Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1909-08-25

SIlaS Erwin was commonly known
He organized an orchestra, and nc
dance was considered without SiiaS
Erwin as caller and leader
think the first organized Congre
gational church was held in the
school house near Mr.. Weisers resi-
dence. Rev. Adams was pastor, anc
for many years conducted the ser.
vices in DEBORAH.
Lawyer Willett came early to De-
corah and was prominent in his pro-
fession, having a large clientage in
this and adjoining counties. He
died few years since, and his re.
mains lie in Phelps cemetery.
Levi Bulls, an early and successful
lawyer, first made his home in Deco
rah in 1854 or SIS, and for many
years was one of tho most pron,i-
nent attorneys of northeastern Iowa
Doctor Coleman, Doctor Parliman
and Doctor Green, also Geo. Winship
who laid out West DEBORAH, all may
be remembered as PIONEERS.
Claybourne Day, now living in De.
corah, past 80 years of age, is the
only representative of the family
now residing here.
If memory serves me right, Ansel
Bailey, father of A. K. Bailey, com.
menced the edition of the DEBORAH
Republican as early as 1854, which
paper has continued t. this date as
one of the best known weekly pa
pers of Iowa.
In 1855 Ed. ]. Riley became a
citizen of DEBORAH, since which time
he has identified himself with many
enterprises of the town. In very
early times he was one of the EN-.
ployes of the Weiser Bank. has beer
engaged in the lumber business, mar
ried here and enjoys the good wishes
of the community.
Rollin Wilson owned and lived il
his home where now stands the Rock
Island depot.
John Beemer was owner of the
place and lived where H. Engbret
son is now building his residence.
Later Hon. E. E. Cooley built anC
resided where now is the home Of
Pres. L. B. Whitney of the Nationa
Bank of DEBORAH on Grove street.
To the best of my recollection, q
school house (Which was used fol
church purposes) stood where now
stands the fine residence of C. J
Weiser, on Broadway.
j. j. Marsh resided where now
lives Jas. McCasker.
Robert Logan early built and lived
in the Grout House, now the proper,
ty of DR.. Conover on Broadway.
L. NJ. Merrill, another pioneer
who has made his home in Decorat
since 1854 as farmer, grain dealer
etc., has an extensive acquaintance
and Is now living on East Waite
street at an advanced age.
John Ammon commenced early tn,
making of plows, afterwards manu-
featuring largely wagons, tanning
mills, etc. Through his energy the
brick shops on West Water street
were built, that N. HI. Adams & Son:
are now rebuilding for their grain
and seed business.
The first stage was organized by
Frink & Walker. afterwards operated
by M. 0. Walker. Stages run to al
important points, including st. Paul
McGregor, Dubuque, etc.
c. E. Dickerman was an early resi-
dent, coming here about 1854 or '55
and conducted dry goods store
formerly owning the frame store
building where Ben Bears clothing
store now stands.
r. +. Gibson was one of the mum
Der of pioneers who settled here in
about 1854, has been resident since
that time, and is one of Decorah's
oldest citizens.
]. ]. Marsh early commenced the
sale of farm machinery, doing bust
ness for many years on West Water
street until he became postmaster
some six years ago.