Hart, R. S.

HART

Posted By: Joyce Hickman (email)
Date: 9/3/2008 at 13:58:40

R. S. Hart

(From the 1883 History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, by J. H. Keatley, p.135, Knox Twp.)
R. S. Hart, agricultural implements, Avoca, is one of the oldest as well as one of the leading business men of Avoca. He is a native of Juniata County, Penn., where he was educated and spent the early years of his manhood. In 1867, he came West and located at Council Bluffs. About one year after his arrival, he entered the employ of Messrs. Shugart & Lininger, and engaged in the sale of agricultural implements. He remained in their employ about two years, and then went to Avoca, where he engaged in the stock business for about two years. The rapid development of the new country creating a demand for farm implements, he was shrewd enough to see the advantage of establishing a good business house in this line at Avoca. The result has proved the correctness of his judgment. In 1875, he formed a partnership with Mr. Shugart of Council Bluffs, and at once began an extensive business in the implement line and in buying grain. Their success is perhaps due to the carefulness of their selection of any and all articles of goods in which they have dealt. The Furst & Bradley and Weir plows and cultivators, Bain and Schuttler wagons and Buckeye reapers, mowers and twine-builder, and Brown corn-planters, are samples of the character of their goods. They also have an extensive trade in carriages and buggies. They supply agents at Oakland and Harlan with some lines of their goods, in addition to their retail trade. Mr. Hart has the entire management of the business, Mr. Shugart being so extensively engaged in the same line in Council Bluffs as to require his time and attention. An annual sale of goods amounting to $40,000 is the best evidence of Mr. Hart's ability as a financier. In addition to his mercantile business, Mr. hart has a fine farm of 240 acres, located near Avoca, where he takes pride in keeping some good stock. Mr. Hart has been only interested in politics to the extent of helping fill the local offices with just and honorable men. His time and energy have been given to the building up of his business, and to such men as he and Mr. Shugart is Avoca largely indebted for her growth and prosperity.