USA > Iowa > Tama County > History of Tama County, Iowa. Its cities, towns and villages, with early reminiscences, personal incidents and anecdotes and a complete business directory of the county > Part 15
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H. Sterrett. This year the Normal Institute opened Angust 11st, by order of HI. A. Brown, County Superintendent, in the public school building at Toledo, continuing until September 7th, with a fine corps of teachers consisting of Profs, J. J. Andrews, W. II. Black, C. A. Wessell, F. B. Gault, and Mrs. A. N. Sterrett. The institution has a valuable reputation and great pains are tak- en to make it a thorough work, and of lasting benefit to the teachers.
CHAPTER XX.
POOR FARM, FARMERS' MUTUAL AID COMPANY AND POLITICAL.
Ever since the organization of the County, the unfortunate, the infirm and the poor have been generously and humanely provid- ed for by the County under the management and direction of the County Supervisors. When the management of County affairs passed into the hands of Supervisors, they with the township Trustees beeame agents for the care of the poor with power to provide for their wants, and supply them with all need- ed necessaries. The accounts for which were submitted to the full Board at stated periods, duly audited and ordered to be paid ont of the proper funds.
At the general election 1875, the proposition was submitted to the voters for the purchase of a poor farm and the erection of necessary buildings, etc. At this election, the proposition pre- vailed by a large majority and the Board of Supervisors proceed- ed to purchase, of A. J. Wheaton, a traet of one hundred and fif- ty acres of land on section two, township eighty-three, range fif- teen, and pay therefor the sum of $6,750, to be paid out of the Poor Farm fund as follows: $500 upon the execution and deliv- ering of a good warrantee deed from A. J. Wheaton and wife, to Tama County, Iowa, and $3,125, on or before the first day of March, 1877, and $3,125 on or before the first day of Noven- ber, 1877, and the County Auditor was authorized to draw warrants on the Poor Farm fund to pay for said farm as above
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stated. The contract for re-moddling and enlarging the building was awarded to the Tama Hydraulic and Builders Association of Tama City, for $4,084.65, while Kent and Conklin, were the architects. The entire building is in height two stories; the architectural design is modern and very neat, giving the build- ing an appearance of beauty and comfort, with an eighty-four foot front, and large wings upon the north and west. Upon the second floor, or sleeping department, are twenty pleasant rooms with closets, wardrobes and halls, while the first floor contains the dining hall, a large and pleasant room, situated in the south east corner with a large kitchen upon the west; and upon the north connected with a large hall leading from the dining room and kitchen, are the rooms occupied by the overseers, Mr. and Mrs. Childs. This appartment contains a parlor or sitting room, several bed rooms, with wardrobes etc., making it a pleasant home for its occupants, while in the entire building there are thirty-six rooms.
The building is built upon a high elevation and stands in a beautifully decorated yard, enclosed by a neat and substantial fence. From this point a fine view of the surrounding country can be obtained. The farm is well fenced, and stocked in good style, and has all the latest improvements. No doubt, ere long, this will be a self supporting institution. January 1st, 1879, Tama County was supporting twenty-six paupers at the Poor Farm, under the supervision of A. Child, who took posession De- cember 1st, 1876.
THE FARMERS' MUTUAL AID COMPANY
This company is a County organization formed for the purpose of protecting its members against loss of property by fire or light- ning. At a meeting held at White Pigeon School House in Carlton township, March 11th, 1873, a company was organ- ized known as the Farmers' Mutual Aid Company of Tama Connty, Iowa, offering insurance to all in the County, with the exception of towns and honses in the immediate vicinity of towns. The business headquarters are at Toledo.
March 11th, 1873, L. F. Hammitt was elected President; D.
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H. Patterson, Secretary and Samnel Giger, Treasurer. These gentlemen served one year, when their successors were elected.
The company has been in successful operation from the time of its organization, and on December 31st, 1878, it was carrying risks to the amount of $1,032, 141.00 which speaks well for the organization. In the year 1878 the company paid losses to the amount of $1,816.55. Total expense for the year, including the expenses of running the company, losses paid etc., $1,992.51.
This is a home institution and one that should meet the approval and support of every inhabitant of Tama County. Persons wish- ing to carry insurance can do so in this company much less than in other companies. and by doing so support a home institution. The present officers are Franklin Davis, President; D. McCor- mick, Secretary; J. B. M. Bishop, Treasurer.
POLITICAL.
Politically, Tama Connty has always been classed among the Republican Counties. During the exciting Presidential campaign of 1856, party lines were distinctly drawn. The Republicans re- mained in power, filling the varions County offices, until 1873, when the anti-Monopoly party sprang into existence and by uniting with the Democrats, they elected all their ticket but one officer. In 1874, there was a triangular fight; three parties in the field, Democratic, Republican, and Independent, the or- ganization known as the anti-Monopoly party having been abau- doned or merged into the Independent. About seven-eighths of the regular vote was polled, the Republicans for most of the County offices being successful. In 1876 success in various States gave the Democracy increased hope and being thoroughly organized came out under the old name. Certain abuses in the administration of the civil service of the country gave the party a chance to demand a change, and under the cry of "Reform" they went into the canvass with a determination to win, and joined in a union ticket with the third party which was now known as the Greenback party.
The tickets were good ones. The union ticket elected their candidate for Sheriff and the Republicans the balance.
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For the past few years in consequense of closeness the differ- ent canvasses have been very warm, and in general men of un- questionable personal character have been nominated, each party trusting the personal popularity of its nominee would in- sure success.
CHAPTER XXI.
TOLEDO.
When Peter McRoberts erected his log cabin near the present site of the school building on the corner of Green and Carlton Streets in Toledo, little did he think there would spring up around it a busy little city with all its various industries. Time in its unceasing round brings many changes, and the wild prairie land, with its beautiful flowers watting their sweet perfume upon every breeze, is now dotted over with home-like residences, from the lowly cottage to the 'stately mansion. Elegant build- ings, filled with products gathered from the entire world, surround a beautiful temple of justice, while the sound of the hammer and hum of the machinery are heard upon every hand.
Having a population which entitled them to the benefit of the act which authorized the organization of counties, in the year 1853 the citizens of Tama County petitioned for an organization and in the fall of this year, Hon. James P. Carlton, District Judge, of the Fourth Judicial District, appointed J. M. Farger- son of Marshall County and R. B. Ogden of Poweshiek County, commissioners to locate a seat of justice for this County. They met at the house of J. C. Vermilya, on October 20th of that year and proceeded to choose a suitable location. They first examined a quarter section near Bruner's Mill, adjoining Monti- cello, a village in Howard township, but not receiving sufficient in-
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ducement in donation of lands, they concluded to look farther. The next place they examined was a part of the farm sur- rounding the residence of Mr. Franklin Davis, a half mile north of its present northern boundary. The location being a very fine one they offered to take less land for its location here than they demanded before. Mr. Davis not being inclined to donate any of his land for that purpose, thy next came and located it upon its present site, receiving donations in land for that purpose as pre- viously described in a former chapter of this work.
The first sale of lots in the town were inade very soon after (and quite a nivmber reserved for donation, ) from which was realized a a large sum of money. The erection of business and dwelling houses immediately commenced. In the fall of this year John Zehrung erected the first store building in the place, on the lot now occupied by J. W. Coe as a shoemaker and harness shop. The building was a small frame affair about 18x20. The stock, says our informant, contained in that store was a wonder to be- hold? A conglomeration of almost everything that could be thought of in the mercantile trade, and still added to its mess was the post office in the same room. John Nixon and Lewis Merchant shortly after erected a building to be used for general trade. About this time a Mr. Mitchell opened a tavern a little south of E. E. Stickney's present hotel. This was a small log house with but two or three rooms and they poorly furnished. The culinary department was well represented with various wild meats and good wholesome food.
As time passed the place rapidly increased and every one was looking forward to a bright future. During court week the set- tlers would gather in the town, and of course, as it was custom- ary in those days upon the frontier to drink, many would indulge, just for a little fun.
In 1866 the town of Toledo was incorporated as a city of the third class, and at the first election the following gentlemen were chosen for officers: Mayor, W. F. Johnston; Recorder, S. C. Rogers; Marshal, S. O. Bishop; Attorney, A. Stoddard; Assessor; A. H. Lawrence; Treasurer, -- Trustees, D. D. Appel
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gate, N. Bates, W. Il. Harrison, G. W. Free, Sr. and L. Wells.
These gentlemen were elected for the term of one year. It has now been thirteen years since its organization, and in that time no city of its size has made more permanent improvement and none enjoy a better reputation. Its credit has always been at par and its bonds would doubtless command a premium. This shows conclusively that the financiering of the city fathers has been excellent. A glance at the list of officers given in this article, will show a good reason for this state of affairs.
Notwithstanding the city has never been prodigal in its expen- ditures it has yet never been niggardly. Improvements are con- stantly being made. During the past year, (1878) several fine buildings have been erected, and numerous other minor improve- ments such as decorating yards, erecting street lamps, etc. which add largely to the beauty of the place. There is also a well or- ganized fire department. It has so far in its existence been very fortunate in escaping the ravages of the fire fiend, but there is always danger and that danger we can say, is well guarded against, with an excellent and well conducted fire company. with an engine and a large amount of liose. The town also has built three very large cisterns and an unusually large well, to use in case of fire.
The sanitary condition of the city has always been excellent. The Board of Health, has always consisted of the best physi- cian, representing varions medical schools, with the Mayor as an ex-officio member.
In relation to the financial standing of the city, we may say it never has to go abroad for aid, capitalists at home are ever ready and willing to advance all that is needed.
The town is not on any direct railroad, but connected with the Chicago & Northwestern by a branch road running from Tama City, two and one-half miles south, operated by the Northwest- ern company. This gives an outlet for transportation and tends to make Toledo a good trading point. No town in the County can boast of finer public buildings. Among which we
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mention the Court House, Public School building, business blocks jail, churches, etc.
The new school house, built in 1878, is the pride of the city, It is a large and handsome structure, with accommodations for abont eight hundred pupils. It is situated on the corner of Green and Carlton Streets, and known as the Toledo Public School. When completed and furnished it was estimated to have cost about $20,000. It is 71x72 feet on the ground ex- clusive of the old part or wing. It is three stories high, besides the basement, and is built of brick, with a stone foundation. The first and second floors contain three school-rooms each. There is also a room in the tower for the Principal in which is kept the apparatus. The third floor contains a large hall, which is used as a society room, or other purposes as may be seen fit. There are also on the first and second floors good roomy closets or wardrobes provided with hooks for hanging clothes, packages, etc. The basement is fitted up for a play room with the exception of a room large enough for the fuel.
The entrance is made at the tower, through two large double doors, and also another at the end of the wide hall extending through the building from north to south. The stairs leading to the second floor are double, one flight on both north and south side of a small hall running east and west. The roof is entirely covered with slate and tin. The rooms and halls are all wainscoted with Georgia pine-a specie of pine which is almost as hard as oak.
The school is now made up of six departments First, Second and third Primary, Intermediate, Grammar, and High School. This is a matter in which the citizens of the town take an special pride. For many years there has been employed by the Board of directors none but teachers with first class certificates. On the completion of the school building in the fall of 1878, Prof. Andrews, who has been in the employ of the Board, took charge of the schools in the new building and since that time he has made some changes for the good of the school. The course of study has been as thorough as in any of the academies of the
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State. Prof. Andrews still continues as superintendent and has succeeded in a perfect organization of every department, giving entire satisfaction to the people.
The following is a complete list of those filling the various city offices from its organization up to the present year 1879:
1866 .- W. F. Johnston, Mayor; S. C. Rogers, Recorder; S. O. Bishop, Marshal; - -Treasurer; A. Stoddard, Attorney; A. II. Lawrence, Assessor; D. D. Appelgate, N. Bates, G. W. Free, Sr., L. Wells, Win. II. Harrison, Trsutees.
1867 .- P. B. Mccullough, Mayor; T. S. Free, Recorder; S. O. Bishop, Marshal; J. H. Struble, Treasurer; T. J. Rice, Attorney; T. II. Graham, Assessor; J. N. Springer, E. Gallion, Geo. W. Free, C. G. Buttkereit. J. S. Moore, Trustees.
1868 .-- J. N. Springer, Mayor; J. R. McClaskey, Recorder; R. C. Wilson, John Thede, Marshals; --- - Attorney, Silas McClain. Assessor; Geo. W. Free. Jr., HI Galley, P. G. Wiet- ing, J. Q. Clark, D. Stoner, Trustees.
1869 .- H. Galley, Mayor; J. D. Newcomer, Recorder; John Thede, Marshal; Wm. H. Allen, Treasurer; ---- -Attorney; Silas McClain, Assessor; C. C. Guilford, C. G. Buttkereit, Smitlı Newcomer, L. Clark, L. B. Nelson, Trustees.
1870 .-- Alford Phillips, Mayor; J. D. Newcomer, Recorder; C. S. Bailey, Marshal; A. J. Free, Treasurer; C. II. Crawford, Attorney; Wm. Reickhoff, Assessor; W. N. Brown, W. II. Har- rison, J. N. Springer, N. C. Wieting, C. W. Hyatt, Trustees.
1871 .- Alford Phillips, Mayor; J. D. Newcomer, Recorder; C. S. Bailey, Marshal; L. Wells, Street Commissioner; A. J. Free Treasurer; L. G. Kinne, Attorney; J. H. Struble, Assessor; C. W. Conant, R. IL. Frazee, H. Galley, L ... B. Nelson, N. C. Wieting, Trustees.
1872 .- L. B. Nelson, Mayor; J. D. Newcomer, Recorder; W. E. Appelgate, Marshal; Luke Wells, Street Commissioner; II. Galley, Treasurer; G. H. Goodrich, Attorney; C. W. Conant, Assessor; J. Q. Clark, L. G. Kinne, A. J. Free, Benj. Stone, P. G. Wieting, Trustees.
1873 .- L. B. Nelson and L. G. Kinne, Mayors; G. L. Bailey,
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Recorder; W. E. Appelgate. Marshal; N. C. Wieting, Street Commissioner; Smith Newcomer, Treasurer; J. W. Willett, At- torney; W. HI. Alden, Assessor; J. Q. Clark, P. G. Wieting, B. Stone, J. G. Safley, C. W. Conant, Trustees.
1874 .- Thomas S. Free, Mayor; Geo. L. Bailey, Recorder; B. B. Ilonghkirk, C. S. Jerome, Marshals; J. H. Bates, Street Commissioner; Geo. M. Berger, Treasurer; J. W. Willett, At- torney; E. M. Bielby, Assessor; J. G. Safley, R. II. Frazee, C. W. Conant, W. C. Walters, N. Fisher. Trustees.
1875 .- D. D. Appelgate, Mayor; U. S. Bradshaw, Recorder; J. Il. Bates, Marshal; JJ. H. Bates, Street Commissioner; C. E. Olney, Treasurer; J. W. Willet, Attorney; E. M. Bielby, As- sessor; David Arb, G. IL. Goodrich, W. N. Brown, S. Stiger, P. G. Wieting, Trustees.
1876 .- E. C. Ebersole, Mayor; II. S. Bradshaw, Recorder; J. W. Coe, W. II. Blakely, Marshals, J. II. Bates, Street Com- missioner; C. E. Olney, Treasurer; M. Austin, Attorney; O. F. Elmer, Assessor; G. M. Berger, II. Galley, J. M. Camery, J. S. Moore, S. Stiger, Trustees.
1877 .- E. C. Ebersole, Mayor; J. W. Willett, Recorder; J. H. Bates. Marshal and Street Commissioner; A. H. Sterrett, Treas- urer; II. S. Bradshaw, Attorney; O. F. Ehner, Assessor; J. S. Moore, Louis Loupee, J. M. Camery, D. Spayth. Jas. B. Hedge Trustees.
1878 .- L. G. Kinne, Mayor; T. E. Smith, Recorder; J. HI. Bates, Marshal; A. II. Sterrett, Treasurer; M. Austin, Attorney; O. F. Elmer, Assessor; J. Q. Clark, G. M. Rogers, H. Wagner, B. Stone, J. S. Moore, Trustees.
1879 .-- L. G. Kinne, Mayor; H. J. Stiger, Recorder; E. J. Cannon, Marshal; C. E. Olney, Treasurer; M. Austin, Attorney; E. M. Bielby, Assessor; W. C. Walters, L. Loupee, R. S. Clark, B. Stone, II. Wagner, F. Junker, Trustees.
The following are among the leading business men of the place.
Dr. H. W. Boynton, Physician and Surgeon .- This emi- nent physician is one of Toledo's sucessful men, and is having
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a successful practice in medicine and surgery. By close study and thorough practical demonstrations he has attained that skill which marks him master of his profession. He can always be found at his residence on Church Street, Toledo, Tama County, Iowa. Below will be found a short but creditable biography of his progress through life.
Mr. Boynton is a native of the State of New York. He came to Iowa in the year 1861, and in the same year began the study of medicine and surgery in the office of Dr. John Conaway, a prominent physician of Brooklyn, Poweshiek County, Iowa. In August, 1863. he left his studies, went to Iowa City and enlist- ed for the war as a private in the 28th Iowa Infantry, Volunteers, which was fully organized in barracks at Camp Pope awaiting orders to move south. Shortly after enlistment he was promot- ed to Hospital Steward of his regiment, which position he held until the regiment was discharged at the close of the war. Af- ter discharged from services he pursued the study of medicine and surgery until he graduated at the Albany Medical College, New York, December 24th, 1866. Immediately after finishing his studies he returned to Iowa where he practiced his profession nearly four years at La Porte City, Iowa, then moved to Toledo, Tama County, Iowa, in 1870, where he has since followed his profession with ability and success making Surgery a speciality. In 1872, he was appointed United States Examining Surgeon for Pensions for Tama County, which appointment he held until he resigned in 1876, on account of temporary absence from the County. He is a member of the Iowa State Medical Society and President of the Tama County Medical Association.
J. W. Kreminak, Boots and Shoes .- This gentleman has been a resident of Toledo but a short time coming here in 187S, and yet by energy, good management and skillful work has already built up an extensive business and has gained a good name for integrity and is classed among the liberal merchants of the city. IIe is located on Broadway, where he has one of the neatest stores and stocks in the town. He is a practical work- man, having followed the trade since a boy, and meets with a
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large patronage from all classes of citizens in custom made goods of which he makes a speciality.
. J M. Camery & Son, Hardware and Agricultural Imple- ments .- In 1870, these gentlemen established themselves in Toledo, and during the past nine years have met with more than
average success. Their machinery in which they deal consists of all kinds of farm implements, Deere &Co's., plowsand cultivators Keystone plows, Buckeye seeders, for which they are agents. They also handle all kinds of field and garden seeds, and are doing an ex- tensive business in hardware, carrying one of the largest stocks in the County. We may also say in this branch of their busi- ness they handle the best quality of goods. Store at the corner of Iligh and Main Streets.
Homer S. Bradshaw, Law and Collection Office .- For the past eight years the above named gentleman has been well known to the citizens of Toledo, and vicinity, and in fact, over the entire County. In the year 1871, Mr. Bradshaw came to Toledo from Mechanicsville, Iowa, where he had been employed for a number of years as principal of the public schools, and engaged in the practice of law; since which date he has been having a compara- tively good practice and has proven himself of more than average legal ability and is now ranked among the leading practitioners of the County. His office is in Nelson & Barker's Real Estate and Loan office, where he has a good library. He has a legal knowl- edge that only can be attained by close study and large prac- tice.
B. Stone, Grocer etc .- This gentleman's success goes to show what may be attained by the majority of persons if they are in- dustrious, persevering and enterprising. Mr. stone has been in this city for a great many years, and since 1872, in the grocery business, during which . time he has been cautious and careful, and always attending to the wants of his cus- tomers, ever striving to please those from whom he receives patronage. This is the correct method of conducting bnsi- ness, in our opinion, and has proven successful in most cases when closely followed. It has, however, in the case of Mr. Stone
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as to-day he is rewarded with a large and growing business. Store on the corner of High and Broadway.
W. W. Souster, M. D .- One of the leading and largely pat- ronized medical practitioners of Toledo is the above named gentle- man. He practices Homœpathy fully believing that this system of practice is the right one for the successful treatment of the vari- ous ills which flesh is heir to. His business was established in this city in 1873, shortly after graduating. Since this date he has succeeded in securing a large profitable practice being a gentle- man of acknowledged ability and well educated in the medical profession. He enjoys the confidence of the community in which he resides and follows the profession of his choice and we may say truthfully that it would be difficult to find a more genial, and social gentleman than Mr. Souster. Office over Mr. Stigers drug store.
William Reickhoff, Abstracter .- This gentleman is one of Toledo's most respected citizens, and one who has the confidence of the people in business transactions. He is classed among the oldest inhabitants, having resided in the place since 1862. For a number of years after Mr. Rieckhoff came to Toledo he was engaged at blacksmithing, which business he followed until 1872 when he sold his shop and engaged in the law and real estate business. In the fall of 1875, began abstracting and still con- tinnes at that business. Mr. Rieckhoff has a fine set of abstract books, and any one wishing anything in his line will do well to call on him at his office in Toledo.
Bailey && Austin, Attorneys at Law and Loan Agents .-- Al- though the above firm has not been established as long as some others in the city, yet all will admit that each member has become popular and proven himself well posted in the intracacies of law. The former gentleman is well known in the County having resid- ed in the vicinity of Toledo for agreat many years, while the latter has resided in Toledo since 1874. They form a valuable co- partnership, and we have no hesitation in saying that they are classed among our most reputable lawyers. They do a general
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practice, but from what we can learn, Mr. Austin has principally shown his aptitude for criminal law.
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