quired a good practical education. At the age of twenty-two years he began following the plow on his own account and this occupation continued to receive his attention until 1870, when he came to Story County, Iowa, and settled on a farm on East Indian Creek, and remained there for thirteen years. In 1883 he moved to the town of Nevada, and two years later opened his present livery establishment, which is one of the best in this section of the State. His vehicles and animals are always in good condition and ready for use, and his prices are very reasonable. He has always been honorable and upright in his dealings with the public, and he commands the respect and esteem of a wide circle of acquaintances. He was married, in 1853, to Miss Wealthy Ann Stickney, who passed from life in the month of December, 1884, having borne two children: Clarence and Elva. Mr. Earl is one of four surviving members of a family of five children. He has always been a Republican in his political views. His son, Clarence W. Earl, was born in Ogle County, Ill., February 11, 1864, and came with his parents to Story County, Iowa, at the age of five years, and is now associated with his father in the livery business. His marriage, which occurred on the 31st of December, 1889, was to Miss Kate E. Elliott, a native of Story County. Like his father he affiliates with the Republican party, and socially belongs to the K. of P.
Michael Erickson was born in Norway on November 11, 1836, and is a son of Jacob Erickson, who married Miss Ellen Michaelson. In 1849 the family emigrated to America, locating in Grundy County, Ill., where the father farmed for seven years, at the end of which time he moved to Iowa and located in Story County, where they resided until his death in 1881. His wife had died three years before, and they left three sons and two daughters, of whom Michael is the oldest. The subject of this sketch passed his childhood in Illinois, attending school, and remained with his parents until grown, at which period he commenced farming, and invested in some valuable land. At present he is one of the most prominent farmers and lumber dealers of Story County, and naturally finds life quite enjoyable, since success crowns his efforts in the business line. In politics he is a strong Republican, and a popular man in that party, and is also a school trustee. Mr. Erickson was married, in -1856, to Miss Sarah Olson, a native of Norway. But Death likes "a shining mark" and claimed her for the other world about 1863. She left two children, Ida and Elizzie. In 1866 our subject was again married, this time to Miss Martha Olson, a sister of his first wife. They are the parents of three children: Olaf Jacob, Severt and Anna May. The family are prominent members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Erickson has indeed been fortunate in receiving "the goods the gods provide," being to-day one of the wealthiest and happiest citizens of Story County.
Anfen Ersland, farmer and stock-raiser, Cambridge, Iowa. Anfen Ersland, the subject of this sketch, was born on Ersland Farm, in Norway, near the ancient city of Bergen, April 17, 1841, and is now one of the prominent citizens of foreign birth in Story County. [See further particulars of parents in sketch of Mrs. Apland.] His parents were both natives of Norway, and are deceased. The father was a cooper by trade and an agriculturist by occupation. He was about seventy years of age at the time of his death, and the mother, who died in 1855, was about forty years of age. Anfen Ersland received his Early education in Norway, and a small share of English education in Iowa. He commenced life for himself at the age of about twenty years, and, with very little