Iowa Old Press
Birmingham Enterprise
Birmingham, Van Buren, Iowa
Saturday, July 2, 1870
Dr. J.E. Harden has erected a refreshment booth on the north side of the Park and will have for sale on that day, everything in the line of the trade, such as candies, ice cream, lemonade, oranges, confections, &c., &c.
On Monday last we paid a flying visit to Bonaparte and
Keosauqua. The ancient town of Bonaparte is quite a lively town. We had no time
while there to look through the business of the place, but discovered the fact
that it supports several beer saloons and other metropolitan refreshments
unknown to Birmingham.
Of course, we called upon Bro. Smith, of the Democrat, whom
we found flourishing, and who welcomed us not "with bloody hands,"
&c., but with the outstretched, open hand of brotherly fellowship and
good will. In the language of a contemporary, "we were glad to meet."
Mr. Smith is a companionable gentleman, and in his sanctum we felt at home.
The up-train coming along, we departed reluctantly, and in a
few minutes were at Summit station, where we took the hack line for Keosauqua,
and arrived at the Shane House, just in time to get a first-rate supper. We are
so well pleased with the manner in which John treated us, that we concluded to
remain all night with him.
In our peregrinations round the town in the evening, we
dropped in to see our jolly friend at the post-office, Mel. C. Davis, which is
P.M. We also called to see that excellent good fellow, Maj. J.W. Moore, who
"works by the square," and sells piles of goods.
In our round we met our friend Jos. F. Smith, Esq., who
invited us to take a plunge into the limpid waters of the Des Moines, but we
were afraid we might get into the water so deep that Smith could never get us
out, and therefore did not accept the invitation.
After breakfast the next morning, we called on Capt. Henry,
of the Republican, with whom we spent an hour or so very pleasantly, after which
we instinctively wended our way to the court house. The extremely warm weather
had forced the rats all out of their holes and we met them all in a bunch in the
hall, enjoying the benefit of the breeze from the south.
We started on our way home at about eleven o'clock and
arrived at the Summit just in time for dinner, and you may be assured Charlie
Trotter did not let us leave his house hungry, or wishing that we had got dinner
somewhere else.
After dinner we jumped into Uncle Tommy's hack, and were
safely conducted home.
Personal.
A correspondent of the Keosauqua Republican says:
A few days ago I had occasion to make a trip to the city of
smoke and gas- commonly called Birmingham. It is a nice place, and good whole-souled
people living in it as I have had occasion to know, after stopping at the
"Newell House;" as nice a tavern as anybody might wish to stop at-
plenty of "grub" of the best kind and nice clean beds and bedding.
Capt. G.W. Newell is a prince of a landlord, and if you or any of your friends
ever go to Birmingham I would advise them go to the "Newell House."
I visited all their public institutions- the Plow and Wagon
shop- several stores-Academy-Mill- woolen factory and all other public
institutions I could hear of. I saw a large amount of business going on,
whichraised a good deal of dust and smoke, and when I met the senior member of
the Plow factory in the street, I became satisfied that the gas was not wanting
to turn the town and manufacturing interests of it. I was glad to see it- I
always like to see men "talk up" their own business or town. Those men
who sit down and grumble at their business and town are a curse to any place
they happen to live in, and the sooner they leave the better for the place they
inhabit.
I called in at the Enterprise office and found Bro Moore very
genial and kind, running the office with energy and enterprise. "May his
shadow never grow less."
I had almost forgotten to say that upon my trip to
Birmingham, I had occasion to pass the Summit and stop to feed both man and
beast. I of course stopped at the "Trotter House". Charley Trotter,
the landlord, can't be beaten, nor can his excellent wife-together they run a
hotel whose accommodations are as good, if not better than you will find in the
west-a good table with everything clean and well supplied and good rooms and
beds and moderate bills, with horses and buggies to take any person wherever
they may wish to go.
Transfers of Real Estate
The following are the transfers of real estate, filed for
record in the office of the Recorder of Van Buren County, for the week
ending June 25, 1870:
June 20- John A. Burrichter to Wm. Graham, 40 acres in
Jackson township.
June 22 - Joseph DeHart to Eli De Hart, 17 acres in
Washington township.
June 23 - Henry Brewer to Sub-District No. 3 Harrisburg
township, lot for school house site.
June 24 - Solomon Wichuacht to Wm. C. Davis, 38 acres in
Chequest township.
Birmingham Enterprise
Birmingham, Van Buren, Iowa
Saturday, July 16, 1870
Sam W. Coffin, of Fairfield, a first rate horse tailor, by proxy, and a good fellow generally, and Mr. W.F. Cowdery, of the same place, called to see us a few days ago. Cowdery comes often. He is in the sewing machine trade for Singer and sells a machine every time he comes to town.
The team of Mr. Greenup Smith, which ran away a few weeks ago and killed Mrs. Smith and her mother, Mrs. Johnson, ran away again, on Sunday last with an empty carriage, smashing the vehicle all to pieces and breaking the neck of one of the horses. We think the best thing that can be done with the other horse is to break his neck also.
Fire Near Utica.
We learn from Dr. Randall, of Utica, that the dwelling house
of Mrs. Martha Fegtly, one mile and a half from Utica, in this county, caught
fire while the family was at church, and was burned to the ground. Most of the
contents of the house were saved, but some valuable bed clothing and wardrobe
were destroyed.
The house was a new two-story frame, not yet completed, and
uninsured. The loss, which is about $1,200, falls heavily upon Mrs. Fegtly,
especially as there was an incumbrance on the property.
Subscription papers for relief were calculated and $300
subscribed on the spot, several of the liberal citizens subscribing $50 each.
The Dr. informs us that some $500 have been raise in all.
Transfers of Real Estate.
The following are the transfers of real estate filed for
record in the office of the Recorder for Van Buren County, for two weeks ending
July 9, 1870:
June 27- Samuel Marshall to John Marhsall, 80 acres in Cedar
and 10 acres in Harrisburg township.
July 2 - Aberdeen Mallett to Mary J. Mariott, part of a lot
in Vernon.
July 2 - Sheriff of Van Buren County to Anderson Langford,
(two deeds) 160 acres in Jackson township.
July 6 - James Steele to George Miller, 60 acres in Village
township.
July 6 - George Miller to Sarah Miller, 60 acres in Village
township.
July 6 - Thomas Stilwell to Maxamillian Mahler, 10 acres in
Harrisburg township.
July 6 - John A. Willis to Wm. F. Grimsley, 40 acres in
Village township.
July 7 - W.M. McCrary to Wm. Craig, 3 1/2 lots in Keosauqua.
July 7- Marcus Gill to William Bateman, land in block 2,
Bonaparte.
July 7 - Comfort A. Haigler and others to James H. Brooks, 48
acres in Jackson township.
July 8 - James M. Wolf to Robert Simmons, 40 acres in Vernon
township.
July 8 - Mary Buck to E.P. Brownfield, 28 acres in Cedar
township.
GRAND ICE CREAM FESTIVAL.
At College Hall, Birmingham, Tuesday Evening, July 26, 1870.
The Executive Committee of "Birmingham Brass
Band" met on Thursday evening, July 14, 1870, and appointed the following
committees to solicit donations for the Festival:
Town Committee.- Miss Applonia A. Birch, Miss Sadie Porter,
Miss Maggie J. Torrance, Miss Belle Coleman, Mrs. J.M. Sheppard, Miss Anna Barr,
Miss Lizzie McMillen and Miss Rose Pitkin.
Committee for the Country- Miss Carrie Newby and Miss Alvira
Davis south-east; Miss Maggie King and Miss Mollie Gillett, south; Miss Minerva
Coleman, to select her own assistant, west; Miss Fidelia Skinner, to select her
own assistant, north; Miss Ellen Bechtel, to select her own assistant, east.
Committee of Supervision- Frank D. Travis and Mrs. M.M.
Bergen.
Door-Keepers - C.M. Selvey and H. Huffman.
Committee on Printing- W.H. Hope, F.G. Torrance and J.M.
Sheppard.
The Keosauqua, Utica and Birmingham Glee Clubs, are cordially
invited to be present, and favor us with music on the occasion.
The editors of the Birmingham ENTERPRISE, Van Buren Democrat,
Keosauqua Republican and Fairfield Ledger are requested to publish the above
proceedings.
F.D. TRAVIS
WILL H. HOPE
W.C. DAVIS
F.G. TORRANCE
J.M. SHEPPARD,
Committee.
--------------
JAMES SPEED.
BARBER, HAIR DRESSER, &c.,
Main Street
Birmingham, Iowa
Shaving, Hair Dressing, Hair Dying, Sham
pooing, &c., done in the best style. Give
him a call.
BIRMINGHAM MEAT MARKET
MOSS & BROWN
Return thanks for the liberal patronage
heretofore extended to them, and hope for a
Continuance of the same. The meat market will,
at all times, be furnished with the best Beef, Mut-
ton and Pork. Cash paid for fat stock.
Birmingham Enterprise
Birmingham, Van Buren, Iowa
Saturday, July 23, 1870
LOCAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
We are authorized to announce the name of Mr. Silas Tolman,
of Mt. Zion, as a candidate for the office of County Supervisor, subject to the
decision of the Republican county convention.
M.O. Davis, Postmaster, is authorized to receive subscriptions for the ENTERPRISE at Keosauqua.
Mr. E.J. Hoenshel, formerly assistant teacher in Birmingham Academy, and who has been teaching in Story county for the past three months, is again with us. An effort is making to engage him in our public schools which we trust may prove successful.
When at Fairfield a few days ago we tried Sim Higley's Soda Water, and will be very certain to call on him every time we go to Fairfield especially if the weather is warm. We regard his soda fountains one of the best institutions in the city. Our friends will please call and be refreshed- north side of the Park.
Ed. Moss has purchased the meat shop of Moss & Brown, and is now sole proprietor of the concern. He proposes to keep on hand, at all times, a full supply of the best cuts, and sell at 2 1/2 cents per pound less than meat has heretofore been sold. Ed. is enterprising and means business. Give him a call.
Transfers of Real Estate.
The following are the transfers of real estate, filed for
record in the office of the Recorder of Van Buren County, for the week ending
July 9, 1870:
July 11 - Bartlett Powell to E.H. Powell- 90 acres in Jackson
township.
July 11 - W.S. Parker to James H. Haney- 2 lots in Doud's
Station.
July 12 - Sarah Gilchrist to Wm. Elliott-one lot in
Birmingham.
July 13 - Orlena E. Davis and others to David Hootman (2
deeds)- 80 acres in Lick Creek township.
July 13 - John Gaddis to Stephen Hooper- 40 3/4 acres in
Washington township.
We find the following in the Fairfield Ledger, and heartily indorse all the
good things said in regard to the firm named:
In another column may be found the card of Culbertson &
Jones, attorneys and land agents. Bent, and Ike, are known to all the old
citizens of Jefferson county. They were almost born in the county, having
resided here for about 30 years. For 15 years they have been engaged in the law
and land business, the former in partnership with Mr. Negus and the latter by
himself. They are gentlemen deserving of confidence, and all business entrusted
to their care will receive prompt attention. They have a complete set of
abstracts of titles in this county and we presume are better prepared than any
other firm to give prompt and positive information in regard to lands and town
lots. If you desire to have business transacted or desire to buy or sell lands
or town property, call on or address Culbertson & Jones.
MUSICAL - In addition to their large stock of clocks, watches, jewelry, notions, &c., George & Morris, on the east side of the Park, have a good stock of Musical instruments. They offer great inducements to purchasers of organs. They have the agency of the Burdett Organs, the George Woods & Co's Organs, and the Boston Organ Company's Organs. Purchasers can buy these organs at the lowest prices and pay for them in monthly installments. A cash payment of from $20 to $25,- according to prices of instruments, which range from $110 to $425, - is required, after which a monthly payment of from $10 to $40 is all that is asked for. Persons can become the owners of organs on these terms who would never feel able to purchase one. You who desire an organ should address George & Morris, Fairfield, Iowa, on the subject immediately.
Obituary.
From the Edina (Knox Co, Mo) Sentinel.
MARY A.S. BROWN, wife of EDWIN J. BROWN, was born May ___,
1833, near Fort Donelson, Tenn., and died at her residence in this city, June
30th, 1870, in the 37th year of her age.
In her infancy her parents removed to New Albany, Ind.,
where, while she was quite young, they both died, leaving her to the care of her
uncle, Eli Bailey, of Brownsville, Fayette Co, Pa.
In this place, in the days of her youth, she made a public
profession of the christian religion, and united with the Presbyterian church,
under the pastoral charge of Rev. Mr. Wallace. She remained in the communion of
that church, of that place, and not considering her residence in Missouri a
permanent one, she never changed her church relation. She did not make that
public display of religion that some do, but exemplified it in the private works
of life, living it at her home among her family. In consequence of her home
duties she was not permitted to attend church as often as she desired, yet she
did not forget her duties as a follower of Christ, but spent her Sabbaths in
reading her Bible and impressing its truths upon the young and tender minds of
her children, training them to pray and to remember their Creator in the days of
their youth. June 17th, about 4 o'clock P.M. she was attacked by Pleuro-pneumonia
which lasted about one week, when a violent attack of Typhoid fever set in,
which terminated her earthly existence June 30th at 10 minutes past eight
o'clock P.M. During her illness she suffered much, though most of the time she
was unconscious. In her conscious moments she showed by her expressions, that
she realized her condition. During one of the lucid intervals she said to her
husband, "take care of our darlings." Shortly before she died she
looked up at her husband and said, "Oh Edwin, I'll soon drink of the water
of life," adding something to this not understood. She was frequently
engaged in prayer, judging from the expressions that were intelligible.
She leaves a kind husband, to whom she was married in April,
1861, near Williamstown, Clark county, Mo. They commenced their residence
together in Birmingham, Iowa, removing from there to Memphis, Mo., thence to
LaGrange, thence to Edina, where she ended her earthly pilgrimage. To the care
of this bereaved husband, she leaves four little boys and one infant girl,
bearing her mother's name, Mary. God grant they may all meet in heaven. Her
funeral took place Saturday, July 24, in the M.E. church, the service being
conducted by the pastor thereof, after which she was removed to her grave,
followed by her Brethren and Sisters of the "Order of the Eastern
Star," and a large concourse of friends, where, after the beautiful service
of that order, she was buried, looking toward the East, from whence shall come
that power which shall break the dominion of death and the grave, and bring
forth a glorious resurrection the bodies of them that sleep in Jesus.
DIED. At the house of her uncle, Hon. Joel Brown, in Birmingham, on Tuesday morning, 19th inst., at 3 o'clock, MARY A.S., infant daughter of E.J. and Mary A.S. Brown, aged 4 months and 7 days.
Take Notice!
Mrs. Mary J. Myers has returned to her home in Hannibal, Mo.
where she is permanently located. Person afflicted with sore eyes will do well
to consult her at that place. If she does not cure she asks no pay.
Birmingham Enterprise
Birmingham, Van Buren, Iowa
Saturday, July 30, 1870
-Ed Moss will hereafter have fresh beef every Tuesday and Saturday morning,
and mutton and veal every other morning in the week. Go early, very early in the
morning if you wish steak for breakfast.
- Rev. J.T. Coleman, of Birmingham, will preach at the Bonaparte Methodist
Episcopal church, next Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Go and hear him. Bro.
Coleman was licensed to preach in Bonaparte 22 years ago, and is known to many
of the old citizens.
- The postoffice of this place will be removed the 1st of next week, to the
building of Mr. Duffield, immediately West of Pitkin & Huffman's store. This
suits us, and we presume the balance of Birmingham's people also. The drug store
of Huffman & Musser will also be removed to the same place.
- The 6th year of Birmingham College, as will be seen by an advertisement in
another column, will commence on Monday, the 5th day of September next. Rev. G.P.
Bergen, A.M., the owner of the College, is to take charge of it as principal,
which alone, we think, is sufficient to say nothing of his accomplished
assistants- M. Hoenshel, Mrs. Hoagland and Mrs. Bergen.
- No. 1 of Vol. 1, of an exceedingly handsome 40 column paper, THE MILLION-
comes to us from McGregor, this State. The character of the paper is stated in
its motto: "Sieze upon truth where'er 'tis found-on christian or on heathen
ground." R. Thompkins, Editor and Proprietor; Nellie M. Phelps, Associate
Editor; Rev. W.P. Watkins, Corresponding Editor. It is worthy a place on
anybody's exchange list, and we put it on ours with pleasure.
--------------
We have been at a great many festivals, but the one at
College Hall, on Tuesday evening last, for the benefit of the "Birmingham
Brass Band," was, we think, about as pleasant a one as it ever was our
privilege to attend. All seemed to enjoy themselves, and all were "orderly
and attentive to the business of the evening," so that our worthy mayor and
marshal were not "under the necessity of enforcing any of the restrictive
laws or fines," or making any "arbitrary arrests."
The Keosauqua Glee Club, under the leadership of the highly
accomplished Mrs. M.C. Davis, furnished instrumental and vocal music, delighting
the ears, cheering the hearts and inspiring the souls of all present.
The Keosauqua String Band was also present, and played
several times during the evening, and after the festival was over aroused
several of our prominent citizens from their slumbers by their delightful
mid-night serenade.
The two bands from Keosauqua would reflect credit on any
place, not only as first class artists, but as highly respectable and
intelligent people. Their visit our our town on the occasion of last Tuesday
night, and the aid given by them to the enjoyment of the evening and to the
exchequer of the " Birmingham Brass Band," will ever be remembered
with gratitude by our people.
Our native talent in the Birmingham Glee Club- also deserves
honorable mention for the part they played in the programme.
The following persons compose the Glee Club of Keosauqua:
Mrs. M.C. Davis, Miss Angie Shane, Miss Betie Stidger, Miss
jean Hollingshead, Mr. Allen Gebhardt, and Mr. Mark Sheppard.
The following persons compose the String Band:
Ed Kinnersley, Allen Gebhardt, Silas Cooper, Geo. Fasnacht
and Oscar Funk.
In addition to these we notice the following visitors from
Keosauqua at the festival:
Cy. W. Jamison ,of the Republican, and wife; W.S. Sommerville,
Deputy Sheriff; John Shane, the excellent landlord of the "Shane
House;" M.C. Davis, P.M. (which is Postmaster); N. Stidger, Mrs. Hattie
Doyle, Miss Henrietta Lea, Miss Lida Moore, Miss Lizzie Brown, Miss Annie
Shephard, Miss Keo. Knapp, Miss Carrie Smith and Miss Gus. Kinnersley.
There may have been others from Keosauqua, but if so we did not learn their
names.
Late in the evening a delegation of young gentlemen and
ladies arrived from Fairfield. We left the Hall just as they entered, but
understand that they behaved handsomely, and expended their money freely.
The most exciting part of the programme was the awarding of a
handsome cake to the handsomest young lady in the house, to be decided by a vote
at 5 cents a vote. The prominent candidates were Miss Angie Shane of Keosauqua,
and Miss Mamie Randall of Birmingham. The excitement ran high, and
electioneering was in order. After about $21 worth of votes had been cast, Miss
Mamie Randall, in consequence of having received the greatest number of votes,
was declared to be "the handsomest young lady in the hall," and
was the lucky recipient of the cake. The editor of this paper returns thanks to
Miss Mamie for a very large slice of said cake.
THE FESTIVAL.
Mr. Editor-
The executive committee on behalf of the Birmingham Brass
Band, desires, through your excellent paper, to express its heartfelt thanks to
all who participated in the late festive occasion at College Hall- to Rev. Mr.
Bergen and wife who so kindly and gratuitously tendered the use of their Hall,
and did everything to render it a success; and especially does it thank the
gifted Keosauqua Glee Club and String Band for the high interest they lent the
occasion by their presence, and by their
Sweet inspiring melody
To delighted ears discoursed,
and by their liberality and urbanity, which will ever be held in grateful
remembrance.
F.D. TRAVIS
W.H. HOPE
W.C. DAVIS
F.G. TORRANCE
J.M. SHEPPARD,
Executive Committee.
Transfers of Real Estate.
The following are the transfers of real estate, filed for
record in the office of the Recorder of Van Buren County, for the week ending
July 23, 1870:
July 18 - J.J. Miller to William Hearn, one lot in Keosauqua.
July 19 - Martha Owings to James McIntosh, 40 acres in Vernon
township.
July 22 - Wm. Proper to L.W. Proper, 40 acres in Harrisburg
township.
July 23 - James Coltran to Samuel C. Coltran, 38 1/2 acres in
Cedar township.
July 23 - William J. Coltran to W.A. Taylor, 28 1/2 acres in
Cedar township.
- On Wednesday a young man named Robinson, a resident of Mt. Pleasant, terminated his earthly existence in a tragic manner by shooting himself through the head. On Tuesday he avowed his intentions to several persons of killing himself and bought a pistol for that purpose. The next day he went to a barn back of his residence and placing the pistol to his head fired, the ball passing entirely through the skull. He was a painter by trade. The cause of this rash act is not known.--Hawkeye 29th.
[Note: The Henry Co. WPA Records shows a Charles W. Robinson 17 Sep 1849-27 July 1870. This is probably the Robinson mentioned in above article. July 27, 1870 was on a Wednesday.]
----
JAMES SPEED,
BARBER, HAIR DRESSER, &c.,
Main Street,
Birmingham, Iowa.
Shaving, Hair Dressing, Hair Dying, Sham
pooing, &c., done in the best style. give
him a call.