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 20

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 20


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Brooks & Moore, Bankers and Collectors .- The banking firm of the above named gentleman has been in existence since 1873, and is one of the representative institutions of the city. Ever since its organization the business has been conducted by R. H. Moore, who has been identified with the leading spirits of the city since that date, and while he may not have fallen in with the views of all, yet has been liberal in promoting those enterprises which he believed intended to enhance the interests of Traer. IIis enterprise soon exhibited itself after his advent in aiding and liberally donating to all good enterprises. The erection of the present banking honse, which is located on the corner of Walnut and Second Streets is the finest in the city, and compares with any in Iowa. The firm is composed of J. H. Brooks and R. H. Moore; the former of whom has been a resident of the County since 1856, coming here from Kane County, Illinois, and settling in Otter Creek township, where he resided upon his farm until the spring of 1866, when he moved to Tama City. Mr. Brooks


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is one of Tama's most highly esteemed citizens and besides rail- road contracting he is engaged in farming, merchandising and banking, mainly by proxy, and strange to say making a success of every branch. The latter, R. H. Moore, has been a resident of the County since 1867, coming here from Mercer County, Penn- sylvania. Mr. Moore for a number of years after coming to the County made his home at Tama City and vicinity, teaching school during the winter seasons, while in the summer he was engaged at farming, or whatever honorable employment he could obtain until the year 1871, when he received a situation in the banking house of Carmichael, Brooks & Co., where he remained until busi- ness was established at Traer, when he was sent there in charge of that bank. To-day Mr. Moore besides owning one half inter- est in the business is largely interested in a bank at Reinbeck, Grundy County, where they are doing a large banking business under the charge of his brother G. T. Moore. But to return to the bank which under the supervision of R. H. Moore is one of the most successful institutions in the place, whose prosperity and high standing at home and abroad gives tone and character to the city, ever stands ready to accommodate its numerous customers. The banking house was erected in 1878, is especially constructed with a view to convenience and safety, and it is conceded that no bank in the County is more secure or eleg- antly and conveniently fitted up. Its furniture is heavy carved hard wood, while its vaults are built up from the solid stone and provided with "time locks" thus making them doubly secure.


E. A. Bissell, Dentist .- The dental rooms of this gen- tleman are located over the post office, where he has nicely ar- ranged rooms and is prepared to do all work in his line. Mr. Bis- sell is a graduate of the Boston Dental College, and has been in practice since 1875. From that time until 1877 he practiced in Independence, Iowa, where he had a large practice and stood well in his profession. During his four years career in Traer he has secured a large practice from the leading citizens, which go to prove the high position he has attained. Mr. Bissell does good work and guarrantees satisfaction to all.


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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


Newcomb & Sons, Harness Manufacturers .- This firmis com- posed of M. A. Newcomb and his son A. G., both have been residents of this County for a great many years. For a number of years after coming to the County they resided at Tama City where they were engaged in business. In 1874 they established business at Traer, since which date they have held a leading posi- tion in the harness business, and their trade extends for many miles into the country. Besides doing repairing of all kinds they manufacture and deal in all kinds of harness, saddles, bridles, whips, collars, brushes, blankets, trunks, valises, etc. Their stock is first-class and it will pay you to call and examine prices and goods.


Brook's House, W. W. Evans, Proprietor .- Many towns of the size and attractions of Traer lack in hotel accomodations for the traveling publie, which, to our mind, is one of the greatest draw- baeks to the prosperity of any city. As in many other respects, Traer is alive to this important fact, and through the commenda- ble enterprise of a number of its leading citizens, who now lay claim to having hotel accommodations to meet all necessary de- mands for some time to come. In 1875 the Brooks Ilouse was erected on the corner of Second and Walnut Streets, and named in honor of J. H. Brooks, of Tama City. The House is built of red brick, two stories high, with a basement. The house has all the modern improvements and conveniences. W. W. Evans, the proprietor, has been a resident of the County since 1859, coming here from Rock Island, Illinois, and settling in Grant township, remaining until 1873 when he moved to Traer and eu- gaged in the hardware business. In 1878, he took charge of the Brooks House, and now Mr. Evans may lay claim to keeping the largest, cleanest and best hotel in the city.


George Sloss & Son, Flouring Mill .- These gentlemen are proprietors of one of the oldest flouring mills in the County, be- ing established about the year 1856, by W. W. Leekin. In 1875 Mr. Sloss and his son became sole proprietors of the mill and have since refitted and remoddled it at a great expense, and now they have a fine one and turn out an excellent quality of flour


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for which they have a large demand. The mill is located on Wolf Creek, and is so arranged that it can be run either by wa- ter or steam making it very convenient. Mr. Sloss has long been a resident of this County and has numerous warm friends; since being a resident of Traer he is classed among its most valuable citizens.


D. D. Cornick, Livery .- In 1876 this gentleman came to Traer, from Buchannan County and established business and has since had an encouraging run of custom. He has some as fine rigs as there are in the County. Ilis livery and feed stable is located on Walnut Street north of the Brooks House, where he is prepared to furnish his many customers with as fine rigs as could be wished. He is a credit to the town and esteemed a valuable citizen.


C. F. Buhmann, Cigar Minufacturer .- The cigar manufac- turing establishment of the above named gentleman was estab- lished in 1874. Mr. Bulmann came here from Wynona, Minen- sota. Since establishing business at Traer he has succeeded in building up a large trade both in wholesale and retail, and in every case his cigars has given entire satisfaction. He mannu- factures splendid brands of cigars, among which are the celebrat- ed Belle of Traer, My Own Brand and the Tama Chief, for all of these there is a large demand. His store is located on Second Street where he carries a full line of all kinds of tobaccos ete. in connection with his manufactory.


Batchelder, & Free, Druggists .- This firm is composed of A. M. Batchelder and A. J. Free, the former has been a resident of the County since 1864, first residing in Tama City, and the latter has been a resident since 1853, coming here from Colum- bus, Ohio, and settled near Toledo in company with his father's family. In 1873, when Traer sprang into existence Mr. Batch- elder established business at that point, in company with J. G. Strong. After a few years Mr. Strong sold out and G. T. Jones bought an interest. The firm of Batchelder & Jones continued until November, 1878, when Mr. Free bought Mr. Jones' inter- est and the firm name changed to Free & Batchelder. During


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the past six years it has held a leading position and commanded an extensive trade, but never in its history has it been as popular as at the present time. They carry a full and well selected stock of everything in the drug line, paints, oils, etc. With its varied stock and well arranged apartments the store of Free & Batchel- der is one of the best in the County and does honor to its ener- getie proprietors. Besides carrying on the drug store they are interested in the pop business; in this article they are having an extensive wholesale and retail trade. Their store is located on Second Street and their pop factory is on Main Street near the depot.


Galley & Newcomer, Drg Goods .- In 1874 business was established at this point by the above named gentlemen. The firm is composed of H. Galley and S. Newcomer, the former of whom is one of Tama County's oldest settlers and a leading dry goods merchant of Toledo. The latter is also an old settler of of the County formerly of Toledo, but now supervising the busi- ness of the above firm at Traer. Since this store has been es- tablished it has held a leading position in the dry goods trade of that place. They handle all kinds of dry goods but make a spec- ialty of custom made boots and shoes. They have the exclusive agency in that place for the celebrated C. N. Fargo & Co. and the Miller & Co. boots and shoes, of which they claim their equal is not in Traer. Call on them.


J. H. Segner, Livery Feed and Sale Stable .- In 1876, this gentleman etablished himself in this business at Traer and since has been doing a large and paying business in the place. He turns out some fine rigs at reasonable prices. Mr. Segner for the first two years after locating at this place, besides running the livery barn was also proprietor of the Brooks House where he became well acquainted and made many friends all of whom speak of him as an honorable and valuable citizen. His livery barn is located but a few doors west of the Brooks House, where persons wishing accommodations in his line will get the best.


Seaver & Mc Clary, Bankers and Dry Goods .- At the corner of Second and Main Streets is located the large dry goods and


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banking house of the above named gentlemen, who established business in the fall of 1874. Since that date they have gained a high reputation. The fine display of dry goods, notions, carpets clothing, boots and shoes, hats, caps, etc. is immense. From the first they adopted the cash system, both in buying and selling. By this means they secure goods at bottom prices and sell the same as cheap as Chicago retail houses. Their store is the finest and most attractive in the town, and commands a trade among all classes. In 1875, besides carrying on the dry goods business, the Bank of Traer was established by them. During the time it has been in existence it has done a regular banking and collec- tion business, and has been of great advantage to the city. This department is under the supervision of Mr. Seaver, while Mr. McClary takes charge of the dry goods. Both these men came here from Jefferson County, Kansas, and since being resi- dents of Traer have became well acquainted, highly esteemed and are good representatives of their respective positions and hold a high reputation as business men and citizens.


J. T. Weld, Hardware and Agricultural .- But a short time after Traer was founded the above named gentleman established business at that point. Since that time he has carried a full line of shelf and heavy hardware, stoves, tinware and agricultural im- plements. His store is located on Second Street, near Brooks and Moore's bank, where he has one of the largest and most complete stocks in the city. Mr. Weld has been a resident of Traer since 1863, coming here from Pecatonica, Illinois, where he had been in business. Since a resident of Traer Mr. Weld has become one of that city's leading hardware merchants and has established a name and trade of which he may be justly proud. He has always pushed his business in an enterprising manner and now is rewarded by a lucrative trade extending over a wide area. He has many friends and is classed among the valuable citizens of the place.


G. & N. II. Canfield, Coal and Lumber .- These gentlemen are proprietors of the oldest lumber yard in Traer, it being estab- lished by J. R. Smith in the year 1873. In the year 1877 they


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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


become sole proprietors and since have been doing an extensive business in all kinds of lumber and coal. The former member of the firm has been a resident of Traer since 1877, coming here from New Jersey, and the latter came here from Burlington, Iowa, where he had been extensively engaged in the coal trade during the year 1876. Besides having a large trade in lumber and coal they are interested in the grocery business in that place.


Greelis & Rice, Coal, Wood and Building Material .- In 1874 this business was established by T. H. Greelis who managed it with good success until September, 1877, when O. J. Rice became interested with him, since which date they have been comanding a large run of custom in coal, wood, lime, stone stucco, cement, sand, plastering hair and brick, all of which they have in stock at their office and yard on Main Street. The firm is composed of T. HI. Greelis and O. J. Rice, the former has been a resident of Traer since 1874, coming here from Vinton, Iowa, formerly of Troy, New York, where he had been engaged in business. Since becoming a resident of Traer Mr. Greelis, besides being engaged in the above business, has been engaged in buying and selling town property and now owns the entire property of J. W. Traer, consisting of seventy-four lots, known as the railroad property. The latter Mr. Rice has been a resi- dent of the County since 1856, coming here from Medina County, Ohio, and settling in Crystal township, where he remained npon his farm until 1876, when he moved to Traer and engaged in the real estate and loan business, which he followed until engaged in business with Mr. Greelis. They are both genial and obliging gentlemen and deserve success.


E. D. Rice, Hardware .- Among the oldest and most success- full men of Traer may be mentioned the above, who has been in business since 1874. The business was established by E. D. Rice and F. A. Goodenough , who managed it until February, 1879, when Mr. Goodenough sold his interest to Mr. Rice who became sole proprietor. At present Mr. Rice is carry- ing one of the heaviest stocks of hardware, consisting of gener- al shelf and heavy hardware, carriage and wagon stocks, iron,


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nails, steel, tinware, fence wire ete., in the town. He is one of Tama County's oldest settlers, coming here in the year 1857, from Medina County, Ohio, and settling in Howard township, where he remained upon his farm until moving to Traer. While a resident of Howard township he took an active part in every good enterprise whereby the township and community would be benefited. He was a prominent mover in the Grange; was chairman of the County Grange two years, devoting a great deal of time and money for the special benefit of his brother farmers. Since residing in Traer, Mr. Rice has proven himself a liberal, enterprising and consequently successful business man and stands among the most highly respected citizens.


M. R. Wylie, Breeder of Fine Stock, Traer, Iowa .- In the stables of M. R. Wylie, at this place, may be seen as fine horses as anybody would wish to see. We are glad to see the interest that Mr. Wylie is taking in breeding the best class of horses, in this County. The following noted horses will be found in his stable at Traer: Young Invincible -- This fine stallion was im- ported from England to Pennsylvania in the year 1876, by G. B. .Hayes of that State. He is seventeen and one-half hands high, with heavy bone and muscle, and weighs two thousand pounds. He was got by Farmer's Profit, son of Young Waxwork, by Old Waxwork; dam by Great Britain, grand dam by Old Warwick, great grand dam by Old Invincible. English Champion-This horse is a dapple black, seventeen hands high and weighs one thousand and five hundred pounds. He has superior action and has proven himself to be of good blood. He was got by Ches- hire Champion, who was imported to Pennsylvania, by W. Beal of that State. Dam by the imported coach horse, Bay President, great dam imported Canadian mare. Fred Grant-Is a bright bay with black dapples. He is a natural trotter and if properly trained would reach a creditable record. He was got by General Grant, son of Wapsie, by Green's Bashaw; dam by the Barklow mare, daughter of Holderman's mare, by Weatherby's Blackhawk, Profit, son of Vermont Blackhawk. Grand dam, by Matthew White's mare, Kosciusko, and bred by E. Manful, of West Lib-


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erty. Any information desired in reference to any of these horses will be cheerfully given by their owner. Call at the stable on Main Street or address, M. R. Wylie, Traer, Iowa.


Business Directory.


J. H. Smith, dry goods.


Porterfield Bros, dry goods. Seaver & McClary, dry goods.


Mrs. H. C. Pierce, midlinery, Mrs. A. Petterson, millinery,


S. Shively, merchant tailor


J. Stein, merchant tailor.


Steffens&Luedemann, merchant tailors, T. Gallogby, grocer,


Best & Canfield, grocers.


C. F. Wetzel. groeer.


Grossell & Hadsell, grocers.


W. B. Gillespie, groeer.


J. Morrison, grocer.


C. M. Lathrop, barber.


HI. Baxter, boots and shoes.


G. Shay, restaurant.


J. Munson, restaurant.


J. Kingery, furniture.


J. Pritchard, meat market.


G. L. Wilber, lawyer.


D. Connell, lawyer.


N. C, Newcomb, harness shop.


J. P. Morrison. harness shop.


W. T. V. Ladd, justice.


Free & Batehelder, druggist,


W. A. Daniel, doctor.


J. L. Ladd. doctor. W. D. Scott, doctor. Free & Batchelder, pop manufacturers.


Johnson Bros. lumber, coal.


MeCormack Bros. lumber, coal.


I. D. Merrimann, blacksmith.


C. H. Cram, blacksmith. W. E. Gerry, painter.


Brooks House, W. W. Evans prop'r.


Best House, B. Best.


Schrader House, Brooks & Moore's Bank, R. II. Moore Cashier.


O. T. Sanborn, livery,


D. D. Corniek, livery. MeCormack Bros, agricultural.


E. D. Rice, hardware.


Smith & Edwards. dry goods


Galley & Newcomer. dry goods.


M. Simon, clothier.


Mrs. L. S. Cope. millinery.


Mrs. S. Gage,


J. Atchison & Son, grocers. W. Wade, groeer.


L. D. Knapp, grocer.


G. W. Ladd, barber.


II. Schrader, boots and shoes.


D. Bowers, boots and shoes.


I. Baldwin, restaurant.


C. C. Collins, furniture.


W. MeDowall. meat market.


F. A. Adsell. meat market.


E. T. Langley, lawyer, J. Fowler, lawyer. Neweomb & Son, harness shop.


O. T. Brainard, justice.


E. M. Wooley, druggist.


O. D. Bonney, druggist.


J. P. Morrison, doctor. S. Waterbury, doctor. C. M. Ashton, doctor. Canfield Bros. lumber. coal.


W. Wolf, blacksmith.


S. Hyde, blacksmith.


Il. A. Hartshorn, blacksmith.


F. S. Fairchild, painter. Clark House, C. Clark.


Pennsylvania House, Bank of Traer, C. Seaver, Cash'r.


L. H. Butler, wagon maker.


C. H. Cram, wagon maker.


J. II. Segner, livery. Dennis & Averill, agricultural.


J. T. Weld, agricultural.


J. T. Weld, hardware.


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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


II. M. Wooley, photographer.


E. II. Bissell. dentist.


L. B. Alderman, dentist.


E. Taylor, STAR.


James Morrison & Co., CLIPPER.


G. A. Rngg, book store.


Bowen & Higby, land agent.


C. F. Buhmann, eigar manufacturer.


Withers & Bates, jewelry.


S. C. Wager, boots and shoes.


Sloss & Son, flouring mills.


M. C. Murdough, flour and feed store.


W. W. Wilson, grain buyer.


11. C. Pierce & Co. grain buyer.


C. A. Clow, grain buyer.


A. M. Glaze, carpenter.


W. Kinney, carpenter.


D). Bedford, ice dealer.


M. D. Schaffer, carpenter.


CHAPTER XXV.


MONTOUR.


This is an enterprising town of about six hundred inhabitants situated on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad about seven miles west of Tama City. It is beautifully located and is one of the most thrifty and enterprising towns in the County. It is locat- ed on section twenty-one and twenty eight and covers about one hundred and twenty acres of land. Miron Blodgett, and Phineas HIelm, were the original owners of this land, and for a number of years before this town was established used it for farming pur- poses.


The first business established at this point was by Dr. John Doe, in the fall of 1863, who opened a stock of dry goods in a small building which was moved from Indiantown. E. Ruggles who had been engaged in business at the latter place, prior to the road reaching Montour, was the next to erect a store and en- gage in business at the new town. From this date, 1863, the place grew very rapidly and to-day it is well represented in all branches of business as our business directory will show. The first dwelling house was erected by B. McCullen, and the first hotel was the Orford House, moved here from Indiantown. The railroad depot was built by the people, and as soon as this was done it gave an impetns to the place and from that time to the present date the town has continued to grow. It was called


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Orford at the request of some of the citizens after the well known Orford of Vermont, but since changed to Montour, the present name. The scenery in and around town is truly beautiful. The bluff's here are its true mine of wealth; not only do they add charms to the place, but they are composed of a formation which at no distant day will cause the town of Montonr to become a place of no small note. One-fourth mile west of the town are the kilns of the Orford Lime Company, where are deposits of politie limestone of large quantities, from which they are manufacturing lime and doing a good shipping business. This, from its appear- ance, belongs to the sub-carboniferous era, for the whole formation seems to consist of deposits of fish bones, shell, spines, etc. The finest however, has the appearance of the spawn of millions of fish being thrown together and cemented in one solid mass; and upon examination it is almost impossible to find a specimen in which traces of organic life cannot be seen. It is from appearance a fine carbonate of lime, minus sand or quartz, but seems held together by a crystalized calcareous spar. It, varies in color, sometimes being of grayish white with sections of light blue, and sometimes of a dark cream running through it. It is quite soft when first quarried but grows hard upon exposure. The deposit here is about twelve to fifteen feet in thickness, and the lime munnfactured from this cannot be surpassed, it having now an almost universal reputation. This business adds greatly to the interest of the town.


On the sixth day of December, A. D. 1870, a vote was taken for or against organizing as a town under the general laws of the State, resulting in its alnost unanimous adoption, only two votes being polled against it, and the following named gentleman were elected to the various offices: Mayor, J. W. Niman; Trustees, II. Winchell, J. H. Stevens, S. Ellis, J. White; Recorder, T. R. Oldham. The present officers are as follows: Mayor, II. J. Ste- vens; Recorder. W. C. Burgess; Trustees, T. P. Smith, II. C. Burgess, R. E. Tewksbury, H. C. Waggenor, A. B. Gage, and R. M. Tenney.


With reference to the public schools of the place the citizens.


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INSTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


take an especial pride, and their schools rank among the best in the County. In the southern part of town between Main and Division Streets is located a fine brick school building the main part of which is 36x54, with two large wings 14x26. This building was erected in the year 1877 at a cost of about $9,000, is quite showy, aud neat, yet well proportioned. The foundation is of limestone, while the main walls are of red brick. It is in height two stories and contains three large and nicely arranged school rooms, with two recitation rooms, each being provided with the best modern school furniture and every appliance that would aid one in acquiring knowledge. Everything in connec- tion with the building is in good taste and reflects great credit np- on the city,


The public schools for the past two or three years have been conducted by W. H. Black, who has succeeded in a perfect or- ganization of every department of the schools, and has filled his position to the satisfaction of the people. The following are the present school board: T. P. Smith, J. H. Stevens, A. N. Poy- neer, I. D. Williams, HI. G. Wallace. R. E. Tewksbury.


There are a number of live merchants in the town, among whom we may mention the following named firms.


Butler & Cronk, Grain and Live Stock Dealers .- This is one of the strongest and most reliable firms doing business in Mon- tour and is composed of Philip Butler and J. G. Cronk, both of whom are old settlers in Tama County, the former came to Indian Village township, from Linn County, in company with his father's family in the year 1853, and located upon a farm. Since residing here, Mr. Butler has been extensively engaged in farming and now owns over 1,400 acres of land the most of which is under cultivation. Besides attending to the duties of hisfarm he is a member of the above firm at Montour where they are doing a large business. Politically Mr. Butler is a Democrat, the prin ciples of that party being near and dear to his heart. Though the township in which he resides is strongly Republican, at the last general election he was elected justice of the peace by a large majority. The latter, Mr. Crouk, came to the County from Mor-




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