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 21
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
.
272
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
row County, Ohio, and settled in Highland township in 1857, residing upon his farm which consists of over 600 acres, until 1877 when he removed to Montonr. Ile also carries on his farm in connection with the above business. These gentleman are both honorable and highly respected citizens and since doing business at this point have made many friends.
Millard && Rockwell, Blacksmiths. Smith & Kelley. Wagon Makers .- Under one roof these two firms are doing business on Main Street, south of the railroad track, and since establishing this business they have been doing a large business in all kinds of blacksmithing, wagon and carriage manufacturing and repair- ing. They have built a reputation for honest work and square dealing. In connection with the shops is a machine and repair shop, operated by W. A. Downs, a young but accomplished, man just starting in a business life who is building up an exten- sive trade. These gentlemen are all good citizens, have made many friends and elassed among the valuable citizens of the town.
E. Ruggles, Dry Goods .- The oldest and most thoroughly established business at this point is that of the above named gen- tleman. Mr. Ruggles came to this County in 1854 from Ogle County, Illinois, and established business at Indiantown, where he remained until removing to Montour in 1864. Since that date he has been carrying a full line of dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes, hats, caps, groceries, crockery etc., and commands a trade that extends for many miles around. His store is located on the corner of Elm and Main Streets. Since doing business here Mr. Ruggles has gained a reputation for enterprise and fair dealing, and has become popular as a dry goods merchant of that thriving and stirring place.
J. L. Waggenor, Hardware .- For all kinds of shelf and heavy hardware, stoves, tinware, wagon stock, ete. persons residing in and around the vicinity of Montour will do well to call on this gentleman, on Main Street and examine his stock and prices. Mr. Waggenor first came to the County from Marshall County and established business at Tama City remaining in the latter
273
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
place until 1867, when he removed to Montour. Here we now find him doing a large business. He is a man that can be relied upon, is prompt and gives his entire attention to his business, but never neglects the best interests of the community in which he lives.
Weimer & Co., Restaurant .- Among the late branches of business established in this town is the restaurant and ice cream stand of the above named firm, located on Ehn Street, in the post office building. Here they have nicely fitted up rooms with all the conveniences of a first-class restaurant. They have in stock a full line of candies, smoking and chewing tobaccos, nuts, pies, cakes, etc. The firm is composed of L. Bingham and W. Weimer, the former has been a resident of the County since 1870, and besides being interested in the above business is post master, which office he has held since 1877. The latter is a young man of fine business qualifications, and no doubt will make a success of whatever he undertakes.
H. C. Hutson, Druggist .- This gentleman is classed among the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Montour, being a resident of that place since 1865, coming Lere from Maryland. Until 1872 Mr. Hutson practiced medicine at this place retaining a large practice, when he engaged in the drug business. Since entering into this occupation he has been carrying a full and com- plete stock of drugs, books, stationery, wall paper, window cur- tains, etc., in his store room on Elm Street. Call and see him and you will find a liberal, enterprising, jovial good fellow.
Smith Bros .- This firm is composed of T. P. and Jeremiah Smith, the former has been a resident of the place since 1867, and the latter since 1868, both came here from Massachusetts. Since becoming residents of Montour they have been engaged in active business and classed among the leading spirits of the place. At their office and yard, on Main Street, they are hand- ling agricultural implements, lumber, plastering hair, coal, salt, cement, etc .; in each article they are having a large run of custom. Besides carrying on the above business they are largely interested in, and assume the management of the Orford Lime
274
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
Company's business. They are manufacturing a splendi article of lime at the kilns, one-fourth mile west of the town, which meets with rapid and ready sale.
L. Matthews, Dry Goods .- One among the oldest and reliable dry goods houses of central Iowa, stands that of the above named gentleman, established in the year 1866. Mr. Matthews came to this point from Minnesota, formerly of Greene County, New York and since that date has taken the lead in the dry goods business at Montour. His store is without doubt the finest and largest in the town being one hundred and nine feet deep. He commands a large trade among all classes of citizens. It is his aim to keep a full line of staple dry goods, dress goods, clothing, boots, shoes, groceries, hardware, etc. He buys for cash and secures goods at bottom prices and therefore sells goods very cheap. Mr. Matthews is among the solid and substantial business men, and one who has liberally contributed to the up-building of the town.
C. J. Stevens & Co., Bankers .- The banking business at this point has been carried on since 1873. first by O. B. Dutton & Son, then by Stevens, Harrison & Warren, and at present by C. J. Stevens & Co., who have had charge of the business since November, 1875. The firmn is composed of C. J. Stevens and H. J. Stevens; the former has been a resident of the County since 1855, coming here from New York, and settling in Indian Village township. He is a farmer by occupation, but is at pres- ent our popular County Clerk, filling this office since 1874. The latter has been a resident of the County since 1875, coming here from the same State. Since residing at Montour, Mr. H. J. Stevens has had charge of the business at that point and has suc- ceeded in building up a large banking custom and is at present Mayor of the town. They are both honorable and reputable citizens and are ranked among the leading and most respected citizens of the County.
E. M. Poyneer, Grocer .- In 1859 this gentleman settled in this County, Indian Village township, upon a farm. Here he remained until the year 1874, when he removed to Montour, and engaged in the banking business continuing for a number of years.
275
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
In 187& he established himself in the grocery business and at his store, on Elm Street, he is carrying a fine stock of groceries which he is selling at bottom prices. Mr. Poyneer is a gentle- man of acknowleged business ability, and always works for the best interests of the town and community in which he lives.
H. G. Wallace, Stock and Grain Dealer .- This gentleman is the oldest stock and grain dealer in the place, coming here from Lee County, Ills., in the year 1865, and built the first elevator inside the corporation. Since residing here Mr. Wallace has been engaged in the above business, and has built a reputation for honorable and square dealing and is known over the greater por- tion of Tama County as such. He is a credit to the stock and grain business, an enterprising business man, and has a large circle of patrons and friends.
D. R. Way, Dry Goods .- In the store of D. R. Way, located on the corner of Main and Elm Streets may be found one of the nicest and most complete stock of general dry goods, groceries, clothing, boots, shoes, queensware, etc. in the town, and at pri- ces hard to beat. Mr. Way has been a business resident of Mon- "tour since 1866, coming here from Montezuma, Poweshiek Coun- ty, and since that time has been active in the dry goods busi- ness. He does business in his own store room which saves pay- ing rent; this advantage is given his patrons. Give him a call.
B. W. Fellows, Farm Machinery .- Persons wishing anything in the way of farm machinery, repairs, mowers, plows, rakes, pumps, harvesters, cultivators, planters, etc., will do well to call and see Mr. Fellows. He is selling goods very cheap at his store rooms on Elm Street. As he is an old settler in this County, coming here from New York and settling in Indian Village township in the year 1855, he is well ac- quainted, has many friends and a good run of custom, and since establishing the above business he has constantly been increasing it. Give him a call.
Business Directory.
E. Ruggles, dry goods.
D. R. Way, dry goods,
L. Matthews, dry goods.
J. C. Millard, dry goods.
276
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY
H. C. Hutson, druggist.
Mrs. A. Doty, millinery.
J. L. Waggenor, hardware.
. J. T. Mckee, restaurant. Horn Bros, grocers.
J. H. Stevens, druggist, C. II. Roberts, attorney. A. B. Gage, Gage House. Weimer & Co., restaurant.
J. L. Waggenor, & Co, grocers. L. Bingham, post master. L. F. Kellogg, blacksmith.
E. M. Poyneer, grocer. R. Montgomery, blacksmith.
Millard & Rockwell, blacksmiths.
H. H. Alexander, wagon maker.
A. A. Voiles & Kellogg. wagon makers, W. Calkins, furniture.
Butler & Cronk, grain and stock.
B. W. Fellows, agricultural.
P. F. Long, meat market. J. B. Roberts, painter. Charles Gray, flour and feed. Smith Bros., lumber.
Il. G. Wallace, grain and stock. Exchange Bank, H. J. Stevens, Cashier.
D. E. Dickinson, shoe shop. J. Gass, harness shop. E. Finch, livery and feed stable.
.
CHAPTER XXVI.
DYSART.
This beautiful little town is located in the eastern part of Clark township on section thirteen, and was named in honor of Hon. Joseph Dysart, ex-State Senator, from Tama and Benton Conn- ties and ex-Lieutenant Governor of this State. It is surrounded by as fine a tract of prairie land as can be found in central Iowa. In the fall of 1872 the town was established on land belonging to J. W. Crisman, and is located on the Pacific Branch of the Bnr- lington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad. The first train made its appearance in the town on the 27th day of December, 1873, and as it was the terminus of the road until August of the following year the town grew rapidly and when the road moved on her progress did not stop, and to-day there is a population of six hundred souls rejoicing over what her future promises to be. The first dwelling honse was erected by Mr. Levi Johnston of Belle Plaine. Mr. William Davidson was the first to erect a store room and commence business. He opened, on January 1st, 1873. a fine general stock. About the same time Brown, Doty & Co., built a warehouse and commenced buying and shipping grain. Then followed S. Hanlin & Son, C. Johnson and others who established business. Now the town is well repersented in all branches of business and has become a place of considearble importance. The town is situated on high rolling ground and
278
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
surrounded by a fine and richly producing country. This land, once a broad unbroken prairie, is now converted into bountiful farms some as fine as there are in central Iowa.
No efforts have yet been made to establish manufacturing, and therefore, the merchants are dependent upon the trade of the sur- rounding country.
In educational pursuits Dysart has kept pace with her neigh- boring towns. In the southern portion of the town we find a beautiful frame building which is used for school purposes. It is large, two stories high with a dome rising from the east, wing from which can be obtained a view of the town and surrounding country. The building is entered from the north and south sides into a large hall. From this hall a stairway leads to the second floor. The building contains, besides the halls, four large and commodious school rooms, each well furnished with the best furniture.
There are two religions demominations in the place, Methodist and Presbyterian. Each of these have fine church buildings of which we have spoken in another chapter.
The business portion of the town is substantially built, some large and commodious buildings reflect credit upon the enterpris- ing men of her business circle. Among the businesss men of the place we make special mention of the following:
A. Brannaman & Co., Bankers .- This business was estab- lished in the year 1877, by the above firm. They done business in a rented room until the summer of 1878, when they erected the present building on Main Street. It is a fine brick structure twenty feet wide and thirty-two feet long, and is nicely arranged, with all the conveniences of modern times. The company is in a prosperous condition and composed of A. Brannaman, C. E. Morris and E. A. Morris, with A. Brannaman as cashier and M. M. Morris, assistant cashier. Under the management of these able gentlemen the bank is doing a large business and giv- ing entire satisfaction. The members of this firm are among the leading citizens and are always ready to assist in advancing the best interests of their town.
279
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
R. M. Horton, Attorney at Law .- This gentleman has been a resident of Dysart since 1876, coming here from Lewiston Ill. Since being a resident of the place he has been extensively en- gaged in the practice of law and the collection business. Mr. Horton is a gentleman who is well read in law and has had over sixteen years practice. He thoroughly understands his business, and is an able man to consult. Since residing in this place has made many warm friends and is classed among the highly respect- ed citizens of the town.
W. O. Beum, M. D .- For a number of years this gentleman has been a resident of Tama County, locating first at Waltham, where he remained practicing medicine until July, 1878, when he moved to Dysart, and since has had a growing practice. Mr. Beam is a graduate of the Medical Department of the Iowa State University. He is a gentleman of acknowledged ability and well educated in the medical profession. Ile enjoys the confi- dence of the community in which he resides. His office is locat- ed over Wmn. Davidson's dry goods store.
C. W. Cooper, Blacksmith and Wagon Maker .- One of the best and successful business men in Tama County is C. W. Coop- er. He manufactures wagons, buggies and sleighs besides carry- ing on blacksmithing. His shops are located on the corner of Wilson and Tilford Streets in Dysart. This gentleman is a na- tive of Canada, being born there in the year 1845. He learned his trade from his father, who was a successful blacksmith and mechanic. After Mr. Cooper reached his twenty-first year he left home and went to Pennsylvania where remained until the year 1869, when he came to this State and settled in Cedar Rapids. In 1871, he moved to Vinton and again followed the old line of trade. He remained here until 1875 when he moved to Dysart. Since this he has had a large run of custom in all his branches of business and takes great pleasure in saying to his many patrons and the farmers in general that he has recently erected a wagon and paint shop and is fully prepared to do all kinds of work in this line, besides doing all kinds of blacksmith- ing. Mr. Cooper has in his employ a set of hands that are second
280
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
to none in Tama or Benton Counties. He is setting horse shoes for ten cents; new shoes twenty-five cents; plows layed, two dol- lars and fifty cents; plows sharpened for twenty-five cents and tires set for one dollar per set. His shops are located west of Main Street on the corner of Wilson and Tilford Streets, where he has two large and nicely arranged shops, one is used as the blacksmith shop and the other as a wagon and paint shop. The latter is a large two story building, the first floor is used as the wagon shop and the upper for a paint shop. In each of these departments Mr. Cooper is fully prepared to do first class work, on very short notice. He is manufacturing wagons which he sells for sixty dollars, and warrants them for two years. He is manufacturing buggies and sleighs at equally as low price. Mr. Cooper enjoys the confidence of the community in which he re- sides and we can truly say that it would be difficult to become acquainted with a more genial and social gentleman than C. W. Cooper. When ever you want anything in his line don't forget Mr. Cooper.
N. C. Rice, Attorney at Law .- One of Dysart's most success- ful lawyers is N. C. Rice, who has been a resident of Tama County since the year 1855. For a mmaber of years after com- ing to this County, Mr. Rice resided in Perry township upon his farm. Besides carrying on the farm he read law and was ad- mitted to the bar, and since has had an encouraging practice. Mr. Rice has proven his ability as a lawyer and counselor, and has gained the respect of all.
Win. Davidson, Dry Goods and Groceries .-- This gentleman is proprietor of the leading dry goods and grocery house of the place, which was established in the year 1873. Mr. Davidson has been a resident of Tama County since 1870, coming here from Canada, and locating at Buckingham. In 1871, he estab- lished business at Mooreville, a small village and post office in the northeastern part of Geneseo township, remaining until moving to Dysart. Since the latter date he has carried a full line of dry goods, boots, shoes, hats, caps, staple and fancy groceries, etc., and has taken the lead in trade. Call and see him and he will
281
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
sell you goods cheap, as his long business experience enables lim to buy goods at bottom figures; this together with his good judg- ment in selecting enables him to offer his patrons superior indueements.
J. H. Pinkerton, Druggist .- This gentleman has ranked among the first-class and fluential business men of Dysart since 1874. Since this date he has been engaged in the drug business. Mr. Pinkerton is now carrying a full line of drugs, together with paints, oils, stationery, wall paper. toilet goods and all kinds of school books. His store is located on Main Street, where he ever stands ready to wait upon his numerous customers. Call on him and yon will find him a gentleman who will do well by you.
W. H. Sherwin de Son, Hardware and Furniture .-- In 1877. these gentlemen established business at this point, buying the hardware stock of S. B. Yeoman. Since this time they have carried a full line of goods consisting of hardware, tinware, stoves iron, etc., which they are selling very cheap. They are also pro- prietors of a furniture store which is located three doors south of the hardware, where they carry a full line of furniture consisting of everything kept in a first-class stock. This department is under the management of H. P. Sherwin, while the hardware is managed by his father, W. H. Sherwin. Both these gentlemen are liberal, enterprising and consequently successful business men and rank among the foremost citizens of the place.
J. E. Hollabaugh, Grocer .- For all kinds of staple and fancy groceries. crockery, glassware, fish, salt and dried fruits call at the store of the above named gentleman and he or his obliging clerks will show you a first-class article. Mr. Hollabaugh has been engaged in business at this point since 1876, coming here from Vinton. Since that date he has succeeded in building up a large and increasing trade. His store is located on Main Street. Persons wishing anything in the grocery line will do well to call and see him.
C. Ellis & Son, Lumber Dealers .-- On Wilson Street is locat- ed the oldest lumber yard in the town, being established in the year 1874. In September, 1878, the business passed into the
282
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
hands of the above named gentlemen. They are at present con- ducting the business at this point through their agent H. H. Al- lison, a gentleman of fine business qualifications, who by attentive work and honest dealing is working up a fine business. They handle all kinds of lumber, lath, shingles, sash, doors, blinds, building paper etc., together with coal, all of which they are sell- ing at very low prices.
H. W. Howard, Wagon and Repair Shop .- Since 1866, this gentleman has been a resident of this County, coming here from Jackson County, Iowa, and settled at Tama City. Mr. Howard by trade is a carpenter, and for a number of years before settling at this point followed that business. In 1877 he moved here and engaged in the above business. Since that date he has been hav- ing a good run of custom in wagon and machine repairing. His shops are located on Wilson Street, where you will always find him ready for business.
Business Directory.
A. Brannaman & Co., bankers.
C. P. Fedderson, dry goods.
G. W. McDonald, dry goods
J. E. Hallabough, grocer.
S. Horton, grocer,
W. O. Beam, doctor.
S. P. Blaek, doctor.
J. H. Pinkerton, druggist.
J. P. Schloe, meat market.
L. D. Hallett & Co, harness. Sinon & Werthim, elothier.
J. Keellman, taylor. U. S. Miller, jeweler.
Sherwin & Son. Hardware.
Sherwin & Son, furniture.
Mrs A. M. Crady, millinery.
Mrs M. L. Smith, millinery. Central House,
Dysart House. City Hotel.
G. Wood, boot and shoe maker.
A. Mussmann, boot and shoe maker.
C. Ellis & Son, hunber.
C. E. Morris & Co, eoal.
Furrow & Stewart, livery,
W. Bradbrook. blaeksmitlı.
C. W. Cooper, wagon maker.
C. Kenaston, wagon maker.
D. A. Innis, grain buyer.
Hill Bros, stock.
N. C. Rice, lawyer.
R. M. Horton, lawyer.
T. N. Ives, REPORTER_
W. Davidson, dry goods.
Miller & Betebenner, dry goods.
C. A. Gambrill, bakery.
C. Duncan, harness.
A. M. Woodward, jeweler Win Harrison, hardware.
Mrs M. H. Lavy, millinery,
R. Hyatt. flour and feed.
Paysley Bros. liveries. H. W. Howard, wagon maker.
E. Edmonds, wagon maker.
A. Arbuthnot, grain buyer. Il. L. Brannaman, grain buyer. Innis & Hanks, stock.
D. E. Hallet, agricultural dealer.
Manrid & Haney, druggists.
CHAPTER XXVII.
CHELSEA.
This town was laid out in 1863, by C. S. Breese, and J. Hun- ter, on sections seventeen and eighteen. It is a bustling little town situated on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, about ten miles east of Tama City, and has a population of about five hundred. It is mostly surrounded by prairie which extends north and west for quite a distance and south about one mile to the Iowa River. The first store building erected in the place was by J. R. Graham, and the first stock of merchandise of any kind was a grocery and dry good stock, opened by him. Shortly after, his brother W. II. Graham opened a dry good store, followed by M. Smith and others, who came in and engaged in business.
At an election held January 28th, 1878, a vote was taken for or against the incorporation of the town, and on March 3d, of the same year, the following officers were elected: Mayor, H. E. Covell; Recorder, J. W. Shaler; Trustees, F. Roach, H. Cory, J. Il. Mercer, J. Sittler, and J. S. Ormiston; Assessor, F. Roach. At present the officers are as follows: Mayor, H. E. Covell; Rec- order J. W. Shaler; Trustees, M. Smith, J. S. Ormiston, J. Sit- tler, J. H. Mercer, J. Hannify, and J. Musle.
During the first few years of its existence the town grew very rapidly, notwithstanding the cry of hard times was heard upon every hand, and to-day it is steadily increasing in population
284
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
though slow. The town is a large grain market, there being thousands of bushels of oats, wheat and corn shipped from this point annually besides hundreds of car loads of hogs and cattle, there are at present one grocery store, four dry good stores, one drug store, two hardwares, two shoe shops, one harness shop, one exchange store, three blacksmith shops, one wagon shop, one Inmber yard, one millinery, one poultry firm, two saw mills, be- sides two doctors and two grain buyers, in the place, all of whom are doing a fair business.
The mercantile trade of Chelsea is better than usually enjoyed by towns of its size, and her business men, as a class, are live, enterprising men, and work for the prosperity of the town. Among the number we take pleasure in referring to the following named firms:
M. Smith & Son .- This is one of the oldest firms in the town as well as the largest one in trade. The business was first estab- lished in West Irving, by Mr. Smith, in the year 1856. Here he done business until 1866, when he moved to Chelsea where he still remains. Since moving to this point he has taken his son P. R. Smith, a young man of splendid business qualifications, in with him, and they are having a large trade. Mr. Smith is also post master which position he has held for ten years, giving satisfaction to all. They carry a full line of dry goods, groceries, hardware, boots and shoes, hats, caps, etc, which they take pleas- ure in showing, and are never undersold. Call and see them; they are both liberal and enterprising gentleman and will do well by you.
J. W. Shaler .- This gentleman has been a resident of Chelsea since March 1872, and until July, 1877, was in the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad company as station agent. After quitting the employ of the company he established himself in the grain business. To-day Mr. Shaler, besides buying grain, is successfully carrying on the lumber, coal, and pump business; in each branch he holds a large trade, extending for many miles around the village. Mr. Shaler is a liberal, enterprising, and consequently a successful business man, and stands among the
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.