for seven years. On the expiration of that period he began dealing in live stock and for about thirteen years was one of the best known stockmen of the county. He was appointed postmaster of Cambridge on the 22d of July, 1909, and, abandoning his live stock interests, has since devoted his entire attention to the discharge of his official duties.
On the 11th of September, 1888, Mr. McKee was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Nellis, of Cambridge, Iowa. They have one son, Ray, born October 22, 1893, who assists his father and holds the office of assistant postmaster.
Mr. McKee gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has long wielded a powerful influence in its local ranks. For six years, from 1903 until 1909, he served as mayor of Cambridge, his administration being characterized by many measures of reform and improvement. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Cambridge Lodge, No. 486, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Brethren church, to which his wife also belongs. Having spent his entire life in Story county, he has gained an extensive circle of warm friends who entertain for him the utmost regard and esteem because of his many excellent traits of character.
CHARLES EDWIN OLINGER.
Charles Edwin Olinger, a prominent resident of Maxwell, is now living practically retired, giving his attention only to the care and management of his properties. He was formerly identified with agricultural pursuits in Story county and also conducted a real-estate and insurance business for a number of years. He was born in Indian Creek township, this county, on the 2d of March, 1868, his birth occurring on the Olinger form--a part of the present site of Maxwell. His father and mother, George W. and Anna Eliza ( John) Olinger, were both natives of Carroll county, Indiana, coming to Story county, Iowa, with their respective parents. The Olinger family made their way to Polk county, Iowa, in 1853, while the following year witnessed their arrival in Story county. Here the parents of our subject were married and established their home. George W. Olinger acquired half of the old homestead farm of two hundred acres, the other half belonging to his brother, James M. He devoted his time and energies to the work of the fields until called to his final rest, passing away on the 6th of December, 1886, in the faith of the Presbyterian church, to which his widow also belongs. His political allegiance was given to the democracy and he held the office of township trustees and also served as a member of the school board for many years. His widow, who still survives and makes her home with our subject, is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community in which she has so long resided.