USA > Iowa > Story County > History of Story County, Iowa; a record of organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 24
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Jacob E. Erickson is indebted to the district schools of Story county for his education and when he had acquired such knowledge as he felt fitted him to begin his business career he laid aside his text-books and as- sumed the more serious work of life. Hle remained a member of his father's household until after his twenty-first year. at which time he began working for himself. He managed his father's farm for seven years and then engaged in the grain business, with which he is still actively identified. He owns a sixty thousand bushel elevator and besides this is a stockholder and director of the Story County Telephone Company. He also owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Hamilton county, Iowa, and one-half section in Hamlin county, South Dakota.
Ever since age conferred upon him the right of suffrage Mr. Erickson has cast his ballot with the republican party. He has always taken an active interest in municipal matters and is now acting as a member of the council of Roland. He is a member of the Lutheran church and is un- married. He is one of the popular and progressive young business men of Roland, who by means of his close application, unswerving purpose and industry has met with a more than average degree of success, which his fellow townsmen feel is justly his right.
DANIEL M. GROVE.
Implement dealers of Iowa are well acquainted with the capable and enterprising gentleman whose name introduces this review. Since its or- ganization he has been secretary and manager of the Iowa Implement Dealers Mutual Insurance Association and has displayed an ability which meets the hearty approval of implement men in all parts of the state. He is a native of Bedford county, Pennsylvania. having been born May 10, 1856. a son of John 1. and Correlia ( Giles) Grove. The ancestors of the family on the paternal side came from Holland in the colonial times and their descendants assisted the patriots under Washington in freeing this
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country from British domination. John L. Grove was a blacksmith and followed his trade for some years in the east, coming in 1868 to Carroll county, Iowa, where he bought land and became well established as a farmer. He departed this life at the age of seventy years. Politically he gave his support to the republican party and fraternally he was identified with the Odd Fellows. The mother of our subject was of Irish descent. both of her parents having been born on the Emerald isle. She died at forty-one years of age, when the subject of this review was a lad of eight years. She was a woman of many noble characteristics and a faithful mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church.
The fourth in order of birth in a family of six children, Daniel M. Grove reared under the parental roof and at twelve years of age came to Carroll county, Iowa. He attended a private school in the east, continuing his education in the district schools after arriving in Iowa. Having applied himself closely to his studies he was able to secure a certificate as a teacher at sixteen years of age and taught school for sixteen years, having charge of the Coon Rapids schools during the last four years of his experience as a school-master. However, he decided to seek other avenues for the exercise of his talents and in March, 1888, he became connected with the implement business at Coon Rapids, in which he continued for two years.
In 1890 Mr. Grove removed to Nevada, embarking in the same line of business, which he conducted with marked success for sixteen years. In 1894 he was elected county auditor of Story county and reelected two years later, filling the position with general acceptance to the voters of the county for four years. He also served as state secretary of the Implement Dealers Association for several years until 1907. He gained a wide acquaintance among men in this line of business in the state and was among the origi- nators of the Iowa Implement Dealers Mutual Insurance Association, which was chartered by the state in 1903 as an organization by means of which the implement men might carry their own insurance. Mr. Grove has been from the start one of the most active workers in this movement and since 1903 has served as secretary and manager of the association. The duties of his office increased to such an extent that he was obliged to give up his private business four years ago. He now devotes his entire time to the insurance association, which has grown remarkably and is one of the most flourishing organizations of the kind in the country.
In 1877 Mr. Grove was united in marriage to Miss Orra Beadell, who was born in Lee county, Iowa, and is a daughter of Levi and Polly Beadell. The father was for many years identified with the agricultural interests of Linn county but later took up his residence in Lee county. Mr. Grove holds membership in the Knights of Pythias and politically gives his allegiance to the republican party. He served for two terms as member of the city council but during recent years has not sought public office, as his time has been fully occupied with business affairs. His career should be highly encouraging to every young man who has ambition to make an honorable
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record for himself. To attain deserved success requires perseverance, self- reliance and habits of industry and when these characteristics, as in the career of Mr. Grove, are united with well established principles of per- sonal honor and fidelity to all obligations there can be no doubt as to the result.
JOHN H. LARSON.
It is an old saying that perseverance wins success and in countless cir- cumstances the truth of this statement has been fully demonstrated. An additional evidence is presented in the life of John H. Larson, ex-mayor of Slater and widely recognized as one of the substantial business men in Story county. As president of a flourishing bank, he has shown his ability in the field of finances and for years he has been at the head of one of the leading mercantile establishments of his part of the county.
lle was born in Norway, July 30, 1862, a son of Lars and Anna Haugen. The parents emigrated to the United States in 1866 and spent two or three years near Lisbon, Illinois. then removing to Polk county, Iowa. but in the fall of the same year took up their residence north of Ames in Story county. Two years later Mr. Larson rented a farm in the northeast part of the county and after cultivating this place for four years purchased a farm in Hardin county. upon which he lived until his retirement to Slater. After the death of his wife he took up his home with a daughter at Hux- ley, where he now lives.
John H. Larson came to America with his parents when four years of age and remained at home, securing such education as was available in the district schools until he arrived at the age of fifteen or sixteen years. Hav- ing a natural inclination for mercantile rather than agricultural life, he se- cured a position in a store at Sheldahl, continuing in that establishment for eleven years. He became well acquainted with mercantile affairs and ac- quired a solid foundation for a successful business career. Having decided to begin upon his own account, he came to Slater in 1889 and purchased a half-interest in the lumber business of A. K. Ersland. the firm assuming the title of Ersland & Larson. Later he acquired his partner's interest and the business has since been conducted under his own name, being now the leading mercantile concern in Slater. Mr. Larson was one of the organ- izers of the Farmers Savings Bank at Slater and was elected a member of the board of directors, the Hon. Oley Nelson being chosen as president. After several years Mr. Nelson resigned and Mr. Larson was selected as his successor. a position which he has filled with the highest credit to him- self and to the great satisfaction of the officers and stockholders of the institution.
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On the 28th of December, 1898, Mr. Larson was united in marriage to Miss Ella Walker, a daughter of Torkel Walker, a native of Norway, who came to America when a young man and passed thirty-three years of his life in Polk and Story counties. He is a carpenter by trade but has also successfully engaged in farming and is now living in Slater. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Larson three children have been born : Cecil Anselm, Leslie Tru- man and Miriam Lucile.
Mr. Larson gives his adherence to the republican party and his voice is often heard in its councils in his part of the county. He has served many times as a member of the town council and also for eight or ten years as mayor of the town, being recognized as one of the most efficient executive officers the town has known. He is a valued member of Slater Lodge, No. 384, I. O. O. F., and he and his wife are connected with the Rebekahs and the Lutheran church. He is a stanch friend of education and always lends his aid to the public schools. As a citizen he is patriotic, prompt and true to every obligation and as a man he is held in the highest honor and esteem by all classes.
CAPTAIN THOMAS CLIFTON McCALL.
For many years one of the most distinguished citizens of Story county, Captain Thomas Clifton McCall, now deceased, gained a reputation for enterprise, sound judgment and integrity which has been accorded few men in this part of the state. In both private and public affairs he was eminently successful, gaining a fortune and at the same time proving by liis useful and honorable life a constant source of inspiration to those with whom he was associated.
He was born in Ross county, Ohio, September 4, 1827, a son of Samuel W. and Ann (Clifton) McCall. The father was born in Kentucky in 1792 and the mother in Ross county, Ohio, in 1795. In his early manhood Samuel W. McCall was a soldier in the war of 1812 and was wounded at the battle of Maguauga, which occurred about the time of Hull's sur- render. He came to Iowa and located in Polk county, where he died in 1864, his wife having passed away in Ross county, Ohio, in 1833. He was a son of Samuel McCall, who was born about 1750 in Maryland and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He was drowned in Licking river. Kentucky, in 1795. Our subject's maternal grandfather, Thomas Clifton, who was born in South Carolina about 1740, fought under General Na- thaniel Greene in the war for independence and later settled in Ross county, Ohio, where he died about 1830.
In 1836 Thomas Clifton McCall came with his father to Burlington. Jowa, where they remained during the summer, removing in the fall to Fulton county, Illinois, where he lived on a farm for ten years. At the
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age of nineteen he began teaching. having charge of the first school that was opened east of the Des Moines river in Polk county. After a short experience as a schoolmaster he embarked in the mercantile business at Lafayette, Polk county, in partnership with A. Y. Hull. continuing for three years, when he became the pioneer merchant of Rising Sun, in the same county. From the beginning he had shown a decided ability in busi- ness affairs and in 1855 he entered the real-estate business at Des Moines. coming to Nevada three years later, where he dealt quite extensively in land for many years, becoming the owner of about three thousand acres in Story county. He was a man of quick discernment and wide observation and as time passed he became remarkably proficient in knowledge concern- ing current events, especially those of public and political interest. In 1861 he was chosen to represent Story county in the state legislature and served in the regular and special sessions of that year and also in 1862, this being a period of unusual importance on account of the Civil war.
In October, 1862, Mr. McCall proffered his services to the government and was sent to the front as quartermaster of the Thirty-second Jowa In- fantry with the commission of lieutenant and continued with his regiment in the field. He was appointed by President Lincoln assistant quarter- master of volunteers with the rank of captain, March 22, 1864, and served in that capacity until November 27. 1865. when he received his honorable discharge. He performed the arduous duties devolving upon him during these trying years of the war with absolute fidelity and his army record was a source of just pride to himself and is a splendid heritage for posterity. After resuming peaceful pursuits he was, in 1881, again sent to the legis- lature from Story county, being reelected in 1883, and was state senator. representing Boone and Story counties in 1892 at the time of his death. He was one of the most active and efficient representatives that this county has ever sent to the general assembly and by his efforts and personal in- fluence accomplished much work that has been of special benefit to the county and state.
Captain McCall was three times married. By his first marriage he had one son, John A., who is now practicing law at Des Moines. His second wife was Mary A. Boynton and by this union three children were born : Minnie Ellen, now Mrs. A. C. Cronenwett, of Monrovia, California ; Fred C., a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work; and Edward M., a practicing attorney of Nevada. The third wife of Captain MeCall bore the maiden name of Clara Kennedy. She is now living in Nevada but the son born of this union died at the age of five years.
Captain McCall passed away August 11, 1892, being then sixty-five years of age and an acknowledged leader in the business and financial circles of Story county. He carly realizes the value of industry and perse- verance and his life was a remarkable exemplification of those principles carried to a legitimate conclusion. He was generous in his judgment and friendly toward every cause calculated to advance the public interest and in
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numberless ways contributed to the welfare of his fellowmen. For almost fifty years he was a member of the Presbyterian church and was seldom absent from religious service when circumstances made it possible for him to attend. He became an Odd Fellow in 1853, joining the order at Des Moines and representing it a number of times in the Grand Lodge of the state. He was also a valued member of the Grand Army of the Republic and was one of the best friends the old soldiers of Story county have known. The death of Mr. McCall deprived the community of one of its most loved and respected citizens, one who was eminently successful in his efforts to make the world better and whose memory will long be revered by those who knew him.
CLARK CHAMBERS.
Among the business men of Collins, Clark Chambers occupies an honor- able place, having won his way through many obstacles. Today he is recog- nized as one of the thoroughly substantial citizens of the community and has the satisfaction of knowing that he has gained his present position through his own unremitting diligence and sound judgment. He was born near De- catur, Illinois, November 15, 1873, a son of James A. and Mary (Clark) Chambers. The parents were both born in Ohio and were married in that state, subsequently removing to Illinois. The mother passed away in 1878 and the father has since been twice married. His present wife was Miss Caroline Smith, whom he married in Guernsey county, Ohio, and they are now living upon a farm in Tuscarawas county, that state.
At fifteen years of age Clark Chambers began his battle with the world. Going to Bloomington, Illinois, he worked as a farm laborer for a year and then returned to Ohio, where he was employed for two years in a sawmill. Once more starting westward, he reached Collins, Iowa, where for four years and four months he was employed by Charles Fish, an extensive stock feeder of this section. Not having seen enough of the world, Mr. Cham- bers decided to visit the great west and accordingly he took a trip through the Dakotas, Idaho, Utah and the Pacific northwest, working at various oc- cupations as opportunity presented. He was absent for two years and in February, 1902. returned to Collins, with a mind richly supplied with ex- perience which has been to him of inestimable value. Soon after reaching Collins he became connected with the meat and provision business, with which he has ever since been identified, being now a member of the firm of George W. Baldwin & Company, general merchants, also handling meat and provisions upon a large scale.
On the 20th of May. 1902, Mr. Chambers was united in marriage to Miss Mary Wood, of Des Moines, and by this union five children have been
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born, four of whom are now living, namely : Irene, Laurence C .. Gerald and Marjorie.
Mr. Chambers started out in life entirely upon his own resources as a boy and difficulties served but to spur him to renewed effort, strengthening his will and developing a fearlessness and an indomitable spirit of self- reliance that are among his prominent characteristics. He has attained a position of comparative financial independence. although only thirty-eight years of age, and can still look forward to many years of activity and use- fulness. Fraternally he is a valued member of Fervent Lodge. No. 513, A. F. & A. M., and in political belief he adheres to the republican party.
JAY A. KING.
Jay A. King, of Nevada, now in the grain and lumber business and formerly county treasurer of Story county, is in the best sense of the word a self-made man. Coming to this county forty-two years ago, he forged his way through many obstacles to a position of financial ease, at the same time gaining the enduring respect and esteem of the people of the county.
lle was born at Akron, Ohio, May 28, 1845. a son of Dr. John E. and Ann (Jackson) King, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of England. The father had meager opportunities for education in his early years, but this handicap was largely overcome by close application to home study after he grew to manhood. He began his business career in the mercantile pursuits at Akron, removing in 1855 to New Lisbon, Wisconsin, where he farmed and conducted a shoe store for several years. In 1861 he came west, taking up his home at Eldora, Hardin county, Iowa. and, having decided upon a professional career, he matriculated at Hahne- mann Medical College. Chicago, from which he was later graduated. He returned to Eldora, where he has ever since continued in the practice of his profession. He was very successful from the start and as the years passed became recognized as one of the leading physicians of the county. He is still in practice, although eighty-five years of age, being almost as strong physically and mentally as ever in his life. He is a man of un- usual intelligence, generous and broad-minded, a constant student of books and current events, and a stanch friend of education. He is a good musician and for many years took a prominent part in musical affairs of the church and the community. Fraternally he is identified with the Ma- sonic order and politically has been a supporter of the republican party ever since its organization. He is greatly esteemed by his professional brethren and for two years was president of the Iowa Homeopathic Med- ical Association, being now an honorary member of that body. The mother of our subject came to this country from England with her parents, who
JAY A. KING
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settled at Akron, Ohio. She passed away in 1863, at the age of forty-five years.
There were six children in the family of Dr. and Mrs. King: J. A., the subject of this review; George II., in the fruit growing and jewelry business in Colorado; Ina, deceased; Elizabeth, who married George Brookins, a veteran of the Civil war. now living at St. Paul, Minnesota; Oliver J., a farmer living retired at Zearing. Iowa : and John E., engaged in the publishing business at St. Paul.
Jay A. King was educated in the public schools of Akron, Ohio, New Lisbon, Wisconsin, and Eldora, Iowa. He taught school for two years and at the age of eighteen, in the summer of 1863, enlisted at Eldora in Com- pany H, Ninth Iowa Cavalry. He attained the rank of quartermaster ser- geant and was engaged principally in scout duty with small detachments, his regiment being assigned to that branch of the service. He continued faithfully until February, 1866, when he was honorably discharged at Dav- enport, Iowa. After laying aside the accoutrements of war, appreciating the importance of further educational training, he took a course in a Chi- cago business college, after which he became a bookkeeper in the pipe department of the Crane Manufacturing Company of Chicago.
After a year's experience in this line Mr. King returned to Iowa and worked for a few months on a farm, teaching school the following winter. In 1868 he came to Iowa Center and entered the employ of the general mercantile firm of Baldwin & Maxwell as bookkeeper. His ability being soon recognized. he was after the first year made credit man and busi- ness manager. The firm was one of the remarkable concerns of those times, controlling a business of three hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year, although the house was located in a town of four hundred inhabi- tants. Mr. King continned for seven years at Iowa Center, becoming widely acquainted in the county which he had adopted as his permanent home. In 1875 he was elected county treasurer and continued in the office for three terms. Upon assuming the duties of the treasurership he removed to Nevada, where he has ever since lived. After retiring from public office he associated with Otis Briggs in the Farmers Bank, conducting its affairs for eight years with great success. After a vacation of a few years he entered the grain and lumber business in 1889 at Nevada with O. L. Dun- kelbarger under the title of Dunkelbarger & King and has so continued to the present time. He was for six years president of the Iowa Grain Deal- ers Association and is now president of the Western Grain Dealers Mutual Fire Insurance Association. a position which he has held for two years past. He has been eminently successful in his various business enterprises and has for years been known as one of the most prosperous and influen- tial men in this part of the state.
In 1880 Mr. King was united in marriage to Miss Lillie A. Day, of Ohio, a daughter of E. G. Day, and to them one child was born, Day E., now superintendent of the light and heating plant at Park City, Utah, and Vol. II-14
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the father of two children. The mother having departed this life in 1881, Mr. King was united in marriage in 1889 to Mrs. Elizabeth ( Severns) Coggshall, the widow of M. Coggshall. Mrs. King was the mother of one son by her first husband, Fred M .. now a theatrical manager. She is a member of the Presbyterian church and a leader in the social circles of the community.
Mr. King is identified with the various Masonic bodies, including the Shrine, and also with the Knights of Pythias. He is a member of Jason D. Ferguson Post, G. A. R. and in politics gives his support to the repub- lican party, having cast his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln as president of the United States. He has served most acceptably as member of the city council several times, as member of the board of trustees of the pub- lic library and also as president of the board of education. As a public officer he has been conscientious, efficient and thoroughly reliable, setting an example in the discharge of his duties well worthy of emulation. He has never sought to advance himself at the expense of others and as a generous, liberal-minded and progressive citizen he has fairly earned the honorable place he occupies in the community.
OLE B. OLSON.
The stock-breeders have been of inestimable benefit to farmers and in- directly to the whole country, adding vastly to the value of domestic animals and making the business of the farmer, when properly conducted. highly profitable. Ole B. Olson of Story county should be named in the class that is accomplishing this good work, being a successful stock-breeder whose opinions are an authority on shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. He was born in Union township. Story county. June 17, 1872, son of Brit and Sarah (Sandeno) Olson, both of whom were born in Norway. They were married in their native country and after their emigration to the United States became residents of Union township. Story county, lowa, where the father engaged in farming. He departed this life in 1882, but the mother is now living with her daughter. Mrs. E. H. Sheldahl. in Story county.
Ole B. Olson was the youngest member of the family and was ten years of age when his father died. The mother, however, bravely kept her chil- dren together until they were grown up. The subject of this review at- tended the district schools and assisted in the support of the family until after arriving at twenty-one years of age, when he began farming on his oWil account on rented land. At the age of twenty-four he purchased one hundred and thirty acres on section 2, Palestine township. which he culti- vated for seven years and then sold, buying his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 26 in 1902. 1le has made many improvements, rebuilding the residence, setting out trees, etc., so that he now has one of
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