Ames Iowa

Ames is a city in Story County located in central Iowa along the Skunk River, an area originally inhabited by Native American tribes including the Sauk and Meskwaki prior to Euro-American settlement; the community was established in 1864 as a railroad town along the Cedar Rapids and Missouri Railroad, with growth closely tied to transportation and later to the founding of Iowa State University in 1858 (opened in 1869), which became a major institutional center influencing population and record-keeping; Story County was created in 1846 and organized in 1848, providing jurisdiction for probate, land, and court records from that period, while a post office was established at Ames in 1864, marking continuous local documentation; the city’s development reflects agricultural, educational, and transportation influences, with federal census schedules beginning in 1870 for this locality; Iowa began statewide registration of births and deaths in 1880, though compliance was inconsistent until 1921, making earlier vital records often found in county records, church registers, and cemetery inscriptions.

Biography of David T. Miller

David T. Miller, born in Ohio in 1843, distinguished himself through military service in the Civil War and in civic duty. A member of the Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, he participated in significant campaigns, serving without injury. After the war, he pursued education and was admitted to the bar in 1870. He practiced law in Ottumwa until relocating to Boise in 1891, where he became influential in local politics. Recognized for his leadership, he served as speaker of the Idaho House and as deputy collector of internal revenue. He is married with two children, embodying progress and patriotism throughout his career.

Biographical Sketch of J. Wilkes Moore

J. Wilkes Moore, born in Pittsburgh on March 16, 1840, graduated from Iowa State University and served in the Civil War, ultimately rising to Captain in the Twentieth Iowa Regiment. After the war, he held various positions including Marshal and Chief of Police in Davenport. He was involved in journalism, editing the Davenport Banner and founding the Douglas County Democrat and the Salem Chronicle. Known for his principles and energy, he contributed significantly to his community’s media landscape.

Biography of Mary Pierce Van Zile

Mary Pierce Van Zile, born February 7, 1873, in Kansas, became a prominent faculty member at the Kansas State Agricultural College, serving as dean of women and the division of home economics. After the death of her husband, she pursued her education, graduating from Iowa State College in 1904. Joining Kansas State in 1908, she demonstrated exceptional ability in her field, influencing hundreds of young women annually. A dedicated educator and mother, she is recognized for her strong character and commitment to her students’ futures.

Biography of R. P. Kelley

R. P. Kelley, a distinguished lawyer since 1884, originally from New England, has balanced his legal career with substantial business interests across the country. Born in Newburg, Maine, in 1850, he came to the West in 1870, eventually earning his law degree in Iowa. After practicing law in Iowa, he settled in Eureka, Kansas, where he built a significant civil practice. A politically independent figure, Kelley has refrained from seeking office, though he served as regent for the State Agricultural College. He married Harriet Whitney in 1879.

Biography of Robert Ward Olmsted

Robert Ward Olmsted, born May 6, 1868, in Edgington Township, Illinois, rose from humble beginnings to become the judge of Rock Island County. Starting work at thirteen, he balanced employment with education, ultimately graduating with a Bachelor’s degree from Iowa State College. His career spanned various roles in education and law, culminating in his election as County Judge in 1907. A committed family man and community member, Olmsted was active in the Presbyterian Church and several fraternal organizations, leaving a lasting legacy in his community.

Biography of Francis H. Cook

Francis H. Cook, born in 1851 in Marietta, Ohio, was a prominent journalist and politician in the Pacific Northwest. After starting his career as an apprentice at the Harrison County Union, he later owned the Olympia Echo, where he criticized the contract system at the local insane asylum. Cook founded the Tacoma Herald and the Spokane Times, showcasing innovative reporting methods. His political career included a successful term on the legislative council. He later shifted focus to agriculture and family life, building a substantial farm near Spokane Falls.