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Noel Whitney Stiles

STILES, GLINES, HOPKINS, SHAW

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 10/24/2009 at 18:54:10

N.W. Stiles who in a very neat and gentlemanly manner introduces himself to the public by way of a column advertisement in the Review. Mr. Stiles is our champion advertiser, as will be seen by referring to his column advertisement which occupies a conspicuous place in this paper, and wishes to announce that he is going to continue to carry the belt as our champion and such "grit" as that most certainly entitles him to our thanks. Mr. Stiles proprietor of one of the best drug stores to be found any where in this section of the country, with a large and commodious room, well filled with every thing pertaining to the drug line, together with a large and well selected stock of Books, Stationary, Wall-paper, Lamps &c. He is also general agent for the Howe Sewing Machine, for the counties of Allamakee, Winneshiek, Clayton and Fayette, also sells one of the best organs ever manufactured. The subject of this notice is too well known throughout this country for us to even attempt to tell the people anything but in this favor. Bearing the reputation of being an accommodating gentleman and a first class businessman, ever ready to lend a helping hand toward the advancement of Postville. His name has become a household word in every section of this country. There is scarely a fence board, stone or tree to be found anywhere in the four counties but what has the name of N. W. Stiles near it. Being a kind hearted man, jovial and agreeable in his intercourse, he has won the confidence and esteem of every one which he justly merits. Read his liberal advertisement, and when in want of anything in his line, do not fail to do and see him.

~Postville Review, March 19, 1873

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We present a sketch of N.W. Stiles, president of the "Apothecaries' Guild of Boston and Vicinity," branch of the Interstate Retail Druggists' League.

N. W. Stiles was born in Whitesville, N. Y., Feb. 19, 1844, and is a direct descendant, on his mother's side, of Stephen Hopkins, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. In 1855, at the age of eleven, he moved with his parents to Northeast Iowa, shortly after the Indians had vacated that section, and before a railroad had yet reached to the Mississippi river. In 1859 he went from his home at Postville, Iowa, to Appleton, Wis. and entered the drug store of his uncle, Dr. Geo. R. Shaw, the only drug store at that time in the town. He remained in this store three years, during which time he took the senior year course of German at Lawrence University; he then returned to Iowa and took charge of a drug store at West Union. In the spring of 1865, in conjunction with an older brother, he built a block at Postville, his old home, and established in June of that year the pioneer drug store of that section, from plans executed by himself before he was 21 years old. He was also postmaster and district agent for the "Howe Sewing Machine."

On Sept. 14, 1868, Mr. Stiles married the daughter of Rev. Josiah Glines, and on that occasion visited the Northeastern States for the first time, the objective point being his wife's native place, Lake Winipisogee.

He, in connection with his father-in law, invented the first rotary sewing machine that ever took a successful stitch.

In 1876 he formed a partnership with Dr. M. B. Shaw and purchased the wholesale and retail drug store at Batavia, N. Y., known as the old "Leaver Stand " which was established in 1817. This store was one of the largest and finest fitted stores in Western New York. Here he did a large and prosperous business for the twelve succeeding years buying out his partners at the end of five years. During these years he and his family spent their summers at Old Orchard Beach where he conducted a drug store for the season. In 1886 he left his Batavia store in charge of Mr. J. C. Auchampaugh, now organizing agent for the Interstate League, for the State of New York.

Mr. Stiles has passed examinations before the Boards of Pharmacy, in the States of New York, Massachusetts and Maine; his certificate in New York being No. 5. In the year 1888 he opened a drug store in Brookline, Mass., but having been accustomed to a large and busy store for so many years, he was discontented, and in 1890 established a store in his present location at 244 Boylston street, where he has built up a large and prosperous retail business.

~source of sketch & photo: American Druggist and Pharmaceutical Record. A Journal of Practical Pharmacy. Vol XXII No. 10, New York, April 21, 1893; pg 214

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Boston, Jan. 23 - Noel W. Stiles, who is said to have introduced the American soda fountain into Europe, died suddenly last night at his home here in his seventy-ninth year. He engaged in the manufacture of soda fountains in England 35 years ago and carried on business in that country for 15 years. A native of Watertown, N.Y., Mr. Stiles began his career as a druggist in Appleton, Wisconsin, and later conducted drug stores in Postville, Iowa; Batavia, N.Y., Boston; Old Orchard, Maine, and Brookline. He sold out his business in the latter town to embark on his pioneer enterprise in England.

~Olean Evening Herald, Olean, New York
January 23, 1923


 

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