Biographical History of Pottawattmie Co., IA

AMES BOILER. -- Among the prominent and well-known citizens of Wright Township, Pottawattamie County, we find the name that heads this sketch. Mr. Boiler has been a resident of this place since 1873. He was born in Pike County, Ohio, March 26, 1848, son of William and Caroline (Kincaid) Boiler, both natives of Ohio. Grandfather David Boiler was born in Germany.

In 1851 William Boiler and wife moved from Ohio to Iowa and settled in Muscatine County, becoming pioneers of that place. They made their home in Muscatine County until 1865, when they moved to Marshall County, same State. After remaining in the latter place three years they returned to Muscatine County. Then, in 1873, they came to Wright Township. Three years later they moved to Walnut, Iowa, where the father died April 25, 1886, at the age of seventy-six years. He was a farmer all his life. In politics he was a Democrat. His widow, now sixty-eight years of age, resides at Walnut.

On a frontier farm in Muscatine County James Boiler grew to manhood. He was educated in the pioneer schools, and early in life was taught that industry, economy and honesty were necessary elements for the foundation of a successful life. At the age of seventeen he entered upon a three years' apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade, and was afterwards engaged in contracting and building in Marshalltown, Iowa. In 1873 he came to this township and bought 160 acres of wild prairie land, and was one of the first settlers in his neighborhood. He has since added to his first purchase until he is now the owner of 320 acres of valuable, well improved land. He also owns 160 acres which he uses for pasture, and which is located two miles from his home farm. He has a fine two-story residence, which was enlarged and remodeled in 1884. It is beautifully located and is surrounded with shade trees, making an attractive place and a comfortable home. A grove and orchard of five acres are near the house. He has a large barn, stock scales and other buildings, two modern wind pumps and good fences; in short, this farm is considered one of the best improved ones in the neighborhood. Mr. Boiler keeps annually from fifty to 150 head of cattle, and from 200 to 300 hogs.

Mr. Boiler was married in Muscatine County, Iowa, January 25, 1876, to Miss Sarah Jane Nolte, a native of Jefferson County, Indiana, daughter of Herman and Sarah (Padgett) Nolte. She was reared in Indiana, and at the age of sixteen years carne with her parents to Muscatine County, where they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Boiler have three children, namely: Orpha Lola, born November 1, 1876; Glen Ira, born May 22, 1878, and Grover Cleveland, born February 2, 1885.

Mr. Boiler is one of the leading Democrats in the eastern part of Pottawattamie County. In 1885 he was elected County Supervisor and served three years. During his term of office the Court House was erected, and other important business was transacted. Mr. Boiler was an efficient and popular officer. He has also served in township offices, and has acted as Chairman of the Democratic Central Committee. He is a man well informed on all general topics and current literature, and has broad and progressive views. He is honorable in all his business dealings, and is regarded as one of the solid men of Pottawattamie County. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church.

In regard to Mr. Boiler's family history, it should be further stated that of the five sons born to his parents, four are living,: Joseph is a prominent real-estate dealer at Walnut, Iowa. Benjamin and Cyrus also live at that place, the latter being a contractor and builder. Wesley Boiler, next to the eldest, lives in Muscatine County, Iowa. Besides the above there was one sister.

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This page last updated: Friday, 01-Jan-1999 08:55:13 MST.