Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon Counties

CHAPTER VIII.
TOWNS AND VILLAGES.
(Continued)

AUDUBON.

Audubon, the county-seat of Audubon County, and the mart through which flows the principal commerce of one of Iowa's most thoroughly prosperous and rapidly growing counties, was platted by the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company, September 23, 1878. The first sale of town lots was made October 15, of that year, the first day's sales amounting to $6,190. These sales were confined almost entirely to business lot limits, and property changed hands at fabulous prices. Before the sun had shed its evening twilight rays lot purchasers had already commenced the work of excavating, preparatory to building business houses. The following winter between fifty and seventy carpenters and masons were kept constantly busy. They persevered against fearful odds, the chief of which was the long distance which building material had to be transported by wagons -- everything having to come from Carroll or Atlantic. The land upon which the city is situated was a part of the numerous tracts granted to the Rock Island Railroad, at quite an early day. While the railroad has been greatly benefited by the enterprise of the business men of this thriving mart, on the other hand the city was created and fostered by the railroad company. Geographically, Audubon is situated on the southwest quarter of section 21, township 80, range 35, west, and in Leroy Township, which places it nearly in the center of the county, only deviating a mile and a half from a true center. For a record of the various plats, original and additions, see "Record of Plats," in the beginning of this chapter. Like ancient Rome, it stands on many hills; however, they are but slight, rounded elevations; in no instance, do they amount to an abruptness, which occasions side-hill "washes," or in any other manner precludes the building of business or residence property. By nature, Audubon is finely situated, commanding as it does, an outlook, in every direction, upon one of the most truly picturesque and enchanting farm landscapes which ever charmed the eye and pleased the mind of cultured man. The luxuriant growth of grass, the waving panorama of green, growing crops, the rich mellowness of sunny autumn time, reflecting the promise of the early spring, all become factors, or brushes, as it were, in Nature's hand to complete the beautiful landscape, causing the spellbound beholder to exclaim, "Verily a thing of beauty is a joy forever." To give an idea of the rapid growth of Audubon, it may be stated, upon authority of reliable records, that the assessed valuation of the tract of land upon which the city stands was less than $800 as against $90,000 the following year; this, it should be remembered, was the assessed valuation. In 1880, on the first day of June, according to the State census returns, Audubon had a population of 800, which has steadily increased until we find by the census of 1888 (taken for school purposes) that it has upward of 1,800, the growth of less than one decade.

FIRST EVENTS.

The first birth in Audubon was Daisey Audubon McKinley, to whom the railroad company gave a town lot in compliance with an offer made and spread upon the county records at the time of the village was platted, to the effect that the first child born should be granted a lot. This child was born in the fall of 1878, but died when less than a year old. The first wedding, where invitations were sent out, was that of John A. Nash and Miss Gertrude Russell, who still reside in Audubon, Mr. Nash being among the most prominent men of the place; also a member of the law firm of Nash, Phelps & Green. The first train of cars ran to Audubon in the fall of 1878, via the Rock Island branch. The first town lot was sold October 15, 1878. The first brick building was Charles Stuart & Son's office building near the Rock Island depot.

POSTOFFICE HISTORY.

A postoffice was established at Audubon, February 15, 1879. The first postmaster to serve was A. L. Sanborn, who served until January, 1883, when E. H. Kimball took the office and conducted it a year, and was succeeded by Captain Foster. He held the office until January 25, 1888, and was succeeded by R. M. Carpenter, the present incumbent. There has been more or less trouble over this important office, the same here as elsewhere. Sometimes men unworthy the position have been in the office, and again good efficient men have been displaced by political wire pulling, "nonpartisanship," etc. However, the present postmaster is well pleasing to the general community. The first money order issued from the Audubon office was dated August 2, 1880. It was issued by Hiram Miller, remitter to Morris Miller, Villisca, Iowa. The amount was for $5. The last serial number of money orders, issued from this place, up to December 28, 1888, was 11,168.

EARLY BUSINESS INTERESTS.

The subjoined is very nearly if not quite a complete directory of the business concerns of Audubon in January, 1880, when the place was but little more than a year old: Banking, Whitney & Van Gorder; real estate, Nash & Phelps, Funk & Funk, Love & Van Pelt, H. W. Hanna, E. J. Freeman, Andrews & Armstrong; attorneys, J. M. & R. W. Griggs, Nash & Phelps, Stotts & Nichols, Love & Van Pelt, Funk & Funk, Andrews & Armstrong, J. W. McCord, H. W. Hanna; general merchandise, B. F. Howard, Wilson Burnside, G. B. Russell, Lundy Bros., C. Egbert (clothing); groceries, E. S. Foster, Consigny Bros., Frank Gleason; clothing, Evan Davis, J. H. Kate, William Mallory; hardware, Martin & Keller, S. H. Schryver;; agricultural implements, William & Morrow, S. H. Schryver; physicians, J. D. Holmes; J. T. Breneman, P. M. Sheafer, J. Cloughly, S. H. Phelps; jewelry, E. W. Beghtol; newspapers, "Times" and "Advocate"; millinery, Mrs. Frank Gleason, Mrs. Newmire and Miss Donaldson; lumber dealers, Charles Stuart & Son, A. A. Hubbard, H. Umphrey; furniture, W. H. Miller, Horace Prentice (W. H. Scott, manager); barbers, Wilson Blackwood; meat market, A. A. Zaner; harness shops, D. E. Soar, Louis Tramp; blacksmiths, Neil Ross, Keen & Jump, R. G. Sands, H. B. Wilson; grain dealers, Charles Stuart & Son, George Gray, Wilson Burnside; plow works, Steel & Young; drugs, A. H. Roberts, W. Cloughly, J. T. Breneman; draymen, James Benefield, Joseph Allee, A. H. Herring, JosephHeath and James Pollett; livery, I. N. Simpson, W. P. Gardner, Goodwin Thompson; shoemakers, Mr. Ott, John Both; art galleries, T. B. Mendenahll, I. E. Hilsaback; hotels, "Walker," "Grant" and "Weston."

INCORPORATION AND WATER-WORKS.

Audubon became an incorporated town in 1881. The following have served as mayors of the place: E. J. Freeman, 1881; J. Mack Love, 1882-83; J. D. Holmes, 1884-'85; Charles Bagley, 1886-'87; A. F. Armstrong, 1888. The first to hold this office was elected without a single opposing vote and could have held the office for any number of years had he so chosen. He has had more to do with the care of the town and all her improvements, including the water-works, than any twenty men of the place. No more effective system of water-works can be found in Iowa than here. The plant is of the "direct pressure" style; the water is pumped by steam from a well located in the lower part of town, near the Rock Island depot, and is forced through a six-inch main up the principal street, through the public square, and to a large water tank, similar to those used by railroads; this tank holds 34,000 barrels of water, which comes through a main 2,500 feet long. The pumps are worked by a good sized engine, simple in its construction. The pressure derived from the 138 feet elevation of these works is eighty pounds per square inch, while the amount of water capable of being forced through the main to the tank is 10,000 gallons per hour. The water thus supplied protects the town against fires, as well as all who may need it for domestic purposes. Besides, the town has a hook and ladder appliance; also two hose carts with 2,500 feet of hose. No destructive fires have occurred since the water system was put in. It has cost the town about $10,000, and has always been cared for by E. J. Freeman.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Audubon is already widely known for her excellent schools. Her first attempt at educational matters was when the place was first started; a frame school building was ereced, which was 18 x 24 feet. This was built in the autumn of 1878. Miss Kate Cameron taught the first term of school the following winter. With the almost magic like growth of the town more school-rooms had to be provided; one by one they were aded, but they did not meet the approval of a highly enterprising class of citizens; even the one built in 1880, which was two stories high, containing four spacious rooms, failed to give sufficient room. This building cost $5,000. In the winter of 1886-'87 three schools, independent of the four conducted at the High School building, were taught. This system became obnoxious to the citizens, and the general public sentiment was in favor of better buildings. A vote was taken and the measure carried by a large majority. Accordingly the contract was let and carried out for the present elegant High School building, which from first to last has cost not far from $15,000. The design combines both beauty of construction, symmetry and propriety. It is located on a commanding site, convenient to all parts of the place, and by the foresight of those who had the work in hand, the spacious grounds devoted to this purpose make it quite exempt from danger of fire by its surroundings, etc. For scholarship, etc., see educational item elsewhere in this work.

CIVIC SOCIETIES.

Grand Army of the Republic, Allison Post, No. 34, was organized April 19, 1881, by twenty-two charter members. This post was organized April 19, 1881, by twenty-two charter members. This post was named in honor of a Hardin County (Iowa) comrade named Robert Allison, who was Captain of Company C, Sixth Iowa Infantry, and was killed at Mission Ridge, Tennessee. The original post, as above described, only existed about three months. Its first commander was C. S. Foster, and Beach Rhooder was its adjutant. As more soldiers moved to the county, greater interest was taken, and finally the society was revived. The date of the reorganized post was May 4, 1883. The following were its first officers: E. J. Freeman, Commander; W. F. Stotts, Senior Vice-Commander; H. C. Paull, Junior Vice-Commander; M. Nichols, Adjutant; E. W. Beghtol, Officer of the Day; D. H. Walker, Quartermaster; J. W. B. Cole, Outside Guard. The latter named was the leading spirit in bringing about the re-organized post, and has ever taken a prominent part and has passed all the official chairs. The officers of 1888 were: C. Baxter, Commander; H. W. Wilson, Vice-Commander; H. E. Cole, Junior Vice-Commander; H. F. Andrews, Officer of the Day; Clark Cross, Adjutant; A. H. Edwards, Outside Guard. The present membership is 132. The post used the Odd Fellows' Hall as a place of meeting for the first two years, after which they leased and fitted up Grand Army Hall, used for this and no other purpose excepting the Womans' Relief Corps and Sons of Veterans. The Womans' Relief Corps, of Audubon, No. 38, was organized in June, 1885, with the following named as first officers: Mrs. Lizzie Kimball, President; Myrtle A. Cole, Senior Vice-President; Mrs. Lydia Rosenberg, Junior Vice-Conductor; Mrs. Esther Bryan, Conductor; Mrs. Almeda Nichols, Chaplain; Mrs. Emma Matthias, Treasurer; Mrs. Fanny Talbot, Secretary. The officers serving in 1888 were: Mrs. Lydia Rosenberg, President; Mrs. Esther Bryan, Senior Vice-President; Mrs. Lorana Cole, Junior Vice-President; Mrs. Alice Consigney, Conductor; Miss D. E. Dix, Chaplain; Miss Belle Hanna, Secretary; Mrs. Delia Ott, Treasurer. The Sons of Veterans, Camp Stuart, No. 50, of Audubon, was organized October 13, 1885, and now has a membership of over fifty, all made up from sons of men who "wore the blue" from 1861 to 1865 in the Rebellion. The first officers were: A. L. Wever, Captain; D. L. Freeman, First Lieutenant; C. H. Rollins, Second Lieutenant; Ed. Delahoyde, First Sergeant; W. S. Kimball, Quartermaster. The present officers are: Major D. L. Freeman, Captain; L. J. Yagey, First Lieutenant; E. M. Cole, Second Lieutenant; Charles Rose, Orderly Sergeant. Captain Freeman was elected Major of the State of Iowa Division in June, 1888. Captain Charles Stuart, for whom the camp was named, being a wealthy and liberal man, donated about $800 worth of arms, etc. to the camp. This donation included seventy-two fine new Springfield breech-loading rifles, with all necessary accouterments, and 1,000 rounds of ammunition. This was indeed a goodly gift and one which stiumulated the lively interest already taken by the Sons of Veterans at Audubon. Veritas Lodge, No. 392, A. F. & A. M., worked under dispensation from February 18, 1879, to July of the same year. The following were the officers and charter members: E. W. Beightol, Worshipful Master; A. L. Sanborn, J. R. W. D.; E. H. Kimball, S. R. W. D.; Joseph Snider, William Wilde, W. L. Swaney, Charles Wheeler, A. L. Campbell, C. H. Earhart, J. C. Bonwell, F. H. Burr (Secretary), R. M. Hubbard (Treasurer), R. G. Sands. January 1, 1889, they had a membership of eighty-one. The present officials are: John D. Holmes, Worshipful Master; M. F. Johnson, Senior Warden; John B. Doak, Junior Warden; W. H. Scott, Treasurer; Fred W. Brown, Secretary. Amity Chapter, No. 93, Royal Arch Masons, was organized April 28, 1881. The following named were charter members: Thomas Chadwick, E. W. Beightol, A. F. Armstrong, Henry Young, A. S. Rodgers, Phillip Young, I. A. Shingledecker, F. M. Jones, R. G. Sands, George E. Hastings. The first officers were: Thomas Chadwick, High Priest; E. W. Beightol, King; A. F. Armstrong, Scribe. In 1889 the officers were: A. H. Roberts, High Priest; Thomas Walker, Secretary; Charles Van Gorder, Treasurer. Godfrey Commandery, No. 44, of Knight Templars, was instituted June 22, 1882. The charter members were as follows: Sir Knight E. S. Foster, E. C.; Sir Knight I. H. Shingledecker, G. I.; Sir Knight E. J. Freeman, Captain General; Sir Knight H. W. Hanna, Recorder; Sir Knight John Norris, Treasurer. Sir Knight A. F. Armstrong, Sir Knight William H. Scott, Sir Knight E. W. Beightol, Sir Knight Ed B. Cousins, Sir Knight William Burnside, Sir Knight George E. Hastings, Sir Knight F. M. Jones. The present number belonging to this commandery is forty-six. The officers at present are: Sir Knight A. F. Armstrong, Eminent Commander; Sir Knight W. H. Scott, G. I.; Sir Knight B. W. Brown, Captain General; Sir Knight H. W. Hanna, Recorder; Sir Knight Charles Van Gorder, Treasurer. At this writing they have twenty-seven fine uniforms and are in a flourishing condition. Audubon Chapter, U. D., Order Eastern Star, was instituted November 21, 1888, by a charter membership of sixty-one. Officers: Mrs. Gertrude R. Nash, W. Matron; Mrs. A. H. Roberts, W. Patron; Mrs. B. W. Brown, A. Matron; Mrs. Eva Freeman, Treasurer; Mrs. H. W. Hanna, Secretary; Mrs. H. W. Wilson, Conductor. Knights of Pythias, Audubon Lodge, No. 163, was organized June 10, 1886, with a charter membership of twenty-five. The first set of officers were: H. P. Albert, P. C.; P. W. Ledyard, C. C.; W. H. O'Connell, V. C.; W. H. McClure, Prelate; E. R. Darlington, M. of F.; James A. Nash, M. of Ex.; James F. Consigny, K. of R. S.; A. L. Wever, M. at A.; Seth Paine, I. G.; Edwin Delahoyde, O. G. The officers elected in the winter of 1888-'89 were: W. H. Negley, P. C.; J. A. Wheatley, C. C.; Seth Paine, V. C.; John Weighton, Prelate; B. F. Howald, M. at A.; F. E. Brainard, K. of R.; W. W. Talbot, M. of Ex.; John Dawson, M. of F.; B. F. Kennedy, I. G.; A. L. Weber, O. G. W. H. O'Connell, of this lodge, was recently elected district deputy. The present standing of the lodge is excellent. It now numbers seventy-four, all of whom take deep interest in the order. They meet at Castle Hall, in John A. Nash's Building. Iowa Legion of Honor, Audubon Lodge, No. 115, was organized July 12, 1881, by J. H. Helm, D. G. P., of the State of Iowa. There were twenty-one charter members. The first officers were as follows: G. H. Jones, President; E. C. Brown, Vice-President; Frank Gleason, Recording Secretary; John A. Nash, Financial Secretary; Wilson Burnside, Treasurer; W. D. Blackwood, Usher; H. M. Talbot, Sentinel. The present membership is thirty, and the insurance it represents (for its object is purely life insurance) is $72,000. It is looked upon as the very best, safest and cheapest means of life insurance in Iowa to-day. Its present officers are: F. Gleason, President; G. H. Jones, Vice-President; H. F. Andrews, Recording and Financial Secretary and Treasurer; William Merser, Chaplain; J. C. F. Wicker, Usher; J. Miner, D. K.; W. C. Barton, Sentinel. Aretas Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 396, at Audubon, was instituted in August, 1879. The first set of officers were: H. E. Cole, Noble Grand; S. P. Rhooder, First Vice-Grand; George Myres, Secretary. There were thirteen charter members. The largest number ever belonging to the lodge at any one time was seventy-six; the present membership (per last report) is fifty-seven. The present officers are: Seth Paine, N. G.; H. Rohrbech, V. G.; H. U. Funk, Secretary; George Ellis, Treasurer. The lodge meets each Monday evening at William Culbertson's hall. The order contemplate building in the near future, having new in their possession about $5,000 worth of real property. Nishnabotna Tribe,No. 8, I. O. R. M., was organized in November, 1886. The first officers were as follows: J. A. Hornberger, Senior Sagamore; D. C. Abrams, Junior Sachem; John F. Consigny, Chief of Records; A. F. Fails, Keeper of Wampum; H. P. Albert, Prophet. The present officers are: E. S. Foster, Sachem; M. F. Johnson, Senior Sachem; Charles Weston, Junior Sachem; J. W. B. Cole, Prophet; H. U. Funk, Chief of Records; Eli Weston, Keeper of Wampum. The object of this purely American secret order is the promotion of Freedom, Friendship and Charity, founded upon the customs and traditions of the North American Indians. A good "Red Man" can not fail to be a good citizen and a true patriot. At present the order have their own lodge room in Forbes's Block. Besides the above orders, there is a well-working Good Templars' lodge at Audubon, to which many of the best business men belong.

CHURCHES.

The Methodist Episcopal Church at Audubon was first a charge on Hamlin Circuit. This society, as has been the case in nearly all new countries, was the first to herald the glad tidings of the gospel in Audubon, holding the first religious services in the place December 14, 1878, at which time only fourteen persons were present. A. H. Roberts is now the only one here who was present. The church, independent of its connection with any circuit, was organized in February, 1879, the first quarterly meeting occurring February 8 and 9 of the same year; Rev. John Hestwood, P. E., was present. At that time A. H. Roberts was elected trustee. In 1880 a church edifice was erected at a cost of about $2,700. It is situated on the corner of Tracy and Chicago streets, and in 1886 additional improvements were made under Rev. Harris's pastorate to the amount of $1,000. These improvements included the building of the gallery, decorating, etc. The church has a seating capacity of over 300, and is the finest furnished in Audubon. It should here be mentioned that the church edifice was dedicated December 12, 1880, by Rev. W. T. Smith, P. E. A good parsonage was provided in 1884, now valued at $600; it is located on the grounds adjoining the church lots. As one visits this church at the sounds of the fine 800-pound bell suspended in the neat belfry, and is made comfortable in the coldest weather by a Hess improved heater, he can not fail to note the contrast with days when services were held in dingy school-rooms, illy heated, and poorly lighted by candles tacked to the walls on either side! The present membership of the society is an even 100, while its Sabbath-school, which was formed April 13, 1879, now numbers 160. The following faithful servants have served the church as pastors: Rev. John W. Lewis, from September, 1878 to September, 1879; Rev. A. W. Armstrong, one year; Rev. W. C. Smith, two years; Rev. L. M. Campbell, one year; Rev. J. W. Bott, three years; Rev. Joseph B. Harris, the present pastor. The First Presbyterian Church of Audubon was organized April 14, 1879, with a membership of seven, by a committee from the Council Bluffs presbytery. For nearly a year services were held in the old schoolhouse. The following June a church edifice was raised, which was 38 x 60 feet. When partly enclosed it was swept from the foundation by a violent wind storm; this was an expense to the society of about $500. The structure was completed, however, at a cost of about $3,500. The first services were held in the new church January 18, 1880, being the first religious services held within a church building in Audubon. The church was then closed until March 28, when it was opened with a communion service, which was also the first Lord's Supper celebrated in an Audubon church edifice. The house was dedicated Sabbath morning, May 9, 1880. Rev. E. B. Cousins was duly installed the first pastor, serving for four years. His successors were Rev. D. A. Blose, fifteen months; Rev. J. A. Bartlett, one year; Rev. E. Dickinson is the present pastor. The First Baptist Church was organized April 1, 1881, at a meeting conducted by Rev. D. D. Proper. The charter members of the society are: E. F. Fales, Mrs. C. A. Fales, H. M. Talbot, Mrs. M. Scott, Mrs. E. J. Ford, Mrs. V. Sands, Mrs. S. Davis, Rev. A. F. Sharpaack and wife, H. W. Talbot, F. Van Pelt, Mary J. Van Pelt, Elnora Howald, V. Sands, Isabel Harris, Mrs. E. M. Funk. The first deacons were E. M. Fales and Frank M. Van Pelt. The first clerk and treasurer was H. M. Talbot. Rev. A. F. Sharpaack was engaged to preach once in two weeks for the first year. The first covenant meeting was held April 27, 1881. The church made but little growth and advancement until recently. Some removed, while others seemed for the time to slacken their former zeal in the cause they had once espoused. Hence it was that the society had but little history to record until October, 1887, when the society was reorganized, embracing some few of the remaining charter members. In September, 1888, plans were matured for the erection of a church. Lots were purchased of the railroad company, directly opposite the court-house and jail buildings. During the present winter (1888-'9) a good-sized building is being erected which will cost about $3,000 when finished. Rev. A. C. Zollhoffer was pastor when the plans for building were made, but in October of the same year (1888) he resigned. The church is not large in numbers, but all seem desirous of work, and whoever records the history of the church in another decade will doubtless find this society flourishing. The Roman Catholic Church, under the watch-care of the priest at Atlantic, is in a fairly good condition at Audubon. They have a comfortable frame church building, situated on East Hill. Its size is 28 x 45 feet. There are not many Catholics living near Audubon, but those are well cared for in the above charge.

BUSINESS INTERESTS OF 1888.

Opera house, G. W. Russell; banks, Audubon County Bank, Commercial Bank, Citizens' Bank, all private banking concerns; dry goods and general stocks, Russell & Sons, B. F. Howald, John Van Scoy, R. Lenox; groceries, John Consigny, Fisher Bros., B. F. Howald, Will D. Forbest, Will Gleason, T. S. Francis, W. Talbott, W. Rosenburgh; drug stores, Dr. Cloughley, William Cloughley, A. B. Roberts, O. J. Houston; hardware dealers, McKarahan & Vanderbergh, John Rhinenund, Seth Paine; farm implements, McFarlane, Dickey & Co., Clark Cross, George Keen, Seth Paine, H. A. Jump; grain dealers, Charles Stuart & Son, Burnside & Francis, Henry Grovesmuhl, Herbert & Johnson, George Gray; lumber, Charles Stuart & Son, Green Bay Lumber Co., Henry Roherbeck; clothing, John Kate, D. C. Abrams, B. F. Howald; jewelry, O'Connel Bros., Will Cowles; hotels, Walker House (commercial), Stuart House, Grant House, Northwestern Hotel, Weston House; newspapers, Audubon County Republican, Advocate; restaurants, Will D. Forbes, William Rosenberg; boots and shoes, J. Forbes & Son; millinery, Miss Dix, Miss Walker; harness shops, David Soar, Harp Wilson; blacksmith shops, James Pound, George Keen, H. A. Jump, Doc. Wilson; shoemaker, William Ott; wagon shop, George Keen; meat markets, Prather Bros., Doak & Co.; marble works, Wallace Van Border; furniture, Scott Bros.; physicians, Dr. Cloughley, J. D. Holmes, C. W. DeMotte, Dr. Lass, J. M. Rendleman; attorneys at law, Nash, Phelps & Green, H. W. Hanna, J. N. Griggs, Thomas F. Myres, A. F. Armstrong, Charles Bagley, H. F. Andrews, E. H. Hurd, F. E. Brainard, H. U. Funk; roller mills, Kuhn Culver & Co.; photographers, --- Harper, T. B. Mendenhall; livery stables, Charles Benton, Tharnish Bro., Isham Bro.; express companies, American, United States; railways, Rock Island & Pacific branch and the Chicago & Northwestern branch.

BANKING HOUSES.

The first banking concern to operate in Audubon was first organized in 1876, at Exira, as the "Audubon County Bank," which in December, 1878, removed to Audubon, still retaining its original name. It was started by Whitney & Van Gorder, but is now the property of Charles Van Gorder and has a capital of $60,000. It is a private bank, enjoying good patronage, its proprietor being among the early settlers and most highly esteemed men of his county. The Citizens' Bank was established in 1884: Thomas F. Morrow, President; E. J. Freeman, Cashier. This is a private banking house, as well as the other two banking houses of Audubon. It does a good business and has the good will of all the citizens in Audubon County, who know the concern is one of safety and trust to all who deal there. The Commercial Bank was organized January 1, 1887. The officers are: William Leet, President; William H. Negley, Cashier. The capital stock, paid up, is $50,000. The first year they occupied a part of Van Gorder's Block, but January 1, 1888, removed to their present elegant quarters in "Park Place." They have the finest furniture of any banking house in the county.

Prev. <=== Continue Reading ===> Next Transcribed by Cheryl Siebrass September, 2014 from "Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon Counties", Chicago: W. S. Dunbar & Co., 1889, pp. 668-675.