History
of Tama County, Iowa
by Samuel D. Chapman. [Toledo:] Toledo Times Office, 1879.
S
Joseph Schichtl, Dry Goods
This gentleman has been located at this point (Union Grove) for a number of years and ever since coming here has been engaged in this line of trade. He handles all kinds of dry goods, boots and shoes, grocery, hardware, tobaccos, cigars, queensware wood and willow ware, and every thing kept in a first-class country store. He takes all kind of produce in exchange for goods for which he pays the highest price. He sells goods very low and handles the best quality is why he has been so successful and holds such a large trade. Mr. Schichtl, is also postmaster, and justice of the peace. Since locating in the township has made many friends, in all his business transactions he is honorable, liberal, and strictly honest and consequently is ranked among the leading men of the township.
Schichtl & Graham, Blacksmiths
For all kinds of blacksmithing, and machine repairing; call upon the above named gentlemen at their shop at Union Grove, and we will warrant you a first-class job, on short notice and reasonable price. These gentlemen have been engaged in business at this point for a number of years during the time they have had a large run of custom and as they guarantee all of their work, their business is lasting and constantly increasing. These gentleman are also liberal, enterprising and successful business men, and have made many warm friends, in the vicinity where they are acquainted.
Jasper H. Scott
This gentleman is a native of Ohio having been born in Highland County of that State, in the year 1820, and when but two years of age came with his parents to Columbus O. where they settled upon a small farm. His mother died when he was small leaving a family of six children. Jasper being the youngest, was bound out to one of the neighbors, who was poor and could not give him such advantages as they desired, he only having been permitted to attend the common subscription school; which was all the means of education that he enjoyed, but natural good sense and a determined will have in a measure overcome every difficulty in this respect.
When Jasper reached his 16 th year, boy that he was, decided on leaving his adopted home and henceforth to do for himself. In this twentieth year Mr. Scott was married to Miss E. Hawkins. The young couple though poor in this world, but rich in faith, and with a will of determination to dare to do, shortly after married moved to Illinois and settled on a small farm in Ogle County, where they remained until the year 1859, when Mr. Scott and family moved to this County settling in Grant township where they have since resided.
As a citizen Mr. Scott stands high in the estimation of the communities in which he has lived or resided, being a good neighbor and a kind hearted, benevolent man, one who would be well received and trusted implicitly by stranger and friend.
In 1840 he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church; up to the present time, a period of thirty-eight years, has ever been a constant member of that branch of the Christian Church. We believe it will be written of him in that great day like one of old “He had done what he could.” No better epitaph could be placed upon the monument of any one than this.
W. D. Scott, M. D., Surgery a Specialty
Among the most successful practitioners of Traer, we may mention the name of W. D. Scott, who has been a practicing physician of the place since November, 1877, and who, since that date, has met with more than ordinary success. Mr. Scott is a graduate of Hahneman Medical College of St. Louis, and since graduating has been in active practice both before and since settling in this County. He loves surgery, studies science, and is a prospective man. Mr. Scott ranks among the best educated physicians and surgeons of the country and his practice is constantly increasing. Office in Orthchild's building.
Seaver & McClary, Bankers and Dry Goods
At the corner of Second and Main Streets is located the large dry goods and banking house of the above named gentlemen, who established business in the fall of 1874. Since that date they have gained a high reputation. The fine display of dry goods, notions, carpets, clothing, boots and shoes, hats, caps, etc. is immense. From the first they adopted the cash system, both in buying and selling. By this means they secure goods at bottom prices and sell the same as cheap as Chicago retail houses. Their store is the finest and most attractive in the town, and commands a trade among all classes. In 1875, besides carrying on the dry goods business, the Bank of Traer was established by them. During the time it has been in existence it has done a regular banking and collection business, and has been of great advantage to the city. This department is under the supervision of Mr. Seaver, while Mr. McClary takes charge of the dry goods. Both these men came here from Jefferson County, Kansas, and since being residents of Traer have became well acquainted, highly esteemed and are good representatives of their respective positions and hold a high reputation as business men and citizens.
J. H. Segner, Livery Feed and Sale Stable
In 1876, this gentleman established himself in this business at Traer and since has been doing a large and paying business in the place. He turns out some fine rigs at reasonable prices. Mr. Segner for the first two years after locating at this place, besides running the livery barn was also proprietor of the Brooks House where he became well acquainted and made many friends all of whom speak of him as an honorable and valuable citizen. His livery barn is located but a few doors west of the Brooks House, where persons wishing accommodations in his line will get the best.
J. W. Shaler
This gentleman has been a resident of Chelsea since March 1872, and until July, 1877, was in the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad company as station agent. After quitting the employ of the company he established himself in the grain business. To-day Mr. Shaler, besides buying grain, is successfully carrying on the lumber, coal, and pump business; in each branch he holds a large trade, extending for many miles around the village. Mr. Shaler is a liberal, enterprising, and consequently a successful business man, and stands among the leading business men of the city, and is at present efficiently serving the city as Recorder, and filling the offices of township clerk and justice of the peace, besides serving the Chicago & Northwestern railroad company as express agent, which appointment dates from April 26 th , 1879.
W. H. Sherwin & Son, Hardware and Furniture
In 1877, these gentlemen established business at this point, buying the hardware stock of S. B. Yeoman. Since this time they have carried a full line of goods consisting of hardware, tinware, stoves, iron, etc., which they are selling very cheap. They are also proprietors of a furniture store which is located three doors south of the hardware, where they carry a full line of furniture consisting of everything kept in a first-class stock. This department is under the management of H. P. Sherwin, which the hardware is managed by his father, W. H. Sherwin. Both these gentlemen are liberal, enterprising and consequently successful business men and rank among the foremost citizens of the place.
Thomas Shunn, Brick
This gentleman came to Tama County from Canada in the year 1863 and settled in Toledo township. In 1870 he bought a farm in Carroll township and since has been manufacturing a splendid quality of brick. Mr. Shunn claims that he makes a better article and can sell cheaper than any other yard in the County.
Louis Sime, Clothier
Among the important institutions of the town worthy of mention, is the clothing establishment of L. Sime, on the corner of Broadway and High Streets, in the Toledo House building. This business was established in 1877 by Sime & Solomon, and conducted by them until March 10 th 1879 , when Mr. Solomon sold his interest and moved to Tama City . Since Mr. Sime became sole proprietor he has added greatly to his stock of clothing and now carries a full line of ready made clothing, hats and caps, boots and shoes, trunks, valises, etc, which he offers cheap.
Moses Simon, Clothier
A business career of five years will either bring a man to the front or send him far to the rear. In business there can be no middle ground for a man to occupy, he must either go forward and keep ahead of the times or be distanced in the race by his more enterprising neighbors.
Day by day we see dropping out of sight those who were once thought to be enterprising business men, but who neglectful of the opportunities presented to them, failed to secure that success which seemed to be within easy reach. The gentleman whose name heads this item has been a resident of the city and has been in active business, and has become identified with its growth and prosperity. Although a good business man, and one that looks closely to his own interests, he yet does not allow his mind to become wholly absorbed in these matters, but in other things in which the people are interested he takes an active part, and in this way he has brought himself into notice and secured the affection and good will of thousands throughout Tama and surrounding Counties. But it is as a business man we have to deal with him in this article; as remarked it has been five years since he first began business in this city. His first location being at the corner of Main and Second Streets. Here he remained for some three years or until December 23d, 1878 , when his stock was consumed by fire. Mr. Simon's loss at this time was very large as nothing whatever was saved with the exception of one or two show cases and a few other articles. But instead of becoming discouraged, as doubtless many would have done, he renewed his energies and in six days after burning out he had a new stock of goods on hand and ready again to supply his many customers. His store room at present is located on Second Street , near Brooks & Moore's bank. Here he occupies a very large and neat room in which he has displayed the nicest stock of gentlemens furnishing goods that can be found in central Iowa . In this department he designs to carry a line of the best goods and his reputation for keeping superior goods at extremely low prices are made known far and wide, and his trade is constantly increasing. Mr. Simon, besides carrying on the clothing business at Traer and Dysart, where he has a branch store and doing a large business, is agent for the Hamburg American Packet Co, North German Lloyd, the Inman and White Star Line of Steamships.
George Sloss & Son, Flouring Mill
These gentlemen are proprietors of one of the oldest flouring mills in the County, being established about the year 1856, by W. W. Leekin. In 1875 Mr. Sloss and his son became sole proprietors of the mill and have since refitted and remodeled it at a great expense, and now they have a fine one and turn out an excellent quality of flour for which they have a large demand. The mill is located on Wolf Creek , and is so arranged that it can be run either by water or steam making it very convenient. Mr. Sloss has long been a resident of this County and has numerous warm friends; since being a resident of Traer he is classed among its most valuable citizens.
Smith Bros.
This firm is composed of T. P. and Jeremiah Smith, the former has been a resident of the place since 1867, and the latter since 1868, both came here from Massachusetts . Since becoming residents of Montour they have been engaged in active business and classed among the leading spirits of the place. At their office and yard, on Main Street , they are handling agricultural implements, lumber, plastering hair, coal, salt, cement, etc.; in each article they are having a large run of custom. Besides carrying on the above business they are largely interested in, and assume the management of the Orford Lime Company's business. They are manufacturing a splendid article of lime at the kilns, one-fourth mile west of the town, which meets with rapid and ready sale.
Smith & Edwards, Dry Goods, Clothing and Groceries
This firm is composed of two as energetic and live business men as can be found in central Iowa , S. P. Smith, formerly of Butler County , Iowa , and L. H. Edwards, of Waterloo , who established business at Traer, in the year 1875. Since that time they have been doing one of the largest dry goods businesses in the city, and have made many warm friends and gained the respect and confidence of every one in the community. Their store is located on the corner of Walnut and Second Streets, where they carry a full and complete line of dry goods, groceries, clothing, boots and shoes, all of which they are selling very cheap. All the advantages of business qualifications and financial ability are possessed by this firm. Give them a call.
Frank E. Smith
While it is true that some men inherit greatness and others have greatness thrust upon them, a large number are architects of their own fortunes. The man of this stamp, self-reliant and courageous, building on principal and not on pedigree, start out with the idea that God helps those only who help themselves. He who has faith in his own powers, who is diligent in his calling and has his heart in his work, is on the road to success. By this direct route the subject of the brief notice reached his present high position as book-keeper, and to a good degree, business manager in the Toledo City Bank. He is a native of Ohio , and was born in that State in Seneca County , town of Republic , on the 17 th day of May, 1848, and is the son of G. G. and A. Z. (Covey) Smith. His father was a mechanic and farmer.
Frank E. remained at home with his parents attending school until the year 1864, when he quit home and went to Sandusky Ohio, and enlisted as a private in the 191 st Ohio, and went to the army – though but sixteen years of age, by his earnest solicitation he was permitted to enter, after which he was with his regiment from 1864 until the close of the war.
In the fall of 1865, Mr. Smith emigrated to this State and settled in Garden Grove , Decatur County . From that time to 1867 he spent his time attending school and teaching. During the next four years he clerked for D. & A. B. Stearns, and in 1871 he attended the Commercial College at Pittsburgh , graduated and received his diploma. During 1872 he was book-keeper for the firm of Boyle, Woodbury & Boyle. In 1873 he taught the Intermediate Department of the school at Garden Grove . He lived in Garden Grove until the year 1874 when he moved to Toledo, Iowa, where he remained in the Land and Loan office of Nelson & Barker, as book-keeper, until May, 1878, when he relinquished his position in that office to accept the place of assistant cashier of the Toledo City Bank, of Toledo, Iowa. In so doing he gave up one of the best clerkships in the County, and one which he filled for several years. The proprietors of the City Bank have good reason to congratulate themselves on securing the services of so competent an assistant. In his business transactions he has shown himself to be a man of first-class business qualifications, and an indefatigable worker. As a book-keeper he has earned the enviable reputation of being one of the best in this part of the State. His books are models of neatness and accuracy.
M. Smith & Son
This is one of the oldest firms in the town as well as the largest one in trade. The business was first established in West Irving , by Mr. Smith, in the year 1856. Here he done business until 1866, when he moved to Chelsea where he still remains. Since moving to this point he has taken his son P. R. Smith, a young man of splendid business qualifications, in with him, and they are having a large trade. Mr. Smith is also post master which position he has held for ten years, giving satisfaction to all. They carry a full line of dry goods, groceries, hardware, boots and shoes, hats, caps, etc, which they take pleasure in showing, and are never undersold. Call and see them; they are both liberal and enterprising gentleman and will do well by you.
C. W. Snyder, Furniture
The above named gentleman is one of our best known and respected citizens. He established his present business in 1874, and being a practical man, with an indomitable perseverance, has succeeded in making it one of the most extensive and successful houses in this County, and one that will always hold a prominent position in the furniture trade. All kinds of furniture, from the most superb to the ordinary, are kept on hand, or manufactured to order, and sold at lower prices than the same can be purchased in Tama City 's competing towns, as the proprietor is a practical workman and buys for cash only. In his sale rooms, on Third Street , there is every style and variety of furniture. Mr. Snyder has constantly on hand a large and complete stock of undertakers' goods. In his business transactions he is prompt and courteous.
Soleman Bros, Livery and Feed Stable
On the corner of Fourth and McClellen Streets is located one of the finest and most popular livery barns in the County. The barn was erected in the year 1877 by Henry Soleman, who assumed the management of it until March 1 st , 1879 , when J. F. Soleman, his brother, bought one-half interest in the business. Both take an active part in the business and are running a creditable livery. Mr. H. Soleman, besides being in connection with this barn, is proprietor of a large drug store and agricultural warehouse. He is a thorough business man and knows just how to turn the irons to keep them from burning.
Z. Solomon, Clothier
This gentleman has been identified with the leading business men of Tama City since April, 1879. Since this date he has been largely engaged in the clothing business at his store room on Third Street, where he carrys a fine stock, consisting of clothing, hats and caps, trunks, valises and gentleman's furnishing goods, all of which he sells very cheap. Mr. Solomon is well known over the County as a man who is strictly honest, and of fine business qualifications, and we have no hesitation in pointing the public to him for good bargains in clothing etc.
W. W. Souster, M. D.
One of the leading and largely patronized medical practitioners of Toledo is the above named gentleman. He practices Homoepathy fully believing that this system of practice is the right one of the successful treatment of the various ills which flesh is heir to. His business was established in this city in 1873, shortly after graduating. Since this date he has succeeded in securing a large profitable practice being a gentleman of acknowledged ability and well educated in the medical profession. He enjoys the confidence of the community in which he resides and follows the profession of his choice and we many say truthfully that it would be difficult to find a more genial, and social gentleman than Mr. Souster. Office over Mr. Stigers drug store.
J. N. Springer, Drugs and Medicines
The above named gentleman has now been in our midst for fourteen years and has been in the drug business since 1870, and has become one of our permanent business men. He is located on High Street south of the Court house where he has built up a large and increasing business. Drugs, medicines, perfumeries, toilet goods, fancy articles, cigars, tobacco are among his stock, and in which he does a large business. Mr. Springer is also a practicing physician and is well known throughout the County, as one of our best read and educated physicians.
C. J. Stevens & Co., Bankers
The banking business at this point has been carried on since 1873, first by O. B. Dutton & Son, then by Stevens, Harrison & Warren, and at present by C. J. Stevens & Co., who have had charge of the business since November, 1875. The firm is composed of C. J. Stevens and H. J. Stevens; the former has been a resident of the County since 1855, coming here from New York , and settled in Indian Village township. He is a farmer by occupation, but is at present our popular County Clerk , filling this office since 1874. The latter has been a resident of the County since 1875, coming here from the same State. Since residing at Montour, Mr. H. J. Stevens has had charge of the business at that point and has succeeded in building up a large banking custom and is at present Mayor of the town. They are both honorable and reputable citizens and are ranked among the leading and most respected citizens of the County.
Stickney House, E. E. Stickney Proprietor
This hotel has been under the management of this gentleman for a number of years. He became sole proprietor in the year 1874. Since then he has remodeled and refitted it at a great expense and now his hotel ranks with any first-class hotel of the County. The house is located south of the Court House on Broadway, where all travelers and those wishing board and lodging will find a neat and comfortable stopping place, and one of those jovial good landlords who has had years of experience in hotel keeping and who always makes it pleasant for his patrons.
Stivers & Bradshaw, Attorneys at Law
This firm is composed of W. H. Stivers and C. B. Bradshaw, the former has been a residence attorney of Toledo since the year 1856, and the latter since 1867. In speaking of these gentlemen we can say that they compose one of the strongest law firms in the County, and since its establishment their business has constantly been on the increase. In regard to Mr. Stivers we can truly say as the author of the United States Biographical Dictionary says in an article referring to him. “One of the best examples of a self-made man in the State of Iowa, is Wm. H. Stivers, who never went to school ten weeks after twelve years of age, who worked at the blacksmith trade until twenty-six years old and who is now a leading man at the bar of Tama County. Mr. Stivers besides being a prominent attorney, has since residing in the city done much for the building up of the place and always donated liberally to every good enterprise. The same can be said of Mr. Bradshaw. Their office is located on High Street over H. Wagner's harness shop, where they have nicely fitted up rooms and a splendid library.
B. Stone, Grocer etc .
This gentleman's success goes to show what may be attained by the majority of persons if they are industrious, persevering and enterprising. Mr. Stone has been in this city for a great many years, and since 1872, in the grocery business, during which time he has been cautious and careful, and always attending to the wants of his customers, ever striving to please those from whom he receives patronage. This is the correct method of conducting business, in our opinion, and has proven successful in most cases when closely followed. It has, however, in the case of Mr. Stone as to-day he is rewarded with a large and growing business. Store on the corner of High and Broadway.
Union Stoner, Confectionaries
This gentleman established business in this city in the year 1877 and is well known as a young man of high reputation and good business talent. He carries a fine stock of goods consisting of every article in the confectionary line, cigars tobaccos etc., and commands quite an extensive trade in Toledo and surrounding country. His store is located upon the south side of the public square on High Street, where he may always be found ready to wait upon patrons in good style, and when you buy goods of him you will get your money's worth. Give him a call.
Struble & Kinne, Attorneys at Law
It is an acknowledged fact that the legal profession is well represented in Toledo , its talent being above the average in a city of two thousand inhabitants. One of the most prominent and most thoroughly educated firms of this County is the above, whose establishment dates back to November, 1877, since which date the firm of Struble & Kinne has had a large and profitable practice, and has proven to numerous clients, and in fact, to the entire County their legal ability. The firm is composed of G. R. Struble and L. G. Kinne, the latter has been a resident of Toledo since 1869, having come here, from Mendota, La Salle County , Illinois , where he had been in active practice for many years. Since becoming a citizen of Toledo , Mr. Kinne, has done much for the upbuilding of the place, and donating liberally to every good enterprise whereby the town or County would be benefited. He is an active worker in politics and for the past few years has had a large influence in the Democratic organization of the County, and has made many warm friends in that party. The former, Mr. Struble, is an old settler in the place. He came from Chesterville, Morrow County , Ohio , to Toledo , in the year 1857, since which date he, also, has been in active practice, and has made many friends throughout the County. Mr. Struble politically, is a Republican and in 1870 was appointed by the Governor to the office of Circuit Judge, which office he filled with honor giving satisfaction, to all and discharging his duties faithfully as an officer.
We regard this firm as one of the strongest and most successful law firms in the County. They are located upon the south side of High Street over the Toledo Saving bank, in rooms belonging to Mr. Struble. Their Library is one of the finest, largest and most complete in the city and numbers over one thousand volumes. They are not only well educated lawyers but honorable and reliable gentlemen, with whom any legal business may be safely placed, as they rank among the leading professional men of the County.
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