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         The present business interests include the following list:

         General Stock—Penrose Bros., Miles & Townsend, 1861, now Townsend, Edmundson & Co.; L. H. Embree, Henry A. Jepson. Tailors—Neal Madson, Mr. Forney. Millinery—Mrs. Haines & Mrs. Branson, Mrs. Townsend, Miss Alburn. Nursery—L.A. Bronson & Co. (one mile northeast). Lumber and coal—Charles Leech, Hammell & Haines. Carpenters and undertakers—Coombs & Pickering. Druggists—Dr. J. F. Houser, E. M. Jepson, Edmundson & Yetter (also books). Hardware—Bean & Son. Shoe shops—W. Atkins, Wm. Wright. Meat markets—J. W. Rummels, D. Mackey. Furniture—George Boone. Blacksmith—Jesse C. Hoover. Harness—Van Butler, Henry Schliepen. Blacksmith and wagon shop—Langstaff & Brundige. Dentist—W. H. Walker. Auctioneer—I. Hemmenway. Attorney—W. W. Penrose. Greenhouse—Hiel Heald. Plasterers—H. H. Langstaff, John Perry. Carriage painter—J. H. Dean. House painter—W. Wolfe. City bakery—Frank Savage. Livery stables—A. F. Kreemer, N. H. Crook. The grain elevator of Hammell & Haines was erected in 1871, and that of Rich & Maris was built the following year. Agricultural implements—James Cook & Son, Rich & Maris. Several buildings have been erected by the railroad company, including a good depot and water tank. The first regular hotel was built near the depot by Frank Savage, in 1873. He still continues it as the National Hotel. Another was recently established by Nathan Crook. Physicians—Dr. E. W. Savage, Dr. J. I. Bailey, Dr. H. J. Minthorn, Dr. J. F. Houser. Insurance agent—J. H. Rowantree.

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         January 15, 1875, the West Branch Bank was established, by a stock company, with a cash capital of $50,000, under the management of Joseph Steer, President; A. H. Graham, Vice President; and J. C. Chambers, Cashier. In September, 1877, the company built the fine two-store brick building on the corner of Downey and Main streets. Of this, the basement is occupied by the office of the Times, the first floor by the bank, and the second story as the hall of the Good Templars. The present bank officers are: A. H. Graham, President; Abram Cowgill, Vice President; J. C. Chambers, Cashier.

         February 5, 1875, a petition was signed by thirty-two legal voters within the limits of West Branch, stating that it contained 353 inhabitants and praying that an election be held to vote upon the propriety of incorporating the village. Accordingly, J. Steer, E. Grinnell, L. J. Miles, James Townsend and Wm. D. Hammell were appointed Commissioners of Election March 4, 1875. At an election held in the school house Monday, March 29, 1875, at 2 o’clock P.M., 41 votes for and 34 against the action were polled, and West Branch was accordingly incorporated.