In 1882 the narrow gauge railroad originating at Ft. Madison had been extended as far as Birmingham, then Collett and finally Ottumwa. Depots were established at McVeigh and Longview, and had been built by popular subscription. In a few years, the railroad, needing more money began agitating for a station on the Cedar-Union Township line, and agreed to put a depot there upon condition that the people of the vicinity buy a 5-acre tract of land have it divided into lots and give the railroad each alternate lot. For this purpose, anybody at all friendly to the proposition was solicited for money. James Beswick, Sr., when asked to subscribe replied, "I'll give $25.00 on condition, I be permitted to name the town. His offer was accepted and he named it after his native Stockport, England. On Sunday, Dec. 28, 1890, the Longview depot was moved into Stockport on two flat cars and is still in use as the Peavine Line Museum today.