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Because of the prominent part Mr. Cotton filled in the social, educational and business life of the community, he and his estimable family still live in the memory of the older citizens. He was born in New Hampshire on the 2d day of December, 1826, and lived there until 1865. He was raised on the farm and at the age of twenty-seven entered the mercantile business. He came to Pella in 1865, and in 1874 was one of the organizers of the Pella Manufacturing Co., and a number of years later was the active manager of this important industry. Prior to that time he was engaged in the dry goods business in the location now occupied by the Farmers' National Bank, under the firm name of Cotton & Baker. He had a thorough musical education and from 1865 until 1883 he was principal of the Musical Department of Central College and also chorister for the First Baptist Church. Under his able instruction the College Glee Club became a noted organization. He married Miss Mary Moran in 1849. She was born in Vermont. Mrs. Cotton was a woman of fine Christian character and left the impress of her personality on the entire community. There were eight children: Annie E., Jennie G., Ada J., Charles S., Joseph F., Harry A. D., Mabel B. and Leslie E.
As instructor in Central University, superintendent of the public schools of Pella, as well as in his career as a merchant, Mr. Cory was known for his optimistic, buoyant temperament that made him one of the most valued additions to the college faculty, at a time when it took rare courage and unflagging energy to keep the young and struggling institution on its feet. As superintendent of the public schools he had few equals and none that were more successful in bringing out the best that was in the students under his charge. A great lover of music and an accomplished vocalist, Professor Cory accomplished more to develop the musical talent of this community than any one of his time. Out of school hours he was nearly always to be found with a coterie of friends practicing church music, glees and cantatas, and arranging amateur concerts. He was born in the Green Mountain state on the 18th day of September, 1833, and received his education at Derby Academy, which he supplemented by close study and application at home. As a conductor of normal institutes he ranked among the most successful in the state. In 1886 Professor Cory was tendered the superintendency of the State. Industrial School for Girls at Mitchellville, Iowa. He accepted this position and held it until his health failed in 1897. He married Miss Mary Moran in 1857. She was also a native of Vermont. Their family consisted of two children, Fred M. and Hattie M. Professor Cory died in January, 1897, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. William O. Foraker, in Chicago.
Was born in St. Francisville, Mo., August 16, 1840. He was the son of Rev. M. J. Post, who advised the Hollanders to locate in Marion county and led them to the present location of Lake Prairie township, where the family remained as honored citizens of Pella. Mr. Post, Sr., died in 1848, and the subject of our sketch remained here for many years, receiving his education, and later successfully conducting the leading hotel for a long time. Later he moved to a farm just east of Pella. He married Miss Nancy Mortimer in 1862. She was born in Indiana and died in Pella in 1869, leaving one daughter, Nancy. In 1871 he married Miss Nellie Vander Linden. She was born in the Netherlands. There were two children by this union, Helen and Julia. Lost one daughter, Hattie. Mrs. Post and her daughter, Julia, still reside in Pella.