Butler county Missouri, s"A View of A Growing Town" PAGE 4 Transcribed © BY: Susan (Sauerwein)  Opalka.  mopalka@alaska.net contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives Rules for coping this work in on the first page of "A View of A Growing Town" B. DUNCAN & CO. Among the mercantile branches entirely built up by individual enterprise, the hardware store and tinware house of J. A. Keenan established about eight years ago and conducted in a little one-story frame house on the North west corner of Main and Vine streets, is an example.  Starting with small capital and little encouragement, he persisted in his business until he built up an excellent trade extending over three counties.  The number of goods he sold would astonish any one who had not observed the rapid change from the old system of cooking in fire places and hand ovens, to the more modern cooking stoves with later improvements, since the opening of this country to the world by railroad building. In August, 1879, Mr. Keenan sold his store to Patrick Harmon and Byrd Duncan who engaged in the General Hardware business in the same building and under the name of B. Duncan & Co.  The firm replenished the stock and added to it agricultural and other implements until in the spring of 1880 they were compelled to erect a two-story ware house which was accordingly built, being 22 feet front and 50 feet in depth.  In the summer of 1881 the firm moved their stock to rooms on Main street, and tearing down the somewhat historical frame began the erection of a large brick house in which they could transact their business and accommodate their enlarged trade to better advantage.   In a few months their new building was completed and presented a splendid appearance.  The house is a brick, having a commodious basement with two stories.  Its depth is 80 feet.  The store rooms proper are filled with stoves and tinware and all other articles in that line, and in the rear is a large room used as a tin shop which will readily convince  the  stranger that business is done there.  In the basement is found masses of Stoves, Tinware, and all descriptions of hardware. The ware rooms of the firm are filled with furniture of all kinds, Wagons, Plows, Reapers and all kinds and descriptions of Agricultural Implements. The storerooms, shops and ware rooms, though in different buildings are connected by means of a bridge, and the establishment is one of utmost convenience.  The firm does an enormous business and is in constant receipt of goods by freight to add to their stock. Patrick Harmon, one of the firm, is a resident of Waynes County, Mo., and is a gentleman well known and respected by all who know him as a man of strict integrity.  Byrd Duncan the junior member of the firm, came to Poplar Bluff a number of years ago ad secured a position in the establishment of Neal & Co. as salesman.  His long and intimate connection with our people has won for him a reputation as a man of business and honest dealing, and his ability as a commercial man is recognized and appreciated by all who know him. W.B. ADAMS. In 1868 Green L. Poplin opened a drug store on the west side of the public square, and commenced the manufacture of medicines.  His general sales were large as well as the demand for his medicines, and he built a commodious residence and two business houses out of his earnings.  In 1875, however, he removed to Mayfield, Ky., to be nearer his best trade, and sold his stock to Dr. J.J. Ford, who afterwards turned it over to Dr. Jas. T. Adams who continued in business until 1877 when the Messrs. W. B. Adams and T. A. Draper became the purchasers, and in 1880 T. A. Draper sold out his interest to W. B. Adams who has since continued the business.  Immediately after buying he commenced improving the stock, and has added new features every month.  He now carries everything required in a drug store, Wall Paper and Stationery, Cigars, Tobacco, Perfumeries of all kinds, Fishing Tackle from the cheapest to the best, Lamps, and a very large variety of notions and Fancy Goods. He has doubled the business of the house and is a very popular young man. In 1880 Mr. Adams was elected County Treasurer by a good vote and his energies and industry as a business man are thoroughly appreciated by the people.  He was raised in Butler County and has reached his position in business and political circles by his own exertions which have won for him business admirers and personal friends which he is justly deserving of. L.F.QUINN. This gentleman engaged in business in Poplar Bluff in the spring of 1875 by putting up and stocking a saloon on Lot 74 which is still running at the same place.  In the latter part of 1875 Mr. Quinn entered the drug business in a small house on Fourth Street, and in 1876 built a two-story frame house which he fitted with a select stock of drugs. In 1883 r. Quinn established what is known as the "Medical Hall," a convenient drug store opposite the Court House, where prescriptions are compounded night and day by Mr. Joseph Lucas, a young pharmacist who will always be found the attentive and polite manager he has the reputation of being.  Mr. Quinn came to this place with but little money and by means of good business ideas has succeeded in extending his business and building profits which makes his income a most substantial one.  ADAMS & CO. This drug house, situated on Vine street, between Main  and Fourth, presents a most inviting appearance.  It is fill with a neat and complete stock of Drugs, Perfumeries and all articles found in a first-class drug store.  Mr. Wm. C. Graddy, the manager, is a studied Pharmacist, a perfect gentleman and a "hail fellow well met," whose business or social intercourse with the public has built up a good trade for his house, and many personal friends for himself. B.F. REYNOLDS. Soon after the completion of the railroad, B. F. Reynolds and C. M. Heltibrand , both of Arcadia, seeing the advantage of location which our town enjoys, decided to embark in business here, and commenced business in a general store, under the firm name of Reynolds & Heltibrand.  The firm dissolved a few years since and Mr. Reynolds has embarked in a new business, that of a dealer in Lime, Plaster and Cement.  His office is on Main street, between Vine and Poplar and he always keeps a full supply of his stock on hand.  Mr. Reynolds is a man of mature age, and years of mercantile experience, which have served to make him conservative and cautious.  No man is more generally liked and highly respected than this venerable gentleman, so well known to the older residents as "Uncle Ben." In all his dealings Mr. Reynolds confines himself to business and cash, and his long connection with our commercial circles has won for him a place in the hearts of all our people.  Like the "Jolly Miller" he "cares for nobody who cares not for him," minds his own business which is a good one, and enjoys the peace of a prosperous citizen. W.H. BRILL. This gentleman came to this city from Iron County, Mo. in the month of November, 1873, and engaged in the business of repairing watches and clocks.  Prosperity was his lot and he gradually increased his business until now he has a splendid stock of Jewelry, Watches and Clocks of all descriptions in his establishment.  His stand is on Main street, in the Post office building, and he now commands a trade which the profits of insure him providence for a rainy day. ADAMS & CO. This drug house, situated on Vine street, between Main and Fourth, presents a most inviting appearance.  It is filled with a neat and complete stock of Drugs, Perfumeries and all articles found in a first-class drug store.  Mr. Wm. C. Graddy, the manager, is a studied Pharmacist, a perfect gentleman and a "hail fellow well met," whose business or social intercourse with the public has built up a good trade for his house, and many personal friends for himself. B. F. REYNOLDS. Soon after the completion of the railroad, B. F. Reynolds and C. M. Heltibrand, both of Arcadia, seeing the advantage of location which our town enjoys, decided to embark in business here, and commenced business in a general store, under the firm name of Reynolds & Heltibrand.  The firm dissolved a few years since and Mr. Reynolds has embarked in a new business, that of a dealer in Lime, Plaster and Cement.  His office is on Main street, between Vine and Poplar and he always keeps a full supply of his stock on hand.  Mr. Reynolds is a man of mature age, and years of mercantile experience, which have served to make him conservative and cautious.  No man is more generally liked and highly respected than this venerable gentleman, so well known to the older residents as "Uncle Ben." In all his dealings Mr. Reynolds confines himself to business and cash, and his long connection with our commercial circles has won for him a place in the hearts of all our people.  Like the "Jolly Miller" he "cares for nobody who cares not for him," minds his own business which is a good one, and enjoys the peace of a prosperous citizen. W. H. BRILL. This gentleman came to this city from Iron County, Mo. in the month of November, 1873, and engaged in the business of repairing watches and clocks.  Prosperity was his lot and he gradually increased his business until now he has a splendid stock of Jewelry, Watches and Clocks of all descriptions in his establishment.  His stand is on Main street, in the Post office building, and he now commands a trade which the profits of insure him providence for a rainy day. T. O. HOOD & CO. Thomas O. Hood and W. P. Abbington are the proprietors of a meat market on Fourth street, between Cedar and Maple, which is operated under the firm name of T. O. Hood & Co.  The firm has slaughter pens in the western part of the city and is always prepared to furnish the public with choice Beef, Veal, Mutton and Pork, together with all descriptions of game, such as Venison, Wild Turkey and Ducks.  The members of the firm understand their business and take a pride in keeping a neat and inviting shop at all times. WILSON & HOGG. Geo. M. Wilson and James Hogg are the members of this firm, established in the meat business on the west side of Fourth street, near Maple.  Both gentlemen are experienced butchers, and fresh meat and all descriptions of game can be obtained here at all times. TONSORIAL ARTISTS. O. R. Albro is the proprietor of a commodious barber shop on Maple street, under the Morris House, which does a large business in the tonsorial line. George Howe, a young man, is the manager of the shop and has the happy faculty of holding his custom.  George is an artist and his shop has all the fixtures to make it a model one, and his experience in his profession insures good work to all who patronize him. TOM. CONTEE Is of African descent and handles the razor and shears in a little shop on Main street, opposite the Senate Saloon.  He has quite a good custom and gives satisfaction to his customers. E. DILLON. The southern part or our city has recently had a very acceptable and much-needed addition in the Tonsorial Department in the person of Mr. E. Dillon, a gentleman who stands at the head of his profession.  Mr. Dillon has not been long with us but during his short stay he has made many friends.  His place of business is located on Fifth street, one door north of the corner of Fifth street and Henderson Avenue. LIVERY STABLE. An establishment which is certain of success in a growing town and which is indispensable is the livery stable.  In this regard we are fortunate in having a good-sized stable on Vine street, between Fourth and Fifth streets.  Thomas M. Johnson, the proprietor, is a gentleman well known in southeast Missouri, having held the position of County Judge for two successive terms, and being recognized as one of our most substantial citizens.  Mr. Johnson is a great lover of horse flesh and takes pride in treating all horses in his stable in a first-class manner.  His establishment is filled with handsome and excellent riding and driving stock, and a good team can always be secured by giving him a call. H. E. JOHNSON, ESQ. The office of Justice of the Peace in Poplar Bluff is filled with the characteristic well-rounded gentleman for an office of the modern J. P. Harvey E. Johnson is discharging the duties of the office the second term and is a gentleman well fitted for the duties thereof.  Mr. Johnson is a real estate agent and dealer in the same, and an Insurance Agent and will always be found ready to pay taxes for non-residents, furnish descriptions of Land, or attend to any business in his line which may be entrusted to his care.  He will always be found prompt in business and equally prompt in a hearty good-natured joke. THOMAS M. LANE. The County Surveyor, has held the position of County an Probate Judge of Butler County, and is a man highly esteemed for his integrity. He was appointed surveyor in the spring of 1883 and will always be found a thoroughly honest, reliable and efficient Surveyor, in whom any confidence placed will not be found wanting. JOHN R. POPLIN Is a Surveyor and furnishes Abstracts and descriptions of land.  Mr. Poplin was raised in Poplar Bluff, is thoroughly conversant with his business and can be relied upon to furnish correct surveys.  Being perfectly familiar with the country, parties having business in his line will do well to call on him. THE SINGER SEWING MACHINE CO. This company of world-wide reputation needs no comment.  It has a branch office at this place, on Main street, near the Court House with Miss Mattie Lane, a most amiable young lady as saleslady.  Its agent and representatvie in this district is C. M. Heltibrand, who, though a distant relative of the noted "Sam," is by no means dangerous except to pockets  of his customers, whom he has a remarkable faculty for inducing to buy his machines.  He is the jolly agent, full of broad humor and genial anecdotes; the picture of good living, his ringing laugh may be heard at any hour of the day, yet the promptness with which he answers the call of a patron is something wonderful, when the amount of avordupois in rapid motion is considered. Although he has been in the business but a few months his trade is rapidly increasing and large enough  to insure him appreciation at the hands of his Company, and the desired provision for rainy weather.  His energy and persistence will accomplish the rest. MRS. T. C. GIFFORD. Has rooms on Main street, near Poplar, in which she is established in the Dressmaking business.   Mr. Gifford is a thorough dressmaker having been in the business for about ten years and her large number of patrons bear evidence of the satisfaction given by her work. JOHN P. SIBLEY. John P. Sibley, having located in the city several years ago, has built up quite an excellent business in his line.  Jno.. Sibley is a plasterer who understands his business thoroughly and is kept constantly supplied with work.  The general satisfaction he has given throughout the city is sufficient evidence that those desiring work of this description will do well to address him. ALFRED BERROWS. July 13th, 1878, Alfred Burrows located in Poplar Bluff and established himself in his trade, that of stone mason.  Mr. Berrows has lived here since that tie, is an industrious man, and having no superior in his line. He learned his trade in 1852 and since his residence here has proven himself no novice in the art, but he has been kept constantly at work and his style of workmanship may be seen from one end of the city to the other, giving satisfaction to all his patrons.  He may be classed as one of our most successful workingmen. JOHN W. BUTLER. Stone cutter and brick-layer, is an Englishman by birth and education.  He learned his trade in the city of London.  His a jolly good fellow and highly delights in his trade, and prides himself in turning off a good job, as the splendid additions to the Morris House, and others equally excellent abundantly prove. John is sociable, quiet and peaceable, attends to his own business and leaves every other man's alone, and is a valuable man in our town in its present growing condition, and particularly so when there are brick or stone houses to be built.  There is still room for many more such men.