Page:History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century Volume 4.djvu/27

 lines of useful work, a few hundred who have perhaps been most prominent have been selected for this volume as representative men and women in various lines of work.

Realizing the importance of having the counsel of some of the most competent citizens of the State in making these selections, several years ago the author consulted General George W. Jones, Ex-Senator James Harlan, Judge George G. Wright and Theodore S. Parvin, who kindly assisted in designating the persons who should not be omitted. Since that time as others have attained prominence, Charles Aldrich and William H. Fleming have assisted in making additions to the list first selected.

Lawmakers, State and National, including those who have been chosen to execute, construe and administer the laws, occupy a large place in history. Educators, journalists, reformers, authors, artists, scientists and founders of benevolent and reformatory institutions have attained eminence in our State. Military achievements in the wars which have called our citizens from peaceful pursuits, both by officers and private soldiers, have brought additional honors to Iowa people. In the representative citizens of these different classes selected for biographical sketches, the reader may follow the brief record of nativity, educational opportunities, occupation and special work which has brought the various individuals into public notice. It is especially interesting to observe what a large majority of those who have attained State-wide prominence in every line of useful work, belonged to the middle classes who have relied entirely upon their own industry, perseverance and personal determination for the success achieved. Nearly all have been workers, rising slowly step by step, attaining the positions sought without the aid of wealth or influential friends. Thousands of others are yearly pursuing a similar course with a prospect of equal success.