LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA

The Wapello Republican
June 18, 1981, Section B, Page 22
Transcribed by Shirley Plumb, July 14, 2018

THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY OF 1899

A. O. THOMPSON

     The above named gentleman conducts one of the most popular and well-appointed drug stores in southeastern Iowa. From its foundation in 1893, this house has sustained an excellent reputation for the purity of its drugs and for reliability in compounding and dispensing. Physician’s prescriptions are here prepared in the most skillful manner from fresh drugs, while the prices are of the most reasonable character. The store is desirably situated in the new Keck brick block and the fixtures, which are of antique oak, are much finer than is usually seen outside of the very largest cities. Mr. Thompson is a pharmacist of many years’ experience, and he has a very competent assistant in the person of H. E. Blanchard. Harry Colton, a very bright young man, is also employed in the store. The stock is large and selected with care, and comprises besides drugs, medicines and chemicals of every description—wall paper, Harrison’s mixed paints, oils, toilet articles, perfumery and druggist’s sundries. This store also carries an extra-large stock of fine imported and domestic cigars, and is able to please the tastes of everybody. Mr. Thompson is a thorough business man, courteous, prompt and reliable. He has won success by his industry and strict attention to business. Socially, Mr. Thompson is one of the most companionable of men, and a great favorite among his friends and acquaintances. Wapello has many young business men who are jackets, carpets, mattings, rugs and many other articles in the staple line. His stock throughout is complete into all details and his prices will always be found the lowest. This house does a nice business all the year round and is worthy of the patronage of the people. Miss Madie Buhrmaster and Walter Minher are the accommodating clerks, making their mark in the commercial world, but none occupy a more prominent position than the subject of this sketch.

J. E. GARRETT

Picture: J. E. Garrett

     The name of Garrett has been associated with Wapello in a business way for many years, and no house is better or more favorably known throughout this section of Iowa. The late A. Garrett, father of the subject of this sketch, was one of the most prominent progressive and successful business men that ever lived in Wapello. He started in the mercantile business here in 1858, and continued unceasingly till the time of his death in 1894, when his son, J. E., took charge of the establishment. Having been employed in the business for a number of years with his father, he was thoroughly capable of taking charge and conducting the large business of this house and maintaining its prominent place in the mercantile world. The store is prominently located and is of large proportions. The first floor is 30 x 100 feet with shelving on both sides and center. In this room is kept a large and well selected stock of dry goods, notions, shoes, furnishing goods and groceries. On the second floor, which is reached by an easy flight of stairs at the rear of the main floor, is a spacious room in which is displayed a large stock of cloaks … (last part of sentence missing).

A. HAUSKNECHT

Picture: A.Hausknecht

     The above name gentleman has been engaged in the harness making business in Wapello for five years, coming here from Burlington, Iowa, his native home. The splendid business enjoyed by Mr. Hausknecht today is the outgrowth of a very modest beginning. He has not only mastered the saddlery trade, but has made a study of his business and the wants of the horsemen, and as a result his trade has increased from year to year and he has established a reputation that is enviable. Besides manufacturing light and heavy harness, he carries an assortment of saddles, whips, robes, blankets, and in fact everything in the line of horse furnishing goods. Socially, Mr. Hausknecht is a very popular man and in his business relations with the public his business relations with the public he has by courteous treatment and fair dealing won the respect and confidence of all our people. He owns his place of business and always takes an active interest in the present and future welfare of the town. The REPUBLICAN has no hesitancy in recommending the above gentleman at all times.

COMMERICAL BANK

     One of the most popular and conservatively managed financial institutions of the county is the Commercial Bank of Wapello, of which three heirs of the late lamented Mark Davison are the proprietors. The bank was founded in 1808 by Mark Davison, who conducted it up to the time of his death in December 1897. His heirs, consisting of H. H. Davison, Joiner Davison and Mrs. J. B. McCullough, then succeeded him, and with the combine capital of the above three makes this one of the strongest private banking institutions in the state. Joiner Davison, who entered the bank as cashier in 1885, still continues in that capacity. His long experience in the business and his unquestioned honesty and splendid business ability makes him a valuable man to the institution. The late Mark Davison was considered one of the best financiers of the county, and his son Joiner is following very closely in his footsteps. H. R. Davison, the oldest son of the founder of the bank and a long time Wapello merchant, is also associated with its management as president. His conservative methods, ripe experience and sound judgment make him a valuable acquisition to the bank. The building in which the bank is located, was remodeled and repaired last year, and the present quarter present a handsome appearance. The bank is a favorite with active business men and has the accounts of many of the city’s leading business firms. The Commercial Bank is one of Wapello’s solid institutions and its managers are among the most liberal and wide awake business men of the town. The bank does a general banking business, embracing all the departments loaning money on approved security and discounting first class commercial paper, issuing exchange, making collections, etc. This bank is closely identified with the business interests of Wapello and is a credit to our city.

H. R. CHRISTIE

     The subject of this sketch has been a resident of Wapello all his life and has been closely identified with all its developments. For a number of years his principal occupation was that of a painter and paper hanger, and suffice it to say that there was never a better one in the county or state. About three years ago he embarked in the real estate business, and he has met with great …

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… success from the start. He is a splendid judge of values, and is always alert to make a “deal” or sell the real estate he has listed for disposal. He has made many sales of farms and city property since he has been in the business, and if you have any property you wish to dispose of, or want to buy, you cannot place your business in better hands. Mr. Christie has been a member of the Wapello board of education for a number of years and has done much to place our schools on the high plane they occupy today.

WAPELLO STATE SAVINGS BANK

     This financial institution was organized in 1892 with a paid up capital stock of $ 30,000. Since this establishment it has achieved a most striking success and is among the best: substantial in the state. It is ably managed by officers and directors of well-known integrity and business standing, is organized under the Iowa Savings Bank law, and allows interest on savings and time deposits, issues drafts on foreign banks, makes collections, and in fact transacts a general banking business. The rapid increase in the number of patrons, and the amount of their deposits, evidence the popularity of the bank.

    The quarterly statement of the condition of this bank made January 10, 1899, at the call of the State Auditor showed deposits to be $ 66,707.45: surplus fund $ 1,000: undivided profits $ 383.81: dividend unpaid $2,400. This is a splendid showing and one which the stockholders take pride in. The bank is especially well officered.

IOWA

     Iowa is not only first in its soil productions, but it is first in a great many other things. Its people were the first to offer soldiers in the beginning of the rebellion. The first regiment accepted by the president of the United States was an Iowa regiment. In proportion to population Iowa stood first in the number of volunteer soldiers furnished to the government in the Civil War. It is first in the intelligence of its people as a whole, the census showing the state to be the lowest of all the states in illiteracy. In everything that makes a state great and glorious, Iowa is fast coming to the front to take its place as the first. Its people are proud of its growing prominence, and they invite the residents of other states to come here and enjoy the privileges and prosperity which the state is so bounteously blessed with.

W. S. OTTO

     Is proprietor of the Otto Roller Mills and an extensive buyer of grain. Wapello and the farming community is fortunate in having a man of his character and ability in that business. An honest grain buyer is a blessing to any community and such is the reputation of Mr. Otto.

    He is a son of John Otto, one of our most prosperous and highly respected farmers. He has grown to manhood in this township, and has made a business reputation that should be highly gratifying to himself as it is pleasing to his friends. In the grinding line he now confines himself to the making of corn meal, exchange grinding of corn and all kinds of feed with capacity often taxed to meet the demand. He has a patronage extending many miles in all the directions, and is always reaching out for more. Besides attending to feed grinding, Mr. Otto sells the best grades of Northern and Southern flour, and also buys his share of the immense (rest of sentence cut off).

MRS. W. A. SILVERTHORN

     Dealer in fine millinery. This well-known and admirably conducted millinery emporium is the center of attraction to the ladies of this community, being by common consent one of the leading and best equipped stores of its nature in Wapello. Here is always displayed the latest and most correct styles in bonnets and hats, exquisite trimmings, flowers and feathers in great variety, et, while at the same time patrons may rely upon receiving excellent articles, satisfactory treatment and courteous attention. This establishment was founded several years ago and bounded at once into public favor, the patronage growing steadily from the start until now it is exceedingly large. Her room is attractively fitted up and tastefully decorated, while an extensive and varied stock is constantly carried. Mrs. Silverthorn will always be found in attendance. She is an enterprising business woman and fully merits the most substantial patronage.

J. W. CHILDS

     For fifteen years J. W. Childs, the butcher, has been supplying a large list of patrons with meats. He was, as you might say, brought up in the business, and understands the meat trade from start to finish. When he first came to Wapello he went to work in the market of Chris Weber, whom he afterwards succeeded. His efforts have been crowned with success, and as an enterprising citizen and firm friend of the town, he has contributed his share to the material growth of Wapello. He is a clever and courteous gentlemen who has built up a good reputation in the meat market business by attending closely to business and furnishing his customers with the very choice of meats at reasonable prices. He carries a full stock of fresh, salt and smoked meats and handles considerable good in the grocery line. The machinery of his shop is run by steam power and everything is conveniently arranged for the transportation of his large business. In addition to the above business Mr. Childs furnishes a large number of patrons with their summer ice.