Jacob Cretsinger came to Carroll county in 1856, settling in Union township, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He turned his attention to the further cultivation and improvement of the property and thereon reared his family.

Jacob Cretsinger was elected to the first Board of Supervisors of Carroll county, serving from January, 1861, until he resigned turning 1864. He served as Chairman of the Board in 1863 and 1864 until his resignation.

Jacob and Delilah (Harris) Cretsinger were the parents of six children, three sons and three daughters: John M., who is deceased (in 1911); Mary Ann, the wife of J. M. Gilbert, of Creighton, Nebraska; Minerva J., who is the wife of John Minnich and resides in Guthrie county, Iowa; George M., of Coon Rapids, Iowa; Isasc M., living in Guthrie county, Iowa; and Sarah E.