History of O'Brien County, Iowa, from its organization to the present time, Part 25

Author: Perkins, D A W
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Sioux Falls, S. D., Brown & Saenger, printers
Number of Pages: 510


USA > Iowa > O'Brien County > History of O'Brien County, Iowa, from its organization to the present time > Part 25


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).


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S. S. Bradley, once marshal in Chicago in its early days, has remained with Sheldon since his first coming in 1872. He also opened a lumber yard, but retired from business some years ago. The deacon has had the respect of his fel- low citizens in all the years of his residence.


Ed C. Brown was not one of the earliest, but an early set- tler in Sheldon in the banking business, and is elsewhere men- tioned as one of the early settlers of the county. He is an old soldier, has been prominent in politics, and accumulated wealth.


C. F. Butterfield was one of the early business men in Sheldon, and though away from the city awhile, has returned to his former home. Mr. Butterfield and the writer visited the tent of the surveyors when they laid out Sheldon in the spring of 1872. He is well known and respected.


Dan Mckay was one of the first in Sheldon, was marshal of the city for some time and moved to Tacoma a few years ago.


Oliver Lias is an old settler 'of the adjoining county of Sioux, and knew Sheldon at its birth. He has been a mem- ber of the city council, and is an old soldier.


J.MANZ & CO .- CHICAGO


SHELDON IN IS76.


430


HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.


Ruel Allen was also one of the first settlers in Sioux county, and while living there commenced trading in Sheldon from the start. He now resides in the city.


Frank Frisbee, with his brothers James and Fred, were early settlers in the county. Frank and James came first in 1871. Fred took a claim in Osceola county, and proved up on this, then moved to O'Brien county. The Frisbee boys lived on their claims and farmed several years, after which they went into business in Sheldon, They have always mani- fested much public spirit and business enterprise, and all their transactions were always in accordance with the strictest rules of honesty. James died several years ago. He was a blunt, plain-spoken man, but of very upright character. Frank is in the livery business, also president of the First National Bank of Sheldon. Fred is of the firm of Van Pat- ten & Frisbee, dealers in coal, wood, etc. Mr. Van Patten is something of an early settler in Sheldon, and is a prosperous business man, and is also vice president of the First National Bank. The name Frisbee has by oversight been incorrectly spelled " Frisbie " in other parts of this book, something that the writer very much regrets. A son of Frank Frisbee, Fred, is assistant cashier of the First National Bank.


Al. Scott is an old settler of Sheldon, whose face has been familiar to the early settlers for many years. F. O. Gibbs, who has for a long time been a valued employee of the C., M. & St. P. R. R., acting as agent at Sioux Falls, was one of the 1873 business men at Sheldon.


W. L. Ayers opened his drug store in Sheldon at quite an early day. C. Stinson has also been connected with the busi- ness interests of Sheldon for many years, and has been a very competent mayor of the city.


Al. Sleeper and his brother W. H. opened a bank here in the seventies. W. H. is still here now, cashier of the Union Bank. Al. Sleeper is in the banking and stock business at Everly. The Sleepers came from New Jersey, and at about the same time, and from the same place, came W. B. Bowne,


SHELDON WATER TOWER.


432


HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.


Millard Logan, and D. T. White, also Scott Logan. These parties are still here, except Mr. White who is now proprietor of a fashionable hotel east, at the sea shore. Scott Logan is the owner of the Prairie Queen flour mill, and with his son O. E. gives the plant successful management. Millard Logan is of the hardware firm of Smith & Logan. Mr. Bowne takes life easy, in the management of his farms.


We are not attempting to write up business men, but as far as possible, mention such as are of the early settlers of Sheldon.


The Iselin boys, John and Harry, were here at an early day, and built the Scott Logan mill, also built several houses south of the Milwaukee track. They came with considerable means, and branched out in an enterprising way, but at the wrong time. They were free with their money, and were very kind to the poor. John died several years ago. Harry is in New York City. With the Iselin's, came Dr. W. P. Woodcock who practiced here for a long time, but inheriting considerable wealth, retired from practice, and now resides in Spencer. Fred Baudler came here when a boy, with his father Conrad. Conrad run a meat market here for many years, and died here. Fred still continues the same business. Fred Piper came here when a boy, was in the newspaper business several years ago, and is now connected with a school furniture com- pany. L. L. Bassett is quite an old settler in Sheldon, and is still here in business. F. E. Wyman is an early resident, still living here. George Caple came in the seventies, died here not long ago, and his wife with her children still reside in Sheldon. J. D. Bunce had charge of the Seney farm, now owned by Theodore Dockendorf, for many years, coming here at an early day. He still resides here, and is a member of the city council. J. M. Merrill, though residing over the line, was here at quite an early day, and has seen the gradual growth of the city from the start. Eugene Riddell is an early settler, now of Sheldon Trade Co. William Hecker worked on our first buildings, as a carpenter, and is still here. J. C. O'Donnell came here early in the seventies, and opened a blacksmith shop,


·


E .P. MESSER HARDWARE


1:1


E.P. MESSEP.


C.P.MESSER


E. P. MESSER'S HARDWARE STORE, SHELDON.


28


434


HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.


was a proprietor of the Sheldon Iron Works for several years, and has recently moved to Deadwood, S. D. Dr. C. Long- shore, mentioned elsewhere, was county recorder one term, and came in 1873. G. A. Miller, now in the agricultural business, came in 1872, and after farming for several years, established himself in business at Sheldon. E. A. Ward is an early settler, also the Lias boys, Thomas, Frank and Charley who coming with their parents, lived west of Sheldon, in Sioux county. Their father died several years ago, and the mother still lives in Sheldon, a very matronly woman, much respected. A daughter married Mr. A. Hurd, who with his family still resides in Sheldon. Oliver and his mother reside together. W. E. Van Campen of restaurant notoriety is an early settler, and commenced business here in 1874, his mother Sally was an early settler in Lyon county, she resides in Sheldon. John Van Campen, also an early settler, is farming in Floyd township. The Woods family, Jackson and his wife with their sons John and B. T., also another son, A. D. are early residents. John came first in 1873, took his claim, and farmed it for several years, he now resides in Sheldon, B. T. is of the firm of Woods & Hoskins, he is always a leading factor on public occasions, and a good mechanic, his partner, Mr. Hoskins was an early settler in Osceola county.


H. D. Woods is a railroad conductor on the river division of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad from La- Crosse to St. Paul. Jackson Woods and wife, a highly re- spected couple, reside in Sheldon.


There are quite a number living in Sheldon who commenced trading in the town when it first started, and who were pio- neers in that part of Sioux county then tributary to Sheldon. Among those not already mentioned is Joseph Walker, who worked on Sheldon's first buildings.


Dr. F. W. Cram commenced practice here at an early day, and is still in practice. Dr. O. P. Mabee has also practiced dentistry in Sheldon for many years, the first dentist in the city. Swan Esklund came here in the early days, for some


RESIDENCE OF J. E. VAN PATTEN, SHELDON.


.


436


HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.


years in the employ of Jones & Parkhurst. J. W. Hicks and Alonzo are early settlers in Sheldon.


Jurgen Renken became a Sheldon resident in the seventies, and is still a resident. He has been a large land-owner, and he coined the phrase expressive of a portion of Lyon county, the "Garden of Eden." Renken has helped many a man struggling to get along, for he is naturally kind of heart and sympathetic, but too often the recipient of his favors has turned out to be an ingrate.


W. N. Strong came to Sheldon in 1874, and has resided here continuously since. He was clerk of court one term, has accumulated considerable property, is a man of most excellent character and business integrity. He is the proprietor of a lumber and coal yard, assisted by his two sons, Sherman and Harmon, energetic young men. A. W. Johnson is an early settler, and has industriously helped build up the city, as a car- penter, from the start. Peter Botette came here in 1876, when Peter, Jr., and Nelson were but lads. Henry Mander- sheid came in 1876. Charley Dahlman is an early settler, and has been with Fred Baudler many years. Among the illus- trations will be seen Postmaster Kearney and his faithful as- sistant, Fred Bloxham. Mr. Kearney has been identified with the Sheldon posfoffice, as clerk and P. M., a great many years. Homer W. Conant is considerable of an early settler, has sold a large number of lots for the townsite company, and has been justice of the peace for several years. He has been promi- nently identified with the interests of the town for a long time. C. Shaffer is an early settler and a very quiet, substantial citizen.


George Hill was one of our first settlers. He came here a young man from Massachusetts, and in 1869 carried the mail from Cherokee to Sioux City, and was in Cherokee when that city made its start. George has toiled on here in the dray and ice business for over twenty-five years, identified with the city through all its stages of growth, married, and raised his fam- ily here, so that, the children were born in the city. His son is in business with him.


1


DENTIST.


TIONAL BANK


BANK


---


FIRST NATIONAL BANK, SHELDON.


438


HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.


M. H. Damon, now residing at Worthington, was an early settler of 1872. He toiled through the grasshoppers, saving hired help by plowing corn by moonlight. Ben. Chase with his mother were quite early settlers in Floyd township. Wil- liam Shultz was a settler of 1872, and moved to Sheldon sev- eral years ago, and is one of our best citizens.


Joseph Shinski is one of the early settlers, who was first in trade, and for a while the firm was Shinski & Gavin. Mr. Gavin died several years ago. Mr. Shinski has been mayor of the city and a justice of the peace for several years, and performed the duties of these offices with much ability, has accumulated a large amount of property, and is a man of ex- cellent judgment and good character. He was married after he came here, so that his children, Miss Maud and Miss Mar- garet, were born here, who are young ladies of refinement and education.


William Gavin is an old resident of the county, came here from Massachusetts and moved to Sheldon several years ago. Pat Dougherty was a year old when his father, John Dough- erty, moved to the county. John Dougherty died several years ago.


Officers of the city from its incorporation up to the pres- ent time :


1876. '


Mayor H. B. Wyman


Trustees Charley Allen, Jas. Wykoff,


G. H. Boutelle, J. M. Stevenson, S. W. Harrington Recorder


L. F. Bennett


In December, 1876, J. M. Stevenson and S. W. Har- rington, on account of intended removal, resigned their offices as trustees and by special election' held in that month, A. B. Nash and D. A. W. Perkins were elected to fill the vacancy.


1877.


Mayor


H. B. Wyman


L. F. Bennett Recorder


GRAND OPERA HOUSE. A- 1897 D.


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C


O


O


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-


-


Burkhead & Prese Amers Sioux City Jowa


PROPOSED OPERA HOUSE, SHELDON.


!


440


HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.


Trustees Geo. Boutelle, Charley


Allen, Jas. Wykoff, A. B. Nash, D. A. W. Perkins Treasurer H. Umphrey


Marshal Geo. Umphrey


Assessor W. N. Strong


Street Commissioner


John` Nugent


1878.


Mayor H. B. Wyman Recorder Ed C. Brown


Trustees O. M. Barrett, J. J. Harten-


bower, D. A. W. Perkins, Jos. Shinski, J. A. Brown Treasurer H. B. Wyman


Marshal J. C. O'Donnell


Street Commissioner


Geo. Hill


1879.


Mayor H. B. Wyman


Recorder J. J. Hartenbower


Trustees Geo. H. Boutelle, D. A. W. Perkins, J.


Shinski, Ed C. Brown, O. E. Wagoner, J. A. Brown Treasurer E. F. Parkhurst


Assessor J. Wykoff


Street Commissioner Geo. Hill


Marshal J. C. O'Donnell


1880.


Mayor J. J. Hartenbower


Recorder


E. J. Woods Trustees .


J. A. Brown, J. Shinski, D. A. W. Perkins, D. S. White Treasurer Ed C. Brown


Assessor J. B. Frisbee


Marshal Geo. Umphrey


Street Commissioner


Geo. Hill


1881.


Mayor Jas. Wykoff


Recorder F. H. Nash


THE PRESENT CITY COUNCIL OF SHEI.DON.


442


. HİSTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.


Trustees J. A. Brown, Frank Frisbee, S. C. Nash, J. Shinski, H. S. Iselin


Treasurer W. L. Ayers


Assessor F. W. Houck


Marshal D. McKay


Street Commissioner Geo. Hill


1882.


Mayor H. B. Wyman


Recorder F. H. Nash


Trustees A. McDougal,


John H. Iselin, S. C. Nash, D. S. White, Frank Frisbee Treasurer Jos. Shinski


Assessor F. W. Houck


Marshal Fred Frisbee


Street Commissioner S. Shryock


1883.


Mayor H. B. Wyman


Recorder A. W. Husted


Trustees Frank Frisbee, John


H. Iselin, D. S. White, P. R. Bailey, Geo. E. Berry Treasurer W. L. Ayers


Assessor L. S. Stone


Marshal D. McKay


Street Commissioner


Geo. Terry


1884.


Mayor J. J. Hartenbower


Recorder S. H. Ladd


Trustees


C. M. Spencer, F. W. Cram, Geo. Berry,


E. F. Parkhurst, Charles Stinson and Joseph Shinski Treasurer . W. L. Ayers


Assessor


J. E. De Forest


Marshal Asa Monk


Street Commissioner Geo. Terry


1885.


Mayor W. S. Lamb


Recorder C. C. Birdsell


443


HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.


Trustees F. W. Cram, C. M. Spencer, Geo.


Berry, Jos. Shinski, Homer Conant and E. F. Parkhurst


Treasurer W. L. Ayers


Assessor Jas. Wykoff


Marshal J. C. O'Donnell


Street Commissioner A. Charles


1886.


Mayor L. S. Bassett


Recorder C. F. Smock


Trustees C. M. Spencer, H. W. Conant, W. C.


Hagy, J. Shinski, Wm. Reynolds and E. F. Parkhurst Treasurer W. L. Ayers


Assessor


Jas. Wykoff


Marshal Wm. Waters


Street Commissioner T. E. Newman


1887.


Mayor C. L. Gurney


Recorder


Geo. L. Vinz


Trustees


W. C. Hagy, H. W. Conant, Wm. Rey-


nolds, C. M. Spencer, Geo. Protexter and W. B. Bowne


Treasurer


W. C. Kemper


Assessor


Jas. Wykoff


Marshal James Chapman


Street Commissioner


A. Charles


1888.


Mayor Jos. Shinski


Recorder


J. R. Elliott


Trustees


W. W. Reynolds, W. C. Hagy, Geo. Pro-


texter, Homer W. Conant, W. E. Bowne and G. Y. Bonus Treasurer W. C. Kemper


Assessor Jas. Wykoff


Marshal Frank Frisbee


A. Charles


Street Commissioner


1889.


Mayor J. Shinski


Recorder J. R. Elliott


444


HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.


Trustees W. B. Bowne, John Bowley, H. W. Conant, Geo. Protexter, G. Y. Bonus, E. Y. Royce


Treasurer Charles Stinson Assessor Jas. Wykoff


Street Commissioner James Thomas


Marshal Frank Frisbee


IS90.


Mayor


John Bowley


Recorder J. R. Elliott


Trustees W. B. Bowne, H. W. Conant,


F. W. Houck, M. C. Howard, E. Y. Royce, J. F. Stone Treasurer Charles Stinson


Assessor Jas. Wykoff


Street Commissioner James Thomas


Marshal Frank Frisbee


IS91.


Mayor John Bowley


Recorder H. W. Conant


Trustees


M. C. Howard,


E. G. Corwin, W. B. Bowne, E. Y. Royce, Fred Frisbee


Treasurer C. Stinson


Assessor Jas. Wykoff


Street Commissioner James Thomas


Marshal Frank Frisbee


1892.


Mayor John Bowley


Recorder J. F. Norton Trustees John Cool, E. G. Corwin,


M. C. Howard, J. F. Stone, W. B. Bowne, Fred Frisbee Treasurer W. L. Ayers


Assessor


Robt. Martin


Street Commissioner Swan Esklund


Marshal Frank Frisbee


1893.


Mayor


C. Stinson


Recorder J. F. Norton


445


HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.


Trustees H. J. Cram, J. O. Lias,


E. G. Corwin, M. C. Howard, Fred Frisbee and J. P. Cool Treasurer W. L. Ayers Assessor Robt. Martin


Street Commissioner Swan Esklund


Marshal Frank Frisbee


1894.


During the preceding year the incorporated town of Shel- don was changed in its grade to a city of the second class. The law was fully complied with in bringing about this change before the next election in March. The city was divided into three wards, and the following are the first officers elected under the new grade:


Mayor E. Y. Royce


Treasurer W. L. Ayers


Solicitor D. A. W. Perkins


Assessor W. E. Higley


Councilmen First Ward, W. C. Kemper


and L. J. Button; Second Ward, H. J. Cram and


H. C. Lane; Third Ward, Wm. Wing and E. A. Boyd Clerk P. W. Hall


Street Commissioner -J. W. Hicks


Marshal Geo. Hudson


1895.


Mayor E. Y. Royce


Treasurer W. L. Ayers


Solicitor D. A. W. Perkins


Assessor


W. E. Higley


Councilmen : First Ward, L. J. Button


and Frank Frisbee; Second Ward, H. J. Cram and


W. H. Sleeper; Third Ward, J. D. Bunce and E. A. Boyd Clerk P. W. Hall


Street Commissioner J. W. Hicks Marshal Geo. Hudson


446


HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.


1896.


Mayor P. W. Hall


Treasurer Fred E. Frisbee


Solicitor_ Alfred Morton, and after his death G. M. Edmondson Assessor W. E. Higley


Councilmen :


First Ward, W. H. Myers and


Fred Frisbee; Second Ward, D. E. Dean and W. H.


Sleeper; Third Ward, J. D. Bunce and Wm. Jenkinson J. W. Marshall


Clerk


Street Commissioner B. Chase


Marshal


Geo. Hudson


1897.


Mayor P. W. Hall


Treasurer Fred E. Frisbee


Solicitor - Joe Morton


Assessor W. E. Higley Councilmen Same as in 1896


Clerk -J. W. Marshall


Street Commissioner B. Chase


Marshal Geo. Hudson


THE BUSINESS MEN OF SHELDON.


Merwin & Blivens, broom factory.


F. C. Steele, painter and paper hanger.


Christiana Christianson, dressmaker.


A. & K. Donovan, milliners.


C. F. Butterfield, shoe store.


Havens & Stinson, dry goods.


T. P. Matthews, groceries.


B. F. Brown, meat market. Waldsmith & Thompson, furniture.


E. K. Dun Van, physician, ( homeopathic).


E. L. Richards, harness.


J. H. Hunt & Son, bakery.


Homer W. Conant, justice of the peace.


Frank E. Wade, surveyor.


1


447


HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.


George Hudson, marshal. Central House, S. Vandergrift, Prop. F. C. Baudler, meat market. S. S. Bailey, Racket store. Dr. O. P. Maybe, dentist.


W. L. Ayers, drugs. Dr. W. Myers, physician.


Smith & Logan, hardware.


Dr. Milton Daily, physician.


J. W. Marshall, groceries.


Union Telegraph Office, Miss Alice O'Brien, operator.


F. H. George, harness shop.


E. P. Messer, hardware.


S. S. Dean, drugs. -


Winslow & Howig, barbers.


.


Dr. F. J. Gallaghar, dentist.


Dr. G. G. Brock, physician.


John Walton, bill poster. Union Bank, W. H. Sleeper, cashier.


Charles Hoover, barber.


P. Neuroth, billiard hall. Henry Manderschied, restaurant. W. W. Bezold, billiard hall.


W. H. Beacom, farm implements. Sheldon Hotel, Peter Mckinnon.


Peavy Elevator, Riddell, Lane & Gillespie.


D. E. Dean, agent, Omaha freight depot.


W. N. Strong, lumber, coal, etc. Louis Peterson, blacksmith. Sheldon Bank, Ed. C. Brown, cashier.


Boies & Roth, attorneys. Postoffice, R. E. Kearney, P. M. J. W. Tinsley, jeweler. Frank Wirick, real estate. J. L. Dyas, justice of the peace. Geo. Sprague, constable.


448


HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.


John Brash, restaurant. Alex Mckeever, groceries. Claude Gates, lunch parlor.


L. S. Bassett, clothing.


H. C. Lane, banker.


H. C. Lane, general store.


A


Smith & Bowers, furniture.


J. F. Stone, furniture.


P. B. Peters, harness.


W. H. Harrison, bicycles and general repairer.


A. H. Cobb, groceries and restaurant.


J. E. Ober, Milwaukee freight depot. Big 4 Mills, John Vogel, manager.


Illinois Central depot, C. J. Inghram, agent.


Mail Office, F. T. Piper.


Empire Loan and Investment Co., John McCandless, manager.


John L. McLaury & C. S. McLaury, real estate.


D. B. Roberts, photographer.


J. A. Larson, merchant tailor.


Park Pratt, real estate and loans. Jewett Bros., wholesale grocers.


Bingenheimer & Tobin, saloon.


N. F. Worth, clothier.


Dr. E. T. Twining, specialist. J. Cowie, tailor.


J. Shinski, collector and conveyancer.


Frank Cgnar, blacksmith.


Washer & Nugent, farm machinery.


Kemper & Elliott, Sheldon marble works.


Chas. Woodruff, tinner.


H. Vanderbeck, second-hand store.


Geo. A. Miller, machinery.


Frank Coles, shoe shop. Mack Harris, music store.


N. W. Smead, barber.


449


HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.


D. W. Story, butter and egg depot.


Harrington Bros., jewelers and notions. Geo. G. McDonald, dry goods, etc. E. Y. Royce, real estate.


C. Stinson, clother.


Allen & Cullen, lawyers.


H. B. Perry & Son, photographers. Starrett Bros., general store.


M. A. Manning, groceries.


M. L. Gilbert, Howard hotel.


Shipley & Co., drugs.


M. L. Cheever, restaurant.


J. L. Peck, meat market.


Dixon & Collins, hardware.


F. N. Conley, Sheldon cigar factory.


First National Bank, W. M. Smith, cashier.


Joe Morton, attorney.


H. B. Meis, real estate.


Eagle Office, J. H. Oats, Prop.


McIntire & McFarland, law, land and loans.


Arlington Hotel, F. M. Crocker.


Frank Frisbee, livery.


W. E. VanCampen, lunch room.


A. C. Prentice, shoe and gun repairer.


W. E. Mayer, proprietor of Sheldon laundry.


F. M. Slagle & Co., lumber, coal and grain, F. B. Ford- ward, Mgr.


John Paul Lumber Co., A. E. Pyncheon, Mgr.


Prairie Queen Mills, Scott Logan.


Union Depot, R. A. Coats, agent.


John Christiany, Sheldon green house.


Michael Thill, lunch counter.


Geo. Barrager, livery.


Thos. Gleason, lunch counter.


H. T. Thompson, farmers elevator.


G. W. Brown, elevator, L. J. Button, Mgr.


29


450


HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.


Van Patten & Frisbee, wood, coal, etc.


Fiebig Bros., Sheldon bottling works.


R. Lawhead, Mgr. electric light plant. Geo. Hill, dray.


J. H. Wilson, dray.


E. H. Clark, dray.


Levy H. Ten Eyck, dray.


J. H. Kelley, dray.


Thos. Bloxham, dray.


Dr. F. W. Cram, physician.


F. C. Beam, Sheldon brick yard.


G. A. Gibson, attorney.


G. T. Wellman, attorney.


A. J. Walsmith, attorney.


J. S. Billings, painter and paper hanger.


Hoskin & Woods, blacksmiths.


George Wolsey, shoe store.


Clarence Wellman, insurance.


W. L. Edgerton, stock dealer.


SANBORN.


The town of Sanborn came into life six years after Sheldon started, and five years after Primghar became the county seat; its history comparatively is not of many years, but the march of progress is ever onward, and the push of civilization knows no bounds. The McGregor and Missouri railway company had undertaken to build across the state from Mc- Gregor, to intersect with the Sioux City and St. Paul road, in the vicinity of Sheldon. After reaching Algona, seventy-five miles east of Sanborn, either from lack of good management, or money, they stopped, unable to go further, until 1877 the road passed into the hands of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul company, which at once started up its rapid building and extension. The construction train reached the town site about the Ist day of November, 1878. The site was owned by Messrs. Lawler & Stocum, and was by them laid out into


451


HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.


lots. They first laid out about sixty acres, and at that time, the town of Sanborn began its existance. Then, the intention was to name the place Edenville, after the lovely spot which sacred history designates as the home of the first pair, and where " Mother Eve " ate the forbidden fruit. But Edenville was not a satisfactory name to Mr. Stocum, he did not care to shoulder the ever present recollection of that fatal and diso- bedient occurrence in the name of the town, which would be a constant reminder, so that another was sought, and the present name fixed upon. It was named after Geo. W. San- born then superintendent of the wes- tern portion of the Chicago, Mil- waukee and St. Paul railroad, who was a man of thorough business qualities, a good railroad man, and in every respect a gentleman. The name itself is of good sound, and now has extensive familiarity, and will go out in reputation as the town itself grows in size and importance. The first building was one hauled from Primghar by L. C. Green as a dwelling house, although about the MRS. HARRY MILLER. same time E. R. Wood for Teabout and Valleau, had a build- ing there. The county seat, nestling in the geographical cen- ter of the county, gazed with wonder and alarm at the found- ing of this new city seven miles north, and with prophetic eye saw its future growth and stability. Mr. Green was the first to strike out, and haul his building over the intervening prairie, and reached the townsite on the 12th day of Decem- ber, 1878, and was soon safely housed in his new location. We may safely say that L. C. Green and E. R. Wood were the first to occupy any building on the townsite, and as both acted about the same time it is hard to tell which was first.


The first building of a town, sort of remains always as a cur-


452


HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY, IOWA.


iosity, but perhaps not with Sanborn, as it is still young in years; but after a few generations have come and gone, when a portion of the people lie slumbering in the adjacent grave- yard, then early history is revived. Many an eastern city pre- serves with historic pride its first structure, and carefully pro- tects its moss-grown and decaying columns, as far as possible, from the ravages of time. Sanborn has not reached that per- iod, and many will cross the dark river before it is reached, still Sanborn's first building was eventful, because it was the starting point of the town's existence.




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