ing farmers of Nevada Township. He is the only one living of three children born to Z. N. and Louisa (Felton) Robinson, natives of Berry, Mass. The father was born on the 14th of March, 1799, and died at Westford, Vt., in February, 1877. The mother's birth occurred on the 28th of July, 1798, and she died at Westford, Vt., on the 10th of May, 1890. The paternal grandfather, Levi Robinson, was born in Berry, Mass., and died at Burlington, Vt., in 1820, when about fifty years of age.
Ole O. Roe, the present superintendent of public instruction of Story County, Iowa, was born in Norway, near Bergen, on the 4th of June, 1854, his parents, O. S. and Christine (Olson) Roe, being also natives of that country, the former born in 1826, and the latter in 1830. The family emigrated to the United States in 1862, first settled in Clinton County, Iowa, but six years later removed to Story County, where they are at present making their home. Ole O. Roe is the eldest of their seven children, his first knowledge of the"three R's" was acquired in Clinton County, but he afterward pursued his studies in the public schools of Story County. In 1875-76 he was a student in the Iowa Polytechnic School at Des Moines, but the following year he entered the law department of what was then known as the Simpson Centenary College, the law department of which was located in Des Moines, while the college proper was at Indianola, Iowa. He graduated in law in 1878, and in the fall of that year located in Story City, where lie was soon after elected principal of the city schools. He continued to make his home there until the close of the school year in 1881, at which time he was elected to his present position, to which he has been re-elected four times, and moved to Nevada. His first term of school was taught at the age of seventeen years, and this has continued to be his means of livelihood ever since 1871, consequently he is thoroughly versed in all the details of the work, and is admirably fitted to fill his present position, which, when his term of office expires (which will be January 1, 1892), he will have held ten years. The schools have been found to be in very capable hands, for he is a man of broad intelligence and liberal views. He has always been an unswerving Republican in his political views, and socially is a member of the K. of P., Sampson Lodge No. 77, of Nevada. His wife, who was formerly Miss Sarah Olson, was born in Chicago, Ill., in 1861, and their union was consummated in 1879. They have three children, Hannah, Grace and Martin. He and wife are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
T. J. Ross was for many years one of the most influential citizens of Story County. He located at Iowa Centre in 1855, and in company with his brother, M. M. Ross, opened a general store. But the depression which followed made collections impossible, and the limited capital was soon largely invested in uncollectable notes and accounts. Many business men went the same route at that time. Teaching school for a time, at $28 per month, earned honest bread for the wife and children. Mr. Ross' superior intelligence and fine ability became recognized by his numerous friends, and in 1859 he was nominated by the Republican Convention, as a candidate for county recorder and treasurer. The county having then an opposition majority, the nominations were given to the best and strongest men, and not obtained by personal solicitation or intrigue. Such a nomination was an honor to be appreciated. By naming a strong ticket, and by hard work in its support, the canvass resulted in favor of the Republicans by majorities ranging from two to twelve. Mr. Ross was elected over a most popular and meritorious candidate