USA > Nebraska > Hamilton County > History of Hamilton and Clay counties, Nebraska, Vol. I > Part 85
USA > Nebraska > Clay County > History of Hamilton and Clay counties, Nebraska, Vol. I > Part 85
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 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93
In 1882-83 Prof. T. C. Canine, later a physician at Shickley, was principal. The schools of Edgar were presided over in 1884 by Alfred Bates, with Louie McKee, Frances Hart, Carrie E. Kirk, assistants, and Allie Carr. Up to this date the pupils had increased from twelve to one hundred and eighty, and the teachers from one to five. In August, 1885, Prof. M. Thrasher was elected principal. He at once introduced the high school course, which afterwards was scrupulously fol- lowed. He was a university graduate, of twenty years' experience in high schools, seminary and college.
The schools of Edgar owe a debt of gratitude to the memorable services of a few faithful citizens who have spent many years of faithful service upon mem- bership of the Board of Education. S. W. Christy, from 1890, down to 1912, some two decades, rendered regular faithful attendance. C. A. Voorhees was another member who served through the '90s and down to 1912 and rendered con- temporaneous service to that of Mr. Christy. A third term of service which started in the '90s and lasted until 1907 was that of J. H. Gardner. With three such steady veterans, there are but few changes to note in the first two decades of Edgar's educational history. Early in the decade of 1900 to 1910. E. E. Howard began service, H. C. Hart had served from 1898 and stayed on until 1914. During the '90s, S. J. McCue served six years and John Shaw, three years with Christy, Voorhees and Gardner. Between 1900 and 1905, Galt and E. G. King served short periods. Will Brookley, John Sugden and Galt began terms in 1905. So the Board in 1906 comprised the three veterans, Christy, Voorhees, Gardner and their slightly junior associate, H. C. Hart with Brookley and Sugden. In 1907, A. D. Cannon succeeded Gardner for a year and gave way in 1908 to Frank Carlson. In 1909, John W. Watson succeeded Brookley. In 1910 the Board was comprised of Voorhees, Christy, Hart, Sugden and W. E. Montgomery and J. S. Winston. J. F. Shaw, succeeding Sugden was the only new member in 1911, and 1912 saw two new arrivals, G. R. Woods vice Voorhees, and P. A. Caldwell, vice Christy. In 1913, Will Brookley succeeded Caldwell and returned to the Board, remaining
Vol. 1-49
764
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
until 1916. Mrs. Armstrong succeeded Montgomery in 1914 and S. J. McCue returned to the Board, vice Shaw. In 1915, Mrs. Breckenridge succeeded Hart. In 1916, Mrs. King and Will Gass came onto the Board. In 1917 the membership remained the same, Woods, Mrs. Breckenridge, Mrs. King, Winston, Gass and McCue. In 1918, Gass started a second term, with five new associates, Avery, Boomer, Hill, Adkins and Koher. The latter, one year later gave way to Brookley, and the Board in 1920 was Avery, Boomer, Koher, who returned a year later, Gass. Brookley and F. Voorhees.
BANKS
The first financial institution established at Edgar was a bank started by C. P. Packer and J. W. Kernohen. After running the institution about two years, it was sold out and removed to Fairfield, the original owners becoming interested in the Grand Island Banking Company, located in the city of Grand Island.
The Edgar Bank was established by J. B. Dinsmore, E. E. Howard, I. V. Howard and L. R. Grimes, as the firm of Dinsmore, Howard & Company, in Sep- tember, 1879. In 1880 Grimes retired from the institution, and in 1884 the Howard Brothers were sole proprietors and the capital was $40,000.
Clay County Bank was established in January, 1883, with H. W. Stout, C. A. Voorhees and G. W. Updike. Since January, 1886, Messrs. Stout and Voorhees have been proprietors.
The brick building in which the business of the bank was carried on, was built in December, 1882. In 1921, C. A. Voorhees is president, F. A. Voorhees cashier and C. S. Voorhees assistant cashier, with deposits of $310,000.
The State Bank of Edgar was organized September 23, 1889, with a capital of $25,000. The notice of incorporation was signed by Ezra E. Howard, G. W. Clawson, I. V. Howard and S. A. Walker. In the nineties I. V. Howard was still president ; G. W. Clawson, vice president; and E. E. Howard, cashier.
In 1910, H. C. Hart was president ; Grace L. Walker, vice president; and Butler Hart, cashier, with $170,000 deposits. W. II. Banwell became cashier a few years later.
In 1921, A. H. Warren is president; E. W. Clack, cashier; W. W. Clack and L. Strawser, vice presidents; Glen Martin, assistant cashier. Deposits, $300,000.
CHURCHES
The Methodist Class of Edgar was organized with nine members by Rev. F. E. Penny, in September, 1873, within the section house or the farm house of J. G. Graham. Early in 1874 the depot was used for worship. In the fall of that year services were held in the schoolhouse, which they helped the Presbyterians to build. and later still erected their own hall for worship. Rev. C. A. Lewis was pastor in 1884. J. R. Woodcock came in the fall of 1885. In January, 1886, a debt of $750.00 was paid off. The Methodist Episcopal Church at Edgar was dedicated in March, 1880, by C. B. Lenfest.
The Catholic congregation assembled here first in 1872, and for a few years was in active existence. The membership, however, was small.
The English Protestant Episcopal Church dates back to December, 1886, when
765
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
a few ladies organized St. Mary's Guild. In June, 1887, a society of twelve mem- bers was formed by Bishop Worthington, and soon steps were taken to erect a house of worship. On April 1, 1888, services were held in the new building by Rev. A. F. Whitten, and on April 22d the Bishop presided at the dedication services.
The Baptist Church was originally organized by Rev. J. W. Eller, June 27, 1874, within a schoolhouse. After a term of three months the organization ceased to be effective and it was not revived until January 28, 1877, when Rev. J. N. Webb organized a society of thirteen charter members: M. J. Hull and wife, Jesse Dalton and wife, G. A. Hull and wife, Marion Hart and wife, Rev. W. S. Higgins and wife, Cyrus Stayner, his mother Jane Stayner and sister Sarah Jane Stayner. Rev. W. S. Higgins was chosen first pastor, who continued to preach here until the beginning of 1878, when Rev. J. W. Carson succeeded him. In 1881 Rev. W. H. Wilson succeeded him, and in October of that year the work of church building was entered upon, the building commissioners being William Saxton, M. J. Hull, C. H. Warren, Marion Hart and W. P. Fulton.
The Presbyterian society was organized July 18, 1875, by Messrs. Nelson Rob- inson, J. H. Reynard and A. M. Dixon within the old school building. In Feb- ruary of that year, however, Mr. Robinson preached here. Mr. Dixon, the first preacher, was succeeded the same year by Rev. Ed Middleton. Early in 1877 the churchhouse was completed at a cost of $2,600 by Contractor Kidd. In July, 1881, Mr. A. B. Byram was called as pastor, and entered on his duties. The orig- inal members were James H. Hazlett, Mary Hazlett, Andrew J. Long, Elizabeth Long, Samuel F. Pomeroy, Mary E. Prosser, Rebecca Howard and Mrs. Crossman. S. F. Pomeroy and J. H. Hazlett were chosen ruling elders. The house which they completed in January, 1877, was the first Presbyterian building in Nebraska west of the east line of the county. The house was remodeled in the fall of 1882 at an expense of $500, and an organ introduced.
The Christian Church of Edgar was formally commenced April 12th, and organized May 10. 1885, by Professor Hemry with twenty-four members, and the church building was dedicated September 19th, the next year. Mr. W. R. Fuller states that the original members were S. B. Montgomery, Mrs. S. B. Montgomery, Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wales, Mr. and Mrs. Luther Wales, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson Eller, Mr. and Mrs. John Dobson, Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Harris, Mrs. Mary Bishop, Frank A. Cook, Cliff Cook, Joseph Sigman and Jasper Taylor.
The pastors, in order of service, are named as follows: C. W. Hemry, A. M. Chamberlain, O. (. Hubbell and H. I. Bryant.
The Methodist, Presbyterian and Christian Churches have been the really active organizations in recent years in Edgar, the Episcopal having long since dropped out and the Baptists disorganized.
LODGES
Edgar Lodge No. 67. A. F. & A. M., was created February 27, 1877, and chart- ered June 20th. The first meetings were held in Harvison's Hall, and the officers elected were: M. J. Hull, worshipful master; E. E. Howard, senior warden; C. II. Kittridge, junior warden; J. G. Glazier, treasurer; S. J. Whitten, secretary. The organization under a charter was cffected Angust 4, 1877, by George Lininger,
766
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
grand master, the order numbering twenty-seven charter members. By 1882 the lodge increased to forty-seven members. Meetings were held in Whitten's Hall under the following officers that year: S. J. Whitten, worshipful master; G. M. Mordock, senior warden; S. A. Searle, junior warden; C. H. Treat, secretary ; J. G. Glazier, treasurer ; O. B. Canfield, senior deacon; Henry Dalton, junior deacon ; P. G. Hayes, tyler. G. M. Mordock was master in 1884-85; J. G. Prosser, 1885, with S. J. Whitten, secretary; S. J. Whitten in 1887, with J. J. Walley; W. R. Fuller in 1888-89, with C. H. Treat, secretary.
List of members who have served as master: Past Masters Wm. J. Brecken- ridge, H. L. Shields, Howard Musick, Butler Hart, G. R. Woods, John Sugden, J. G. Walley, Jacob Speer, W. E. Montgomery, J. C. Gardner, C. A. Voorhees, S. J. Whitten, S. W. Christy, G. M. Mordock, W. R. Fuller, J. L. Ward. John C. Schernikan, master now.
List of members who have served as secretary: Past Secretary F. A. Voor- hees, Byron Vaughan, J. J. Walley, Geo. C. Graham, M. J. Hull, C. H. Treat. Wm. J. Breckenridge, secretary now.
CHARTER MEMBERS AND OFFICERS OF EDGAR CHAPTER NO. 22, ROYAL ARCH MASONS
Milton J. Hull, one time Master of Grand Lodge of State of Nebraska.
Smith T. Caldwell.
Samuel Johnston.
George W. Bearnes.
John G. Glazier.
Robert Hollingsworth.
Ezra E. Howard.
Joseph R. Kidd.
David W. Montgomery. George M. Mordock.
J. Pratt Nelson. John G. Prosser.
Jacob Ritterbush. William A. Scott.
Sylvester A. Searle. Joseph Van Valin. Samuel J. Whitten.
PAST HIGH PRIESTS
Milton J. Hull, 1881 to 1884 and 1886 to 1888. Ezra E. Howard, 1884 to 1885 and 1896 to 1898. O. B. Canfield, 1885 to 1886 and 1890 to 1891.
John G. Prosser, 1888 to 1889 and 1891 to 1892. S. W. Christy, 1892 to 1894 and 1898 to 1909.
S. J. Whitten, 1894 to 1896.
W. E. Montgomery, 1909 to 1914.
J. G. Walley, 1914 to 1918 and 1920 to 1921. Carl C. Cartney, 1918 to 1920. Edward S. Bottom, present high priest. S. D. Christy, Grand Chapter officer.
SECRETARIES
HI. Dalton.
S. J. Whitten.
C. A. Voorhees. O. B. Canfield. Theo. Hoeger.
J. W. Boden. F. M. Ferree. C. P. Avery. C. C. Stout, present secretary.
767
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
Edgar Lodge No. 80, I. O. O. F., started in March, 1880, and has been active ever since. Edgar Lodge No. 51, A. O. U. W., was organized July 13, 1885, and has not been so very active of recent years. A Modern Woodmen camp was insti- tuted in 1888 and has stayed alive to date. An active American Legion was formed in 1919. Order Eastern Star, Rebekahs and Degree of Honor have flourished.
A REVIEW OF EDGAR IN 1914
A review of Edgar written in 1914, while presenting the merits of a town of a thousand people in a slightly different manner than that used in narrating the story of the other Clay County towns, will serve as a portrayal of the possibilities and characteristics of this class of towns.
Edgar is one of those cities that is not over pompous, but one that has a little more than held its own through adverse, reverse and prosperous times. There has been steady advancement all along the line and the present Edgar is well founded, substantial and steady.
History tells us, though the historian is a matter of speculation, that Edgar had 200 inhabitants in 1888 and industries which now exist only in the memories of the oldest inhabitant. That we no longer have these industries is not due to retrogression but to elimination. Vacuum cleaners and floor brushes have made the manufacture of brooms unprofitable; hand cream separators did away with the local creameries; old maids have always been so scarce in Clay County that the demand for pickles was not great. Hence these three industries were unnecessary and were absorbed. The proprietor of the spring mattress factory probably got rich and went East to enjoy (spend) his millions. The canning factory is still a promising asset.
A more beautiful city than Edgar, especially in the summer time, would be hard to find. The whole city is a park, for every street is lined on both sides with large, heavy foliage trees. Lovers Lane, Spoon Avenue, Sweetheart's Prom- enade, Affinities Meet, Restful Boulevard and Pleasant Paradise, streets which were especially attractive to lovers, have lost their individuality and are no longer crowded, not because lovers are more scarce but because there are dozens just as attractive. Two beautiful parks lend attractiveness to the city. Central Park is a splendid place to rest and chat after a long promenade or while waiting for a belated train on the railroad, as it is conveniently located between the two depots.
Socially our citizens are the best in the world, refined ladies and gentlemen, hospitable and generous. There are no casts in Edgar. Any family which demon- strates its respectibility and worthiness, though poor, is accepted in the best of society.
Taking the foregoing into consideration, the family seeking to retire from active life, either farming or mercantile business, could hardly find a place which would give more pleasure and satisfaction.
The city itself is independent, its business ventures are safe. Its well-appor- tioned electric light and waterworks systems are a little more than self-supporting. The city council has been able, with the usual levy, to not only conduct the busi- ness of the city, but create a sinking fund which has enabled it to lessen the bonded indebtedness.
268
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
OUR PUBLIC SCHOOL
In 1878 Edgar School District No. 12 had one building with one room which overflowed and a small room had to be rented of Lary Hendricks and the little folks sent there. In 1879 the need was so apparent that a five-room two-story frame building was put up and a large bell installed-the same bell, by the way. that now calls the students together; and a good one, too. About ten years later the portion of the district south of the Burlington tracks, asked for a two-room building on their side for the protection of their children. As the enrollment was over 400 at that time, a new building was needed and the south side got it. Two big rooms were added to the main building about this time, giving the dis- trict eleven good sized rooms. This proved inadequate and in 1904 (?) the present building was erected and stands a credit to the district and to the board that con- ceived it and to the contractor who built it.
Edgar District is one of the accredited schools in the State which gives suf- ficient education to its scholars who complete the course, to enable them to enter the State University as freshmen in the classical course without conditions. We have a corps of teachers who have been weighed in the balance and found not wanting. Fathers and mothers who are now enthusiastic citizens came here first to take advantage of our excellent schools and later bought property and made Edgar their permanent home. Where could one find a more ideal place to bring up a family of children? Good building, properly ventilated, evenly heated and well lighted, well equipped physical and chemical laboratories and an excellent corps of teachers. Nothing better.
THE CANNERY
The canning factory, which is to be operated on a larger scale than ever, gives employment to a good many people-men, women and children-during the season, besides making a good market for the year's crop of sweet corn. Mr. Montgomery, the present owner, is himself a processor of experience and will, no doubt, be able to develop a good business for this locality.
OUR TRANSPORTATION
The two railroads transact a large business in this locality, bringing in large consignments of freight and taking out a good deal, besides carloads of stock and grain. The pay rolls bring a nice amount of money into Edgar each month, almost all of which is spent here. The St. J. & G. I. R. R. hands out pay envel- opes to about $300 each month to its employes, agent, helper, section foreman and section hands, when these last are necessary, and often there are other men here doing some repair work.
The Burlington Railroad, being the terminal of three branches, has at least three gangs here all the time, roadmen, and as many have their homes, property that they own themselves, and their families here. These, with the agent, operator and assistant, road superintendent, section foreman and section men, yard men, mail carrier, etc., will bring the Burlington pay roll up to $2,500 or perhaps more.
769
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
MUNICIPAL ENTERPRISES
The city owns its electric light plant and waterworks system. These business enterprises were not gone into by the city for money making, but for the benefit and accommodation of the taxpayers. Of course all of the taxpayers could not be supplied at first, as to install a system that would reach every home in Edgar would have cost more than the city could have bonded for, but it is spreading out as fast as possible, and in a short time its pipes and wires will reach to every street in the corporation. Already anyone can get electrical current and we will soon be able to say the same of the water. We are told by men who have been over the state that Edgar has the best water and light service of any city of its size in the state, and when we consider the good judgment and common sense that has developed it we do not see how it could be otherwise. Tell all your friends outside of Edgar that if they are thinking of building them a home in which they can have and enjoy at nominal cost all the conveniences of a large eity, they would do well to take a look at Edgar. Any city or town is better off for its new citizens if they are up to the mark.
THE REAL BOOSTER
Edgar has an organization that has proven to be a genuine booster for Edgar and vicinity. We call it the Commercial Club, though it is really not commercial in any sense. True, it was organized by the commercial interests of the town but its membership roll book is as freely opened to receive the name of a farmer as that of a merchant and his vote will count for just as much.
EDGAR COMMERCIAL INSTITUTIONS
The business industries of Edgar in 1900 were: Avery Brothers, groceries ; Bures Brothers, groceries; M. W. Blair; Fullers, shoes and clothing; Gardner & Dawson, general; Ralph C. Saxton, clothing; F. M. Thompson, hardware; King & Hoerger; Bailer & Company, hardware; Brown & Ferree, dry goods and shoes : W. H. Graham, hotel; Fred Evans, jeweler: Elkhorn Meat Market ; A. Sprecht; W. L. Osborn, shoes; Mrs. R. II. Defibaugh, millinery; Weigel & Sons, furniture; Joe Hale, livery ; A. Magnusen, tailor; W. W. Ackley, barber shop; S. V. Bray, barber shop: Pioneer Lumber Yards, Frees & Montgomery. lumber; F. L. Young Lumber Company ; Lindstrom's Studio ; City Roller Mills.
Other business industries of Edgar in 1901 and 1902 were: Ralph C. Saxton, clothing ; Hawley-Taylor, dry goods; King & Hoerger, groceries; M. P. Dawson, drug store; Weigel & Sons, furniture; S. T. Pomeroy, furniture; S. J. Whitten, Imber yards at Friend, Blue Ilill, Pauline and Edgar.
Very few of Edgar's institutions for retail business in 1920 trace their history back to the stores of twenty or thirty years ago. The oldest store is the Walley & Hart store, lineal successor of Ferree Brothers & Walley.
In the Spring of 1873, the foundation of the present mercantile business of Ferree Brothers & Walley was established by James Il. Brown and Smith T. Caldwell under the firm name of S. T. Caklwell & Co., Mr. Caldwell moving
720
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
here and assuming the management of the business, Mr. Brown not coming until the Spring of 1874.
Their stock consisted of dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes, groceries and farm implements. At this time their territory extended into Kansas, eustomers coming here from as far as Jewell, Kansas, to trade, drawing up one day and returning the next.
In 1879 Mr. Brown purchased the interests of Mr. Caldwell and continued the business under the firm name of J. H. Brown until his death in November, 1893. In 1885 a new briek building was ereeted by Mr. Brown and he sold his grocery stock to George H. Murdock and carried only dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes and men's furnishings. In July, 1894, his widow, Mrs. M. J. Brown, C. M. Ferree and F. M. Ferree purchased the stock from the estate under the firm name of Brown & Ferree Brothers.
This partnership was continued until the year 1905, when J. G. Walley pur- chased Mrs. Brown's interest in the business and the firm name was changed to Ferree Brothers & Walley, which partnership continued. The members of this firm are old residents of the neighborhood, Mr. Walley having resided here all his life and Mr. Ferree moving here with his parents in 1879.
C. M. Ferree started his mercantile career as a clerk for William Saxton. In 1886 he entered the employ of Mr. Brown, working in the present location ever since with the exception of five years, when he managed a branch store at Oak, Nebraska, for Mr. Brown.
F. M. Ferree was employed in 1886 by Charles E. Green, continuing in that capacity until Mr. Green moved his stock to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1893, when he entered the employ of Mr. Brown.
Mr. Walley was employed as a elerk by the firm of Brown & Ferree Brothers in 1897.
F. M. Thompson & Co., hardware, has been going for about twenty years or so. The Boomer Implement Store, which has considerably expanded beyond its original scope of a well shop of Boomer & Cline, or an implement store, has been going almost fifteen years. Stores that have been running a decade or less are Adkins, grocery ; W. L. Hochritner, groceries; J. J. Cassell, hardware; Will Brookley, drugs; Walter Ebert, successor to the A. Specht, Elkhorn Meat Market, of a service of a quarter century or so; James McGhie, furniture, succeeding the George M. Clack and George Walrath stocks of former years; Chicago Lumber Company, succeeding S. B. & W. E. Montgomery, who succeeded the original F. L. Young lumber yard.
Portwood Brothers, who thrived six or seven years ago, are out, as are Daily- Miles Co .; Edward P. King, grocery; Lloyd D. Fisk, clothing stock; Red Cross Pharmacy.
CHAPTER X CLAY CENTER
CLAY CENTER-CITY GOVERNMENT-SCHOOLS-SKETCH BY GEO. A. ALLEN- STORES-BANKS-BIG SUCCESSES LITTLE PLACES-INCUBATOR FACTORY- BUILDING THE NEW COURTHOUSE.
CLAY CENTER
The claims of the geographical center of Clay County, from the time the county was organized in 1871 to 1879, were kept before the people, and the spectre of that piece of wild prairie often filled the enterprising citizens of Sutton with alarm. After some years this spectre materialized and won from the wisdom or majority of the people all that it asked. As related in the transactions of the commissioners and in the political chapter, the people of Sutton considered that the victory was against the law and the profits (not prophets), but a second election declared Clay Center entitled to both.
Clay Center was surveyed in the summer of 1879, by O. P. Alexander, acting as trustee for the Town Site Company, composed of R. G. Brown of Sutton; E. P. Church, of Harvard; R. Bayly and O. P. Alexander, of Fairfield, and is located at the exact center of the county. The land was purchased from the Bur- lington & Missouri River Railroad Company, and laid off into six hundred lots. The first building erected on the site was a large one-story frame, belonging to W. D. Young, and used by the county for a court house, and was built in May, 1879. The next building was a restaurant belonging to J. N. Mills, erected in June, 1879, and in July the postoffice was brought from Marshall, about two miles east, and established at the center, and was kept by Mrs. Sophia Cruickshank, in a small house, the front part of which is used as a postoffice and the back part as a resi- dence. About the first of the next year G. E. Birge and L. D. Fowler built an abstract and loan office, in which business they were still engaged, in 1890, having the only set of abstract books in the county. The firm also carried on a banking business.
In August, 1881, a new firm was formed and incorporated, succeeding that of Birge & Fowler, known as the Clay County Abstract and Loan Company, and hav- ing a capital stock paid up of $15,000. The company is composed of G. H. Cowles, president ; L. D. Fowler, vice president, and G. E. Birge, manager.
In January, 1881, W. D. Young built a carpenter shop, which was occupied June 1, by Mrs. E. C. Tout, and in which she kept a general store, continuing in the business until December, and was succeeded by D. Leitch, who kept a general store in the same room, in which also Mrs. A. L. Strong kept a stock of millinery goods. G. S. and J. C. Ward, before the town started, had opened a blacksmith shop just outside of where it was laid off, and in January, 1880, they moved their
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.