Mr. Wilson is also engaged in t' e coal, lumber, grain and stock business at this point, and at Whittemore, this county, and Emmets- burg, Palo Alto county, and employs a capital of $40,000 in his various businesses.

The first steps toward the banking busi- ness were taken on the Ist of January, 1>67, by W. H. Ingham, who opened an account with Austin Corbin, of New York city, to draw hills of exchange against. The first draft was made upon the 11th of January, and was for $100 from James L. Paine, of Algona, to a clergyman in Missouri. On the 1st of Jamary, 1870, just three years later, Mr Ingham and Lewis HI. Smith formed a co-partnership under the firm name of Inglram & Smith, for the transaction of a regular banking business. Mr. Smith painted the sign for the pioneer bank, which is yet among the archives of the institution. During the year 1871 they built the fine edifice now occupied by the Kossuth County Bank, which is one of the finest buildings in the city. Erected of Milwaukee brick, two stories high, the upper story being occupied as offices, fine French plate glass windows, and fitted np

in a superb manner inside, it is a structure that would not be out of place among the palatial piles of Chicago or Milwaukee.

On the 16th of May, 1873, the Kossuth County Bank, was organized and incor- porated upon the foundation land by Messrs. Ingham & Smith. This was a stock company and the officers chosen at that date have continued to be re-elected their own successors, to the present moment. They are as follows: W. H. Ingham, president; J. B. Jones, vice- president; L. H. Smith, cashier; J. W. Wadsworth, teller. The board of direc- tors is composed of the following gentle- men: W. H. Ingham, L. H. Smith, J. B. Jones, B. W. Devine, John G. Smith, Theodore Chrischilles and J. W. Wads- worth. This institution has a capital of $50,000 and is incorporated under the general banking laws of the State. The gentlemen who are the head of the con- cern are widely and extensively known, bing among the first settlers in this part of the State, and for reliability, integrity and probity, as well as for being men of wealth and business experience none en- joy a better reputation. Briefly, this in- stitution is regarded as one of the staunch and reliable fixtures of Kossuth's business interests and entitled to the unlimited confidence of the public.

Joseph W. Wadsworth, teller of the Kossuth County Bank, was born in Keno- sha Co., Wis., Nov. 13, 1853. His parents, John and Rebecca (Whitley) Wadsworth, were natives of England, and emigrated to the United States, in 1847. Mr. Wads- worth was reared and educated in Keno- sha county. In 1870 he attended Spen- cer's Connuercial College, at Milwaukee,

Dazed by Google

402

HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.

graduating with honors. In May, 1873, he was appointed teller of the Kossuth County Bank, which position he still holds. In October, 1875, Mr. Wadsworth was married to Emeline A. Watkins, a daugh- ter of John Watkins, of Mower Co., Minn. Two children have blessed this union- Alice R. and Harvey J. Mr. Wadsworth is an active member of the Masonic fra- ternity, belonging to the Blue Lodge Chapter and Commandery.

The Bank of Algona was established un- der the existing State laws, on the 18th of November, 1880,and at once assumed, and still maintains a permanent place in the banking interest of this section, and is a most valuable adjunct to commercial inter ests. The faculties for transacting all busi- ness pertaining to the banking system are unsurpassed, and in its construction and organization, everything has been consid- cred calculated to enhance the interestand security of those so fortunate as to be numbered among its patrons. The official management of the institution is vested as follows: AmbroseA. Call,president; D. H. Hutchins, vice-president; V. H. Stough, cashier. The board of directors is made up of some of the best men in the com- munity, and add solidity, were that neces- sary, to the above named official heads. It is composed of the following gentle- men: D. H. Hutchins, Joseph Thompson, G. N. Hancock, Philip Dorweiler, A. A. Call, William Carey and V. H. Stough. The bank draws drafts on all foreign countries, through Gilman, Son & Co., of New York, and on Chicago, through the First National Bank of that city. For the security of the funds entrusted to them, they have a Diebold fire and burglar-proof

safe, fitted with a Sargent & Greenleaf time lock.

Ambrose A. Call, the pioneer of Kos- suth county, and one of the figures around which cluster much of the historic annals of the past, was born in Huron Co., Ohio, upon the 9th of June, 1833. He is the son of Asa and Mary (Metcalf) Call, and comes of good stock. His grandfather was one of the noble band of patriots that achieved our National Independence in the Revo- lution, and his father served in the army that preserved it during the War of 1812-15. When the subject of this sketch was but a few months old, his father died and his widowed mother removed to Cat- taraugus Co., N. Y., where she had friends. Five years later, however, she returned to the west, going beyond her old home in Ohio, and locating at South Bend, Ind., where she remained many years. Ambrose left home at the age of fifteen, he having received a common school education in the meanwhile. The summer of 1850, the subject of our sketch established a news depot at Dayton, Ohio, delivering the Cin- cinnati dailies ahead of the mails. The fall and winter of the same year, he at- tended commercial college in Cincinnati, Ohio. In the spring of 1854 he turned his steps westward and brought up in Iowa; at this time he was but twenty-one years of age, and in company with his elder brother, who had just returned from the gold fields of California, he came north from Fort Des Moines, as it was then called, into what is now Kossuth county, arriving here the 9th of July, 1854. In 1861 be established the first newspaper in the county, the Algona Pioneer Press, an account of which, see elsewhere. This he

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.

History of Kossuth and Humbolt 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 50

Author: Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Union Publishing Company Number of Pages: 898

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Union Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 898