This is a photograph of Nancy Lacey Smith, sister of Congressman John F. Lacey from the 6th Iowa District in the U.S. House of Representatives between 1890 and 1906.
This is a portrait of Nan-Che Ninga, principle advisor to Chief Mahaska (White Cloud) from the Ioway Native-American Nation. He lived from 1797 until 1862. He was a very important figure among the Ioway people, influencing Chief Mahaska's decisions…
Muchakinock, formerly known as Coal Valley, was a town created solely for the purpose of coal mining. H.W. McNeil (a.k.a. Big Mac) and his younger brother W.A. McNeil (Little Mac) were responsible for the founding of the town. At one point,…
This is a photograph of the Muchakinock Coal Mine in 1896. Muchakinock was located a few miles south of Oskaloosa, located in Mahaska County, Iowa. Today, like many other communities in Mahaska County, there is nothing left in the once thriving…
This is a photograph of Mrs. John Mills Lacey, mother of Congressman John F. Lacey from the 6th Iowa District in the U.S. House of Representatives between 1890 and 1906. Congressman Lacey's mother had three children, John F., William (who worked…
Monroe Township in Mahaska County is situated on the eastern border of Mahaska County, with Keokuk County just to its east. Monroe Township can be credited for having the first iron bridge constructed in Iowa, taking place in 1907 in the village of…
It was not uncommon to see vendors, residents, and visitors mingle with each other on the streets of downtown Oskaloosa, Iowa in the early 20th Century. It was a great way to promote a business, make a friend, or just be courteous. In this…
