tended the district schools of Howard township and remained a member of his father's household until 1885, when he bought one hundred and forty-four acres of land in Warren township, which he began cultivating. His thrift, tireless energy and close application enabled him to add to his holdings another forty acres on section 36, and later he bought one hundred and fifty-four acres on section 13, Warren township, and six acres of timber in Milford township, making his acreage aggregate three hundred and forty-four. In addition to his real estate he is a stockholder and trustee in the McCallsburg State Bank and a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of McCallsburg.
Mr. Twedt married Miss Augusta Lein, a daughter of Oscar A. and Elizabeth (Handerland) Lein, both of whom were natives of Norway, where they were married. On coming to the United States they located near Lisbon, Illinois, where they spent three years, and then removed to Story county, Iowa, making their home in Howard township throughout the remainder of their lives. The father was a farmer by occupation. Unto him and his wife were born eleven children, including three pairs of twins, and they also adopted one child. Mrs. Twedt was the third in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Twedt have become the parents of four children, three of whom are living; one having died in infancy. The others are as follows : Joseph O., Oscar Eli and Lizzie Adelia, all of whom are at home, and they adopted one child, Knutie A. Lein.
The family attend the services of the Lutheran church, with which the parents are connected by membership. Ever since age has conferred upon him the full rights of citizenship Mr. Twedt has cast his vote with the republican party. He has always taken an active interest in local political issues and has served in many of the township offices. He is now and has been for six years township trustee. He is one of the well known and highly esteemed men in his community, his integrity being above question and his opinion on all public questions worthy of consideration.
JACOB GUNDER.
Jacob Gunder is a retired farmer of Franklin township and a veteran of the Civil war. In every relation of life his record has commended him to the confidence and goodwill of his fellowmen and his life in many respects furnishes an example that is well worthy of emulation. He was born in Blair county, Pennsylvania, July 5, 1844, and resided upon a farm there until twelve years of age, when he removed to Whiteside county, Illinois, with his father, Casper Gunder. The mother died when her son was but four years of age and the father married twice afterward. Jacob Gunder was the seventh of eight children born of the first marriage.