of
Muscatine County Iowa
1879
| History of Muscatine County Iowa 1879 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Historical Section, 1879, pages 588-588
PORT ALLEN. Port Allen, situated in the extreme southern part of Orono Township, on the Louisa County line, one-half mile east of Cedar River, and on the line of the B., C. R. & N. Railroad, was founded and the town-plat recorded by Cyril Carpenter, November 18, 1871. The lots were surveyed by Peter Houtz. The depot was built by Cyril Carpenter and rented to the railroad company. W. H. Crocker & Co. conducted the first store in the place, and still continue as the only one there. At first they occupied part of the depot-building. They also had charge of the post office when it was first established there.
The Methodist Church was built in 1872, at a cost of $2,000. It was erected by the citizens of the neighborhood, Cyril Carpenter being mainly instrumental in making the undertaking a success. Joseph Jeffery is the circuit preacher of this Church, and visits it from Columbus Junction.
ADAMS. Adams Station, on the Muscatine & Western Railroad, was founded by Elias Adams, son of one of the pioneers of Pike Township, and the plat recorded by him. The lots were surveyed by Hiram Palmer, Assistant Engineer of the B., C. R. & M. Railroad, in July, 1873. The first store was opened by Mr. Adams in 1873, in his residence, which was moved from his farm to the railroad track. In July, 1873, the post office was established at this point, with Mr. Adams as postmaster, which office he still retains. This building is also used for a depot, with Elias Adams as Agent. The only other business in the town is a wagon-maker's shop. One of the township district schools is located in the town.
FAIRPORT. This town is finely situated on the banks of the Mississippi, about seven miles due east of Muscatine, in Section 25, Sweetland Township. Originally, a village was laid out on this same site, and called Salem. William Chambers filed the plat of Salem April 20, 1839. The presence of potter's clay in that neighborhood rendered the establishment of potteries not only possible, but profitable, and that industry was early introduced by Elijah Sells, who was Secretary of State from 1856 to 1863, holding the office for three terms.
The present town of Fairport is dependent upon the pottery business for trade. There are five concerns in operation. There are two stores which have a local custom. There is no church society with resident pastor in the village. A good-sized schoolhouse was erected some years since, in which a day school is held. The present Postmaster is John Mackemer. The town is more properous now than it has been for some years past.
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