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 19

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 19


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).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22


247


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


proved kind which, with the shipping facilities and financial abil_ ity of the proprietors, assures their continued success. The pro- prietors are all old settlers in this County, J. Ramsdell, and his son II. E. Ramsdell having come to the County in 1853, and T. A. Hopkins came in 1855. They are liberal enterprising and successful, and stand among the leading business men of the city.


A. L. Howard, Butter Tuh Factory .- In 1876, this busi- ness was established in this city and since then has been liberally patronized. Mr. Howard is located upon the water power addition where he manufactures a full assortment of all kinds of goods pertaining to the butter tub and cooper business. Mr. Howard is shipping his productions over a large portion of this State and his work gives satisfaction, and his prices are in accordance with the times. He employs quite a number of hands and is work- ing up an extensive business.


UNION


COMPANY.


This company was incorporated, August 31st, 1875, by a mim- er of our leading capitalists business men and public spirited citizens, many of whom are well versed and practical mechanics, und fully alive to the wants of the western farmer. It is one of the most responsible and promising institutions of Tama City, and he persons connected with it are sufficient evidence that it has facilities to offer in its line of a gratifying character. It gives employment to from thirty to forty hands, among who we can nention A. E. Axtel, foreman of the machine shops; J. Ballhouse, foreman of the blacksmith department; D. W. Rising,


248


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


foreman of the wood room; Geo. Richards foundryman; and C. D. Williams and G. W. Hapgood painters, all of whom rank among the best in the State. These works are of value to the city, and add to the wealth of the place by sending out its manufactures. receiving funds for the same which are princi- pally distributed at home. This advantage to the city and its cit- izens however is of no greater advantage than its valnable imple- ments are to farmers, for from this manufactory issne some of the most practical in use. Among its notable farming implements may be mentioned the improved steel plows. These are made of the best patent steel, extra hardened and in the most thorough manner possible with special reference to scouring, ease of draft, durability, and are fully warranted in every way, shape and form.


The Fearless Sulky Plow attachment is without doubt one of the finest and best improvements now before the public. Any kind of a plow having either an iron or wooden beam can be used with it. It has the advantage of any other sulky and much lighter and more simpie. They have also perfected a corn plow to be attached to this sulky which saves the purchaser from ten to fifteen dollars on a corn plow .. This attachment is an excel- lent thing.


The Prairie Corn Sheller is one of the neatest and most com- plete shellers now in the market; it is both simple and durable. As this machine is manufactured at such a low price, many farm- ers throughout the country are using them, and in every case they give satisfaction.


Another valuable and labor saving machine of their man- ufacture is the Wauchope Gra- der. This machine is almost indispensable, and is receiv. ing commendation wherever


used. A correspondent to the Western Stock and Farm Journal of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, under date March, 1879, says the following of this grader:


"Now comes the tug of war, to describe one of the greatest


249


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


inventions of modern times, the Wauchope Grader. This ma- chine is so constructed that it will plow the ground and carry the dirt by means of an elevator to the center of the road. By this means a turn-pike is built at a cost of only about twenty- five cents per rod. It is constructed on the same principal as a header for cutting grain, and it is so strongly built that it rarely gets out of order, and so arranged that two men and eight horses can run it with ease. It is not only a successful road grader, but equally as valuable as a ditcher. The testimony of of the Win- nebago Summit is to the point as follows: "The Wauchope Road Grader, which has just been purchased by the trustees of this township built a piece of road, the length of which is sixty rods; the average width of grade sixteen feet; depth of grade eighteen inches. The road is neatly turnpiked and has a ditch on each side nine feet in width. The time occupied in the work was about four and one-half hours. Eight horses and two men did the work. The machine is warranted to build eighty rods of road a day,'and we are satisfied that it will do it, and well too'. Under the old system, road building has proven both expensive and unsatisfactory. With one of these graders we should have good roads with a good deal less expense than we formerly paid for having, what in most cases were mere apologies for public highways. We are satisfied that the investment in a Wauchope Grader by our township is a good one. It will handle more earth than a dozen teams with scrapers, and handle it in better shape. It will work anywhere that a team can go. The grader is so built as to be adjusted to loading wagons where earth has to be hauled a distance, and it will keep fifteen to twenty wagens busy at a short range, to hanl away the dirt which it can dig. It needs only to be seen to be appreciated, and we think it a good investment for every township."


We could quote hundreds of such testimonials as the above from various papers in the State where the Wauchope Grader has been used, but as its reputation is established it is not necessary. Since the organization of the company in the spring of 1877, hundreds of these machines have been sold in various parts of


250


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


the State, and the demand is constantly increasing. The rapid introduction of this machine in Iowa is something surprising. In 1877, only about fifty were sold to townships. This year (1879) nearly the whole force of the Union Plow Company- about thirty men, with the best of machinery-have been unable to fill the orders.


Mr. G. E. Higley, the Superintendent, who has been connected with the company since January, 1877, came here from Spring- fiekl, Mass., where he had been for a number of years superin- tending one of the largest woodware establishments in the city. He thoroughly understands his business and is a gentleman who has made many warm friends since coming to Tama City. The same can be said of Messrs. Warren and Houghton. The manufacture and warehouse of this company are located on the water power addition and extensive and well equipped for the manufacturing of these and other machines, besides doing repair- ing of all kinds, and we advise those not acquainted with their manufactures to investigate or send for catalogue, price list etc. The officers are G. H. Warren, President; A. L. Houghton. Sec- retary and Treasurer; G. E. Higley, Superintendent. Each of these names are sufficent in themselves to inspire confidence in the responsibility of the institution.


Benjaman Thompson, M. D .- One of the most successful and leading physicians and surgeons in central Iowa, is Benjaman Thompson of Tama City. He graduated at the Eclectic Medical College of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the year 1870, and shortly afterwards came to Tama City where he has since resid- ed, and has successfully built up a large and extensive practice. Mr. Thompson is a man of sterling worth and takes an active part in the up-building of the town and community in which he lives. He is a man of ability and has a thorough knowledge of medicine and surgery. His pleasant ways and manners and sympathetic speech gains the respect of his patients. His office is in R. M. Coffin's drug store.


Mahana & Co., Wind Mill Manufacturers .- The above com- pany established themselves at Tama City in May, 1879, and


251


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


since that time have become known as men of sterling worth. The demand for the valuable and indispensable machines which they manufacture is constantly increasing. Although they are of recent invention, they have been thoroughly tested and tried and have stood the test in every case. For a number of years Mr. Mahana, the patentee, assisted by others, manufactured the machines in La Moille, Bureau County, Illinois, but their ambi- tion was to introduce them in Iowa, and after manufacturing at Lyons this State, a considerable length of time, came to Tama City, where we find them thoroughly in the work and manufac- turing these valuable articles for the farmers of this County. The neatest, simplest, most substantial and consequently the cheapest machine that has come under our observation, is the Improved Rival and Enreka Wind Mills, invented and manufac- tured by Mahana & Co. There is less machinery about them than any mills in use. They have a revolving post and the wheel is securely attached to this post, both revolving together, while the tail is hung by hinges on the opposite side of the post, and the self-regulating operator is secured by a T lever at- tached to the tail and connecting with the post. Any person can see how perfectly simple this is. Here are secured certain re- sults; easy running with light winds; will take care of itself in a gale; keeps up uniform stroke in all winds; will stop when trough is full, but will resume pumping when more water is needed. This latter fact is an interesting one, and want of space forbids our going into details. The manufacturers warrant to do as good work with this mill as can be done by any higher priced machine. The cost of the Rival is only a trifle and we advise our read- ers to see this admirable piece of machinery, and see it operate before buying. The company also manufactures barbed wire.


We must not pass this sketch by without mentioning the med- ical ability of Mr. J. R. Mahana as a doctor. He is a graduate of Hannemann Medical College, of Chicago, and has been a prac- ticing physician for the past eight years. Mr. Mahana will con- tinne practicing medicine at Tama City, and will doubtless be- come one of its leading and prominent physicians. He is a man of good medical knowledge and ability.


252


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


Business Directory.


E. G. Penrose, hardware.


Brooks & Holmes, dry goods. Thomas Murray, dry goods. C. Homan. Flouring Mill. E. II. Price, wagon shop.


E. A. Graves, harness shop,


W. F. Sterling, boot & shoe store.


J. F. Hegardt, meat market.


C. C. Ilarris, & Bro., painters.


C. L. MeClung, painter. Thomas Briee, grocer.


J. Brice Jr., grocer.


B. Thompson, doctor.


J. Nicholson, dentist. S. W. Grove, DEMOCRAT.


HI. Soleman, agricultural,


Cleveland Bros., & Gilbert, furniture. E. R. Coyle, restaurant.


G. B. Alden, Photographer. Ebersole & Willett, lawyer.


G. D. Sherman, Justice.


W. E. Newcomb, broom factory. Puth Bros, clothiers and tailors. J. Il. Easton, tailor.


L. H. Brannan, Pacific Hotel, M. Bostwick, Bostwick Ilouse. J. M. Burge, eigar mannfacturer.


Bank of Tama, E. L. Carmichael Cah'r. H. Day, grain and stock buyer. C. H. Kentner, grain and stock buyer. Mrs. M. Ingham. Millivery.


Mrs. S. P. Barrett, Millinery.


W. H. Cummings, blacksmith. R. M. Coffin. druggist.


Wonser Bros., books, stationery.


J. Morrison, oysters and billiards.


G. Voss, saloon.


P. Petersou, barber.


Soleman Bros., livery and sale stable.


C. II. Kentner, insurance.


F. N. Warren, insurance.


Paper Mill Company.


A. L. Howard, butter tub factory. Manufacturers & Builders Association. Pearl Barley Mills.


Rhoads & Homan, builders,


HI. Page, drayman.


Carmichael & Hall, hardware.


J. D. Landi, dry goods. M. C. Mnrdough, dry goods. Crenshaw & Ramsdells, Flouring Mill.


M. C. Wilson, wagon shop.


W. Richards. boot & shoe store.


J. C. Mathews, boot & shoe, shop.


J. T. Flathers, meat market. Williams & Hapgood, painters.


W. D. Worrell, grocer. Tims & Jackson, grocers.


T. 11, Bruhn, grocer. Wm. Corns. doctor.


F. J. M. Wonser, HERALD.


W. H. Hawk, agricultural.


C. W. Snyder, furniture,


J. T. Matson, baker. F. A. Bristol, jeweler.


W. II, Tiffany, lawyer.


Mills & Guernsey, lawyers.


A. W. Guernsey, Justice.


J. P. Hixon, broom factory.


Z. Solomon, clothier. A. Mathern, & Co., brewers.


E. Harmon, Harmon House. Delmonico House, Mrs. Felstead.


First National Bank, Geo. Warren, Cah'r


Thomas Whitaker, produce dealer.


D. Clement, blacksmith.


H. Soleman, druggist.


B. F. Crenshaw, flour and feed.


F. Wilrodt, saloon.


Rheimer, saloon,


R. M. Coffin, express agent.


M. C. Murdough, livery.


Mills & Guernsey, insurance.


Union Plow Company.


Cleaveland Bros. & Gilbert, blind, door and sash factory.


A. Wiseman, drayman, Thurston & Garish, printers.


C


CHAPTER XXIV.


TRAER.


This town is situated in the northern part of Perry township, on the south half of section ten, and surrounded by a country which in fertility of soil is not surpassed in the State of Iowa. The whole country for many miles around is dotted over with some of the finest and best improved farms in the County. The place was laid out on the Pacific branch of the Burlington Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad, in the year 1873, at which time the extension reached this point, and being for a considerable length of time the terminus of the road the place was soon established, on land owned by Giles Taylor, and J. L. Bull.


On the 27th day of July, 1873, the iron horse first made its appearance in the place. To-day it has a population of nearly two thousand inhabitants. The same year J. R. Smith of Tama City, came to the place and opened a lumber yard, and built the first building on the town plat. Shortly after A. M. Batchelder and J. G. Strong erected a store building and opened a stock of drugs; from that date the work of building the new town was vigor- ously pursued. The music of the saw and hammer was heard on every hand. During that season a large number of buildings were erected and the population increased so rapidly that hotel accommodations in many cases could not be secured and


254


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


people were compelled to resort to barns, store rooms etc., for lodging.


The town is laid out with streets running east and west, north and south, and stands upon the south bank of Wolf Creek, in a natural growth of timber. In the south eastern portion of the city is found one of the nicest parks in the State, which is used by the citizens for gatherings of all kinds, and a summer resort. This park is surrounded by a neat board fence, with a heavy growth of elm, oak and maple trees, making it beautiful and attractive. In 1875 the place grew so rapidly that it became necessary to in- corporate it as a city. Accordingly, meetings and an election were held for the purpose of choosing officers, which were as fol- lows: Mayor, Giles Taylor; Recorder, W. H. Bowen; Trustees, J. Morrison, T. H. Greelis, A. Mitchell, J. R. Smith, A. M. Batehelder, and L. Ladd. A few days afterwards the Board met and adopted such ordinances as were thought for the best inter- est of the place.


With reference to public schools the citizens have always taken a special pride and not withont cause. From the report of the Superintendent of Schools of that place we gather the information that they are in a very flourishing condition. the general average in deportment, attendance and study being better than in any of the schools with which we are acquainted. The graded system was adopted on the completion of the new building in 1877, and has worked to the satisfaction of every one. The following nam- ed gentlemen compose the present. Board of School Directors: E. D. Langley, W. W. Wilson, C. G. Johnson, G. W. McClary, C. A. Clow,


There are four religious denominations having organizations in this place, viz., United Presbyterian Church, on Walnut and Fourth Streets; Congregationalists, Walnut Street; Methodist Episcopal Church, Walnut and Main Streets, and the Advents. All have good comfortable church edifices.


A better class of dwelling houses are shown in this town than in many of its size in the State, while among her business houses are some fine ones, among which we can mention the


-


255


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


banking house of Brooks & Moore, the Brooks House, Seaver & McClary's block ' in the business portion of the town and the Public School building. Taking all in all Traer in all branches of business is probably ahead of any town in the County. To the first settlers of the place belong the most praise for what we see to-day.


There are numerous business firms in the place worthy of special notice, among whom we mention the following:


Smith & Edwards, Dry Goods. Clothing and Groceries .- This firm is composed of two as energetic and live business men as can be found in central Iowa, S. P. Smith, formerly of But- ler County, Iowa and L. H. Edwards, of Waterloo, who estab- lished business at Traer, in the year 1875. Since that time they have been doing one of the largest dry goods businesses in the city, and have made many warm friends and gained the re- spect and confidence of every one in the community. Their store is located on the corner of Walnut and Second Streets, where they carry a full and complete line of dry goods, groceries clothing, boots and shoes, all of which they are selling very cheap. All the advantages of business qualifications and finan- cial ability are possesed by this firm. Give them a call.


Mc Cornack Bros., Lumber, Coal and Farm Implements .- The above named gentlemen have been residents of Tama County since the year 1865, locating in Perry township, where they remained upon their farms until Traer was founded, when they established themselves in the above business, and from that date have carried a full stock of the best farm machin- ery, together with a large stock of lumber and coal which they are selling very cheap, and their trade is greatly increasing. Their office and yards are located upon the west side of Walnut Street, between Second and Third, where they are always found ready to wait upon you. These gentlemen, since becoming resi- dents of the County, by honest and square dealing, have gained the confidence of the public and hold a large trade.


James Fowler, Attorney at Law .- In 1856 this gentleman came to Tama County and settled at Toledo. For a number of


256


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY


years, or until Traer was established, he was engaged in various kinds of business, part of the time farming and part of the time he was engaged in the mercantile business at Toledo. In 1873, when Traer sprang into existence he moved to that point and en- gaged in the law business, since which time he has had a large practice and met with the average success. Mr. Fowler has a nice office over Brooks & Moore's bank, where he has a fine large library and nicely arranged rooms with all the conveniences of a first-class law office.


Porterfield Bros., Dry Goods. - This firm is composed of S. M. and D. A. and W. S. Porterfield, who came to this point from Vinton, Iowa, in 1873 and established business. Since which time they have, by honest and fair dealing, built up a large trade in all kinds of staple and fancy dry goods, clothing, hats, caps, boots and shoes, valises, etc. To-day this firm stands among the most extensive dry goods houses of this section. In addition to their business at this point they carry on a large business at Reinbeck, Grundy County, which was established in 1877. Each member of this firm is esteemed among the best of Trear's citizens, and as business men they are perfection.


W. D. Scott, M. D., Surgery a Specialty .- Among the most successful practitioners of Traer, we may mention the name of W. D. Scott, who has been a practicing physician of the place since November, 1877, and who, since that date, has met with more than ordinary success. Mr. Seott is a graduate of Hahne- man Medical College of St Louis, and since graduating has been in active practice both before and since settling in this County. He loves surgery, studies science, and is a prospective man. Mr. Scott ranks among the best educated physicians and surgeons of the country and his practice is constantly increasing. Office in Ortchild's building.


Moses Simon, Clothier .- A business career of five years will either bring a man to the front or send him far to the rear. In business there can be no middle ground for a man to occupy, he must either go forward and keep ahead of the times or be dis- taneed in the race by his more enterprising neighbors.


257


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


Day by day we see dropping out of sight those who were once thought to be enterprising business men, but who neglectful of the opportunities presented to them, failed to secure that success which seemed to be within easy reach. The gentleman whose name heads this item has been a resident of this city and has been in active business, and has become identified with its growth and prosperity. Although a good business man, and one that looks closely to his own interests, he yet does not allow his mind to become wholly absorbed in these matters, but in other things in which the people are interested he takes an active part, and in this way he has brought himself into notice and secured the affec- tion and good will of thousands throughout Tama and surround- ing Counties. But it is as a business man we have to deal with him in this article; as remarked it has been five years since he first began business in this city. His first location being at the corner of Main and Second Streets. Here he remained for some three years or until December 23d, 1878, when his stock was consumed by fire. Mr. Simon's loss at this time was very large as nothing whatever was saved with the exception of one or two show cases and a few other articles. But instead of becoming discouraged, as doubtless many would have done, he renewed his energies and in six days after burning out he had a new stock of goods on hand and ready again to supply his many customers. His store room at present is located on Second Street near Brooks & Moore's bank. Here he occupies a very large and neat room in which he has displayed the nicest stock of gentlemens furnishing goods that can be found in central Iowa. In this de- partment he designs to carry a line of the best goods and his rep- utation for keeping superior goods at extremely low prices are made known far and wide, and his trade is constantly increasing. Mr. Simon, besides carrying on the clothing business at Traer and Dysart, where he has a branch store and doing a large busi- ness, is agent for the Hamburg American Packet Co, North German Lloyd, the Inman and White Star Line of Steamships.


C. C. Collins, Furniture .- In 1855, this gentleman came to the County in company with his parents from Washington County,


25S


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


Indiana, and settled in the southern part of Perry township in a small grove which was afterwards named in honor of his father L. B. Collins, and is still known as Collins' Grove. Here the subject of this brief sketch remained helping to carry on the farm until 1862, when he enlisted in Company F 28th Iowa, and went to war. After returning he worked at hire for a number of years or until July, 1869, when he engaged in business for himself, at Buckingham carrying a general stock of merchandise etc. In 1873, when Traer sprang into existence Mr. Collins moved to that point and engaged largely in dry goods building up an ex- tensive trade; continned until September 1st, 1878, when he bought a fine stock of furniture, in this business he still continues carry- ing one of the largest stocks in the city. Mr. Collins' furniture


rooms are located on Second Street, where he handles and manu- factures all kinds of furniture, which he sells at lower prices than the same can be purchased in Traer's competing towns, as the proprietor owns his manufactory and buys for cash. Those needing anything in his line should not fail to call and examine his stock and prices.


Bowen & Higby, Land, Loan, Insurance and Collection Agents .- The above business was established in the year 1874, by W. H. Bowen, who came to this place from Cedar Rapids, and was conducted by him with good success until January, 1878, when M. R. Higby became interested, after which the firm was known as Bowen & Higby. Since the latter date it has been conducted in a profitable manner and to-day stands among the leading agencies of this kind in the Northwest. They do a large business in land, insurance and collections, while they make loans a specialty, infact the latter business has increased so in the last few years that nearly their whole time and attention is devoted to it in order that they may be fully prepared to give all desired information and advantages to patrons. Their office is located on Second Street, in Orchilds' building. Call and see them.


Dennis & Averill, Agricultural Implements .- Among the very foremost agricultural implement firms of this County stands


-


259


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


that of Dennis & Averill, which was first established in the year 1866 at Tama City, having been composed of the present mem- bers since 1872. The firm is composed of J. B. Dennis and J. C. Averill, the former of whom has been a resident of Tama County, since 1866, coming to Tama City from Napoleon, Ohio, and the latter came to the County in 1871, from Highgate Springs, Vermont. In 1873, besides carrying on a large business at Tama City, a branch house was established at Traer nnder the manage- ment of J. C. Averill. Until 1877, these gentleman conducted business at both places, selling thousands of dollars worth of goods annually; in 1874, the firm done over one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars worth of business which speaks well for it. In the spring of 1877, the business at Traer had so increased that it required the services of both members of the firm and J. B. Dennis sold the interest at Tama City and moved to Traer. Since the latter date the firm have carried a first-class stock of farm implements of all kinds, field seeds, etc. They have given the best inducement in prices and terms. There store is located at the corner of Second and Main Streets.




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.