ODEBOLT
Its Early Settlement and Present Business Status.
The town was laid out by the Iowa Land Company in 1877, the Northwestern railroad having just completed its Maple River branch. The first settlement of the town was in October of that year.
The first building erected was the store occupied by Geo. W. McKibbin, built by Jesse Helsell. Other buildings rapidly followed.
Prominent among the early settlers who are still residents of the place are: J. Helsell, J.W. Burnside, S.H. Bowman, A. Groman, C.D. Boardman, J.A. Reynolds, G.W. [Sutton] and C.W. Sutton, H. Hanson, C.D. [Shaw] and W.K. Shaw, H. Prentice, Dan. Lesher, Thos. McKeever, Wm. Graham, H.J. Muxen, O.P. Sprague, W.W. Shanks, J.H. Ketterer, Jos. [Mattes], John R. [Mattes] and Wm. Mattes, C. Jacobe, W.A. Helsell, Wm. Sampson, F. Rasmussen, J.E. Einspahr, F.P. Motie, A.E. Matthews, J.P. Horan, A.A. Bangs, I. Austin, Nels Nelson, Dick Gould, W.H. Hess, H.W. Vandermark, J.M. [Stratton], W.H. [Stratton] and Ed Stratton, N. [Kennedy] and Sam. Kennedy, S.B. Smith, C.W. [Geist] and E. Geist, N.A. Tyler, D.M. Beardsley, J. Flanders, H.P. Rehberger, A. Stevens, Fred Lindquist, Swan Nelson, John Williams, W.J. Summerwill, C. Schuler, S.W. Carter, F.A. Ross.
Among the early settlers of the town whose places are made vacant by death or removal are: A.B. Dubbs, Wm. Beck, G.W. [McKibbin] and Jas. McKibbin, W.F. Moyer, Tincher and Hunter, B.F. Worden, Willson and Caswell, A.B. Cooley, C.A. Moody, Fairbanks and Voight, F.A. Winchell, F.F. Webster, C.W. [Pitsor] and C.J. Pitsor, W.V. Sindt, John Wright, C.E. George, Dell Coy, Schuyler Smith, C.B. Halfield, H.T. Martin, Frank Burleigh, H. Keck, Jas. Ross, A.C. Rodocker, C.S. Stowell, L. Schmitz, S.H. Parsons, M. Lynch, Ward Van Duzen, O.B. Francisco, J. Geo. Buchler [Buehler?], G.H. Parker. Ben.Parker, Mr. Buchanan, John Hueston, H.F. Warneke, C.A. Stoops, Dr. Huson, Dr. Duval, Jno. M. Zane, W.A. Sprague, Lundquist Bros.
The population of Odebolt as shown by the census taken last year, was a few less than 1,000. It is surrounded by the finest agricultural lands in the State which are coming under a high state of cultivation. It is the opinion of those best informed concerning the advantages of the great Northwest that in no part of it are the crops of all kinds so uniformly good as in this portion of Iowa.
Odebolt has exceptionally good school and church privileges. Its graded school is excelled by that of no town of its size in the state and is justly the pride of its people. The large attendance of pupils from outside of the district is evidence of the reputation the school has abroad as well as at home. Prof. J.H. Orcutt is principal, and the Misses Wagner, Hoover and Bailey teachers of the three preparatory departments.
Odebolt has three church edifices, the Presbyterian, Methodist and Catholic, whose pulpits are ably filled by Rev. J. N. Elliott in the first, Rev. H.K. Haskins in the second and Rev. Father Peschong in the latter. The German Methodist, Swedish, Baptist and other societies hold occasional services here but as yet have no houses of worship of their own.
Our system of water works, the result of private and corporate enterprise, is one of the most complete protections against fire that experience has yet devised. By the recent addition of steam machinery and an inexhaustible supply of water, the works are as near perfection as the present system can be made.
Prominent among the later enterprises here are the Steam Roller Mill and the Creamery. The former was built two years since by Messrs Hartman, Ketterer and Co., the firm composed of Messrs. J.C. Hartman, J.H. Ketterer and John R. Mattes. The mill has all the modern improvements of its class and under the personal superintendence of Mr. J.C. Hartman, who is a Master Miller, its flour is inferior to none manufactured in the State. Its capacity is 100 barrels per day. The cost of the mill was $12,000.
The creamery was built about two years since by a stock company formed by a number of our leading citizens at a cost of several thousand dollars and was made complete in all its appointments. Messrs Boardman Bros. leased it for a term of years and are now running it to near its full capacity - one ton of butter daily - which finds a ready market in the Eastern cities.
DRY GOODS AND GENERAL MERCHADISE.
The oldest exclusively dry goods house, and one which still holds its prominence is that of Col. J.W. Burnside. He established himself here in 1878, then in the building now occupied by J.P. Hedstrom, on Second street, removing thence in July '79 to his present location, corner of Main and Second streets. Mr. Burnside was a former resident of Boone, in this State, where he was in the same line of trade. He is a merchant all over and through is through, acquainted with the business, knows bargains when he sees them and always has them for his customers. This is the secret of his continued success, which is notable when one thinks how many individuals and firms have started into and gone out of business while he has gone steadily along without change of any kind and with uniform success. About two years since Mr. Burnside built one of the finest residences in Wheeler addition which he now occupies. He is a war veteran, Commander of Goodrich post G.A.R. of this place and is a near relative of the late John Burnside a millionaire of New Orleans who died in 1881, leaving a estate of $5,000,000 which is still in litigation.
MATTES AND KETTERER is one of the largest houses doing a business of general merchandising. The partners are J.H. Ketterer and John R. Mattes. The firm succeeded the Swede Store of H. Hansen, a celebrated head-quarters in its day for the Swedish trade, the bulk of which the present store still holds. The business is under the personal management of Mr. John R. Mattes, who though not himself a Swede and with little previous experience in merchandising, has held that trade and drawn other trade also and managed the firm's large business with marked ability and success. There is no more popular place of trade than Mattes & Ketterer's, Opera House Block.
J.W. JENKINS, who about a year since purchased the interest of his former partner, Wm. Sampson, now carries the only general stock on West main Street South of Second. His stock is large, well assorted, and he not only holds the trade of the old firm but is adding to it. Although a new merchant comparatively, he is an old settler and has a large acquaintance among the farmers, who have a well grounded faith in J.W.
Prominent among the business houses on Second street is that of Hills & Lester, who in 1885 purchased the stock and succeeded to the business of the late F.F. Webster. The present firm has added largely to the stock in every department, and though coming here as strangers, has succeeded well in holding the large trade of its predecessor, and will no doubt increase it as they become better acquainted. They are very pleasant gentlemen to do business with.
C.A. BURNQUIST who, succeeded by purchase to the stock of goods owned by the estate of G.W. McKibbin, has always kept a very nice line of goods and done apparently a very satisfactory business, largely among people of his own nationality, the Swedes.
J.P. HEADSTROM [Hedstrom] carries also a good stock and seems to be having a good trade, mostly we believe with Swedish farmers and their families.
The Odebolt Farmers Mercantile Company is an association of principally German farmers associated together in the co-operative plan for the purchase of their mercantile supplies, and for their sale to others not members of the association. The store is under the direction of W.E. Koeneman, and depends principally upon the German trade.
GROCERIES EXCLUSIVELY.
F.P. MOTIE'S exclusively grocery house is one of the oldest and certainly one of the most prosperous establishments in the place. The house was established in October 1878 - one year after the town was laid out - and sometimes with and sometimes without a partner, it has been under his immediate control, and he alone can claim the credit of its success. Mr. Motie is not only popular as a merchant, but his fellow townsmen of all parties have frequently called him to fill positions of more honor and responsibility than profit. Besides other offices whose duties he has performed with distinguished fidelity, he is now serving his second term as Mayor for which office he was the choice of a very large majority of his fellow townsmen irrespective of party. His many friends confidently expect he will be the democratic Nasby when a change takes place in the post office at this place and there is no doubt he will make a popular, efficient and obliging officer.
HARDWARE.
The pioneer hardware house is that of the Ketterer and Mattes Company, incorporated under the State law. The members of the company are J.H. Ketterer, and Joseph and Wm. F. Mattes. Mr. Ketterer is one of our pioneers, locating here in 1879 and buying out Ward Van Deusen. He has been a most successful business man and one who is foremost in every good word and work for the advancement of Odebolt and its interests. Besides being interested in the above company which in addition to its hardware business, is engaged largely in that of farm implements and machinery, he is a partner in the firm of Mattes & Ketterer in general merchandise, and Hartman, Ketterer & Co. in the Steam Roller Mill, and is a director in the State Bank of this place. He is also a stock-holder in the water works, company and other companies. He has also given liberally of his time to public affairs, serving on the school board in 1880, in the town council form '80 to '83 and as Mayor in 1884, being elected to the latter office as the candidate favorable to water works. Mr. Joseph Mattes is also a pioneer, anti-dating Mr. Ketterer in this respect, his Odebolt date being some months earlier than that of his senior partner. 'Joe,' as he is familiarly called, is running over with business energy and vim. To him more than to any other one man, or half a dozen men for that matter, is the town indebted for the efficiency of its fire companies. His has been the controlling spirit that before the advent of water works as well as since has kept the firemen's organization in tact and ready for emergencies. He is also interested in the water works company and has devoted considerable time to the perfecting of late improvements in them by which their efficiency is largely increased. Mr. Mattes is chairman of the township board of which he has for several years been a member, is treasurer of the school district and has filled every position with honor and fidelity and he might have had more of them if he would have had them. Mr. W.F. Mattes, the remaining partner, is a young man who is making his first business venture, and who may be congratulated upon the excellent tutelage he is receiving from his more experienced partners.
The other hardware house, that of G.W. Sutton, has been hardly less successful and prosperous than its competitor. Starting her in '78 or '79, the Suttons, father and son, have quietly enlarged their business and extended it until two large buildings are now scarcely sufficient to accommodate its increasing demands.
Mr. Sutton, Sen., has also done his part toward filling the petty offices that are often thankless and unprofitable in themselves, but which must nevertheless be filled and which a man does not always feel at liberty to peremptorily decline. He was until two years ago almost continuously a justice of the peace since he came here, and has filled other positions also and always with ability.
DRUG STORES.
The proprietors of the two drug stores of the place will rank as old settlers if we draw the line at 1880. We believe they were both established in that year. They are, we believe conducted as nearly in strict conformity with the pharmacy law as any in the State, and such are as far removed from the saloon as they possible could be.
Dr. C.D. BOARDMAN opened his drug store here in the spring of 1880, in the Zane building on Second street. The next fall it was removed to its present location on west side of Main street, where it came rapidly to the front and acquired a booming trade which has steadily increased. The business was conducted by Mr. Boardman alone until Feb. '85 when W.C. Arthur, who had been with the Doctor since the store opened, and who had in the meantime graduated as a licensed pharmacist, was admitted to partnership, the firm name changing to Boardman and Arthur. The Doctor since his residence here has been prominently identified with many of the public and private enterprises of the place, and served the public in various capacities, giving to them the energy and clearsightedness that are characteristic of him. He was a member of the City Council in '82 and '83 and chairman of the committee on streets and alleys. To his energy and persistence while in this capacity the town is indebted for the inauguration of a system of street improvements that was so much needed. He was for two years or more secretary of the District Fair, resigning recently on account of pressing business engagements. He was a stockholder in the original Creamery Company and is now one of the leasees, having control of the business here. Mr. Arthur, the junior partner, who may be said to have grown up in the drug business, seems to have imbibed his partner's energy and is an enthusiast in all that pertains to his chosen profession of pharmacy. The firm has lately purchased the property in which its business is located and arrangements have been made to greatly enlarge and improve their present quarters.
W.J. SUMMERWILL formed a partnership with Frank Burleigh in 1880 purchasing the drug stock of W.W. Shanks, and succeeding to a well established trade. In '83 Mr. Summerwill purchased the interest of his partner and has since conducted the business alone. Two years since the store was removed to the east room in Opera House block, and is one of the handsomest and most complete stores of its kind in the west. W.J. is not much given to an official career, but is an earnest member of the school board giving himself to school matters with a devotion worthy of a larger salary. He has this season put the finishing touches to his fine residence in Wheeler addition, and we venture to say he is as happy as a good Democrat can be while President Cleveland acts so about turning the rascals out.
BANKS.
The two banks of the place are the Farmers' and the Odebolt State Bank. The former was established in the fall of '80, with O.P. Thompson pres.; J.R. Pierce, vice-pres.; Geo. M. Taggart cashier. Especially since the suspension of the old Bank of Odebolt, the Farmers' has done a large business. Owing to the frequent absence of one or both the presidents, the active management of the bank's affairs has fallen upon its cashier who has been fully equal to the situation, and to his courteous and gentlemanly treatment of all who have dealing with him, the Farmers owes its large business and wide popularity.
About three months since the State Bank was organized under the State law, replacing though not successor of the Exchange Bank, started about one year ago by Messrs. Low & Bay. The State Bank is an Odebolt institution, with officers as follows: W.W. Field, pres.; B.A. Coy, vice-pres.; G.J. Low, cashier. The directors and stockholders are: W.W. Field, B.A. Coy, S.H. Bowman, J.H. Ketterer, W.J. Summerwill, W.F. Bay and Geo. J. Low. The capital is $25,000, with a personal liability to the stockholders of double the amount of the stock. Both banks make a specialty of real estate loans at low rates of interest, and do a general banking business, except that they are not banks of issue.
LUMBER FIRMS.
The Lumber business of Odebolt has always been large, requiring large assortments and involving correspondingly large investments of money. At the head of this line of trade is the S.H. Bowman Lumber Company, which with its twelve branches is the out growth of the business energy and sagacious foresight of the members of that company. By the method of daily reports to the central office here, the business of all the branches is under the close supervision of the home office and is conducted without jar or friction. Besides its already large business here, the company is constantly widening its area by the establishment of branch yards at desirable points, which go to increase the aggregate sales. The future possibilities of the business under such intelligent management is something grand to contemplate, and that it will be developed to still greater proportions one may readily believe, realizing what the company has already accomplished. The members of the company are: S.H. Bowman, B.C. Bowman, W.C. Bowman and T.A. Stoner. The original company of S.H. Bowman & Co. was organized here in March '79 and continued until June '85, when the present company was formed and incorporated under State law.
The Green Bay Company is also a heavy dealer in lumber, its yards here being one of its many branches. The local agent is Mr. C.M. Miller, assisted by Fred Rasmussen who has been with the company since its location here in 1879.
The yards of the Clinton Lumber Co. are owned by F.C. Fischer & Co., successors to Rees Gabriel. The business is in charge of F.H. Adams.
GRAIN AND STOCK MEN.
Odebolt has a corps of grain and stock men who, as a rule, dwell together in harmony. If they ever let their angry passions rise towards one another they rarely let the world know it. Their names are H. Hanson, Bangs & Johnson, I. Austin, Gray, Babcock & Sears, W.W. Shanks, and Coy, Cass & Co. The Roller Mill Company is also a large buyer of wheat for milling purposes.
THE JUSTICES.
The two conservators of the peace are Jesse Helsell and Wm. Sampson, both old settlers and noted men even beyond their judicial province. The former built the first house in the town and the latter it is said, has repeatedly refused to run for office. They dispense even-handed justice to a remarkable peaceable constituency, which means that they are not so unremittingly employed by their judicial duties but they go regularly to their meals. It is said their honors have actually married more couples than they have tried cases since they donned the ermine. We hope this is true, for if it is, it is a good sign, and indicates the advent of the 'plowshare and pruning hooks' epoch foretold by the prophets.
THE LAWYERS.
Three local attorneys expound the Code to enlightened jurymen when occasion requires, which to the credit of the community is not often. Indeed, the local business of this kind would starve the abstemious Dr. Tanner, who lived 40 days on air.
W.A. Helsell is the oldest attorney by residence, locating here in 1878 or '79 and going into practice with John M. Zane, now of Sac City. Mr. Helsell is the only one of our attorneys who does a general court practice and stands at the head of the county bar.
Mr. Sampson came to Odebolt in '78 but did not enter the practice of law till some years later. - F.J. Long located here in '84. Both Mr. Sampson and Mr. Long confine themselves principally to office work, collections, insurance, money-loaning, etc., and are kept busy.
THE PHYSICIANS.
The practicing physicians mentioned in the order of their arrival here are A. Groman, B.F. [Stevens] & A.E. Stevens, and F.S. Johnson. The former is of the Eclectic and the latter the Allopathic. Dr. Groman located here as early as '77 or '78 and entered at once upon a large and successful practice. The Drs. Stevens, father and son, are old residents of the county, locating in Levy township in '77, where for several years they followed the practice of their profession, removing to this place three years ago. Their practice has increased by their change of location. Dr. Johnson is also a comparatively recent arrival, having located here about three years ago, coming from Clinton county. He has an excellent practice. The people of Odebolt and vicinity are certainly fortunate in having medical practitioners who reflect such credit upon their profession, and whether it is that their excellent treatment prevents the spread of disease, or the locality is peculiarly healthy, the fact exists that there is less sickness in and about Odebolt than in any other section of the west. For a part of this exemption from serious illness, we think our physicians should be awarded a share of credit.
Dr. W.N. Oursler is the only dentist of the place. He located here about four years since, and has an excellent practice here as well as in several adjacent towns which he visits professionally at stated times.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Besides the lawyers engaged in the business of insurance, are F.A. Ross, J.N. Schmitz, Russell Dodge and others. Mr. Ross is one of the old settlers, coming here in 1879 and has made insurance his principal business. He also loans money on farm property. Mr. Dodge handles the Hawkeye company, Mr. Schmitz the German of Freeport, Ill., and Mr. Ross several companies, State and foreign.
Two nurseries, the Odebolt, by Rawson & Penrose, successors to Chas. Waters, and the Home by L.J. Van Sands, which carry good stocks and supply all demands.
Two good millinery stores, that of Mrs. C.W. Sutton, on Main street, and Mrs. Annie Jacobe on Second, supply the ladies with the indispensables to a perfect feminine toilet.
The hotels of the place are, Chapman's and the Revere on Second street, the Muxen House on Main and the Shea Hotel on main and Third streets. They supply the ordinary demand of the traveling and local public.
Of restaurants there are those of M.W. Smith and Fred Hansman on Main street and C.P. Chapman on Second. They are all well patronized.
The only jewelry store and clothing store - both in the same room - are conducted by the Matthews Brothers, A. E. [Matthews], who presides over the jewelry department, Ward [Matthews] the clothing department, and W.C. [Matthews] who is at home in either. They are said to be doing a fair business, which would be vastly increased by a judicious use of printers ink. A.E. is one of the city fathers, W.C. is city recorder and secretary of the fair association and fills both positions well. Ward does not aspire to public honors, but is 'business' all the time.
Odebolt has a good photograph gallery with apparatus to take pictures by the latest approved methods. The operator, G.E. West is an accomplished artist.
The shoe stores are those of B. Bause and M. Malberg who are both manufacturers and dealers.
Wm. Graham is the only furniture dealer, who carries a large and varied stock and well supplies the demand in his line.
Two well appointed livery stables supply the demand of the traveling public and furnish stylish rigs for pleasure and family use at such reasonable rates as make it a waste of capital for our townspeople to keep private turnouts. The oldest establishment is that of C.D. Shaw and Son, who located here in '80. M. Gardner went into the livery business three or four years ago, succeeding Tincher. J.P. Horan has at times done something in the livery way also, and running the mail route between this place and Denison.
We have two good harness shops, kept by E.C. McKeever and Frank Hora. The former was first established, Mr. McK. coming here in '79 and opening up in the room over what was then Dr. Huson's drug store. Mr. Hora came in '82, buying the building and stock and succeeding to the business of A.C. Rodocker.
In the blacksmith and wagon shops some old settlers and good citizens are found. J.A. Reynolds, Henry Rehberger and A. Stevens were making their anvils ring before there were half a dozen houses in the town and they are merrily ringing yet. Einspahr, the wagon maker, is one of the early comers dating we believe prior to '80. Geo. Rowe, wagon maker at the Reynolds shops came later, succeeding G. H. Parker.
There are several gentlemen who though not residing within the corporate limits of the town, are yet among our prominent business men, identified with Odebolt interests, and who have contributed greatly to its success. - Any enumeration of our business men therefore which should omit their mention, would be like the play of Hamlet with Hamlet left out.
First among these is Col. H.C. Wheeler, whose 12 section farm joins the town on the west and south, and who donated the land on which the town is located. His arrival ante-dates town and railroad, and the establishment of the latter upon its present line was the result of his personal influence and liberality. He has always taken a foremost part in every enterprise having for its object the advancement of the interests of the town.
W.W. Field is also counted among our prominent business men though he resides on his section farm south of town. He is president of the Odebolt State Bank and takes a lively interest in all that promotes the prosperity of the place. He has been the president of our District Fair since its organization and is the magician that has kept it prosperous and successful.
Z.W. Sparks is another who resides too near to be considered in the country and yet too far away to be eligible for Mayor. He too is an old settler, dating away back to aboriginal times. He has always been an active promoter of Fair interests and given liberally of his time to its success. And we might mention others, but our space admonishes us that we must draw the line somewhere, and it may as well be at friend Sparks as anywhere. We regret we cannot include our neighboring farmers, but we promise ourselves a review of their doings at no distant day.
And now as a sort of benediction - last but not least - come the Odebolt newspapers - but they may speak for themselves.
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