Guthrie County >> 1884 IndexHistory of
Guthrie and Adair Counties, Iowa
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Stuart Township A man prominent in commercial circles in Stuart, is Mr. Charles E. Bates, president of the First National bank. He is a native of the old Bay State of Masschusetts, having been born in Hampshire county, June 14, 1844, and there spent his youth and received his education. His first business experience was as bookkeeper, which was in 1865. He was engaged in the tanning business from 1866 to 1873, and in the latter year he became connected with the firm of Bates, Reed & Cooley, of New York city, dividing his attention between his duties in the house and those as traveling representative of the firm. In 1882 he engaged in the banking business in Princeton, Illionois. In July of that year he came to Stuart, where he engaged in the business of which he is the head. He was married July 4, 1868, to Miss F. E. Leighton, a native of Quebec, Canada. Their only child is Earl L. Mr. Bates is a prominent member of the Masonic order, and is a Knight Templar. One of the most honored citizens of Stuart, and one who has held a most prominent position among her business men, is Mr. Jacob R. Bates. He is of New England origin, having been born in Cummington, Massachusetts, May 20, 1839, and having lived there until his nineteenth year. In 1857 he came West locating at Webster City, Iowa. He had been there but a short time when he enlisted in Captain Martin's cavalry company of state militia, organized for the protection of the frontier from Indiana, serving four months. In July of the same year he returned to Massachusetts, and after remaining eighteen months in his native state, he again came West, locating this time in Scott county, Iowa. After spending four years there in school teaching, he went to Princeton, Illinois, to engage in the dry goods trade. In January, 1871, having enjoyed a successful business for seven years in Princeton, he came to Stuart for a permanent location, continuing in the dry goods trade here till November, 1882, when he retired from the business. He is a director of the First National bank, and was the father of that institution. He was elected as a member of the board of supervisors in 1882, to fill a vacancy, and was re-elected in 1883. He has been mayor of Stuart two terms, and a member of the school board for the past ten years. He was married September 28, 1869, to Mary Adams, a native of Massachusetts. Mr. Bates is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is of the Universalist faith. Charles H. Berner, of the firm of Rathman & Berner, cigar manufacturers, of Stuart, is a native of Germany, and was born January 12, 1844. When he was but nine years of age (in 1853) the family emigrated to America, locating in Herkimer county, New York. Here Charles was reared and received his schooling, and when he reached his fourteenth year he learned the tinsmith's trade. In 1862 he enlisted in company B, 1st United States sharpshooters (Colonel Berdan's celebrated regiment), serving till June, 1865, in the army of the Potomac, when he returned to his home. In the fall of 1865 he went to Rome, New York, to work at his trade, and so continued till 1868, when he went to Binghamton, remaining one year, and left there in the spring of 1869, coming to Iowa. He worked at his trade in Manchester till August. 1869, and from that time til October in Council Bluffs. From the latter city he came to Stuart and engaged in the hardware business, together with F. W. Toedt, under the firm name of Berner & Toedt, as mentioned elsewhere. In 1875 Mr. Toedt sold out his interest to his brother, Henry Toedt, and in January, 1881, Mr. Berner purchased his interest, and continued the business alone until September, 1882. In the early part of 1884 he became associated with C. Rathman in the present business of the manufacture and sale of cigars. Mr. Berner was married on the 3d of June, 1873, to Miss Louisa Wolfinger, of Lancaster, Ohio. They have three children, whose names are respectively--Anna May, Carl A., and Etta. Mr. Berner is a member of the Masonic order, and the secretary of his lodge. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W., and has been treasurer of the independent school district of Stuart for the past ten years. E. V. Boynton, the jeweler [in Stuart], is a native of Canada East, and was born May 14, 1828. In 1840 his father moved to Stephenson county, Illinois. In 1847 the subject of our sketch went to Galena, Jo Daviess county, same state, and apprenticed himself to the jeweler's trade, where he remained until 1853, when he went to California and engaged in mining, following that occupation for two years. He then re-embarked in the jewelry business, which he followed until 1872, when he came back to Manchester, Iowa, saying one year. He then removed to Falls City, Nebraska, and two years later, in 1875, came to Stuart, Iowa, where he established his present business. He was married in California in 1859, to Miss Anna B. Williams. They have two children--Blance A. and Wesley E. Among the younger business men of Stuart is Mr. Willard B. Conger, cashier of the Exchange bank. He is a native of Knowx county, Illinois, where he spent his boyhood days. He was educated at Lombard university, Galesburg, Illinois. Leaving college in 1870, he removed to Dexter, Iowa, where he first entered in the banking business. He remained there until coming to Stuart in 1875, when he engaged in his present business. Mr. Conger has education and natural business abilities, and large experience for his years. Among the most prominent citizens of Stuart, perhaps there is none better known or more thoroughly liked than Rev. James Foley, the Roman Catholic priest, who was born in Tullow, county Carlow, Ireland, on the 15th of August 1852. He studied from childhood at St. Patrick's monastery in his native town, and having completed a full classical course he entered Carlow college at the age of eighteen years. Carlow college is one of the oldest institutions of learning in Ireland, having been established in 1783, for the purpose of educating young men for the priesthoold of home and foreign missions. Here Father Foley remained for six years engaged in the study of moral and natural philosophy, theology and scripture. During the last two years of his collegiate course he filled the honorable position of senior prefect in Carlow lay college. Having completed his college course, he was ordained a priest on the 10th of June, 1876. Though being a great lover of his native land, he bade adieu to home and friends, and sailed for America on the 15th of September 1876. He was apppointed by Bishop Hennessy to be assistant pastor of Des Moines, where he remained for one year, until he was transferred to Stuart, on the 25th of August, 1877. During his seven years in Stuart, Father Foley has done a great amount of good among his large and constantly increasing congregation. Two Catholic churches and a pastoral residence have been built in the meantime within the limits of his parish, which embraces nearly all of the two counties of Guthrie and Adair. At present his congregation is about to enlarge their church at Stuart, and have just bought a two-thousand-pound bell to be erected within the next month. In making all these improvements Father Foley has been ably seconded by his very generous people, including many non-Catholics with whom he is on the most cordial terms. F. C. Fritz enjoys almost the monopoly of the sale of sewing machines, pianos, organs and musical instruments generally, although he takes no advantage of that. The only house for the sale of these necessary adjuncts of our higher civilization was opened in March, 1881, by him, and he has made it quite a success. Frederick C. Fritz is a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and was born April 7, 1837, and was there reared and educated. The greater part of his younger days were spent on a farm, and in 1859 he located near Dayton, Ohio, where he resided until spring of 1860. He then removed to Henry county, Illinois, where he remained until 1862. He then enlisted in the war, in company H, 112th Illinois regiment. He was with General Burnside in the East Tennessee campaign, at the siege of Knoxville, etc.; was assigned to the 23d army corps in April, 1864; was with General Sherman in his Georgia campaign until the capture of Atlanta, then returned with his corps to Tennessee. In the campaign of General Thomas against Hood, took part in the battles fo Franklin and Nashville; was then sent with corps to Fort Fisher, N. C.; thence up the coast to Wilmington and Goldsborough, where he re-united with General Sherman's army and together marched to Raleigh, where General Johnston surrendered his army; was mustered out of service in July, 1865. In 1870 he came to Stuart, and was engaged at contracting and building for some years, part of the time in mercantile business. In 1881 he established his present business. He was wedded to Miss Hannah D. Birdsall, a native of New York, May 11, 1871. They have three children--Minnie M. Fred B. and Blaine C. Mr. Fritz is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and is adjutant of the Stuart post. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W., and Iowa Legion of Honor. He is a member of the present school board of Stuart. Oliver E. Given, one of the principal druggists of the "burg" [Stuart], first entered into business as one of the firm of Phillips & Given, in April, 1875. His present establishment is, however, of later date, having originated in December, 1883. He carries a stock of over $2,000, and is doing a most excellent business, being a general favorite. His stock consists of drugs, medicines, paints, oils, books, stationery, wall-paper, and fancy articles, and all new and of the best quality. J. B. Grove, dealer in dry goods, boots and shoes, carpets, notions, etc., commenced business in Stuart in October 1880. He occupies a room 23x60 in size, which is well filled with about $10,000 worth of goods in his line. J. B. Grove, one of Stuart's prosperous merchants, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, April 11, 1854, and there received his youthful training and education. When he had attained the age of sixteen years he went to Wheeling, West Virgina, and worked at the jeweler's trade something over two years. He then returned to Bellaire, Ohio, on account of poor health, and became a bookkeeper for the Ohio Glass company, and remained in their employ, book-keeping and traveling, some two years. He was then engaged in various lines of trade till 1878, when he came to Iowa, clerking one year at West Liberty. He then came to Stuart, and was a member of the firm of Metcalf & Grove for two years. The partnership was then dissolved, and Mr. Grove started his present store, and within one year became the leading dry goods merchant of Stuart. Milton Hollingsworth, a native of Butler county, Ohio, was born November 11, 1825, his parents being William and Mary (Cook) Hollingsworth. When Milton was three years of age his parents removed to Tippecance county, Indiana, where he lived on a farm until the 14th of April, 1872. While a resident of that county he attended the academy at Bloomingdale, Park county, but also attended one in his own county. After he had received his education he taught school for a few terms. He came to Guthrie county and settled on what is now Stuart, buying one hundred and sixty acres of land of Nathan Hill. He sold a portion of this tract, and laid eighty acres out in town lots. He now owns four hundred and twenty-four acres in the county and fifty six acres in town lots. In 1883 he moved into his elegant residence, about fifty rods west of the corporate limits of Stuart. His residence cost him $8,000, is heated by steam, and has hot and cold water up and down stairs, and has every convenience that could be wished for. The building is 51x53 feet and two stories and a basement high. He also has a $2,500 barn, which is a beauty. Mr. Hill was married October 26, 1856, to Miss Elizabeth Binford, who was born near Damascus, Ohio, her parents being Joseph and Margaret (Ladd) Binford, natives of Virginia. They have three children--Joseph E., William, and Clarence B. Joseph E. was educated in Oskaloosa, and William is naturally a trader in stock, and is inclined to study law. The Hollingsworths are members of the Friends church and are republican in politics. Mr. Hill [sic] is extensively engaged in raising grade Herefords, having two hundred at present, and raises and deals in horses, cattle, hogs and sheep. T. J. Hubbard, more fortunate than most men, has two stores, one is a regular grocery store, the other is for the sale of clothing. They are on opposite sides of the street. Mr. Hubbard has been one of the most prominent men in Stuart, from its foundation was one of the early owners of the town plat, and foremeost in inducing settlement. He started the Exchange bank in 1872, and has been engaged in several other enterprises. In February, 1884, he opened his grocery store, and the following month, the clothing store. In both departments combined he carries about $14,000 worth of goods. Thomas J. Hubbard is a native of Randolph county, Indiana, and was born June 4, 1838. His life was spent there till his eighteenth year, when he came to Guthrie county, and worked out by the month for nine years, till 1867, for others. He then located on a farm in section 31, Penn township, where he farmed till 1870. He then removed to a farm which is now within the limits of Stuart, and tilled the land until it was taken in as part of the city, under the name of Kenworthy addition to Stuart. In 1872 he established the Exchange bank, and continued his connection with it till 1875, when he engaged in the real-estate and loan business. In March, 1881, he retired from his business to accept the appointment of government store-keeper at the Atlas distillery, Des Moines; he was transferred to Atlantic in December, 1882, and shortly afterward was appointed gauger. In July 1883, he returned to Stuart, and still holds the appointment of gauger, but without an assignment. In February, 1884, he commenced the gorcery and dry goods business, and in March the clothing business. He was married to Miss Eleanor Leach, a native of Indiana. They have three children--Myrtie A., Boyd and Josie M. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Fortunatus, and also of camp, and encampment. He is also a member of Token lodge No. 304, A. F. and A. M. of Stuart. James Laird, an enterprising citizen of Stuart, is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born February 19, 1821, in Beaver county, where he received his education, and afterwards engaged in railroad contracting. In 1858 he came to Iowa, first settling in Blackhawk county, Before coming to Stuart, in October, 1877, he made several moves, including Iowa City, Marengo, Brooklyn, Grinnell, Kellogg, Des Moines and Earlham, at most of which points he was engaged in railroad contracting. He opened a stone quarry at Earlham, at which point he remained four years, and furnished some stone for the capitol building in Des Moines. He also furnished stone for a large number of the buildings in the county, and for railroad bridges, etc. Mr. Laird took an active part in building the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific railroad, and had the contract to furnish all the bridge-timber and ties between Des Moines and Council Bluffs. He built the first house in Kellogg, Iowa. His marriage with Miss Nancy Blarcley was solemnized October 20, 1842, in Beaver county, Pennsulvania. They have six children--George A., Charlie S., John A., Anna, Jane E., and Aggie. In 1880 Mr. Laird was mayor of Stuart, and at present is a member of the school board. Amasa Martin is one of the livest business men in Stuart, and combines the occupations of land speculator, stockman and farmer. He is a native of the Empire state, having been born in Onondaga county, New York, May 14, 1832, where he spent his younger days and received his education. When eighteen years of age he commenced the employment of teaching in winter, working on the home farm the remainder of the year. In 1855 he went to Michigan, where he took a wood contract on the Michigan Southern railroad, making his home at White Pigeon for three years. He then returned to New York, and followed farming and stock-dealing for five years, and then removed to Kankakee county, Illinois, where he was both a merchant and a farmer. In March, 1874, he came to Iowa and engaged in the general merchandise business with a Mr. Kile, in the town of Mentor, the firm also buing and dealing in grain. In 1881 he retired from the business and came to Stuart, since which time he has dealt in land and cattle. He owns a section of land in Adair county, and tracts of two hundred and forty and one hundred and sixty acres repectively, in that county, besides real-estate in Menlo. He was married December 13, 1852, to Marion F. Wallis, of New York. They have three children--Amelia H., Frances E., and Belle. Mr. Martin was a member of the Stuart city council in 1883. E. S. Otis, the manager of this business [Randall & Dickey], was born April 15, 1843, in Rutland, Vermont, where he was raised and educated. In 1864 he went to Peoria, Illinois, where he engaged in the grain and stock business till the spring of 1870, when he came to Iowa, locating for a short time in Boone, then going to Cedar Rapids. In 1872 he came to Stuart, and engaged with J. E. Garrett, in the implement business, and was so engaged till 1877, when he took charge of the business for the firm which was the predecessor of the present firm of Randall & Dickey. He was married in January, 1877, to Miss Ortiney Moore, a native of Canada. They have three children living--Willie J., Eddie S., and an infant. Mr. Otis is a notary public, which position he has held since 1879. Christian Rathman, of Rathman & Berner, cigar manufacturers, was born in Germany, January 29, 1846. He was there reared and educated, and there learned and followed the baker's trade. In 1872 he emigrated to America, locating in Chicago, Illinois, where he worked at his trade for six months. He then went to Monmouth, Illinois, where he learned the cigarmaker's trade, there working until 1877. He then came to Stuart and engaged in the manufacture of cigars. In January, 1884, the present firm of Rathman & Berner was formed. He was married November 16, 1872, to Miss Anna Williams, a native of Germany. Mr. Rathman served from 1867 to 1871 in the German army. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Encampment of that order, and he is also a member of the A. O. U. W., and the Legion of Honor. He was one of the city council of Stuart for March, 1881, to March, 1884. John F. Reinecke is the oldest resident merchant tailor, commencing business here [Stuart] in September, 1875. He carries a stock of about $1,000, and is doing a good business. He is a native of Germany, and was born July 26, 1844. He there spent his youth, was educated, and learned his trade in the thorough manner of that country. In 1868 he came to New York City, where he remained three years. He then came to Iowa, and worked for some time as a cutter in Fairfield, afterwards starting in business there for himself. After one year's business in Fairfield he removed to Atlantic, and in July, 1875, he came to Stuart, opening his present business in September. He was married March 13, 1871, to Martha Norton, a widow, the mother of two children by a former marriage. Their names are Mary and Sherman Norton. Mr. Rienecke is a member of the I O. O. F., and is attached to the Lutheran faith. One of the most prominent of Stuart's business men is Mr. Michael Ryan, the general mercantile dealer of Stuart. He is a native of Ireland, and was born January 16, 1841. There he was reared at farm life, and attended school. In 1867 he resolved to try his fortunes in the new world, and later in that year found him located in the oil regions of Pennsylvania, where he engaged for a time in clerking and in railroad contracting, his clerking being for his uncle, who was a merchant there. He went to Fagundus City, Pennsylvania, in 1870, where, in connection with Patrick, he started a store. In 1871 he came to Stuart, starting his present business, and has built up the largest business in Stuart. He was married in November, 1874, to Anna S. Murphy, a native of Ireland. They have six children--Annie, Mary, John, Agnew, Patrick J. and Michael F. He is a member of the Catholic church. Mr. Ryan is one of the most public-spirited men in Stuart. Patrick Ryan, one of the largest dealers in the county in his line, carries a stock of $12,000 worth of clothing, boots and shoes, gentlemen's furnishing goods. This business he instituted himself, in July, 1876, and under his hands has it assumed its present large proportions. He occupies the east half of the opera house block, having purchased the interest of A. H. Savage in that beautiful structure. Patrick Ryan was born in Ireland in 1851, and emigrated to America in 1867, and he followed for a time the occupation of clerking in the oil region of Pennsylvania. In 1870 he entered into business with his brother Michael, in Faundus City, Pennsylvania, and so continued one year. He then went to Triumph, Pennsylvania, where he remained two years; he than went to Millerstown, staying six months; thence to Parker City, where he continued in business till 1875. He then came to Iowa, and commenced clerking for his brother in Stuart. In July, 1876, he engaged in his present business. He was married February 18, 1879, to Miss Sarah A. Mc Cartin, a native of New Jersey. They have two children--George E. and Kate E. Mr. Ryan is a member of the Stuart city council, and is of the Catholic denomination. In May, 1868, Captain Charles Stuart, after whom the town is named, a native of Barnet, Caledonia county, Vermont, came here from his home in Neponset, Illinois, and commenced breaking prairie in Adair county, close to where Suart is now located. On the 1st of September, of the same year, he purchased of D. G. Barkalow the south half and the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 4, in township 77, range 30, in Adair county. On the 4th of same month he also purchased the south half of the southwest quarter of section 33, in township 78, range 30, and in November five acres of the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter os section 33, and the southeast quarter of the south west quarter (except ten acres) of the section 32 in the same township and range. On the 24th of December, he also became the owner of the east half of the northeast quarter of section 5, in Adair county. Of these various pieces of land, then, in December, 18 68, and January, 1869, Mr. Stuart laid out the original town of Stuart on the 29th of September, 1870. W. R. Shaw, dealer in lumber, building material, paints, etc., is one of the live representatives of this line of trade, and carries a stock that presents a money value of over $9,000. This place of business was originated by William Gray in 1875, but afterwards, on his taking in a partner, known as Gray & Stephenson. In 1877 the firm became Gray & Shaw, and in 1879, Mr. Gray retiring, it passed into the hands of the present proprietor. Mr. Shaw is doing the larger share of the trade in his line in Stuart. W. R. Shaw is a native of New Boston, Mass., and was born February 1, 1853. When he was thirteen years of age the family moved to Davenport, Iowa, where he received his education and learned the carpenter trade. In 1877 he came to Stuart, Iowa, and worked at his trade till the fall of that year, when he became interested in the lumber business. He was married on the 12th day of January, 1876, to Miss Maggie Bell, a native of Pennsylvania. Three children have blessed their union--Mabel E., George W. and Sadie B. Mr. Shaw is a member of the A. O. U. W. of Stuart. John L. M. Shetterley, dentist, is a native of Oswego, Indiana, and was born August 8, 1857. When an infant the family removed to South Bend, Indiana, where John was reared to manhood and educated. In November, 1873, he began the study of dentistry with D. E. Cummins, with whom he remained ten months. He was then a student under R. T. Moore, of Stuart, one year. In 1875 he succeeded that gentleman in the business in that city. He is well known through this county as a scientific workman, and has a good city and country practice. He was united in marriage August 8, 1878, with Miss Mary A. Downs, a native of Wisconsin. They have one child--John L. M., jr. Mr. Shetterley is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Knights of Pythias. He is also a member and a past grand president of the United Order of Honor. Alexander Smart, the agent of the C. R. I. & P. R. R. Co. [Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Co.], is a native of Scotland, and was born December 4, 1836. He received his education in that country, where he also followed the business of railroad engineer. In 1857 he emigrated to the United States, locating in Cambridgeport, Massachusetts, where he engaged with his brother in this Riverside stereotype foundry for two years, he engaged in farming, which he followed up to 1861, when he went to Henry county, Illinois. In 1866 he came to Malcomb, Iowa, and took charge of the station for the old Mississippi and Missouri R. R. Co., now the C., R. I. & P. He built the first elevator at that point, and dealt in grain in connection with his railroad business. In 1868 he took charge of the De Soto station, remaining there till 1872, when he took charge of the company's business at Stuart. He is a member of the city council, and has been a member of the school board. He was married to Lucy A. Sanger, who was the mother of two children--Charles S., and George S. After her death he married Mrs. Dr. W. W. Parker, October 16, 1872. Mr. Smart is a member of the Masonic fraternity, a Knight, and a member of the A. O. U. W. Samuel J. Wasson, carriage painter, was born in the north of Ireland, June 9, 1835. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (McCann) Wasson, who were natives of Scotland, he of the Highlands and she of the Lowlands. He was reared on a farm in his native country, and there learned the trade of carriage painting. In 1860 he emigrated to America and there located in New York City, where he worked with G. B. Brewster & Co., with whom he worked until 1868. He then went to Palnesville, Ohio, where he was foreman of a carriage shop one year. In 1869 he removed to Muscatine, Iowa, where he remained until 1874. He then went to Cedar Rapids, where he worked until 1876, when he came to Stuart and entered into partnership with his present partner, J. I. Nelson. He is a splendid workman, and commands the better class of work done in this neighborhood. He was married, August 5, 1866, to Miss Eliza McKee, a native of the north of Ireland. They have five children living--Elizabeth, Jennie, Agnes, Sarah, John. He is a member of the Congregational church of Stuart. Charles L. Wieneke, managing partner of the firm of Wieneke & Wright, was born in Germany, January 21, 1858. In 1859 his parents removed to America, bringing up at Geneseo, Illinois. In 1861 they removed to Waukesha county, Wisconsin, where they remained till 1865, then returning to Illinois. There they decided to locate, and when Charles was fourteen years of age, he began the trade of tinner, and worked at it until going into business for himself, together with clerking in the hardware business. He worked at Davenport, Kansas City, and numerous places in Nebraska and Iowa, and in the fall of 1881 he came to Stuart and began work with H. A. Smyth, continuing in his employ until September, 1882, when he engaged in his present business--hardware, tinware, etc. He was married February 14, 1882, to Miss Isabella Wright, a native of Ohio. They have two children--Mabel R., and an infant. Mr. Wieneke is a member of the United Order of Honor. L. F. Zieger, a member of the above firm [Zieger & Huntoon, real-estate, loans and insurance], is a native of Vermillion county, Indiana, and was born October 4, 1839. When he was three years of age, his parents moved to Benton county, Iowa, remaining there one year, when they went to Hardin county, where he was reared and educated, and learned the carpenter trade. In the fall of 1870 he came to Stuart, where he engaged in contracting and building up to 1876. He then went to Montgomery county, where he engaged in the insurance business, remaining there one year, when he again returned to Stuart, where he has since continued the business in connection with real estate. He was married June 15, 1876, to Miss Rosa McWilliams, of Ohio. Mr. Zieger is a member of the I. O. O. F. |