Rensselaer Republican, Volume 14, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 May 1882 — RENSSELAER. [ARTICLE]

RENSSELAER.

A History of Business De- • 4 veiopment Our Business Men and What They are Doing. In this issue of thellsjjjucvv wo commence a resume of our business interests, and in doing so we shall aim to represent them truthfully. ller.sselair's projuts end to it met ini importance is due to the enterprise of her business men., Located in a rich prndu tive agricultural country, with cliurelies, a good school system, wide-awake professional and business -men, we are favored with more advantages many other county-seats inthestste. There never was a time in the past so favorable as the present to those engaged in business life; and there never was a time when the business methods of the past, in one sense, were of so lit tie use ns at the present. Business principles are the same, yesterday, to-day and forever. Truth, honesty, fair dealing, careful attention to d-tails, energy, quickness of perception, are all necessary and valuable to-day as ever. But the way of doing tilings lias changed. The last quarter of a century has to accustomed us to inventionsand discoveries of great commercial importune** that their effect is changing the condition of business, which is now done on an enormously large scale, with remarkably sundl margins, lie who enters business now must accustom him- . self to think rapidly, and act quickly. There is no standstill ;it is progress. Not progress in principles, but in methods. Wc have business men in our midst who have been educated up to this point, and are keeping pace Witn business men ot other towns, and it is of tiietr interests we speak.

Willey St Sigler. The Dry Goods business is the leading coiutn-reial int«r»9t of all civiliaed coun? tries, for it supplies the greatest demands of the people. As the country becomes more thickly populated and wealthier there is a call for a greater variety of goods, which has given rise t> extensive manufactories that has enacted the merchant of today to place before his customers continually new styles and new fabrics, composed of a better material than in former years. In our smaller cities we now see merchants doing bnsines on a scale that a few years ago, comparatively, wouli be considtreJ immense for the leading cities of the land, In Rensselaer we have an establishment of this kind that takes a leading position in commercial life here, and which would do ci edit to cities of greuer pretentious than our own. We refer to Willey & Sigler's Trade Palace, on Washington street. The progress of this firm has beeu noteworthy, for from a small beginning they have built up a commercial interest here whose influeaee is felt throughout the county, and is known as one of the soundest business concerns. Mr. Willey came here in May, 1403, with limited means and bought out (he store of G. J. Green & Son, the stock carried being a small one. The fall following lie 4 >ok as a partner Thos. Hollingsworth, who remained with him 3 years when Mr. Sigler purchased Mr. Hollingsworth’s interest, since which lime, the firm has beer. Willey & Sigler Roth members of this firm possess those qualities essential to make succesfu! husin ss men—integrity find enterprise—and have ever nmde it. a rule to deal honorably with their customers ond to carry such a stock of goods as will meet the demandn of this people, which has gained lor them the confidence of the people, and an extended patronage, year after year. Two year- ago (lie firm erected on the sile of the old store their present b till c:-s block, which is one of the largest an d most conveniently appointed buildings in Rensselaer, It is of brick 2 stories high 43x82 feet. On the first floor is the sales room with plate glass front oud fitted up n modern style. On ihe second floor is tin* opera Halt. The whole butlding is lighted up.with gas. In the center of the salesroom is the cashier’s desk which commands a full yiew of every part of' the store. A general stock of dry goods, clothing, hats, caps,, and boots and shoes is carried. In dress fabrics wo eco the rich imported and American black silks, satin de lyon, summer silks, cashmeres, gerster and morainic cloths, plain and lace buntings, nun’s veiling, suitings and novelty dress goods, together with a very extensive line of lawns in new patterns, and plain and dotted swiss for summer wear. A specialty is .made of dress trimming*, and in tlie stock are the latest styles in white, black and cream laco», fringes passimenteries, button", ornaments and trimming silks ond satins in all-shades. I* juiUqqa and .furnishing goods we sce-kid,

lisle, silk and cotton gloves, corsets underwear, and a splendid assortment of hosiery for ladies and children, embracing from the common cotton to the fine Itsle, balbriggan, fancy, embroidered and plain, in the better grades. The stock of neckwear i> replete with lace .collars, scarfs, fuchus, ties, etc., among which are seen thujatesnovelties. Here, too isae-n plain and figured ribbon**, inns, parasols, ar.d other seasonable goods In wraps arc sacks and shawls. The stock of domestics is large, embracing prints, ginghams, white and brown muslins, white and colored table linens, napkins towels, tickings denhams, cottonades, jeans, table and bed spreads, lace curtains, window, shades, and from the common hemp to the all Wool ingrain carpets in new spring patterns. Turning to the clothing department we find it stocked witli men’s boys’ youths’ and children’s suits. A man can select here a suit in any grade desired. These goods have been selected with care, and ore cut an 1 made in the latest fashion. In hats and caps is seen wool, tur, manilli, plain and fancy straws of all kinds. In short, anything in the way of a hat tor old or young can tie had. Particular attention hits been p iid to the boot and shoe stock, and for ladies’ and misses wear we see from the fine dress sh >e to the medium and commoner grades. In fine side luce and buttoned kid shoes some of the most noted goods manufactured are kept. In men’s and hoys’ foot -"ear we see from the light walking shoe to the heavy or kip boot for every day wear among which is the noted Walker kip boot, which for durability is tin -itrpassed. A full line otctuMrens plain and fancy shoes are also kept. This tirni have made arrangements to order by sample or match anything in the way of dress fabrics for their customers, which is not kept in stock. The fair and itupvrtial •manner of '‘cHlfng which W’illie & Signer have always adhered to is well known, anl their establishment is a credit to Rensselaer business life.

Emmet KAMNAL* A reliable Drug Store is of vital importance to any town , and in general traffic its goods rank among the foremost staples, for aside from dry goods and groceries, the actual sales and importance of drugs and kindred articles take the next, position. The people, too, ere interested i t knowing proficiency of the man who is dealing in drugs, for It is a nuiin<'Si that requires knowledge on the part of the compounder of the true action and uses of them. The Drug store of Euimet Kspnal, on Washington atreet, is one of th« hmJmarks of business interests here, it being the oldest establishment of its kind in Rehs.ielaer, while it is ana of the largest an t rn nt elegantly appointed in Northern Indiana. ThisAouse is a continuation of the first drug store established in the ci y, which was in 1852, by Harding & Webster, In 1864. Hnrdiitg retired aid in 1856 . Peacock k Harding coomanceJ business again, continuing it till 1858 when J. F.. Ballard purchased the stock, conducting the business till 1864 when Harding A He ukle became successors to Mr. Ballard. It wss at this period that Mr. Kannals business career commenced as an apprentice to this firm, i Later Mr. Hankie bought Hardings interest, and still later Dr, It. J. Jackson bought Ilenkle out, Mr. Kannal still remaining in the store till 1859, when he entered the Philadelphia college of Pharmacy, graduating in 1871 • Returning to Rensselaer Mr. Eannul in May of the same year purchased Dr. Jackson’s stock of drugs, since which time ho has been sole pr- prietor, His present building is a brick and stands on the site of the old store. The sales room is 21x05 feet, with plate glass front, aud tilted up in metropolian style. The wood work is of black wal- ' nut, and the prescription case the enrae kind of wood, is elaborate in design, the front being inlaid with a french plate glass mirror. On the counters rest silver plated show-case*. In the rear end of the room elevated above the main floor so as to command a view of the whole store, is the office The room is lighted wiih gas, supplied with water works and betted by a furnace. A general stock of drugs, medicines and pure liquors for' medicinal purposes are carried,together with book’s and stationery; and recently he has added f* stock of jewelry. Mr. Kannals long experience in the drug business peculiarly adapts him for the same, aid, having a thorough knowledge of tbe uies of drugs, 'he is enabled to ft’l proscription accurately, and he makes this branch a prominent feature of his business. The line of patent medicines is very large, and Mr. Kannal is exclusive agent here for many standard remedhs. In the extensive line of druggists sundries, are liver and kidneys pads. livpodrauiic syringes, fever thermometers, riihher bandages, and other articles used.by physicians in ihpir practice. A full Hoe of dyes, mixed and dry paints, graining colors, varnish and linseed oil are kept, together with paint brushes and painters supplies generally* The show-cares me lfUled witli fancy goods and toilet articles, among which we see perfumes in hulk and bottle, pomades, hair oils, combs, brushes, fine soaps and face powders. A large stock of pocket cutlery and razors, nre also seen. School, miscellaneous and blank books, note and letter paper, albums, stereoscopes and notions ao on sa'e. In witli papers we observe from the tine gilt, and embossed in new design*, to the c >mmonest kind in grent variety. The stick of jewelry is particu-r-ivly attractive, as the gWU are all new mid fresh presenting the latest styles. Hero wesoe gold and silver watches, solid nd plated vest,.guard and . neck.. chains,.

charms and bracelets, sleeve and cellar buttons, bo om end scarf pins, bracelets, and other goods' es the kind. The stock of spectacles is also larje. Anything in the” way of a c ! ock can bo had all of which ate warranted perfect timers. Mr. Hal. B. Smith, who is well known as a superior wot fa makes, is in charge of this dapvrtmen', and will pay particular ntt -ntUn to repairing. Anything bought in this stock will be found as repressed. Mr. K*npal’b pr ogres* in business shows what enterprise. ene-gy and upright dealing* will accomplish for from a smalt, beginning lie has •built up a proi ! pero' , B business, and the exarup'e he lias set might be followed with profiifey other, voung meu jusi starling out in business life.

Campbell &Fardon. With the advancement made in manufacturing that of Boot* ft Shoes hn-< in line. Not only has this advancement been made in extent but else in the style <»f work produced: for evow the coarse boot of to-day presents a neatness of fit and finish combined with comfort end durability that was unseen in like goods S quartet of a Century ago. This feature is noticeable In ths stock carried by Campbell ft Farden, st their store on Washington street, opposite, the Nowels Flouse. This firm commenced business here on tho Ist of August, Inst-, sod their salo* have steadily increased till they are now doing the leading boot and shoe trade in the city. The flock carrie• is in lmge variety. In ladies*ad Misses’ goods we s-p from the ’ niniy foe slipper and new stylo low cut shoe to.fke fine kid dress shoe in button and side-lace, and the serviceable walking shoe. In ladies’ and M.Uses' line shoes a specialty is made of Geo. Ludlow & Co’s, Chicigo, and Shirley ft Obliuger, Philadelphia, makos; which tor perfect tit, style and durability, have a noted reputation everywhere. Among the medium grades are the well known Redpath’s, Boston shoes, which have given universal satisfaction. In children's wear we see from the grown child's light and heavy, fancy and plain shoes dotfcn to the infant’s kak. The liue of slippwlf embrace many stvlcs and grades, and if the extended variety handled in every department, a lady cun dress her feet in any kind of faahionahie foot-wear she desire*; In men’s and boys' goods we notion sdtrfe splendid light se.ved shoes for dress wear, in button, conjures* and lace, which dome SMhti thw manufactories in the land, and are perfect in fit ami A full line of medium grades are also kept. . In heavy wear we notice the F>.llv & Hoes hip arid calf hoots and the King calf boots are handled. These boots contain first class s*ock, are honestly made, and hence good value for the price they are sold at. Their large sales in this county is a proof ot what the people think of them,. In connection with their stock of booty arid shoes, this firm have a hat and chp department, which just new is snppli ed with tho latest styles of felt., wool and straw hats for old or young men. The line of straw go<>ds is particularly attractive, and for youne men's wear we see all the nobby stylos in manitla, fancy and plain goods. The line of boys hats is tlso extensive. A person can get here a hat rauging in price from nets to $4,50. Reliairint! of boots "and shoes is neatly and promptly done. Campbell ft Farden from the start have male it a point to carry first class, honest made goods in every department of their stock, and to represent the same to their ett tom‘*rs truthfully, and it is this feature that has made their store popular with the people, and placed them among aur reliable business men.

N* Warner fit Sons* The first att.mpt to use stoves in this oouutry was about the year 1790, when a Mr. rettibone of Philadelphia, wrs granted a patent for a stove which was claimed to he “capable of warming houses by pure heated air.” The oldest stove in America is that which is stt lin use at the capitol in Richmond, V*. It was made in England, in 1770. The first advance toward a cooking stove wsw the celebrated Franklin stove with an oven; then came an oblong stove having an even the whole length. About 1812 cooking stoves were manufactured at Hudson. In these stoves the lire was made above and upon the oven, and the flame was made to descend from the top to the bottom of ihe oven. The first heating of houses by flues, from anthracite coal was accomplished in 1825. What would bo the surprise of our grandmothers in comparing the stoves of to-day with those of their younger days ! .We were led to make this comparison while examining the splendid assortment of stoves ou exhibition at Norman Warxer & Sons’ Stove & Hardware Store, on Washington street. Norman Warner, the senior member of this llrm, is one of the pioneer business men of this citv. having established himself here as a blacksmith, in 1859. About ten years ago be opened his Hardware and Stove store, aiming from the start to carry the best stock of goods manufactured, and this feature couplvd witli his honorable bustness career in all them years, lias tended to draw to his establishment, the patronage of the people of Jasper county, whose confidence he has gained The salesroom is 25x75 feet, with n tin shop in the rear, On the opposite side of the street-is n salesroom 70 feet deep and two sheds 50 fe«t lo ig, where is seen Agricultural ltnpleincuts which tills firm deal in extensively. .In ihe. firsUneaiiuned. aalearoom-is- liept .

large assortment of Stoves, and a general line of shelf and heavy hardware, carriage hardware, iron and steel, litre is building material, edge tool* fur the mechanic, from , ihe best manufactories in the laud, paint- • ra’ supplies, implements for the husbandman to till tho soil with, >.nd many article* to lighten the labors o ihe houmwjllM Among the many excellent cook stove/ sale, the Sherman Jewett stoves tak* the lead. This stove is an eoonomixer of fit el, a perfeot baker, and is suppli'd with nil th| modern improvements. The Ohio Stove Co’s stove?com) next, and the large nunbir now in use ia this county is a proof of their excellent qaalttfos. Upsides them *« see nt my other medium and low pnoud stoves, so that a customer has a large varira Uto select from. A lull Hoc of coal and wood heating stove are carried in their *6bson. Tin, copper and sheet iron ware Is also on sale in great variety. Thu fin sb *p is suppliel with the beat facilities for doing job work, and roofing, «p •tiling, eavestrough! ug aud repairing is don* by competent bauds. Passing to tks Agricultural warerooms, across the street, we not toe some of the best improved farm machinery in the land is h mdh*J, prominent among which are Buckeye Harvester & Twine Binders, and Buckeye Mowers and Hoopers, a dUuripttou of which we need not give, for the farmers of this county are lb miliar wftli their intrinsic merits; r office to say they embody all the elements that ingenuity aud skilled mechanism suggests to aiAe.thnm do their word: spec u’ly, perfboily and ‘thoroughly. We also see the celebrated Thomas U<y Rtt/ces, Brown Cultivators, the Grand Detour Plow On’s BnlAv and general purpose plows, whioh are light draft, easily handled, strong and durable. We also notice other first-class imps ived agricultural implements, end the Coquillard Wagon, whoso perfection of workmanship and material u*ed ia its con*truction baa madeii u favorite with the firming community. This firm making it a point to. handle the best go >ls in every department of their extensive establishment ha«*e eonvinoed their customer* of the merits of the same, and by selling goods at popuhtf prices t buy have inoreisol th dr b.nones* from a small beginning to an iuflueatfi 4 commercial interest.

w. J. WrightManufacturing development has road* rapid strides in every branch of and has enabled the dealer to piece before uis customers better gto la at lower pr ices than a quarter of a century ago, while the mbit **j ciety. In this respect there is nothing that has met the demand of the people mire readily th m the manufacture of furniture, or now a person can step into a first clues l'urr.itoee establishment and select any article in tins line needed from the parlor to the kitchen, while the designs are much Ut t than they weie in former years. Thu y..<ncer furniture house of this county is that of VV. J. Wright, located in the old Stackhome bni ding, ou- Washington street. Mr. Wright is also tlie oldest and was the first undertaker in the county, having commenced business hero in August, 1840— nearly 42 year* ago, whan Rensselaer was little more tlmn a settlement, lie is a practical cabinet maker, and since he commenced business he has made and sold over four thousand coffins. His salesroom is 18x100 feet, and is filled with furniture of all kinds, in the stock we see fine parlor suits upholstered in raw 6ilk, with putfings of crimson,plush, and those upholstered in hair cloth; patent and willow rockers, essy chairs and camp chairs. Then we notice marble and wood top center tables and win. dow stands, single and folding bed lounges, upholstered in velvet arid tapistry; mirrors, pictures add picture frames, and a large line of other articles for the parlor or sitting room. In bedroom furniture our attention is attracted la elegant walnut, marble-top dressing-case suits, in Queen Ann and other styles with artistically designed frames. Tim bedsteads range from those in walnut, richly carved at $22, down to a cottage bed, at $1,60, The stock of hureaus, commodes, washstarils, spiral bed springs, and woven mattraSses arc shown in tlie best goods made. For the dining room and kitchen are seen extension and breakfast tables, cane and wood chairs, safes, cupboards, and stands. Indeed anything in the way of furniture can be had here, from the rich t° the common art cl°s. A specialty is also made of the undertaking business, and Mr. Wright’s long experience in caring for the deal, lias jnade him thoroughly conversant with its every detail. In this stock wc see from the elegant cloth-covered and drape I caskets, richly trimmed, and the solid walnut ar.d rosewool burial cases to the common corn. Burial robes fur obi or young of bo|h sexes are kept, which are appropriate, and are offered at a much less price than the material with which to manufacture them would ordinarily ccst. Mr, Wright is the only practical cmbalmor in this or adjoinhg ccnnties, ntid hn* an undertrker’s complete cabinet with full pamphanalift uud fluids for embalming a body;,by this process he can put a body in shape so as to keep any length of time desired. A floe hearse is kept, and orders from town or country are attended to promptly either day or night. Keeping place with the times year after yoar in both the furniture and undertaking business Mr. Wright may be termed a progressive business man, which has made him widoly known through this section, and with the as-istance ofliis son, C. P. Wright,' who is also a live business man, he bos conducted hie establishment in such a manner as to make itoneef our badia,;commer-cial-Interest#.-' .<

Miss Emms Martin Among the now business bouses of Eensselner is the millinery store of Miss Emms Mjtrtiu, sround the corner from Dwiggins’ B4nk on Front street, and it has already JjM*ame one of the most attractive stores in 'its city—especially to tho ladies, for the «f (foods carried is much finer than bis heretofore beet kept here. Indeed they will compare favorably with the stock* handlod in larger cities. Miss Mir#B opened iier store in March, and soon mm ladles were attracted by the fine stock • she displayed, nn l the result has h*W« astetdy iucreasu of trade In hats Cnd bonnets some decidedly new shapes 4fcnc shown (his season, prominent among Which is the “Carious”-, a “scoop" with high front which comes in white and black Chips, uni in Tuscan straw, and the “Montrose” scoop with me hum high front; the “Venus” a cipiy*. with cluse from, which conies’in white and black and shell Tuscan, in round hatsare the “Cosaudra” “Helena’’ and “lij.ilevard” in Tuscan, leghorn and wbtto and block ohips. The “Pique" has a high ceno shaped crown, ud is very popular. For children we see Wats, and ham with both wide and medium sttiuß. In the e<>ar-er straws, golden White, bronze, green and black are seen. }• ike trimmed hais rottuei taste is exhibited; especially is this noticeable in the* dress lints. This feature is due of course to tne skill of the trimmer in blending colors, and arranging them artistically. Miss Litzio lUneau is the trimmer, and her tine taste is retiected in these goods. Like every other natural artist, she combines beauty and simplicity with elegance, ami seems to possess a faculty of knowing what is suitable tor a young or old face. Among these goods we jee a black French chip hat with garniture of black wuturod ribbon, bunoh us variegate i flowers, and brig black ostrich plume, Another, is a leghorn dress hat with n shirred rim of white satin, garniture white plumes, satin flowers, and ribbon. A Tuscan straw has pink satin fzoe lining, and garniture of water iillies and white satin ribbon. A Tuscan capote is trimmed with shell pink satin ribbon and Elu* otibra shaded plumes. A round hat os the rim faced with Spanish tao *, held iu place by large satin beads, while its par. niture i-* n hawthorn wreath and a cluster Of poppies. A black chip in tu&lhetio shape is trimmed in watered ribbon and chinelle. From the palest tints to the decided colors in tips and plumes are seen The flowers are true to nature, and wo sea fr~m the aesthetic water lillies and sunflowers so '••popular now, to the clusters of rich roses and tiny flowrets. In the way of colors Uml styk.es this season, there is a decided change from departed iasbion*, which In their freshness and beauty is a relief from post modes. The rihbons come in plain, watered, brocaded and a combination of uioer and brocade, and in making the selection of all bor go al* Mias Martiu has succeeded is securing the latest novelties. In pricing the goods we Mad she is eel ing them at muoh lower prices than dealers in larger places. For infants some beautiful lace bonnets are kept. Miss Martin’s efforts to place belore her customers licit goods in the prevailing stylos, has induced many ladies to purchase their millinery of her, who have hitherto gone to the larger cities to purohase the same class of gjods, and we are pleased to know of her iueress* ng custom.

George Craue!A harness of 50 years ago, and one of today with itspateutbuck.pl*, cany pads and other improved arrangements would contrast strangely, and suggest most forcibly the inventive genius of American industry. This improvement has been a help to both man and boast, for while runuy parts of a harness have been so changed or constructed differently than they wore years ago, to give more ease to the horse they have lengthened its life and coMcoutntly bent-titled its owner. Among the many excellent business houses of this city, is the Harness Shop of George (Iraul, on Washington street, opposite F. W. Bedford’s grocery. Mr. Qrauel is well known to the citizens of this ciunty as a first class workman. lie commenced business here four years and Continued it for two years, when he sold out, but in Auguil last commenced again, since which time" his trade lias been better than ever. Kvory Uimi of harness is made* from the light oarrugo harness with trimmings of rubber or nickel piste, to me heavy draft or farm harness. The light harness are got tea up in a m inner combining style and durability with superior workmanship; and ns theworkmanshin is a prominent feature of these gao ls it reflects credit on. the skillof the manufacturer. In the Heavy harness every improvement has been brought into uso to make them strong, durable and ft help to the horse. The best oak tanned leather is used in the construction of »U the work. If is those poiuts that have made Grauels goods so popular. In the harness the well known Sensible Harness Pad and Gifluri’B Perfection Team Pad is used. The light single harness rango from $1.2 to SSO; double from S2B to 75. The heavy harness range from $26 to s'it. In Imfse furnishing goods we see the celebrated Dayton team collars arc on sale, saddles, bridles, halters, curry comb?, brushes, trace chains, harness oils, and whips from 10 cents to $2,50. A fine liue of nets, blanket"-, robet und lap duster# tiro kept. Repairing is paid special attention to. We nerd not speak further of rhe merits of tlicsegood-, for there are not many horsemen or fanners In this couhty but have had occasion to use thefti, and have found them perfect, while for fair dealing Mr. Grand is ftMror*.- - bly know*;'-**