Some of the businesses that will be remembered from the 1900's that haven't been mentioned are as follows:

Mr. & Mrs. J. Oetken who came to Murray in 1886 and went into the grocery business on Maple Ave. which business they conducted until his death in 1897, Mrs. Oetken continuing the business alone.

J. C. Shields had a harness shop in the corner of Maple Ave. and fourth st.

The Big Store was well named, as it carried a larger stock than any in the county. Oren Ruffcorn started the business in a store room on the north side and later a new building was erected across the street east of Hoffman, Hardware (Watts Furniture Store), and the business was purchased by a local stock company known as the Big Store Co., C. E. Bosserman was president and J. A. Allison, Sec. They carried at stock of $50,00 worth of merchandise.

F. S. Smith Lumber Yard (where Murray Lumber & Feed is at present), started business in 1886 with his father, H. M, Smith. They considered two and three car loads of lumber per week was an average sale.

A. B. Miller, attorney at law, came to Murray in 1896 and was considered to be an able and successful lawyer.

J. B. Powers, Coal Dealer, started his business in 1897 and for a time was in partnership with J. E. Warren.

H. M. Doolittle & Co., West Side Pharmacy. Not being satisfied with the work for a manufacturer of medicine in Des Moines preparing Elixers, patent pills and etc. Mr. Doolittle resigned and accepted a position in one of Des Moines best prescription stores before coming to Murray and starting a business of his own.

F. C. Newcomb & Co., Lumber was located on the north side and purchased the business in 1899.

Chas. Eden, Restaurant, and hotel Business started in 1877. Mr. Eden was for many years landlord of the Murray House but later conducted a restaurant and fruit house on the corner south of Murray Bank.

R. P. Currie, Photo Studio, came to Murray with his parents in 1895 and later succeeded T. F. Clark in the photography business.

W. D. Hindes, Farm implements, wagons and buggies started business in Murray in 1883

Frank & Grigg, General merchandising was located on the north side of the railway, corner 6th st. and Maple ave.

In 1890 Mr. A. R. Bishop opened a black smith shop which he operated for several years.

R. J. Badger, operated a meat market, beginning in 1886. In 1900 the shop had an appearance of a city shop and was lighted at night by a fine gas light.

Chas. H. Goering & Co. operated a furniture and undertaking business on the north side of the railway.

F. L. Pollock came to Murray in 1894 and for a number of years followed the masonry trade. In 1897 he went into the restaurant business.

Wm. Riggle, was a harness dealer, after purchasing the business in 1898.

Lucy & Rugg had an up to date restaurant south of the railway. Mr. Beem, a first class baker, kept the cases full of fresh bread, cakes & cookies. They also kept boarders by day or week and served lunch at all hours.

 

This curious mill was actually in operation in Murray where it ground flour for farmers of the community. It's operation was none too successful because of the difference in the wind velocity and was torn down after a few years use.

It was built by F. L. Andrews, who started work on it about 189(?), completing it some eighteen months later.

The base of the building was 32 feet square and had a full basement with rock foundation and rock floor. Above the first story the tower was eight sided and was 42 feet tall. Below was a complete flour mill with burrs, bolts and bins. A 16 foot belt wheel operated on power transmitted from the main shaft.

Andrews finally tore it down and built an opera house on the location. This later burned. It was located on what is now the Richard Brown property.

 

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Last revised September 20, 2013