USA > Iowa > Tama County > History of Tama County, Iowa, together with sketches of their towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 77
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
streets. It is now occupied by the general merchandise store of Clough & Shaeffer, and stands on the north side of Wilson street.
J. E. Clough, one of the business men mentioned, is a native ot New York, born in Tompkins county, in 1840. Ile lived at home until twenty-one years of age, and then removed to Indiana, where, during 1862, he enlisted in Company D., 74th Indiana Volunteers. He participated in the battles of Chickamauga and Mission Ridge, besides being in other engagements while with the army of the Cumberland and with General Sherman in his "March to the Sea." He was honorably discharged at Indianapolis in 1865. Two years later, he removed to Benton county, Iowa, where he was engaged in carpentering ; and, in 1876, settled in Dysart. Ilere he was employed at the same occupation until November, 1881, when he associated himself with John Coutts and embarked in his present business. Mr. Clough is a member of the I. O. O. F. society, and is also a charter member of the A. O. U. W. organization. He was married in 1876, to Miss Jennie E. Farnsworth. Two children bless their home-Bessie and Charles.
The third store carried dry-goods, and was opened by Johansen & Pollikek in the spring of 1873.
The fourth store was established by O. D. Bonney and opened during the spring of 1873.
These buildings were on the the west side of Main street, and in July, 1882, the latter was burned.
George W. MeDonald opened his dry- goods and general merchandise store in Dysart in 1877. He is a native of Penn-
sylvania, born in York county, on the 14th of March, 1839. Ilis parents were John and Catherine ( Wiant ) McDonald. At the age of fifteen, he began clerking in a store in Baltimore, and subsequently learned the millwright's trade, which hefol- lowed, making his headquarters in the cities of Washington and Baltimore. During the spring of 1855, he removed to the State of Ohio, locating in Mount Blanchard, Hancock county, where he engaged in mercantile business until 1869, at which time he sold out and emigrated to Clarence, Shelby county, Missouri. While there, Mr. McDonald engaged in the lumber trade and also had an interest in a dry-goods house part of the time. In the fall of 1876, he located at Greene, Iowa, and in the spring of the following year came to Dysart, where he has since been engaged in the dry-goods business. He is a member of the order of Odd Fellows, and also a member of the Masonie order. On the 8th day of Janu- ary, 1863, he was united in marriage with Miss Maggie McGuigan, who is a native of Pennsylvania.
The first railroad train made its appear- ance within the limits of the village on the 27th day of December, 1873, on the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern Railroad, and was a welcome visitor. This was for a time the terminus, and the village improved rapidly.
The first house for a dwelling was built early in December, 1872, by Levi John- son. It has since been torn down. It was the only residence in the town until the spring of 1873.
665
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
The first meat market was established in 1873, by John Theid, who remained in the business about one year. The market has changed hands several times, and is now conducted by John Schloc.
Joseph Furrow established his meat market in January, 1883, and is now doing a good business.
Joseph Furrow was born November 17, 1841, in Champaign county, Ohio. Here- mained in his native county until fourteen years of age, and then removed to Miami connty, Ohio, where he engaged in farm- ing for a number of years. August 14, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, 2d Ohio Infantry, and served until honorably discharged, October 20, 1864, at Camp Chase, Ohio. He participated in the bat- tles of Stone river, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge and Atlanta, besides being in sev- eral lighter engagements. In 1866, he came to Tama county, Iowa, and located on a farm in York township. There he remained until 1871, at which time he en- gaged in farming in Oneida township. He continued farming until in December, 1873, and then came to Dysart, where the following spring he erected the Central House, of whiel: he was proprietor five and a half years. He then engaged in the livery business until January of 1882, and is at present operating a meat market. HIis livery stable was destroyed by fire July 5, 1882. Mr. Furrow has held the office of Town Constable for six years. He is a Master Mason. His marriage with Miss E. E. Bowen, a native of Indiana, occurred in 1871. They have two children, Eddie II. and Florence E.
The lumber and coal trade is represented in Dysart by P. Jensen of Dysart and
Ellis & Son of Vinton. The interests of Ellis & Son in Dysart are managed by HI. II. Allison.
P. Jensen is a native of Germany, born in June, 1854. He came to America with his parents in the year 1865. They first settled in Davenport, Iowa, where they lived until 1870, and then moved to Oneida township, Tama county. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and re- ceived a common school education. In 1877, he came to Dysart, where he clerked one year and then went to Germany and spent one year. In 1879, he returned to Dysart and opened his lumber and coal yards. Mr. Jensen votes the Republican ticket, and is at the present time one of the Town Councilmen and also a Director of the public schools. His marriage with Miss Mary Meggers, occurred in 1879. They have two children: Dora and Frank.
II. H. Allison is a native of Stephenson county, Illinois, where he was born March 5, 1854. When eleven years of age, he removed with his parents to Benton county, Iowa, where he grew to manhood on the farm. He obtained a good common school education in order to fit himself for a business career; and in 1875, began clerking for Ellis & Son, lumber dealers, of Vinton. Three years later he was given charge of their branch office at Dysart, which position he now fills. Mr. Allison was married during 1876, to Miss Lillie Stone, a native of Scott county, Iowa. One child, Grace Dell, blesses their union.
The first blacksmith shop was erected by Levi Johnson. Ile died in Illinois soon after the shop was completed. Mr. Finch bought the tools and worked in the shop
48
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
for a short time, then built another. In 1876 he sold out and went west. A. Edmonds commenced business in this line in April, 1876, and still holds a large trade. Walter Bradbrook established his shop in 1878. In 1882 the firm became Bradbrook & Dahn, and they do a good business.
Alonzo Edmonds was born in Novem- ber of 1834, in Ross county, Ohio. A short time after his birth, his father's family moved to the State of Indiana, where Alonzo received a common school education and learned the trade of black- smithing. During 1854 he came with his parents to Iowa, and located in Benton county, where he followed his trade, in connection with farming, for many years. In April of 1876 he settled at Dysart, where he has since lived and followed his trade. September 16, 1858, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Stewart, a native of Virginia. Four children have been born to them-Emma, Susan, Bessie and Frank.
Walter Bradbrook is a native of Ohio, born in Iluron county, of that State, in November, 1842. Ile learned the trade of blacksmithing at Newark, the county seat of Huron county. Ile came to Tama county, Iowa, in 1861, and first located at Toledo, where he spent fourteen years in wagon and carriage making, and then fol- lowed mercantile pursuits until his removal to Dysart in 1877. In 1878 he opened his blacksmith shop in this place, and has since been engaged in that business. On the 23rd day of February, 1870, Mr. Bradbrook was united in marriage with Miss Anna Carter, a native of Tama county. Five children have been born
unto them-Alice, Harry, Frederick, Luere- tia and fdell. The wife and mother died September 23, 1880.
The first wagon maker to cast his lot in Dysart was N. Burdoine, who established business in 1873 in a shop built for that purpose. He remained here but a short time when he sold out and returned to Vinton.
1I. W. Howard established his shop in April, 1878. He erected his present com- modious building in 1880, and does a busi- ness of $2,500 anually. H. W. Howard was born in Chautauqua county, New York, August 7, 1834. Ile obtained his education in his native county, and also learned the trade of wagon making. During 1855, he located at Ozark, Jackson county, Iowa, where he worked at his trade uutil July, 1862, when he enlisted in Company A, 26th Iowa Infantry. After eleven months of service, he was honor- ably discharged opposite the city of Vicks- burg, in Louisiana. Mr. Howard then re- turned to Jackson county, and in 1866 re- moved to Tama City of this county. There he worked at carpentering for a while, and then followed farming until his settlement at Dysart in 1877. Soon after his arrival here he established himself in his old trade of wagon making, which business he has since followed. He has held the office of School Director. In politics Mr. How- ard follows no particular party but votes for the best man. In 1856, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Emeline Sutton, a native of Chautauqua county, New York. They have four children living- Marvin, Alice, Etta and Hattie.
The first drug store in Dysart was opened by O. D. Bonney in 1873. This
667
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
branch of trade is now represented by Pinkerton & Sherwin and Manrid & Haney. The business of the former firm was established by J. Il. Pinkerton in 1876; that of the latter by K. Manrid in 1875. Both firms have a good trade.
J. 1I. Pinkerton, of the firm of Pinker- ton & Sherwin, was born in Merrimac county, New Hampshire, November 23, 1849, and is a son of James and Mary E. (Howser) Pinkerton. He received a liberal education in his native county, and at the age of sixteen, removed with his parents to Fond-du-Lac county, Wisconsin, where his parents now reside. The sub- ject of this sketch remained on his father's farm seven years, and then came to Mar- shall county, Iowa, where he farmed nearly two years, after which he came to Dysart, where he engaged in the drug trade, in which business he has since con- tinned. In politics he is a Republican, and has held the office of Assessor two years. Mr. Pinkerton was one of the first mem- bers of the I. O. O. F. of Dysart, and also a member of the A. O. U. W. Society. llis marriage with Miss Millie Chase, a native of Wisconsin, occurred in 1874. They have two children-Bertha E. and Clyde Chase.
O. M. Haney, of the drug firm of Man- rid & Haney, Dysart, is a native of P'enn- sylvania, born in Fayette county, March 2, 1845. His early life was spent in his native county, attending school and work- ing at various occupations. In February, 1864, he enlisted in Company C, 2d Penn- sylvania Heavy Artillery, and served un- til honorably discharged at Philadelphia, in February of 1866. He participated in the battles of the Wilderness, Cohl Har-
bor and Spottsylvania, besides being en- gaged in several of the battles at Peters- burg during the nine months' siege of that place. In August of 1866, he came to this State and first located at Des Moines, entering that city on the second passenger train ever run into the place. Afterwards he located at Council Bluffs, and still later at Belle Plaine, and in 1875, came to Dy- sart. During all these changes Mr. Haney was engaged in the drug business and in 1879, he opened, in partnership with R. Manrid, the drug store at present in this place. The subject of this sketch held the office of Township Clerk four years. His marriage with Miss Elizabeth Ilan- lan, a native of Ohio, occurred in October of 1875. They have one daughter - Frank.
HOTELS.
The first hotel was built during Jan- ary, 1873, by Mrs. Lafevre and was used for a hotel about two years, since which time the building has been used for a general store and is now occupied by E. Z. Dempsey. There is at this time but one hotel, the "Commercial." It was built in 1877, by Mr. Brown and is now under the efficient management of J. W. Gower who is do- ing a good business.
Captain J. W. Gower, proprietor of the Commercial House, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, December 2, 1833. He re- mained in that county until 1851, when he located in Licking county, Ohio, and in 1856, came to Tama county and settled near where Tama City now stands. For the first year after his arrival he was engaged in farming, and then en- gaged in the carpenter trade. July 31, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, 10th Iowa Infantry as a private, and July 25,
668
IIISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
1863, was promoted to the captaincy of Company HI, 50th U. S. C. I. and served until May 15, 1865, when he was honora- bly discharged at Mobile, Alabama. While in the service he participated in the bat" tles of Charleston, Missouri; New Madrid, Missouri; Corinth, Mississippi; Inka, Mis_ sissippi; and again at Corinth, where he was wounded, October 3, 1862, in the right side; at Tallahatchee, Mississippi; siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Mississippi; Champion Hills, Mississippi, where he was wounded May 16, 1863, in the right shoulder, and was afterward in the battle of Blakely, Alabama. After his discharge he came to Tama county and engaged in milling at Chelsea. In 1879, he located at Traer and was there engaged in engineering. In April, 1882, he came to Dysart and em- barked in the hotel business and is at present running the Commercial House, which under bis management is becoming very popular.
Another house called the "Central" was built by Joseph Furrow in 1874, and was used for hotel purposes until June, 1882.
A grist mill was built in 1877, by Snave- ly & Shafer at a cost of $5,000. It had two runs of burrs. They sold to Mr. Reeves and in the summer of 1881, it was burned. This was unfortunate for the town as the citizens had donated one thousand dollars toward its construction; and it leaves Dysart without a mill.
The first warehouse was built by Brown, Doty & Company, in the spring of 1873, and was afterward burned. The first grain was bought by this company during the fall of 1873. Before the fire they had built an elevator which was also burned at the same time. This had been erected at an
expense of $7,000 and was a fine build- ing. During the fall of 1873 Smiley & Company erected a warehouse, which in April, 1877, was purchased by Alexander & Arbuthnot, and additions were made to it. This firm continued here in business about three years, when the property was purchased by George Alexander. The builling has a capacity of 30,000 bushels,; and was ereeted at a cost of $8,000. It has all the modern elevator improvements. Mr. Alexander ships from 800 to 1200 car loads of grain and seeds per year, and about 200 car loads of stock. Ile has received at this point, as high as 8,200 bushels of grain in a day.
One of the most enterprising business men of Dysart is George Alexander, a native of Scotland, born to William and Mary (Cleland) Alexander on the 21st of September, 1839. He came to America with his parents in 1851, located first in Chicago, where they remained until 1856, then came to Tama county and settled in York township. Here the subject of this sketch enlisted, in August, 1862, in Com- pany E, 24th lowa Infantry, and partici- pated in the battles of Port Gibson, Cha u- pion Hills, seige of Vicksburg, Winches- ter, Fisher's Ilill and Cedar Creek, being honorably discharged from the service at Davenport, Iowa, in August, 1865. Ile soon after engaged in the grain trade at Belle Plaine, where he remained for nine years. Ile was then in the same business for one year at Toledo, and then returned to Belle Plaine, where he ran a foundry for a year. The ensuing six months he spent at Garrison, Iowa, engaged in the grain trade, and in January, 1877, came to. Dysart where he has since been extensive-
669
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
ly engaged in the buying and selling of grain and stock. In politics, Mr. Alex- ander is a staunch Republican. He does not seek office for himself, but uses his in- fluence to put the "right man in the right place." He is a Master Mason and at pres- ent is Junior Warden of Ascalon Lodge No. 393. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W., Fraternity and the Legion of Honor. ITis marriage to Miss Anna Yeiser, a native of Ohio, took place in April, 1862. This union has been blessed with three children : Mary Agnes, Lydia Ellen and Frank Arthur.
S. W. Arbuthnot is also an enterpris- ing grain grain dealer of Dysart. He is a son of Robert and .Jane (IIolden) Ar- buthnot. Ile was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October 2, 1836. His parents came to Iowa, and settled in Salt Creek township, Tama county, when he was thirteen years old. Ile was raised on his father's farm and received his education in the district school. During the second year of our late rebellion, he enlisted in Company F, 28th Iowa In- fantry, and on the 16th of May, at the battle of Champion Hills, Mississippi, was severely wounded in the left hand, and therefore was discharged in 1864, at St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Arbuthnot now draws a pension from the Government, After his discharge, he returned to Iowa, and located in Benton county, where he followed farming for eight years, and then removed to Belle Plaine. In the lat- ter place he engaged in the grain trade, and since his settlement in Dysart, in 1876, he has foll wed the same. In polities, he is a Republican, first, last and always. HIe has been one of the Town Conncil-
men. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is a strong advocate of tem- perance. He is a member of the Iowa Legion of Honor, and of the A. O. U. W. society. During 1866, Mr. Arbuthnot was married to Miss Sarah A. Ilottel, a native of Pennsylvania. They have two children living-Sarah J. and Stata H. Mr. Robert Arbuthnot, father of S. W., died in 1854; the mother still lives.
L. D. Hulett, a harness-maker, of Dysart, is a native of Indiana. lle was born in Blackford county, that State, December 14, 1843. Shortly after his birth the family moved to Whiteside county, Illi- nois, and there the subject of this sketch passed his youth and received his educa- tion. In 1863, he enlisted, as a private, in Company B, 147th Illinois Infantry and served until honorably discharged at Sa- vannah, Georgia, in 1865. Mr. Hulett then returned to his native county, and afterwards learned the harness maker's trade in the town of Morrison. Subse- quently, he followed that trade in differ- ent western States until 1871, at which time he located at Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he worked at his trade for two years, and then went to Blairstown, remaining there three years. In 1876 he came to Dysart and opened a harness shop, which is now well stocked with goods in that line. Mr. HInlett is a number of the A. O. U. W. society, and was instrumental in organizing the I. O. O. F. in this place. Hle was married to Miss A. J. Esget, on the 9th day of February, 1879.
Charles F. Duncan is also engaged in the harness making trade. He is a native of Benton county, Iowa, where he was born, November 3, 1857. He is a son of
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
William Duncan, a pioneer of that county. Charles received a common school educa- tion, and afterwards learned the trade of harness making at Vinton. During 1878, he settled in Dysart, and in July, of the same year, opened the shop where he is at present. He was united in marriage, in 1880, with Miss Effie E. Sutton, a native of this State.
George Wood, shoemaker of Dysart, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in York county, on the Isth day of December, 1834. His parents came west, in 1841, to Wayne county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, and afterward came west to Illinois, locating in Bureau county. He there learned the trade of shoemaking. October 10, 1861, he enlisted in Company 11, 57th Illinois Infantry, and served until honorably discharged on account of dis- abilities, April 28, 1862. In 1864, he came to Vinton, Iowa, and got employ- ment working at his trade. In 1878, he began farming in Benton county and con- tinned there for five years. Ile then opened a shop at Dysart, where he is at present.
The livery business in Dysart is repre- sented by the firm of Worrall & Evy. W. P. Worrall was born in Morgan coun- ty, Ohio, July 2, 1844. His early life until twenty. years of age, was spent in that county, and in 1864 he came to Cedar county, Iowa, where he was engaged in farming until 1870, when he located on a farm in Oneida township, Tama county. In 1881, he went to work at carpentering in Dysart, and in 1882 opened a livery business. In 1872, he was married to Miss R. S. Vernon, a native of Ohio. She died on the 16th day of September, 1879.
J. II. Evy, junior partner in the firm of Worrall & Evy, liverymen of Dysart, was born in Centre county, Pennsylvania, December 28, 1853. In 1876, he came to Floyd county, Iowa, where he spent three years. Hle then moved to Greene, Iowa, and in 1881, came to Dysart, where, in 1882, he engaged in the livery business with W. P. Worrall.
A. Branaman & Company opened the first bank in Dysart in 1877. They did business in a small room until the summer of 1878, when they erected the present bank building on Main street. They sold out to N. R. Pierce, April 1, 1880, and the name of the institution was changed to Citizens' Bank.
POSTOFFICE.
The postoffice of Dysart was first named Ettie. It was moved to the village, Feb- ruary 10, 1873, and the name changed to Dysart. J. T. Converse was the post- master. The office was then held in Wil- liam Davidson's store on the southeast corner of Main and Wilson streets. On the first day of July, 1875, Samuel Wood became postmaster and in July, 1877, it was moved one door south, where it has since remained. J. L: Spayde received his commission as postmaster and took charge of the office July 1, 1880, and still holds the position. It was made a money order office in July, 1875. The first order was drawn July 5, 1875, William David- son being the remitter and Nye, Camp- bell & Company, Chicago, payees- the amount being $20.28. The first order was paid July 19, 1875, issued at Dixon, Illi- nois, by George W. Palmer, the payee being C. C. Fike; the amount was thir- teen dollars.
671
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
The present postmaster of Dysart, J. L. Spayde, was born in Richland county, Ohio, on the 4th of May, 1849. Soon af- ter his birth the family removed to Kos- ciusko county, Indiana, where he received a common school education and grew to manhood on the farm. In September, 1869, he settled in Benton county, Iowa, where he spent about eight years, teach- ing through the winter months and farm- ing during the remainder of the year. Ile then came to Dysart and began clerking for William Davidson, a dealer in general merchandise. With him Mr. Spayde re- mained until he entered upon his duties as postmaster in 1880. In politics he is a Republican. On the 20th of November, 1879, he was united in marriage with Miss Ettie F. Cotten, a native of this State. They have one child -Zula Rae.
PROFESSIONAL.
"The first physician to locate here was C. L. Teats, who came during the fall of 1873 and remained until his death in 1878. This profession is now represented by Drs. P. C. Jones, S. P. Black and B. S. Louthan.
The first attorney to locate here was A. Branaman who came in 1875, and remained until 1880. The bar is now represented by N. C. Rice and F. C. and W. H. Wood.
FIRES.
Dysart has been comparatively free from the fire fiend. However, it has had a few blazes. The only one that did damage to any great extent occurred during the night of the 5th of July, 1882, at which time $25,000 worth of property was de- 1
stroyed. The fire consumed a row of wooden buildings on the west side of Main street.
EDUCATIONAL.
Realizing the great benefits derived from public schools and other means of education, the people of Dysart, in 1873, concluded not to wait longer for necessary buildings and made arrangements with a Mr. N. Burdoine to use a wagon shop which had been built by him, for school purposes, and here Miss Belle Davidson taught the first school. This building was used for this purpose for nearly two years, and also for religious and political purposes. It is now used by the Evangelical Associa- tion of Dysart, and stands two blocks west from where it was first built. The present school building was erected in 1876, at a cost of $5,500. It is a two story frame edifice and was erected by the Tama City Building Company. It is now a graded school. Walter Shaffer was the first Prin- cipal. Ile was succeeded by J. R. Cald- well, who yet remains in charge. There are 160 scholars in the district.
RELIGIOUS.
During the fall of 1873, the first service of this character was held in the town. The sermon was preached by II. W. Beach, a Methodist minister, in the Bur- loine wagon shop. Services of this de_ nomination had previously been held in the school-honse on section 11, and the school-house in district number one. The first sermon in the vicinity was preached at the latter place, by Rev. Baker, in the spring of 1869. The regular Methodist Episcopal Church of Dysart, was organ- ized in August, 1873, by Rev. Enoch Hol- land, who was the first pastor. A house
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