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 4
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Brownell & Mckenzie, Wholesale Books and Stationery.
The wholesale book and stationery trade of Keokuk has grown into large dismensions. The business of the above firm has been established about 18 years, although it has changed hands several times during that period, and now ranks as one of the most extensive of the kind in Iowa. In speaking of a house of this character, we cannot recommend it in too strong language, as each individual composing the firm are such thorough gentlemen. Gentlemen who are widely known for their fair dealing and liberal inducements offered in business. Neither can we, in too strong language, commend it for its facilities, as the proprietors possess facilities equal to any other house in the West, buying as they do, direct from manufacturers, the same as other prominent houses elsewhere. To give the reader some idea of their store and business, we may say, the store is a magnificent one, 25 by 125 feet, occupying two stories and base- ment, each room literally groaning under its load, of well selected stock. Their sales amount to a large sum-the amount we did not learn. The trade of this house extends through a great portion of Iowa, as well as Missouri and Illinois. Dealers in this section finding it profitable to buy of Brownell & Mckenzie, as they can successfully compete with St. Louis and even Chicago houses-buying as they do from the same manufacturers, while their expenses are considerably less. In con- clusion we will not say anything in the way of eulogy of either member of the firm, as their high principle and integrity is too well kmown, but we would ask those who have not bought goods at this house to do so and test the truth of what we have written. Their store is located 146 Main street.
R, F. Bower & Co., Wholesale Grocers.
The history of this house is no less interesting than suggestive. It shows what may be accomplished in the western country, by an enter- prising devotion to business, even as the great oak develops from the tiny acorn and reaches out its branches in all directions for the relief
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and support of animal life, so has this establishment developed from (comparatively speaking) an insignificant one, entirely local in its trade, to a vast depot of supplies, sending out its stores in every direction, and over a vast extent of territory, in Iowa. Missouri and Illinois. It was established in 1856, under the firm name of R. F. & F. Bower. From 1857 to 1865 it was entirely owned by R. F. Bower, Esq., who took in- to partnership at the latter date Alex. Collier and John Finigan, the firm name being R. F. Bower & Co. In July of last year (1870), A. Collier withdrew, leaving the other two gentlemen in the firm, and so it now stands, without any change in style of firm. This is the largest and one of the most responsible wholesale grocery houses in the state of Iowa. their sales amounting to nearly one million per annum. R. F. Bower, the principal in the firm, is one of our most far-seeing and lib- eral business men, a gentleman "who commands respect and confidence from all who know him, while Mr. Finigan, through honorable and up- right dealing and hard work, has gained a good position. and won a rep- utation of which he may feel justly proud. To show the business prog- ress of this house for the past few years, we may say that in 1861 the sales were $140,000; in 1865, $319,000; and in 1869, $700,000, and are still increasing.
R. Heiser, Propr. "City Drug Store."
The City Drug store is an old established one and is now owned by the above named gentleman. We believe it was established about 1853, and has been owned by Mr. Heiser for the last 9 years-he having been connected with it for several years previously. In 1853, he came to Keokuk, and has been in the drug business ever since, taking every step in the ladder, and is considered one of our best druggists. His store is neatly and well arranged, and supplied with a good stock of drugs, the best and latest elixirs, proprietary medicines, &c., and sells the same at living rates. He presides over his prescription department personally and this together with the fact that he resides on the premises, it will be seen is of great advantage to the public, as prescriptions are care- fully compounded day and night. Store is 206 Main street.
S. T. & R. M. Marshall, Attorneys at Law.
The advertisement of these gentlemen will be found in the business part of this work, on it, it will be seen they say attorneys and counsel- lors at law. We feel that that is about all that is necessary to be said to the public, especially as to Mr. S. T. Marshall, for he is so old in the profession in this city, and has gained such a favorable reputation du- ring his career, that it leaves little, or nothing further to be said by us. But we will take the liberty of saying, that in 1842, S. T. Marshall came to reside in this county, in 1843 was admitted to the bar at Fair- field, Iowa, and in 1846 came to Keokuk, and has practiced and resided here ever since, and we believe is the oldest lawyer in the city now prac- ticing. During his professional career, he has proven himself one of our ablest advocates, having figured in many litigated home cases most
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of which he has brought to a successful issue. Rather remarkable, but his son R. M., graduated at the same university as himself, in just 29 years afterwards, and a short time ago was admitted to the bar, and now occupies the same office with his father. This young gentleman gives promise for the future of becoming one of our most prominent attorneys. For legal advice or working up knotty and intricate cases, commend us to S. T. & R. M, Marshall.
Stephen Seibert, Cigar Manufacturer.
Although a young gentleman, Mr. S. Seibert is an old resident of the city. He came here some 15 years ago, and has worked among tobacco ever since. Some 6 or 7 years ago he commenced business on his own account, and to prove how well he has succeeded we would say that his orders are usually ahead of his ability to supply. There is a reason for this, and this is the reason, because having been in the business so long. He understands the various brands of tobacco and how a cigar should be made, and therefore buys the best leaf and has his cigars made in a superior manner. He is an energetic and public spirited business man, social and obliging, and this together with his rich brands of cigars has secured his success. He manufactures many popular brands, of which the "Keokuk" is the most celebrated, it being such, that old Keokuk in honor of whom it is named, would, were he able, take delight in smok- ing, drop into Seibert's, 78 Main, and test his cigars yourselves.
John H. Day, Insurance and Real Estate Agent.
Fourteen years ago the above named gentleman came to reside in Ke- okuk, after being in this neighborhood since 1847. Since his advent he has held the responsible offices of deputy collector and recorder, and has been looked upon and is one of our most prominent and reliable citizens and business men. Some three years ago he established his real estate and insurance office, and although a modest gentleman, has through his energy and faithfulness. succeeded in establishing a reputa- tion and agency unsurpassed in this section of the country. He pos- eesses a thorough knowledge of his business, and does the same in an unaffected, honest and upright manner, in fine, it is a pleasure and ad- vantage to patronize him. He is a notary public and does considerable real estate business, besides representing quite a large number of first class, old and reliable insurance companies, the names of which are given under the proper heading in the business part of this work. We particularly recommend Mr. Day to the notice of those seeking any business in his line. His office is n w cor. Main and 5th streets.
I. N. Pearce, Bookbinder, &c.
Mr. Pearce is one of our pioneer business men, having established his bookbindery and blank book manufactory in this city in 1852. His bindery is the only one in the city, and is a well appointed one, superin-
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tended by himself personally, therefore the public have the benefit of his life long experience and well arranged establishment, in superior work and reasonable prices. He was awarded the first premium at the Iowa state fair, last year, (1870,) for his superior work, while his son, a boy of 15 summers, was awarded the second, for his own personal work. We have examined specimens of his work, and for artistic and substan- tial finish, it would be difficult to excel, while his prices are in accord- ance with the times. His establishment is located n e cor Main and 2nd streets, where those wanting anything in his line should call, when they will meet one of the most courteous and obliging of business men.
J. B. Cross & Co., Wholesale and Retail Furniture.
This firm has been established in Keokuk about three years, and con- sists of J. B. Cross and H. N. Bird, the former managing the business here and the latter residing in Cincinnati. Theirs is one of the largest and finest establishments of the kind in this section, carrying a well selected stock of all kinds of furniture, making a specialty in fine chamber and parlor sets, bureaus, &c. Both gentlemen have had many years practical experience in the business and this together with the fact that Mr. Bird is regularly in the market in the East, enables them to offer the latest style of goods, and sell the same at as low prices as can possibly be afforded. Mr. Cross, as we have said before, manages the business here, and in justice to himself we must say that he has done much since his establishment among us, to raise the furniture business in Keokuk to its present prominence. As a gentleman and honorable business man he has no superior.
W. T. Peet, Propr. National Restaurant.
One of the most popular and best arranged restaurants is the "National Restaurant," corner Main and 6th streets. When Mr. Peet opened this establishment, about two years ago, he was determined to keep it in a strictly first-class manner, and we are glad to know that he has fully carried out his intentions, which have been appreciated by the public to the extent of large patronage. He is a good caterer and affable gentleman, and thoroughly studies the wants and comforts of patrons, and by this course has made himself quite popular in the city as an obliging restaurant keeper. He is the one usually chosen to supply suppers for parties, in all of which cases the utmost satisfaction is given. Meals may be had here, also a few day boarders accommodat- ed. We say to all seeking such a place as the above, you cannot go to a better and more accommodating one than W. T. Peet's National Restaurant.
Wills & Yenawine, Proprietors Eagle Mill.
We are pleased to notice in our editorial review, the well known and popular Eagle Flouring Mills, owned by Messrs Wills & Yenawine. These mills are located on 12th between Main and Johnson streets, and rank among the finest and best constructed ones of any in this part of
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the state. They are built of brick, the main building being 40 by 30 feet, 4 stories high, with an addition 20 by 30 feet, 3 stories high. They have three run of stone, driven by steam power. Two of the stones are used in the manufacture of flour, and the other, corn meal, buck- wheat flour, &c. They have been owned and operated by the above gentlemen about four years, (the former being a practical miller,) du- ring which time they have built up a trade and name for superior brands second to none in this locality. ยท As fair dealing, liberal and live busi- ness men, we commend them to the public. The flour manufactured by them has the character of being of a superior quality, while the prices charged are not higher than are often charged for an inferior article. Patronize the Eagle Mills and be convinced.
McMillan & Powell, Lumber Merchants,
The business of this firm was established about five years since and is the oldest on the bottom, "Reid's lower addition." B. F. McMillan and S. B. Powell, are partners in this business and owners of the yard, Their lumber is manufactured by themselves at their own mills in Sharon, Wisconsin, and they are therefore prepared to offer superior inducements to buyers. Their trade has assumed large proportions and is steadily increasing. It extends to the terminus of the D. V. R. R. and in other directions. The proprietors are gentlemen of energy and ability, and have by close attention to business acquired a success which is seldom surpassed. We wish them in all honesty all the further success their enterprise entitles them to.
W. A. Beers, Keokuk Steam Bag Factory.
The pioneer paper bag manufacturer of Keokuk, and one of its old- est and most honored citizens and business men is Mr. W. A. Beers, 121 Main street. He has resided in this city for twenty years, and estab- lished his present business some ten years ago, and has from a small be- ginning built up a business of great extent, and a name for good goods and fair honest dealing of which anyone may be proud. A short time ago he put into his establishment steam power, the old and ancient hand power being inadequate for his increasing business, so that now he is able to furnish everything in his line with dispatch. He has constantly on hand a large stock of wrapping papers and twines of every kind, al- so grocers' sacks, and flour bags of all kinds, on which he prints the purchasers business card at a nominal charge. Dealers in paper will find it to their advantage to give this establishment a call, for by doing so satisfaction will be obtained, if indeed honorable dealing and low prices is at all satisfactory.
Iowa Coal Company.
This company was organized under the laws of Iowa, in 1864, with a capita of $25,000, since which time it has been adding to its resources, and is now in a very prosperous condition and valued at about $100,000. 'The principal mines of the company are in Mahaska county, where they
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own several hundred acres of land, underlaid with a vein of coal eight feet thick, of excellent quality, from which they are now mining 100 tons per day, having capacity of 300 tons per day. This coal produces 3 feet of good gas to the pound, it is also good for generating steam, and has no superior for blacksmithing purposes. The coal is raised by a steam engine' 30 horse power, from a shaft 60 feet deep. About one ton is raised at a time by a wire rope, 14 inches in diameter. Last June, (1870,) the company's works were burned, injuring the shaft so as to necessitate the sinking of a new one, this was at once set about, and in six weeks a new shaft was sunk and all again in working order. In April last the company came into possession of the Alpine mines, situ- ated in Wapella county, the vein of coal here being 5 feet thick, of un- surpassed quality, from which they mine from 60 to 80 tons per day, all of which is disposed of in the Keokuk market for steam and other pur- poses. Besides the above they have another mine at Cuba, in Fulton county, Ills., on the T. P. & W. R. R .; these works have a double shaft 80 feet deep, with a 15 horse power engine, which raises 1,500 lbs at one time. The coal found here is of first class quality, being equal to the above. This company has gained a reputation for a good article of which they may justly feel proud, and which is very profitable, as they ship largely to points on the Missouri river, to Omaha, Council Bluffs, Lincoln, &c., besides supplying to a great extent the Railroads in this locality. Mr. J. W. Rodefer, is the able president and superintendent, a gentlemen who has had some ten years experience in the Des Moines valley in this business, and the success of the company owes much to his energy and close attention, for its abundant success, he is the right man in the right place. Hugh Roberts, Jr., the secretary of the com- pany, is a young man of unsurpassed business qualifications, and we think so long as the company retain him together with Mr. Rodefer, as managers, they need fear no danger. The office is foot of Main street.
H. Hirsch & Brother, Hides, Pelts, &c.
The Hirsch Brothers have set such an axample of enterprise in their business, as is worthy of imitation by those who contemplate embarking in business, for when they commenced, they like many of us had little means and great opposition, but nothing daunted, they began in earnest and with a will, and how well they have succeeded, may be known by the large amount of business done at their store, which amounts to near $50,000 per annum. It is now something over one year since their commencement and their success has been of the most flattering nature. They do strictly a cash business, paying the highest price for hides, pelts, tallow, wool, furs, bees wax, &c. Persons having anything in the above line to dispose of may rest satisfied of obtaining the highest cash price for them by calling upon Hirsch & Bro., at 170 Main street. Messrs. Hirsch are young gentlemen, upright in dealing and worthy every confidence.
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Theo. Myers, Carriage Manufacturer.
In 1856, the Gate City Carriage Manufactory was established, by Theo. Myers. Since his establishment he has been one of our most. successful manufacturers, and now stands almost without a rival in the carriage business. His works are located corner Johnson and 8th streets, and are large and well adapted to the business. The main building is 45 by 80 feet, two stories and basement of brick, containing separate rooms for each branch of the business. The wood shop, the blacksmith shop, the trimming and painting shops, besides repository for new work, also one for work needing repairs, with two spacious platforms for various practical purposes, taken altogether this is one of the most complete of the kind in Iowa. During the whole of Mr. Myers' experience, he has kept up with and adopted every improvement in the manufacture of carriages, &c., and now stands at the head of his business. He has acquired an enviable reputation for his work, as he never works up stock except it be first-class. We hope Mr. Myers may continue to receive that patronage, which his good work and fair dealing justly entitles him to.
John Bawden, Propr. Keokuk Marble Works.
It is often supposed that good work in the marble and monument bus- iness cannot be obtained anywhere except in a few of our large cities; this is a mistake, as is evinced by the superior talent exhibited, and work produced by Mr. Bawden since his establishment in Keokuk. He has been established here since 1858, and if experience gives one advantage over another in any business, then surely it will be seen that he has an advantage in this. But, besides this, he possesses rare artistic talent, and this together with his long experience has given him great populari- ty in this section. Orders are received at these popular works, from a great distance, as his fame has gone abroad as being one of the best sculptors of the day, He has just finished one of the finest monuments ever produced in this section, for Dayton, Ohio. Persons wanting any- thing in this line will do a good thing for themselves by calling upon this gentlemen before placing their orders, as he employs quite a num- ber of the best workmen to be obtained, and has other facilities as well, which enables him to turn out the best of work at prices that defy com- petition.
Reimbold & Eisenhuth, Cigars and Tobacco.
One of the finest cigar and tobacco establishments we have had the pleasure of seeing for some time, is that of Messrs. Reimbold & Eisen- huth, at 176 Main street. They commenced business together some two years ago, with an apparent little show of success, but each under- standing the business thoroughly, and going at it with willing hands and perserving energy, have succeeded in building up a trade remuner- ative to themselves and satisfactory to the public. Their store is one of taste, and is well supplied with everything in the smokers' line. The manufacturing department is worthy of especial notice, as here are em-
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ployed quite a number of hands, besides the proprietors themselves, and cigars are turned out which it is said cannot be beaten. The following brands are among their best, viz: "Royal Gem," "I. X. L.," and "Golden Crown." These cigars are of high flavor and casy to smoke, and we can truly say, as well as being borne out by an appreciative smoking public, that they are among the best manufactured. If you smoke reader, get some of these cigars, and you will certainly be satisfied
Madden & Doran, Dry Goods.
Two of the most promising young business men in Keokuk, are the above named gentlemen. Each have resided in the city many years, the former 13, and the later 15, and are well and favorably known as hon- orable and well deserving. Both have had considerable business expe- rience, and about one year ago opened in partnership, one of the nicest, neatest and best arranged dry goods houses in the city, at 141 Main st. Since their commencement they have been liberally patronized, as the public have found out that they keep a well selected stock and sell the same at the lowest possible figures, leaving themselves a small profit, and are waited upon in a polite and accommodating manner. They possess an abundance of energy, are wide awake, and just the men that give to our western cities their tone and character. Drop into Madden & Do- rans', 14I Main street, and we guarantee satisfaction.
J. A. Wallace, Auctioneer and Real Eestate Agent.
The leading auctioneer in the city of Keokuk, is Mr. J. A. Wallace. He has had considerable experience in the business and is well adapted to it, in voice, ability, judgment and reliability. He came to the city in 1864, since which time he has accomplished much in elevating the above business in Keokuk, and is now looked upon and called the live auctioneer of the city. Consignments of all kinds of goods are solicited, on which liberal cash advances will be made and the highest price secured, that ability, energy and demand will procure. Mr. Wallace does not confine himself to the auction business, but has a large and well established real estate agency. He has on his books thousands of acres of land, which are for sale on the most reasonable terms, consist- ing of city lots, farm and other lands located in Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Nebraska, and other States. This agency is fast gaining favor and in- creased confidence with the public, and is besoming one of the best and largest real estate "Exchanges " in the West. Regular sales of all kinds of merchandise are held every Wednesday and Saturday, when bargains are usually obtained by the public. Country sales are also promptly attended to by him. For any kind of auction or real estate business, we refer the public to J. A. Wallace, while he for reliability refers to business men generally.
A. Rinker, Foreign Exchange and Steamship Agent.
The attention of the public is called to the advertisement of the above named gentlemen, especially that portion of the public who contemplate
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a visit to any part of Europe, or who intend sending for friends from the old world, or even sending money to the same. Mr. R. is agent for some of the oldest and most responsible steamship lines plying between this country and Europe, and we may add that tickets are issued by him for any of these lines, to or from any part of Europe at lowest rates. He buys and sells gold and silver, and does a general exchange and for- eign passage business, besides representing some of the best insurance companies in this country, including the Aurora fire insurance company, of Aurora, Ills., which was established in 1865, and has during that time been one of our most successful companies, and is in a sound con- dition. Mr. Rinker has lived and done business in our midst for 17 years, and speaks the German language as well as the English fluently, a fact which should be borne in mind by those of the former nationality in this vicinity. He refers to the business men and bankers of this city which is ample guaranty of his responsibility.
Magoun & Andrews, Lumber Merchants.
Eight years ago this firm was established, since which time they have taken a prominent part in the lumber business of the city. The firm is composed of two of our oldest residents, both of whom are regarded in this community as gentlemen of integrity and with whom it is a pleasure to deal. Their yard is centrally located corner Exchange and 4th streets, convenient to all the depots, steamboat landing, places of busi- ness and residences, consequently is a desirable place to trade at; but this is not all, their stock is complete and offered at prices which must give satisfaction to all fair minded people. Call upon Magoun & Andrews for a bill of lumber, and satisfaction will be secured.
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