Description of Plattville in 1875

Edited and compiled by Elmer Dickson

"Glances About Town"

Kendall County Record, February 11, 1875.

On Saturday of last week we took occasion to look about town and see what was going on. The first place we chanced to drop into was William Donovan's shop where we left a horse to be shod. Billy was full of shoeing, with on one to help him but Billy. However, he informed us that our horse should be shod soon.

Passing on, we came to Joseph Hooper's shop and, hearing a racket within, opened the door and peeped in. There were a number of men and three horses inside. There was a mare belonging to Mr. William Newkirk, which Wellington Weese was trying to shoe, and the mare trying to shake him off. Mr. Newkirk also had an old gray mare in the shop that looked capable of performing many a hard day's work yet. Mr. Newkirk informed us that this gray mare was 21 years old, and he had sold nearly $800 worth of colts from her. Besides this, she performed as much labor on the farm as any other horse he had. Mr. Newkirk deserves much credit for raising some of the best colts that the town of Lisbon produces. He has two fine colts sired by the celebrated trotting horse, "Bay Billy," that William Weese owned a few years since. We noticed also that William Cole's store was receiving new goods.

Passing on, we soon brought up at H. M. Thayer's, where there was a constant stream of comers and goers. Milt. and Del. were very busy putting up goods. Mr. Thayer is receiving new goods every few days, which he sells cheap for cash.

Crossing over the street we called at Weese's wagon and blacksmith shops where Weese and three "jours" were hard at it shoeing horses, ironing wagons and buggies, etc. There were four horses in the shop and quiet a number outside waiting their turn. Weese believes in the wholesale business and makes money at it.

Dropping into the paint shop we made Harvey Skinner a visit and found him painting a fine buggy that is intended for Dr. H. G. Gabel. We also noticed another just like it to be finished for his brother, A. C. Gabel. These two buggies are real beauties. Skinner is putting some of the best work on them we ever saw.

Hearing an explosion from guns, we ascertained that the boys were having a genuine pigeon-shoot. Harry Ellis furnishing the birds at five cents a shop.



Last Modified on 2012-12-20 03:37:37-0600 CST by Elmer Dickson