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 5
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Wickersham & Delaplain, Agricultural Imps., Seeds, &c.
This firm has been established about three years, and has probably been one of the most successful, if not the most successful in the city during that time, owing of course to advantages offered and energy and business tact displayed by the proprietors. Both gentlemen are num- bered among our oldest and most trustworthy business men, the former Mr. Wickersham, having located here in 1851, since which time he has had some 13 years foundry experience, and 6 years in his present busi- ness. Mr. Delaplain certainly is a plain straightforward business man, and has proven himself such to the public in this vicinity since he came here in 1849. Mr. D. is a practical printer, and in the latter year worked on the second number of the " Gate City," (then the " Ke- okuk Register and Valley Whig,') and after continuing at his business till 1868, entered into partnership with Hon. J. B. Howell, one of the present proprietors of the " Gate City." In 1867 he withdrew from the firm and shortly afterward became connected with Mr. W., since which time the firm name has been Wickersham & Delaplain. Their store is 153 Main street, where they deal wholesale and retail in farm machine- ry, agricultural implements, all kinds of flower, garden and field seeds,
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wooden and willow ware, which they obtain direct from the factory, clothes wringers, lanterns, churns, cutlery, brushes, house furnishing goods and other goods too innumerable to mention. Their store is 22 by 80 feet, 3 stories and basement, all of which rooms are loaded with stock, stock which is among the best in the market. In this store we believe is kept, as the proprietors say, the greatest variety of articles of any other store in this section. As gentlemen of honor, faithful in their business relations with all, and worthy of confidence, there are none we more gladly recommend than Wickersham & Delaplair.
Patterson & Timberman, Pork-Packers.
The oldest pork-packers in this section are Col. Patterson and William Timberman, Esq., the two gentlemen who compose the above firm. They were established in Keokuk, in 1848, and have continued their business in a successful manner ever since. This is one of the most extensive packing firms in the Union, as they usually pack from 20 to 30 thousand per season and have capacity for packing 1000 per day. Their brands are known all over the United States, North, East, South and West, also in Europe, as being among the best, while they command the very highest price. We feel we have said all that is necessary in regard to this firm for their long and high standing, is so well known and appreciated, but, will conclude by saying that Col. Patterson has resided in the city since 1846 and in County since 1837, and has during that time been one of our most responsible business men and respected citizens, having held the office of Mayor two terms, while Mr. Timberman has resided and done business here since 1848, and has gained the confidence of the community, and is now filling to the satisfaction of all concerned the responsible office of mayor of the city. Their office is 71 Johnson street.
R. Vogel & Brother Wholesale Clothiers.
This house was established in 1854, and is one of the very oldest in the city, and we believe we are right in saying the largest of its kind in the state, It was commenced by M. Vogel, and is now owned by R. & B. Vogel, his brothers, and has been since 1859. They are whole- sale dealers in clothing, cloths, cassimeres, vestings, trunks and valises, also manufacture largely to order, employing one Mr. Gunniss as cutter, whom it is said has few equals and no superior. In the latter depart- ment they do an extensive business, but the ready made clothing de- partment is their special trade, and it will be seen that their business is immense, from the fact that their sales amount to nearly two hundred thousand dollars per annum. One of the firm Mr. R. Vogel, devotes most of his time to purchasing in the eastern markets, and this together with their extensive business career and unexcelled facilities, enables them to offer inducements of a superior character. As gentlemen of business integrity and fair dealing we particularly recommend Vogel Brothers.
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William Woolley, Contractor and Builder.
This gentleman is one of our oldest business men and one of our most reliable ones. He came to this city in 1857 and established his present business, and has during that time proven himself thoroughly educated in his business understanding every branch thereof. He has met with good success during his business career, people finding him a gentleman in whom the fullest confidence may be reposed, faithfully performing in a substantial manner every contract that he may take. To mention some of the buildings he has constructed will prove his ability, they are: the Westminster Presbyterian parsonage, Thomas Allyn and the late Thomas Ransom's residences, all on Blondeau street, also his own neat residence, an English gothic one, and his other double two story house, corner C and William streets, in Reid's addition. These are sufficient in themselves to prove him beyond doubt one of our best carpenters, contractors and builders. For faithfulness in filling a contract and good substantial work, go to William Woolley, corner Blondeau and Fifth streets.
M. V. Graley, Grocer.
M. V. Graley has been in our midst some 18 years, and is well and favorably known among us as an intelligent and obliging fellow. About one year ago he opened his grocery at 47 Palean street, cor 5th. and has since that time built up a good paying trade. He has endeavored since his commencement to buy only the best goods, and sell the same at such reasonable prices as would induce people to continue their patron- age, and in this he has well succeeded, till now in his neighborhood peo- ple prefer to trade with him. Those who desire to trade with a fair dealing business man, should not fail to extend their patronage to the above named gentleman, when he guarantees to give satisfaction in price and quality of goods.
S. T. Worley, Wagon Maker, &c.
Mr. Worley has had 25 years experience at his business, five of which he has spent in Keokuk, in business for himself. He has made great progress in this city, and this through superior work and honest industry. He manufactures wagons and buggies, and does all kinds of blacksmith- ing, steamboat, bridge and saw mill work, constantly employing about twelve hands. In the manufacture of wagons, especially has he become famous, for September last year, 1870, he was awarded the first diploma for the best "Light Democratic Wagons." His works are large and supplied with every requisite for good and speedy work. The black- smith shop is a brick building, 50 by 40 feet, and wood and paint shop, 25 by 80 feet. This institution is another which is a credit to our city, and one worthy the abundant patronage hitherto bestowed upon it. Its location is corner Main and 1st streets.
Irwin, Phillips & Co., Wholesale Dry Goods and Notions. his business has been established about 15 years, and known until
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about two years ago, as Kramer, Phillips & Co. They have recently removed from their old quarters, 108 Main street, into their magnificent and extensive new quarters, 60 & 62 Main street. To give the reader a detailed description of their store and stock would occupy too much of our space, so we must content ourselves by saying only a few words. The building they occupy is 45 by 130 feet, three stories and basement. Each of the rooms are beautifully arranged and just adapted for their extensive business. The first room is devoted to dry goods, fancy goods, dress goods and the general transaction of business. The upper rooms are devoted to notions, &c., while the cellar which is a well finished one and extends under the whole building, is devoted to the storing of heavy goods in boxes and bales. This is one of our oldest, most extensive and reliable firms, and one of the largest jobbing dry goods houses west of Chicago, and certainly bears quite a metropolitan appearance. This establishment is the most complete we have seen in a city the size of this and even much larger cities, and reflects credit upon its proprietors and the city of Keokuk. As we have said above, the present firm has been in existance about two years, and is composed of Mr. S. Irwin, C. E. Phillips and Capt. I. A. Sawyer. Mr. I. has been conspicuously connected with the house ever since it was established, He is a man of large business experience and has proven himself to be the right man in the right place, in the position he is filling and has filled for so many years. Mr. P. is a man of great business ability, activity and untiring energy, and spends most of his time in New York purchasing for the house. He has had large experience in this particular branch of the business and is well acquainted with most of the Eastern markets. This is of great advantage to the house as well as to their customers. Capt. Sawyer has been connected with the house for several years, and is well and favorably known in this vicinity as one of our shrewd business men. Country dealers and others, may save themselves time and money by purchasing at this house, as the same advantages are given in prices, discounts, &c., as St. Louis and even Chicago houses.
J. M. Ives & Co., Grocers.
One of the livliest and most energetic of Keokuk's retail grocers is J. M. Ives. This firm was established about one year ago, at 119 Main street, since which time it has been well and liberally patronized, people finding that by ordering at this store, the "order" is faithfully and punctually filled, while goods are of the best quality to be obtained. Mr. Ives manages the store personally, and is a young gentleman with rare business qualifications, and one who gains the confidence of his pat- rons by his affable and obliging manners. Goods are delivered to any part of the city free of charge. So drop into his store, 119 Main street, reader, and leave your order.
Geo. Hill & Co., Painters, &c.
In our editorial review should be mentioned the most prominent and best ornamental painting firm, therefore, we set ourselves to this duty
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and mention the above firm as being the leading one in the city, and this we say advisedly, for it is the universal expression of all for whom they have done work, that "their work cannot be excelled." Now an establishment of this kind is very important to a city like Keokuk, where taste and refinement stand out so prominent, and we are glad to know, and be able te record the fact, that Geo. Hill & Co., are so much appreciated that they are invariably engaged to do the best work in the city. The firm was established about 4 years ago, and consists of Geo. Hill and. H. H. Maquilken, two old and well known citizens of Keokuk. Recently they erected a very convenient business place, corner Blondeau and 4th street. It is a brick building, 20 by 60 feet, 2 stories high, all of which they occupy, where they keep on hand a full assortment of wall paper. paints, oils, glass, &c. As we have said they have done some of the finest "jobs" in the city, as an inspection of Odd Fellows' half, Connable's new building on Main street and Rice's building corner Main and 4th streets, will prove. It gives us great pleasure to refer to the most skilled of any class of business men, and in referring to Geo. Hill & Co., we refer to two of the most skilled painters in this city or vicinity, and two of the most honorable business men.
Peck Brothers, Wholesale and Retail Hardware.
We believe this is the oldest hardware business in Keokuk, having been established sometime about the year 1854, since which time C. K. Peck, Esq., has been connected with it. After undergoing several changes of firm name N. G. Peck, associated himself with his brother, which was about three years ago, the firm name becoming Peck Brothers. This is one of our solid and extensive hardware establishments, one which stands unrivaled in its advantages given and reliable dealing with the public. They are located southeast corner Main and 4th streets, and have a large and well stocked store, three stories high with a base- ment under the whole building, each story being packed with every variety of hardware, including carpenters' and mechanics' tools, agri- cultural implements, saws, &c. They are also agents for Fairbanks' unrivaled scales. The advantages offered by this house are the most liberal as is attested by their numerous patrons. The Peck Brothers are live and practical business men, ever aiming to give the best of goods at the lowest possible figures, and are gentlemen of integrity whose word may be fully relied on.
Kennedy & Co., Brewers of Cream and Stock Ale.
An establishment that should manufacture first rate cream and stock ale, is an institution that has long been needed in Keokuk, and we are pleased to be able to say that the above firm consisting of John M. Kennedy and Adolph Vockerodt, have established such a place on the D. V. R. R., near the Round House, and are now ready to supply all comers, provided, however, they are not overtaxed with orders, as they have only the capacity of manufacturing 21 barrels per week. Both gentlemen have had considerable experience in the manufacture of this
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article, and just know how to make such that must be appreciated by all who enjoy a good glass of ale. As this is the only place of the kind in the city, and its proprietors being reliable fellows, should command large patronage.
Kerr & Fuller, Wholesale Druggists.
This business was established 15 years ago, and has been in the hands of the present firm, consisting of David A. Kerr and G. S. Fuller, many years, with Dr. E. E. Fuller, a practical physician of long stand- ing in connection. The business of Kerr & Fuller is extensive, and the proprietors have gained a wide spread reputation, as practical drug- gists and as gentlemen who keep the best of goods, and sell the same at a small marginal profit. Their store is neat, clean and tastily arranged and presents an appearance which does credit to all concerned. These gentlemen take rank among our oldest and most respected citizens and business men, and have the confidence of all with whom they deal. Their store is 81 Main street. Drop in reader, and look at it and buy a bill of goods.
William Fulton, Insurance Agent.
In reviewing the various business men of the city, we believe there is none more deserving of being spoken of than Mr. Fulton, and still none more unpretending. His advent to our city dates back 14 years, since which time he has earned and maintained an irreproachable reputation, both as a citizen and business man. For years he practiced his pro- fession as an attorney and still holds his licence, but in 1864 he com- menced his present business, it having been established two years pre- viously, and has been conducted in a very successful and satisfactory manner ever since. It is one of the most extensive agencies in the West, representing 12 different companies, which take rank among the best and most responsible in the country, and we may add they are fortunate in securing the services of such a thoroughly educated under- writer. He has had large practical experience at the business, and knowing him as we do, we can without hesitation say, that he is com- petent to discharge the arduous duties of underwriting. Call at his office reader, over 82 Main street, and get insured at once.
Wilkinson, Bartlett & Co., Wholesale Druggists.
There is no firm in Keokuk which is more worthy of being noticed than that of Wilkinson, Bartlett & Co. It is located at 94 Main street, and is in high standing in this section of the country, the business hav- ing been in successful operation since 1856, always taking a foremost rank. The present firm was established in 1864, since which time the three partners have taken an active part, Mr. Bartlett and Mr. Kied- aisch being practical druggists of long experience. Their store is 20 by 100 feet, 3 stories and basement, and is filled with a selection of drugs and medicines, which are unsurpassed, as they inform us that they will deal in none but the best. This house is not only one of our most extensive
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but one of our most reliable and responsible ones, each partner having resided and done business in our midst many years, and have been well tried and not found wanting.
College of Physicians and Surgeons.
The medical college at Keokuk, known as the College of Physicians and Surgeons, ranks among the first medical institutions of our country. It was located in this city in 1850, and has been in successful operation * ever since. Its graduates are among the most prominent physicians of the West, and the school has done much to elevate the standard of the medical profession, both at home and abroad. The faculty consists of nine of the most prominent medical men of the state. The building 'is a model of beauty, and is not excelled by any similar institution East or West. It occupies a central position in the city, presenting a front of 90 feet on Blondeau street by 65 feet on Seventh street, and is four stories high ; has two fine lecture halls, each of which will accommodate 400 students. The amphitheatre is lighted from the dome, and the seats so arranged that every student may witness the most delicate operation in anatomy or surgery. The college museum is the finest in the state, and presents an attractive feature not only in connection with the medical school, but the city, and of which any citizen of Keokuk or the state should be proud. The annual sessions of the college open the first of November in each year, and continue in session four months, six lectures daily ; the cost to the student being less than at any other regular medical institute of the country. J. C. Hughes, M. D., prof. of Surgery and Dean of the faculty, has been associated with the insti- tution since its organization. He is one of the leading surgeons of the state, and his medical and surgical infirmary, and eye and ear institute connected with the college, adds largely to the clinical advantages of the institution. The infirmary is open for the reception of patients at all seasons, and is presided over by a competent steward and matron.
Godman & Brother, Pork and Beef Packers.
Messrs. Godman & Brother, are among the oldest and most reliable pork and beef packers in the west. Mr. T. J. Godman, senior member of the firm has been engaged in the business for thirty-five years, and from his large experience and close attention to all the details of that business, is thoroughly posted in every branch connected therewith. Their pork and beef packing establishment is one of the best arranged, most complete and convenient in the United States. It was built at a cost of from eighty to one hundred thousand dollars, and is finished with all modern improvements. The brand "Godman & Brother," stands unrivalled, and their " premium sugar cured hams" have a na- tional reputation. This firm is one which we desire particularly to re- commend, as its proprietors are among the most reliable and genial of our business men.
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J. W. Scroggs, Lumber Merchant.
The oldest lumber representative in Keokuk, is J. W. Scroggs, Esq., for he has been in the business in the city the past twenty-five years, and is one of the oldest and most experienced lumber men in the west. His office and yard in this city are located cor 5th and Concert streets, and we have no hesitation in saying that his yard is one of the neatest and best arranged in the Union-a place for everything and everything in its place. He carries about one million feet of lumber here besides lath, shingles, and sash, doors and blinds of the best manufacture. Also has a yard at Bonaparte, Van Buren county, where he keeps a large stock, besides other lumber on the river in this city. It is understood that he sells a great quantity of lumber, which is no doubt, owing to his prices being but a small advance over actual cost. Mr. Scroggs is one of our most enterprising business men, solid, responsible and reliable, a gen- tleman in whom the fullest confidence may be reposed. Such men as these are the ones which add permancy to our western cities and give them tone and character.
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 branch 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 repair- ing, it should commend itself still further to the liberal patronage of the public in this locality. S. S. Sample, S. Armitage and D. W. McElroy
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constitute the firm. and we are glad to be able to say, possess an aomunt of business experience and ability, sufficient to successfully prosecute this or any other business they might engage in.
H. Barter, Merchant Tailor.
When we call this gentleman merchant tailor, we mean all we say, for he is considered to be, not only by us, but by the general public, one of the best and most fashionable ones in Keokuk. He has had many years experience at the business, four in this city, a portion of which time he acted in the capacity of cutter, and has become widely known and patronized by the elite of the city. When he commenced business here, as most new beginners have, he had great opposition, but by good work, fair prices, honorable fair dealing and affable, gentlemanly manners, he has succeeded in building up a large, first-class trade. He keeps on hand a full line of the finest broadcloths, cassimeres, vestings, and gent's furnishing goods, and prices charged for all goods are reas- onable, considering their quality. He is also agent for the celebrated Weed sewing machine, of which he has sold a great number, to all of which purchasers the utmost satisfaction has been given. His store is 65 Main street, where those wishing the most stylish clothes made in a substantial manner, at fair prices, should call.
A. Miller, Boiler Maker.
Twenty two years at boiler making has made Mr. Miller efficient at the business, and the last six years of that time in business in this city, has made him famous as a practical man, out of whose shops are turned some of the best work ever produced in the west. He manufactures all kinds of boilers, lard coolers, window shutters, and does all kinds of sheet iron work, employing from 10 to 20 experienced workman. All work has Mr. Miller's personal supervision in its manufacture, also his inspection when finished before leaving the works, so that nothing is al- lowed to go from this shop unless of the most perfect nature. The fa- cilities he has are of the best order, and are ample to turn out the best of work in a short space of time. Persons having any work in Miller's line cannot do better than apply to him at once, who will promptly and faithfully perform said work, at prices too, which are not exhorbitant. His works are on the levee near Blondeau street.
F. Sievers, Fancy Goods, 144 Main street.
Attention is called to the advertisment of the above named gentleman, who opened his magnificent store at the above address some two years ago, with one of the most varied assortments of fancy goods, consisting of notions, toys, cutlery, walking canes, bird cages, baskets, baby carriages, silver and plated ware, musical boxes, and innumerable other things ever seen in this city. Mr. S. was in this business for many years in New York, before coming here, previous to which he was with one of the largest fancy goods houses in the latter city-hence it will 6-7
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