The Oskaloosa herald., 1905-02-09

esting "reminiscences Of the gentle.
man and his father are recited by
Mrs. Semira A. Phillips.
The elder Edmundson came to Iowa
from Kentucky and was prominent
among the early settlers of the state.
He was a member of the first Cen
eral Assembly OF Iowa, and was the
sheriff at the time Of the organization
Of the county. He was remarkable in
those days of open-hearted hospital
ity, for his generosity.
Sheriff Edmundson owned the only
buggy in the county during his admin
~istration and this vehicle was willing
ly loaned by him to the youthful
SWANS of the young county, who went
accounting therein. Micaiah 4. Will
liams and bride made their wedding
tour in this notable vehicle.
Sheriff Edmundson was also noted
for his overcoat. In the winter OF
1844-'45 there was bur one good v
coat in Mahaska county. In the win
ter evenings Sheriff Edmundson
would wear his garment to the coun-
try store where the young men had
congregated. and the lucky one whose
turn it was, went forth to see the
lady of his choice, clad in the sher-
lifts coat.
The Edmundson family lived where
the Catholic church of this city now
stands.
After studies in the private schools
of the village, James Edmundson at,
tended the Normal school in Oska-
loosa, and finished his studies in an
academy at Newton. Soon after com
plotting his studies he studied law in
the office of Judge Sewers and was
admitted to the bar In 1860. He
soon removed to Glenwood, where he
entered into the practice of law. In
his profession Mr.. Edmundson was
most successful.
Council Bluffs became the home OF
Mr.. Edmundson In 1866, and in con
nection with the practice of law he
carried on IN extensive real estate
business. In 1870, law was abandon.
ed, and for twenty years the gentle,
man did an extensive business in
farm and ranch lands throughout the
middle west. This business was
highly successful and Mr.. Edmundson
became the owner of large tracts of
valuable land.
Other methods of investment at
tracted him and the former Oskaloosa
boy became a heavy stakeholder and
a director in many banks in the west
ern part of the state. In the '90's
Mr.. Edmundson retired from active
business, d~evoting his time to the
management of his fortune and to
travel.
Every state in the Union has been
paid a visit by this traveller, and his
journeyings in Europe include tours
of every country on that continent.
Yet with all he makes mis- home in
Iowa, the commonwealth OF which he
and his father were among the pic
neers.
A few years ago the gentleman -
moved from CpHncif BfTfg gSDca
Moines and his home has since been
in that city. Mr.. Edmundson is a fire.
quent visitor in Oskaioosa and has a
warm spot in his heart for the city
of his boyhood. Many friends are
numbered among the pest business
men of the town. Major Lacey and
Mr.. Edmundson were schoolboys in
Professor HulIs private school.
rI.a - - 49,
were friends of the little boy who has
since advanced so much in the world.
But Mr.. Edmundson has no better
friend in this city than the school
teacher who numbered him among
the first school in Oskaloosa. Mrs.
Semira Phillips speaks often of her
former school-boy, and in her His
tory of Mahaska County" refers to
him in terms of hearty friendship.