Transcribed by Ann Selvig, from:  Allerton, Iowa Centennial, July 5-6 1874 -1974, 100 Years

 

THE GOUGHNOUR MOMUMENT CO.

“97 Years Continuous Service”

 

     In 1876 after completing his army service in the Civil War, Jeremiah Goughnour moved his family from Van Buren County, Iowa, to Allerton.

     In 1877, he established the first monument business in Wayne County at Allerton, Iowa.  This was in a small frame building north of what is now the D-X station.  It opened January 1, 1877, with two men who were rough cutters, one lettering man, and one man who did the polishing.  The first spring, two more cutters were added.  These men cut bases for monuments from stone quarried at Princeton, Missouri, and bought in carload lots.  The monuments were made of marble.  These were sawed from slabs broken from the quarries and shaped, carved, and lettered in the workshop.

     Jeremiah traveled extensively by horse and buggy, as far south as Harrris, Princeton, and Cainsville, Mo., some trips taking as long as a month at a time.  He also covered southern Iowa.

     The firm remained at the original site until 1881 when it was moved across the street.  Different locations along Central Ave. were used until 1914 when the building was badly damaged by fire.  At this time a brick structure was built on the site now occupied by the Allerton Feed Co.  In 1923 an explosion at a nearby café again caused considerable damage.

     In 1887, at the age of 17, William M. Goughnour began cutting marble for his family.  His tools were a wooden mallet, and a chisel made by his boyhood friend, Lou Elwell.  Wm. was a talented musician, directing the K of P band for a good many years.  This band traveled widely, playing for all sorts of entertainments in Missouri and Iowa.  He also directed an orchestra for the Christian Church of Allerton for many years.  He was active in the affairs of the community through the years.

     A brother, Edd Goughnour, joined the firm in 1901.  From 1901 to 1915 the company was called Goughnour Bros.  In 1915 Edd left the firm to resume farming near Allerton.  The name was changed to The Goughnour Monument Co.  A son, Melvin, helped in the company several years.

     In these early days, it required a two-day trip to set a monument at Humeston or Promise City, using horses and heavy wagons.  Five-ton monuments were quite common.

     In 1912, an air-compressor and an electric hammer were installed.  This was quite an advancement in the way of equipment.

     The two adopted sons of Wm. and Nellie Goughnour grew up in the monument business.  Walter was a skilled draftsman and engraver and worked for many years, finally leaving to enter the ministry in the early 1940’s.  He died in February of 1971.

     Guy began traveling as a representative in 1936, covering southern Iowa and northern Missouri.

     In 1933, the Goughnours purchased the Gallagher Monument Co. of Corydon, Iowa, which they continued to operate for several years before moving it to Allerton.  In the early 1950’s a display was put in Corydon.  In 1940 the equipment was again up-dated by the installation of a sandblast machine.

     Wm. M. Goughnour managed the business until his death in 1946.  His wife, Nellie also passed away the same year.

     In 1955, the entire plant was moved to Corydon, Iowa where it is today.  In 1962 they purchased the Leon Monument Co. in Leon, Iowa, and a branch is there at this time.

     The Goughnour Monument Co. has enlarged its business to include the setting of granite shafts, mausoleums, and other types of memorials in addition to family monuments.  Through the use of a large portable hoist furnished by the Ruark Garage of Allerton, they are now able to set granite pieces weighing in excess of twelve tons.  In 1971, the very latest lettering equipment was installed in the plant.  This includes a sandblast machine which is completely automated.

     The business of now owned and managed by Guy N. Goughnour, assisted by his wife Ruth who works in the design and drafting department.  They have three children, David, Steven and Barbara.  The sons have helped with the business and are thoroughly acquainted with the operation.

     At present, the firm has four contract employees.  One, Ralph Lee, of Seymour has been with the company for twenty-eight years.

     The year, 1974 is the 97th consecutive year of business for the Goughnour Monument Co.  We are indeed grateful for the support given us by the town of Allerton, and by Wayne County throughout the years.

 

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