USA > Iowa > Hancock County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume I > Part 28
USA > Iowa > Winnebago County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume I > Part 28
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 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35
The first residence erected was that of J. H. Burdick. This stood on the south side of the railroad track, opposite the above mentioned section house. Burdick came to this place in 1876.
From the first paper ever published in Britt, December 19, 1879, there is taken the following list of business men: D. R. Putnam, William Finch, grain; Thomas Hymer, K. K. Liquin, lumber; Andrews & Young, hotel proprietors; S. F. Benson, postmaster; E. S. Ross, Ira Fay, coal dealers; Thomas Daylor, G. B. Martin, merchants; F. B. Rogers, hardware; E. Hales, groceries; Doctor Fort, physician; Young Brothers, meat market; J. E. Anderson, Brockway & Elder, C. C. Way, real estate; Farley & MeKinney, billiards; William Breeze, blacksmith; Treganza Brothers, wagonmakers; L. N. Miller, shoe- maker; A. Moir, druggist; Genie Couper, milliner; Young & Yawney, livery.
The postoffice at Britt was established in 1870 and Robert Lattimore was commissioned postmaster. He was succeeded by S. F. Benson and then came E. E. Adams.
INCORPORATION
The town of Britt was incorporated June 23, 1881. The petition to the district court judge for incorporation was duly drawn and signed by the following legal voters of the town : W. E. Bradford, C. C. Way, Jesse Wooliscroft, S. F. Benson, H. F. Fort, K. K. Liquin, A. D. White, W. H. Breese, A. C. Breese, Alex Moir, F. B. Rogers, William Duna- way, E. E. Adams, J. R. Grover, Benjamin Hudson, I. W. Sprague, E. S. Ross, J. E. Young, A. M. Tuttle, John Johnson, Rodney Hill, John Anderson, G. M. Byerly, J. H. Burns, C. W. Young, J. F. Edwards, B. McArdle, S. A. Healy, M. M. Johnson, R. B. Pope, T. H. Treganza, J. G. Strong, L. J. Miller, J. D. Smith, L. D. Andrews, E. W. Deyoe, Nels Holmberg, E. Hales, G. B. Martin, C. McQnaick, II. E. Hill, E. Blick, H. F. Arnett, William Wright, M. Nugent, C. B. Howe. The petition was acted upon according to the state law and the incorporation granted. J. G. Strong and W. E. Bradford drafted the ordinances first used by the city officials. The first officers chosen for Britt were : George Stubbins, mayor; H. HI. Ellsworth, recorder; S. F. Benson, assessor; J. D. Smith, marshal; B. Hudson, street commissioner ; Thomas Daylor, John J. Clemmens, H. E. R. Hill, Joseph Treganza, P. S. Ellsworth and D. W. Farrer, aldermen.
The first hotel built in the town of Britt was the Star Hotel, which was erected by S. F. Benson in October, 1876. A. D. White, J. W. Ball and F. B. Rogers were later proprietors. Edwin Hales started a hotel known as the Hales House in the spring of 1880.
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FIRST MERCHANT
In May, 1878, Thomas Daylor erected the first building in the town for the purpose of transacting a mercantile business. He completed the building in August of that year, placed a stock of goods upon his shelves and opened up for business. He was the first merchant. It is said that his first sale was to J. H. Burdick, the sale consisting of twenty-five cents worth of Japan tea. Daylor continued as sole owner of the business until February, 1883, when he admitted Mr. Ennor as partner. For a time after his start Mr. Daylor conducted a grain business on the side, but did not keep this business for over a year. William F. Ennor had been a clerk in Daylor's employ since 1878.
K. K. Liquin was the second merchant in Britt. In August, 1878, he erected his store room and in October opened up for business. He con- tinued to operate his store until March, 1879, when he disposed of it to Henry Lucas, who sold out shortly afterward to G. Stubbins. After he had sold out he went into the lumber trade in partnership with T. Woodford, and later invested in the grain business also. Liquin was a native Iowan and came to Britt from Winneshiek County in 1878.
Dr. H. F. Fort opened the pioneer drug store in Britt on the 17th of August, 1878. He continued until October, 1879, when he sold out to Alexander Moir. J. L. Kinyon was admitted to partnership in 1883. James Temple also opened up a drug store in Britt July 19, 1882.
The first hardware store was established by F. B. Rogers, who came here from New Hampton, Chickasaw County, in 1878. He sold out his stock in 1882 to H. B. Morrison. The hardware firm of E. I. McGraw & Company was started in October, 1882.
A lumber yard was opened in March, 1880, by I. W. Jamison, with S. A. Healy as manager. This company did not continue in the busi- ness for any length of time. Joseph F. Bullis started in the coal busi- ness in 1881 and added a line of lumber in the next year.
The first exclusive grocery store was started by H. E. R. Hill in April, 1880.
Before the building of the town L. O. Huntley erected a warehouse for purchasing and shipping from this station. The building was con- structed in September, 1875, and used for about five years. In July, 1878, two grain elevators, to accommodate the wheat and grain trade, were erected. One was constructed by W. Finch and the other by D. R. Putnam. These were at that time operated by E. P. Finch and were located opposite the Milwaukee depot.
The first man in Britt to deal in agricultural implements was Eugene S. Ross in February, 1879. One of the principal business occupations of the early days in Britt was the pressing and baling of hay for foreign
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markets. The first press was started by L. Tuttle in the fall of 1881 and he was afterwards succeeded by Charles Walton. Baker & Brown, J. E. O. Bennett, M. Brown & Son were later firms doing this work.
Although many years have passed since Britt has maintained licensed saloons, they existed freely here at one time. The first saloon was opened in October, 1876, by A. J. Coyle. This one held sway until 1880, when J. W. Farley built a structure to be used as a groghouse.
The meat market business was started at Britt by J. D. Smith in June, 1879. Young Brothers later came into possession of this shop, then the firms of Pope & Hild and Clemons & Smith. The pioneer livery stable was instituted in the spring of 1878 by John Young. After about eighteen months he sold out to G. R. Wolfe. The dray and transfer business was begun by Ira Fay in April, 1880, but three months later it passed into the hands of S. A. Healy.
The first restaurant was opened in 1880 by J. D. Smith. The pio- neer blacksmith of Britt was William S. Breeze, who located here and opened up for business in the spring of 1879. I. W. Sprague was the first carpenter and builder in the town, arriving here from Chicago, July 24, 1878. Joseph A. Treganza and Thomas Treganza started a fur- niture and contracting business in 1879.
BANKS
It is very seldom that a town equal in size to Britt may boast of the excellent banking facilities which now exist in that city. Two banks do an immense business here, a fact which well proves the prosperity of the vicinity and the trade spirit of the community.
The present First National Bank had its origin in the year 1879. In this year the Way brothers and E. P. Healy started the Farmers Sav- ings Bank. Later George Beadle came into possession of the property and then Lewis Larson took charge of the institution. The latter gen- tleman made it into a state bank. This bank became a national bank in 1885 and has since done business under the title of the First National Bank. The present officers of the bank are as follows: C. P. Lewis, president; H. C. Armstrong, vice president; J. P. Spalla, cashier. The capital stock is now $50,000; the surplus and undivided profits, $30,000; and the deposits about $300,000. Articles of incorporation of the Farmers Savings Bank, mentioned above, were filed in the office of the county auditor, November 12, 1889, showing that a bank under this name was then doing business. The incorporators were: J. D. Maben, L. B. Farrar, G. R. Maben, John Paulson and L. B. Sylvester. The capital stock named in the articles was $10,000. Articles of incorpora- tion for the First State Bank of Britt were filed in the county court
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house May 8, 1894, with the following incorporators: C. P. Lewis, A. J. Robinson, G. W. Beadle, Lewis Larson, E. P. Hudson, W. H. Steele, H. Thompson, J. M. Clark, J. D. Bailey, Hans Schroeder, R. F. Cooper, A. F. Horstman, John Paulson, F. L. Wacholz, William Shattuck, J. C. Fulkerson, B. A. Phummer, M. Barton, M. J. Pihl, H. M. Hanson, J. J. Sharp and Mrs. Matilda Sharp. The capital stock was named as $25,000 and the following specified as the first officers: G. W. Beadle, president; C. P. Lewis, vice president ; R. F. Cooper, cashier.
The Commercial State Bank of Britt was started in 1889 as a private bank. E. P. Healy and Thomas A. Way were the originators of this institution. The institution was conducted until 1910 as the Commer- cial Bank, then in 1911 was incorporated as a state bank. Articles of incorporation were filed in the county auditor's office at Garner, March 26, 1913, as required by law. The capital stock is given as $60,000 and the officers as follows: C. W. Irwin, president; E. P. Healy, vice pres- ident; F. B. Irwin, vice president; D. J. Miller, cashier. These same officers manage the business of the bank in 1917. The bank has a cap- ital stock of $60,000 ; surplus and undivided profits amounting to $115,- 000; and deposits of about $700,000.
The firm of Taylor & Osborne began a general banking and real estate business in Britt in June, 1881, with a capital stock of about $30,000. The banking house of C. C. Way & Company was organized in July, 1881, J. E. Anderson and C. C. Way being the partners in the concern. Shortly after its establishment, however, Mr. Anderson retired from the firm, leaving it in sole charge of C. C. Way. Besides general banking some real estate business was transacted by this concern.
MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENTS
In the way of municipal improvements Britt has really just started. Although the city has bonded itself to the limit and assumed obligations which will take years to fulfill, the improvements are worth the cost and add to the attractiveness and efficiency of the community. The first water plant in the city was started in 1894, and at first was a decided failure, going through the hands of many managements. Now the city is well supplied with artesian water, sufficient for private consumption as well as fire protection.
The Britt Light & Power Company was organized October 15, 1914, thus adding another municipal feature to the city. Articles of incor- poration, however, were filed July 21, 1900, and signed by R. H. Walker of Hancock, A. J. Ashby of Humboldt County and L. M. Goodman of Decatur County.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK, BRITT
HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING, BRITT
THANE
SCENE ON MAIN STREET, SOUTH, BRITT
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Another factor which has assisted greatly in the betterment of Britt in the Business Men's Association. This organization for the exploita- tion of the city was founded in March, 1900.
Adequate sewerage has been laid in the principal streets of Britt and in the summer of 1916 extensive paving was done.
FIRST LODGES
Darius Lodge, No. 431, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, was organized at Britt on June 27, 1883, with the following list of charter members : J. A. Treganza, Thomas Daylor, H. E. R. Hill, J. D. Maben, George Stubbins, Joseph Osborne, Moses Brown, J. M. Dunaway, J. 1 .. Bullis, James Dickerson, Thomas Duff, John M. Orthel, S. A. Healy and Mat Johnson. J. A. Treganza was the first worshipful master of this lodge.
Howe Post, No. 179, Grand Army of the Republic, located at Britt. was instituted on May 23, 1883. Gen. Milo L. Sherman of Fredericks- burg, Iowa, was the mustering officer. The charter members of Howe Post were: J. G. Strong, M. Nugent, Levi Huntly, H. D. Woodard. Levi Chandler, P. P. Griffin, J. G. Bingham, O. N. Wilcox, Eli Blickens- defer, Jerome Bailey, J. R. Wolf, C. B. Howe, J. F. Bullis, M. MeGruder, C. S. Rockwood and Thomas Graham. Capt. J. G. Strong was elected the first commander of the post and II. D. Woodard adjutant. Nearly all of these first members have passed away and the Post, as an active organization has disappeared.
Protection Lodge, No. 611, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was incorporated and the articles filed at the county auditor's office on September 9, 1899. Present Lodges include the W. R. C., also Modern Woodmen.
LIBRARY
Although the city of Britt has never had library facilities except the reference works at the school house, plans are made and an endow- ment secured from Andrew Carnegie for the erection of a $10,000 library building in the summer of 1917. This building, together with the new school building to be constructed at the same time, will add much to the appearance of the town.
One of the most pretentious bank buildings in Iowa has just been completed in Britt by the Commercial State Bank. Built of brick and stone, finished upon the interior with marble, tile and brass, it is equal to any building of its kind in the state in fixtures and decoration. The cost of the building was $50,000.
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CORWITH
PLATTING
The city of Corwith was started by the construction of the Minne- apolis & St. Louis Railroad in the year 1880 and is located on the northeast quarter of Section 6, Township 94 North, Range 26 West. J. H. Ambrose surveyed the land and laid out the town in blocks, lots and streets. The site of Corwith was owned by E. W. Gaylord, who held his residence in Angus, Iowa, where he was engaged in the coal and stock business.
FIRST BUSINESS
The first building erected in Corwith was Gaylord's Hotel, a large two-story frame building. Mr. Gaylord, the town proprietor, con- structed the hotel and for two years it was conducted by L. Moon. Gaylord was at that time the superintendent of the railroad and the house was originally erected for the accommodation of the railroad men. The depot of the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad was the second building erected in Corwith; it was completed very shortly after Gaylord's Hotel.
In the same year, 1880, the first building for the housing of a mercantile business was put up. The firm of Able & Tierney here ran a saloon for the "liquidification" of the railroad men. This groggery, however, lasted but a bare two months, then the building was sold to O. H. Stilson & Company, who put in a stock of general merchandise. It was sold after a year to Louis Lentengre and was occupied by Frank Heskett's drug store.
In September, 1880, T. P. Griffin erected a store building and dwelling house. In this structure he opened a stock of hardware and general merchandise. For about eighteen months he carried on this business, then sold out to Farner Shaw, who converted the building into a hotel, known as the Shaw House. Mr. Shaw erected a livery and feed stable in the fall of 1883, which he operated in connection with the hotel.
The first residence of any consequence in Corwith was built during the winter of 1880 by B. R. Gass. About the same time dwellings were erected by Hans Ballson, a section boss, George Gurne and J. M. Wood.
The first blacksmith shop was opened in the early winter of 1880 by J. M. Wood. Battle & Lallier started in the same work here in 1882, coming here from New York.
The first general merchandise store in Corwith was opened by O. H. Stilson & Company in September, 1880. This firm carried a
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large stock of general dry goods, shoes and boots, clothing, groceries, etc. The stock was worth about $10,000. In the spring of 1882 another general merchandise business was started by Blair & Owen of Rock Falls. However, in the spring of 1883, they disposed of their stock to William Landiman of Hillsboro, Kansas, who conducted it about two months, then sold out to Thomas Cook & Company.
The hardware business of J. H. Taylor dates from the winter of 1880-1, when it was established by Edward Smith, who erected the building and opened the business. In February, 1882, he sold out to Taylor and removed to Perry, Iowa.
Frank P. Heskett founded a drug business in Corwith in January, 1882. M. O. Tang opened a shoemaking establishment in the spring of 1883.
The Corwith Creamery, one of the most thriving businesses of the early village, was started in the spring of 1882 by Simonet & Kleinpeter. The creamery gathered milk from several counties and during the busy season frequently reached a manufacturing capacity of 1000 pounds of butter daily.
A feed mill was started in Corwith in the summer of 1883 by F. H. Latham. He erected the building, installed the machinery and began active operation on the 1st of September of that year. He ground corn meal, graham flour and buckwheat flour as well as feed. A hay press was started in the autumn of 1883 by L. Tuttle.
The lumber yard of Corwith was established by William Brum- mond in June, 1880. Brummond was a native of Prussia, was brought to this country when ten years of age, and came to Hancock County in 1879.
A large coal yard was started in the fall of 1880 by Ernest Brum- mond. Most of the coal handled here during the carly days was from Kalo and Otho in Webster County, Iowa. It sold for $3.25 and $4.00 per ton.
The postoffice was established at Corwith in the fall of 1880. T. P. Griffin was appointed as the first postmaster. O. H. Stilson was the second one to hold the office.
BANKS
Probably the first banking business conducted in the village of Corwith was by J. H. Taylor, who transacted the necessary exchange business.
There have been several banks doing business in Corwith, which are not now active among financial circles in the county. On July 26, 1895, there was incorporated the Corwith State Bank, with a stated capital of $25,000. Thomas A. Way was the president of this
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institution; T. A. Potter, vice president; and H. E. Paul, cashier. The other signers of the articles of incorporation were: Stitzel Way, R. P. Johnson, E. P. Healy, B. C. Way, W. H. Gowdy, S. V. L. Meiggs, W. L. Mitchell, I. Smith and A. W. Schmalle. This bank filed disso- lution proceedings July 24, 1901, for reorganization as the First National Bank.
The Corwith Savings Bank filed articles of incorporation December 7, 1892, which were signed by E. P. Healy, B. C. Way, F. B. Rogers, Thomas A. Way, Truman A. Potter and Wesley Aldridge. The capital stock was named at $25,000.
The First State Bank of Corwith was incorporated and the articles filed with the county auditor October 8, 1895. The signers were: E. L. Stilson, O. H. Stilson, C. M. Gowdy, L. J. Barber, M. B. Sapp, G. W. Mason, Cephas Buttles, F. J. Oxley and J. A. Standring. The capital stock was $60,000. This bank merged with itself the banking firm conducted by E. L. and O. H. Stilson which was known as the Bank of Corwith.
There are just two banks now active in the town of Corwith-the Commercial Savings Bank and the Farmers Savings Bank. The Farmers Savings Bank was organized in 1908 and incorporation articles were filed on March 14th of that year. E. H. Rich was presi- dent; W. C. Oelke, vice president; and Charles J. Naumann, cashier. The present officers are the same with the exception of the vice presi- dent, which office is now filled by Ben Major. The first capital stock of this bank was $25,000, which has been increased to $40,000 at the ' present. This bank has a surplus and undivided profits of $15,000 and deposits of about $200,000.
The Commercial Savings Bank was incorporated legally on April 18, 1913, with a capital stock of $10,000 and the following officers : Fred Oxley, president; H. E. Newlin, vice president; W. H. Smith, cashier. W. E. Gourley and F. M. Depue also signed the articles of incorporation. The present cashier of this institution is W. C. Oelke. The capital stock is the same and the deposits amount to about $35,000.
For school, church and census statistics relative to the town of Corwith, information may be obtained from other chapters in this volume.
KANAWHA
One of the most progressive small towns in this part of Iowa is Kanawha (pronounced Ka-now'-wha). Kanawha was platted and surveyed in the year 1899. The official plat was filed at the office
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of the county anditor on May 3rd. George C. Call was the owner of the land upon which this new town was started and C. B. Hutchins was the surveyor. The land is described in the plat as being part of the west half of the northwest quarter of Section 27 and part of the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 28, all in Township 94 North, Range 25 West. The date of surveying is placed as April 17th of the year of platting.
From an early newspaper account of Kanawha the following facts are taken : The first business concerns of Kanawha were C. S. Farman & Sons, general store and hardware, which concern sold its first goods May 3, 1899; H. L. Jenkins, lumber; J. M. Johnson & Company, wagons and buggies; G. M. Bradbury, livery; N. M. Lindahl, black- smith; Hamilton & Griggs, farm machinery and wagons; Hollar of Humboldt, livery; E. S. Benediet & Son, general store; Max Sigel, clothing; A. A. Moore, lumber; Al Cleaves, hotel; Richardson & Kaufman of Belmond, grains; Felthouse Brothers, elevator; West Lake Creamery Company's skimming station; Ole Mason, furniture; J. S. Gorton from Mikesville had a general stock of goods; T. C. Perisho, postmaster; Yeoman lodge with thirty members; George Call and Marsh Stevens, real estate. The first name given to the town was Luzon, but the postoffice department objected to this, owing to its similarity to Luverne, etc. It was then changed to Kanawha. The Britt Tribune facetiously remarked that there were "at present three patches of gum weeds, a bunch of lath, a last year's prairie chicken's nest, and 3000 prospects on the site, with lumber 'acoming'."
In 1902 the town of Kanawha incorporated, filing a petition for the same on September 24th. This petition was signed by the fol- lowing citizens: G. M. Dempsey, F. M. Hanson, O. W. Phelps, P. L. Brown, J. S. Gorton, John L. Brown, Henry Africa, J. A. Hamilton, G. W. Mason, S. H. Dixon, B. C. Ellsworth, F. H. Shackleford, G. M. Patrick, E. Frank Newell, Robert Lucas, G. P. and P. W. Hollings- worth S. S. Nelson, C. H. Turner, F. A. Newman, S. Salveson, R. T. Bray, T. C. Perisho, John W. Jenson, William H. Baker, J. S. Magor, E. L. Morphew, M. R. Dixon, H. H. Wallis, James Pierce, J. D. Welch, H. E. Hanson, C. W. Hanson, G. M. Churchouse, J. A. Green, John Huyck, Jr., J. T. Coulter, E. L. Madden, J. D. Gift, and T. L. Auld. An election was held March 17, 1902, upon the proposition to incor- porate the town, after all necessary legal proceedings had been accomplished, and the majority of votes were polled in favor of incorporating.
The First National Bank of Kanawha was organized and incor- porated in 1900. The present officers of this institution are: J. E. Wichman, president; C. C. Lucas, vice president; F. L. Bush, cashier;
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F. N. Knudsen, assistant cashier. The capital stock is $25,000; the surplus and undivided profits about $20,000; and the deposits amount to about $250,000.
The Farmers State Bank of Kanawha was incorporated March 11, 1908, with a capital stock of $25,000. The first officers were: G. W. Mason, president; J. Vitermarkt, vice president; A. L. Severin, cashier. A. J. Cole, W. D. Schroeder, J. U. Johnson, John Berg and Emory Sanford also signed the articles of incorporation. The present officers of the bank are: Neil Hanson, president; W. D. Schroeder, vice president; A. L. Severin, cashier; and George T. Anderson, assistant cashier. The capital stock remains the same as at the start; the surplus and undivided profits amount to about $15,000; and the deposits average $175,000.
Kanawha is well supplied with public utilities, having a satis- factory waterworks and electric light system. The manufacturing features of the town comprise two creameries-the Kanawha Coop- erative Creamery and the Kanawha Mutual Creamery. A large amount of butter and kindred products are manufactured here each year and shipped to eastern markets. The town has a population of about 400 people, according to the United States census of 1910.
KLEMME
The town of Klemme, comprising a population of near 350 souls, located in Ell Township, on the Rock Island Railroad, was surveyed and platted in 1889. The plat was filed for record on October 18th of that year. The land upon which the town was located was the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 31, Township 95 North, Range 23 West. The land was owned by Harmon J. and Effie M. Klemme, and of course the new town was named after this family. C. S. Hall was the surveyor.
Settlement of the new town of Klemme was at first slow, as is the case with many of the smaller towns. Schafer and Dow started a store first in 1889. However, by the year 1898 the population had reached a sufficient number to warrant the incorporation of the com- munity. Accordingly a petition praying for the incorporation of the town was circulated among the citizens and signed by the following : S. B. Day, F. M. Hanson, Frank Gruetzmacher, Henry Terhufen, John L. Harr, George S. Gates, W. W. Lawrence, George Kluckhohn, George Ell, Chris Law, George Gruetzmacher, H. W. Gruetzmacher, Charles Gruetzmacher, N. L. Palmer, G. A. Griswold, F. J. Mundt, H. E. Pitke, H. W. Schafer, W. R. Bloom, E. P. Dow, A. B. Schafer,
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