From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 586.

S. A. First received his education in the common schools of the county, supplemented by practical experience in farming, which he obtained at home under the guidance of his father. Until he attained his majority he remained with his parents and then started out to win his own success in life. For two years he worked as a farm hand in the employ of others and then rented land for a period of four years. At the end of that time he felt he was in a position to purchase property, so he bought a farm in Hale township, which remained his home for four years. Upon selling that he came to Wyoming township, buying the place on which he now lives. It consists of one hundred and twenty acres, on section 34 and was only partly improved when he took possession of it. In the past twenty years Mr. First has proceeded vigorously with the work of building and cultivating so that now the place ranks high among others of its size in the township as regards value and fertility, for as arable land its yields large returns for the labor expended upon it, while it also affords a rich feeding ground for the cattle and hogs of which Mr. First makes a specialty.

On the 24th of December, 1887, Mr. First wedded Miss Sarah E. Walston, who was born in this county and is one of a family of fourteen children, her parents being W. N. and Sarah Walston. The father was a native of Ohio, but his wife was of English birth and is still living. Mr. Walston, however, was released from the cares of this world in 1909. Mr. and Mrs. First have three children: Clarence A., Mildred M. and Alice J. All are at home and the youngest is attending the high school in Wyoming. Mrs. First is a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church and regular in her attendance upon its services.

Mr. First has always given his political support to the Republican Party, never failing to cast his vote for its candidates. He has taken some part in local affairs, for he is now serving his fifth term as a trustee of the township, and for the past ten years has been treasurer of the school board. In this time he has proved that the confidence the citizens placed in his honor and ability was not unfounded, but that successful in his private concerns he is also endowed with that public spirit which makes him highly regarded in the community where lie lives. Fraternally he is a member of Wyoming Lodge, No. 185, M.W.A.

History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 627.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 557.

J. F. Fisher was reared at home and from the district schools of his native county received his training in the fundamental branches of English instruction. Until he became of age he worked for his father on the farm, and then on attaining his majority, was admitted to a partnership in its management. At the age of twenty-four he married and, being desirous to establish a home of his own, left the paternal roof. In his undertakings he has prospered and he now possesses one hundred and eighty acres of land on sections 25, 27, and 34, Rome township. A hard working man, he has followed the difficult work of the farm with persistence and can feel that his labors have not been expended in vain.

In 1882 Mr. Fisher was united in marriage to Miss Mary Saum, a daughter of J. D. and Anna (Flaugher) Saum. She was born in this county where her father is still living and where her mother died some years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have become the parents of three children: Harry A., deceased; Frances; and Barbara, at home. On the 1st of September, 1901, Mrs. Fisher passed away when only thirty-seven years of age and was sorrowfully laid to rest.

Mr. Fisher is a republican in his political affiliation, takes an active interest in public affairs and has served the township as trustee. He is particularly concerned for the welfare of the schools for during eight winters he devoted himself to teaching and is fully conscious of their shortcomings and anxious to improve their standard. He enjoys pleasant fraternal relations with the Masons, has taken many of the degrees and has also been admitted to the order of the Mystic Shrine in which he has occupied several chairs. His life of industry, his public spirit and attractive social qualities have gained him the esteem and warm regard of all with whom he has come in contact.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 599.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 623.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 647.

Public spirited and with a deep interest in all matters which tend toward the development and improvement of the city in which he makes his home, S. W. Flaharty is at present serving as mayor of Olin. He is also well known as one of its most enterprising merchants, having for several years been engaged in mercantile pursuits here. He was born in Ohio, March 25, 1849, a son Elza and Nancy (Hazlett) Flaharty, who were also natives of the Buckeye state and, removed to Cedar county, Iowa, in 1849. The father was a shoemaker by trade and his time was thus occupied for three years subsequent to his removal to Iowa. At the end of that period be returned to Ohio, where be still resides. The mother, however, is deceased, her death occurring in 1854.

S. W. Flaharty was reared in the state of Ohio and it was in the public schools there that he acquired the education that qualified him for teaching, which profession be followed during eleven winter terms. In 1871 he came to Iowa and for eighteen years followed farming. This pursuit, however, did not prove congenial to him and be then went to Morley, where he engaged in the mercantile business for seven years.

Removing to Olin at the end of that time, he was for a similar period engaged in the drug business but eventually sold his interests in that line and once more embarked in merchandising which he has followed to the present time. He carries one of the most complete lines of goods to be found in this city and the success he has won in this field of labor is due to modern methods, push and square dealing.

Although Mr. Flaharty is busily engaged with his private interests, he finds time to devote to public affairs and on the republican ticket was elected to the office of mayor of Olin in 1908, in which position he is now serving most efficiently. For six years he served as township trustee and in this office discharged his duties in a most acceptable manner. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 245, at Olin.

In June, 1870, Mr. Flaharty was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Lamley, a daughter of William and Jane Lamley. Mrs. Flaharty is one of a family of twelve children and was born and reared in Ohio, where she made her home until the time of her marriage. She has become the mother of three sons: Edgar C., making his home in Los Angeles, California; Harvey L., who has departed this life; and R. A., at home. The family is well known in social circles, while in business circles, Mr. Flaharty is equally well known, drawing his trade from various sections of Jones county.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 36.