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…
This is a still photograph taken of Manoah Hedge, who is credited for writing the first contemporary history of Mahaska County, Iowa. This history published was entitled; Past and Present of Mahaska County, Iowa. The book documented short, yet…
This is a still photograph taken of Manoah Hedge, who is credited with writing the first contemporary history of Mahaska County Iowa. His book entitled, Past and Present of Mahaska County, Iowa includes detailed, biographical accounts of citizens who…
This is a picture of the Mahaska Lead and Zinc Mining Company, operating circa 1890, in Mahaska County, Iowa. It is important to note that coal was not the only mineral mined for in Mahaska County during the late 1800's.
This is a map dating to 1890 that shows the importance and extent to which the railroad serviced Mahaska County the later half of the 19th Century. Key railway lines that came through Mahaska County and more importantly the county seat of Oskaloosa…
Religion has always played a very important role in Mahaska County, Iowa. One of the credits to the county has been its people's tolerance for others to worship freely without fear. Pictured is a gathering of the church members from the Fairview…
Religion has always played a very important role in Mahaska County, Iowa. One of the credits to the county has been its people's tolerance for others to worship freely without fear. Pictured here is the key to the picture showing a gathering of the…
This 1896 image shows the coal mining operation going on at Lost Creek, Iowa, located near Eddyville in Mahaska County. Lost Creek is the site of one of the deadliest coal mining explosions in history. On Friday, January 24, 1902, around noon, 67…
This is a picture of what 3rd Avenue looked like in 1896, Oskaloosa, Iowa. Note that the street has not been paved yet and wouldn't for over ten more years. Also note the homes in the picture and how many homes like this are still inhabited today…
This is a picture of what 1st Avenue looked like in 1896, Oskaloosa, Iowa. Note that the street has not been paved yet and wouldn't for over ten more years.
