USA > Iowa > Story County > History of Story County, Iowa; a record of organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 40
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY
listed, on the 17th of May. 1861, as a private in Company E, Third Iowa Infantry, under Captain John Scott. The regiment, commanded by Colonel N. G. Williams, was assigned to the First Brigade, Fourth Division, Sev- enteenth Corps of the Army of the Tennessee, as a member of which Mr. Wood participated in several important engagements, including the battles of Blue Mills, Missouri, and Shiloh or Pittsburg Landing. He was on detached service for a time, and in April, 1862, at Shiloh, while en route to Corinth, he was honorably discharged because of disability, at which time he was mustered out. He suffered greatly from exposure during his term of service, being little more than a skeleton when he reached home, and it required several months to recuperate.
As soon as his returning strength would permit Mr. Wood took up teaching as a means of support, and for many years his time was thus occupied during the winter months, while in the summer seasons he was engaged in farming. becoming successful in both branches. His identifi- cation with the educational interests of his part of the state was a source of benefit to the communities in which he labored, for he proved himself a most competent and able instructor, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. After withdrawing from the profession of teaching he served for many years as member of the school board, the cause of education ever finding in him a stalwart champion. He became interested in various other phases of community life and was one of the best known and most public-spirited citizens of his part of Story county. Possessing those qualities which always win respect and confi- dence, he was chosen as executor of many estates and his aid was in- variably sought in matters requiring business ability and integrity. In- deed there were few residents of Indian Creek township whose counsel and advice were more largely sought than that of Jesse R. Wood, and no trust reposed in him was ever abused. That he was endowed with keen business ability is indicated by the fact that he was numbered among the substantial and prosperous farmers of his district, being the owner at the time of his death of a valuable farm of two hundred acres besides sixteen acres of good timber land. The farm is yet in the possession of Mrs. Wood, although she has since disposed of the timber tract. About five years prior to his death Mr. Wood turned the work of his farm over to others and retired from active life, taking up his abode in Des Moines. About two years later, however, he came to Maxwell and was here re- siding at the time of his death.
On November 20, 1862. Mr. Wood was united in marriage to Miss Juliet Wilson, of Grant township, a daughter of Alfred and Anna ( Adams) Wilson, formerly of Licking county, Ohio, and by this marriage were born six children, as follows: Georgiana, the widow of W. H. King, who re- sides in Des Moines: Ida H., who wedded Rev. Wilson Mills, a Baptist minister of Omaha, Nebraska; Harvey A., engaged in farming in Okla- homa : Edith, the wife of L. W. Stone, of Nevada. Towa: Jessie E., who
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY
married Professor C. W. Kirk, of Collins, Iowa; and Ada L., the widow of Roy W. Brokaw, of Des Moines.
Like his wife Mr. Wood was ever a faithful and devoted church mem- ber, his actions at all times being in harmony with his professions. At an early day he joined the Baptist church and remained an earnest worker therein until the disbanding of the congregation at Iowa Center, when he united with the Christian church in Maxwell. For twelve years prior to his demise he served as elder in the latter church, and Mrs. Wood con- tinues an active and helpful factor in its work. Death came very unex- pectedly to Mr. Wood on the 6th of March, 1905. He was standing on the railroad platform in Cambridge preparing to board a train for Des Moines when he suddenly dropped dead. Deep regret was felt at his death, the news of which brought a sense of personal loss into the heart of almost everyone who had known him, for with his passing Story county lost one of her most valued and influential citizens, the measure of whose success in life was taken not so much by the material gain which was his as by the honor, confidence and good-will extended him by his fellowmen.
GEORGE SEVERT NELSON.
Although he has been a resident of Story county but eleven years, George Severt Nelson is recognized as one of its leading agriculturists and business men. He was born in Norway in 1859 and is a son of Severt and Julia (Anderson) Nelson. After the death of the father, which oc- curred in Norway, the mother married O. O. Oleson. The family came to the United States in May, 1866, and located at Grinnell, lowa, where they remained for only three months, and then came to Story county. The first five years of their residence in this county they lived on a rented farm but during that period were able to accumulate sufficient capital to enable them to buy eighty acres of land north of Slater in 1871. Owing to their thrifty habits and industry they were later able to add another forty to this. Mr. Oleson has now retired from active farming and is living in Roland, enjoying in the evening of his life the ease and comfort denied him during the hard working days of his early manhood.
George Severt Nelson was only a lad of seven years when the family located in Story county, therefore his boyhood and youth were passed here and in the district schools he acquired his education. He remained a resi- dent of Iowa until 1883, when he went to South Dakota and entered one hundred and sixty acres of land. Two years later he filed on a tree claim and in 1898 he bought another quarter section, making the aggregate of his realty holdings in that state four hundred and eighty acres. He sold his property in 1900 and the following year returned to Story county and Lought two hundred and twenty-one acres. Ile has since added to his
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property and now has two hundred and ninety-four. In addition to his landed interests Mr. Nelson is a stockholder in the canning factory at Cambridge and the Charles Publishing Company, of Chicago, Illinois.
Mr. Nelson wedded Miss Carrie Tesdall and they have become the parents of seventeen children, eight sons and nine daughters, fourteen of whom are living. They are as follows: Gertie; Leslie Morris; Mattie; Sivrie; Orville; Clarence; Chester, deceased; one who died in infancy; Jessie and Bessie, twins; Benjamin ; Florence; Alvin ; Verna ; Laura; Lil- lian ; and Beulah.
Mr. Nelson is a member of the socialist party and has always taken an active interest in politics. In 1899. while a resident of South Dakota, he represented the sixteenth district in the state legislature and was re- nominated by the populist party for another term but was defeated. He was also elected to the office of county assessor in Buffalo county, South Dakota, and served as clerk of his township for ten years and two as treasurer. During his residence in Jowa he has been the candidate of the socialist party for the office of railway commissioner of the state, but was defeated because of the minority of his party. Wherever he has lived Mr. Nelson has shown himself to be a public-spirited, progressive and enterprising citizen.
JOHN NIELSEN.
Denmark has contributed thousands of her progressive sons and daugh- ters to America and in this country many of them have found home, friends and fortune, now being numbered among the most honored mem- bers of their respective communities. In this class is John Nielsen, a well known miller and grain dealer of Slater. He was born in Denmark, June 26, 1857, a son of Niels and Margaret Madsen, both of whom spent their entire lives in Denmark.
John Nielsen was reared under the parental roof and acquired his early education in the common schools of his native land. At the age of fourteen years, according to the custom of the country, he was appren- ticed to a trade and learned the milling business, becoming very adept in an industry which can be usefully applied in almost any country of the world. In 1880. being then twenty-three years of age and ambitious to advance as rapidly as possible in life, he emigrated to America, coming to Sheldahl, lowa, where he readily found employment at his trade. About 1884 he and a partner rented the mill, which they operated for a short time. He then went to Grinnell and made an effort to rent the mill at that place but was not able to accomplish his purpose and after spending a few months at Sheldahl, became associated with his brother in a clothing store at Fargo, North Dakota. Two years' experience in the clothing busi-
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY
ness convinced him that the trade to which he had been reared offered more favorable inducements, and accordingly, in 1891, he once more re- turned to Sheldahl and in company with B. C. Dueland rented the mill at that place, which they operated for three years under the firm name of Nielsen & Dueland. In 1894 he and his partner purchased a two-thirds interest in the mill at Slater and began its operation, acquiring the remain- ing interest seven months later. This mill was at the time only a feed mill and in order to meet the growing demand of an increasing population the firm enlarged the building and put in modern machinery, including a complete roller-process plant, making the mill one of the leading industries of the locality. In April. 1910, the building was destroyed by fire, the depot and freight houses also being swept away at the same time. The firm of Nielsen & Dueland was composed, however, of men of determina- tion and they immediately purchased the elevator building of Oley Nelson and fitted it out with milling machinery, so that they have since conducted an elevator and a mill, being also extensive dealers in coal and feed. They are now enjoying a large and increasing patronage.
In 1879 Mr. Nielsen, before coming to America, was united in mar- riage to Miss Sina M. Peterson, a native of Denmark, and two children blessed this union: Nels M., now of Slater; and Catherine, the wife of Fred Nelson of Missoula, Montana.
The life record of Mr. Nielsen is a remarkable illustration of the possi- bilities in America for men who have learned a useful trade and are pos- sessed of business ability to make practical application of their knowledge. He has no reason to regret making Iowa his home, as he has secured a competency and is assured of a liberal annual income. Politically he is allied with the prohibition party. He has not sought public office but has ably served as member of the town council. He and his wife are con- nected with the Methodist church, Mr. Nielsen being one of the stewards of the local organization.
OLIVER G. TICHENOR.
Many of the successful agriculturists of Story county are native sons, men whose parents came here in pioneer days and broke the prairie, felled the trees for their log cabins, built the roads and in short endured all of the hardships and privations incident to life in an unsettled district and among these may be mentioned Oliver G. Tichenor. He was born in Nevada township on the 7th of October, 1869, a son of Joseph and Martha J. (Mccullough ) Tichenor. The father was a native of Delaware, born on the 9th of March, 1813, and was a son of Moses Tichenor. He went to Indiana as a child with his parents and there he spent his boyhood and youth, acquiring his education in the district schools. Ile remained in his
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY
father's household until old enough to work for himself, at which time he left and began farming. Some time after his marriage he removed to Bureau county, Illinois, but after one year's residence there he again started west and in 1855 he located in Story county, lowa. He bought one hun- dred and sixty acres of land on section 28, Nevada township, at one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre and there he spent the remainder of his life.
Joseph Tichenor married Miss Sarah Applegate in Indiana and they became the parents of the following children: Nathaniel, who enlisted from Story county and was killed in battle during the Civil war: May Elizabeth, the widow of J. P. Robinson, of Ness City, Kansas; Malvina, deceased. who married J. S. Middleton : Louisa, the widow of J. Tanner, of Stewart, Iowa : Emma, who died in childhood. Mrs. Tichenor died before they left Indiana and in 1855. while living in Illinois, he married Miss Martha J. Mccullough, who was born in South Carolina on the 10th of March, 1830. and unto them were born seven children: George L., who is living on the old homestead; Isabelle, the wife of J. W. Hayne, living in Nevada town- ship, Story county: Eva, who died at the age of thirteen years; Carlton W., who died at the age of twenty-six, leaving a widow and one son, Joseph, who was the twin brother of Carlton W. and died at three years ; Edward M., also living on the old home farm; and Oliver G. The father passed away on the 16th of June, 1876. He had always voted the re- publican ticket and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. The mother had passed the seventy-ninth milestone of life before she died on the 21st of February, 1909. All of the Tichenor children of the second marriage were born on the old homestead and there the brothers George and Edward, the former born on the 4th of February. 1856, and the latter on the 10th of November. 1865, have always resided. Edward Tichenor is single but George is now a widower. He was married in 1889 to Nettie Wireman, but she died five years later, in 1894. They have three hundred and eight acres of well improved and highly cultivated land and engage in general farming and stock raising and feeding. in all of which they have met with more than moderate success and are considered to be among the most successful and substantial farmers in Nevada township. They have always been stanch supporters of the republican party and take an active interest in all local political issues. Edward Tichenor has held the position of township clerk and township assessor and is the present in- cumbent of the latter office. He is a member of the United Evangelical church.
Oliver G. Tichenor, the youngest member of his family, was educated in the district schools of Story county and after he laid aside his text- books assisted on the home farm until his marriage, when he began farm- ing for himself. He rented land for one year but at the end of that time bought a small farm of forty acres, which he cultivated for two years, and then rented a larger place, which he operated for four years. At the erd of that time he had acquired sufficient capital to enable him to invest in
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY
eighty acres in Richmond township, upon which he lived for ten years. In January, 1909, he bought his present place, which consists of two hun- dred acres on sections 12, 13 and 14, Nevada township, and engages in general farming. Ile owns one of the valuable farms in that township and keeps a good grade of stock. The improvements upon his farm are kept in repair and the fields reward his careful supervision by an abundant har- vest, which always commands good prices.
Mr. Tichenor was married on the 17th of March, 1891 to Miss Hattie Whittaker, who was born in Nevada township in 1867, a daughter of Thomas Whittaker. They hold membership in the United Evangelical As- sociation. Ever since attaining his majority Mr. Tichenor has been identi- fied with the republican party. He always takes an active interest in local politics and during his residence in Richmond township served for four years as township assessor, while he is at present filling the office of town- ship clerk in Nevada township. He is highly regarded in the community where he lives, is a public-spirited man and always gives his support to every measure that will prove of public benefit. Both he and his wife have many friends, to whom they extend the hospitality of their pleasant home.
CHARLES G. VASEY.
Charles G. Vasey, of the firm of Vasey Brothers, dealers in lumber, coal and agricultural implements at Collins, by his active and honorable business life is well entitled to representation in this volume. He was born in Peoria, Polk county, Iowa, September 17, 1873, a son of William and Anna (Oxley) Vasey, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.
Mr. Vasey acquired his early education in the district schools and later attended the Collins high school, graduating in the first class that com- pleted the course in that institution. He then entered the Capital City Commercial College, from which he was graduated in 1896, securing a practical business education, which has been of great benefit to him in his contact with the world. He began his business career in the bank at Max- well and later was connected with both banks at Collins. For two terms he made a test of his talents as a school teacher but found the work un- congenial, and being attracted to mercantile pursuits in February, 1898, he purchased from S. A. Rush the Collins lumberyard, two years later taking into partnership a younger brother, Arthur A. The business is conducted under the title of Vasey Brothers, and they have secured an extensive patronage, the concern being recognized as one of the most successful in Story county.
In June, 1902, Mr. Vasey was united in marriage to Miss Grace King, a daughter of William King, of Collins, and by this union one child, Harok!
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IJISTORY OF STORY COUNTY
B., has been born. Mr. Vasey is independent politically, and thus is free from partiality in casting his ballot and is able to take a broad view of political questions. He is actively interested in public affairs and served three terms as town clerk, two terms as mayor of Collins, and at the present time is a member of the school board. He previously filled the office of secretary of that body for several years and was a member of the board when the handsome new school building was erected, being largely instrumental in the inception and accomplishment of that important work. He is identified with Amity Lodge, No. 361. 1. O. O. F., and also with Sunbeam Lodge. No. 181. Mystic Workers of the World. He ranks as one of the leading business men of Collins, and as he has always dealt fairly with others, never seeking to advance his personal interest to the injury of his fellowmen, he possesses in an eminent degree the respect and esteem of the entire community.
JOIN R. HALL.
The name of John R. Hall holds a prominent place in the list of the pioneers of Story county, where he has lived for more than fifty years. He was born in Ross county, Ohio, on the 2d of December. 1835. his parents being Thomas and Eliza ( Rosenbarger ) Hall, both natives of Vir- ginia, who removed to Ohio with their parents in the early days and were there reared and married. In 1836 they went to Kosciusko county, Indiana. where they lived until the fall of 1854. when they again started westward. their destination being Story county, Iowa. When they were nearing the end of their journey, which was made in wagons across the prairie, cholera broke out in their party, and one member succumbed to the dread disease and was buried nine miles this side of Marengo, while two more were laid to rest in the little cemetery at Grinnell, one of them being AAmos Hall. a brother of our subject. Upon their arrival in Story county they located on two hundred acres of land which Thomas Hall had purchased in Indian Creek township and where they continued to live until both parents passed away, the father at the age of sixty-nine years and the mother just after passing the seventy-second anniversary of her birth. They were the parents of eight children and of the six surviving four have passed their seventieth year, namely: Noble Porter Hall, a resident of Maxwell. lowa; Mary Jane, the widow of Augustus Berlin, of Ottawa, Kansas: John R .. our sub- ject : James 11., also of Maxwell: William C., of Golden Prairie, Wyoming : Thomas, of Bagley, lowa.
The boyhood and youth of John R. Hall was very similar to that of other farmer lads in pioneer days. The educational facilities afforded by the district school provided him with the fundamental principles of the three "R's," an introduction to which was acquired in a log school, with
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY
puncheon floor and slab benches, where the rod formed a very important feature of the curriculum. At the usual age he laid aside his text-books to assume the heavier responsibilities of manhood. He remained at home until he was twenty-three years of age, when he rented land and began farming for himself, but by thrift, hard work and self-denial he was able to acquire sufficient capital to purchase eighty acres on section 13, Indian Creek township, in 1867. The land was unimproved and after erecting a house he located thereon and from then until 1888 this continued to be his home. In the latter year he removed to Maxwell, where he has ever since lived retired, which is the reward of tireless energy and indomitable courage in the face of the hardships and misfortunes incident to life in a new country.
Mr. Hall responded to his country's call and went to the front during the Civil war with Company I of the Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in which he had enlisted on the 27th of October, 1864. He took part in various skirmishes and battles, among the most important being the battle of Nashville. Receiving his discharge on the 28th of July, 1865, he then returned home.
On the 17th of October, 1861, Mr. Hall and Miss Sarah Dunahoo were united in marriage. Mrs. Hall is a daughter of William Dunaloo, one of the pioneer settlers of Story county, who came here in 1854 and located on a farm in Indian Creek township.
Mr. and Mrs. Hall are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has always been a stanch supporter of the republican party, although he has never sought any reward for party fealty in the form of political honors or public office. He is known as one of the substantial citizens of Maxwell and has always been held in high regard in the communities where he resided because of his fine sterling qualities.
MADISON R. DUNAHOO.
Among the well known and highly successful native sons of Story county is Madison R. Dunahoo, who was born in Indian Creek township on the 19th of May, 1857. He is a son of John and Rachel ( Ray) Duna- hoo, the father being a Virginian by birth and the mother a native of Indiana. They came to lowa in 1854, locating on the farm where their son Madison R. was born and now lives. Eighty acres of this land was acquired from the government and later Mr. Dunahoo bought forty more adjoining. It was here that they reared their children and continued to make their home during the remainder of their lives. On the 28th of March, 1880, Mrs. Dunahoo passed away and was survived by her hus- band for twenty-four years, his death occurring on the 12th of November, 1904. He was an ardent advocate of the principles of the republican
HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY
party and always wheel ing it- candidates, hi- niebla being prepared by electiun at the vari as : n-hip office-, all Mi which he mont canaliy filled.
Mail. a R. Denah y was reated upa the farm where he a : live- a- i which he continued on call himme up a bis twenty -third year. at which time he was married an . began farming independently as a renter. In INo he went :. Shel'y county. Iowa, where he had previously bought eighty acres : land and hal lived there for four years. when. his father having signifel his intentinn nf dip -ing of the himme place. he returned and purchased it.
Mr. Dunahne married Mis. Jennie Selby, a daughter of Charles Selin. vi Nevada township. and : vo sons vere bir t. them: L: 1 C. was Crowne ! in the Des Moines river. very shortly after his graduation from the Capital City Commercial College. : Des Mire -: ani Tame. Glenn.
The family attend the Unite! Evangelical church, of which the parents are members, and Mr. Dnahog is alsoline of the trustee- of the church as well as assistant superintendent of the Sunday ch ol. He :- aler de of the prominent republicans of his own-hip. always taking an active interest in all local political issues That he is highly esteeme! and pupu- la: with the members of his party is atteste ! My the fact that he is amm serving his with term as a member of the brand fraternal relating: are confinel to membership in Social Inige. N = 3. I. O. O. F .. of Max ve ...
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