The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Lost in past years is the importance of Warren (known as Hopper today), but in the 1870 Industrial Census taken in June of that year these businesses were listed as operating: A.A. Oak, blacksmith who had one employee, was capitalized at $300 with products of $1,000.
As horse power was the main mode of transportation and farming, he was a very important man. John T. Melvin, maker of boots & shoes, was capitalized at $300 with products of $1,000.
As Warren was a major trading and political center for the south end of the county, his products would be in demand. Casebolt & Fulton, grist mill & flouring milling (water powered=30 horsepower), was capitalized at $6,000 with two employees who worked 9 months.
They had a product of $11,625 produced by machinery consisting 2 rim stones, 1 grist mill, 1 separator, and 1 wheel ( 5 ft. diam. X 12 in. deep).
This is what drew people to the village as everyone needed grain ground into flour or feed.
While there they would visit the Hopper general store or perhaps, stay all night at the hotel.
Today, as you travel down the Olena Road through Hopper on your way to Burlington, picture in your mind how the village might have appeared in 1870.
1870 U.S.Industrial Census