Both brothers were early pioneers in the Decorah Twp. arriving in 1853. April of 1854 James ran for sheriff against Elijah Middlebrook and was defeated. The following year 6 Aug 1855 (Decorah’s 9th election) James ran for surveyor and won.

James married Dorcus McCullough probably in Freeport, IL. To this union 10 children were born: Walter (26 Dec 1855 -16 May 1913) married Emma Palmer. Their 2 children were: Harry and Mabel. Ashley (1860 -11 Nov 1923) remained a bachelor. Phoebe born in 1861, married Albert Palmer on 21 Nov 1883. Tess (1869 - 1967) married Fred Sheetz (1871 - 1952). Louise born 1865 married J.P Stonaus 20 Nov 1889. Helen - no information. Ev (no dates) married Adam Bulger. Grace born 1872 married Mr. Pettit. Hattie born 11 Jan 1873 married William Barth (see Barth story). George born 1 Jul 1875 married Lena Hartman 22 Apr —. All of the children were born in Winneshiek County.

James purchased 2 parcels of land - 172 acres and 151 acres - on 5 Nov 1866 in Section 31 of Pleasant Twp. He sold some lots in 1876 and 1894. Son Ashley bought a farm (A.D. Palmer, Admn.) 12 Oct 1898 and sold the farm on 16 Nov 1900.

James died at his home in Pleasant Twp. Tuesday 14 Sep 1897 at the age 77 years. Dorcus died 11 Apr 1900 of pneumonia at 70 years and 6 months of age in Canoe Twp. They are both buried at Phelps Cemetery, Decorah, IA.

James and John had a fight and did not speak for years. After James died, his son Ashley came to John and asked to end hard feelings. He said he had a $1,500 life insurance policy they could have if they would let him stay with them. Ashley lived his last days with Willard (John’s son) who had to quit his job to care for Ashley.

John died 15 Oct 1907 and his wife Lomartia died 16 Sep 1908. Lomartia Gilson was born in New York state 25 Aug 1822 and when about 10 years of age moved to Ohio with her parents. In 1840 she married John Van Pelt in Ohio. In 1893 she was stricken with paralysis and remained an invalid. They had 2 children surviving at the time of her death, Willard and Adella.

Of interest is the following obituary on John Van Pelt: PIONEER CITIZEN PASSES AWAY At 12:30 o’clock on Friday noon, occurred the death of one of the old pioneer residents of Decorah and Winneshiek Co., Mr. John Van Pelt, at the advanced age of 87 years, after an illness lasting 7 years, death resulting from old age. John was born in Middlesex, Chautauqua County, New York 8 Apr 1820. Mr. Van Pelt was a veteran of the Mexican War and served 5 years. He left New York in the forties and came west to Freeport, IL where he engaged in brick making. In 1852 he came to Decorah where he followed the same occupation for some years, making part of the brick for the old Luther College building. Soon afterward he secured from the government a 160 acre farm in Canoe Twp. for $2.50 per acre, where he resided until 22 years ago, when he returned to Decorah and has made his home here ever since. He had engaged in truck gardening for several years. He was a great hunter and lover of nature and he killed many a deer and bear. He bore the respect and esteem of all who knew him, as a man of honor and integrity and a good citizen.

Van Wey, George and Miner (Kirby)

(Ruth Allen)

George Henry Van Wey was born 27 Aug 1855 in Kingston, NY to Cornelius and Maria (Elting) Van Wey. When he was one year old his parents moved to Frankville, Winneshiek Co. IA. He attended public schools in Frankville and Waukon and later studied at the State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls, IA. He was a teacher by profession and taught successfully in the schools of SD and IA for 30 years. He was a great reader and kept well informed on important subjects. He served the people of his community for many years as assessor. George's father, Cornelius, also was a school master.

Miner Kirby was born 7 Oct 1869 in Wyandotte, OH to John and Martha (Roseberry) Kirby. When she was 14 years old her parents moved to Plankinton, SD.

George and Miner were united in marriage on 11 Mar 1890. In 1893, along with their 2 baby daughters, they moved to Frankville, Winn. Co., IA. Their 11 children are: Alice Maud (Myren) (b. 8 Dec 1890 - d. 19 Jan 1986) attended Normal School at Cedar Falls, IA and Valders College in Decorah, IA. She was a school teacher in the rural schools near Frankville before her marriage. Rosa Mae (Cunningham) (b. 5 Feb 1892 - d. 24 Sep 1974) lived her married life in Waterloo, IA. Walter Samuel (b. 11 Jun 1894 - d. 4 Jan 1961) spent most of his life in Winneshiek, Co. Daisy Julia (Hendershot) (b. 24 Mar 1896

-    d. 5 Jan 1990) lived many years in Tucson, AZ. Jesse Faye (Rousselow) (b. 29 Apr 1898 - d. 20 Jul 1936) was living in Waterloo at the time of her death. Myrtie Zoe (Webster) (b. 14 Apr 1900 - d. 24 Nov 1989). Carl Clay (b. 17 May 1903 - d. 28 Dec 1974) was a career service man serving both in the U.S. Navy and Army. Ralph Russell (b. 29 Sep 1905 -d. 1 Aug 1908). Irvin John (b. 12 Nov 1908 - d. 6 Feb 1983) lived in Omaha, NE and was employed by the Internal Revenue. Earl Kirby (b. 14 Apr 1911 - d. 4 May 1957) drowned in a boating accident near Waterloo, IA. Leslie Leonard (b. 21 Nov 1913 - d. 20 Dec 1914).

George Henry died 28 Nov 1933 and Miner Ozell died 3 Mar 1960. They are buried in the Frankville Cemetery, Winneshiek Co., IA.

Vick, Arthur and Alice (Rau)

(Charlotte Wilkins Lee)

Arthur Theodore Vick born 6 Jun 1887 grew up in Decorah and graduated from Decorah High School in 1905. He went on to Valders Business School and after graduation moved to Minneapolis, MN. He worked as a telegrapher for the railroad, and then in sales for Shuneman Evans in St. Paul, MN. He married Alyce Frances Rau (b. 11 Aug 1893 - d. 4 Mar 1984) on 23 Nov 1914. They had 4 children: Mary Jayne, Arthur Thomas, Frances Ann and Margaret Jean. (See Vick, Frances and Margaret).

Alyce taught art in the Southern Minnesota Normal and Business College in Austin. She had the Corner Cupboard