purchased a farm of 160 acres in Section 20, but is now the owner of 480 acres of as fine land as there is in the county, all well improved, besides valuable property in Zearing. He has earned the property which he now has by the sweat of his brow, and since locating here he has enjoyed the reputation of being not only a substantial and progressive farmer, but an intelligent and thoroughly-posted man on all public affairs. He has become well known for honorable, upright dealing, and his career through life is an excellent example for young men starting out with but little means. He has always been a stanch Republican in his views, and socially belongs to the I. O. O. F. of Zearing. He is quite an extensive stock breeder, and takes an especial interest in horses, and has raised some splendid roadsters. He has an excellent Alroy horse of Kentucky stock, which was shipped from Illinois.
James M. Olinger, farmer and stock-raiser, Maxwell, Iowa. In mentioning those who have become closely associated with the farming and stock-raising interests of Story County, reference should not fail to be made of Mr. Olinger, who is one of the most successful and substantial men of the county. He owes his nativity to Carroll County, Ind., where his birth occurred October 24, 1843, and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Aldridge) Olinger, natives of Virginia and Tennessee, .respectively. John Olinger went to Tennessee when a child, and later to Indiana, where he grew to manhood and was married. He then followed farming for a number of years, and also worked at blacksmithing until 1854, when he moved to Iowa, locating in Story County in the spring of 1855, on land now adjoining the town of Maxwell. He improved a farm, and there passed the closing scenes of his life, his death occurring March 24, 1874, He held several local offices of honor and trust, and was a zealous member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church during the last years of his life. His wife is still living. James M. Olinger, the eldest of three children, two sons and a daughter, was early instructed in the duties of farm life, and grew to manhood in Story County. He was married, September 20, 1863, to Miss Rebecca J. John, a native of Indiana, and the daughter of Bowen W. John. After marriage Mr. Olinger rented land for a few years, then leased the old homestead, and afterward purchased it, tilling the soil on the same until 1885. He then sold that, and bought an improved place two and a half miles nearly east of Maxwell, where he now resides. He has eighty acres all fenced and in a good state of cultivation. He is also farming sixty acres of rented land. Mr. Olinger is independent in his political views, and has held several local positions of trust, viz.: Constable, justice of the peace, and is now supervisor of the roads of his district. His residence, barns and out-buildings, and in fact all necessary conveniences, plainly show the quality of farmer that he is. He has a good bearing orchard of over 200 trees, all select fruit, consisting of apple, plum, cherry and small fruit. Mr. Olinger's marriage resulted in the birth of nine children: Elizabeth (wife of J. D. Scott, of Polk County), Minnie A. (at home), J,ennie C., George W., Marion L., Ward A., Ross J., Anna R. and Edna G. Mr. and Mrs. Olinger are worthy members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Ole J. Olson is numbered among the prominent citizens of Story County. In company with quite a number of the highly successful men in this section of the country, Mr. Olson came originally from that grand old country, Norway, which seems somehow to instill into her sons the traits of character that make them successful, prosperous and popular wherever