Business of DeWitt: Last Column - Not Titled

From the end of January, 1880, until June, the Clinton County Advertiser ran a section called “Business of DeWitt” in which they tell quite a bit about the local businesses.

Among the DeWitt institutions which draw largely upon the towns roundabout, far and near, for its support is the

DeWITT BREWERY

MR. YEGGE, proprietor. This institution was established in a small way by Mr. Yegge in 1859, in the rear of A. Nonnenmacher’s residence, corner of Sixth and Miller streets. In 1862 the works were removed across the street to the south and enlarged. The business continuing to increase, the works were still further enlarged in 1868. The are now being run to their full capacity, the product being sold in Clinton, Jackson, Scott, Cedar, Linn and Jones counties. The increase in the consumption of beer has been marked by a decrease in the use of the stronger alcoholic liquors, and all must admit that the change has been beneficial. Mr. Y has the largest ice house in town which is annually filled, and the contents used in his business.

The works are under the supervision of Marcus Yegge, foreman, whose large experience has taught him to turn out the best quality of the “lager”. The delivery business, either about town or to the railroads, is conducted by Charles Hixby who is prompt and reliable. Mr. Y has a saloon in Union Block where his product is sold under license from the town council. This place is presided over by Joseph A. Webb, formerly an assistant at the brewery, and who keeps the place neat and orderly. It is remarked that all connected with this institution look the picture of health.

F. SLOUGH, PRACTICAL ENGINEER

Came here from South Bend, Indiana, in 1877 and purchased a farm north of town. He had had thirty years experience in the matter of putting up and running steam engines for saw mills, of other purposes, and from his thorough knowledge of the business gave entire satisfaction. During the past winter he was at Edgewood, in the norther part of the state, running a steam saw mill. In this business he is entirely at home. He is also adept at running a band-saw or almost any other kind of machinery. He will promptly answer all calls for repairs of engines, boilers or any machinery, and those wishing his services will find Mr. Slough a pleasant and cheerful gentleman to deal with.

DR. WILLIAM MILLER

Homeopathic physician, studied with Dr. Waggoner at DeWitt and afterwards attended the Homeopathic Medical Department of the State University and practiced for a short time at Cedar Rapids returning to DeWitt last year. Those who know Dr. Miller know him as a pleasant gentleman, a cautious physician and one on whom it will do to place confidence. His office is at the store of E. Christiansen, where if not otherwise engaged, he assists Mr. C in supplying his customers with pure groceries at very reasonable prices.

In the matter of teachers of music, DeWitt holds a good position as can be attested by the country roundabout. Of these

MISS LAURA STEPHENSON

Has had some five years experience during which the number of her pupils has been constantly on the increase. In addition to her DeWitt pupils she has a large class at Welton, where she is regarded with the highest favor. She teaches vocal as well as instrumental music, and is often called upon to assist with her voice and fingers at public gatherings which take place in DeWitt and vicinity. At present she has 22 pupils and reports her business prospering better than ever. She could still accommodate a few more. Lessons are given at the residence of her parents, corner of Chambers and Miller streets, where application for tuition should be made. Miss Stephenson is organist and leader of the choir at the Congregational church.

MISS ANNIE L MEDDEN

Has been teaching music in and about DeWitt some two years, and during that time has educated a large class. For some months she has been, and still is, under the instruction of Prof. Kramer, of Davenport, who ranks high in the musical world and who pays her high compliments for her musical talent. She recently purchased of C. O. Peck, well known through the ADVERTISER as an extensive dealer in musical instruments at Clinton a new Decker square grand piano, which has just been placed in her rooms over James Hedden’s harness shop one door north of Union Block. Although she has a large class she could still accommodate a few more pupils. We have heard this lady’s talents highly spoken of by her patrons and other lovers of music.

MISS SUSAN FLYNN

Has been teaching in DeWitt about a year and a half during which time she received a liberal share of the public patronage. She had previously taught some four years at Calumet, Mich., and while there took lessons of Prof. Carter, of the Olarhn, Ohio, Conservatory of Music and since her return to DeWitt has been under the instruction of Prof. Lachmund, of Clinton. Miss Flynn gives lessons either at her own home, corner Jefferson and Sixth streets, or at the residences of the pupils. Although her class, including those from the country roundabout, at present number thirty, she has a little time to devote to more. Among the musical celebrities of the county, Miss Flynn takes a front rank. She is organist and leader of the choir at the Catholic church.

MISS ADDIE J. WHEELER

Is a natural born musician, and since the age of eight years has given her attention to the study. During the past three years she has been under the tuition of Prof. Lachmund of Clinton, who gives her a good recommendation. She is just added to that list of teachers and has at present a small class. As such as the terms of her present pupils expire she will take a vacation of two months, after which time she would be pleased to receive a share of the public patronage. Residence corner Fifth and Washington streets.

MISS KATIE TOBIN

Teacher of music, is just now giving her attention to a class in hair flowers, an art which will be noticed in a future article. Should she take up music teaching again she will give public notice of the fact through these columns.

R. G. BROWN, COUNTY SURVEYOR AND CIVIL ENGINEER

Is a graduate of Franklin College, Ohio, and practiced surveying on what is now that part of the Pan Handle Railway between Steubenville and Newark, Ohio. Mr. Brown answered calls for surveying hereabouts for some years, and so well did he perform his duties that in 1877 the people of the county elected him county surveyor, to which office he was re-elected in 1879. To facilitate his business he has a copy of all the field notes of the entire county. Orders for his services received by mail will receive his prompt attention.

Mr. Brown is very ingenious and in view of the mistakes, made purposely or otherwise, in the tallying of grain at the threshing machines, he invented a register, which is up to its business, turn the tray whichever way you will, and is the only one invented that will count back-handed. The advantages of this are obvious to every one, as besides the guarding against mistakes, it is oftentimes more convenient to be able to turn either way. Mr. Brown obtained letters patent for this useful invention, and has recently assigned a half in it to J. J. Vandeveer, one of our agricultural implement dealers, at whose warehouse near the lower depot it can be seen.

SALEM COTTON, CIVIL ENGINEER

Studied at the Iowa College, Davenport, under Prof. Bullen, from whom he took practical lessons in the field. Having a natural taste for mathematics he soon became proficient as a civil engineer, and while quite young was appointed by County Judge McNeil as surveyor of this county to fill a vacancy. At the next election the party with which Mr. Cotton acted was defeated, and he lost election by two votes. He had a full copy of the field notes of this county, but on the burning of his residence some years ago they were destroyed, and his compass and chain received a scorching. These two latter have been replaced so that Mr. Cotton is ready to answer calls in his line when not engaged in more important business.