Melrose Business Directory 1896
| Sumner SMITH | notary, pension agent and insurance | in business twenty-two years |
| W.R. BRILES & Company (W.R. BRILES and D. RIORDAN) | druggists and pharmacists | in business four years |
| Jas. DUGGAN | postmaster and merchant | in business since 1881 |
| Thomas BRANDON | banker | established in 1881 |
| L. LEMLY & Son | hardware and farm implements | in business five years |
| Geo. SONE | breeder and importer of thoroughbred stallions | |
| Wm. FORD | blacksmithing | in business twenty-two years |
| F.L. SAILING | harnessmaker | |
| M.D. SULLIVAN | general merchandise and justice of the peace | in business sixteen years |
| A.G. PASCHAL & Son | general merchandise | in busines fifteen years |
| W.S. CURRY | groceries, boots and shoes | in business one year |
| Cleveland Hotel | P.G. DEVER, proprietor | in business two years |
| J.P. CURRIER & Son | meat market and grain | in business four years |
| Western Exchange Hotel | C.H. WHELAN, proprietor | |
| Mary HEFFRON | millinery and dressmaking | |
| RIORDAN & BLAIR | in business two years | |
| A.O. LEE | lumber | in business thirty years |
| Wm. LAHART | general merchandise | in business twenty years |
| P.C. MURPHY | bakery and confections | |
| W.W. O'BRYAN | attorney at law and notary |
Source: 1896 An Illustrated History of Monroe County, Iowa. by Frank Hickenlooper.