George B. Macomber lived on his father's farm until he was twenty-four years of age and received a liberal common-school education. He also took up the study of pharmacy at the Northwestern University at Chicago. After his graduation he established himself in a drug business at Maynard, Fayette county, Iowa, and made a success of his enterprise, for he knew all the details of the work, having clerked in a drug store while studying his profession. In 1900 he sold his business and in July, 1901, came to Olin, where he opened another drug store and has since been very profitably engaged in this line of business. Mr. Macomber is also interested in musical matters and five years ago organized a brass band, now known as the Olin Concert Band, of twenty pieces, of which he has always been the leader. His first instruction in music was obtained in a country singing school and he has since pursued the art with increasing pleasure.

In October, 1894, Mr. Macomber married Margaret B. Parrott, a native of West Union, Fayette county, Iowa, and a daughter of William Parrott. Mr. and Mrs. Macomber have one son: Guy B. Mr. Macomber is city clerk or recorder and is identified with the democratic party, of which he is an enthusiastic member. He is also popular fraternally and is clerk of Big Wood Camp, No. 526, Modern Woodmen of America, and he is a Mason, belonging to Ancient Landmark Lodge, NO. 200, Of Olin. As a druggist Mr. Macomber is conscientious and can be relied upon implicitly for he has the welfare of the people at heart and carefully guards their interests as well as his own reputation for honorable dealing. He is a wide-awake man who is quick to see the benefit of changes in the city government and is very popular on account of his musical associations.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 325.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 566.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 604.

Henry G. Manuel received his early training for life at home under the wise. guidance of his parents. He attended the public schools, whose instruction he supplemented by a business course at Charles City College. He was graduated from that institution with the class of 1898 and in 1900 commenced farming on his own account. For a period of four years he operated a rented farm in Hancock county, and then in March, 1905, came to Jones county, where he had previously purchased eighty acres of his present farm in Madison township. Here he located and has lived since, though as the years brought him rich returns for his toil he has been able to increase the extent of his fields until now he owns two hundred acres. It is good land and by care and study he has made it one of the most fertile tracts in Madison township, for he is a progressive man and employs scientific methods in the cultivation of his crops.

In 1901 Mr. Manuel was united in marriage to Miss Elsie E. Erickson, of Madison township, a daughter of H. Erickson, of whom extended mention is made in another part of this volume. Of this union there have been born two children: Albert T. and Harvey H. Mrs. Manuel is a member of the Presbyterian church. but her husband does not belong to any denomination, though be is a Christian in the larger acceptation of the term. The perseverance which has distinguished his labors has brought him more than the success which is evident to any one who has seen his farm and the well kept buildings; it has brought him the good-will of his fellow citizens who supported him so effectively when his name was put upon the republican ticket as a candidate for the office of township trustee. Fraternally he is a member of Wyoming Lodge, No. 147, 1.0.0.F. and of the Mystic Workers of America.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 156.

As the oldest of the fatherless family, James H. Maple early bad to assume a man's responsibilities. Indeed he was but fifteen when he undertook to manage the farm for his mother, tilling the soil faithfully and diligently until he became of age. He had been able to obtain only the most meager education, but through experience, united with a determination to succeed, he has made his way along the highroad of life. Upon attaining his majority he rented the home farm for a few years, and then bought it, adding to it from time to time, as occasion offered until he now owns a tract of two hundred and twenty-four acres. It is well improved and highly cultivated, although Mr. Maple has given his attention especially to the raising and feeding of stock, is now a breeder of pure breed Aberdeen Angus cattle. When he started out in life for himself, the conditions were much more difficult than they would be now for any boy similarly situated, but the courage which inspired his mother to come to a land that was at the time practically in the first state of development was his birthright and supported him in the years of his struggle, which are now little more than memories, though they do afford him a justifiable gratification as glancing from them be views the position he now occupies in the community of Wyoming township.

On the 17th of July, 1884, Mr. Maple wedded Miss Viola K. Thomas, who was born in Clinton county, Iowa, May 16, 1860. Her parents were Benson and Eliza (Hough) Thomas, the former a native of Maine, the latter of Pennsylvania. They came to Iowa, however, when this state was first being sought as the place of residence, owing to government inducements. Mr. Thomas pursued farming until his death, which occurred in Wyoming, but his widow is still living with her children,, of whom there were seven. Mr. and Mrs. Maple have had four children: Florence B., who has had a fine musical education and is now in Colorado teaching that branch of art; Louis T., who is at home; and Paul H., who is in Idaho in the drug business; and Benson, who died when about a year old.

Mr. and Mrs. Maple give their religious support to the Presbyterian church, of which they are both consistent members, and in whose work they take an active interest. Politically, Mr. Maple finds himself more closely in sympathy with the republican party, but he has never aspired to any public office, although the substantial success he has won would naturally suggest him to his fellow citizens as a worthy candidate for their support. He is a member of Keystone Lodge, No. 206 A.F.&A.M., and is frequently seen at its meetings.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 140.