USA > Iowa > Lee County > Keokuk > Holland's Keokuk City directory : containing an historical sketch of the city, and complete list of all the residents : also a classified business directory, 1871-72 > Part 3
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(HISTORY.)
The iniatory steps were taken for the institution of this society in February, 1868. Several preliminary meetings were held, the subject thoroughly discussed, and the conclusion arrived at, that such an associ- ation was needed in our city, and could be made the means of accom- plishing much good. A meeting was called, (notice being given through the papers and from the pulpits,) for the first Monday evening in March, to complete the organization, elect officers, &c., which meeting was held in the United Presbyterian church, and was largely attended by christ- ians of all the evangelical denominations. Rev. H. W. Westover, of the Baptist church was elected President and Saml. B. McLane, of the U. P. church, Vice-President. The association immediately rented and furnished a room in the Neill block on Main street, the same they have occupied ever since until recently, and at once commenced the work for which they were organized. Young men's prayer metings were held at the room, neighborhood meetings were established. tract and paper distribution on the street, in the barber shops and at the hotels and other public places was inaugurated, the wants of the destitute who applied were relieved to the extent of the ability of the society, and other works of a religious and charitable character were carried on. As the season advanced, and the weather became pleasant, preaching was established in the packet depot on the levee, and sustained during the entire summer. In the fall of this year Rev. Westover resigned, and Mr. Wm. Tacka-
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berry was elected to fill the office of president. In September a daily prayer meeting was instituted at the Society's room. At the annual meeting in March, 1869, Mr. Wm. Tackaberry was re-elected president, and D. P. White, vice-president. The work of the association was car ried on this year with a good degree of energy. Open air or street preaching by laymen and clergy, was commenced in May and continued until October. The daily prayer meeting was well sustained, and the distribution of religious reading was thoroughly done. But at the close of the year the finances of the society were in an embarrassed condition. At the annual meeting in 1870, H. W. Clendenin was elected president,. and D. B. Hamill, vice-president ; during this year the work was carried on much the same as the year previous, open air services were sustained throughout the season. In addition to the usual work, a missionary, was hired for six months, commmencing with May, Miss Wells, the mission- ary, in her labors accomplished a great amount of good-the sum total of which will only be known when the books of eternity are opened, and the secrets of all hearts revealed to the gaze of the Universe of God. The financial embarrassments of the association continued to increase, until in December, 1870, it was deemed neccessary in order to keep out of debt to give up the room, and the society is now without a home. The organization, however, still continues, and a portion of its work is still being carried on. It is to be hoped that the clouds that now hang heavy over it, will soon pass away, and thus its dark hour be but.the precursor of a brighter and more glorious dawn of a day-light of increas- ed usefulness and insured prosperity.
The motto of the association is-"One in Christ." Its objects-" The elevation and conversion of the masses,"-with such a motto, and such an object it ought to be a precious institution to every christian heart. The present officers of the association are as follows : Henry W. Clendenin, president ; David B. Ilamill, vice president ; F. W. McClellan, recording secretary ; John E. Fry, corresponding secretary; S. H. Johnston, treasurer.
KEOKUK LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Was incorporated December 10th, 1863. Its capital stock is $10,000 ; divided into $10 shares. The payment of the latter sum constitutes a stockholder. The payment of $50, constitutes a life membership. This is one of the most useful institutions in our city and one of the best Libraries in the state ; besides having many thousand volumes of the choicest reading ; they receive also a great number of daily and weekly newspapers, magazines, reviews and periodicals. Officers : President, Geo. B. Smythe ; vice president, H. D. Woodward ; recording secretary, J. Henry Westcott; treasurer, Ed. F. Brownell ; corresponding secre- tary, Dr. John Bartlett ; directors, Dr. John Bartlett, Col. S. S. Curtis, D. B. Hamill, S. S. Sample, E. J. Leech, W. C. Stripe.
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HOLLAND'S KEOKUK CITY DIRECTORY.
KEOKUK TURN VEREIN.
This society was organized 29th Sept., 1859. It now numbers about 40 members, who meet for gymnastics and other amusements. Regular meetings held 1st and 3rd Monday evenings in each month, at their hall, southeast corner Main and Sixth streets. Julius Kunath, speaker ; Fred. Schuller, sec'y ; Emil Thielecke, treas. ; Jacob Kurtz, turnwart.
CONCORDIA MAENNERCHOR,
Was organized November, 1868, and is one of the best societies of the kind in the state. It numbers nearly one hundred members and is in a flourishing condition, under its efficient management. Practice meetings every Tuesday and Friday evenings. H. W. Rothert, Esq., president ; A. Rinker, sec'y ; Emil Thielecke, treas. Hall, southeast corner Main and Sixth streets.
KEOKUK LYCEUM.
This society was organized about one year ago, by a number of aspiring young gentlemen, of Keokuk, for the purpose of acquiring greater originality and skill in oratory, and philosophical and forensic disput- ations, and we are pleased to know their persistant and commendable labor has been rewarded by abundant success. It is now in a very flourishing condition, numbering some thirty members. Meetings held in Court House every Monday evening. Officers : A. J. Mathias, president ; J. Anderson, vice president ; Henry Spain, sec'y ; A. M. Wilson, treas.
UNION AGRICULTURAL AND STOCK ASSOCIATION,
Was organized Oct. 21st, 1867. Fairs are held every September, on grounds west end of Main street. Business meetings held once a month, at the call of the president. It has been quite a success since its organization, and now numbers 200 active members. Its object is to promote the breeding of fine stock, and the improvement of agricultural and mechanical arts. The grounds are well adapted for the purpose. designed, and contain 68 acres, enclosed by a tight board fence 9 feet high, and has accommendation for 150 horses and 250 head of cattle ; also pens for the same number of sheeps and hogs. The buildings are a credit to the association. The fine art hall is in the shape of a Grecian Cross, and is 36 by 140 feet. The fruit and vegetable hall, 30 by 100 feet. The mechanical hall, 60 feet long, amphitheatre is capable of seating 7,000 people, and this with the judges stand is a model of archi- tectural beauty. The track is } mile. Officers : H. H. Clark, president ; R. L. Ruddick, vice president ; C. F. Davis, treasurer; Dr. A. M. Carpenter, secretary.
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NEWSPAPERS.
THE CONSTITUTION-was first issued in February, 1862, by Hon. T. W. Clagett, the present publisher and proprietor. It labored under disadvantages common to all enterprises of that character, and, for a time, its patronage was not sufficient to defray the expenses of publication ; but by perseverance and well directed effort, all obstacles in the way of success were finally overcome, and THE CONSTITUTION, is now, not only in a prosperous condition financially, but, it is recognized, in ability and judicious management, as one of the leading newspapers of the state. Politically, it is an advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, exhibiting, however, a becoming independence in the discussion of questions with which the welfare and prosperity of the country are intimately connected. THE CONSTITUTION, both daily and weekly, commands a large field of circulation, embracing the southern portion of Iowa, northern Missouri and western Illinois. Its advertising columns, therefore, present to business men a valuable medium through which to reach the public. In the way of newspapers, Keokuk, like all the larger cities of Iowa, is ably and creditably represented.
THE KEOKUK POST (German), was commenced in October, 1869, is independent in politics, and is issued tri-weekly at 15 cents per week, and weekly at $2 per annum. Theod. Bischof, editor. The Post is a. creditably printed and newsy paper, and being the only German paper issued in our city, should commend itself to that nationality in our midst. The office is in the Estes House.
THE KEOKUK COMMERCIAL & REAL ESTATE JOURNAL, is issued monthly by our friend Dr. J. K. Rickey, a 20 years' resident of Keokuk. We believe this paper is printed at the " Gate City ", office, and is issued from Rickey's extensive real estate agency, corner Main and Second streets. Of this paper there are 1000 issued monthly, a great number of which are circulated free. It is a lively sheet, and reflects credit upon its editor and publisher, J. K. Rickey, who through perseverance for the past, three years, has made it one of the permanent institutions of the city.
PRINTERS .- Besides the above offices there are two other printing establishments in the city, owned by William Rees and R. B. Ogden respectively, both of which turn out book, job and commercial work of unsurpassed excellence.
We are free to confess that our intercourse with the gentlemen of the press, of Keokuk, has been of the most pleasant character and in congratulating the people of Keokuk, upon the excellence of their papers, we must commend the editors and proprietors, as courteous and accom- modation gentlemen, with whom it is a pleasure to do business.
GENERAL EDITORIAL REVIEW
EMBRACING
Manufacturers and Prominent Business Houses In the City of Keokuk, Ill.
The following notices are not paid for in any instance. They are given free of charge, it being the intention of the editor of this work to point out to his readers some of the best places at which to purchase goods, showing where reliance may be placed upon representations made with regard to price and quality of goods sold. There are many houses in Keokuk, it would afford us much pleasure to speak of in a more ex tended manner, but our space limits us to the following remarks.
Sam. G. Bridges, Manufacturing Jeweler.
In commencing our editorial review of some of the oldest, most promin- ent and responsible business men, it is very appropriate to commence with a jewelry establishment, and in thus commencing we would say that Sam. G. Bridges, Esq , is the oldest jeweler in Keokuk, and has one of the finest and largest stocks of rich jewelry of any house in the West. He established himself in this city in 1856, and has gradually increased his business, notwithstanding the various financial shocks since that time, and now is considered the leading jeweler, gold and silver smith in the city, if indeed not in the state. He is one of our most energetic and liberal business men, possessing an amount of tact and enterprise, which surmounts all ordinary obstacles. His establishment is located at Nos. 1 & 2 Estes House, Main street, and in extent and capacity would well become a city much larger than Keokuk. It is a large double store, 45 by 55 feet, with a large manufacturing department in the rear. The store or "jewelry palace " is fitted up in a neat and tasty manner, and is supplied with a very varied assortment of the choicest gold and silver watches, silver ware, clocks, jewelry, diamonds, chromos, fancy goods, gold pens, spectacles, &c., to be found in this section, and from our own knowledge as well as being borne out by many of his patrons, they are sold at lower prices than the same can be purchased for'in Chicago. His manufacturing department is worthy special notice, for here are kept in full employ quite a number of competent and skill- ed workmen, and everything known to the business, including wood engraving, stencil , cutting, &c., is turned out in a superior manner. We consider that an establishment like the above should be appreciated,
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HOLLAND'S KEOKUK CITY DIRECTORY.
as indeed it is by large patronage for by such enterprises as the above everybody may be accommodated at home, without the necessity of going to other cities and often paying exhorbitant prices, while such men as Mr. Lridges are a credit and benefit to any community.
W. A. & J. C. Patterson, Proprs. Patterson House.
And now we turn our attention to hotels, or rather hotel, the Patter- son House. In our travels it has not escaped our notice, that many second-rate hotels advertise themselves as first-class, and the public only find out the opposite by stopping at such hotels once. Therefore, we feel it to be our duty, in a work of this character, a director, to point out to the public a thoroughly good house, one that can be recommended in every respect, and this we. are happy to say we do in naming and re- commending the Patterson House, kept by those popular landlords and princes of hosts, W. A. & J. C. Patterson. The house is large and convenient, the leading and best one in the city, is centrally lo- cated, being adjacent to the business places, post office, steamboat land- ing, depots, &c. It is a fine imposing brick structure, owned by the proprietors, 5 stories high and basement, and contains about 100 rooms, most of which are furnished in an elegant manner, while each room has a bell attached to an annunciator in the office. Although the house is large, still the patronage is so great that the proprietors are induced to enlarge it, and they have decided to commence immediately, and build a large addition on the south end of the building and otherwise improve it, and thereby make it one of the very best hotels in the country The rooms are light and airy, the table spread with a great variety of the : best eatables, which are well cooked and served in a clean and tasty manner,under the supervision of the steward, Joseph W. Enright, who is very efficient at his business, having had many years of experience at several of the leading hotels in the east. In this connection we would take the liberty of saying that Sam. A. Tate, the obliging and qualified clerk, still presides at the desk, as does also Daniel Tisdale. We cannot conclude without saying that our worthy hosts, W. A. & J. C. Patter ... son, are numbered among our very oldest residents and business men, having been identified with the pork packing business, &c., since 1846, and are whole-souled and obliging gentlemen, in whose company the traveler cannot but be highly satisfied and almost forget he is away from home. The hotel is located cor 3rd and Johnson streets.
Dr. F. H. O'Connor, Wholesale Druggist.
The drug trade is well represented in Keokuk, and its oldest represent- ative now doing business in the city is the above named gentleman. He established himself here in 1852, and has continued an office practice of medicine with his business since that date; he being a regular medical graduate. Dr. O'Connor's store is located at 68 Main street, and is one of the best appointed houses of the kind in this, vicinity. It is three stories high, and basement ; each room literally groaning under its load of stock, To enumerate all the articles he keeps, would be a
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difficult task, but we may say in a word that everything usually found in a first-class drug house may be obtained here, at the smallest possible advance on first cost, while all his articles are claimed to be of one quality, viz : first quality. It gives us great pleasure to be able to say that the Doctor is one of the most qualified and successful druggists in Keokuk, and has gained a reputation for courtesy, liberality and enter- prise second to none here. His business, small at first, is now large and flourishing, and extends for many miles around the city, not only in Iowa, but in Missouri and Illinois. As an instance, we may say that he sold a few weeks ago one of the largest, if not the largest bill of goods ever sold in Keokuk, consisting of some 40 cases, some weighing over 300 pounds each, in fine, it was the entire fitting up of a drug store. The Doctor presides over his prescription department personally, so that the public get the benefit of his medical experience. In this depart- ment he is ably assisted by John W. Bowers, with 8 years experience in this house. as a qualification. We conclude our brief notice of this gentleman and his store, feeling that further comment is unnecessary, but would say that any person doing business with him will find to be true, all we have said and even more.
Carter Brothers, Hats, Caps and Furs.
This is a house which presents rare and peculiar advantages to the public. It is the very largest retail house in thr state of lowa, and not only this but it has a plenitude of means at its back, to make it a suc- cess, in the way of profits to the proprietors, and a saving to the public as purchasers. We believe this is the oldest established retail house of its kind in the city, but has only been owned by its present proprietors a short time, sufficiently long, however, to have estabished a large and in creasing trade. Not only are hats, caps, and furs sold at this " pala- tial establishment," but millinery, straw and buckskin goods, gloves, hosiery, trunks, valises, umbrellas, gents' furnishing goods, &c., all of which may be bought at reasonable prices, much less than at some of our boastingly cheap establishments in our large cities. William W. & John H. Carter, constitute the firm, with Ed. S. Carter as manager, a young gentleman of considerable business experience, and universally respected for his promptness in business and obliging manners. Persons wishing to purchase anything in the above line, should not fail to call upon the gentlemanly Carter Brothers, when they will find everything of good quality, and marked down at the lowest prices. Their store is No. 58 Main street.
H. N. Bostwick, Dry Goods, &c.
The above gentleman has been established in the dry goods business in this city for the past 6 years and understands the business in all its details, having been raised in this line of trade. Six years ago when Mr. Bostwick opened here, his chances of success appeared very limited, but through his thorough knowledge of the business, indomitable energy, perseverance and business tact, and always keeping an experi-
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enced buyer in New York market, he has built up a trade, name and reputation in this section, indeed all over this state, and parts of Illinois and Missouri, equaled by few and unsurpassed by none, and has the most "palatial " dry goods establishment to-day, of any man in the state, such an one that is a credit to Keokuk, and that would do credit to New York and even Chicago. Not only does he keep a large stock of all kinds of dry goods, millinery goods, silk and dress goods, but makes a specialty in ladies' and infants' wardrobes to order, for which purpose he employs quite a number of experienced ladies. His force of salesmen are experienced and polite, with Harry C. Bostwick at the head, who is all attention, especially to the ladies. The store is located at 102 & 104 Main street, the exterior of which is finished handsomely in solid granite and brick work, painted stone color; it is 40 by 100 feet. The entrances having elegant vestibule doors, with oval light of plate glass, 34 by 58 inches. There are three windows in front, each formed by one single French plate glass, 7 by 8 feet, which cost over $600. These windows are lighted by elegant reflectors, and the centre of the store contains eight heavy bronze chandeliers. The interior presents a magnificent appearance, the ceiling being 16 feet high, and the centre supported by a double row of bronzed iron columns. In the centre stands a double oval line of counters, besides other counters all around the store, in all over 250 feet. In conclusion we would say that the above notice is not half of what we might write, but here we con- clude and leave our readers to drop into the establishment, and pur- chase one bill of goods, and then we shall know that satisfaction has been given in both price and quality.
Bower, Barclay & Co., Bankers.
This is the oldest banking and collection house in the West. It was established in 1846, by Geo. C. Anderson, afterwards, (about 1855,) he took into partnership Alex Barclay, who had been in the bank since 1848. At the death of Geo. C. Anderson, which occured about this time, the firm name become Alexander Barclay & Co., the Co. being Thomas Ransom, Esq., and was continued until 1868, until the latter gentlemans decease, when the firm name was again changed to its pres- ent style, Bower, Barclay & Co., Beverly B. Bower and Alex Barclay being its sole proprietors. Both gentlemen are old respected and respon- sible residents and business men, the former came to the city in 1856, and has ever been looked upon as one of our shrewdest, most en- ergetic and liberal business men ; while the latter has been in the city many years, and has been connected with this bank since 1848, and is considered one of the ablest bankers in the United States, and one worthy of implicit confidence. This bank, as we have said, is the old- est in the west, and is considered one of the most responsible, and this is true, as is seen in the fact that it has firmly stood through all the de- pressing times that our city and country has been subjected to since its establishment. They do an immense banking business in all its branches, deal in foreign and domestic exchange, government securities, are
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HOLLAND'S KEOKUK CITY DIRECTORY.
agents for some of the best ocean steamship lines, and make a specialty in collections which receive personal and prompt attention. Mr. Bower is also of the firm of Kilbourne, Bower & Co., contractors and lessees of the Springfield & Northwestern Rail Road, and which is now well under way. It is to extend from Springfield to Lewiston and ultimately to Rock Island, and will no doubt prove to be one of the most valuable and paying roads in the west. We rerer our readers to the advertise- ment of this house, back of business title page, to learn more fully the details of their business. In conclusion we say, for responsibility, hon- orable dealing, liberality and strict business integrity, commend us to Beverly B. Bower and Alex. Barclay.
Sample, Armitage & Co., Proprietors of Buckeye Foundry and Machine Shop.
And now in turning from gold and silver, we turn to another metal, viz : Iron. The Buckeye Foundry and Machine Shop is the oldest establishment of its kind in the city and one of the very oldest in the West. It was established in 1849, by S. Armitage and S. S. Vail, two gentlemen who understand every branh of the business, and to this fact a great deal of its success is to be attributed, but this is not all, for while competence has always characterized its management, business transactions have been marked with integrity, while work turned out has been of a high order. . Mr. Armitage has continued in the firm since 1849, and now takes charge of the machine and blacksmith shop ; while Mr. Vail, although not now one of the firm, has charge of the foundry. The business has steadily increased until a short time ago they were compelled to tear down their old buildings and erect larger and more substantial works. They have two large and magnificent brick buildings, corner Johnson and 9th streets, one 91 by 26 feet, used as machine and finishing shops, the other 103 by 50 feet, part of which is two stories high, used as foundry, blacksmith and moulding shops, offices, store room, &c. All their machinery is of the latest and most improved make, while they possess every facility and ability of turning out steam engines, and all other work in their line, of a character, which it is said by their patrons, is unsurpassed. They employ from 20 to 30 hands, most of whom are experienced and skilled workmen. The amount of business done is from 60 to 70 thousand per annum, strictly on cash principle. Being a home institution, one which can successfully compete, either in manufacturing new machinery or re- pairing, it should commend itself still further to the liberal patronage of the public in this locality. S. S. Sample and D. W. McElroy con- stitute the firm, and we are glad to be able to say, possess an amount of business experience and ability, sufficient to successfully prosecute this or any other business they might engage in.
T. N. Pond, Wholesale Eggs and Butter.
Mr. Pond has resided in this city about 12 years, and has nearly the whole of that time been one of the largest and most successful dealers
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in, and shipper of, eggs and butter, not only in this city but in the United States. It is a well known fact, that Keokuk is the greatest egg and butter shipping point in the Union, and we are proud to be able to say that the above named gentleman is one of its chief repre- sentatives-if not the chief one. His business is immense and extends over a large portion of Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, and other states. About 20 hands are kept constantly busy packing, shipping, &c. Mr. P. receives consignments of the above articles from farmers, dealers and others, for which the highest market cash price is promptly paid, and as a recommendation of integrity, if indeed it is necessary, we would say what we have heard the prominent business men of Keokuk say more than once, viz : that " T. N. Pond is as good as gold." As a gentle- man of integrity and honorable dealing, there is no one we more consci- entiously and gladly yield a portion of our space to, than Mr. Pond.
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