Margaret Nelson could be summarized as the epitome of a pioneer mother and spouse. Moving with her husband, Daniel Nelson, in the late 1840's to Mahaska County, Iowa, Margaret had to endure a great deal once arriving. Facing the elements, wild…
John Nelson was the second oldest son of revered farmer and pioneer, Daniel Nelson, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, in Mahaska County. John endured many of the same hardships as his father when first coming to Iowa, helping his father with chores associated…
James Nelson was the youngest son of revered farmer and pioneer, Daniel Nelson, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, in Mahaska County. James endured many of the same hardships as his father when first coming to Iowa, helping his father with chores associated with…
Martha Jane Nelson was the only daughter of revered farmer and pioneer, Daniel Nelson, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, in Mahaska County. Martha Jane endured many of the same hardships as her mother and father when first coming to Iowa in 1844, helping with…
One of the advantages to building a farm around a thick of timberland is the wild game that is found within it. The Nelson family kept the wooded area by their log cabin and eventual brick home for this purpose. Pictured here is the thicket of…
This is a photograph taken of the Oskaloosa Fire Department in action in 1915. Note the old model engine used during the time and limited functions that all fire departments had during this time.
This is a photograph taken of bar association members practicing law in Mahaska County between the years 1890-97. Note Congressman John F. Lacey in the middle of the front row.
This is a picture taken of men working on the construction of the new City Hall building in Oskaloosa, Iowa, in the Spring of 1912. It would be completed before the end of that year.
This 1904 photograph depicts men performing telephone line repair after a major ice storm hit Oskaloosa in 1904. The workers are looking east on B Avenue in the picture.
This picture captures the appearance and stamina of people who perform physical labor all day long. These are brickyard workers from the Oskaloosa Brick Yard in 1900. One can tell that the men had already put in a full day's work, based on their…
