Early History of Thurman:

The Beginning--Some of the Men Who Made It--Societies--Churches.

When we take a cursory glance at history, even though it covers but a small portion of the earth, we are impressed with the great truth that life means progress. In some parts where life exists, advancement is more marked than in others. This is true of that portion of Fremont county known as Scott township. It is largely within the Missouri bottom, and presents, therefore, the usual appearance of rich floodplain land. It is bounded on its eastern side by the lofty bluffs of loess that gives such a picturesque appearance to the landscape--bold, high escarpment that serves to relieve the unvarying monotony of the surface. The growth of this township was similar to that of all others in the county, slow at first, but soon rapid and permanent.

Nestled along the lordly bluffs, protected from the wilds of the elements, is a village whose history is one of interest as well as progress.

In 1856, ten years after Iowa was admitted into the union, Abraham Fletcher, who had resided in the vicinity since 1851, laid the foundation of Fremont City, which was afterwards known as Plum Hollow and at the present time proudly called Thurman. Mr. Fletcher built the first residence, opened the first store, and was the first postmaster.

The village was incorporated in 1879, with the following officials elected at the first election. What politics had to do with this election and how much wire pulling, free distributing of cigars and "other things" were carried on, we are not imformed. However, this does not matter, for the history of Thurman is not one of political wrangling; and that first election was something like our recent county election, all good men went into office.

For mayor, D. Mc. F. Paul; recorder, W. R. Paul; treasurer, H. F. Reel; marshall, C. M. Graves; and councilmen, William Green, J. H. Cole, W. R. Roberts, Joseph Blair, Leonard Study and J. S. Jones. Thus the town of Fremont City was started on her career of history making.

To these men whom we have mentioned, together with others who have passed to their reward, is due the credit, in a greater measure than we are prone to think, of the present prosperity. We shall find that the seeds which have so auspiciously born fruit in this present generation, were sown by men tried and true; men who deserve to be remembered, not merely as historic names, but as men in whose broad breasts beat the noblest hearts, and within whose rustic homes were to be found the very bone and sinew of this western world; men whose sterling worth and integrity have contributed very largely to the town's present prominence. In 1874 Odd Fellows' Lodge, No. 278 was organized. The charter members were Hiram Atkinson, H. F. Reel, William Blair, A. B. Atkinson, Dwight Lumm, John Lumm and J. H. Howard.

Mersail lodge A. F. and A. M. was organized under a dispensation from the Grand Lodge, bearing the date of Sept. 23, 1874. The lodge was chartered June 8, 1875. The following were the charter members: T. P. Martin, J. S. Ellis, W. R. Roberts, M. A. Stephenson, J. F. Ault, J. M. Isom, B. G. Loucks, D. and John Lumm and Joseph Burson.

The oldest church of which there is any record is the Fremont city M. E. church, which was organized in 1856. The original members were: William Mann, Granville Mann, Archibald Mann and Abraham Fletcher. The society beginning with so small a number is another illustration of the gathering of the "two or three" from which wonderful results have followed. In 1857 and 1858 a frame church was erected at the cost of $1,000, showing the greatest energy and enterprise of the early membership.

The land round about Thurman has been spoken of as the "Garden spot of the world" which name is not inappropriate. Many prominent farmers who reside near have done a great deal to help the town. This land, together with their hard labor, has made many of them wealthy. Some have retired to this village of their choice to enjoy the balance of their days in rest and quietude.

PUSHERS OF THE TOWN

Nothing goes nowadays unless it is pushed. Pushers are the principal factors of any town or community. More often, however, they go without due credit being looked upon by the jealous eye of the pessimist and chronic kicker as cranks. But the pushers exhibit the history of a town in a series of facts in their proper connection, of which, indeed, each individual one is interesting in its place, and doubly interesting because it makes the progress of thinking, toiling men, in our very presence; men who live in the same moral and social atmosphere, struggling for the same end and acquiring their reputation in the same sphere, and exhibiting the same loves and hates, the same proclivities and sympathies. The pushers of Thurman are united in that their desire is to make their town the best. A commercial club is organized and many other noticeable features which point to a healthy and prosperous condition.

All the business men are jolly, generous, good fellows. They make it a point to serve the people well. They are pleased to show you their goods and to quote prices that are as good as you find anywhere.

H. C. Paul is a young, energetic business man and has been allied with the business interests of the town for a number of years. Two years ago he put up a very attractive store building on the north side which added much to the town. This structure is 80 feet long and 30 feet wide, heated by hot air, lighted by a gas plant and has commodious show windows. The store is neat and up-to-date and is well filled with bargains in dry goods of all kinds and the best of groceries. The past years Harry has been doing a good business and very courteously asks the continuation of his customers' trade.

There is one of the prettiest millinery establishments on the south side that anyone would care to see. Miss Samuel had the building erected for her business. She carries a large line of costly hats as well as those cheaper in price. The trade has been very good and it is because the people are pleased and find what they want. Just now, Miss Samuel has a very large assortment of dolls for the holiday trade. They are big, little and all sizes. The ladies here will be pleased to have you call and examine their goods.

C. R. McCartney is another one of those business pushers. He is young, but nevertheless manages a good hardware trade and is to be congratulated upon the success that comes his way. He is a graduate of the Thurman schools, attended college and had followed farming a short time previous to entering his present business. His line of hardware is complete and his customers are well plessed. The business is located in the new McCartney block.

The McCartney hotel under the management of E. S. McCandless is a credit to the town. It is new and modern in all respects. It is a three story building with eight rooms on second floor and 4 double rooms on third. The house is heated by hard coal burners and is very neat and homelike.

A. J. Martin is just completing one of the largest livery barns in Fremont county. It looks like "all out doors" is the general expression. The construction is good, and the arrangement is convenient as well as modern. It is sixty feet wide and one hundred ten feet long, will hold two hundred tons of hay and has grainary room enough to hold fifteen or sixteen hundred bushels of grain. This construction is a great addition to the town, and the citizens should feel proud of it. Mr. Martin conducts a general livery and feed business, and also owns the bus line between Thurman and McPaul.

Among the enterprising merchants is found Walter Baldwin. He is a young man of sterling character, energetic and painstaking. Walter is self made, having begun at the bottom of the ladder and worked up. He finished the Thurman high school with honor and then taught school for a number of years. He has not been a great while in the present business compared with others, but when one takes into consideration his good trade and his wide equaintance, one would think he had been engaged in business here number of years. His line of goods consisting of dry goods, groceries, notions, novelties etc, is located in the building opposite the hotel which was known so long as the William Greer store. His stock is new, the store neat and well kept and "courteous and fair treatment to all" is his motto by which he has built up his business. When in town you will be benefited by visiting his store.

E. L. Warner's--here are two stores in one doing a big business together. Men's furnishings of all kinds, dry goods, groceries, anything you need during a life time. The secret of Mr. Warner's success is advertising. He has always been a constant pusher of printer's ink from the start and is still at it, ever spreading and extending the limit of this trading community. He has been in Thurman a number of years and hence is well known, an experienced business man, a hustler and business getter. In the store you will find everything displayed to great advantage and convenience to the purchaser. Mr. Warner has already established a reputation for being a seller of honest merchandise at honest prices. His large "ad" which you will find in this department is something you should read. You will find news here.

A. P. Frederickson, the energetic real state agent, was born on a farm three miles east of town and until three years ago carried on a successful farming business, when he moved to town. He is doing a good business in Iowa and Nebraska lands. Within the last twelve months Mr. Frederickson and his assistant, B. T. Baker, have handled about 10,000 acres of land and many hundred dollars worth of live stock. At present he owns a farm east of town, is feeding 100 hogs and 50 head of cattle, and has property in Sidney. If you want to sell or buy a farm, stock bought and sold, or insurance on your property, it will pay you to call at Mr. Frederickson's office in the second story of the McCartney block.

Paul & Paul is among the oldest business firms in Thurman. It is a combined lumber and furniture establishment and does a large business. The lumber yard is well stocked, having plenty of good sheds. The lumber is always dry and in good shape. The building in which the furniture is kept is a two story structure, 40 feet wide and 60 feet long. The firm keeps nothing but the best in this line of goods. They have a large and always new assortment to choose from. If you step into the office, C. R. Paul, the genial manager, will be glad to show you some of the prettiest styles of 1904 dressers you ever saw. Also, you will be shown some fine pictures which would make most pleasing Christmas gifts. Mr. Paul is also an automobile man. He has two of these vehicle now and has become expert in handling them. If you care to purchase one of these horseless carriages, it will pay you to see Mr. Paul before doing so. He has made a study of the various machines and is therefore a good judge and can save you money.

Dr. T. C. Cole is by no means a stranger to the readers of The Herald. He has looked carefully after their pains and aches, left his comfortable home at every call and eleviated much suffering. He has been located in Thurman for a long time and has had much to do with the progress of the town. His practice is heavy and he is often called in consultation to various parts of the county. He has a very complete drug store. Just now he is making a special sale on holiday goods in the line of toys, mechanical toys, steam engines, flying machines, game boards, pictures, etc. The doctor is also interested in the agrarian line. Not long since he erected a large barn on his farm southwest of town and is raising corn and considerable live stock.

The firm of Proctor & Baldwin is well located in the central part of the business blocks, in good store rooms which are suited to a fine display of high grade goods, such as are found here. The stock is composed of a large line of stoves, both cookers and heaters, wagons, buggies, windmills and all kind of shelf hardware. It is well displayed, well cared for and new goods are being added continually. These gentlemen are honest, straightforward business men in every sense of the word. Both were raised on the farm near town, are well known to all and have always worked and used the tools of which they handle, so are in a position to know what the farmers need and how to please them. The boys are hustlers and are constantly on the alert to extend their trade. Their mode and consistency of advertising, together with fair treatment, have built up a good business for them.

Source: The Fremont County Herald, December 10th and 17th, 1903.

Transcribed by our volunteer, Sheryl