News: Spencer History – Stock Dealers

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Janecke, Graves, Haslow, Dittner

Source: Spencer Centennial Book (1874 – 1974)

There is a mention of Janecke & Co. who were stock dealers in the earlier days. Spencer Graves, who for a time lived on his father's farm west of town on Highway 98, bought and sold stock, making trips to Chicago with his stock. There is a newspaper item referring to his trips to Loyal to buy stock and concluding that this energetic young man was really plying his trade.

Charles Haslow will be the stock dealer best remembered by people in this community. He made regular trips for years, first with horses and buggy or sleigh, and later with auto, to farmers in this area, buying and selling stock. Whether or not there was any stock to sell, he received a warm welcome wherever he stopped, for he was a kind, friendly man who always had time to stop for a short visit. In times of hardship caused by illness or other bad luck, he had been known to give the farmer payment in advance for stock to be marketed later when it would be ready. He shipped stock every two weeks, and one week shipped out six carloads of cattle. His son, Norman, later joined the business. Charles Haslow discontinued shipping livestock in 1947 but continued to ship high grade dairy cattle to Pennsylvania. He remained active until the time of his death in 1954, at the age of 83 years.

About 1937 Ernest Dittner began shipping livestock. Later his son, Norbert became associated with his father in the feeder pig business, and he has continued to work since the death of his father.
The Farmers Co-op also shipped livestock for a time.