LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA

Pg 31

E. C. MAXSON

Transcribed by Beverly Gerdts, submitted June 12, 2017

        E. C. Maxson was reared on his father's farm near Fredonia, and received his education here.

        He was united in marriage, in 1856, to Nancy Spurgeon.

        His first purchase of land was made in 1859, and consisted of 160 acres, upon which he laid out the town of Alimedia. All of the town north of the railroad tracks was Alimedia.

        And through his and his brother's influence, the switch was laid to that place. They gave the ties and furnished most of the wood for the work. And in the town, he built a store house in which they engaged in merchandising, from 1859 to 1862. on account of his wife's failing health they made a trip to California, hoping to improve her health. She died in 1863. He returned to Fredonia with his two children, John K. and Ruby, who later married Mr. Davenport. John became a physician. Mr. Maxson served as justice of the peace, and helped organize the school districts.

        Mr. Maxson was again married, to Caroline F. Hudler, a sister of B. J. Palmer's mother, of Davenport.

        To this union, eleven children were born: Ina, died in infancy, Ava, was a school teacher, Urva, Oata, Clinton, Olga, Dela, Minnie, Fanny and Willie May.

        A pioneer of Louisa county, of 1837, Mr. Maxson witnessed its entire growth. On his arrival, the settlements were few and far between, but the Indians were very numerous.

        Wild game was found in abundance, and wolves were heard howling at night. To such pioneers, who have aided in her upbuilding, growth, and development, Louisa county owes much and we are pleased to record his sketch, among others of prominence.