Roger Cox - Spring Lake, MI

Noah N. Odell, the subject of this notice, settled on section 16 in the fall of 1856, and there, in that year, erected a steam sawmill. This was the first steam sawmill in Adams county, which was an entirely new mill when Mr. Odell bought it at Mt Vernon, Ohio, and had it shipped to the place where it was erected. An effort was made about the same time to erect an old steam sawmill at Brooks, but it was not a success, so that Mr. Odell's mill may properly be said to be the first steam sawmill erected in Adams County. He removed his mill to Brooks in the spring of 1859, and in 1863 to Washington township, having sold it to Christopher Hardier. This mill has now disappeared, as the man to whom Mr Odell sold it disposed of various parts to different person, who removed the same from the county. Mr. Odell has carried on farming ever since his mill experience but in connection there with was also engaged in carpentering and building for many years. His father was a carpenter and he very naturally learned that trade. He has done much building in Adams county, having built the first frame barn of any importance; this was on what is known as the "Billy Wilson" farm in Quincy twp. The largest barn he built was on the Vernon place near Corning. In fact he has erected a large number of both dwellings and barns in Adams and Montgomery counties. He has resided on his present farm since 1866. He has a fine farm of 200 acres, and has also given land to his sons.

Mr Odell was married in 1847 to Miss Lydia A. Field, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Selden Field, a native of Connecticult. Her mother's maiden name was Lydia Ketchum, a native of Vermont, but reared in the state of New York. Mr and Mrs Odell have seven children, six sons and one daughter, and have lost four daughters by death. In his political affliations Mr Odell has been a Republican ever since the organization of that party. His first presidential vote was cast for Martin Van Buren. He voted for General Fremont in 1856, and for General Harrison in 1888, and all Republican presidents between those two. He was reared in the Abolition school of politics, his father having belonged to that party, and in his early days, in Ohio helped many escaping slave on his way to freedom. He and his wife have long been faithful and consistent members of the Christian church.

We have thus endeavered to give a biographical sketch of Mr Odell, one of the best known pioneers of Adams county, who with his wife came here when the country was new and have done their part in contributing to the growth and development of the county. The lives of such as they are well worthy of preservation in the annals of the county with which they have been so long and closely identified. Cordial and genial in disposition and ever generous and hospitable they have the esteem and respect of all.

John M Bixler

from the Iowa Official Register 1927-1928; Biographies of State Representatives; pg. 239

Roger Cox - Spring Lake, MI

(transcribed by Sharyl Ferrall)

Representative from Adams county, was born on a farm in that county December 23, 1867, the son of John and Savila Bixler. His parents were pioneer residents of Adams county, settling there in 1854. Attended the rural schools and later the Western Normal college at Shenandoah, Iowa. Graduated from Highland Park College, now known as Des Moines University, in 1891. Was elected county superintendent of schools in Adams county in 1892, serving two terms. Was journal clerk in the house of representatives in the 26th and 26th extra sessions. Married Miss Fannie L. Day, March 13, 1892. They have six children, Fern, Marjorie, Mary, Carl, Neal and Blanche. At present engaged in general farming. Member of the Masonic lodge and of a community church. Republican in politics.