carpenter work by H. N. Tupper, and the lumber was on the ground before the lots were surveyed. The second house was that of Dr. Carr, immediately west of the other, and was occupied as a residence and office by the doctor, who was, of course, the first physician in the town.
The depot was built about this time, Deacon H. F. Kingsbury being the first station agent, and living in the depot until he could erect a house for himself, which he did on the site of the New York house. The Deacon was also first express agent, first post-master, first merchant and first in the hearts of his fellow citizens generally.
The Bosquent Drug store was the first building on that part of the street and was built by a Mr. Osborn. The Boyd Brothers' store was built abort the same time by Mr. Miller, and opened as a hardware store and tin shop. These were the improvements made during the fall and winter of 1865-6.
The first grain warehouse was built by Irwin, Rainbold & Hoggatt, who also opened the first lumber yard. J. Q. Lefflngwell set up the first blacksmith shop, taking Mr. Duff in as partner to roof the same, and furnish other capital. The latter had settled on his farm north of town in 1863, and Mrs. Duff was land and business agent in several important early enterprises. It was mainly through her energy and tact that the first church was built, the Congregational, of which the Rev. John White was the first pastor. Rev. Isaiah Reid, as stated elsewhere, preached the first sermon in Ames, and it is narrated that, on one occasion, having been called to officiate at a funeral in the neighborhood, a passing locomotive was hailed for him, and kindly took him up near the present depot and carried him to Nevada. Wm. Hart opened the first wagon shop. Mr. Sherwood built the West House, and kept the first hotel therein. The first Methodist preacher was Rev. James Hankins; after him came Rev. J. M. Dudley. The first Baptist Church was organized in 1868, the Rev. L. P. Day as pastor, when he was succeeded in 1869 by Rev. H. A. Borden, and he, in 1870, by Rev. S. H. Mitchell. Ames was incorporated 1869, Wm. West being the first Mayor. The first Dry Goods Store, that carried a general assortment, was opened by Lucas & Eddy, since which time all branches of business have greatly increased.
CAMBRIDGE.
Josiah Chandler was the pioneer in this village, building a saw mill on Skunk River in 1853, which was the nucleus of this town.
Jairus Chandler was the first resident on the town plat, building his house near the saw mill. Chandler & Graf ton erected the steam grist mill soon after, it being finely and expensively furnished and finished.
J. C. Sladden opened a store in 1851.
TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATIONS.
At the first election held April 4, 1853, the people voted in two election precincts, the boundaries of which do not seem to have