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Note: From TODD COUNTY HISTORIES, Published by the Todd County Bicentennial Committee In Conjunction With The United States Bicentennial 1776-1976, which contains Reprints of Township Histories written by O.B. DeLaurier and printed in The Long Prairie Leader, page 121 ," THURSDAY OCTOBER 31, 1935, IONA - John Oliver, a native of Cardigan, Wales, purchased this land after it had been sold to Colbert McColley. Mr. Oliver sold 80 acres of it to his son, William Oliver, and he in turn sold forty acres to his brother, Joseph W. Oliver. So far as we know there are no members of the Oliver family now living in Iona; but for a quarter of a century, they had much to do in shaping the policy of the town. In his late years Mr. Oliver moved to live with a son near Motley, Minnesota, and there he died.
After coming to the United States John Oliver married Miss Mary Williams, also a native of Wales, and to them were born nine children as follows: Mary, Thomas, Maggie, Elizabeth, John A., Joseph W., Kate, William and Benjamin. Of these children, Joseph W. is the best known and had more to do in the development of the town, and for ten years served as chairman of the board of supervisors.
Joseph W. Oliver was born at Welsh Hollow, Wisconsin, on July 28, 1860, and came with his parents to Iona. He has always followed farming, increasing his land holdings from the original 40 acres to a farm of larger acreage. On November 30, 1884, he married Miss Ida Lake, the daughter of Jefferson Lake, one of the pioneers of Reynolds. To them have been born eight children as follows: Ethel, Irl, Arthur, Maggie, Edward, Florence, Ada and Eva. Eva died in 1929.
As we have stated, Joseph W. Oliver has been very active in the history of the town in private and in official capacities. Some years ago he sold his interests in Iona and purchased a farm in Leslie Township where he now resides.
John A. Oliver, son of John Oliver, came with the family when it moved from Welsh Hollow, Wisconsin, and for many years was a well known resident of the town. Some years later he took up his residence in Long Prairie village, where he acquired considerable property. He married Miss Nora Bodle, on October 23, 1885, and to them were born the following named children: Lawrence, Rose, Oscar, and Wallace. His wife, Nora, died and he married Mrs. Anna (Bond) Brown; but since that time we have no information bearing on his history.
William Oliver, son of John Oliver, Sr., came with the family to Iona and for some years occupied a farm in section 32, but later sold it. While here he married Miss Lizzie Howard, the daughter of Louis Howard one of the early settlers in Reynolds. His wife was related to the Brothertown Indians and we understand that they moved there.
Benjamin Oliver, son of John Oliver, Sr., came with the family from Wisconsin, and for some years made the town his home; but moved elsewhere and we are without information as to his subsequent history. While living here he married a daughter of Louis Howard, of Reynolds, Miss Altia Howard, and we believe two girls were born to them; but we lose sight of them".
Obituary of John Oliver, The Todd County Argus, Thursday, March 23, 1905: "JOHN OLIVER, SR., DIES AT HOME OF SON IN MOTLEY - The remains of John Oliver, Sr., were interred here last Friday afternoon. He passed away at the home of his son, Thomas, at Motley, Thursday in the early hours of morning after a long illness. Dropsy of the heart was the immediate cause of his death. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Lewis of Burtrum, at Motley and the remains brought here for burial. Deceased's wife passed away September first, 1904, at the home of her son, Will, in Nevis, and the children will have her remains brought here during the summer and laid beside those of her departed husband. Mr. Oliver had been in poor health for several years. John Oliver was born in Wales May 18th, 1827. He came to America in 1845 and settled near Oshkosh, Wis., where he resided for a number of years. He then moved to Minnesota and settled in Blue Earth county, making his home there for several years. About twenty years ago he and his wife came to Todd county and settled on a little farm in Iona township, where they spent their decling years together. Mr. Oliver's health becoming poor, they gave up farming about ten years ago and made their home among their children. Deceased was the father of nine children all of whom are living. The children are Mrs. Mary Wonch, of Spokane, Wash.; Thomas Oliver, of Motley; Mrs. Maggie Roberts, of Mankato; Mrs. Lizzie Todd, of Floodwood, Minn.; John Oliver, of this city; Joseph Oliver, of Leslie; Mrs. Kate Irwin, of Brainerd; William Oliver, of Nevis and Benjamin Oliver, Idaho. Deceased was a very religious man and was brought up in the church. During life he always did what he thought was right and was square and upright in all his dealings with his fellow men."
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