as a renter for three years and then purchased the farm, continuing to reside thereon during the next six or seven years, at the end of which time he sold it to his brother, who had just been married. On leaving the home farm Mr. Hanson of this review purchased and located upon what was known as the Bricker estate of two hundred and forty acres, which lies within the corporate limits of the town of Collins. From time to time he has extended the boundaries of this place by additional purchase until it now embraces five hundred and fifty-seven acres of land, all of which is under a high state of cultivation. The buildings which he has erected thereon are the finest in Story county and the farm is one of the best improved within its borders. Mr. Hanson was for a number of years an extensive buyer and shipper of stock, but more recently has given his attention largely to his farming and stock feeding interests. He personally supervises the operation of his entire farm, hiring three married men as assistants throughout the year. He was one of the prime movers in the organization of the Exchange State Bank of Collins, was chosen president of the institution and has served in that capacity continuously since.
On the 17th of June, 1894, Mr. Hanson was united in marriage to Miss Minnie P. Mead, a daughter of Charles Mead, now deceased, who was one of the most widely known and successful farmers and stockmen of Story county. Unto our subject and his wife have been born six children, namely: Mabel, Charles, Lester, Dorothy, Mary and Margaret.
In politics Mr. Hanson is a republican and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to positions of public trust. For several years he has served as a member of the school board and town council. He was elected to the board of county supervisors in November, 1910, and has already proven himself an able incumbent. Always a resident of this part of the state, he is widely and favorably known and the fact that many of his stanchest friends have been his acquaintances from boyhood indicates that his has been an upright and honorable career.
John W. John.
John W. John, a retired agriculturist residing in Maxwell, was for many years actively and successfully identified with farming interests in Story county, thus winning the competence which now enables him to spend his declining years in well earned ease. His birth occurred in Carroll county, Indiana, on the 14th of September, 1837, his parents being Bowen W. and Cynthia Ann (Todd) John, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Kentucky respectively. They came to Iowa in 1853, settling near Ottumwa, Wapello county, where they remained for one year. On the expiration of that period they took up their abode in Allamakee county, while the year 1857 witnessed their arrival in Story county. In the fall of 1859 Bowen