More Observations from 1873

Part 2 of 3

Her little business world is peopled by a genial crew.  J. B. Meserve, (whose absence prevented our scraping his acquaintance) presides over the finest steam elevator on the G., C. & S. Railroad, with J. V. Riggs as assistant, while Thompson and Lyman dispense Lumber and Hardware; Montelius & Co., Gose & Smith and Flora & Newman do the fair thing in the line of Dry Goods and General Merchandise. Tom McNish looks after the good of men's soles, and does the agreeable in a well appointed boot and shoe store.  E. A . Bushor, horse tailor, presides with urbanity over his department, while Samuel Tapp and A. Orr, play the anvil chores to the hum of industry.  Peter Pfaat kills the beef, while H. Tinklepaugh divides his time between selecting the choicest places for the guests of the City Hotel -- of which he is proprietor -- and making and mending the wagons and carriages of his neighbors. Miss E. McMasters supplies those airy nothings, which the ladies dote upon and de?? bonnets, while G. H. Waldo belongs to that much abused class -- station agents.

--Paxton Record.  12 June 1873.

The 1873 Fire

Roberts was visited by a serious fire early yesterday morning, which seriously impedes the progress and prosperity of that flourishing young village. The firms burned out were Thompson and Lyman dealers in lumbar, agricultural implements, drugs and medicines, together with the Post Office and Dr. Cassingham's medical library, and Bushors' harness and saddle shop. Mr. G. H. Thompson owned the three buildings destroyed, also a barn in the rear of these buildings... which was burned. The loss is estimated at from $8,000 to $10,000; no insurance.
The fire was discovered early in the morning, just after a train on the G. C. & S. road had passed and is supposed to have originated from a spark from the engine.
The families of G. H. Thompson and Mr. Bushor lived in the buildings destroyed, and were burned out, losing everything, even to their clothing.
Mr. Thompson with true western energy will commence at once to rebuild.

--Paxton Record. 19 June 1873.

Burned out:
Thompson & Lyman
Post Office
Dr. Cassingham's Medical Library
Bushors Harness and Saddle Shop