WATERTOWN
The village was platted in 1857, by Henry McNeil, Alfred Sanders and Alonzo Nourse. It is located on section in Hampton Township. The village never attained any distinction, being in proximity to several other villages and cities, which deprived it of its trade. The first store was started in1857, shortly after the platting of the village, by Lucius Curtis. A postoffice was established about the same time, with Mr. Custis as Postmaster. He held the office until 1860, when Dan. McNeil was appointed. Mr. McNeil about a year previous commenced the mercantile business in the place.
He still occupies the position, of Postmaster, but has retired from the mercantile trade. Win. R.Crawford I is the only representative of the general trade at the present time, though A,C, Sible carries a small stock, principally of peddler's goods. A new school district was formed in 1857, of which the village became a part, and a school-house was erected at this point. There are now about 60 pupils in the district, school being regularly maintained. The Baptists have here a house of worship, erected in 1879, which is used jointly by that body and the Methodists, each of which have organizations, and which have been in existence for many years. Historic Rock Island Submitted by the Webmaster
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