This is a photograph taken of Samira Ann Hobbs Phillips, the first school teacher in Mahaska County, Iowa, in 1844. The first schoolhouse in Mahaska County was located approximately two miles east of Oskaloosa. Fighting the elements, heavy…
During pioneer days in the Midwest, women held very important responsibilities to see to it that her spouse and children were cared for. The phrase, a woman's work is never done, certainly holds true, especially during this time period. In this…
Daniel Nelson is one of the most remarkable people of Oskaloosa, Iowa, in Mahaska County. Born on April 13, 1812, in Butler County, Ohio, Nelson moved west to Iowa during the late 1840's to begin a new life in farming with his wife, Margaret, and…
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 still photograph taken of J.A.L. Crookham sometime before his death in 1901. Crookham served as the first judge of Mahaska County, between the years 1851 and 1855. Crookham is also credited with organizing the Mahaska County State Bank. …
Judge M.T. Williams can be credited for helping determine the official town name and Mahaska County seat of Oskaloosa in 1844. Moving from his native home state of Ohio, Williams came to Iowa in 1843 and set up a law practice located in Mt.…
