History and Genealogy of Story County, Iowa
Story County, Iowa Biographies Charles D. Barker Charles D. Barker, a prominent and wealthy agriculturist of Union township, is the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of Story county's most valuable land. His birth occurred in the state of New York on the 7th of August, 1855, his father being Jesse Barker, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work. He was reared at home and in the common schools acquired his education. When about twenty-three years of age he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, cultivating rented land for a short time. About 1880 he purchased eighty acres of his present home farm, paying but fifteen hundred dollars for the tract. He has since placed many substantial improvements on the property, including a modern and attractive residence and other necessary buildings. As his financial resources have increased he has added to his holdings until they now embrace three hundred and twenty acres of very valuable and productive land. His farm is well drained, for he recently laid fifteen thousand tile. Following progressive and practical methods in the conduct of his agricultural interests, he has won a gratifying measure of success and is widely recognized as a prosperous and leading resident of the community. Mr. Barker has traveled a great deal, having made extended trips, almost yearly and visiting nearly every state in the Union as well as Mexico, Canada, Cuba and British Columbia. In the winter of 1910-11 he visited the Isthmus of Panama. Being a keen observer, he has greatly benefited by his sojourns in different parts of America and possesses that knowledge and culture which only travel can bring. He is an expert with the camera and has many interesting views of the countries through which he has traveled. While away from home he has been a regular contributor to the local papers and his articles have attracted wide and favorable attention. On the 31st of August, 1878, Mr. Barker was united in marriage to Miss Emily Eastman, of Union township, Story county, a daughter of Thomas and Margaret Jane (Ball) Eastman. Her father was killed at New Orleans during the Civil war. Unto our subject and his wife have been born seven children, six of whom are yet living, as follows: Ada May, the wife of Frank Ray, of Indian Creek township, this county; Angie Ordell; Arthur Clinton; Leslie; Jesse; and Alta V. G. Mr. Barker is a republican in politics but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him. During a long residence in this county he has become widely known and is a man of many friends. His life history proves what may be accomplished by determined and honorable purpose. He has based his business principles and actions upon the rules which govern strict and unswerving integrity and industry and thus he has gained his present enviable position in the ranks of the leading citizens of Story county. [History of Story County, Iowa, Vol. 2, 1911, submitted by Cathy Danielson] David W. Brown In the list of Story county's honored dead is to be found the name of David W. Brown, a highly successful farmer, who passed his entire life in this county and was intimately identified with its development. Born on the home farm July 16, 1866, he was the son of Levi and Louisa (Fancher) Brown, the former of whom was born at Hannibal, Oswego county, New York, and the latter in Tompkins county, New York. The father when seven years of age removed with his parents to Union county, Ohio, and in 1844 came to Lee county, Iowa, subsequently taking up his residence in Fulton county, Illinois. In 1865 he returned to Iowa and located in Story county, where he engaged with marked success in farming until his death, which took place September 6, 1892. He was an energetic man of practical business judgment and became the owner of three hundred and eighty acres of good land in this county. David W. Brown received his education in the district schools and as he grew up devoted his attention to various duties about the house and farm with an interest which gave bright promise as to his future. At the age of seventeen years he took charge of the home place, which he cultivated on his own account, and also purchased one hundred and twenty acres a mile south of the home farm, which he owned for fifteen years and then sold, acquiring one hundred and twenty acres immediately adjoining the homestead. Upon the death of his father he received his share of the estate— the old home and eighty acres of land, making his entire farm holdings amount to two hundred acres. On the 31st of January, 1890, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Elva G. Evans, a daughter of Thomas P. and Emma M. (Day) Evans, both natives of Indiana. The father removed from Indiana to Illinois with his parents in early childhood. He grew up in that state and at the time of the Civil war served in the One Hundred and Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry, continuing through the entire rebellion. In 1866 he located in Story county, Iowa, and on December 18, 1870, was married to Miss Emma M. Day, who passed away June 7, 1890. Mr. Evans continued to make his home upon his farm until the last year of his life, when he took up his residence with his daughter, Mrs. Brown, being called away October 12, 1909. He was one of the highly successful farmers of Collins township and was a man of unblemished character, very highly respected by the entire community. Politically he adhered to the democratic party and socially was identified with Amity Lodge No. 361, I. O. O. F. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown, three of whom are now living, William Ray, Emma Blanche and Cloyd Myrl, all of whom are students in the public schools. Mr. Brown from the time of arriving at voting age gave his support to the democratic party. He was not connected with any religious denomination, but Mrs. Brown is a valued member of the United Brethren church. He was for many years a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and had many warm friends in that organization. Straightforward in business affairs and genial in manner, he readily made acquaintances, awakening in a remarkable degree the good-will of those with whom he came into contact. In all of the relations of life he was broad-minded and his aim was to be entirely just. He departed this life September 27, 1908. Mrs. Brown survives her husband and is living on the family homestead, devoting her time and energy to the interests of her children. [History of Story County, Iowa, Vol. 2, 1911, submitted by Cathy Danielson] Charles A. Cooper Charles A. Cooper, one of the successful and enterprising agriculturists of Collins township is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land comprising the northwest quarter of section 5. His birth occurred in Lee county, Illinois, on the 12th of December, 1857, his parents being John and Charlotte (Black) Cooper, both of whom were natives of Ireland. Soon after their marriage they emigrated to the United States, locating in Lee county, Illinois, where the father passed away in June, 1870. The mother subsequently wedded Thurman Collins, likewise a native of the Emerald isle, whose demise occurred about ten years ago. Mrs. Collins still survives and yet makes her home in Lee county, Illinois. Charles A. Cooper was reared under the parental roof and attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education but his opportunities in this direction were somewhat limited. He lost his father when little more than twelve years of age and, being the second oldest in a family of seven children, was obliged to assist in the support of his younger sisters and brothers. He remained with his mother until twenty-three years of age and in the spring of 1881 launched his ship on the sea of life, coming west to Iowa and arriving in Colo, Story county, with but five cents in his pocket. Immediately making preparations to follow an agricultural career, he began the operation of a rented farm in New Albany township the following summer and was thus actively engaged in the work of the fields there for a period of fifteen years. In the spring of 1890 he bought eighty acres of his present farm and two years later purchased an adjoining tract of similar size, taking up his abode thereon in the spring of 1895. The farm embraces the northwest quarter of section 5, Collins township, and has remained his place of residence for the past sixteen years. The property was unimproved when it came into his possession and all of the buildings thereon stand as monuments to his enterprise and industry. Mr. Cooper makes a specialty of raising Duroc Jersey hogs and for several years past has been feeding at least one carload each of cattle and hogs. He is widely recognized as one of the substantial agriculturists of the community and his success is all the more creditable by reason of the fact that it is attributable entirely to his own efforts. On the 4th of March, 1883, Mr. Cooper was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Black, of Lee county, Illinois, her parents being James and Sarah (Wynn) Black, both natives of Ireland. Unto our subject and his wife have been born six children, four of whom are still living, as follows: Edith, the wife of Jesse Fry, who cultivates eighty acres of her father's farm; and Hattie, Fern and Leo, all at home. In politics Mr. Cooper is a republican, while fraternally he is identified with Crescent Camp, No. 2358, M. W. A. Both he and his wife belong to Sunbeam Lodge, No. 181, Mystic Workers of the World. During his residence in Story county he has made an excellent record for upright manhood and honorable citizenship and may well be classed with the representative men of the community. [History of Story County, Iowa, Vol. 2, 1911, submitted by Cathy Danielson] William W. Davis An enterprising and capable agriculturist and patriotic citizen, the subject of this article is deserving of consideration in the history of his county, since also he has labored here faithfully for many years in the up-building and improvement of the same and doing labors which deserve much credit. He was born in Lane county, Oregon, on May 18, 1860, the son of James G. and Martha (McCulloch) Davis, born respectively in 1826 and in Ohio in 1823. William W. remained with his parents until he had reached the age of eighteen years and then went to work for himself. He had acquired a good education from the district schools and his first move was to Latah county, where he squatted on a piece of land until he was twenty-one and then he took the same as a homestead. He worked for neighboring farmers and also conducted a stock ranch in Lincoln county, Washington. This latter industry he withdrew from in 1892 and put in his first crop in Latah county. Since that time he has continued here entirely and has a fine farm, with good orchard, and which produces abundantly. His farm is located four miles northeast from Palouse. The marriage of Mr. Davis and Miss Anna, daughter of Robert and Ellen (Hughes) Dailey, was solemnized on July 3, 1893, in Latah county. They have two children, Rosco J. and Roy R. Mrs. Davis father was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, in 1826 and the mother in the same county in 1836. The father is a farmer now in Latah county. Mrs. Davis was born in Story county, Iowa, on October 29, 1869, and was educated in the public schools. Her brothers and sisters are named as follows: James E., in Latah county: Louisa A., wife of Walter Bean, in Latah county; John L. and Hughes I., in Nez Perces county; Robert R. and Charles M., in Latah county. Mr. Davis has the following named brothers and sisters: Nancy A., wife of James Fairchild, in Whitman county, Washington; Joseph H, in Colfax; Angeline, wife of W. J. Breeding, in Palouse. Mr. Davis is a member of the Woodmen of the World and he and his wife are members of the Christian church. He is active in politics and holds the principles of the stanch old Jeffersonian Democracy. In school matters Mr. Davis is also zealous and always laboring for the best. His mother's brother was Captain McCulloch, in the Civil War. [An Illustrated History Of North Idaho Embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai, Shoshone Counties, State Of Idaho, Western Historical Publishing Company, 1903, submitted by Barb Z.] Claude G. Dickey, M. D. Dr. Claude G. Dickey, a well known and successful physician and surgeon of Cambridge, has enjoyed a steadily growing and most lucrative practice during the five years of his residence here. His birth occurred in Corning, Adams county, Iowa, on the 6th of September, 1876, his parents being Charles H. and Mercy (Sherman) Dickey, who are natives of western New York and Cleveland, Ohio, respectively. Charles H. Dickey was brought to this state by his parents when a boy, the family home being established in Delaware county, where he grew to manhood. He was a student in Lennox University at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war and in 1863 enlisted for service in the Union army. When his term of enlistment had expired he returned to Iowa and eventually located in Adams county, where he became identified with general agricultural pursuits. In the fall of 1883 he took up his abode at Maxwell, Story county, and was there successfully engaged in merchandising for a number of years. For the past four years he has lived retired, making his home with his wife and son Claude in Cambridge. His fraternal relations are with the Masons and he is a worthy exemplar of the craft. The period of his residence in this county covers more than a quarter of a century and he enjoys a wide and favorable acquaintance within its borders. Claude G. Dickey was reared under the parental roof, pursuing his studies in the Maxwell high school and later at Iowa College of Grinnell, Iowa, which institution conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in 1900. In the fall of that year he took up the study of medicine, entering Rush Medical College of Chicago, from which institution he was graduated in 1903. Because of his scientific course at Grinnell he had been enabled to complete four years' work in three years and three months. Locating at Garden City, Hardin county, Iowa, he there followed his profession for two years and then came to Cambridge to take the practice of Dr. M. C. Keith, who removed to Casper, Wyoming. In the intervening five years he has built up an extensive and remunerative patronage, having demonstrated his skill and ability in coping with the intricate problems which continually confront the physician in his efforts to restore health and prolong life. In politics Dr. Dickey is a republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally he is identified with the Yeomen, the Modern Woodmen of America and Tabernacle Lodge No. 452, A. F. & A. M., of Cambridge. He maintains the strictest conformity to the highest professional ethics and enjoys in full measure the confidence and respect of his professional brethren as well as of the general public. [History of Story County, Iowa, Vol. 2, 1911, submitted by Cathy Danielson] Mrs. Ed. E. Egan Henrietta Martha Bousquet Egan was born in Ames, Iowa, Nov, 28, 1869. Her parents, John J. Bousquet and Anna Van der Linden, are of Holland birth, and came to America with their parents, with a company of religious refugees in 1847, to find a home in the Holland settlement at Pella, Iowa. In all American history, there is no more interesting story than the founding of that settlement at Pella. The colonists brought the traditions of the home land in their hearts and for years and years Pella was a little Holland in its life language and customs. The Bousquet family after a brief residence at Ames returned to Pella and here the daughter Henrietta Martha was educated, graduating from Central College in the department of music. She continued her musical studies in Boston, her natural talent and training have made her a very accomplished musician. She was married Sep. 3, 1896, to Ed. E. Egan, and lived in Glenwood and Atlantic, Iowa, until 1904, since which time their home has been in Burlington, where Mr. Egan is secretary of the Commercial Exchange. Four children have been born to them, John Bousquet, born in 1897, Eugene William in 1907, Louis Gardner in 1910. Geraldine was born in 1901 and died in 1906. Mrs. Egan is an active member of the Congregational church and a valued member of the Burlington Musical Club. For fourteen years she has been a member of the P. E. O. sisterhood, having belonged to the chapter in Atlantic before joining the Burlington chapter. In her life she is wonderfully well balanced; she is domestic in her tastes, generous of her musical ability to her friends, fond of society and interested in all that ministers to the welfare of the community. [The Blue book of Iowa Women, by Winona Evans Reeves, Publ. 1914, Transcribed by Renee Capitanio] Keith R. Frazier Keith R. Frazier, one of the leading business men of Story county, is at the head of the firm of K. R. Frazier & Company of Colo, dealers in lumber, grain, coal, etc. His birth occurred in Champaign county, Illinois, on the 11th of December, 1878, his parents being Robert A. and Mary J. (Friesner) Frazier. The father, who was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, about 1848, removed when a young man to Champaign county, Illinois, where he was married and identified himself with the grain and lumber business, there conducting an enterprise of this character until 1892. In that year he came to Story county and established himself in the grain and coal business at Nevada, purchasing a mill and elevator combined, which he remodeled to make a commodious elevator building. He has thus been prominently identified with the business interests of Nevada continuously since and is widely recognized as a prosperous and influential resident of the town. In 1902 he assisted in the organization of the People's Savings Bank, was chosen its president and has served in that capacity to the present time. Keith R. Frazier was reared under the parental roof and supplemented his preliminary education by a course of study in the Nevada high school, while later he attended the University of Iowa. He early became familiar with his father's business in principle and detail, ably assisting in its conduct. On the 1st of October, 1902, he and his brother, Pearl Frazier, became partners of their father under the firm style of R. A. Frazier & Sons. In 1907 our subject disposed of his interest in the concern and, in association with his father, purchased the business of Shaw & Binder in Colo, where he has since dealt extensively in lumber, grain and coal as the head of the firm of K. R. Frazier & Company. He is likewise a stockholder in the Story County Independent Telephone Company and enjoys an enviable reputation as a young man of excellent business ability, sound judgment and keen discrimination. In 1907 Mr. Frazier was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle McDole, of Eddyville, Iowa. Mrs. Frazier is a devoted and consistent member of the Presbyterian church, exemplifying its teachings in her daily life. Mr. Frazier is well known here and in all of his dealings with his fellowmen has demonstrated his right to their regard and confidence. [History of Story County, Iowa, Vol. 2, 1911, submitted by Cathy Danielson] Albert K. Helvig In the list of Story county's successful native sons must be placed the name of Albert K. Helvig, who was born in Howard township on the 23d of February, 1864. He is of Norwegian parentage, his father having come to the United States from the Norseland in 1860. He had been a citizen of the United States for three years before he came to Story county but in 1863 he located on a farm in Howard township and continued to reside there until he died in 1905, at the advanced age of seventy-seven years. He was a successful farmer and had acquired at the time of his death one hundred and twenty acres of land. He married Isabelle Mucklebush and they became the parents of ten children, all but four of whom have now passed away, Albert K. Helvig being the fourth in order of birth. The father was a member of the Lutheran church and voted the republican ticket. He was a very public-spirited citizen and was well regarded in the community where he had resided for so many years. Albert K. Helvig's early years were spent in an unvaried routine of study, work and play, which characterizes the boyhood and youth of most young people who are reared in the country. At the usual age he laid aside his text-books to assume the weightier duties of life and, having chosen farming as his occupation, assisted his father about the home place until he had reached the age of twenty-two years, when he began to work for himself. He had succeeded in accumulating sufficient means in 1890 to invest in land of his own and he bought one hundred and sixty acres in Warren township, where he has since continued to live. His is one of the valuable farms of the township. He raises a good grade of stock, keeps his property in good condition and from his fields reaps an abundant harvest, which yields him profitable returns. He is regarded as one of the substantial men of the community as in addition to his realty holdings he is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of McCallsburg and the Roland Creamery. In 1891 Mr. Helvig completed his arrangements for a home in his marriage to Miss Mina Hanson, who was a daughter of Charlie Hanson, a pioneer of Illinois, in which state Mrs. Helvig was born. They became the parents of four children, three of whom are still living: Clarence, Esther and Mina, all of whom are at home. The wife and mother passed away in 1899. The family always attended the Lutheran church, of which the parents were members, Mr. Helvig still being identified with that denomination. Ever since attaining his majority he has staunchly adhered to the principles of the republican party. He has always taken an active interest in local politics and has served in many of the township offices, the duties of which he discharged to the satisfaction of his constituency. He is highly regarded in the community where he has spent his entire life and retains the friendship of many of his boyhood comrades, which is a tribute to his fine principles of life. [History of Story County, Iowa, Volume 2, 1911, submitted by Cathy Danielson] Albert H. Lande Success in any branch of industry depends entirely upon the energy and determination of him who seeks it. To these qualities Albert H. Lande owes his present position as one of the substantial farmers and stock-raisers of Union township. Born in Polk county, Iowa, October 8, 1868, he is a son of George H. and Anna Lande, both natives of Norway. They emigrated to America while still in their youth and located in Kendall county, Illinois, where they were married and continued to reside until the spring of 1866, when they came to Iowa, and bought eighty acres of land in Elkhart township, Polk county. Subsequently Mr. Lande added to his possessions until he had acquired two hundred and forty acres. Here he resided up to the time of his death, which occurred August 7, 1900, when he was in his seventy-fourth year. His wife survives him and is still living on the home farm. Albert H. Lande passed his early youth at home, attending the public school. Upon reaching his majority he, in company with his brother Henry, assumed charge of the home farm, which they continued to operate until the spring of 1903, when Albert removed to his present home in Union township, Story county, which he and his brother Henry had purchased the previous fall. Aside from general farming, Mr. Lande has given special attention to the raising of hogs and cattle for the market and in this line of business he has met with unqualified success. On December 19, 1902, Mr. Lande was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Lawson, who was born in Rock county, Wisconsin. In his political preferment he gives his support to the republican party and takes an active interest in the affairs of his community, being a member of the school board. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lande are members of the Lutheran church. [History of Story County, Iowa, Volume 2, 1911, submitted by Cathy Danielson] Frederick Waldemar Larson Frederick Waldemar Larson, cashier of the Citizens State Bank of Cambridge and one of the valued citizens of the community, was born in Boone county, Illinois, April 7, 1865, and is the son of Jonas T. and Sina (Nessen) Larson. The parents were both natives of Norway and came to America on the same boat in 1861, their destination being Chicago. They were married in the Illinois metropolis and subsequently removed to Boone county, where they lived for two years, and then in 1866 came with an emigrant train to Story county, Iowa. The father purchased land two miles west of Cambridge in Union township and became one of the substantial farmers of that section. The mother was called away in 1881, and Mr. Larson was again married, the lady of his choice being Miss Carrie Burreson, also a native of Norway. He had six children by his first marriage and seven by the second, and was summoned from earthly scenes in October, 1908, at the age of seventy-seven years. His second wife is still living. He was a stanch republican politically but being of a modest and retiring nature never sought public office. Religiously he adhered to the Lutheran church. Frederick Waldemar Larson received his early education in the district schools and, having shown a decided inclination for study, was sent to Augsburg Seminary at Minneapolis, Minnesota, his parents intending to prepare him for the ministry of the Lutheran church. After two terms in the seminary, however, he left that institution and entered the Western Normal College at Shenandoah, Iowa, taking the normal and business courses, from which he was graduated in 1888. He taught school for several terms and was for a time in Chicago. Finally, being attracted to the mercantile business he came to Cambridge and continued in business with good success for about ten years. In 1901 he disposed of his store and soon afterward accepted the position of cashier of the Citizens State Bank, which he has ever since filled, being also a stockholder and a member of the board of directors of the institution. He is regarded as one of the able financiers of the county, and by his close attention to a calling for which he seems eminently adapted he has greatly added to the resources and prestige of the bank. He is also interested with Johnson Brothers in farming, now having charge of more than five hundred acres in this part of the state. On the 16th of November, 1892, at Des Moines, Mr. Larson was united in marriage to Miss Gustie Nutson, a native of Illinois but of Norwegian parentage, and by this union four children have been born: Florence G. and Jessie, both of whom are attending the high school; Charlotte N., now in the primary school; and Edna O. Mr. Larson now gives his support to the prohibitionist party but was for many years a prominent factor in republican councils. He holds membership in the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, and he and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has served as steward and trustee and also as Sunday school superintendent. For nineteen years he has been a member of the school board and for thirteen years past has filled the chair of president of that body. He takes great interest in educational and church work, devoting a large part of his time in those interests and also contributing very liberally to all worthy demands. He ranks as a leader in Story county, both as a business man and as a self-sacrificing citizen, whose constant aim is to add to the comfort and happiness of others. While he is a banker he is also a great lover of nature and the call of the farm has for him a charm that he often finds hard to resist. He has a host of friends who have been attracted by his spirit of helpfulness, which is one of the most desirable traits that can be possessed by any human being. [History of Story County, Iowa, Vol. 2, 1911, submitted by Cathy Danielson] Mrs. Anson Marston Mary Alice Day Marston, of Ames, was born near Gasport, Niagara county, N. Y., June 21, 1865. She is the daughter of Dudley Watson Day, Sr., and Rachel Scott Day, both of New England ancestry. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan. After her graduation she taught school for several years and was married Dec. 14, 1892, to Anson Marston, Dean of Engineering at Iowa State College. He was born May 31, 1864, the son of George W. Marston and Sarah Scott, pioneers of Illinois. Prof. Marston is a graduate of Cornell University, Ithica, N. Y., and is one of the foremost men in this country in his profession. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, of the National Society for the Promotion of Civil Engineering Education, the Western Society of Civil Engineers and the Iowa Engineering Society. Under his professorship the engineering department of Iowa College has become a model for other schools. Two children have been born to Prof, and Mrs. Marston, Morrill Watson Marston, born Jany. 30, 1896, and Anson Day Marston, born May 30, 1905. Mrs. Marston is a member of the Congregational church, of the P. E. O. sisterhood, of the Club of Faculty Women of Iowa State College, of the Parent-Teachers’ Association and of the Sun Dial chapter. Daughters of the American Revolution, joining on the service of Abram Van Vleet and Serg. Noah Day. She has served on many committees of the state and national society and was State Regent of Iowa D. A. R., 1911-12, being a very efficient and just officer. She presided at the conference held in Des Moines, which was one of the most successful of the state conferences. [The Blue book of Iowa Women, by Winona Evans Reeves, Publ. 1914, Transcribed by Dana Kraft] Abram S. McCord Abram S. McCord, one of the leading and successful residents of Collins township, is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of Story county's most valuable land and in addition to his farming interests devotes considerable attention to the feeding of stock. His birth occurred in Collins township, this county, on the 5th of March, 1857, his parents being Commodore Perry and Sarah E. (Smith) McCord, who were natives of Ohio and Illinois respectively. The father, who came west to Iowa in early manhood, took up his abode among the earliest settlers of Collins township, Story county. A review of his life is given in the sketch of Jacob W. McCord, a brother of our subject, which appears on another page of this volume. Abram S. McCord was reared at home and acquired his education in the common schools. In 1879, when twenty-two years of age, he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, operating the home farm as a renter until his father's death in 1886, when the estate was settled. Subsequently he purchased a tract of one hundred acres across the road from the homestead, residing thereon for about six years. On the expiration of that period he traded the property for the old home farm, which had been acquired by two of his younger brothers and on which he has lived continuously since. The place comprises two hundred and forty acres and is one of the most valuable farms in the county. Mr. McCord has recently erected a very fine country residence and the other buildings afford ample shelter for grain and stock. He is extensively engaged in the feeding of stock and in the conduct of his agricultural interests has met with a gratifying measure of prosperity by reason of his well directed energy and capable business management. On the 8th of February, 1882, Mr. McCord was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Bowman, a daughter of William and Anna (Bare) Bowman, who came to Iowa in 1858, settling in Linn county. Later removing to Woodford county, Illinois, they resided there for some years and then returned to Iowa, locating in Marshall county. They next went to Polk county and then came to Story county, here spending the remainder of their lives. William Bowman passed away in January, 1905, while his wife was called to her final rest in March, 1884. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McCord were born five children, two of whom are yet living, as follows: Earl A., who is employed in a drug store at Collins; and Ralph D., at home. Mr. McCord is a republican in politics and has held the office of township assessor for ten years. He is a member of the present board of township trustees, now serving his fourth term. Fraternally he is identified with Fervent Lodge A. F. & A. M.; Crescent Camp No. 2358, M. W. A.; and Fern Camp No. 2823, Royal Neighbors of America. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Brethren church, to which his wife also belongs. He has resided in this county from his birth to the present time and the circle of his friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances. [History of Story County, Iowa, Volume 2, 1911, submitted by Cathy Danielson] Jacob W. McCord Jacob W. McCord, an enterprising and progressive agriculturist, is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Collins township, where he is extensively engaged in the raising of shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. His birth occurred in Des Moines county, Iowa, on the 25th of October, 1851, his parents being Commodore P. and Sarah E. (Smith) McCord. The father, who was born in Clermont county, Ohio, on the 10th of October, 1826, was reared in the Buckeye state and in 1850 journeyed westward to Iowa, locating in Des Moines county. Two years later, in the fall of 1852, he came to Story county, where the remainder of his life was spent. Entering a tract of government land in Collins township, he erected thereon a log cabin and began farming. On the 14th of August, 1862, he enlisted for service in the Civil war, joining Company K, Twenty-third Iowa Volunteer Infantry. On the 17th of May, 1863, at the battle of Black River Bridge, Mississippi, he was so severely wounded in the left leg that amputation was necessary and on the 13th of August, 1863, he was discharged because of disability, subsequently returning to his home in this county. In 1869 he was elected the first auditor of Story county, ably serving in that capacity for one term. He next purchased and located on the farm which is now in possession of his son, A. S. McCord, residing thereon for a number of years. In 1883 he was stricken with paralysis and soon afterward took up his abode in Nevada, where he passed away on the 2d of October, 1886, when almost sixty years of age. He had met with success in his undertakings as an agriculturist and accumulated about four hundred and twenty acres of Story county's most valuable farm land. His fraternal relations were with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he was buried with the honors of the Maxwell and Nevada lodges. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he was widely recognized as one of the representative and most highly esteemed citizens of the community. On the 12th of January, 1851, in Des Moines county, Iowa, he wedded Miss Sarah E. Smith, who was born near Springfield, Illinois. Their children were nine in number, namely: Jacob W., of this review; Mary, the deceased wife of John Ray; Nancy, the wife of James T. White, of Ames, Iowa; Abraham S., living in Collins township, Story county; Alice, at home; Rachel E., the wife of Clifford Funk, of Des Moines, Iowa; Sherman G., who is a resident of Nevada, Iowa; Elias S., a practicing physician and surgeon of Delmar, Iowa; and Charles P., of Nevada, Iowa. Jacob W. McCord was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement of an education first attended the district schools, while later he continued his studies in the Nevada city schools. He was married when about twenty-eight years of age and continued farming as a renter for the next five or six years. His present farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Collins township has been his place of abode for the past twenty-six years and he has lived in his present residence since the spring of 1892. In connection with the tilling of the soil he raises shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs, keeping only the best blooded stock. This proves a profitable source of income to him and as the years go by he is meeting with the measure of success which always crowns persistent, well directed labor. On the 4th of February, 1879, Mr. McCord was united in marriage to Miss Martha Dunahoo, a daughter of John Dunahoo, of whom more extended mention is made in the sketch of M. R. Dunahoo, a brother of Mrs. McCord. Mr. McCord gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has served as a member of the board of township trustees for about sixteen years. The cause of education has always found in him a stanch champion and he served for many years as a member of the school board. He belongs to Fervent Lodge No. 519, A. F. & A. M., and Crescent Camp, No. 2358, M. W. A., while both he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star at Collins and Sunbeam Lodge No. 181, Mystic Workers of America. They likewise belong to the United Brethren church, of which Mr. McCord is one of the trustees and in which he served for several years as steward. A review of his life shows that in business he has been diligent as well as reliable, that in citizenship he has been loyal to the best interests of the community and that his social acquaintances know him as a tried and trusted friend. Brought to Story county when still in his first year, he has since remained within its borders and is widely and favorably known. [History of Story County, Iowa, Vol. 2, 1911, submitted by Cathy Danielson] James A. McKee James A. McKee, postmaster of Cambridge, to which position he was appointed on the 22d of July, 1909, has since filled the position to the satisfaction of the general public. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Story county, his birth having occurred in Union township on the 13th of February, 1857, his parents being Hugh and Mary Ann (Harper) McKee, both of whom were natives of Ireland. In 1853, in early manhood and womanhood, they crossed the Atlantic to the United States, their marriage being celebrated in Ironton, Ohio, in 1854. A year later they came to Story county, Iowa, taking up their abode among the earliest settlers of this district. Mr. McKee entered a quarter section of land, built a log cabin and later erected a modern frame dwelling. He remained on this farm until within five or six years of his death, when he put aside the active work of the fields and removed to Cambridge, where his demise occurred in 1903. The period of his residence in this county covered almost a half century and he was well known and highly esteemed as one of its pioneer settlers and substantial agriculturists. His widow still survives and makes her home in Cambridge, where she has a host of warm friends. James A. McKee remained on the home farm until about twenty-two years of age, when he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, being thus busily engaged for a few years. Subsequently he came to Cambridge and embarked in the butchering business, being connected therewith for seven years. On the expiration of that period he began dealing in live stock and for about thirteen years was one of the best known stockmen of the county. He was appointed postmaster of Cambridge on the 22d of July, 1909, and, abandoning his live stock interests, has since devoted his entire attention to the discharge of his official duties. On the 11th of September, 1888, Mr. McKee was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Nellis, of Cambridge, Iowa. They have one son, Ray, born October 22, 1893, who assists his father and holds the office of assistant postmaster. Mr. McKee gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has long wielded a powerful influence in its local ranks. For six years, from 1903 until 1909, he served as mayor of Cambridge, his administration being characterized by many measures of reform and improvement. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Cambridge Lodge, No. 486, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Brethren church, to which his wife also belongs. Having spent his entire life in Story county, he has gained an extensive circle of warm friends who entertain for him the utmost regard and esteem because of his many excellent traits of character. [History of Story County, Iowa, Vol. 2, 1911, submitted by Cathy Danielson] Charles Edwin Olinger Charles Edwin Olinger, a prominent resident of Maxwell, is now living practically retired, giving his attention only to the care and management of his properties. He was formerly identified with agricultural pursuits in Story county and also conducted a real-estate and insurance business for a number of years. He was born in Indian Creek township, this county, on the 2d of March, 1868, his birth occurring on the Olinger farm—a part of the present site of Maxwell. His father and mother, George W. and Anna Eliza (John) Olinger, were both natives of Carroll county, Indiana, coming to Story county, Iowa, with their respective parents. The Olinger family made their way to Polk county, Iowa, in 1853, while the following year witnessed their arrival in Story county. Here the parents of our subject were married and established their home. George W. Olinger acquired half of the old homestead farm of two hundred acres, the other half belonging to his brother, James M. He devoted his time and energies to the work of the fields until called to his final rest, passing away on the 6th of December, 1886, in the faith of the Presbyterian church, to which his widow also belongs. His political allegiance was given to the democracy and he held the office of township trustees and also served as a member of the school board for many years. His widow, who still survives and makes her home with our subject, is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community in which she has so long resided. Charles Edwin Olinger was reared under the parental roof, attending the common schools in the acquirement of an education. When nineteen years of age he began teaching, following that profession for two years and abandoning it on the day that he attained his majority. During that period he also worked at farming, being closely identified with general agricultural pursuits until 1892, when he embarked in the real-estate and insurance business. In addition to his interests in this connection he also operated his farm until he disposed of it in 1899. In the spring of 1900 he opened an office in Maxwell and devoted his entire attention to real estate and insurance, being prominently and successfully identified with this field of business activity until 1909, since which time he has given his supervision solely to the care and management of his properties. He is a director of the People's State Bank and was one of the organizers of that institution as well as of the Farmers Grain Company of Maxwell. Mr. Olinger has been married twice. On the 1st of October, 1889, he wedded Miss Elsie A. Ludlow, of Jasper county, Iowa, by whom he had four children, two of whom are yet living, namely: Byron K., who holds a clerkship in the First National Bank of Nevada, Iowa; and Mildred J., a high school student. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the nth of September, 1905, and on the 12th of May, 1907, Mr. Olinger was again married, his second union being with Miss Jennie M. Comer, of Northville, South Dakota. They now have two children, Edwin Comer and George Donald. In politics Mr. Olinger is a republican. He takes an especial interest in educational matters, is president of the board of school directors, was a member of the board when the present handsome school building was erected and has done much to bring the Maxwell schools up to their present high state of efficiency. Fraternally he is identified with Herald Lodge, No. 455, A. F. & A. M., while both he and his wife belong to the Eastern Star. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian. His entire life has been spent in Story county and he enjoys an enviable reputation as one of its leading and representative citizens. [History of Story County, Iowa, Vol. 2, 1911, submitted by Cathy Danielson] Mrs. Adaline M. Payne Mrs. Adaline Maria Brown Payne was born at South Champion, N. Y., Nov. 12, 1834. She is the daughter of Orville Brown and Louisa Phelps of New England stock. Her father, through his mother, a Waldo, was seventh in the line from John Alden and Priscilla of the Mayflower. She was graduated from the State Normal school at Albany, N. Y., in 1854. She was married at South Rutland, N. Y., Jany. 16, 1859, to William Pierce Payne, a Universalist minister, who for twelve years did pastoral work in Massachusetts and New York. They have one son, William Orson Payne. Coming west in 1874 Mr. Payne became principal of the Mitchell Seminary at Mitchellville, la., with Mrs. Payne as matron and teacher. In 1875 they moved to Nevada, Ia., which is still their home. For six years she taught in the public schools of Nevada and Boone and fifteen terms in teachers’ institutes. For thirty years she has been associate editor of the Nevada Representative, a paper published by her husband and son. She has continuously done general editorial work and specialized in local history and in a department, “Words From Busy Women,” she has compiled and edited many catalogues, published booklets of occasional verse and family history and has contributed to the published “History of Story county.” She is very prominent in the Iowa Federation of Women’s Clubs. She was the first auditor and has served on prominent committees since its organization, and as district chairman. She is a member of the Iowa Press and Authors’ Club, a charer member of the Nevada Woman's Club. To crown all this public service, she has through all these years practiced the household arts and been a home maker. [The Blue book of Iowa Women, by Winona Evans Reeves, Publ. 1914, Transcribed by Dana Kraft] Jessie Dickens Payne Jessie Dickens Payne, wife of William O. Payne, was the daughter of William and Maria Ellen Dickens and was born at Linwood, Minnesota. June 22, 1861. Her mother died while she was small and her father removed from his farm to the neighboring town of Anoka. In 1869 the family removed to Aurora, Illinois, and in 1875 to Winterset, Iowa. After two years at Winterset, the father's business having been burned out, the family removed to Kansas; but she and her older sister, Ella, remained in Iowa and made their home with an uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Downing of 'Boone. She attended the Boone high school and also spent a year at Mt. Carroll Seminary at Mt. Carroll, Illinois. She taught country schools in Story, Polk and Madison counties, her first school being the poor farm school in this county. Later she accompanied the Downings to St. Joseph and Kansas City, Missouri, and in 1885 returned to Madison county, Iowa, where her sister Ella, then Mrs. C. C. Bancroft, resided. It was at this sister's home that she was married, on December 15, 1886, to W. O. Payne. Their home has since been in Nevada, though one year was spent in Washington city. She also was a charter member of the Woman's Club and she was the first president of the local chapter of the P. E. O. sisterhood. She was for many years active in the affairs of the Ladies Nevada Cemetery Society and it was during her presidency thereof that the society purchased and conveyed to the city what is now the west half of the cemetery. [History of Story County, Iowa, Volume 2, 1911, submitted by Cathy Danielson] William W. Pope William W. Pope, who opened a modern and well appointed drug store at Cambridge in 1907, has since built up an extensive and lucrative trade in this connection. His birth occurred in Knoxville, Marion county, Iowa, on the 21st of May, 1880, his parents being William W. and Laura (Jenkins) Pope, natives of Indiana. The father came to Iowa in early manhood, soon after the close of the Civil war, while the mother came to this state as a child with her parents in the '40s, the family home being established in Marion county. William W. Pope, Sr., became one of Warren county's successful agriculturists and was also engaged in the grain business for several years. At the present time he is living retired in Indianola. William W. Pope was reared under the parental roof and supplemented his preliminary education by a course of study in Simpson College. Subsequently he spent a year in the State University of Oregon and after returning to Iowa took a course in pharmacy at Highland Park College, being graduated from that institution with the class of 1905. He was then employed as a pharmacist at Des Moines for two years and in 1907 embarked in business on his own account, opening a drug store in Cambridge. During the past four years he has maintained a well equipped establishment of this character, his stock being tastefully arranged, while his honorable business methods and earnest desire to please his patrons have brought to him a gratifying trade. On the 5th of August, 1908, Mr. Pope was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Schneider, of Fennimore, Wisconsin, by whom he has one child, John William. Mr. Pope gives his political allegiance to the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, belonging to Cambridge Lodge Xo. 319. in which he is filling the chair of chancellor commander. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Pope has attained a creditable measure of prosperity for one of his years, occupying a position among the representative and enterprising business men of Story county. [History of Story County, Iowa, Vol. 2, 1911, submitted by Cathy Danielson] Charles A. Robison Charles A. Robison, who devotes his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits, is the owner of a valuable and well improved farm of two hundred and seventy acres in Indian Creek township. His birth occurred in that township on the 7th of October, 1864, his father being Robert A. Robison. More extended mention of the family is made in connection with the sketch of E. R. Robison, a brother of C. A. Robison, which may be found on another page of this volume. Charles A. Robison was reared under the parental roof, acquiring his education in the public schools. In the summer of 1888 he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, cultivating a portion of the home farm. The following fall he was married and established a home of his own, locating on one of his father's farms in Indian Creek township and residing thereon for six years. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode on the place where he has made his home continuously since and which he has developed into one of the highly improved farms of Indian Creek township. He built a modern, substantial residence and in fact his property is lacking in none of the equipments and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century. It comprises two hundred and seventy acres of valuable and productive land and the well tilled fields annually yield golden harvests in return for the care and labor which is bestowed upon them. On the 19th of October, 1888, Mr. Robison was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Emery, of Iowa Center, Story county. Her father, Dr. John Allen Emery, who was a native of Pennsylvania, came to this county in 1855. A few months later his parents also came to Story county and at the end of two years removed to Elkhart, Iowa. Dr. Emery served in the army during the period of hostilities between the north and the south, was wounded by an exploding shell and experienced many of the hardships, rigors and dangers of war. He was captured in the siege of Vicksburg and was confined in Andersonville prison for eight months, and while with Sherman on his march to the sea he saw much arduous service. After returning home, his wound incapacitating him for manual labor, he took up the study of medicine and was graduated from the Keokuk Medical College with the class of 1873. Locating for practice in Elkhart, Iowa, he there remained until 1881, when he went to Boone and was made practicing physician for the miners at that place, having an average of three or four hundred men under his care. He was an able representative of his calling, being remarkably successful in solving the intricate problems which continually confront the physician. After removing to Boone he purchased a farm in New Albany township, Story county, on which he located his family and to which he was preparing to retire when the accident occurred that resulted in his death on the 30th of November, 1884. His demise was occasioned by a runaway accident one day when he was out driving in company with the owners of the mine. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Miss Dorothy Venneman, was a daughter of Lemuel Venneman, of whom more extended mention is made in the sketch of his son, L. J. Venneman, which appears on another page of this work. Mrs. Emery was an artist of no mean note, having pursued a three years' course in art at the Highland Park College. For some years following she gave private lessons in Des Moines, having a large class. Many of her paintings on china and canvas now adorn the home of our subject. She was called to her final rest on the 6th of October, 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Robison have one child, Hazel Dorothy, who is a graduate of the Nevada high school and also pursued the full musical course at Simpson College near Des Moines. Mr. Robison is a republican in politics and has served as a member of the school board for several years. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to lodge No. 104 at Nevada, while his wife and daughter are faithful members of the United Evangelical church. He has remained in Story county from his birth to the present time and that his has been an honorable and upright life is indicated by the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood. [History of Story County, Iowa, Vol. 2, 1911, submitted by Cathy Danielson] Lars F. Seske Success in farming, as in every other branch of business endeavor, only comes to him who has the intelligence and capacity for industry to apply to his chosen vocation in life, as is exemplified by the career of Lars F. Seske, who, at the age of twenty-two years, started out in life for himself and is today one of the successful and progressive agriculturists of Union township. There he was born April 18, 1864, a son of John and Helga (Staatfeit) Seske, both of whom were natives of Norway. The father was born March 1, 1826, his parents being Frederick and Eugene (Frederick) Seske, who died in Norway. John Seske obtained such education as was available in the schools of his locality and later was apprenticed to the trade of a shoemaker. Desiring to better his condition in life, for as a youth he was very ambitious, he decided to come to America and made the ocean voyage in 1857. Locating in New York city, he continued to follow his early vocation for a period of three months, after which time he removed to Racine, Wisconsin, where he secured employment in a shoe factory. From here he went to Franklin county, Kansas, and in 1860 came to Story county, where he saw the agricultural advantages and purchased forty acres of land. Here he continued to till the soil and by thrift and industry he was able to add to his property, until his personal holdings amount to three hundred and ninety-six acres in Union township, at the present time being one of the largest landowners in Story county. In 1858 John Seske was married to Miss Helga Staatfeit, and by this union six children were born, namely: John; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Osterman, living in Polk county, Iowa; Nels H.; Lars F.; Carl L.; Jacob S. Mr. Seske has the unusual distinction of being the grandfather of thirty-eight children. Mrs. Seske departed this life July 29, 1904. In politics Mr. Seske has allied himself with the republican party and has served his township with faithfulness and unaltering loyalty in various public offices. In his religious belief he is a consistent adherent of the Lutheran church. The independent spirit manifested itself in Lars F. Seske when, shortly after reaching his majority he rented and operated a farm on his own account for two years, during which time he acquired invaluable knowledge regarding the science of agriculture, profiting by this to such an extent that he was able in 1888 to purchase the farm on which he now resides and which consists of eighty acres. He is one of the progressive and well-todo men of the community and by virtue of his individual industry is now reaping the benefits of his early efforts. In 1891 Mr. Seske was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Johnson, of Polk county, Iowa, whose father was John Johnson who came to this country from Norway at an early day. To Mr. and Mrs. Seske were born the following children: Mattie, Martin, Henry, Ella, Joseph, Frances, Eldon and Anna. In politics Mr. Seske casts his vote with the republican party, and in religion he and his family are faithful members of the Lutheran church. He is interested in everything that stands for the betterment of the community in which he resides and is always willing to give his support to those projects which are working for the public good. He has the respect and esteem of his many friends as a public-spirited citizen of Union township. [History of Story County, Iowa, Vol. 2, 1911, submitted by Cathy Danielson] Severt J. Severson To few men are given the pleasure and gratification of looking back over half a century of their lives spent upon the place of their birth and reflecting that by their individual efforts they have contributed in no undue measure to the development and growth of the community in which they reside, and the history of Union township, Story county, would be incomplete without a record of the life work of Severt J. Severson, who was born March 15, 1855, a son of John and Betsy (Aspoland) Severson, both of whom were natives of Norway. They came to this country while in their youth, locating in Illinois, where they were married and resided until 1855. In the spring of that year they removed to Story county, Iowa, and upon his arrival Mr. Severson entered five quarter sections of government land, two quarters of which were in Palestine township and three in Union township. On the latter property he built a log cabin, located on the farm where his son now resides. Here he carried on the pursuit of agriculture until the time of his death, which occurred in 1877 in England while he was returning from a visit to Norway. The faithful wife and mother survived him for eight years and then she too passed away. Severt J. Severson was reared on the home farm, where he has spent his entire life, obtaining his early education in the district schools, which at that time were exceedingly limited in their facilities. Being naturally ambitious, however, he acquired enough book knowledge to enable him to adapt it to the pursuit of every day life. Possessed of the sterling qualities of thrift and industry which characterized his father, he, when but twenty years old, bought the home farm, of which he had been previously in charge. In conjunction with his brother John J., he purchased three quarter sections, and later bought forty acres, which he added this to his other property. From time to time he acquired additional land in North Dakota, his first purchase there having been made in 1903, in Cavalier county, his holdings in that state now amounting to eight hundred acres. At the present time he owns three hundred acres in Union township, this county, one hundred acres of which is located two miles east of the home farm. Mr. Severson has contributed to the welfare of his township, always having its interest at heart. Although at first giving his attention to general agriculture, he subsequently made a specialty of raising hogs, and, having unusual knowledge in this branch of farming, he has met with unqualified success. On November 2, 1876, Mr. Severson was united in marriage to Miss Arabella Sheldahl, a daughter of Eric and Betsy (Ness) Sheldahl, both of whom were natives of Norway. The father emigrated to the United States in 1845, the mother arriving two years later and both locating in Kendall county, Illinois, where they were married. In 1856 they came to Story county, Iowa, and here Mr. Sheldahl entered one hundred and twenty acres of government land, to which he later added by purchasing forty acres of adjoining land. Owing to his splendid business ability and years of well directed labor he is now enabled to live in retirement, which he has done for the past ten years, making his home in Roland, Story county. He resigned the management of the farm to his sons, who are conducting it in the same capable manner as did their father. To Mr. and Mrs. Severson were born seven children, namely: Edwin, a lawyer in Stanley, North Dakota, is married and has one son, Edgar. Bertha is the wife of Jans Igland, a farmer residing in North Dakota, where he owns three hundred and twenty acres of land, and they have two daughters, Anna and Sylvia. Oscar, Martin and Arthur own about eleven hundred acres of land in North Dakota, upon which they now reside. Bessie is the wife of Henry Scala, a carpenter of Story county, and they have two children, Wilfred and Arnold. Elmer is at home with his parents. In politics Mr. Severson has always given his support to the republican party and has devoted his spare time to the welfare of his township, having served as road supervisor and a member of the school board for several years. Not only has he reached a conspicuous position among the business men of Story county—he has shown what splendid success can be attained as the result of well directed efforts and determination and he stands today one of the most highly esteemed and honored citizens of Union township. [History of Story County, Iowa, Vol. 2, 1911, submitted by Cathy Danielson] Wilbur F. Shaw Wilbur F. Shaw, a prominent and representative resident of Colo, was appointed postmaster of the town on the 11th of October, 1906, and has ably served in that capacity to the present time. His birth occurred in Columbus, Kansas, on the 17th of June, 1869, his parents being James W. and Margaret (Zook) Shaw, who were natives of New Jersey and Indiana, respectively. The father was a lad of six years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Indiana, in which state he grew to manhood. Removing to Livingston county, Illinois, he was married in Fairbury, that state, and there made his home during the following five years. He next spent about ten years in Cherokee county, Kansas, and then returned to Livingston county, Illinois, where he remained for some two years. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode in Champaign county, Illinois, residing there until 1892, when he came to Colo, Iowa, where he has made his home continuously since. He was successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career, but since coming to Colo has lived retired. His wife was called to her final rest on the 19th of August, 1901, passing away in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church. James W. Shaw was reared in the Quaker faith and still adheres thereto but worships in the Methodist Episcopal church. Wilbur F. Shaw was reared under the parental roof and attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education. In 1891 he made a trip to Iowa, having a brother, Frank E., who was at that time a resident of Hubbard and in partnership with whom he purchased the grain elevator in Colo. In January, 1892, his brother having assumed control of their elevator in Colo, Wilbur F. Shaw removed to this town and for five years the two young men were prominently identified with the grain and lumber business here. In 1897 Frank E. Shaw withdrew from the business, selling his interest to his brother-in-law, E. A. Binder, and the firm style of Shaw & Binder was adopted. This relation was maintained until the 1st of July, 1907, when the concern sold out to K. R. Frazier & Company, who are the present proprietors of the enterprise. On the 11th of October, 1906, Mr.Shaw was appointed postmaster of Colo, assuming the duties of that position on the 1st of November following. He has served in that capacity continuously since and is widely recognized as one of the efficient and popular public officials of Story county. A man of excellent business ability and sound judgment, his efforts have also been a factor in the successful control of the interests of the Colo Cement Block & Tiling Company, of which he is a stockholder and acts as secretary and treasurer. He is likewise the manager of the Colo Lighting Company. On the 4th of October, 1896, Mr. Shaw was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle E. Houser, of Colo. Her father, William Houser, who was for many years a well known hotel proprietor of Colo, is now living retired in Lyons, Colorado. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw now have six children, namely: Zola M., Aaron J., Virginia C., Norma L., Kenneth E. and Keith H. Mr. Shaw gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has served as a member of the town council for several terms. He is a member of the present school board, having been connected therewith for several years past. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Columbia Lodge No. 292. He is also a member of the Mystic Workers of the World and for several years has been secretary of Logan Camp No. 1591, M. W. A. Both he and his wife are consistent and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, Mr. Shaw now acting as trustee and treasurer thereof and having served on the church board of trustees for several years past. Whatever he undertakes he accomplishes, for he possesses resolution, perseverance and reliability and these qualities have caused him to be enrolled among the best citizens of the county. [History of Story County, Iowa, Volume 2, 1911, submitted by Cathy Danielson] Pete E. Shugart A country has but one ruler, be he king, emperor or president; there is but one man at the head in military and political circles, but the field of business is limitless and its opportunities many. There are so many avenues of activity and such demand for efficient service that any individual may steadily work his way upward if he has energy and determination and counts honesty among his salient qualities. Pete E. Shugart is numbered among those who have not feared to venture where favoring opportunity has led the way. Proving his worth in the business world, prosperity has crowned his efforts, and he is today one of the extensive railroad contractors of Iowa. He makes his home in Nevada but was born on the east side of the Mississippi, his birth having occurred in Princeton, Illinois, January 8, 1865. His parents were Dr. G. W. and Catherine (Huffman) Shugart, natives of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, respectively. Their last days, however, were spent in Nevada, where the father died in 1907, after devoting his life to the practice of veterinary surgery. The family came to this city in 1872 from Princeton, Illinois. Pete E. Shugart is the sixth in order of birth in a family of eight children, the record being as follows: John A., a resident of Ames; Frances, the wife of John Prior, of Nevada; Philip, also living in Ames; Libbie, the wife of Douglas Branson, of Des Moines; Pete E.; Charles, who was killed on the railroad at the age of twenty-one years; Mollie, who became the wife of Robert Corcilioes and died in Central City, Nebraska; and William, of Sturgis, South Dakota. Pete E. Shugart was a lad of seven years at the time of the removal to Iowa, residing with his father upon a farm five miles southwest of Nevada until eighteen years of age, during which period he acquired his education in the country schools. He then took up his abode at the county seat and gave his attention to railroading in the summer months and to teaming in the winter seasons. He worked as a day laborer on the railroad at first but gradually won promotion and eventually became a railroad contractor, to which business he has devoted his energies for about eighteen years. His time has been principally given to railroad grading, yet he has done some bridge work and during the past five years he has been awarded many extensive and important contracts. He built over two hundred and fifty miles of railroad in 1910 in the Dakotas and had railroad contracts throughout the middle west. His first contract was in grading for the motor line from Ames. He built eighty-five miles of the coast line of the Milwaukee railroad west of the Missouri river in the summer of 1907 and had over twelve hundred teams, of which he owned one hundred and twenty-five, while about fifteen hundred men were employed at that time. In the same summer he built forty miles of the South Dakota Central Railroad between Arlington and Watertown. Four years ago he constructed an electric line between Ames and Des Moines, and in 1909 and 1910 he built over three hundred and fifty miles of railroad, while during the past four years he has built altogether six hundred miles. He is the largest team contractor in the state of Iowa. Team work is his specialty but he also does some shovel work. As he has prospered in his undertakings and has seen opportunity for judicious investments, Mr. Shugart has made extensive purchases of land until he is now the owner of three thousand, two hundred and eighty acres in Story county, his holdings exceeding that of any other landed property in the county. He also has four hundred and fifty acres in Palo Alto county, Iowa, and is extensively engaged in feeding hogs and cattle and every winter ships about a thousand head of horses. He also feeds about five hundred head of cattle each winter and his sale of hogs in 1909 amounted to over twenty thousand dollars. He is the largest cattle feeder in the county and upon his different farms he has erected a number of large barns especially built for feeding. He can feed one hundred and sixty-five head of horses in his two barns in Nevada. He also built the Savery livery in Des Moines. This is the largest livery barn in the state and was erected at a cost of over twenty thousand dollars. He owned it for a time, then sold it. He did all of the grading for the armory post at Des Moines and built all of the macadam roads there. He is one of the largest stockholders in the First National Bank of Nevada and although he started out empty-handed, with no special training for his work, he is today one of the most successful men of this part of the state and his labors have been of a character that have contributed much to general progress and improvement as well as to individual success. At this writing Mr. Shugar is carrying on his contracting business as the senior partner of the firm of Shugart & Barnes Brothers, the partnership having been formed in the summer of 1910. He is also associated with Bert B. Welty and Judge Lee, of Ames, Iowa, in platting a tract of land of thirty acres adjoining Nevada on the southeast. They purchased this and are now grading all of the streets. They have sold many of the lots and Mr. Shugart has recently erected there four good cottages. The district is known as Allen Park addition. On the 4th of July, 1889, Mr. Shugart was married to Miss Edith Banks, who was born in Rockford county, Illinois, January 9, 1870, and was brought to Story county in infancy by her parents, A. K. and Sarah (Rice) Banks. Her father was for twelve years sheriff of Story county and a prominent and influential citizen here but is now a resident of Des Moines. He was born September 21, 1845, and his wife was born February 25, 1851. Their marriage was celebrated December 31, 1868. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Shugart have been born three children: Eva L., born May 9, 1890, is a student in the Northwestern University at Chicago, doing special work in elocution and physical culture. Charles A., born May 4, 1893, died on the 7th of October of that year. Thelma Lois, born October 12, 1899, is at home. The Shugart residence is one of the finest homes in Nevada and was erected by Mr. Shugart in 1900. No record in this volume perhaps indicates more clearly the value and force of close application, unfaltering determination and unquestioned reliability. There have been no esoteric phases in his entire career. He has sought and won his success along the lines indicated and is respected and honored by all for what he has accomplished. [History of Story County, Iowa, Vol. 2, 1911, submitted by Cathy Danielson] Edgar Williams Stanton Every citizen of Ames is justly proud of the Iowa State College and the position to which it has attained among the educational institutions of the country. It is the visible evidence of the labors and devotion of a number of men to the profession to which they have consecrated their lives. It is a widely acknowledged fact that the most important work to which a man can direct his energies is that of teaching, whether it be from the pulpit, from the lecture platform or from the schoolroom. The foundation of character-building is laid in youth and the impressionable mind of the young readily receives the lessons that have important bearing upon his entire future life. The realization of this fact has made Professor Stanton hold to high ideals not only in methods of instruction in the particular branches assigned to him in his college work but also in the personal conduct and the trend of thought and interests which constitute an ever present example for the student. A native of Pennsylvania, Professor Stanton was born at Waymart, Wayne county. He is descended from Thomas Stanton, who landed in Virginia in January, 1635, from the merchantman Bonaventura, and who in the following year removed to Boston, Massachusetts, and thence, in 1639, to Hartford, Connecticut. This ancestor was prominent in the Pequot and other Indian wars and in the early life of the colony. The line of descent is traced down from Thomas Stanton through John, John and David to Colonel Asa Stanton, who was a native of Connecticut and an active participant in the Revolutionary war. He served both in the army and infant navy of the colonies and, being captured, was confined for a considerable time on the prison ship Jersey. His son, Asa Stanton, born in Paupack, Pennsylvania, July 27, 1793, was the father of Fitz Henry Stanton, who was born at Waymart, Pennsylvania, May 7, 1823. Fitz Henry Stanton became successively a lumberman, railroad official and farmer, the farm on which he died, in 1906, having come into the possession of his grandfather in 1793. He was married on the 30th of June, 1844, to Mary Rounds, a daughter of Arba and Sarah Rounds. Professor Stanton, of Ames, son of Fitz Henry and Mary (Rounds) met the usual experiences of youth passed on a Pennsylvania farm in the '60s. His home training helped to establish habits of industry and a recognition of the value and worth of time and money. He enjoyed farm life in its various phases but desired to get out into the great, busy world and gain a broader knowledge of life than could be obtained within the circumscribed limits of the home farm. His inclination was toward mechanical and business pursuits yet into other channels his energies were directed and Iowa gained thereby one of her foremost educators. He was a pupil in the public schools of Waymart and in the normal school of that place prior to entering the Delaware Literary Institute of Franklin, Delaware county, New York. This is a preparatory school, then under the charge of Professor George W. Jones, afterward professor of mathematics at the Iowa State College at Ames and later professor of mathematics at Cornell University, at Ithaca, New York. On the completion of his preparatory work in the Delaware Literary Institute he sought the opportunity of pursuing a college course where he could meet his expenses by working at the institution. Not finding any such opportunity in the east, he wrote to Professor Jones, of Ames, Iowa, having previously worked for him while attending school in Franklin. In reply he was told to come on at once and, making his way westward, he entered the sophomore class of the Iowa State College, living in the home of Professor Jones during the remainder of his student life, doing work about the house and also clerical work in the office of the college cashier. Such was his recognized ability and scholarship that on the day of his graduation, in November, 1872, he was elected instructor in mathematics in the college and throughout the intervening years to the present time has been continuously a teacher there, his labors constituting one of the strong and forceful elements in the development of the school and in the maintenance of the high standard that has placed the college among the foremost educational institutions of the middle west. He was assistant professor of mathematics from the 1st of March, 1874, until March 1, 1878, when he was made professor of mathematics and political economy, so continuing until September 1, 1906. Since the latter date his entire time and attention, owing to the growth of the school, have been given, in instructional lines, to mathematics. He has also had voice in the management of the institution for thirty-seven years, or since the 16th of November, 1874, when he was made secretary of the board of trustees. He acted in that capacity continuously until July 1, 1909, when he was elected secretary of the college. He was also acting president from November 13, 1890, until February 17, 1891, and again in 1902-3 and since August 19, 1910. He has likewise been dean of the junior college from the nth of September, 1903, to the present time. Throughout the entire period of his connection with the school he has labored earnestly and zealously to extend its influence, to improve its methods and to make its course of instruction of practical' value as a preparation for the duties and responsibilities of life. Reading and research have kept him in touch with the work that is being done by the most prominent educators of this and other lands, and sound judgment has enabled him to glean from their methods many ideas which, adapted to the work of Iowa College, have proven of inestimable value. Moreover, his initiative spirit has enabled him to originate many plans of worth to the institution and methods of instruction which have worked out most satisfactorily in the schoolroom. In other connections Professor Stanton has displayed excellent business ability, being interested in both farming and banking. Through economy and fortunate investment in Iowa land and industrial enterprises of the state he has acquired a fair competence. While not without that laudable ambition for the attainment of success, which is the stimulus of all industry, in an effort to provide the comforts of life for his family, he has also been actuated by the higher motives of contributing to the world's intellectual progress which constitutes the basis of an advancing civilization. On the 22d of February, 1877, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, Professor Stanton was united in marriage to Miss Margaret P. McDonald, who pursued her education in the Muskingum College of Ohio and the Mount Pleasant (Iowa) Ladies Seminary, being a graduate of the latter institution. She was afterward professor of French and preceptress of the Iowa State College from 1870 until 1878. She passed away July 25, 1895, her death being deeply regretted by all who knew her, for her broad culture and splendid womanly qualities had endeared her to all with whom she had been brought in contact. The woman's building on the campus of Iowa College has been named Margaret Hall in her honor, while her husband as a memorial to her presented to the college the Margaret Hall chimes, consisting of eleven bells manufactured by Taylor Brothers of England and now occupying the beautiful campanile on the campus. Professor and Mrs. Stanton became the parents of four children. Edwin McDonald, born July 31, 1879, was married February 26, 1908, to Miss Maude McDougall, of Brockville, Canada. He was graduated from the scientific course in Iowa State College in 1898, was for two years a student in Michigan University and was graduated from the medical department of the Pennsylvania State University in 1903. For two years thereafter he was assistant in the Bender Research Laboratory of Albany, New York, and for two and a half years was with Dr. Oxner, of Chicago, He is now junior partner of the firm of McMullen & Stanton, practicing surgeons of Schenectady, New York. Roger Williams, the second son, born February 2, 1882, died on the 30th of May of the same year. Margaret Beaumont, born May 16, 1883, was graduated from the Iowa State College in 1902 and spent the following year in post-graduate work at Bryn Mawr. She afterward devoted two years to post-graduate work in Wisconsin University, winning the Master of Arts degree in 1908. She was awarded a scholarship in the department of history for 1909 and is now instructor of history of the State Preparatory School at Bowlder, Colorado. Edgar Williams Stanton, Jr., the youngest son, born January 19, 1887, was graduated at Ames College in 1907 with the Civil Engineer degree, did post-graduate work at the Wisconsin University in 1909-10 in hydraulic engineering, and now is irrigation engineer at Gridley, California. Four years after the death of his first wife Professor Stanton was married, on the 21st of December, 1899, to Miss Julia A. Wentch, of Traer, Iowa. She was graduated from the Iowa State College in 1888, was 1nstructor in mathematics in the Beatrice (Neb.) high school from 1889 until 1903, and instructor in mathematics in Iowa State College from 1893 until 1896 and again in 1898-9. In 1896-7 she was a post-graduate student in the Chicago University. She is very prominent in the club and social life of the college and city and has been president of the Ames library board from 1905 to the present time. The only child of this marriage is Barbara Stanton, born October 15, 1904. Professor Stanton has always given his political allegiance to the republican party but has never been an aspirant for office. He belongs to the Congregational church and labors earnestly to promote its growth and extend its influence. At this point it would be almost tautological to enter into any series of statements as showing him to be a man of broad intelligence and genuine public spirit, for these have been shadowed forth between the lines of this review. Strong in his individuality, he never lacks the courage of his convictions but there are as dominating elements in his individuality a lively human sympathy and an abiding charity which, as taken in connection with the sterling integrity and honor of his character, have naturally gained for him the respect and confidence of men. The Iowa State College is in considerable measure a monument to his life work, but greater than even this is the monument that he has builded in the lives of those pupils who have been influenced by his instruction and stimulated and inspired by the example which every teacher consciously or unconsciously sets before his pupils. [History of Story County, Iowa, Vol. 2, 1911, submitted by Cathy Danielson] Mrs. Margaret McDonald Stanton Margaret McDonald Stanton, teacher, member of the first faculty of the Iowa State College at Ames, was born in New Concord, Ohio, Oct. 22, 1845, and died at her home on the college campus, July 2, 1895. A teacher is not alone one who teaches the rule of three and the facts and dates of history but one who moulds character and gives to young people ideals. Margaret McDonald was educated in the public schools of Ohio, in the Muskingum College, and in the Young Ladies’ Seminary in Mt. Pleasant, from which she graduated with honors. She taught in the public schools for several years, spending her vacations in the home of an educated French family, to improve her French. In 1871 she was elected to the chair of English and French in the State Agricultural College, as it was then called. Vocational schools were then an experiment and there were very few co-educational schools. Largely through her tact and wisdom did this co-educational college become popular and many girls came here to be educated. On Feby. 22, 1877, she was married to Prof. E. W. Stanton, and in 1879 resigned her position as teacher, to make a home. Four children were born to them, one died in infancy. Margaret Hall, on the campus, is named in her honor, as is also the beautiful campanile in which a chime of sweet toned bells sound the hours, and every day from the tower is played some hymn, bringing to mind the faith, the noble character, and the womanly graces of the woman whose life inspired the erection of this monument. [The Blue book of Iowa Women, by Winona Evans Reeves, Publ. 1914, Transcribed by Dana Kraft] George Tegland This representative and intelligent agriculturist of Latah county is well entitled to consideration in this volume and is accorded such since he is a man of sound principles and good ability, which has been manifested lure for twenty years. He is now the owner and manager of a fine estate of three hundred and twenty acres, five miles north from Genesee, where the family home is. George was born in Kendall county, Illinois, on December 3, 1855, being the son of Ole and Isabella (Marcus) Tegland, natives of Norway. The father emigrated from Norway in 1848, settling in Kendall county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming until 1872, being also married there, in which last year he removed to Story county, Iowa, farming there also until of late years he has retired from active labors and lives with his son in that county. The first twenty-two years of our subject's life were spent in service with his father and then he took up railroading for a year or so, after which he married and settled down in Story county, Iowa, where he purchased a farm and devoted himself to producing the fruits of the soil. In 1882, he sold his property there and migrated to Latah county, taking a homestead where he now lives. Later he purchased another quarter. He has given his entire attention in the management and improvement of his farm and the result is that he has a fine property, well improved, while he is a man of good reputation and is highly esteemed throughout the neighborhood. On February 28, 1882, in Story county. Iowa, Mr. Tegland married Miss Jennie Borgen, a native of Norway, and to them have been born the following children: Oscar T., Alvin D., Nellie M., Arthur O. and Jessie L., twins, the latter of whom died; the youngest child is also named Jessie L. Mrs. Tegland's parents were, Amund and Dortha (Herselberg) Borgen, natives of Norway, but immigrants to this country in 1869. The father lives here and is a member of the Lutheran church, but the mother died on December 22, 1897, and is buried in the Lutheran cemetery. Our subject and his wife are members of the Lutheran church and he is one of the substantial and well-to-do men of the section. [An Illustrated History Of North Idaho Embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai, Shoshone Counties, State Of Idaho, Western Historical Publishing Company, 1903, submitted by Barb Z.] Copyright © Genealogy Trails All data on this website is Copyright by Genealogy Trails with full rights reserved for original submitters.