ited capital in a new country, and he located in Iowa. In 1868 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Story county but did not take up his residence there until 1870, at which time he removed to this county with his wife and one child. He later sold this place and bought the three hundred acres where he now resides. His is one of the valuable farms of the county. It contains modern improvements, which are kept in repair, he raises a good grade of stock and his carefully cultivated fields produce abundant harvests.
Mr. Childs married Miss Catherine Grohe, and they have become the parents of three children, who are as follows: Oliver, who was graduated at the Iowa State University with the degree of C. E. and is now a bridge engineer in St. Louis, Missouri; L. B., a farmer in Grant township; and Winnie, the wife of John Fay of Cambridge.
Ever since he acquired the right of full citizenship Mr. Childs has been casting his ballot for the candidates of the republican party. He has taken an active part in local politics and is highly esteemed by his constituency as is indicated by his position on the school board. He is one of the older residents of this county and during his period of citizenship has shown himself to be a man well worthy of the esteem which is generally accorded him. He has met with success in his pursuits but it has never been achieved at the expense of honor and at no time has his integrity been assailed or in any way questioned.
PETER A. SOLEM.
Roland is indebted to Norway for many of its estimable citizens and among these is Peter A. Solem. He was born in the Norseland in 1857 and had sailed the seas and lived in various climes before he became a member of Uncle Sam's family. He acquired his education in his native land and then followed the sea, sailing for one and one-half years on a Norwegian ship. After that he emigrated to South Africa and worked for a time as a cabinet maker. He then went to Australia, but only remained in that country for six months. He was next employed as a sailor on an English vessel but finally decided to become a resident of the United States. His first permanent location in this country was in Story county, Iowa, of which he is still a citizen. When he arrived here he engaged in carpentry but after following that trade for two years he decided to go into the furniture business and opened a store in Roland in 1887, which he continues to conduct, being the pioneer furniture dealer of the town.
Since his residence here Mr. Solem has been married to Miss Annie Helland, who was also a native of Norway. They have become the parents of three children, two of whom are still living: Adelaide and Oswald, both