Letter of Thanks ~ Simon E. Press ~ Lucas County, Iowa
The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa
Thursday, July 9, 1908
-- 1879, Letter of Thanks, 1908 --
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Friends & Patrons: --
It is with the deepest regret that I announce to the people of Lucas County
and vicinity that I have quit business in Chariton, having completely sold
out to MR. A.E. DORN.
I came here in 1879 with but a small stock of goods, as compared with the
store I have just disposed of.I have grown up amongst you, have nearly
reached two score and ten.I have enjoyed the pleasure of an extensive
friendship and, I trust, the esteem of those with whom I have come in
contact within the past twenty-nine years.The business transaction just
closed, amounted to $50,000, an accumulation through the friendship of those
who have come and gone, and some who are still with us, accumulated by dint
of hard work, by a practice of square dealing to all.There is no doubt
that I have made enemies, not through my business transactions, but one must
in such a period of time arouse the envy of those few who exist in every
town, who are jealous of honest, well earned success, but I must have made
numberless friends in my career in Chariton for, without friends, I would
never have been able to reach the summit of success and close by business in
such a satisfactory manner, financially and otherwise.
It is impossible to define the feeling of regret that comes over me on
leaving a community in which I am known so well and where I know practically
every man, woman and child by their first names, in a community, where I
have held a patronage beyond my highest expectations.No man can describe
the feeling over departing from such an extensive friendship and patronage
as I am proud to claim in this community.I have started at the foot of the
ladder and am glad to say that which every person is well aware of: I have
only been able to reach that point where I now am, having the largest store
in the county, through honest treatment to every customer with whom I have
ever dealt with.My friends and patrons have stood by me to the last and my
trade during the past three months has exceeded, not that of any previous
three months, but of double that time during any period of my business in
this town, which is conclusive proof in itself that "Fair Dealing" has stood
out in every purchase made.
No man appreciates more than I the patronage and friendship that has been
mine and I regret from the bottom of my heart that the time has come to, at
last, say good-by.But a man is not here forever.I have toiled for
thirty-five years without a rest and I believe a little vacation is my just
due.That is the only reason I have closed my business in Chariton.
I not only owe this success to my friends and patrons, but it is shared to a
large extend by the newspapers of Chariton. It is through them that I have
reached your doors and firesides and told you that which I wanted you to
know and it is to the publicity bureau you look when you are preparing to
come to town.At no time have I ever requested a favor of the Chariton
papers that it has not been granted and every aid possible given to boost my
business.My dealings with them extends from the beginning of my residence
in Chariton to the present date.Courteous treatment combined with a most
elastic patience has at all times been predominant in their dealings, and it
is with the greatest pleasure that I take this opportunity of thanking the
newspapers of Chariton for their more than appreciated favors.
While it is true we pay for the printer's ink, while it is true that we give
value received for every dollar put in the cash register, yet, it is more
than true that there must always be that element of friendship existing
between all to spell the word Success.
As it will be an utter impossibility for me to personally see and say a last
word to each and every one of my friends, I want to thank you, one and all,
through this medium, for your patronage, for your steadfastness and
friendship during these many years.I want to wish you one and all the
success in your future life that you surely deserve.
Should I leave Chariton, I will carry away with me a feeling of love for the
community that will remain in my heart as long as I live.And, tho' these
years have been years of continuous labor, they have been the most pleasant
of my life, for which I have a great deal to be thankful for.
Should we ever meet again, I trust our future relations will be as pleasant
as they have been in the past.Columns could not express my appreciation at
this time, so I can only say "Thank you", and, wishing you all, health,
wealth, and happiness, I am,
-- Trulyyours,
SIMON E. PRESS.
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Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
March 13, 2005
[email protected]
http://www.rootsweb.com/~ialucas/Main.htmhttp://www.rootsweb.com/~ialucas/Main.htm
1900 census
Lucas County, Chariton, Iowa
Simon Press, born Sept. 1853, 46 years, married 21 years, naturalized in 1874, in this country 26 years, clothier, born in Russia, both parents born in Russia.
Esther Press, wife, born Aug. 1860, 39 years, married 21 years, seven children, five living, born in New York, both parents born in Russia
George Press, son, born July 1880, 19 years, single, salesman
Harry Press, son, born Aug. 1884, 15 years, single, at school
Hattie Press, daughter, born April 1890, 10 years, single, at school
David Press, son, born March 1896, 4 years,
Benjamin Press, son, born February 1898, 2 years
April 16, 1910
Missouri, Pettis County, Sedalia Township
Living on Broadway
Simon, 52, married 31 years, naturalized 1871, merchant, dry goods, speaks hebrew
Esther, 44, married 31 years, five children, five living, speaks hebrew
George, 30, cutter
Hattie, 20, cashier, store
David, 14
Benjamin, 12
January 5, 1920
Missouri, Pettis County, Sedalia Township
Living on West Third Street
Simon, 60
Esther, 54
David G., 23
both Simon and David occupation-com. traveler-clothing
messages: 78, 82, 83 and 85 pertain to this family.