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Mr s. Arthur Campbell nml Mrs. Henry Smalley. both residing at Eagle drove.One of the best known early pioneers. Mr. Omstead had made Hamilton county his home since lSfcl—sixty-six years. He was one of the twelve children of Jacob and lietsey Omstead. pioneer residents of Ohio, and mine with his father and two brothers to Hamilton county, where they started the settlement of Saratoga. He married Sarah A. Evans of Story county in IS. *4.Here he broke wild land, using a huge prairie breaker, drawn by six yoke of oxen. He. would take wild land, improve it and sell out. making a good protit. Tills eourse lie followed for many years and then engaged in running a saw mill on both the lloone and Ies Moines rivers.In August, lSUg. in answer to Lln-ooffiVnill for men. he. enlistedin the Thirty-second Iowa infantry. Company A. He took an active part in the battle of Cupe diranlenn, Mo., where he was wounded ami was later sent to a military hospital in Little Rook. Ark., for treatment. After three years* service lie receive! his honorable disci i urge.Souie time later. In* opened tin* first dry goods store at Webster City in tin building recently torn down, corner of 1’nnk and Seneca streets. laiter lie engaged in both the stock and grain business, owning live, elevators along the Chicago Northwc*steru railway when that line was lirst brought Into Webster City. Mr. Otustead also owned and lived upon the line* farm in Fremont township which is still held in I lie family.of tin* twelve children born to Mr. and Mrs. Omstead. seven are now living. Mrs. Omstead passed to her reward a number of years ago.Mr. Omstead was a meralvr of the Masonic order. He* was a staunch democrat politically and bad Imcn identified with the interests of this city and tin* comity in many ways. lTobably no man did more to build up Hamilton county or was belter known throughout its coniine* during the |M*riod of his activity here.1 Miring his later years he spent several winters in tin* west and enjoyed the fruits of his long and well s|ieiit life. Ili* passing came naturally and Was the fulfillment of the desire of his Just years.v
Newspaper Details
Webster City Freeman
Webster, Iowa, US
Mon, Sep 29, 1919
Page 4
Full Page
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Anonymous
AZ, USA 11 Sep 2020
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Webster City Freeman
