USA > Iowa > O'Brien County > History of O'Brien County, Iowa, from its organization to the present time > Part 20
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HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.
friend, done business for him, and traded with him, time and time again, since supported him in politics up to the time when the Democrats had taken Mr. Alexander up, fifteen days before. Mr. Schee further stated, that he did say to Mr. Alexander that if it turned out to be a loss, he could afford to lose a part of it, as he was $4,200 better off than he expected to be, on account of what he made in four thousand acres of land he bought of L. Greve at $2.50 per acre, and sold mostly to W. L. Culbertson at $3.50 per acre, and some to other parties, at $10 and $15 per acre. Mr. Schee further inquired, why, if Mr. Alexander's statements were true, and that Schee got the money, why did not Mr. Alexander have him arrested at the time, and why the matter was not brought out until Alexander got into democratic hands. This is about the extent of the statement of the parties in the matter, and all that the public seemed to know about it when the discussion ended, was, that there was a shortage of $11,000 cash taken bodily from the safe, that through the aid of Mr. Schee, it was made up by Mr. Alexander to the county, but who stole the money, has since remained a mystery and Mr. Alexander denied charging the theft upon anybody, but said as to his thoughts and intents, these were sacred between himself and his God, until future ages should reveal more light on the subject. T. J. Alexander did not know a dishonest act, he was made a tool of by somebody, and robbed, for certainly he would not rob himself. The county, however, lost nothing, as Mr. Alexander with the aid of Mr. Schee, made up the shortage. The last treasurer of the county before Mr. West, Henry Rerick, was a very popular official; his work was always well done, and his integrity no man ever questioned. The present incum- bent, also efficiently manages the office.
CALUMET.
The town of Calumet was laid out by the Illinois Central Railroad company in the year of 1887, on section 22 in Liberty township.
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HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.
The town is located on a spot of level prairie, surrounded by a portion of the best of O'Brien county farming land. It has two business streets, one running east and west, and another running north and south. It is not a town claiming metropolitan distinction, but from a business stand point, there is no reason why it has not much promise for the future. It is situated upon the Illinois Central Railroad connecting with the main line, from Cherokee to Sioux Falls. The railroad reached the town site in its construc- tion in the fall of 1887. After the track was laid, the first building erected was the depot building. The first building erected on the town site was a residence, by a man by the name of Douglass, who was a carpenter; he moved away some years ago, and is now in Missouri. The next building erected was for a general store, and was put up by Wheelock Bros., in which they put a gen- eral stock of merchan- dise. The management of this store changed hands several times, un- til a few years ago, when D. C. Fields pur- chased the stock, and is now running the store. DR. F. J. GALLAGHER. Mr. Fields is mentioned elsewhere in connection with Liberty township, and is one of its first settlers. A postoffice was established at once as soon as the town started, and was kept by the depot agent, Mr. Thornburg, who was the first postmaster, as well as the first depot agent. Mr. Thornburg moved from Calumet to Leeds, Iowa, and was succeeded as postmaster by Mr. Jones, and after him, the present postmaster, Geo. G. Reifsteck was appointed.
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HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.
About the same time Wheelock Bros. erected their store building, there was built a German parsonage, which was used for a hotel building until the erection of the present hotel, which was built in the spring of 1890, by Frank Baker.
After the starting of the town the present elevator was soon built, and coal and lumber supplies soon followed. The lumber yard was put in by J. H. Queal & Co., lumber fim, who still are the present owners. There are two church buildings on the town site, one of which is Methodist and was erected in the spring of 1891, whose present pastor is Rev. H. B. Green.
The other, a German Lutheran church was erected in 1892, . and whose pastor is Rev. E. Rall. The store building now occupied by Geo. G. Reifsteck was built by Chas. Horrick in 1889, and was run by him until a few years ago when Geo. G. Reifsteck purchased the same.
The Calumet bank was established in 1889, by Horstman Bros. & Seaman of Sutherland, Iowa, who sold to John C. Craig. in 1890. The bank was then discontinued, and the building was purchased by the present proprietor, Mr. J. W. Neild in 1893. Mr. Neild was formally a resident of Gran- ville, Iowa. Horstman Bros. & Seaman are now in the banking business at Sau Luis, California. The principal business houses of the town are as follows: D. C. Fields, general store; Geo. G. Reifsteck, general store; Earnest Pape is the present hardware dealer, who purchased his build- ing from the former owner, Geo. Depew, several years ago. John H. Queal & Co., lumber, coal, etc., run by Thos. Faust of Sutherland, a grain elevator run by Lewis Meade was erected soon after the railroad, a blacksmith shop formally owned by Ben Roby is now owned by E. W. Guenther, also a pool hall run by John Holst, a harness shop run by George Butler who is also landlord of the hotel, called the Commercial House, there is also a saloon in the town, there is one physician, Dr. C. P. Mueller, who became a resident there in 1893, moving there from Marcus, Iowa. There is one livery stable in the town run by Frank Baker.
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HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.
The town was incorporated in 1894. A petition was pre- sented at the December, 1894, term of the district court pray- ing for the incorporation of Calumet, and to include as its territory the following described land: The south half of the northwest quarter and the north half of the southeast quarter of section 22, Liberty township. The court appointed the following named commissioners for the purpose of incorpora-
tion: W. M. Bunce, B. Har- rington, J. W. Neild, L. Reif- steck, D. C. Fields.
These commissioners call- ed a special election for the purpose of voting upon the question, as to whether the town should incorporate or not. This election resulted in 19 for incorporation, and IO against.
The commissioners then called a special election on April 17, 1895, for the first election of officers. This election was held according FRED. W. BLOXHAM. to the notice, and the following named officers were elected : Mayor, W. M. Bunce; recorder, J. W. Neild; councilmen, L. Reifsteck, D. C. Fields, Earnst Pape, E. W. McOmber, Peter Rehder, Lewis Meade.
The first meeting of the council was held April 18th, 1895. We had occasion to examine the books of this incorporated town kept by Recorder Neild since the preliminary steps were taken towards incorporation, and we must say that the full, complete, clean and well written way in which they are kept, is decidedly creditable to Mr. Neild as an officer of the town. Following this election was held another election, which occur- red in March, 1896, at the fixed time of such municipal elec- tions all over the state. This election resulted in the election
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HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.
of the following named officers: W. M. Bunce was re-elected mayor, and J. W. Neild, recorder; J. P. Litka, treasurer; Geo. G. Reifsteck, assessor; Jacob Holst, street commissioner, and the following named councilmen: D. C. Fields, Earnest Pape, Paul Goettsch, Peter Rehder and Lewis Meade. The present officers for 1897 are as follows: Mayor, W. M. Bunce; recorder, J. W. Neild; treasurer, J. P. Litka; assessor, Geo. Reifsteck; street commissioner, William Litka; councilmen, E. W. Guenther, G. S. Butler, newly elected.
On the 19th day of May, 1897, Calumet suffered a loss by fire, which burned five of its business houses. D. C. Fields' store, also the next building owned by J. W. Neild, hardware store belonging to E. Pape, implement house also belonging E. Pape, and photograph gallery. Books, papers and goods were destroyed, and some money, so that the loss at the time was estimated at $11,000.
ARCHER.
The town of Archer was named after John H. Archer who owned the land upon which the town site was started. Mr. Archer is an extensive farmer still living near the town. The town started in 1888. About the first building was a black- smith shop, which was in March, 1888. That same spring T. D. White was commissioned as postmaster but failed to serve, so the appointment was made to A. A. Bisbee who was one of the pioneer merchants in the town, of the firm of West & Bisbee, and these parties established the first mercantile house. W. L. Edgerton now of Sheldon, started in 1889 in the hay business, and shipped large quantities, and afterwards was in the stock business. Milo Benedict was the first station agent. The town is on the line of the Illinois Central R. R. and is on section 24, in Carrol township. The firm of West & Bisbee failed in business in November, upon which H. H. Parrish succeeded them. Mr. Parrish also became postmaster and has continued in business at Archer since that time, and who by square dealing has established a good trade. Mr.
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HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.
Parrish commands the respect of the people and is well known in the county. Its present business houses are E. J. Edmunds Elevator Co., managed by C. M. Mast. The Chicago, O'Neal Elevator Co., managed by Charles Spike. Tiemens & Kooyman, dealers in hardware; Williams Bros., general store, in charge of O. L. Campbell; A. Rolow, blacksmith; Henry Tiemens, blacksmith; Harness Shop, George Pederson; restau- rant and billiard hall, by John Kaiser.
The present depot agent is W. J. Sin- yard. Several years ago a Methodist church was erected on the town sitt where services are conducted, with O. E. Van Horn as pastor. There is also organ- ized a Christian church at Archer, sup- plied from Primghar and Sheldon. The town has good prospects of much future F. E. SIMPSON. growth, and it probably will not be long, before it will wear municipal honors.
The townsite is owned by the C. E. Mckinney Investment Co., of Sioux Falls, S. D., whose agent for the sale of lots is lawyer P. R. Bailey, of Primghar.
GAZA.
The town of Gaza is located on section 28 in Highland township. It is on the line of the Illinois Central Railroad, and was started soon after this road was built across the county from Cherokee. The town was named by some ar- dent lover of sacred history, who reached out upon the shores of the Mediterranean sea, and selected the name of a hamlet in Judea. The first store building, and in which was placed a stock of goods, was built by H. Ehlers in 1887. Mr. Ehlers was also the first postmaster. This store has passed through several different hands until the present owner and proprietor, C. F. Reifsteck, who is also postmaster. The Chicago, O'Neal Elevator Co. is in charge of Geo. Reader; W. J. Bruce & Co.,
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HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.
of Primghar, have a lumber and coal yard in charge of R. Chapman. Joseph Renoldson, of Primghar, has a branch machinery house managed by Charles Hintz. The present station agent is C. Schnorr. A Congregational church build- ·ing was erected in 1896, which has a good membership, with Mrs. A. L. B. Nutting as pastor. L. T. Gates, secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Co., makes his headquarters at Gaza. The town was first named Woodstock, but it being soon ascertained that there was another town of this name, it was changed to Gaza. Gaza like all other towns in the county, is surrounded with productive farms and substantial residences, and there is no reason why it should not be- come something of a town in the future.
PAULLINA.
The town of Paullina is located on the northeast quarter of section 9, in Union township, and has an addition on the ad- joining section north. It was named after the Paullina brothers, who owned the quarter section on which the town is laid out, and were also the owners of other land adjacent to the town site. This town started ahead of the railroad, in 1882, in an- ticipation of its coming, and when the first locomotive whistled within the limits of the townsite, there were already business houses.
The first parties to aid in Paullina's growth, were Messrs. Adkins and Davis of Jasper county. This firm began building, and had their store buildings ready for occupancy, about the middle of March. A general stock of merchandise was carried by this firm, and from the first, their business proved profitable; some days their sales reaching over $600.
Contemporaneous with this building, was a small house erected by B. F. Rozell for hotel purposes, and from the fact of its being the first hotel in the place, was properly named the Pioneer House. Before even this small structure could be completed, it was filled to overflowing with boarders and transient guests. As this state of things continued, Mr. Rozell
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HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.
found it necessary to increase his accommodations, which was accordingly done. The next firm to begin business here, was the Sprague Bros. of Primghar, who began the erection of a livery stable of large proportions. This was thought, by some, to be a losing speculation, but the same story repeats itself, for the business prospered from the first, and reached such a magnitude that the stock and accommodations failed to meet the demands that were con- tinually made upon it. The barn was then enlarged, and a more complete stock added.
About this time T. E. Shra- der cast his lot with those al- ready here, and put up a story and a half residence and restaurant. Later on, a bar was added, and other improvements made. The first saloon opened here, was by Cal Peterman in a tent near the depot grounds. Finding this accommodation inadequate, a small board HENRY SHIPLEY. shanty was built, which, in turn, gave away to a fine large building, neatly arranged with two billiard tables, and a com- modious bar. The first carpenter to make this his residence was F. C. Daniels, who built a large shop and residence, and soon after began contracting, at the same time employing eight skilled workmen to aid him. Under this force of men, building after building appeared in quick succession.
After this time the increase of people and improvement be- came so great, that it is difficult to state in what order they came. Still, building was somewhat impeded, owing to the fact that all the material had to be hauled eighteen and twenty miles by team. There were a number here however, who, in spite of this disadvantage, determined to begin opera-
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tions as soon as possible. Among these was C. C. Smith, who began by erecting a large store building for hardware purposes. The hardware stock of Johnson & Hakeman, at Primghar, was purchased, and this, together with a large ad- ditional amount of new stock and tinner's supplies, was put in, and a paying business began at once, and continued at such a rate that additions to this large building were made from time to time. Near this time G. W. Elliot began his residence on Main street, and embarked in his old trade, that of carpenter, which he had dropped for a time. C. R. Waterman was the next one on the scene, and his building was designed for hotel purposes. On the 4th of July it was thrown open to the public, and christened the Paullina house. Additions to this building were made a necessity, until it reached the propor- tions of a commodious and well arranged hotel, having a large patronage, far exceeding the expectations of its proprietor. Later on a meat market was opened and operated by Mr. Waterman. The amount of meat sold, and business transacted by him, was a surprise to all. Some weeks as high as ten beeves were slaughtered, besides a large number of hogs and sheep. The " Home and Restaurant" was the name given to another hospitable hotel dedicated by an old fashioned supper on July 4th, with H. Godfrey as host. Perhaps the store doing the most business in the same period of time, was the one built by the Railroad Supply Company, about the first of June, and known as the Railroad Store. The business transacted at this store was simply enormous, the sales amount- ing on an average to $850 per day. After the grading on the railroad was completed, this store was removed to Silver Lake, in Dickinson county, and the building left unoccupied until fall, when it was purchased by G. W. Davis and used by him as a residence.
Theodore Wiechner, a jolly German shoemaker from Rein- beck, Grundy county, all undaunted by the distance from which the building material had been hauled, purchased his bill of lumber in Sanborn, and immediately began building a
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large boot and shoe store on Broadway. Before its comple- tion, however, he began to realize his lonely condition, and went away to find a wife. In this he was successful, and re- turned to find his building ready for occupancy.
Messrs. Johnson & Hakeman of Primghar, hearing the wonderful stories told of Paullina and her prospects, came over to investigate the foundation of these reports. After due deliberation, they concluded to remove their lumber office and stock to this place. But little was done by this firm until the advent of the rail- road, and the regular run- ning of trains, which occur- red early in August. After that time, car load after car load of lumber, lime and coal began to pour in over the new road for this firm, and was disposed of by them as soon as received. So great REV. FATHER P. F. FARRELLY. was the demand for this material, that fully six months had elapsed, before this activity began at all to decrease, and in that time upward of one hundred and fifty car loads of lum- ber, sixty of coal and five of lime, had passed through their hands to third parties.
J. H. Queal & Co., and the Wisconsin Lumber Co., soon after opened yards here, and both met the same live experi- ences, making sales of large amounts of lumber and coal; in fact, for a time the supply could not meet the demand, so fast was building carried on. It was not long before other cit- izens of Primghar were making this place their home, some even bringing their buildings on wheels with them. Among this number was Wm. Hastings and family, who continued to live in the house while taking this novel journey.
Mr. Hastings also brought his blacksmith shop in the same
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HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.
manner, but we believe he allowed the fire to die out in the forge for the time being. If so, it was soon after kindled, for the sparks were soon seen flying, as he continued his profita- ble work at the anvil. Near the middle of July, A. Hanson began the erection of a fine building, designing the first floor for hardware purposes, and the second for a residence.
Bossert & Davis is the name of another firm, who put up a large two-story store building, and put in a stock of clothing, gent's furnishing goods, boots, shoes and groceries, and like the others, made many and quick sales. Early in the fall, Dr. J. H. Stevens of Montour, Tama county, erected a commodi- ous building and put in a stock of drugs, and placed Dr. C. S. Paul in charge. Harker & Green of Sanborn, erected four commodious store buildings. Dr. C. H. West a former physi- cian of Primghar, located here in the fall, and built a resi- dence and office.
Early in July Oscar D. Hamstreet a young attorney came here, and seeing a good opening for the practice of his profes- sion, concluded to remain and accordingly erected an office and began business. L. D. Bechtell came here in October and erected a grain warehouse, and began buying grain and stock. The largest and most costly business edifice was the grain elevator, built by Edward Paullina. This building was finished just at the beginning of winter, at a cost of some $6,000 or $7,000. Residences and business houses continued to go up, until soon the town was placed on a firm foundation. A church and Sabbath school were early organ- ized, and held their meetings in the Pioneer house, the former under the charge of Rev. Caldwell of Marcus, and the latter under the supervision of Mr. Cowen. Both of these organi- zations prospered.
In six months after Paullina started, it had made the follow- ing progress in businesss houses, residences, and their value.
The Paullina grain elevator, $6,000; Chicago and North- western railway depot, $2,000; C. C. Smith, store building and residence, $1,800; A. Hanson, store building, $1,500; J. P.
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HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.
Bossert, store building, $1,600; Adkins & Davis, store building, $1,000; Harker & Green, four store buildings, $3,200; L. D. Bechtell, grain ware house, $1,000; Johnson & Hakeman, lumber office and sheds, $1,000; J. H. Queal & Co., office and sheds, $1,100; Wisconsin Lumber Co., office and sheds, $1,- 000; Sprague Bros., livery barn, $1,000; Johnson & Hakeman, livery barn, built for Morse & Antrim, $1,000; B. F. Rozell, hotel, (Pioneer House), $1,300; C. R. Waterman, Paullina House and barn, $1,400; Theodore Wiechner, boot and shoe store, $700; F. C. Dan- iels, furniture and cabinet shop, $1,200; T.E.Shra- der, store building and saloon,$1,600; J. H. Stevens, drug store building, $1,000; H. God- frey, home and restaurant, $900; Mrs. Fred Miller, business house in course of erection, $700 ; railroad company's store building, $600; Johnson & Hake- I. N. M'INTIRE. man, store building, $600; K. L. Hatter, residence and store building, $700; J. P. Howe & Co., wagon manufactory, $600; C. H. Peterman, restaurant and saloon, $700; O, D. Hamestreet, law office, $300; J. N. Veeder, harness shop, $300; C. R. Waterman, meat market, $300; George W. Schee, office building occupied by the Times, $300; J. W.
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HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.
Bunker, residence, $1,000; W. W. Johnson, residence, $900; George Hakeman, residence, $900; William Hastings, resi- dence and blacksmith shop, $600; residence for railroad section boss, $700; G. W. Elliott, residence, $500; Dr. H. C. West, office and residence, $400; Lewis Resne, residence, $500; F. M. Young, residence, $500; C. G. Bundy, residence, $500; N. Upham, residence, $500; Calvin Wells, residence, $400; John Deary, residence, $400; Mrs. Deborah Grover, residence, $400. Total, $41,000.
The Paullina Times with its editor is elsewhere mentioned, under the heading " Newspapers."
In the eighties, Paullina brought its home talent into requis- tion, and upon the stage there was presented to the people " The Soldier of Fortune." The several parts of same were by J. P. Bossert, L. A. Douglass, Frank Cooke, B. L. Pratt, Stephen Harris, Charlie Harris, W. S. Loveless and J. W. Bunker. Three ladies were in the play, Mrs. B. L. Pratt, Miss Jennie Gruver and Mrs. Ida Harris.
The ladies of the town also had a Shakesperean club.
In the season of 1888, up to the Ist day of November, there was shipped from this point, by Dodge & Hakeman, and Metcalf & Cannon, the following amount of grain:
Oats, 263,140 bushels; wheat, 64,550 bushels; barley, 185,- 500 bushels; flax, 46,000 bushels; corn, 86,200 bushels; timo- thy, 5,860 bushels; rye, 1,600 bushels.
Several of the original settlers are still in Paullina, and many have left and some have died. A. Hanson was one of the early business men, and has remained with the town since. His length of time there, together with a profitable and successful business established, are proof that as a dealer he has the confidence of the people.
In December, 1882, Paullina organized the usual musical attachment, a brass band. Its players at first were Stephen Harris, E flat; Joe Bunker, tenor; Chet Davis, baritone; H. L. Hatter, tuba; Wm. Stewart, B flat; E. W. Chandler, alto; Geo. W. Davis, bass drum; the town contributed liberally and
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HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA. .
the boys were well equipped. The town improved rapidly after starting, showing valuable improvements each year, and in 1885, it footed up to $28,039, and in 1886, $42,371. Paul- lina's first 4th of July celebration was in 1885. The program opened with a balloon ascension, but owing to a high wind, it was not a success. W. R. Johnson was president of the day, who introduced Rev. R. Fancher as the chaplain, and this gentleman opened the exercises with prayer. Dr. C. H. Meyers then read the declaration, which was followed with an oration by J. L. E. Peck. An oration in German was then de- livered by Rev. E. Fuer- rer, and an extempora- neous speech by Rev. Fannon of Spencer. The fantastic troupe called the " Hipizorinktums " then made their appear- ance, with a grand pa- rade amid shouts of laughter. The gun clubs then did some shooting; there was a base ball game between Paullina and the Highland clubs, in which Paullina won. CHARLES S. PERRY. Bert Stewart won in the horse race, Peter Peterson the sack race, and J. W. Gaunt the first prize in the foot race. There was music by the Paullina band, and the day closed with fire- works. The second celebration was in 1887, starting out with a large procession headed by the Paullina cornet band. At the bowery Rev. W. E. Caldwell opened the exercises with prayer, followed with singing by the glee club, composed of F. P. Gates, J. V. Adkins, Charles Gates, Mrs. W. E. Cald- well, Mrs. S. Harris and Miss Cora Orcutt. C. H. Winter-
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