James Shelmerdine submitted by Conley Wolterman A farmer of Boyer Valley Township, one of its oldest settlers, came to Iowa in 1856. He was born in England, July 13, 1821, a son of William and Isabel (Brunton) Shelmerdine, natives of England. James Shelmerdine was reared and educated in his native land and there learned the trade of dyer, working at cotton dyeing for many years, but in 1855 came to America, landing in New York City. He was employed in the print works in New Jersey, where he remained one year and then moved to Mount Vernon, Iowa, where he remained until 1856. He then came with Rob Browning to Sac County, Iowa, locating near Sac City. At that time, Sac City had one house, that of Judge Criss, and there was one log house being built. Mr. Shelmerdine engaged as mail carrier from Ida Grove to Sac City, and while performing his official duty, he met a Mr. Treadway, who was a recruiting officer. After conversing with him, James decided to enlist as he was a man of strong abolition principles, He offered his services to the 18th Iowa Infantry, but as their quota was full, he enlisted in the 26th Iowa Infantry and served 2 years and 11 months, plus 11 days. He participated at the Battle of Vicksburg and was at Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, and Kenesaw Mountain, at which place he was wounded in the right shoulder and confined in the hospital. Later he rejoined his regiment at Atlanta, went to Jonesboro, through the Carolinas on to Richmond, finally taking part in the grand review at Washington. With the exception of his one wound, he remained in good health and was always ready for service. He was honorably discharged at Clinton, Iowa. He then returned to Sac County, Iowa, and in 1869, settled upon a farm of 120 acres of land in a good state of cultivation, located 3 miles from the town of Early. On the farm he had erected several fine barns and all necessary accompanying sheds and stables. He married Miss Nancy Maulsby on August 1866. Nancy was born in Miami County, Indiana, daughter of David and Isabella (Carr) Maulsby. Nancy and James had 6 children: David Simpson; Isabel, wife of Vernon Herigon of Kansas, having one child named Elvie; Mary Elizabeth; Nancy; Arthur; and James. Mr. Shelmerdine was connected with the William T. Sherman Post No. 284, Sac City, Iowa.

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