LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM
LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA
1889 EDITION

Submitted by Sharon Elijah, April 27, 2014

HISTORICAL SECTION

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         WAPELLO TOWNSHIP. THIS is an irregular township, lying along the Iowa River, comprising part of township 73 north, range 2 west, township 73, range 3 west, and township 74, range 4 west. The township was named in honor of the Indian chief Wapello. It was one of the first settled in the county, and centrally located within its boundaries is Wapello, the county seat of Louisa County.

Old Wapello was located on a tract of land adjoining the present site of the city of Wapello on the south. It was laid out by John S. David, in 1838. A court-house was built of cottonwood poles, and the first court was held therein by Hon. David Irwin, Judge of the Second Judicial District of the Territory of Wisconsin, on the 20th day of April, 1837.

In 1839 the present city of Wapello was laid out by William Milligan, Israel Clark and Wright Williams acting as a Board of Commissioners for Louisa County, appointed by the Territorial Legislature to select a place for the seat of justice for the said county. The original town site was platted on the southeast quarter of section 27, township 74, range 3 west, on the west bank of the Iowa River. It was surveyed by John Gilliland.

The first business house in Wapello was erected by George S. McCleary, who put in a stock of general merchandise. Mr. McCleary afterward became somewhat noted, and was for some years State Treasurer of Iowa.

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J. W. and E. B. Isett came soon after Mr. McCleary, opened up a stock of general merchandise, purchased grain and packed pork for some years. They are both now dead.

The first blacksmith to locate in Wapello was Henry Weaver, who remained some twelve or fifteen years, then went to Kentucky and later to Missouri, where he died in 1887.

William Milligan was licensed to keep a ferry at Wapello in 1837, and was probably the first to engage in that business.

The first dwelling-house on the town site was erected in 1835, by William Milligan.

The first tavern was kept by John Drake in 1837, and was known as the Drake House. It was situated in what is now England’s Addition to Wapello, on the east side of Second street, and nearly west of the old gristmill.

John Bivens, who was the first County Treasurer, built and kept a tavern near the river on the north side of Mechanic street in 1838. He sold the same to Jacob Mintun the following year, and the latter gentleman continued to keep public house there for many years. It was in the dining-room of that house that Rev. Joseph Kirkland organized the first religious society in Wapello.

The first religious services held in Wapello were in the summer of 1839. The services were held in John Drake’s barn, by the Baptists.

The first church building was that of the German Methodist Episcopal Church.

The first tailor shop here was opened in 1838 by J. W. Watson.

William Milligan and William Clark were the first Justices of the Peace.

The first wagon-shop was started by John Allison at an early day.

On the 8th day of January, 1856, a petition was presented to the County Court, praying said court to authorize the legal voters of the town of Wapello, and England’s Addition thereto, to hold an election for the purpose of ascertaining whether the voters were in favor of incorporation. An election was ordered held by the court in the town of Wapello, on the 19th day of January, 1856, to take the sense of the voters of said town, and England’s Addition thereto, on the question of incorporation. At that election there were forty-six votes cast for incorporation and one against. The first election for town officers was held March 8, 1856, when John Corsen was elected Mayor, and Lewis Kinsey, Recorder. James Semple was elected Marshal, and Hiram T. Cleaver, D. C. Jackson, Leonard Robinson, L. P. Wells, Thomas Stoddard, councilmen. Wapello is said to be the smallest incorporated city in the United States. The following named comprise the officers of the city in the fall of 1888: A. W. Jarvis, Mayor; A. Nearhout, Marshall; L. C. Wannell, Recorder; G. R. Keller, Treasurer; C. J. Ives, Assessor; H. B. Davison, F. G. Anderson, George Erbes, H. A. Plitt, L. P. Wells, J. L. Sweney, Councilmen.

The city of Wapello has been of slow growth, but is substantially built and has quite a number of good business houses, as well as private dwelling-houses. In 1887 A.D. Hurley and H. A. Plitt, in connection with the Masonic fraternity, erected a fine two-story brick building on the corner of Second and Van Buren streets, at a cost of $8,000. N. E. Stevens also, in the fall of 1888, erected a fine brick building two stories in height.

As already stated, Wapello is located on the west bank of the Iowa River in a beautiful valley. Across the river is a splendid bridge, which is of great convenience to the citizens of the county living upon the east side. The bridge was first built in 1873, at a cost of $13,325. It is a wooden structure and consisted of five spans. In 1884 the span on the west end of the bridge was taken down and an iron span erected 205 feet in length. In 1885 the span at the east end of the bridge was taken down and an iron one substituted, and a sixth span of iron was added, making the bridge consist of six spans, three of which are iron and three wood. The two iron spans at each end are 150 feet each in length, and cost $6,600.The wooden spans are 150 feet each in length, and the iron one at the west end 205 feet in length, which makes the total length of the bridge 905 feet.

The first mill for sawing logs was built by Daniel Sterrett in 1842.

The first gristmill was built in 1849 by James Sample & Co., later was sold to the Wapello Mill Company, and continued under the management of . . .

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. . . Samuel Townsend. It is now owned by George A. Thomas.

A woolen-mill was erected here many years ago by Henry Bothee, who sold it to Johannah & Winter, who carried on the business for several years, having a fine trade. The mill finally passed into the hands of Chris Winters, and was closed down in the fall of 1887. In the spring of 1888 the machinery was sold, and is now used by the Wapello Creamery Company.

The post-office at Wapello was established in the winter of 1838-39, and John Bevins, the first hotel-keeper in the town, was Postmaster. Bevins’ “tavern” was situated on the north side of Mechanic street, near the river. He sold his place to Jacob Minton a year later, and Mr. Minton succeeded to the post-office. In the fall of 1844 George W. McCleary, a pioneer merchant who was afterward Secretary of State and Member of Congress, succeeded to the office; following him was L. P. Wells, who was then publishing the Wapello Intelligencer; William Keach, the first Republican Postmaster, succeeded Mr. Wells in 1861, but on his enlistment in the late war he left the office in the care of his deputy, Mr. Wells. On the 23d of August, 1862, George F. Thomas became Postmaster by appointment of President Lincoln, and served until Aug. 8, 1885, when, the Republican party having gone out of power, he was obliged to step down and out, after a service of almost twenty-three years. M. L. Jamison succeeded Mr. Thomas, and served until January, 1887, when he was succeeded by the present incumbent, J. M. Herrick. The office has four mails daily, two each way, north and south. Miss Blanche Wells is Deputy Postmistress. The money order department was established Sept. 1, 1867.

The educational advantages of any community indicate the intelligence, enterprise and moral standing of the people, considering of course the age and wealth of the town or settlement. Judging by this rule, the citizens of Wapello have reason for a just pride in their elegant and conveniently arranged school building, their corps of able teachers, and the earnest and faithful efforts of those who have served and are serving as their Board of Education.

The school building, which is a large and elegantly designed structure, is built of brick, and is two stories in height, containing eight rooms used for school purposes, with a capacity to accommodate at least 400 scholars. Six teachers are employed, a gentleman as Principal and five lady assistants. The school is divided into six departments, and has a total of 280 scholars enrolled, with an average attendance of 220. The present teachers are: Josiah Cline, Principal; Miss H. Luella Betts, second grammar; Miss Amy Bell, first grammar; Miss Lillie Sweney, intermediate; Miss Lizzie G. Hurley, second primary, and Miss Joanna Doenne, first primary, under whose management the school is doing excellent work. The early history of the Wapello schools dates back to the summer of 1840, when John Gilliland, the County Surveyor, opened a private school in his log dwelling, situated on Main, near Mechanic street, on the site of the residence of the late Mrs. Clements. Miss Gilliland, Miss Milligan and Lewis Kensey were the early teachers. The first school-house in the village was built in 1844, and was situated on Main street, south of Van Buren, it being used for school purposes until 1853, when a brick structure was completed, which served until the present building was finished in the fall of 1878, at a cost of $12,000. School was opened in the new building in January, 1879.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Wapello was organized in 1839, by Rev. Joseph Kirkpatrick, a missionary sent out by the Methodist Episcopal Conference. Mr. Kirkpatrick is spoken of as a grand old pioneer preacher. He was succeeded by Rev. John Hayden, who is said to be still living, at the age of eighty years, and is a resident of Wapello County. The first services were held in the dining-room of the Drake House, and after in the old courthouse. The first church building was of brick, and was erected about 1852. It was finally torn down, and the present church edifice erected in 1877, at a cost of about $3,500. It is situated on the southeast corner of Main and Jackson streets, and has seating capacity of about 400. The church is in good condition, and in 1888 had for its pastor Rev. F. Ashpole. The Sunday-school has an average attendance of about 125.

The First Presbyterian Church of Wapello was . . .

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. . . organized May 22, 1857, with thirteen members. W. C. Wilson and W. P. Smith were the first Elders. Rev. Dinsmore preached the first sermon for this church. For some time the church had no regular pastor. Rev. O. H. Miller was the first regular pastor, Rev. M. M. Cooper is the present pastor, with Elijah Bird and John L. Sweney as Elders.

The German Methodist Episcopal Church of Wapello has a membership of about 100. Its house of worship was erected in 1871, and is a neat frame structure, with a seating capacity of 400. Its present pastor is Rev. M. Wilhelm.

Wapello Lodge No. 5, A. F. & A. M., of Wapello, Iowa, was instituted early in 1844, under dispensation by the Grand Lodge of Iowa, which then comprised only four lodges, which four had been established under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, and constituted the basis of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, but recently organized, Wapello Lodge was the first instituted under the authority of that body, and the first to which a charter was granted, it being granted at the second session of the Grand Lodge, and bears the date Jan. 8, 1845. It was signed by G. M. Oliver Cock and G. S., T. S. Parvin, the latter still being Grand Secretary. The first officers of Wapello Lodge were George W. McCleary, W. M.; Robert Burchill, S. W.; Lewis Kinsey, J. W.; A. G. Siverly, Treas.; J. C. McCleary, Sec’y; David Hurley, S. D.; J. Millard, J. D.; and J. W. Watson, T. The charter was procured at the January session in 1845, by J. W. Watson, who made the trip on foot to Iowa City and back for that purpose. In addition to the officers named should be mentioned the following-named brothers who were charter members: Dr. John Bell, Joshua Marshall, J. F. Nye, J. M. Baker, Z. C. Inghram, W. Little and R. Story. At the first election under the charter the following-named brothers were chosen for officers: George W. McCleary, W. M.; Lewis Kinsey, S. W.; J. W. Inghram, J. W.; John Bird, Treas.; C. M. McDaniel, Sec’y; David Hurley, S. D.; G. W. Riggins, J.D.; and J. W. Watson, T.

The oldest official book belonging to the lodge known to exist is the Treasurer’s book, now in possession of F. M. Ong, who has been Treasurer of the lodge for the past fifteen years. The book bears the date of April, 1847, and shows that W. M. Clarke was Treasurer the previous year, and was succeeded that year by L. L. B. Miller, and that John Bird was Secretary at that time. The record book now in use opens at the regular communication of Dec. 23, 1849, Dr. John Bell serving as W. M.; Jacob Pilger, S. W.; S. G. Jones, J. W.; George W. McCleary, Treas.; and C. F. Morris, Sec’y. The lodge first convened in a little frame building on the west side of Second street, between Van Buren and Mechanic street. Later their meetings were held in the upper story of the post-office building, now the G. A. R. room. The lodge owned a half-interest in the building, and they continued to occupy that hall until May 14, 1878, when, having sold their interest in the building, they leased quarters in the Odd Fellows’ Hall. The lodge having purchased one-half of lot No. 1, block No. 12, of the original plat of Wapello, which faced Second street, determined to build a home of their own. The building was designed by John Hale, who was one of the active ones promoting the enterprise, and construction was begun in the summer of 1887, the building being completed and occupied in December following. The “Masonic Building,” as it is called, was built of brick, is two stories high with basement, and is twenty-five feet front by sixty-eight feet deep. The lower story, which is thirteen feet high in the clear, is occupied as a dry-goods and grocery store; the upper story, which is the same height as the lower, is all used for lodge purposes, and comprises a commodious and tasteful hall, two anterooms, reception and other necessary rooms. The lot originally cost $600, and the building $3,125. By its erection the lodge encouraged the building of the substantial brick structures adjacent, which extend to the corner of Second and Van Buren streets, making, together with the Masonic building, a valuable and important addition to the business center of the towns.

The present officers of the lodge are D. W. S. Grimes, W. M.; D. Kirkpatrick, S. W.; H. A. Plitt, J. W.; L. P. Wells, S. D.; W. R. Colip, J. D.; F. M. Ong, Treas.; C. P. Lacey, Sec’y; A. D. Whitcomb, T.; H. Bothe, S. S.; and R. E. Archibald, J. S. The present membership numbers forty-one, new members are being received, and the lodge . . .

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. . . is in a prosperous and thriving condition. As an item of additional interest, the names and date of service of persons who have held the office of W. M. of Wapello Lodge No. 4, A. F. & A. M., of Iowa, is given: George W. McCleary, 1844, U. D., 1845 and 1847, he also serving as Grand Master of Iowa Grand Lodge; Z. C. Inghram, 1846; John Bird, 1848, 1850, 1853 and 1862; Dr. John Bell, Jr., 1849 and 1851; A. J. Winter, 1852; Lewis Kinsey, 1854 and 1856; C. F. Morris, 1855; Elias Keach, 1857; M. P. Van Loon, 1858; John Hale, 1859, 1860 and 1871; Dr. T. G. Taylor, 1861; L. P. Wells, 1863, 1865, 1867, 1870, 1876 to 1880, inclusive, 1883 to 85; J. M. Edwards, 1864 and 1866; Dr. J. F. Grimes, 1868 and 1869; J. S. Hurley, 1872; John Jenkins, 1873; T. L. Garrett, 1874; L. C. Wounell, 1875; L. A. Riley, 1881 and 1882; and Dr. W. S. Grimes, 1886, 1887 and 1888.

Louisa Lodge No. 19, I. O. O. F., of Wapello, Iowa, was instituted Sept. 19, 1848, and is now in its fortieth year. The following-named brothers were the charter members: Hon. George W. McCleary (who was the first Noble Grand), Henry Christy, Lewis Kinsey, Micajah Reever and Joseph L. Durbin. The first to be initiated into the lodge was Samuel Townsend, after whom were the following-named members in the order written: John Bird, Amos Farris, John Minton, Harris Howey, William H. R. Thomas, George Grasham, D. F. Markley, C. F. Morris and William Egans. Meetings were first held in a building owned by Jacob Pilger, which was situated on Water street, corner of Merchant. In 1851 the lodge removed to a building which stood on the site of Mr. Garrett’s new building on Second street, and several years later they moved to a new hall on the site of the present Odd Fellows’ building, which they subsequently purchased. A fire occurred on the 13th of August, 1873, by which the hall and contents were destroyed, and a new building was erected on the same site by a lodge at a cost of $3,500, which they still own and occupy. A new charter was issued by the Grand Lodge Oct. 23, 1873, in lieu of that which was destroyed by the fire, and the hall was dedicated on the 4th of June, 1874.

The Odd Fellows’ building is a brick structure of two stories in height, and is thirty feet front by sixty feet deep. The lower story is leased for mercantile business, while the entire upper floor is used for lodge purposes. The hall is neatly and comfortably furnished, and serves for both the Subordinate Lodge and Encampment. At the time of the fire the lodge had only $900 insurance on building and contents, and lost heavily. When they had completed the new building they were $1,800 in debt, all of which has since been paid off, and the lodge is now out of debt and in a healthy and prosperous condition, with money on hand. The present membership is thirty-five, and the present officers are: M. W. McKay, N. G.; O. P. Myers, V. G.; L. P. Wells, Secretary, and George R. Keller, Treasurer.

Wapello Encampment No. 12, I. O. O. F., was instituted April 7, 1854. The following named constitute the charter members and the first officer: A. M. Taylor, C. P.; John Mann, H. P.; B.H. Drusa, S. W.; Henry Christy, J. W.; J. M. Herrick, Treas.; T. G. Taylor, Sec., and Lewis Kinsey. The encampment was short-lived for some reason, as the records show that the last meeting held was on the 21st of February, 1860, when the charter was surrendered. Reorganization took place in December, 1875, and the charter was reissued under the old number. The officers then were James Semple, C. P.; George S. Nichols, H. P.; Henry Bothe, S. W.; John Hale, J. W.; John M. Herrick, Scribe; H. S. Herrick, Treas., and with H. B. Karr these constituted the entire membership at that time. The present officers are: August Lawrence, C. P.; James Semple, H. P.; Jesse Graham, S. W.; Henry A. Plitt, J. W.; N. W. McKay, Scribe; W. S. Grimes, M. D., Treas., and Henry Bothe, I. S. Meetings are held in the Odd Fellows’ Hall, and the lodge is in a thriving condition.

Harmony Lodge No. 29, Legion of Honor, Wapello, was instituted May 6, 1882, under the authority of the Grand Lodge of Iowa. W. S. Grimes was chosen President; Milo J. Smith, Vice President; H. R. Christie, Recording Secretary, and George E. Black, Financial Secretary. The business and object of this order are to promote fraternity, and to afford financial aid and benefit to the widows, orphans, heirs or devisees of deceased members of the order. The present membership is . . .

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. . . twenty-three, and the present officers are as follows: W. C. Williamson, President; W. S. Grimes, Vice President; G. R. Keller, Recording Secretary; C. J. Ives, Financial Secretary, and L. A. Kelly, Treasurer.

A. M. Taylor Post No. 153, G. A. R., of Wapello, was instituted March 28, 1883, with the following-named comrades as charter members: William G. Allen, B. F. Wright, S. F. Small, G. M. Bell, George W. Hayden, T. S. Bell, G. S. Nellis, N. W. McKay, W. C. Saunders, J. B. Jarvis, A. H. Havenhill, H. D. Keller, W. D. Colip, Henry Wanzer, Henry Hunt, F. M. Ong, F. S. Butler, E. P. Davis, S. W. Tompkins and H. Polite Carson. The post met in the Odd Fellows’ Hall from the date of its organization until November, 1885, when they leased the hall over the post-office for three years. In the spring of 1888 they purchased the property, which is a two-story brick structure situated on the southwest corner of Second and Mechanic streets, and which is valued at $1,200. The post has the property all paid for with the exception of $400. The lower story is leased to the Government for a post-office.

The first officers of the post were William G. Allen, P. Commander; B. F. Wright, S. V. C.; S. F. Small, J. V. C.; N. W. McKay, O. D.; G. W. Hayden, Q. M.; T. S. Bell, Surgeon; George S. Nellis, Chaplain; W. C. Saunders, O. G.; George M. Bell, Adjt.; J. B. Jarvis, Sergt. Major; and A. H. Havenhill, Q. M. S.

After a prosperous career of five years or more, during which time much good has been done, and fraternal feeling cultivated among old comrades who are now rapidly passing to the shady side of life, the post has won a permanent place among the cherished institutions of the county, and is working harmoniously. The venerable comrade, William G. Allen, who was chosen first Post Commander, has been re-elected to that position at each successive election. The total membership at this writing is sixty-five, and the present list of officers (1888) is as follows: William G. Allen, Post Commander; N. W. McKay, S. V. C.; J. W. Walker, J. V. C.; H. M. Davis, Adjt.; W. R. Colip, Quartermaster; James H. Hicklin, Surgeon; Frederick Ashpole, Chaplain; B. F. Wright, Officer of the Day; Joseph Shipman, O. G.; J. J. Ambler, Sergeant Major and Henry Hunt, Q. M. S.

Frank Davison Camp No. 134, Sons of Veterans, Division of Iowa, was organized March 3, 1888. The society is an adjunct of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was instituted for the purpose of keeping green the memory of the fathers of its members, to aid the G. A. R. in the protection of the widows and orphans of deceased soldiers, and to inculcate patriotic sentiment. Its constitution provides that it shall not be partisan in politics. The charter members of this camp are: A. W. Jarvis, J. W. Crutchfield, V. Hyde, Ed Hicklin, W. A. Colip, W. E. Fielman, Abe Hunsucker, Charles Shipman, Frank Archibald, Ira Lesnet, John Davis, Perry Axtell, Lete Axtell and Harry Allen. Its officers are: A. W. Jarvis, Captain; J. W. Crutchfield, 1st Lieut.; Abe Hunsucker, 2d Lieut.; A. W. Colip, 1st Sergt.; V. Hyde, Sergt. of G.; W. E. Fielman, Q. M. S.; Ed Hicklin, Chap.; Charles Shipman, Corp. of the G.; John Davis, Camp G., Lete Axtell, Picket G.; L. Archibald, Color Sergt.; and T. M. Howey, Principal Musician. The camp has a membership of eighteen, and meets at the G. A. R. Post room on the first and third Saturday of each month.

The Women’s Relief Corps No. 95, of Wapello, an auxiliary to the G. A. R., was organized Jan. 19, 1887, the charter members being: Mesdames E. A. Miller, L. C. Riley, E. Garrett, Emma Mincher, E. A. Small, F. E. Shipman, Lena Davis, Lydia Lacey, A. C. Bell, Louisa Linderman, M. J. Farver, Clara Hale, E. J. Ong, Mercy Smith, Laura Tompkins, Mary Colip, Matilda Allen, O. J. Ambler, and the Misses Jessie Ambler, Lizzie Tompkins, Lilly Ong and Maggie E. Colip.

The Western Rifle Association, which comprises nine clubs, representing the State of Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Kansas, has its present headquarters at the city of Wapello, Iowa. E. W. Tatlock, of the latter-named city, is President, and W. H. Shenowith, of Chicago, is Secretary and Treasurer. The first tournament was held at Milwaukee, Wis., May 25, 1881, and the last two at Wapello, Iowa. A tournament is held each year, and that for 1888 is to take place at Ft. Luelling, Minn. President Tatlock has been assoc- . . .

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. . . ciated with the institution since 1884, and has served two years as Secretary and Treasurer, prior to his election as President. The Wapello Rifle Club has twice in succession won the championship long range badge, and J. J. Ambler, one of its members, at the last tournament won the Minneapolis Tribune badge, valued at $100.

Wapello Lodge No. 212, A. O. U. W., of Iowa, was instituted Feb. 3, 1880, with twenty-two charter members. Its meetings are held in Odd Fellows’ Hall, and it has a membership of twenty-two persons.

Louisa Tent No. 8, K. O. T. M., of Wapello, was organized in July, 1887, with twenty-one members. Its meetings are held in Odd Fellows’ Hall. The object of the society is that of insurance. In 1888 its officers were G. W. Thomas, Com.; J. T. Scroggs, Recorder; C. J. Ives, Finance Keeper.

The V. A. S. Fraternity and Collegium No. 40, of Wapello, was organized in 1880. Its object is that of mutual life insurance. The officers for 1888 were Milo J. Smith, Rector; H. L. Smith, Vice-Rector; C. J. Ives, Scribe; L. P. Wells, Treasurer. Its membership at present is ten.

The Good Templar Lodge of Wapello was instituted April 27, 1886, with twenty-four charter members. It is in the most flourishing condition, with a present membership of seventy-nine. Its present officers are G. W. Thomas, W. C. T.; Fanny Oates, W. V. T.; Emma Mohle, Secretary; Charles Shipman, Assistant Secretary; V. B. Beane, Treasurer; Louisa Townsend, Financial Secretary; Susie Black, Chaplain; L. W. Myers, P. W. C. T.; Izola Sweney, Marshal; R. Riley, Deputy Marshal; Lilly Graham, Sentinel; Charles Sargent, Guard; Riley Armstrong, Lodge Deputy.

The Philharmonic Musical Society and Brass Band was organized in February, 1878, and has had a continuous existence of eleven years. The organization is one of the best in the country, and has received many flattering testimonials for the proficiency of its members. Those comprising its present membership are Oak Myers, leader; G. M. Bell, Ed. Lowe and Fred Keck, Lew, John and Ed Erbes, George, Frank, A. A. and Jesse Townsend, Guy Kremer, George Thomas and George Ong.

The Wapello Canning Company was incorporated June 20, 1888, with a capital of $50,000, the company purchasing the woolen-mill building, situated on Water street, which is well adapted to the purpose. The building is 40x100 feet in size, and three stories in height. In 1888 about 200,000 cans of vegetables were put up, which is expected to be increased to 1,000,000 cans per year in the future. The officers of the association in 1888 were Milo J. Smith, President; G. W. Thomas, Secretary and Treasurer; A. J. Osborn, Superintendent.

The Wapello Cemetery Association was incorporated June 20, 1884, with J. S. Hurley, Pres.; G. W. Thomas, Vice Pres. and Sec. Its officers for 1888 were John Huff, Pres.; George Erbes, Vice Pres.; N. W. McKay, Sec. The object of the association is to acquire, hold, improve and convey real estate for burial purposes. The Wapello Cemetery is situated on the southeast corner of the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter of section 21, township 74 north, range 3 west, and contains seven acres. There was here an old burying ground, and the present cemetery is but an extension of that one. It was laid out on land originally donated by Thomas England, whose wife was the first person buried there.

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