Books of Historical Interest-History of Western Iowa-1882-Discovery and Occupation

bar

HISTORY OF IOWA.


-538-

SAC COUNTY BIOGRAPHIES

SAC CITY

William Allen was born in Richmond, Va., in 1822; moved to McHenry county, Ill., in 1844, and engaged in blacksmithing. He went to California in 1849, and remained seventeen years. Three years of the time he was engaged in mining, and the remainder on a ranch. The steamboat landing in Tehama county, Cal., on the Sacramento river, known as Allen's Landing, was named after Mr. A., for the reason of his owing the land a large wood-yard there. In 1868 he sold out and moved to Chicago, Ill., and engaged in business; removed to Fort Dodge, Ia., and was engaged in the mercantile business there for three years; then came to Sac City, and engaged in the same business, which he sold to George Parker in 1876. He owns considerable country and town property, and has retired from active business.

Thomas Alexander, farmer, was born in Coshocton county, O., in 1827; moved to Sac county, Ia., in 1861, and purchased land one mile north of Sac City. He has one of the finest farms in the county. He owns 314 acres of well improved land, a fine bearing orchard of about three acres, and fifty acres of good timber.

E.F. Baxter, station agent and conductor, was born at Sidney Plain, N.Y., in 1833; moved to Rockford, Ill., in 1851 and engaged in mercantile business. In 1861 he moved to Wheatland, Ia.; thence to Marshalltown, in 1874, and in September, 1879, came to Sac City and took charge of the depot. He makes two trips a day as conductor, and during his absence the depot is charge of Frank L. Stayner, operator. Mr. Baxter is agent for the American express company.

A.T. Benton, M.D., was born in Johnson county, Indiana, in 1847; moved to Dallas county, Iowa, in 1852. He attended the Adel High School several years; entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Keokuk in 1867 and graduated in 1869. He then engaged in practice at Adel, where he remained until July, 1871, then came to Sac City. Office at his residence, on the south side of public square.

Hon. Eugene Cris, farmer, stock-raiser, and proprietor of the City Mills, was born in Preston county, West Virginia, in 1822; removed to Davis county, Illinois, in 1840; thence to Sac county, Iowa, in 1854, locating on Coon river, where the present town of Sac City was shortly afterwards platted by Wagner Bros., Evans and himself. Mr. Criss built the first dwelling house in the town, which at that early day was considered a fine structure. The lumber for frames and the doors and windows was hauled from Dubuque, with ox teams, and

Stars button
-539-

this was for several years a tavern and stopping place for freighters and travelers. He began the erection of the City Saw Mills in 1866, which were not completed until eight years after, and during that time cut a race twenty-eight feet deep and two hundred feet in length, which gave a fall of nine feet. In 1872 he built the flouring mill, which is a three-story building and fitted with the best machinery. He owns one thousand acres of land adjoining town, and feeds about six car-loads of cattle every winter. He owns an elevator and deals in grain in partnership with Mr. Hanger, who has charge of the business. Mr. Criss was county judge for several years and representative in the State legislature.

Childs Brothers, dealers in dry goods, groceries, hats, caps and furnishing goods, came from Fort dodge, Ia., where hey had been engaged in business for ten years, and established their present business in Nov., 1879, in Bank block. They carry a large and complete stock.

J.L. Criss, merchant, was born in Wis., in 1846; came with parents to Sac City, Ia., in 1856. He engaged in business at Grant City, remained one year, then moved to this city. He has a fine store, and carries a full stock of dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, etc. He employs three clerks and does an extensive business. He has a branch store at Early, Ia., which is managed by F. Rhodes.

Levi Davis, cashier of the Sac county bank, was born at Newcastle, Ind., in 1841; moved with parents to Solon, Ia., in September, 1855. He received a diploma from the State Normal School, of Iowa City, and in August of the same year moved to Sac City, where he taught school two years. He went to Marshalltown in 1865 and was principal of the schools there for a year, then was elected county superintendent of schools, which office he held two years in Marshall county. He came back to Sac City and taught in the city schools for two years; was elected clerk of the courts in 1870 and county recorder in 1872. He was admitted to the practice of law in 1870, at a session of the Sioux Rapids district court, Judge H. Ford presiding. He went to California in 1874 and was for one year principal of the schools of Martinez; returned to Sac county and became cashier of the Sac County Bank, of which he is one of the stockholders.

R.H. Derby, carpenter, contractor and cabinet maker, was born in Wyoming county, N.Y., in 1853, where he remained until 1873, then moved with his father to Sac City, Iowa, where they engaged in mercantile business. They sold business and together engaged in present business.

Hon. Ed. R. Duffie is a native of Copenhagen, Lewis county, New York, where he resided until he had come to years of manhood, and where he began the study of law. In 1866 Mr. Duffie was sent as agent for a citizen of New York to the State of Texas.

Stars button
-540-

His mission was to establish the validity of the grant of certain lands from the Republic of Texas to the aforesaid citizen of New York. Mr. Duffie left Texas and went to St. Louis, where he sought employment through an educational agency, and was offered and accepted the principalship of the public school at Andrew, Jackson county, Iowa. He came to Sac County in 1866, and engaged in teaching. In the spring of 1867 he was admitted to the bar. In the spring of 1868 he formed a partnership with Hon. D.C. Early, and henceforth devoted himself to the practice of his profession. In 1869 he was elected County Treasurer of Sac County, and in the fall of 1872 was elected Representative in the General Assembly. Mr. Duffie, in 1875, accepted the Republican nomination for District Judge, and was elected in the fall. Was married in 1867, at Maquoketa, Jackson county, Iowa.

Hon. D. Carr Early, president of the Sac County Bank, was born in Ohio, in 1830; removed to Sac City, Ia. in 1856, where at that time there was but one building besides a log school house. He pre-empted land on which he lived a short time to secure it. He was elected deputy treasurer and recorder in 1857, and was re-elected the three subsequent elections. He was afterwards elected county judge, holding the office one term, the office then being dispensed with. He established a real estate business when first coming to the county, and did a general banking business several years previous to connection with present bank. He still does a land, loan and insurance business in connection with banking. The bank was incorporated in 1876.

S.M. Elwood, of the firm of Davis & Elwood, a attorneys at law, was born in Greensburg, Pa., in Sept., 1850; moved with parents to Grinnell, Ia., where he attended the Iowa College. He graduated from the Iowa City law school in the class of '73. He moved to Sac City in autumn of 1875, and engaged in practice with Capt. Stanfield, now of Odebolt. He formed his present partnership in 1877. He attends strictly to trial business, and is considered one of the most successful attorneys in the county. Mr. Davis attends to the land, loan and insurance business of the firm.

N.B. Flack, recorder of Sac county, was born in N.Y. in 1841. He enlisted Sept. 2d, 1862, at Lisbon, in the 142nd N.Y. Vol.; was at the battle of Fort Fisher, and was subsequently wounded in the leg. He was discharged June 16, 1865, and returned to N.Y. In Oct., 1866, he moved to Scott City, Mo., and engaged in milling; remained four years, then returned to N.Y. He then came to Sac county, Ia., and purchased land which he improved and still owns. In May, 1870, he came to Sac City and was employed by Platt & Criss as book-keeper. He was elected recorder in the fall of 1874, to fill a vacancy, and for the full term at the next election on the republican ticket. He has been re-elected each term since.

Stars button
-541-

John M. Fox, hardware dealer, was born in France in 1836; came to America in 1850. He learned the tinners' trade in N.Y. city, and in 1862 moved to Waterloo, Ia.; thence to Winona, Minn., where he worked at his trade two years, and after visiting N.Y., located at Waverly, Ia., remaining there eight years. He came to Sac City in 1874 and engaged in his present business. He carries a large and complete stock of hardware and tinware. He is assisted in his business by his sons, John and George.,/p>

E.F. Gifford, barber, was born in Erie county, Pa., in 1854; came to Ia. in 1871, and located at Independence. He removed to Carroll, and in July, 1872, came to Sac City and engaged in present business. He owns the building, of which he occupies one-half of the lower floor for a barber shop, renting the other half for confectionery store. The upper story is fitted for photograph gallery. Mr. Gifford employs a first-class barber and runs two chairs.

H.C. Graff, of the firm of Graff Bros. & Whipple, came to Sac City in 1880 from Emerson, Mills county, Ia., where he was engaged in the hardware business three years. In partnership with D.W. Graff and A.A. Whipple, he purchased the stock and business of Terwilleger Bros., and engaged in his present business. The business is conducted by H.C. Graff. They carry a full stock of hardware, tin and shelfware, stoves, etc., making specialties of builder's hardware and barb wire. They are special agents for the Glidden barbed wire, and also for Charter Oaks stoves. They employ two tinners.

Charles D. Goldsmith, attorney at law, was born in Middletown, Orange county, N.Y., in 1841; moved to Webster City, Ia., in 1869, and there finished the study of law, with Jacob Skinner, and was admitted to practice the same year. In 1873 he moved to Newell, Buena Vista county, where he practiced for seven years. He moved to Sac City in 1880, and opened an office in the Commercial Bank building. He attends strictly to trial business.

P.H. Hankins and J.Y. Campfield, of the firm of P.H. Hankins & Co., dealers in lumber, coal, lime and agricultural implements,

Stars button
-542-

established business in 1879. Their office and yards are on the west side of the railroad track, near the depot. They are agents for the Grand Detour goods, McCormick and Champion reapers and other leading manufactures.

A.H. Hendrickson, proprietor of the Hendrickson House, was born in Oswego county, N.Y., in Jan., 1836; moved to McHenry county, Ill., in 1856, was engaged in the hotel business two years, then in the stock business until 1868; then moved to Sac City, engaged in mercantile business for two years; then engaged in hotel business for a time, after which he farmed for two years. In Feb., 1875, he purchased the hotel which he now owns. He enlarged the building in 1881 making it the largest hotel in the city.

Hon. W.H. Hobbs, banker and insurance and real estate agent, was born in New York City in 1837; moved with parents to New Orleans; thence in 1852 to La Fayette county, Wis., where he was employed by Judge Criss, as clerk. He moved to Sac City, Ia., in 1855, and pre-empted 160 acres of land and engaged in farming. In 1858 he was elected clerk of the courts, which office he held two terms. He was elected auditor in 1866, which office he held until 1871; then was elected county treasurer and held office for three terms. He engaged in real estate business in 1873, with D.C. Early, and in 1875, in partnership with Early & Davis, established the Sac County bank. He takes charge of the land and insurance business of the firm. He has a very fine residence in the city and owns a half section of farm land three miles north of town, and other city and country property.

D. Herrold and S.F. Lusher, of the firm of D. Herrold & Co., deal in groceries, queensware, provisions, etc. Their place of business is on the corner of Main street and public square. The business was established in 1875 by Mr. Lusher and the present firm has existed since Nov., 1881. They do an extensive business and intend extending their premises the coming season.

Louis Hunefield, proprietor of blacksmith and plow works, was born n the province of Lippe Detmold, Germany, in 1829; came to the U.S. in 1849, and located at St. Louis, Mo., where he worked at his trade one and one-half years, then moved to Dodge county, Wis., where he worked at his trade nearly twenty-two years. He came to Sac county in 1872, and engaged in farming for a year and a half; then sold part of his farm; retaining eighty

Stars button
-543-

acres, and moved to Sac City. He was in the employ of Mr. Fishman for about eight years, then purchased the business. He employs three men and does a large business.

Joseph H. James, harness dealer, was born in Iowa county, Wis., in 1856, learned his trade at Mineral Point, and in Feb., 1877, moved to Webster City, Ia. In June, 1879, he came to Sac City and purchased the business and stock of Lewis Vanderworker; has since purchased building and lot. He employs three men and carries a full stock of harness, saddles, robes, blankets, whips, etc. In the spring of 1880 he established a branch shop at Newell, Buena Vista county, which is the only one at that place.

Jones & Baxter, proprietors of the City livery, feed and sale barn, established business in 1878. They own and occupy the barn on the corner of Fifth and River Sts. Have stalls for forty-five horses, keep twenty horses and twelve buggies and carriages for livery purposes. The is the only livery barn in the city.

John Kessler, wagon maker, came to Sac City, Ia., from Kenosha, Wis., in 1872 and established his present business. He occupies a shop on the south side of the public square; manufactures wagons and buggies and does a general repair business.

F.H. Knights, of the firm of George Knights & Co., dealers in boots, shoes, hats, caps, gloves, mittens and rubber goods, came to Sac City in Sept., 1881, from Dubuque, Ia., where he had been engaged in the jewelry business for three years, and established his present business in partnership with his father, George Knights. They have the county agency for the Crown sewing machine.

R.H. Lamoreux, postmaster and druggist, was born in Orange county, N.Y., in 1839; moved to Wausau, Wis., and engaged in the lumber business. He moved to Sac City, Ia., in 1868 and engaged in the grocery business, which he conducted for nine months, then purchased a farm and for four years engaged in farming. In the winter of 1872 he engaged in clerking in the drug store of Eli Camp, and also took charge of the postoffice under J.E. Armstrong. He purchased the drug business and stock in the spring of 1875 and the following spring was commissioned postmaster. His drug store, which is elegantly fitted, contains a full line of drugs, stationery, books, paints, oils, toilet and fancy articles, etc. He is assisted by F.B. Knight, deputy postmaster, and is also registered pharmacist.

Chas. E. Lane, clerk of the courts, was born in St. Lawrence county, N.Y., in 1874 [?1844]; moved with parents to St. Catherines, Canada West, in 1846; thence to Dyersville, Dubuque county, Ia., in 1856. He moved to Sac county in 1873; bought land and engaged in farming in Eden township until the autumn of 1878, at which time he was elected to his present office, on the republican ticket. He was re-elected in 1880.

Stars button
-544-

A.B. Mason, attorney at law, was born in Tama county, Ia., in 1857. He attended the Toledo High School for several years and afterwards the Iowa College of Law, Des Moines, from which he graduated in 1880. He came to Sac City the same year and opened a law office in Sac county bank block, on second floor, also does a land, loan and insurance business.

James N. Miller, editor and proprietor of the Sac Sun, is a native of Pa., and was for several years editor of the Republican, published at Waynesburg. In 1870 he came to Iowa and located at Eldora, Hardin county, remained only a short time, then came to Sac City, and established the Sac Sun, which has grown to importance and is the official paper of the county. In 1878 He built the new office, which he now occupies. The paper is an eight-column folio, and has a circulation of eight hundred. Mr. Miller is prepared to do first-class job work of all kinds.

H.T. Martin, county superintendent of schools, was born in Putnam county, Ind., in 1839; moved with parents to Boone county, Ia., in 1853. He returned to Ind. in 1855, and attended the Cloverdale Seminary for two years; spent the following winter in Mo., and in 1858 returned to Boone county, Ia. He engaged in teaching school, and for twelve years taught in that county. He then entered the employ of the railroad company and was agent at Ontario, Story county, for eight years, and for four years at Odebolt, Sac county, where, in partnership with Mr. Bennett, the present editor, he established the Odebolt Observer. He was also engaged in the restaurant business ten months. In the fall of 1881 he was elected county superintendent, on the independent ticket.

George M. Parker, merchant, was born in Hartford, Ill, in 1847; moved with parents to Manchester, Ia., in 1851; thence to Delhi, where he received his education. He traveled for wholesale houses of Chicago and Dubuque for six years. In 1872 he engaged in business at Earlville, Ia., and two years later came to Sac City and established his present business. The store is in the Bank block. In 1881 he commenced the erection of a creamery, which is fitted with a ten-horse power engine, and will have a capacity of from 2,500 to 3,000 lbs. per day. This is the only creamery in the county; it will employ from fifteen to twenty teams, and from twenty to thirty men. Mr. P. has for two years previous conducted the business on a smaller scale.

A.D. Peck, county auditor, was born in Onondaga county, N.Y., in 1846. He graduated from the Syracuse High School in 1872 and the same year moved to Cedar Rapids, Ia. He came to Sac county in the spring of 1873 purchased land and engaged in farming until the autumn of 1877, when he was elected auditor and was re-elected in 1879 and 1881.

Stars button
-545-

Asa Platt, stock dealer and farmer, was born in Middlesex county, Conn., in 1830; moved with parents to Chautauqua county, N.Y., in 1839; thence in 1848 to Erie county, Penn., and engaged in the lumber business. In 1856 he moved to Sac City, Ia., which had just been laid out and contained only two log cabins. He pre-empted land near town, one hundred acres of which he laid out in town lots, and nearly all of which he has since sold. He engaged in mercantile business in 1864, which he continued for twelve years. In 1874 he erected a fine brick and stone residence in the city, at a cost of ten thousand dollars. He carries on his farm and is extensively engaged in buying and shipping stock.

J.O. Platt, of the firm of Schaller & Platt, proprietors of meat market, was born at Saybrook, Conn., in Dec., 1836; removed with parents to Chautauqua county, N.Y., in 1839. In 1850 he moved to Erie county, Pa., was employed for a time in a meat market, and afterwards engaged in business for himself; sold out in 1866 and moved to Sac county, Ia. He engaged in farming until 1874 when he moved to Sac City and opened a meat market which he run three years then sold. He next engaged in the stock business for several years, and in Aug., 1881, bought an interest in his present business. Mr. P. has been a member of the board of supervisors.

A.S. Platt, senior member of the firm of Platt & Platt, dealers in clothing and furnishing goods, was born in Windsor county, Vt. in 1839; moved to Dubuque, Ia., in 1870 and was in the employ of the I.C.R.R. four years. He moved to Osage, Wis., and was for about six years a member of the firm of Simons & Platt, grocers. He came to Sac City, Ia. in Dec. 1880, and purchased business and stock of J.M. Woodard and engaged in his present business. In 1881 he took into partnership his nephew, C.A. Platt.

C.E. Read, furniture dealer and undertaker, was born in March, Canada, Dec., 20th, 1826; moved to Toledo, O., in April, 1856; was engaged in the drug business four years; then moved to Huron county, Mich., where he was engaged in same business for three years. In Aug., 1865, he came to Sac City and engaged in contracting and building. He entered his present business in 1873; employs first-class cabinet-maker, and carries a fine stock of everything in his line.

E.M. Reynolds is business manager for C. Hatfield, furniture dealer and undertaker. This business was established in 1879, and contains a complete stock of furniture and undertakers' goods, and is the agency for the Whit, Wilson and Victor sewing machines, also for the Mason & Hamlin organs.

Philip Schaller, county treasurer, was born in Woerth, province of Alsace, Germany, in 1838; came to America and landed at N.Y. City in April, 1854, and in Dec. of the same year located at Dubuque, Ia., and engaged in wagon-making. He enlisted in

Stars button
-546-

1862 at National, Ia., in the 27th Ia. Inft., was sent to Minn. among the Indians, and thence south; was with Gens. Sherman, Smith, Steele and Thomas in some of the principal battles; was mustered out at the close of the war, and returned to Clayton county, Ia. He purchased land in Sac county in 1868, returned to Clayton county and remained until 1870, then engaged in farming in Sac county, on 640 acres of land. He was agent for the Iowa Railroad Land company while living on the farm, and was afterwards transferred to Storm Lake, and held the agency for Buena Vista county until he was elected treasurer of Sac county in 1877, to which office he has been re-elected each successive term since. He is now land agent for this county, having been appointed in Jan., 1878. He has been a member of the board of supervisors of this county for five years. He organized a Farmers' Mutual Insurance Co. in 1874, and was elected as its President, which office he still holds. The insurance company has about $800,000, issued in policies and on property.

J. & W.C. Shull, of the firm of Shull Bros., dealers in lumber, lime, coal, hair, cement, etc., office on Main street, established business in 1880. They were formerly of Montgomery county, N.Y> J. Shull graduated from the Fairfield Seminary and entered the employ of Walter Shoemaker, lumber dealer, Chicago, Ill.; came to Sac City in 1880. W.C. Shull, previous to coming to this city, was engaged in the drug business at Little Falls, N.Y.; afterwards with D.R. Dyche & Co., druggists, Chicago; came to Sac City in May., 1881, and formed present partnership.

George A. Smith, watchmaker and jeweler, was born in Belvidere, Ill., in 1851; moved to Waverly, Bremer county, Ia., in 1855. He attended the high school, at Ypsilanti, Mich., from 1868 to 1872; returned to Bremer county and learned his trade. He moved to Sac City in Dec., 1874, and established his present business in the Commercial Bank block. He keeps a fine line of clocks, watches, jewelry, silverware and optican's [optician's] goods, and in connection carries a fine stock of stationery, books and newspapers.

Rev. Robert Smylie, pastor of the M.E. church, was born in Ontario, Canada, in 1849. He graduated from Victoria College, Coburg, in 1868; entered the ministry the following year and filled various pulpits in Ontario. He was ordained at Dunville, in 1873; i Oct., 1880, he came to Sac City, Ia., and took present charge.

George Stanley, proprietor of the Stanley House, came to Sac City in May, 1881, from Bloomington, Wis., where he had been engaged in the mercantile business for eleven years. He purchased his present hotel property, and after thoroughly renovating and refitting it, engaged in present business. He keeps a first class house and runs a 'bus to and from trains.

B.W. Trout, deputy recorder, was born in LeRoy, Bradford county, Pa., in March, 1843. He enlisted in the 106th Pa. Vol., and was in several of the most important engagements of the war.

Stars button
-547-

He was wounded at Gettysburg and also at Petersburg, June, 1864, where he was captured and confined in Libby Prison a few days; started for Macon, Ga., and escaped, was recaptured and taken to Lynchburg, Va., thence to Raleigh, N.C. He was paroled in March, 1865, and discharged the following April. He came to Sac City, Ia., in May, 1867, and engaged in farming one season; taught school the following winter, and continued teaching until 1871, when he was appointed deputy treasurer. which office he held until 1878, excepting during the year 1874. He then filled a vacancy as recorder, and was appointed deputy upon Mr. Flack's being elected recorder. Mrs. B.w. Trout, milliner, established business in Dec., 1880. She carries a full and elegant line of millinery and ladies' furnishing goods, and employs a first-class milliner trimmer.

Henry Wilson, sheriff, was born in St. Lawrence county, N.Y., in 1841; moved with parents in 1851, to Dundas county, Canada West. In 1869 he moved to Clinton, Clinton county, Ia., and engaged in contracting and building; thence to Sac county in the autumn of 1875 and followed same business. He was elected to his present office in the autumn of 1881 and moved to Sac City in Jan., 1882.

Christopher Waddell, collection agent and auctioneer, was born in Oxford, Eng. He was for several years in the Royal Mail West India service, also East India service. In 1851 he came to America and located at York, Dane county, Wis.; was engaged in farming, also livery business. He was elected sheriff in 1876 and re-elected in 1877 and 1879 on the Democratic ticket, the county being republican by a majority of nine hundred. This speaks well for Mr. W.'s popularity.

John L. Woodward, junior member and business manager of the firm of Condron & Woodward, dealers in grain and machinery, was born in Champaign county, O., He served during the war of the rebellion a short time, doing garrison duty, after which he bough land in Dallas county, Ia. He engaged in the grain business at Dallas Centre, [Center?] which he continued for two years and in 1871 located at Sac City, where he engaged in the mercantile business. In 1880 established business as above. During 1881 the firm shipped one hundred cars of grain.

Divider bar image

ODEBOLT

F.R. Bennett is editor and proprietor of the Odebolt Observer, which was established in July, 1880, and is a six-column quarto paper. In 1847 he edited and published the Advertiser, at Rock Island, Ill., afterwards was connected with various papers in Clinton county, Ia. He came to Odebolt in 1880. This is the only

Stars button
-548-

democratic paper published in the county and it has a subscription list of about 500. Office on second floor of Schmitz block and is thoroughly fitted up as a job office. He employs three compositors.

C.D. Boardman, physician and druggist, was born at Potsdam, St. Lawrence county, N.Y., in 1854; moved with parents to Lyons, Clinton county, Ia.; there attended school, and in 1871 entered the Agricultural College, of Ames. He graduated in 1874 and in the winter of same year entered the Chicago Medical College, from which he graduated in the spring of 1877. The same year he opened an office at Monticello, Ia., also engaged in the drug business, in partnership with Dr. Mellett; at the end of one year Dr. Boardman became sole proprietor. In May, 1880, he moved the stock to Odebolt and established his present business.

J.C. Bodine, farmer and stock raiser, was born in N.Y. in 1835; in 1865 moved to Aurora, Ill., where he engaged in the stock business. He moved to Grinnell, Ia., in 1868; thence to Sac county, in 1874. He purchased in Cook township, where he now resides, a farm of 320 acres, which is well improved. He also owns another farm containing 160 acres, which he rents. Mr. B. is one of the representative farmers of this county; has filled many offices of trust; in politics is a democrat.

S.H. Bowman, of the firm of S.H. Bowman & Co., dealers in lumber, coal, lime and mixed paints, was born in Baltimore, Md., in March, 1854. In 1873 he entered the Business College of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., from which he graduated in May, 1874. He went to Neb. in 1878, and was engaged in the lumber business at various towns. In March, 1880, he came to Odebolt, Ia., and established the above business; he is the senior member and business manager of the firm, which has branch yards at Ida Grove, Battle Creek and Danbury.

J.W. Burnside, dealer in dry goods, boots, shoes, notions, carpets, etc., was born in Steuben county, N.Y., in 1833; moved with parents to Crawford county, Ia., when quite young. He received his education at the Methodist University of Delaware, O., afterwards attended Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College, of Chicago, from which he graduated in 1854. He then engaged in the mercantile business at Garden Prairie, Ill. In the spring of 1862 he enlisted in the 95th, Ill. Inft.; remained in the service until 1866. During that time he was transferred from the volunteer service to the regular army. He was in several important engagements, was wounded at the siege of Vicksburg, also at Fort Du Risse. After leaving the army he located at Boone, Ia., and engaged in mercantile business. In 1878 came to Odebolt and engaged in business as above.

Frank L. Dennis, editor and proprietor of the Odebolt Observer, was born in Clinton county, Ia. in 1852. He learned his trade in the DeWitt Observer office; remained there until 1878, then moved

Stars button
-549-

to Wall Lake, Sac county, and established the Wall Lake Journal, which he sold in April, 1881. He came to Odebolt and purchased the Odebolt Reporter, which was first established at Sac City by W.W. Yarham, who moved it to this city in November, 1877. The office is in the basement of Wright's Opera Block and is fitted for a first-class news and job office. The paper is republican in politics, is a six-column quarto, with a subscription list of six hundred.

Henry Dockstader, proprietor of the Revere House, was born in Jefferson county, N.Y., in 1836; moved in 1842 to Tioga county, Pa.; thence to Jones county, Ia., in 1857. He there engaged in farming until 1872, then moved to Panora, Guthrie county, where he farmed until the autumn of 1881. He came to Odebolt and took charge of the Odebolt House, which he thoroughly renovated and refitted, changing the name to Revere. It is now a first-class hotel.

Alfred G. Erlenborn, dealer in general merchandise, was born at Mendota, Ill., in 1860. He received his education at the Jesuit College, of Chicago, Ill., from which he graduated in 1875. He entered the banking house of Ereleborn Bros., at Mendota, of which bank his father was the senior partner. In 1879 he went to Denver, Col., was there employed as bookkeeper in a wholesale grocery house. He returned to Iowa in 1881 and located at Odebolt. He engaged in the loan business and also as bookkeeper for Warneke. Afterwards engaged in business as above; also does a loan and insurance business; is assisted by his brothers, Otto and Julius and W. Pitschner.

C.E. George, of the firm of George & Coy, attorneys at law, was born at Alexandria, Grafton county, N.H., Dec. 20th, 1857. He received his education at the high school of Bristol, N.H., and the New London, N.H., and Newbury, Vt., Academies. He read law for two years with Hon. S.B. Page, at Woodville, Vt., and in 1879 graduated from the Vermont University, obtaining the degree of A.B. He also graduated from the law department of the Ann Arbor, Mich., University. He came to Odebolt, Ia., in March, 1880, and engaged in the practice of his profession. During the summer of the same year he formed a partnership as above. Dell Coy, of the above firm, was born in Kane county, Ill., Aug. 15th, 1857. He received his education at Wheaton college, Wheaton, Ill., and in 1878 entered the Union College of law, at Chicago, from which he graduated in 1880. Came to Odebolt the same year. They attend strictly to law, collection and insurance business, and although both young, have placed themselves in the foremost ranks of the profession.

A. Groman, M.D., was born in Lake county, Ind., in 1856. He received his preparatory education at Crown Point Seminary and studied medicine with his father, Dr. C. Groman. In the autumn

Stars button
-550-

of 1876 he entered the Homoepathic College, of Chicago, from which he graduated in March, 1878. He opened an office at Odebolt, Ia., in June of the same year. Office on second floor of Wright's Opera block; consultation room adjoining.

Henry Hanson, grain, seed and stock dealer, was born in Sweden; came to America in 1868 and landed in N.Y.; remained in that state until 1874, when he came to Sac county, Ia. He purchased land and farmed until 1877, then moved to Odebolt and engaged present business. He owns a steam elevator fitted with all of the latest improved machinery, employs nine men in elevators and warehouses, two bookkeepers and C.B. Hatfield, grain and stock buyer.

W.A. Helsell, of the firm of Zane & Helsell, attorneys at law, was born in Millersburg, O., in 1855; moved with parents to Iowa in 1861. He graduated in the scientific course at the Ames Agricultural College in 1877 and in 1879 graduated from the law department of Simpson's Centenary College. He was admitted to the bar before the supreme court at Des Moines, June 9th, 1879, and in the July following formed a partnership as above. He attends to the law and trial business and Mr. Zane to the loan, insurance and abstract business of the firm. They have a complete set of abstract books.

Martin Keck, proprietor of restaurant, ice cream and oyster parlors, also dealer in fancy groceries, confectionery, cigars, tobacco, etc., came to Sac county, Ia., in 1878; engaged in farming, then came to Odebolt and established business as above.

J.H. Kitterer & Co., proprietors of the Pioneer hardware store,which was established in 1878 by W. Van Dusen, purchased the business in Aug., 1879. The firm is composed of J.H. Kitterer and Joseph Mattes; they are men of long experience in the hardware business, having previous to coming to this city been engaged in the same. They employ one clerk and three tinners. Make specialties of Glidden barbed wire, "Splended" heating stoves, "Diamond" and "Acorn" cook stoves.

C.S. Lee, dealer in agricultural implements, was born in Beaver county, Pa., March 1st, 1856; moved the same year with parents to De Kalb county, Ill. In June, 1880, he entered the employ of the Sandwich manufacturing company, at Sandwich, Ill.; traveled fro them until Nov., 1881, when he located at Odebolt and engaged in business as above. He is agent for the goods

Stars button
-551-

manufactured by the following named firms: Sandwich Co., Briggs & Enochs, Scandia Plow Co., of Rockford, Ill., Vandiver Co., of Quincy, Ill., Daly Harrow Co. and others.

E.A. Moody, painter and grainer, was born in Milwaukee, Wis. in 1848; was educated at Notre Dame College, of South Bend, Ind. In 1861 he enlisted in the regular army, and served during the war of the rebellion. Was discharged in 1865; returned to Milwaukee and learned his trade. In 1868 he moved to Cincinnati, O., where he remained one year, then went west, and after a time located at Yankton,Dak. He returned to Milwaukee and soon after moved to Cherokee, Ia.; was there engaged in business three years. In Dec., 1878, he came to Odebolt and engaged in business. He does a good business and employs five men.

Frank A. Ross, insurance agent, came to Odebolt from Boone, Ia., where he had resided for twenty-five years. He first engaged in teaching school, and in Fe., 1880, established business as above. His office is at the Mayor's office , over the City Drug Store. He is agent for the Home LIfe Association, of Burlington, Iowa, for three counties, Sac, Crawford and Carroll.

H.F. Warneke, dealer in grain and stock, came to Odebolt, Ia., from Plattville, Wis., in 1879. He established a saloon, which he continued until Aug., 1881, and in the Sept. following he established his present business. He has shipped since establishing business to Jan. 1, 1882, two hundred car loads. His warehouse has a capacity of ten thousand bushels; employs five men.

H.C. Wheeler, farmer and stock raiser, was born May, 10th, 1835, at Hopkinton, N.H.; the following year moved with parents to Chicago, Ill. He there received his education and finished at the Academy of Warrensville. In 1854 he went to San Francisco, Cal.; there engaged in the real estate business, and after two years returned to Chicago. He remained two years and again went to San Francisco. He became one of the first members of the San Francisco Stock Exchange and remained there until 1864. After spending one and one-half years traveling in Europe, he came to Sac county, Ia., and invested in real estate and commenced extensive farming operations. He now owns a large tract of land adjoining Odebolt on three sides. Also one thousand acres in Plymouth county, and one thousand acres in Crawford county. In 1877 he donated the right of way, town site and $2,000 in cash to the railroad company. He laid out and owns two additions to the town of about one hundred acres. He resides in Wheeler township, three miles from the city; has three boarding houses on the farm, employs forty men and fifty teams. He has a herd of sixty head of Short Horn cattle and forty Clydesdale horses and colts, besides other stock. He has spent considerable time in making practical a steam plow for use on his farm; it

Stars button
-552-

includes ten plows in a frame. Mr. Wheeler is one of the directors of the State Fair Association. He owns valuable property in Chicago.

John Wright, banker, came from Cedar county, Ia., to Sac county in 1872. He purchased 1,000 acres of land in partnership with his brother, N. Wright, and engaged in farming until Nov., 1878, at which time he opened the bank, having previously erected the bank block, the front room of which is occupied by the bank and contains a fire-proof vault and a Marvin safe, with an electric time-lock. The rear room is occupied by George & Coy, attorneys. Mr. Wright does an extensive loan business in partnership with C.E. George. He has recently erected, on the corner of Second and Maple streets, a brick block, containing two store rooms below and two offices in front on second floor, and fine opera hall in rear. This hall is well fitted with stage, scenery, dressing rooms and well lighted. He also owns other valuable city property.

Wheelock & Rehterger, dealers in agricultural implements, on corner of Second and Maple sts., handle McCormick's goods, also goods from all the leading firms, including Cook's buggies and carriages. R.U. Wheelock has been in the employ of the McCormick Co. for fifteen years, and is a man of extensive experience with machinery. Mr. Rehterberger is by trade a blacksmith, and owns a shop in the rear of the warehouse, on Maple street, where he employs two men. He does a large business, making a specialty of wagon and buggy work.

John M. Zane, of the firm of Zane & Helsell, attorneys at law, was born in Cumberland county, N.J., Oct. 16th, 1845. He received his education at Bridgeton. At an early age he moved to Philadelphia, Pa.; during the rebellion he was for two years a member of the U.S. quartermaster's department. In Sept., 1866, he went to Springfield, Ill., there read law in the office of Herndon & Zane. He taught school at intervals while reading law; in Feb., 1872, he moved to Jasper county, Ia., and in Dec., 1873, was admitted to the bar at Newton, under Judge L.C. Blanchard.

Stars button
-553-

He began the practice of law at Prairie City. In 1874, on account of failing health, he went to Colorado and spent two years traveling in the Rocky Mountains; then returned to Prairie City, Ia. He came to Odebolt in 1877 and opened a law office, and in July of the following year formed his present partnership.

Divider bar image

WALL LAKE

H.B. Allen, postmaster of the firm of Allen & Jacobs, dealers in hardware and agricultural implements, was born in Clinton county, N.Y., in 1835; moved to Elgin, Ill., in 1855, and engaged in farming. In 1860 moved to De Kalb county, Ill. He enlisted in the 95th Ill. Vol. Inft., served three years. He was with Gen. Grant in the Vicksburg campaign, and was wounded, losing a portion of his right hand; was discharged in July, 1865. In 1867 he came to Sac county, Ia., and engaged in farming. He moved to Wall Lake in the autumn of 1874, and established present business. He was appointed postmaster in May, 1881. Mr. Jacobs, formerly of Benton county, Ia., became a member of the firm in Jan., 1882. They carry a large and complete stock of hardware. The agricultural warehouse is on the corner of Main and First sts. They handle goods from all the leading manufactories.

George Burgan, grain dealer and manager of D. Wayne & Co.'s business at Wall Lake, was born in Wayne county, O., in 1845; moved with parents to Muscatine, Ia. In 1862 he enlisted in the 35th Ia. Vol. Inft.; was at the sieges of Vicksburg, Nashville, Pleasant Hill; was up the Red river with Gen. Banks. He was discharged in 1865, and returned to Iowa. In 1867 he located in Carroll county and engaged in farming until 1874, when he engaged in the grain business. Office and warehouse on First st. They shipped during the year 1881 one hundred cars of grain.

Frank Chandler, dealer in hats, caps, boots, shoes, clothing, furnishing goods and groceries, was born in Maquoketa, Ia., in Sept. 1849, there resided until 1870, then moved to Lyons, Ia., as agent for the Northern and Diamond Joe packet lines, and after two years, became book-keeper for the Clinton Chair Co., after which he traveled for S.G. McGill, and later for H.C. & C. Durand, wholesale grocers with whom he remained five years, then located at Wall Lake. Employs two clerks.

W.L. Ehlers, bookkeeper for Wilcox Bros., lumber dealers, was born in Oskaloosa, Ia., in Feb., 1866. In 1872 he entered the State University, at Iowa City. In the winter of 1876 he took charge of the poultry packing establishment of Beem, Turner & Co.; remained with them two years and moved to Wall Lake; entered the employ of J.C. Fletcher, dealer in general merchandise. He engaged as above in 1879.

Stars button
-554-

J. Elliott, proprietor of the Eureka House, came to Wall Lake in Feb., 1882, from Ames, where he had resided for twenty years. The hotel is on the corner of Main and First streets, is well furnished and a first-class house.

J.J. Fones & Sons, grain dealers, formerly of Chicago, Ill., where they were engaged in the livery business several years; came to Wall Lake, Ia., in Jan., 1881, and purchased the elevator and business of G.W. Pitcher. Elevator has capacity of ten thousand bushels, and employs two men. During the year 1881 they shipped two hundred cars of grain. The business is conducted by J.J. Fones, Jr.; office on 1st. street.

E. L. Pierce, dealer in hardware, tinware, stoves, etc., was born in Linn county, Ia., in Oct., 1850; received education at Mt. Vernon College, and engaged in farming until 1874, then moved to Cedar county and engaged in milling with Peet Bros. He remained there four years then moved to Wall Lake and engaged in present business in March, 1878. He makes specialties of Fuller, Warren & Co.'s stoves and the Glidden barbed wire.

C.F. Peck, dealer in general merchandise, was born in New London, Conn., in 1845; moved to Oneida, Ill., when thirteen years of age, and worked ona farm until the close of the war. He returned to Ill. and remained three years; afterwards moved to Jefferson, Ia. He was engaged as carpenter until 1877, then engaged in mercantile business. He came to Wall Lake in 1880 and engaged in business as above; carries a fine stock of clothing, boots and shoes.

W.H. Peck, dealer in lumber, coal, lime, etc., was born in Onondaga county, N.Y., in 1854; received his education from the High School of Syracuse. In 1879 he moved to Sac county, Ia., and in the autumn of the same year purchased above business of H.J. Simpson. Office on Main street, near depot. He is assisted by F.M. Gregg.

C.L. Sherwood, agent for the Iowa Land company, was born in Berlin township, Delaware county, O., in June, 1817; remained there until 1854, and then moved to Clinton, Ia., where he engaged in farming. In 1873 he came to Sac county, purchased land in Clinton township, which he improved, and still owns, the farming being conducted by his sons. Mr. Sherwood was for several years postmaster at Wall Lake, also was postmaster in Clinton tp. before the office was abandoned. He became agent for the above company in 1873; office with w.H. Peck, lumber dealer. Mr. S. is one of the solid republicans of this county.

N. Wright, president of the bank of Wall Lake, was born in Cedar county, Ia., in 1846; resided there until the autumn of 1871, then purchased 320 acres of land in Sac county, on which he

Stars button
-555-

moved the spring following. He farmed until Feb., 1882, when he established the bank. Does a general banking business; this is the only established bank in Wall Lake. W.S. Bell, the cashier, is a gentleman of extensive experience in the banking business.

Divider bar image

FLETCHER

W.H. Ball, of the firm of W.H. Ball & Co., dealers in grain and seed, was born in Cedar county, Ia., in 1853. He was engaged in the grain business at Centerdale, Clinton county, for nine years. In 1880 came to Fletcher and was the first to locate business there.

D.C. Cook, M.D., of the firm of L.A. Chapman & Co., druggists, was born in N.Y. in May, 1850. He received preparatory education at Mt. Vernon, Ia., and graduated from the State University at Iowa City in March, 1873. He commenced the practice of medicine at Calamus. In Aug., 2881, he moved to Fletcher and formed present partnership. they carry a complete line of drugs, paints, oils, toilet articles, etc.

Albert Davis, station agent and proprietor of the Lake House, came to Sac county in March, 1877, from Clinton county, Ia. He purchased land in Wall Lake township. At the time of the tornado of April 21st of same year, he was living in a portion of his barn, which was entirely destroyed together with his household goods, his family happily escaping unhurt. He afterwards built a house 20x30 feet in dimensions and had just got settled in it when it was entirely destroyed by the tornado of Oct. 15th, of same year. In Dec. 1881, he moved to Fletcher and built the hotel. He carries a stock of confectionery, cigars and fancy groceries.

J.C. Fletcher, founder of the town of Fletcher, was born in Franklin, Ind., in 1849; the same year moved with parents to Oskaloosa, Ia. He enlisted in 1864 in the 47th Ia. Inft., and served until the close of the war. He returned to Oskaloosa, and in 1873 moved to Sheffield where he engaged in the mercantile business. In Oct., 1880, he purchased the town site of Fletcher which he laid out in town lots and placed on the market, now it is a lively growing town and is situated near a beautiful lake. Mr. Fletcher formed a partnership in March, 1881, with H.W. Seevers, built a business house on Main street and engaged in the mercantile business. Mr. Seevers was born in Oskaloosa in 1859 and came to this place in the spring of 1880.

C.P. Hicks, of the firm of W.H. Ball & Co., was born in Philadelphia, Pa., in Oct., 1848. He graduated at the Bryant & Straton College and was for several years in the employ of a commission house in Philadelphia, as bookkeeper and entry clerk. He

Stars button
-556-

moved to Cedar county, Ia., in 1874; thence to Sac county in Mar.; 1881, purchased land near Fletcher and engaged in present business. From Aug., 1881, to Feb., 1882, they shipped sixty cars of grain.

Rev. William N. McKendrick, undertaker and dealer in furniture was born in Edinburg, Scotland, in 1832; came to America with parents and located in N.Y. In 1847 he moved to Western N.Y. He attended the Baptist College, of Montreal, Canada, for three years, and entered the University in 1859. He was ordained in Michigan, Sept. 20th, 1875. He located at Mapleton, Ia., in 1879, and was pastor of the Baptist church there for two years. He resigned in Sept., 1881; came to Fletcher, purchased property and engaged in present business. He is pastor here and preaches every Sabbath at the school house.

Charles Potts, farmer and land agent, was born in Ross county, O., in 1832. He served during the war of the rebellion in the 28th Ill. Vol. Inft. was wounded at Jackson, Miss. He came to Sac county in 1871 and purchased land on the north shore of Wall Lake. He owns one hundred acres of well improved land one and one-half miles east of Fletcher. He is agent for non-resident lands in this vicinity, also for the Acme pulverizing harrow and clod crusher.

J.O. Rich, proprietor of the livery, feed and sale stables, was formerly of Independence, Ia., where he was engaged as mason and plasterer for four years. In 1878 he moved to Sac county, purchased land in Wall Lake township, which he still owns. In Feb., 1882, he moved to Fletcher and erected a livery barn on Third st.

W.A. Robinson, postmaster and hardware merchant, was born in Vt. in 1815. He moved to Stockbridge, Mass., when quite young; in 1856 moved to Mercer county, Ill., and engaged in farming until 1869; then moved to Sac county, purchased land in Viola township, which he improved and still owns. He moved to Fletcher in Jan., 1882, and filled the office of postmaster, to which he was appointed in Dec., 1881. He erected building on Main st., which is occupied by postoffice and hardware stock. Mr. Robinson has filled many minor offices, was the first justice of the peace in Viola township. He has a notary public commission, and does a general collecting business, is agent for several insurance companies.

Next imageIda County

bar

Home History of Western Iowa site map
eMail me


ViewSign


Moon and Back Graphics


GenNetwork.orgVisit our family of homepages and join us.

The American History and Genealogy Project




Copyright © 2000 - 2002 D. J. Coover
All Rights Reserved
Webmaster: D. J. Coover - [email protected]