ENSMINGER, JEFFERSON C. 1845-? Copied from www.iowahistory.org/archives 2006 Then Ensminger Brothers had their studio in Independence, Buchanan County, in the 1860’s through the 1890’s. The studio was in Ungerer’s Block, No. 3 Main Street. Jefferson worked with his brother, Madision, as the Ensminger Brothers. They were the sons of E.M. Ensminger, an eastern photographer. A cabinet…
Full Article >>1860 – 4th of July Celebration The “town bell fund” was started in 1860 during the 4th of July celebration. The amount raised for the bell was about $160. This sum was increased by donations from entertainments, suppers, dances, etc., until by the fall of 1860, a sufficient sum was collected to purchase it. The…
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During the late 1915 era Louis Hammelman and his father-in-law, George Wurtz, were manufacturing children’s toys in the “Old Armory” building (located on 2nd St. SW-where Indee Car Wash is now located). The upper story was devoted to machinery used in cutting out the “Flying Horses”. The lower floor housed the varnishing, painting, assembling and…
Full Article >>In 1880 three ice companies were doing business in Independence, namely: T.J. Marinus & Son, Kandy & Co. and C.E. Burr, and an immense amount of ice was put up. Marinus owned an ice house that would store 1,000 tons and numerous private firms and creameries were supplied by them. The summer of 1880 was…
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1857 – Appeared in the Independence Civilian a small news item of great interest suggesting that there be formed a “County Agricultural Fair”. 1858 – The first county fair was held in Independence on Oct. 13-14, 1858. A Buchanan Co. Agricultural Society was organized on March 20, 1858. A Board of Managers, comprising of 5…
Full Article >>Most of the small village churches have since been abandoned. BUFFALO TOWNSHIP Castleville Congregational NW corner SW ¼ Section 34 BYRON TOWNSHIP Bethel Church of GodYears: 1855-1939SE ¼ SE ¼ Section 31Also had cemetery Byron Center Presbyterian Pine Creek PresbyterianYears: 1875-SE ¼ SW ¼ Section 34 CONO TOWNSHIP German EvangelicalYears: 1869-SE ¼ Section 8 Cono Center…
Full Article >>At the Buchanan County Fair in 1904 one of the nation’s biggest headline makers – Carrie Nation – spoke at the county fair before a crowd of 7,000 persons. She gave a temperance talk and was well received by the audience. Carrie Nation’s visit in Independence was a quiet affair. She did not bring out…
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