The best Little Town in Iowa.

MEEK, CRESAP, BLACKBURN

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 1/15/2014 at 23:17:50

The best Little Town in Iowa.

Bonaparte was laid out in 1837 by Wm. Meek and his sons and Dr. R.N. Cresap, while the state of Iowa was yet a territory. From its very inception till now it has kept up a steady growth and at the present time it contains nearly 1,000 in habitants' It is pleasantly situated on the north bank of the Des Moines river, and is nearly equidistant from Keokuk and Ottumwa, with which it has connection via the C.R.I. & P. Railway.

It contains more and larger manufacturies than any other town in the county, and is second to none in its advantages for trade. Of course it is impossible with our limited space to en???nliy into the early history of the town, and we will continue ourselves to her present prospects advantages and business. The main stay of the place, Meek & Bros.

WOOLEN MILL.

naturally comes firs. The first mill was built in 1853 by W. Meek & Sons, and burned down in 1863. The firm at once commenced rebuilding the present mill which is a five story structure 50x85 feet and contains six set of the latest improved machinery, with a capacity of 400,000 pounds of wool a year which is manufactured into cassimers, ??nnets, blankets, yarns, etc., all of which have a fine reputation throughout the west. It employs 80 hands. Jonas Hagey is superintendent.

THE FLOURING MILL

is owned and operated by the name firm was built in 1878, taking the place of one of the first mills built in the state, ???? 40x50 feet four stories high and filled with the latest improved new process machinery. The products find a ready sale all over the state. S.H. Blackburn is miller. It has a capacity of 300 bushels wheat per day.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 401, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA