the Collins store was destroyed by fire, but J. F. Lingenfelter had previously erected his present brick store building and, with the salvage that had escaped the flames, established the firm of Cooper, Halterman & Company, his partners being two young men who had heretofore been in his employ. It was Mr. Lingenfelter's intention to retire from active business here, but Mr. Cooper died a year after the organization of the firm and for a year and a half the business was conducted under the style of Lingenfelter & Halterman. The senior partner then bought out his associate and the concern has since been known as Lingenfelter Brothers. In business affairs Mr. Lingenfelter has always displayed keen judgment and excellent executive ability, and the success that he now enjoys is well merited.
In 1888 Mr. Lingenfelter was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Jamison, of Palmyra, Iowa, by whom he has two children, namely : George F., a graduate of the Capital City Business College at Des Moines; and Harold A., a high school student.
Mr. Lingenfelter exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democracy but has had neither time nor inclination for office holding, having served only as a member of the first town council of Collins. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Fervent Lodge No. 513, A. F. & A. M. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Yeomen of America. His life has been most honorable and upright in its varied relations and his fellow citizens instinctively pay deference to him because of what he has accomplished and the principles which have governed his conduct.
NELS ERICKSON.
Nels Erickson, the proprietor of a livery barn at Cambridge, is numbered among the representative and enterprising business men of the town. His birth occurred in Lincoln township, Polk county, Iowa, on the 6th of July, 1875, his parents being Barney and Bolette (Gabrielson) Erickson, natives, of Norway. His father was born May 14, 1837, on a farm named Stolb. at Etne, Norway, and there grew to manhood, being married October 28, 1862, to Miss Bolette Gabrielson. Coming to America in 1866, they made their home for a short time in Nevada, Iowa, and next lived in Roland for a couple of years. The following two years were spent in Story City and from there they came to Cambridge which was their home for three years at that time. While living here Mr. Erickson purchased a farm southwest of the town, in Polk county, where he lived for thirty-seven years, returning to Cambridge in 1906. After his return he was in poor health and passed away on the 4th of January, 1911, honored and respected by all who knew him. He was an earnest Christian man and a faithful member of the First Norwegian church at Cambridge. To him and his wife were