Tama County >> 1879 Index

History of Tama County, Iowa
by Samuel D. Chapman. [Toledo:] Toledo Times Office, 1879.

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The following was submitted by Dick Barton unless otherwise submitted.

H. T. BALDY, M. D.

The oldest physician in Toledo is Henry T. Baldy, a graduate of the Rush Medical College of Chicago, and a man of good reputation both personally and professionally. In 1854 Mr. Baldy located at Toledo , where he is still found in good practice. His calls are both numerous and profitable extending over the entire County. The Doctor is well known in nearly every township, and the respect shown him is as wide as his acquaintance. He is kind to the poor and has ridden hundreds of miles to administer to their necessities without expectation of any compensation. Years ago he was very active in politics, but of late years has done but little more than vote. In 1856 he published the "Toledo Tribune," the first paper in this County, and in which he published the first delinquent tax list in the County. Since locating in Toledo , Mr. Baldy has been very active, enterprising and useful to the place, and has donated liberally to every good enterprise. His office is at his residence on Broadway Street , Toledo .

J. Ballard, Physician and Surgeon

This gentleman is among the leading practitioners of Tama County , and is located in Monticello where he has an extensive practice. He is regarded as one of the best read and education physicians in this County. Mr. Ballard has attended two courses of lectures at Ann Arbor , Michigan ; one at Chicago and one at Iowa City . After finishing these he located in Toledo , but in the fall of 1878 moved to Monticello . Since locating here he has had a creditable practice and holds a prominent position in his chosen profession.

Bank of Tama

This bank has been in successful operation since 1871, and is one of the representative institutions of the city. It is a private bank, with stockholders who are responsible and reliable men. The business is conducted by able and competent men and since the time of its establishment it has been a great advantage to the place. It has a high reputation with those who know the bank and its officers. The capital stock amounts to over $100,000. Lewis Carmichael, an old settler and one who has been a promoter of so many enterprises of this vicinity for the past eighteen years, is President and his sons, E. L. and Charles are conducting the business; the former is cashier and the latter assistant cashier. These young men are both apt and competent scholars and have that business ability which insures success. Their father, besides attending to his duties in the bank is an extensive railroad contractor and stock raiser. He came to this County in 1867, and was one of the first to own property in Tama City . He is identified with the first public improvements and has manifested himself in all interests of the town. The banking house is situated on Third Street , and is one of the finest in the town. It is twenty-five by sixty feet, two stories high and built of red brick, with a beautiful marble front. The inside is systematically arranged and artistically finished.

A. J. Bartlett, Bakery and Confectionary

This business was established by L. Wentz in 1874, and conducted by him with good success until March 1 st , 1879, when it changed hands to the above named gentleman, who after taking possession refitted the building and added largely to the stock and now he has one of the finest stocks, and doing as large business in his line as any one in the town. Mr. Bartlett, besides carrying on the bakery, which is conducted by the skillful hands of J. T. M. Glenn, carries a full line of confectionaries, cigars, tobaccos, nuts, etc., which he sells with small profits. Mr. Bartlett is a young man who was raised in Toledo and is well known, as a straight forward business man and there is no doubt that he will meet with unbounded success.

Batchelder & Free, Druggists

This firm is composed of A. M. Batchelder and A. J. Free, the former has been a resident of the County since 1864, first residing in Tama City , and the latter has been a resident since 1853, coming here from Columbus , Ohio , and settled near Toledo in company with his father's family. In 1873, when Traer sprang into existence Mr. Batchelder established business at that point, in company with J. G. Strong. After a few years Mr. Strong sold out and G. T. Jones bought an interest. The first of Batchelder & Jones continued until November, 1878, when Mr. Free bought Mr. Jones' interest and the firm name changed to Free & Batchelder. During the past six years it has held a leading position and commanded an extensive trade, but never in its history has it been as popular as at the present time. They carry a full and well selected stock of everything in the drug line, paints, oils, etc. With its varied stock and well arranged apartments the store of Free & Batchelder is one of the best in the County and does honor to its energetic proprietors. Besides carrying on the drug store they are interested in the pop business; in this article they are having an extensive wholesale and retail trade. Their store is located on Second Street and their pop factory is on Main Street near the depot.

W. O. Beam, M. D.

For a number of years this gentleman has been a resident of Tama County , locating first at Waltham , where he remained practicing medicine until July, 1878, when he moved to Dysart, and since has had a growing practice. Mr. Beam is a graduate of the Medical Department of the Iowa State University . He is a gentleman of acknowledged ability and well educated in the medical profession. He enjoys the confidence of the community in which he resides. His office is located over Wm. Davidson's dry goods store.

E. A. BISSELL, Dentist.

The dental rooms of this gentleman are located over the post office, where he has nicely arranged rooms and is prepared to do all work in his line. Mr. Bissell is a graduate of the Boston Dental College , and has been in practice since 1875. From that time until 1877 he practiced in Independence , Iowa , where he had a large practice and stood well in his profession. During his four years career in Traer he has secured a large practice from the leading citizens, which go to prove the high position he has attained. Mr. Bissell does good work and guarrantees satisfaction to all.

Bostwick House

This house was erected by its owner M. Bostwick, in the year 1868, and since that date has been a pleasant resort for the traveler. The house is located on corner of State and Fourth Streets, two blocks from Chicago & Northwestern depot. The building is frame, large and commodious. Mr. S. Russell has the house in charge and commands a large patronage.

Madison Bostwick, Carpenter

Mr. Bostwick is an old settler in this County and has made Tama City his home a large portion of the time. Carpentering is his chosen trade, and he is one among the best in the County. He has been Mayor of this city several terms and has held other offices of trust and proven himself a man who does more thinking in private than talk in public, and can always be relied upon for prompt attendance and solid work in business affairs. He has the best interests of his community at heart. His parents were natives of Connecticut . Madison was born in the year 1812, his parents were poor and consequently his education was somewhat limited, enjoying only such as a common school affords. While yet quite young, Mr. Bostwick concluded to learn a trade, and immediately went to work with a Mr. Leet, a carpenter, of Middletown , Penn. , with whom he continued until he had accomplished his aim. On December 18 th , 1833 , he was married to Miss Amanda Griffis, by whom he had four children, three boys and one girl.

Mr. Bostwick continued at the carpentering trade, in Pennsylvania , until the death of his wife, when he sold his property there and came west; spent sometime in Wisconsin and afterwards came to this County. Since he came to Tama City he has been engaged in contracting and building. Mr. Bostwick is capable of doing any work in his line, and is ever willing to work at a reasonable price, believing in the motto “Live and let live.”

Bowen & Higby, Land, Loan, Insurance and Collection Agents

The above business was established in the year 1874, by W. H. Bowen, who came to this place from Cedar Rapids, and was conducted by him with good success until January, 1878, when M. R. Higby became interested, after which the firm was known as Bowen & Higby. Since the latter date it has been conducted in a profitable manner and to-day stands among the leading agencies of this kind in the Northwest. They do a large business in land, insurance and collections, while they make loans a specialty, in fact the latter business has increased so in the last few years that nearly their whole time and attention is devoted to it in order that they may be fully prepared to give all desired information and advantages to patrons. Their office is located on Second Street , in Orchild's building. Call and see them.

Dr. H. W. Boynton, Physician and Surgeon.

This eminent physician is one of Toledo 's successful men, and is having a successful practice in medicine and surgery. By close study and thorough practical demonstrations he has attained that skill which marks him master of his profession. He can always be found at his residence on Church Street , Toledo , Tama County , Iowa . Below will be found a short but creditable biography of his progress through life.

Mr. Boynton is a native of the State of New York . He came to Iowa in the year 1861, and in the same year began the study of medicine and surgery in the office of Dr. John Conaway, a prominent physician of Brooklyn , Poweshiek County , Iowa . In August, 1863, he left his studies, went to Iowa City and enlisted for the war as a private in the 28 th Iowa Infantry, Volunteers, which was fully organized in barracks at Camp Pope awaiting orders to move south. Shortly after enlistment he was promoted to Hospital Steward of his regiment, which position he held until the regiment was discharged at the close of the war. After discharged from services he pursued the study of medicine and surgery until he graduated at the Albany Medical College, New York, December 24 th , 1866 . Immediately after finishing his studies he returned to Iowa where he practiced his profession nearly four years at La Porte City , Iowa , then moved to Toledo , Tama County , Iowa , in 1870, where he has since followed his profession with ability and success making Surgery a specialty. In 1872, he was appointed United States Examining Surgeon for Pensions for Tama County , which appointment he held until he resigned in 1876, on account of temporary absence from the County. He is a member of the Iowa State Medical Society and President of the Tama County Medical Association.

J. L. Bracken & Co., Grain and Stock Buyers

This company has been in existence since the year 1869, at Tama City , buying and shipping grain and live stock. From the formation of the company they have always sustained a good reputation for honorable and fair dealing and have always paid the highest market price for all kinds of grain and live stock. In 1875 J. L. Bracken, besides doing business at Tama City , commenced operations at Toledo . Since that date he has take a leading position in the grain and stock trade at that point, and has shipped many hundred car loads to the Eastern markets.

Mr. Bracken is thoroughly allied with the interests of his places of business and since doing business here has gained a goodly number of friends and the confidence of the community as a successful business man.

Homer S. Bradshaw, Law and Collection Office

For the past eight years the above named gentlemen has been well known to the citizens of Toledo, and vicinity, and in fact, over the entire County. In the year 1871, Mr. Bradshaw came to Toledo from Mechanicsville, Iowa, where he had been employed for a number of years as principal of the public schools, and engaged in the practice of law; since which date he has been having a comparatively good practice and has proven himself of more than average legal ability and is now ranked among the leading practitioners of the County. His office is in Nelson & Barker's Real Estate and Loan office, where he has a good library. He has a legal knowledge that only can be attained by close study and large practice.

A. Brannaman & Co., Bankers

This business was established in the year 1877, by the above firm. They done business in a rented room until the summer of 1878, when they erected the present building on Main Street . It is a fine brick structure twenty feet wide and thirty-two feet long, and is nicely arranged, with all the conveniences of modern times. The company is in a prosperous condition and composed of A. Brannaman, C. E. Morris and E. A. Morris, with A. Brannaman as cashier and M. M. Morris, assistant cashier. Under the management of these able gentlemen the bank is doing a large business and giving entire satisfaction. The members of this firm are among the leading citizens and are always ready to assist in advancing the best interests of their town.

T. A. Bristol, Jeweler

On Third Street near the post office is located the above gentleman. Mr. Bristol is a practical jeweler of many years experience, and is well posted in the business. He has met with good success during his business career in this place. He keeps a large and well selected stock consisting of the latest styles, in fact, everything kept in a first-class jewelry store. An especial feature of his establishment is the repairing department where all kinds of cleaning and repairing is done to perfection. The whole is presided over by Mr. Bristol, and all work is guaranteed by him. His prices are reasonable. Give him your patronage.

Brooks & Moore, Bankers and Collectors

The banking firm of the above named gentleman has been in existence since 1873, and is one of the representative institutions of the city. Ever since its organization the business has been conducted by R. H. Moore, who has been identified with the leading spirits of the city since that date, and while he may not have fallen in with the views of all, yet has been liberal in promoting those enterprises which he believed intended to enhance the interests of Traer. His enterprise soon exhibited itself after his advent in aiding and liberally donating to all good enterprises. The erection of the present banking house, which is located on the corner of Walnut and Second Streets is the finest in the city, and compares with any in Iowa . The firm is composed of J. H. Brooks and R. H. Moore; the former of whom has been a resident of the County since 1856, coming here from Kane County , Illinois , and settling in Otter Creek township, where he resided upon his farm until the spring of 1866, when he moved to Tama City . Mr. Brooks is one of Tama's most highly esteemed citizens and besides railroad contracting he is engaged in farming, merchandising and banking, mainly by proxy, and strange to say making a success of every branch. The latter, R. H. Moore, has been a resident of the County since 1867, coming here from Mercer County , Pennsylvania . Mr. Moore for a number of years after coming to the County made his home at Tama City and vicinity, teaching school during the winter seasons, while in the summer he was engaged at farming, or whatever honorable employment he could obtain until the year 1871, when he received a situation in the banking house of Carmichael, Brooks & Co., where he remained until business was established at Traer, when he was sent there in charge of that bank. To-day Mr. Moore besides owning one half interest in the business is largely interested in a bank at Reinbeck, Grundy County , where they are doing a large banking business under the charge of his brother G. T. Moore. But to return to the bank which under the supervision of R. H. Moore is one of the most successful institutions in the place, whose prosperity and high standing at home and abroad gives tone and character to the city, ever stands ready to accommodate its numerous customers. The banking house was erected in 1878, is especially constructed with a view to convenience and safety, and it is conceded that no bank in the County is more secure or elegantly and conveniently fitted up. Its furniture is heavy carved hard wood, while its vaults are built up from the solid stone and provided with “time locks” thus making them doubly secure.

James H. Brooks

James Harper Brooks comes of good patriotic fighting stock, both grandfathers were in the revolution. His grandsire Harper was a colonel; his grandsire Brooks a private. His parents were James Brooks, farmer, steamboat owner and contractor, and Mary Harper, industrious, well-to-do people residing at the time of the son's birth on the 3d of April, 1829 , at Conneaut, Ashtabula County , Ohio . His father was a private under General Harrison during the second contest with the mother country. James Harper made Ashtabula County his home until past age, although he was absent, more or less, nearly every year after sixteen. He finished his education at Kingsville Academy , in his native County.

In his seventeenth year his father sent him to Illinois with two thousand sheep, the only assistance he had was a boy one year younger than himself. His eighteenth year he spent mainly on the farm at home.

During the seasons of 1848 and 1849 he acted as clerk on the steamer Ohio , owned by his father, and run on Lake Erie .

In the spring of 1851 Mr. Brooks moved to Kane County, Illinois; there farmed for three years, then took a contract on the Chicago & Northwestern railroad, furnishing the ties and some other wood-work for the track from Junction to Dixon.

In the spring of 1856 he removed to Iowa , settling in Otter Creek township, Tama County , alternating between farming and railroading for ten or eleven years; most of this time, when off the farm, he was an employee rather than a contractor.

In the spring of 1866 Mr. Brooks moved his family into the new village of Tama City , then springing up on the Northwestern railroad, two miles south of Toledo . He went on the Union Pacific railroad and spent fourteen months there as a contractor, in company with Lewis Carmichael, the work done being largely between the Black Hills and Ogden . The operations of Mr. Brooks at this period were very successful.

Since leaving the Union Pacific Mr. Brooks has done some heavy work on the Chicago & Northwestern railroad in Monroe County , Wisconsin , on the Baraboo division.

Meantime he was also farming, merchandising and banking, mainly by proxy, and, strange to say, making a success of every branch. He has a thousand acres of land in this County, all under good improvement, most of it cultivated by renters. He is of the firm of Brooks & Holmes, dry goods merchants at Tama City; the business being managed principally by his partner, Ryland A. Holmes, a promising young man, son of Rev. O. A. Holmes. This firm was formed two years ago, and is one of the largest and best in the place.

Mr. Brooks has been in the banking business for seven years, and is of the firm of Brooks & Moore at Traer, Tama County , and of Brooks & Moore Brothers at Reinbeck, Grundy County , both places on the Pacific branch of the Burlington , Cedar Rapids & Northern railroad.

Mr. Brooks has great energy and pluck, usually pushing his business rather than allowing his business to push him. He has kept all the irons in the fire, but let none of them become overheated.

Lately he has let others assume most of the labor, and having a competency, he lives very much at his ease. He has one of the most delightful residences in the County, located in a two acre lot most tastefully embellished. The house alone cost twenty-five thousand dollars, and the entire homestead, as it stands, must be worth nearly twice that sum.

Mr. Brooks was in early life a whig; since 1855 he has been a republican; is very decided in his political sentiments; is ready to help a worthy friend to office, but has no aspirations himself in that direction.

His wife was Miss Harriet Hartshorn, of Erie County , Pennsylvania . Married at Meadville on the 5 th of December, 1850 . Both are active members of the Baptist church, filling their places and generously responding to the calls and requirements of the church, and of religious charitable objects generally. Few kinder hearted men live than James H. Brooks. He not only pities the poor and unfortunate, but is always ready to help them.

Mr. and Mrs. Brooks have had two children, but lost one of them. Arthur Lee Brooks, their only living child, has a family, and is managing the home farm, paying particular attention to the stock department. He is energetic like his father, a hard worker and a young man of sterling worth.

CHRISTIAN BRUNER

Bruner & Reedy, Flouring Mills

In speaking of these gentlemen and their mills we can say that they are proprietors of the oldest mills in the County. They were established by Christian Bruner, father of one of the present proprietors, in the year 1854. The proprietors are both young men of excellent business qualifications; they are enterprising and successful in their chosen occupation. Their mills are located about one-half mile west of Monticello and are known as The Monticello Mills. The building is a large frame one, four stories high, and equipped with superior machinery. Besides doing the milling business these gentlemen are dealing quite extensively in live stock.

C. F. Buhmann, Cigar Manufacturer

The cigar manufacturing establishment of the above named gentleman was established in 1874. Mr. Buhmann came here from Wynona , Minnesota . Since establishing business at Traer he has succeeded in building up a large trade both in wholesale and retail, and in every case his cigars has given entire satisfaction. He manufactures splendid brands of cigars, among which are the celebrated Belle of Traer, My Own Brand and the Tama Chief, for all of these there is a large demand. His store is located on Second Street where he carries a full line of all kinds of tobaccos etc. in connection with his manufactory.

James M. Burge, Cigar Manufacturer

This gentleman, since establishing himself in this choice business has met with splendid success, which has been his marked feature, and the fine cigars issuing from his manufactory meet with an extensive sale. This arises from the fact that the proprietor has become thoroughly acquainted with the tobacco trade, and understands the quality of leaf to perfection. He manufactures quite a number of different brands, each and all are of choice tobaccos. Mr. Burge also has in connection with his factory a retail department, in which he keeps all of the best brands of chewing and smoking tobaccos, pipes, pipe stems, and in fact, everything pertaining to the smoker's wants. Factory and retail rooms on Third Street , Tama City .

Butler & Cronk, Grain and Live Stock Dealers

This is one of the strongest and most reliable firms doing business in Montour and is composed of Philip Butler and J. G. Cronk, both of whom are old settlers in Tama County , the former came to Indian Village township, from Linn County , in company with his father's family in the year 1853, and located upon a farm. Since residing here, Mr. Butler has been extensively engaged in farming and now owns over 1,400 acres of land the most of which is under cultivation. Besides attending to the duties of his farm he is a member of the above firm at Montour where they are doing a large business. Politically Mr. Butler is a Democrat, the principles of that party being hear and dear to his heart. Though the township in which he resides is strongly Republican, at the last general election he was elected justice of the peace by a large majority. The latter, Mr. Cronk, came to the County for Morrow County, Ohio, and settled in Highland township in 1857, residing upon his farm which consists of over 600 acres, until 1877 when he removed to Montour. He also carries on his farm in connection with the above business. These gentleman are both honorable and highly respected citizens and since doing business at this point have made many friends.