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 18

Author: Chapman, Samuel D
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: [Toledo] Printed at the Toledo Times Office
Number of Pages: 308


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 18


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Madison Bostwick, Carpenter .- Mr. Bostwick is an old settler in this County and has made Tama City his home a large portion of the time. Carpentering is his chosen trade, and he is one among the best in the County. He has been Mayor of this city several terms and has held other offices of trust and proven him- self a man who does more thinking in private than talk in pub- lic, and can always be relied upon for prompt attendance and solid work in business affairs. He has the best interests of his community at heart. His parents were natives of Con- necticutt. Madison was born in the year 1812, his parents were poor and consequently his education was somewhat limited, en- joying only such as a common school affords. While yet quite young, Mr. Bostwick concluded to learn a trade, and immediate- ly went to work with a Mr. Leet, a carpenter, of Middletown, Penn., with whom he continued until he had accomplished his . aim. On December 18th, 1833, he was married to Miss Amanda Griffis, by whom he had four children, three boys and one girl.


Mr. Bostwick continued at the carpentering trade, in Penn- sylvinia, until the death of his wife, when he sold his property there and came west; spent sometime in Wisconsin and af-


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terwards came to this County. Since he came to Tama City he has been engaged in contracting and building. Mr. Bostwick is capable of doing any work in his line, and is ever willing to work at a reasonable price, believing in the motto "Live and let live."


Bostwick House .- This house was erected by its owner M. Bostwick, in the year 1868, and since that date has been a pleas- ant resort for the traveler. The house is located on corner of State and Fourth Streets, two blocks from Chicago & North- western depot. The building is frame, large and commodious. Mr S. Russell has the house in charge and commands a large patronage.


C. C. Harris & Bro .. Painters. - This firm opened business in this city, in the month of April, 1878, in the building known as the "Pioneer building of the city," located on Mcclellan, Street, now owned by S. C. Brown, and have been doing a thriving business in house, sign, buggy, wagon and ornamental painting. The work turned out of their shop gives evidence of skillful workmen. They came here from Pennsylvania where they followed the same business, and came well recommended. They have had over twenty years of experience in this business. These are good reliable gentlemen and work left with them will promptly receive attention.


C. Homan, Steam Saw and Flouring Mills .- In 1868, these mills were established by Bodfish, Homan & Co. In 1869, they changed hands to C. K. Bodfish & Co .. in 1871 they passed back into Mr. Homan's hands who assumed their management to the present time. The flouring mill is a large structure, two stories and one-half high, and is equipped with superior machinery, hav- ing three run of stone, which enables him to manufacture large quantities of that excellent quality of flour which is so widely known throughout this section. Since Mr. Homan took charge of the mills he has done an extensive business, and has added largely to the value of them. He is a prominent citizen of Tama City and takes an active part in the up building of the place.


Thomas Whitaker, Produce dealer .- The above named gentle- man ranks among our oldest citizens, having been a resident of


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Tama City since the town was located. Mr. Whitaker came to this place from Toledo and established himself in the produce business, and from the earliest period he has been constant- ly engaged in buying and shipping all kinds of produce, for which he pays the highest possible price. His store is located on the corner of Fourth and Mcclellan Streets, where you can always find him ready for a bargain. Mr. Whitaker is a proper- ty owner and a successful business man.


E. H. Price, House Contractor .- It is very important in a town the size of Tama City, that every business be well repre- sented and that the public should have pointed out those who are known to be reliable. In undertaking this task we take pleasure in saying that the above named gentleman has proven himself an experienced workman and in all branches of his busi- ness he ranks among the first. Mr. Price is among the old set- tlers of this County, and is nicely located in the Empire Block, on Third Street, where he manufactures wood work for wagons, sleighs, and repairs all kinds of implements. He has also a steam planing mill in his shop where all kinds of turning is done in any shape required.


L. A. Graves, Harness Manufacturer .-- Every manufactory is of advantage to a city, therefore ought to be encouraged by each citizen in every possible way. The above gentleman's institution is no exception to this rule, as it sends out wares over a large territory. Mr. Graves is a practical workman of life-long expe- rience and after working at the trade in this city from 1875 to 1877, he began on his own account. He is located on Third Street near the post office, where he manufactures and deals in all kinds of light and heavy harness, saddles, collars, whips etc. Mr. Graves is building up a large business and is deserving of success. He is honorable and always among the first to help for- ward the enterprises of his growing city to the full extent of his ability. He is also interested in the harness business at Union Grove, managed by L. V. Kellum.


William Richards, Boots and Shoes .-- The subject of this sketch has been a resident of Tama City since the year 1872.


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During this time he has been in business and gained a good name. for integrity; and is classed among the liberal merchants of the city, while the stock is not as extensive as some others yet it con- sists of an excellent assortment of boots, shoes, gaiters, slippers and rubber goods etc. He is a practical workman, having been brought up to the trade and meets with a large patronage from all classes of citizens. In ready-made goods as well as in his cos- tom department he makes a specialty.


John F. Hegardt, Meat Market .- This gentleman is among the old settlers in the place, and conducts an extensive meat market on Third Street where he does a very ereditable business. During the time he has been identified with the city he has done much to develop its interests. Mr. Hegardt deals in hides, tallow, lard, fresh and salt meats, oysters, fish and game in their seasons. He is well known by nearly every one in the County, respected by all and has a large trade. Few men in the city have a firmer hold upon the good will of the people, than Mr. Hegardt, and when in nomination for office he invariably runs ahead of his ticket.


John Nicholson, Dentist .-- Every one will concede that it is of great importance to have pointed out a thorough practical dent- ist and one whose reputation is above reproach in faithfully at- tending to dental operations. In pointing the public to John Nicholson, we have no hesitation in saying that he is a well experienced dentist of more than average ability. He is lo- cated on the corner of Third and Mcclellan Streets, over Penrose's hardware store, where he has nicely fitted np rooms and every appliance known to the profession of dentistry. He has had years of experience and stands high in his profession.


W. H. Hawk, Agricultural Implements .- This gentleman established himself in Tama City in 1877, and during the past two years has met with good snecess. The machinery in which he deals consists of all kinds of farming implements, from a hoe to a threshing machine. He is agent for the Champion Reaper and Mower, Wood's Mowers, and J. I. Case's Threshing Machines, a great number of which have been sold from his dopot on the


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south side of Third Street where those wishing any kind of farm- ing implements may rely on good bargains.


W. II. H. Tiffany .- First having received a scientificand literary education studied law with Judge Tiffany, and F. C. Beeman, of the city of Adrian, Michigan, and at the Ann Arbor University likewise. HIe was admitted to the Supreme Court of New York held at Syracuse, to practice as an attorney at law and solicitor in chancery in all the Courts of that State, and, he is also, admitted to practice in all the Courts of Ohio and Iowa. He has been practicing in said Courts for the last twenty-four years and has always snstained a fine reputation as a gentleman of good char- acter, sonnd legal ability and strict integrity. He came to Tama City in the year 1870, and is one of the most reliable and success- ful lawyers in Tama County. He has been Mayor and City Attor- ney of Tama City, and we insert the following sentiment as expressed in the Martindale United States Law Directory. "We take pleasure in recommending W. H. H. Tiffany, as a gentle- man of sound legal ability, assiduous, reliable and of strict integ- rity, fine reputation and good character and competent to attend to any business intrusted to his care. He refers to


G. E. Maxwell, Cashier of the Bank of Tama; C. J. Stevens Clerk of the Court; G. II. Warren, Cashier of the First National Bank of Tama City, Iowa."


J. L. Bracken & Co., Grain and Stock Buyers .-- This com pany has been in existence since the year 1869, at Tama City, buying and shipping grain and live stock. From the formation of the company they have always. sustained a good reputation for honorable and fair dealing and have always paid the highest market price for all kinds of grain and live stock. In 1875 J. L. Bracken, besides doing business at Tama City, commenced operations at Toledo. Since that date he has taken a leading position in the grain and stock trade at that point, and has ship- ed many hundred car loads to the Eastern markets.


Mr. Bracken is thoroughly allied with the interests of his places of business and since doing business here has gained a


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goodly number of friends and the confidence of the community as a successful business man.


J. T. Flathers, Meat Market .-- This gentleman came to Tama in 1877, and has since been a resident of this city, and engag- ed in one line of trade-that of a market for the sale of fresh meat, fish etc. He also handles live poultry, hides, tallow and everything kept in a first-class meat market. From the first he secured a good run of custom, which has never forsaken him and never will as long as he remains at its head. In his private business he exercises the same general care of all details, and therefore has been very successful. Call at his market on Me- Clellan Street.


J. T. Matson, Bakery .- "Old Reliable City Bakery." We have headed this gentleman's notice as the "Old Reliable" bak- ery of the city from the fact that it was established by him in 1865. Although we head it bakery, simply, yet this is by no means all in which he deals as he keeps one of the nicest stocks of confectioneries and family groceries in the city. His store is situated on Third Street, where Mr. Matson, and his most oblig- ing and respected clerk W. H. Ahlbrecht, stand ready to wait upon their customers. Owning the store, and being so well known in the business, he has peculiar advantages, and offers in- ducements which are not lost sight of by the purchasing public as his large trade testifies.


William Corns, M. D .- One of the leading, most success- ful and largely patronized medical practitioners in Tama City, is the above named gentleman. He located in this town in the year 1865, shortly after graduating at the Keokuk Medical College, and since that date has had a growing practice. He loves surgery, studies science con amore and is a progressive man. He is a member of the Iowa State Medical Society, and was its Vice-President two or three years. His standing among the medical brethern of the State is excellent. He is at present examn- ining surgeon for pensioners. Office on Third Street.


J. H. Eastin, Tailor .- In 1876, Mr. Eastin, came to Tama City and established himself in this business and since that date


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he has held a reputation for honorable and square dealing of a very high character, and his many friends and customers constantly keep him busily engaged in the manufacture of cloth- ing and such other articles as are adapted to his business. Per- sons wishing anything in his line will do well to call on him at his shop, on Third Street, over J. B. Tims' grocery store, where he is always found ready to wait upon his customers.


C. W. Snyder, Furniture .- The above named gentleman is one of our best known and respected citizens. He established his present business in 1874, and being a practical man, with an indomitable perseverance, has succeeded in making it one of the most extensive and successful houses in this County, and one that will always hold a prominent position in the furniture trade. All kinds of furniture, from the most superb to the ordinary, are kept on hand, or manufactured to order, and sold at lower prices than the same can be purchased in Tama City's competing towns, as the proprietor is a practical workman and buys for cash only. In his sale rooms, on Third Street, there is every style and varie- ty of furniture. Mr. Snyder has constantly on hand a large and complete stock of undertakers' goods. In his business trans- octions he is prompt and courteous.


Bank of Tama .- This bank has been in successful operation since 1871, and is one of the . representative institutions of the city. It is a private bank, with stockholders that are responsibe and reliable men. The business is conducted by able and com- petent men and since the time of its establishment it has been a great advantage to the place. It has a high reputation with those who know the bank and its officers. The capital stock amounts to over $100,000. Lewis Carmichael, an old settler and one who has been a promoter of so many enterprises of this vicinity for the past eighteen years, is President and his sons, E. L. and Charles are conducting the business, the former is cashier and the latter assistant cashier. These young men are both apt and com- petent scholars and have that business ability which insures suc- cess. Their father besides attending to his duties in the bank is an extensive railroad contractor and stock raiser. He came to


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this County in 1867, and was one of the first to own property in Tama City. He is identified with the first publie improvements and has manifested himself in all interests of the town. The banking house is situated on Third Street, and is one of the fin- est in the town. It is twenty-five by sixty feet, two stories high and built of red brick, with a beautiful marble front. The inside is systematically arranged and artistically finished.


Mills & Guernsey, Attorneys at Law .- One of the most prominent and most thoroughly educated law firms of this place is the above, whose establishment dates from November 1st, 187S. Since this time they have met with abundant success, and proven to unmerous clients their legal ability. They have had years of experience and each are close students fully posted in the various decisions of the higher courts, and competent to en- gage in difficult contests with their opponents. Their office is on the south side of Third Street where they have neatly fitted up rooms and a large and well selected library.


W. D. Worrell, Grocer .- This young gentleman has been a resident of Tama City for a number of years and is constantly advancing in business capacity. Ile came here with his widow- ed mother from Marshalltown, Iowa, and found employment on the water works, then being built, as teamster; but his aspira- tions were for a higher sphere in life and soon he was in the employ of W. G. Cambridge, editor of the Tama Citizen, as a printer. But soon his attention was directed to the mercantile business, and he procured a situation in the large hardware es- tablishment of E. G. Penrose. Here he remained three years, giving his entire attention to the tinner's trade and clerkship in the store, and commanded the highest respect of both his em- .ployer and customers. After a short vacation and prospecting tour through Southern Nebraska and Kansas, he returned home and entered into the produce trade, but soon bought one-half in- terest in the grocery store of A. B. Dubbs, and for months the establishment was carried on under the firm name of Dubbs & Worrell, but finally Mr. Dubbs sold his interest to Mr. Worrell, and now he is sole proprietor of a fine stock of groceries and


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queensware, with a deservedly large trade. Mark the progress of an energetic, wide-awake young man.


C. D. Terry & Co., Lumber Merchants .- In almost every department of trade and manufacture, Tama City offers induce- ments to home patrons and those ontside her borders, and the lumber business forms no exception to this rule. The above named gentlemen established themselves in the Inmber business in this city in 1869, having been principally managed by C. D. Terry, and B. F. Hill. About two years ago they became sole proprietors. Ever since its establishment it has been a popular yard, and posessed advantages that all could not compete with. They are wholesale and retail dealers in lumber of all kinds. They also handle coal, mixed paints, mouldings etc. They pay strict attention to their business interests. The yard is located on State Street, where they always can be found ready for business.


T. A. Bristol, Jeweler .- On Third Street near the post office is located the above gentleman. Mr. Bristol is a practical jewel- er of many years experience, and is well posted in the business. IIe has met with good success during his business career in this place. He keeps a large and well selected stock consisting of the latest styles, in fact. everything kept in a first-class jewelry store. An especial feature of his establishment is the repairing de- partment where all kinds of cleaning and repairing is done to per- fection. The whole is presided over by Mr. Bristol, and all work is guaranteed by him. His prices are reasonable. Give him your patronage.


First National Bank .- It is necessary in times such as we are now passing through that the public should have pointed out those moneyed institutions which are sound and on a sure founda- tion. And in order to arrive at an intelligent conclusion in re- gard to the soundness of any such establishment, one of the first and most important things to be considered is how the man- agers have conducted their own affairs. If after due considera- tion we find these managers men of reputation and well tried characters, and who have managed their own affairs with large


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success, then we may reasonably conclude they are the best per- sons in any community to care for one's funds and watch over depositors' interests with caution and care. After this brief in- troduction, we would say that among the solid and responsible institutions of this kind is the First National Bank, of Tama City, It was organized in 1871, and stands to-day strong in its own re- sorces and doing a large business. The bank is neatly and con- veniently fitted up, and provided with vaults of recognized strength. The Yale time Safes are used.


The present officers are, B. A. Hall, President; G. H. Warren Caahier; F. N. Warren, Assistant Cashier; E. Ruggles, C. E. Covell, A. J. Tyler, C. E. Hayes, J. Brice, Jr., J. L. Bracken, J. Ramsdell and B. A. Hall, Directors. Mr. Hall is one of the oldest residents of the city and has been one of the active devel- opers of the place. He has contributed liberally to almost every enterprise of the city, and has been a leading business man, de- serving of the higest praise The same may be said of Mr. War- ran, a banker of recognized ability.


Hall & Carmichael, Hardware .- Since April, 1879, this firm has been established in the hardware business. They carry one of the largest and finest stocks of shelf and heavy hard- ware in the County. They also deal extensively in farm imple- ments. In connection with the hardware is a large and well equipped tin shop where all kinds of tinware is manufactured. The firm is composed of B. A. Hall and H. T. Carmichael, his son-in-law, a young man of fine business qualifications. The store is located on corner of Third and Mcclellan Streets.


Brooks & Holmes, Dry Goods .- One of the very foremost dry goods houses in Tama City, is that conducted by the above firm on Third Street. It was established in 1875, and since then has held a leading position, and to-day stand among the most ex- tensive dry goods houses in the County. In Addition to general dry goods they make a speciality of clothing, boots and shoes, hats and caps, upholstery goods and window draperies. In these articles they hold a leading position, and have become well known for their fine quality of goods, but above all for their ac-


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enrate representations. All the advantages of a business edn- cation and of financial abilities are possessed by this firm. The firm consists of J. II. Brooks and F. R. Holmes; the former is one of our oldest citizens and respected by a host of friends, and the latter is one of Tama City's most valuable young men.


Soleman Bros, Livery and Feed Stable .- On the corner of Fourth and MeClellen Streets is located one of the finest and most popular livery barns in the County. The barn was erected in the year 1877 by Henry Soleman, who assumed the manage- ment of it until March 1st, 1879, when JJ. F. Soleman, his brother, bought one-half interest in the business. Both take an active part in the business and are running a creditable livery. Mr. Il. Soleman, besides being in connection with this barn, is proprietor of a large drug store and agricultural warehouse. He is a thorough business man and knows just how to turn the irons to keep them from burning.


Z. Solomon, Clothier .- This gentleman has been identified with the leading business men of Tama City since April, 1879. Since this date he has been largely engaged in the clothing business at his store room on Third Street, where he carrys a fine stock, consisting of clothing, hats and caps, trunks, valises and gentleman's furnishing goods, all of which he sells very cheap. Mr. Solomon is well known over the County as a man who is strictly honest, and of fine business qualifications, and we have no hesitation in pointing the public to him for good bargains in clothing etc.


Hydraulic Flouring Mills .- These mills are operated by a company composed of B. F. Crenshaw. F. B. and E. E. Rams- dell. The former of whom came to this city in 1869, while the Ramsdells are old settlers, having came to Tama County in 1853. Ever since these gentlemen have been in the city they have tak- en rank among the active workers of the place, giving much time and money toward the various valuable enterprises that have arisen, in order to make the city what it is to-day, -one of the most prosperous and best known in the country. In 1875, the Hydraulic Flouring Mill was erected by Mr. Crenshaw at a cost


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of about $12,000 and managed by him until December 1876, when he sold it to F. B. Ramsdell. In the fall of 1877. E. E. Ramsdell, his brother, bought one-half interest. Under the firm name of Ramsdell Bros. the mill done a large business shipping a great deal of flour besides supplying home markets. March 1st, 1879, Mr. B. F. Crenshaw, the founder of the mill, bought back one-third interest. Since that date the mill has been running under the firm name of Crenshaw & Ramsdell, and is doing one of the largest businesses in their line of any mill in Tama County and we will venture to say, so long as the mill is managed by these gentlemen their business will constantly in- crease instead of diminish. The mill is a large frame bailding 60x45, three stories high, and is equipped with superior machin- ery, with three run of burrs of the latest and best improvement which enables them to manufacture a splendid brand of flour. Mr. Crenshaw is also proprietor of the Helena Flouring Mill, which is also doing a large business, and manufacturing a splendid quality of flour.


The Paper Company .- J. Ramsdell, President; T. A. Hop- kins, Agent; H. E. Ramsdell. Secretary. For a city so new as Tama and with a population of only abont two thousand inhabit- ants, it is surprising to find so many manufacturing institutions, and yet there is room for more, all meeting with success as those in operation demonstrate. Among the most recently or- ganized institutions may be mentioned, in this department of our work, the Tama City Paper Mills, located on the water power addition south of the Hydraulic Flouring Mills and under the su- pervision of A. Everhart, an old paper mill man of Milan, Illinois. These mills have now been in existence but a few months, yet being conducted by intelligent gentlemen and located in the "City of enterprise," with railroad facilities for distributing goods. we need not wonder at their successful career. Already they are shipping paper of all sizes and weights over a large area, and re- ceiving assurances from buyers that while their paper is of the finest quality it gives general satisfaction. The machinery and general equipments of this establishment are all of the most ap-




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