-590- JAMES D. SMITH, one of the representatives of the legal profession of Cherokee, Iowa, is a native of the prairie State of Illinois, and was born in Peoria County, November 22, 1844. His father, Joseph Smith, a cooper by trade, was a native of Pennsylvania. He married Miss Maria T. Barnes, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and soon after their marriage located in Peoria County, Illinois, where he followed the cooper's trade for many years; later on in life he turned his attention to farming in Fulton County of the same State. He finally removed to La Salle County where he died November 24, 1854. His wife died in Brookfield, Missouri, in October, 1880; her second husband also died in that State. By her first husband she reared nine children, of whom James D. F. was the sixth child. He attended school in La Salle County and later at Aurora, Illinois. He began life's realities by teaching school during the winter and employing his time in agricultural pursuits in the summer season. In 18__ he entered the law office of Dickey & Rice, at Ottawa, Illinois, with whom he studied for the legal profession, and was admitted to the bar before the Supreme Court of that State in May, 1870. In November of the same year he cast his lot with the people of Cherokee County, Iowa; in May, 1871, he built an office on the lot now occupied by his two-story business block, erected in 1880. He now has his office on the second floor of this building, and rents the first floor for a store-room. In 1870 Mr. Smith married Miss Adelia R. Gillett, a daughter of D. S. and Susan Gillett. Mrs. Smith was born and reared in La Salle County, Illinois, and removed with her parents to Cherokee in June, 1870. By this union eight children have been born: Claud M., George D., Effie A., Henrietta (deceased), Gertrude E., Addison J., Blanche and Fannie S. Politically our esteemed subject is conservative, always reserving the right to vote for the best man, regardless of party lines. On the State and National ticket he votes with the Democratic party. He has served on the Cherokee School Board, first by appointment and next by election; he was also elected justice of the peace in 1871 and 1872. He is an honored member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 188, Cherokee, Iowa. -591- ROBERT BELL, now a retired farmer living in Cherokee, Iowa, is justly entitled to mention in this connection. He is a native of Scotland, born October 13, 1839, and is the third son of Robert and Isabella (Murray) Bell, also natives of Scotland. The grandfather on his father's side was James Bell, an don the mother's side, James Murray. The family removed from their native land to Canada when our subject was but four years old; there the father died April 26, 1888, at the age of eighty years; the mother, who is ten years younger than her husband, still lives in Canada with her son James. Robert spent his youth in Canada, and received his education in the common schools. In 1863 he made a trip to California, and remained there three years, during which period he was engaged in a mill for the Union Lumber Company. Upon his return to Canada he engaged in the blacksmith's trade which he continued two years, and at the expiration of that time he removed to Will County, Illinois; was employed in farm work for Robert Gilkinson. In 1880 he came to Cherokee County, locating in Pilot Township, where he secured a quarter section of land which he at once commenced to improve. In 1884 he left his farm and came to Cherokee to live a more retired and easy life, having been a hard worker ever since his early youth; he also wished his children to avail themselves of the excellent school privileges afforded in the public schools. Mr. Bell was united in marriage January 9, 1866, to Miss Mary Ann Gale, a native of Canada and a daughter of Joseph and Mary C. Gale. Five children have been born of this union: John W., James E., both learning the machinist's trade in Illinois Central shop at Cherokee; Ruby J., Ida May and Agnes Anna. In the spring of 1889 Mr. Bell was elected street commissioner of Cherokee. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. To Mr. Bell much credit should be given; he came to Will County, Illinois, with only fifty cents in his pocket, and year after year he has worked along, supporting a family which is an ornament to society, and has accumulated considerable property, including his farm and town residence, and three other house which he rents. He and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian Church. O. R. OLMSTEAD, a retired boot and shoe dealer of Cherokee, Iowa, was born in Bethany, Wayne County, Pennsylvania, December 4, 1830, and is the son of Raymond and Joanna (Jack) Olmstead. the father was a shoemaker by trade. Our subject's ancestors on his father's side were of English descent. He was reared in the town of his nativity, receiving a common-school education. At the age of thirteen years he commenced to learn the shoemaker's trade of his grandfather, remaining with him until he was twenty-one years of age. In 1854 he went to Grant County, Wisconsin, where he worked at farming until 1863. He then removed to the beautiful town of Boscoebel, Wisconsin, where he again resumed his trade, at which he continued until 1876, when he removed to Cherokee, Iowa, and purchased the boot and shoe stock owned by Davis Bates, after he had worked at the bench six months. He continued in the boot and shoe -592- trade until 1887, when he sold his stock to Mr. Bates, of whom he had originally purchased it. Mr. Olmstead was married in 1853, to Susan B. Simpson, a native of Wayne County, Pennsylvania, and daughter of John Simpson, Esq. Three children have been born to these estimable parents: Raymond, a resident of Grant County, Wisconsin; Minnie M., wife of Eugene Hodgins, and Agnes M. In politics Mr. Olmstead is counted with the Republicans. In his business career he has been prudent and thorough, and is now comfortably situated, owning a pretty home near the Congregational Church in Cherokee. ANDREW BLOMBURG, merchant tailor, Cherokee, Iowa, was born in Sweden, July 22, 1850. He is the oldest son of Nelson and Christina (Johnson) Blomburg, who still reside in their native land. Andrew was started to school at the age of seven years, and continued to pursue his studies until he was fifteen years old. On leaving school he went to learn the tailor's trade, and served an apprenticeship of three years. He started in business for himself, following it with great diligence for five years. He was then seized with a desire to try his fortune in the New World, and accordingly sailed for America, landing in the city of Philadelphia. Without delay he continued his journey to the West, and located at Galva, Henry County, Illinois; there he worked at his trade for eleven months, and then went to Oneida, Knox County, Illinois, remaining there two years. We next fin him in Atlantic, Iowa, where he resided nearly one year. In September, 1885, he removed to Cherokee, Iowa, and was employed by William Jones as a cutter for two and a half years. At the expiration of that period he embarked in the business on his own account; he has devoted his time exclusively to his trade, and employs from two to three men. He is a faithful, conscientious workman, and has won a large patronage. Mr. Blomburg was married in 1878, to Miss Martha Oleson, a native of Sweden. Three children have been born of this union: Nelson, Andrew and Otto. Mr. and Mrs. Blomburg are consistent members of the Congregational Church of Cherokee. WILLIAM L. MILLER, one of Cherokee's successful liverymen, in 1888 purchased the livery business originally belong F. D. Yaw, but at that time the property of Mr. Denslow. He continues the business at the old stand near the Raymond house, and keeps a most excellent stock of horses and vehicles. In connection with livery proper he runs a farmers' feeding stable, which is a large and paying business. Mr. Miller is a native of the old "Keystone" State, Pennsylvania, and was born at Freeport, Armstrong County, March 13, 1860. His father, James Miller, died when he was a mere lad. HIs parents were natives of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, the father being born September 21, 1832, and the mother August 7, 1833. Her maiden name was Martha McGinnis, and she was a daughter of Andrew McGinnis, of Scotch descent. Thomas Miller, the grandfather of our subject, was an early settler in Western Pennsylvania. To James and Martha Miller were born six children: Joseph W.; Mayzel, wife of John Sleezer; William L.; Allie E., wife of Burt Wilson; Austin, a clerk in the drug store of Z. A. Wellman, and Mary A. (deceased). The father of our subject was a soldier in the Civil War, a member of the -593- Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was taken ill from exposure and hard service in camp life and weary marches cover a period of four years, from the effects of which he died. In June, 1869, William L. with his mother and family removed to Cherokee County, Iowa, locating on a new farm four miles southwest of the present site of Cherokee. Their means were very limited and the country being new, it required a great struggle to get along, but by good management the mother kept her children together until the boys were large enough to take care of themselves. William L., the subject of this biographical sketch, received the limited education which he could obtain in the district school at that time. He began his business career in trading in horses and cattle in a small way, and as his means increased he branched out, and began buying and shipping horses. Mr. Miller was united in marriage in 1885, to Miss Lucy Howe, a native of Harlan, Shelby County, Iowa, and a daughter of David Howe. Two children (twins) have been born of this union: Ralph A. and Harold A. Mr. Miller is a member of Speculative Lodge, No. 307, A.F. & A.M.; he also belongs to the order of the Knights of Pythias at Cherokee, and is numbered in the organization known as Sons of Veterans, Camp No. 184. Unaided by others, and having attained his present position without assistance, he is certainly entitled to much credit and praise. HALVER A. SKAVLEN, head salesman of the large dry-goods establishment of Allison Brothers, Cherokee, Iowa, is a native of Wisconsin, born at Beloit, November 6, 1846. He is the oldest son of Abraham and Caroline (Guneld) Skavlen, who were among the early settlers of Newark, Wisconsin. They were both natives of Norway, and after many years' residence in the "Badger State" they removed to Kansas, where the mother died a few years later; the father still lives in the southern part of the State, where he is engaged in raising stock. Halver A. was reared to farm life, and was early sent to the public schools of his native State; afterward he entered Beloit College, in which institution he remained two years; he then attended Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College at Chicago, where he took a full and thorough course. He then accepted a clerkship at Beloit, Wisconsin, in a large general mercantile establishment, which position he held three years. He then quit the store and returned to agricultural pursuits, which he followed several years. In 1872 Mr. Skavlen was married to Miss Rachel Allison, and after his marriage he remained on the farm a short time, and was then employed as a traveling salesman by the Ohio Champion Reaper Company; he proved very efficient in this business and remained with the firm five years, his route taking him through the States of Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Upon leaving the road he went to Orfordville, Wisconsin, at which point he conducted a hotel for two years. The next four years of his career were spent as deputy sheriff of Rock County, Wisconsin, and two years he was turnkey of the jail. His next business engagement was with the Stoughton Wagon Works, located at Stoughton, Wisconsin; he served this firm as traveling salesman a year and a half. In the autumn of 1883 he came to Cherokee, Iowa, and soon after accepted a position with Allison Brothers, which he still retains. Mr. and Mrs. Skavlen have one daughter, Generva A. Mr. Skavlen is a member of Morning Star Lodge, No. 10 A.F. & A.M., of -594- Wisconsin, and of Burning Bush Chapter, No. 90, R.A.M., and Crusade Commandery, No. 39, K.T., of Cherokee. He also belongs to Ingersol Division of the Uniform Rank of Knights of Pythias, and the Odd Fellows Lodge, at Cherokee. Politically our subject is a stanch Democrat; he was the regular nominee on that ticket for clerk of the courts of the county, in which there is always a large Republican majority, yet he was defeated by only twenty-seven votes. He is an excellent business man, and is well known throughout this portion of Iowa. RICHARD J. SMYTH was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in March, 1848, and is the sixth of a family of eight children of James and Maria (Reynolds) Smyth, natives of Virginia, of English and Irish extraction, who were among the early settlers of St. Louis. Richard J. passed his boyhood in his native city, where he received a liberal education. At the tender age of sixteen years he entered the Union Army, enlisting in Company D, Second Missouri Cavalry. He was sent to the South, and while scouting in the mountains was taken prisoner, but was released in a short time. After a service of two years he was mustered out in 1865 at Leavenworth, Kansas, having spent the most of his time on the frontier in the suppression of Indian Raids. After leaving the army he engaged in teaming and grading on the Union Pacific Railroad. In 1869 he came to Cherokee, where he had a livery stable for two years. He sold this stock and removed to Pilot Township, following agricultural pursuits the next two years. At the end of this period of time he came back to Cherokee and started a transfer and dray line, which he operated successfully for five years. In 1888 he was appointed superintendent of fencing on the Cherokee Division of the Illinois Central Railroad. Mr. Smyth had no aspirations to an official position, but in 1869 the honor came to him unsought. He was appointed sheriff of Cherokee County, to serve the un-expired term of Mr. Miller, who had resigned the office. He discharged his duties with a rare fidelity, but when the time for which he was appointed expired, he relinquished the position with no regrets. He had had enough! Mr. Smyth was united in marriage, July 10, 1870, to Miss Ellen Backus, a native of the State of Iowa. Three children have been born of this union: Maria A., Ellen M. and Richard J. Mr. Smyth is a member of Speculative Lodge, No. 307, A.F. & A.M.; of Burning Bush Chapter, No. 90, R.A.M., and of Crusade Commandery, No. 39, K.T. At the present time he is city assessor, having been elected in the spring of 1888, for a term of two years. In politics he is rather conservative, voting, however, with the Republican party. FRANK M. HINMAN, locomotive engineer on the Illinois Central Railroad, now residing at Cherokee, Iowa, was born in the State of New York, Allegany County, January 18, 1855. He is the oldest of three sons of Sherwood D. and Clarissa (Randall) Hinman, natives of the State of New York. In the spring of 1862 Sherwood D. Hinman removed with his family to Wisconsin, where they remained many years, and where the mother died in March, 1876. She was a devoted wife and mother, and was beloved by all who knew her. In making his move to the West the father felt confident of being able to give his sons a better start in the world, and like many another fond parent -595- he has had the pleasure of seeing his children grow to be prosperous and successful factors in the upbuilding and development of some community in the great West. Frank M. was reared in the State of Wisconsin, and passed his younger days on a farm. He received his education in the common schools. At the age of twenty-seven years he began his career as a railroad man. He was first a fireman of the Illinois Central Railroad, and while acting in this capacity he began studying the locomotive and its operation. When he was considered competent to take charge of an engine, than which none other is more fraught with dangers and responsibility, he was promoted to that position. He has been found a most efficient and faithful person, and the interests of the company have not suffered in his hands. Mr. Hinman was united in marriage to Miss Ida E., daughter of C. A. Durkee, Esq. He first came to Cherokee in 1884, and took charge of his engine February 17, 1885. He owns some valuable property in Cherokee, and in 1889 he erected a neat and substantial residence with modern conveniences, and is comfortably situated. MAJOR ROBERT M. SMITH is the president of the Citizens' Life Association of Cherokee, Iowa, which company was organized in the month of February, 1885, upon the mutual plan. He was born in ARmstrong County, Pennsylvania, in July, 1838. His first schooling was that afforded by the public schools of that time, but later he had the opportunity of entering an academy, of which he gladly availed himself. Upon leaving his studies he went to the gold mining districts of California, where he remained until 1861; he then returned to his native State, and at the call for men to go to the defense of this beloved land, he became a member of Company K, Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, his regiment being assigned to the Army of the Cumberland; he took part in many severe engagements, among which may be mentioned Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain and the last battles of Franklin, and Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Smith was promoted from Lieutenant to the rank of Captain,a nd later to that of Major of his regiment. He was mustered out of the service in October, 1865, after which he returned to Pennsylvania. In 1870 he came to Sioux City, Iowa, and the following year to Cherokee County, and soon thereafter he embarked in the grocery trade with Henry Asman. During President Arthur's administration he was appointed to the office of postmaster at Cherokee, and upon the election of Grover Cleveland to the Presidency he resigned his position. His next business was in connection with the Mutual Life Assoication before alluded to; he is president of the Company, and devotes his entire time and attention to the business, which extends over Iowa, the Western Territories, and into the Dominion of Canada. In 1870 Mr. Smith married Miss Margaret Stephens, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in which city she was born and reared to womanhood. to Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born five children: Leota, Leona, Roy, Almeda and Glenmoer. Mr. Smith has always taken an active part in State and local politics, affiliating with the Republican party. WALTER W. ROBERTS, who is engaged in the transfer and ice business at Cherokee, Iowa, was born in Herfordshire, England, January 3, 1852 -596- and is a son of Charles C. and Sophia (Bean) Roberts. The family emigrated to America in 1858, and had been here but fifteen months when the father was taken ill, and they returned to England. In 1872 they came back to the Unites States, landing in the city of New York. Thence they came immediately to Cherokee,where the father opened a wagon and carriage shop,which he carried on until his death, which occurred in 1885. The mother is still living. There are three children in the family: Walter W., the subject of this notice; Emily, the wife of John Underhill, and George, now a resident of England. Walter W. Roberts began his business career by working on a farm by the month. In 1879 he established his dray and transfer line in Cherokee, which he carries on quite extensively, employing from six to twelve teams. The demand for ice during the warm months increasing as the place became of greater population, Mr. Roberts in 1883 began packing ice, and handles annually 700 tons. He supplies a large part of the local trade, and ships largely to neighboring towns and counties. In connection with his transfer line he takes contracts for delivering railroad ties to the Cherokee & Dakota branch of the Illinois Central Railroad between Cherokee and Onawa. At one time he took a contact for grading the road-bed for two miles, and in this undertaking he was very successful. HIs office is near the track of the Illinois Central Railroad, and is well fitted up for business purposes. Mr. Roberts bought the old fort, which was built of logs, and moved to a tract of five acres which he owns in the south part of the town. This now stands among the few relics of the past. At one time he took a great interest in hunting, and has quite a selection of heads of animals in a fine state of preservation. He also has a large collection of petrified specimens and Indian relics. Mr. Roberts owns a good stable where he keeps the horses used in his business, and also has a comfortable residence. When he began life as a farmer boy he had not a single dollar, but force of character and industry and energy have brought their reward of success. EDWARD MORRISON, one of Cherokee's enterprising and successful men, engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, is a member of the firm of Morrison & Co., successors to E. B. Smith & Co., now of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. At first Edward Morrison and Eli Eshelman purchased the stock of E. B. Smith & Co., and operated the same until 1886, when our subject purchased his partner's interest, and at the time took as a partner A. J. Sherman, M.D., and these two gentlemen constitute the firm of Morrison & Co. Edward Morrison is a native of Vermont, but the most of his youth was spent in Clinton County, New York. He is the son of Bradley Morrison, who was an extensive farmer, and for many years was largely interested in lumber and iron industries, being the resident manager of a large iron company. He married Miss Betsey Hilliard, a native of Vermont, who died when Edward was but four years old; thus he was early deprived of a mother's love and care, and at the tender age of eleven years he began hard work, chopping wood and assisting in the manufacture of charcoal. When twenty-six years of age he went to the State of Michigan, stopping in Marquette County, where he followed charcoal burning, using an improved kiln. There he remained until 1875, when he took a Western trip, going to Utah Territory; he again engaged in charcoal burning, and spent -597- three years there. His next move was to Lake County, Colorado, where he took up his old business; he drifted about through the West, went to Leadville,where he resided four years, and finally came to Cherokee, Iowa. Mr. Morrison was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hobart, a native of New York, in 1872. They are the parents of five children: Edward W., Dana H., Hallie, Gertie and Durant. Mr. Morrison is a member of Speculative Lodge, No. 307, A.F. & A.M.; of Burning Bush Chapter, No. 90, R.A.M., and of Crusade Commandery, No. 39, K.T., of which he is junior warden. In politics he is a Republican, taking an active part in local as well as national campaigns. He has been a very successful man in his business operations, and now owns 234 acres of good land, most of which is well tilled, and stocked with cattle and hogs. Mr. Morrison has had a very eventful career, has seen much of human nature in his extended travels. N. E. HOBART, a leading agriculturist of Pilot Township, has been a resident of Cherokee County since 1879. He was born in Orange County, Vermont, April 11, 1825. His parents, Caleb and Lydia (Packard) Hobart, were natives of the State of Massachusetts. The father was engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods, and naturally the son spent his early years at work in the mills; the educational advantages he received were afforded by the common schools. Not content with the limited business opportunities offered in New England, Mr. Hobart emigrated to Wisconsin, settling in Winnebago County, where he remained two years; he then removed to Waupaca County, Wisconsin, being one of the pioneers of that county. In 1876 he went to Ontagamie County, Wisconsin, and lived there three years engaged in the lumber trade. In 1879 he came to Cherokee County and purchased eight acres of land; he was prosperous in this undertaking, and later added forty acres to the land first bought; he has place it under good cultivation and has added many improvements in the way of buildings and planting trees. The farm is divided into fields for convenience in raising cattle. There is a marked air of thrift and prosperity about the Hobart farm which betokens the ability of the owner to follow agricultural pursuits successfully. Mr. Hobart was married February 3, 1850, at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to Miss Jane Augusta Parker, the daughter of Ira and Leticia (Millen) Parker. The parents were natives of New Hampshire, but removed to Oshkaosh, Wisconsin, where they were among the pioneers; they lived in Oshkosh from 1848 until death. Mrs. Hobart is a woman of unusual intelligence, and was a successful teacher; she received her education at Keeseville, New York. both Mr. and Mrs. Hobart are worthy members of the Episcopal Church at Cherokee, and have the confidence and respect of all who know him. WILLIAM BRUCE, [this bio appears in the book twice to read go page 477.] -598- ASPH PINGREY,deceased, had the honor to be one of the early settlers of Silver Township, Cherokee County, having located there in 1869. He was born July 21, 1869. He was born July 21, 1799, and was a son of Nathaniel and Anna (Robbins) Pingrey. He was married March 9, 1841, to Miss H. C. Johnson, a daughter of Jonathan and Hannah (Cenedy) Johnson, natives of Salem, Massachusetts. For many years Asaph Pingrey lived in Rutland County, Vermont. In 1855 he removed to Shiawassee County, Michigan, and lived there until 1869, when he came to Cherokee County, as before stated. He and his wife reared three children; Miss L. R. Pingrey, who resides on the homestead; W. M., of Woodson County, Kansas, and A. W. Pingrey. Asaph Pingrey died June 26, 1880. HIs wife resides on the homestead in Pilot Township. A. W. Pingrey was born in Rutland County, Vermont, August 11, 1849. He is a son of Asaph and H. C. (Johnson) Pingrey; when six years of age his parents removed to Shiawassee County, Michigan, where he spent his youth; his time was divided between attending the graded schools and attending to the duties usually devolving upon a farmer's son. In 1869 he came with his father to Cherokee County; they improved 700 acres of land in Silver Township. In 1883, after the death of the father, the family purchased their present farm in Pilot Township. Mr. Pingrey casts his suffrage with the Republican party. S. W. BURDGE.—One of the honored and early settlers of Pilot Township was S. W. Burdge, a son of English parents, William and Ann (Clapp) Burdge. Our subject was born in Onondaga County, New York, November 2, 1836, and at the age of ten years removed with his parents to Washington, now Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, where he grew to manhood. HIs father was a blacksmith, and at an early age he had received an excellent training in this business; he received his education in the common schools. In 1858 he went to Ohio, remaining -599- there two years; desirous of seeing more of the great West, he pushed on to the coast in 1860; he resided in California six years, and then returned to Wisconsin, stopping at Madison for eighteen months. Not yet satisfied with what he had seen of this country he took a trip through Missouri and Kansas, returning to Marshalltown, Iowa, where he resided until 1869. In that year he took a homestead of eighty acres which is now his home; as settlers were few, and the trades not crowded, Mr. Burdge made use of his early occupation, and also improved his farm. He now owns 117 acres of Cherokee County's best land; there are good buildings, a grove, and an orchard of four acres. Mr. Burdge was united in marriage in 1872 to Miss Malinda Bickford, who died in six years. He was married to his present wife, who was Miss Minerva Jones, in October, 1879. Three children have been born of this union: Willie F., Anna Eliza and Charles Arthur. Mr. Burdge casts his suffrage with the Republican party. His honorable dealings, and his frank and cordial manners have won for him many friends. A. M. MAPES, deceased, was one of the favorably known and highly esteemed citizens of Pilot Township. He was born in Orange County, New York, April 1, 1816, and is a so of Partial and Maria Mapes. When a lad seven years of age his parents removed to Bradford County, Pennsylvania, where he was reared to farm life, attending the district school during the winter season. He was married July 4, 1845, at Elmira, New York, to Eleanor Baker. By this marriage one daughter was born, Mary E., wife of Jesse McCurry, of silver Township. After his marriage Mr. Mapes resided in Chemung County, New York. Mrs. Eleanor Mapes died February 16, 1848. Mr. Mapes was married December 9, 1849, to Miss Ann F. Miller, of Chemung County, New York, a daughter of Hiram B. and Mary Ann (Russell) Miller. Hiram B. Miller came to this county in 1867, and lived here several years; he then removed to Nebraska, and died there July 12, 1881. His widow died July 5, 1882, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Mapes. A. M. Mapes removed from Chemung County, New York, to Allegany County, New York, and in 1863 he went to Rush County, Indiana; at the end of two years he went to Crawford County, Pennsylvania, and in 1867 he came to Cherokee County and took a homestead of eighty acres, which he improved and made his home until his death, which occurred July 26, 1883. He left a widow and one son to mourn his loss. Politically he affiliated with the Republican party. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for twenty-nine years, serving as steward, class-leader, and as trustee. E. L. Mapes, a leading agriculturist of Pilot Township, has been a resident of Cherokee County since his fifteenth year. He was born in Chemung County, New York, August 12, 1853, and is a son of A. M. and Ann E. (Miller) Mapes. He grew to manhood as Iowa was developing from a wild Territory to a cultivated and prosperous State. January 1, 1879, our subject was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Hutchins, of Cherokee County. She was born in Winnebago Cunty, Illinois, and is a daughter of Henry and Sarah Hutchins. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mapes: Lewis C., [page 600 ] Lawrence E. and Minnie E. The Mapes farm contains 120 acres of land in a high state of cultivation; there is a comfortable house, good buildings for the protection of live-stock and grain, and two acres of fine grove. Mr. Mapes affiliates with the Republican party. -600- A. C. GILMORE is a Pennsylvanian by birth, as are many thrifty citizens of Cherokee County. He was born March 25, 1833, and is the son of John and Esther (Criss) Gilmore, natives of Pennsylvania. A. C. was two years old when his parents removed to Meigs County, Ohio, where his mother died. In 1861 the father moved to Johnson County, Ohio, where he passed the remainder of his days. Until eighteen years of age our subject was rained to agricultural pursuits; he then learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed with some interruption twenty-five years. At the age of twenty-two years he determined to see the western borders of this great continent, and so went to California by water. He remained upon the Pacific Coast for six years, working at his trade, and holding some interest in mines. In 1860 he returned to the States, voting for Lincoln while on shipboard. He returned to Middleport, Meigs County, Iowa, locating eight miles southeast of Cedar Rapids; he bought the land where Ely's Station now stands; he resided there and at Western College, Linn County, until 1876, with the exception of one year, 1863, which he spent in California, making the trip overland. In 1876 Mr. Gilmore came to Cherokee County, and purchased wild land which he has brought to an advanced state of cultivation; the place contains 240 acres, has a good story and a half house, pleasantly situated, and all the buildings necessary to general farming and stock-raising. Mr. Gilmore was married in Meigs County, Ohio, November 18, 1854, to Miss Hattie Ault, who was born at New Albany, Indiana. She was three years old when her parents, Frederick and Mary (Wheeler) Ault, removed to Meigs County, Ohio. Her father died in the East, and her mother died at her (Mrs. Gilmore's) home. Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore have had born to them two children: Charles H., a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, who was educated at Western College, and now resides at Elmwood, Nebraska, and Daisy E., residing at home. Charles H. Gilmore married Miss Rosa A. Wills, of this county, and three children have been born to them: Frederick J., Edith May and Lillie Belle. Mr. Gilmore is a man who has traveled much, and with wide-open eyes; he is well informed upon general topics, and is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Pilot Township.

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