People's Pilot, Volume 5, Number 27-25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 January 1896 — Ellis & Murray. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Ellis & Murray.

With a small stock of notions and a belief that they would succeed, the firm of Ellis & Murray, on September 8, 1883, opened their doors for business in the building now occupied by A. Leopold’s clothing department. The members of the firm were J. H. S. Ellis and George E. Murray, both young men, full of energy, enterprise and progressiveness, and the success of the firm depended, as does the success of all firms, upon their ability to attract the attention of Rensselaer purchasers to their store, and after getting their attention,’ to the courtesy that will cause them to continue their patrons. Printers ink was used liberally; the people responded to the force of its argument and soon the store became as popular with the people as any young candidate for public favor could expect. Goods were sold at close figures, purchases were made care fully, expenses were guarded, customers were made to know that their patronage was appreciated, and the firm’s business grew in a short time to such an extent that they were compelled to hunt a larger room, consequently at the end of the third year in business they removed to the room now occupied by La Rue Bros.’ grocery store. They increased their stock, and were rewarded by seeing their patronage increase and in five years more this building became insufficient to allow the firm to carry on the business • that was extended them, so they leased and moved into the large, double front corner store they now occupy. To their stock of dry goods and clothing were added boots and shoes, gents’ and ladies’ furnishings, carpets, etc., and the store was conveniently arranged into departments and soon become recognized as the leading general merchandise store in Rensselaer. When the store was first opened, Messrs. Ellis & Murray waited on all the trade, but they now employ seven clerks, all of whom are well known to Rensselaer people. Tlie oldest in their employ is Ed D. Rhoades, who received his dry goods education under the firm of Willey & Sigler. Mr. Rhoades worked for Ellis & Murray for several years prior to his appointment as

post-master, and immediately after his term had expired, he was again taken into their employ. Mr. Rhoades is a popular clerkiind “trade bringer.” He is well known bv purchasers and his pleasant sociability has won him the friendship of every purchaser in Rensselaer. John C. Chilcote, who is well known because of his long connection with Rensselaer business firms, has been in their employ for four years. Mr. Chilcote is a good clothing salesman and he has contributed his influence to the success of his employers. Miss Bertha Alter is the next in order of employment among

the clerks, she having begun work for them three years ago. Miss Bertha was an apt pupil in the sale of dry goods, and she has many friends who are glad that she is one of their valued employes and who enjoy trading with her. Albert Overton began work for this firm about thi’ee years ago, and soon was placed in charge of the books. He is a careful accountant, having taken a business education and his presence in the store attracts the trade of many of his friends. Harry E. Wemple is a young and successful clothing sales-

man. He has been in the employ of Ellis & Murray for a considerable period of time and has made many friends among the patrons of the store. He is genial and sociable and is a drawing card in the store. • Chase Kelley is well known in Rensselaer, having been born and reared here. He began as a clerk in the Chicago Bargain Store, and has been in the dry goods department of Ellis & Murray’s store for some time past. Chase is always looking out for the best interests of the firm and he is one of the best young clerks in Rensselaer. Messrs. Fill is & Murray have a clever corps of clerks, and purchasers may depend upon cordial treat mem when trading there.

lie only thing of a disastrous ous nature that has befallen the firm was the damage they sustained from the cyclone ar.d rainfall of August 11,’95. The tin roof was torn from the building and but for the prompt action of the proprietors, clerks, and the assistance of many outsiders, the stock would have been much more seriously damaged. During the time the building was being repaired, the firm conducted a sale of damaged stock in the opera house, but returned to the corner building as soon as it was repaired, and they have since conducted the leading business in general merchandise. The members of the firm have proven that they are interested in Rensselaer, by identifying themselves in every improvement to the interest of the town Many improvements have been made in Rensselaer in the last twelve years and Messrs Ellis .& Murray have assisted in its advancement as willingly as any business firm Could be expected to, and it is such as they who help to promote the best interest of a town. Both gentlemen own real estate here and t hey are engaged in business at Rensselaer as citizens of the town who approve of and assist in its progress.

The special issue of the People's Pilot takes pleasure in recommending its neny readers to tiie popular store of Ellis & Murray as a place for courteous treatment and reliable bargains.

J. H. S. ELLIS.

ED D. RHOADES.

JOHN C. CHILCOTE.

MISS BERTHA ALTER.

GEORGE E. MURRAY.

ALBERT OVERTON.

HARRY E. WEMPLE.

CHASE KELLEY.