The History of Knox County
pub. in 1912 by S. J. Clarke Pub. Co. 

   IRA BULSON.

     Ira Bulson, one of the well known native sons of Victoria township as well as one of the highly successful and capable agriculturists, was born on the farm, where he now resides, on the 7th of October, 1863. His father, Frederick Bulson, one of the pioneer settlers of Knox county, was born and reared in Otsego county, New York. At an age between twenty-one and twenty-two years he left his native state and came west, locating in Knox county. Here he met and married Miss Mary Heinline, who was a native of Kentucky, subsequently locating on the farm now owned and operated by their son Ira. Mr. Bulson was an ambitious, enterprising agriculturist and capable business man, who directed his undertakings with intelligence and sagacity. He met with success ultimately, although the early years were well filled with the usual obstacles and difficulties that confront the pioneer. He erected practically all of the buildings now standing on the place and brought the fields into a high state of productivity. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Bulson numbered eight, our subject being the seventh in order of birth. The others are as follows: Sarah, the wife of Clinton Bradley, of Iowa; Hannah, the deceased wife of David Shearer; Lizzie, who married M. A. Shearer of Clay county, Nebraska; George, who died in childhood; Alice, the wife, of Henry Turner of Clay county, Nebraska; Mary, who is a resident of Santa Anna, California; and Adam, who passed away at the age of twenty-two years. The children were born and reared on the farm and there the parents passed the latter years of their life, the mother being sixty at the time of her death, while the father had attained the venerable age of eighty-six when called to his final rest. They are both buried in the cemetery at Victoria. Mr. Bulson was one of the foremost citizens of the township and took an active and helpful interest in its .political affairs, giving his support to the candidates of the democratic party. He discharged with efficiency the duties of pathmaster and at one time he was also a member of the board of school directors.
     The entire life of Ira Bulson has been passed on the farm he now owns and which is endeared to him by the memories of childhood as well as the associations of his mature years. He attended the district school in the vicinity of his home, and while mastering the elements of English learning assisted with the work of the farm, the services of the entire family being required to perform the multitudinous duties connected with its operation. When he had acquired a sufficient public-school training, he gave his entire attention to agricultural pursuits, with the intention of qualifying himself to adopt this life vocation upon attaining his maturity. After his marriage he brought his bride to the home of his parents, later acquiring the title to the property. Since becoming the owner of the farm, Mr. Bulson has remodeled and improved many of the buildings to which he has also made additions. As his circumstances have warranted during the passing years he has introduced various modern conveniences and appliances that have added greatly to the comfort and value of the place. His operations have always been conducted along the lines of general farming, but in connection therewith he has also raised stock, both lines of departure having proven remunerative under his capable direction. Success has attended the efforts of Mr. Bulson and in addition to his valuable property he owns stock in the Farmers' Elevator at Victoria and the Farmers' Cooperative State Bank at Galva.
     Mr. Bulson has twice married, his first union being with Miss Minnie Dudley, and they became the parents of a son and daughter, Harry and Jessie. On the 2d of June, 1911, Mr. Bulson and Miss Laura Boggs were united in marriage. The present Mrs. Bulson is a native of Galva and a daughter of Light and Laura Boggs, residents of that place. His holdings are located in Lynn and Victor townships, but he resides on section 6 of Victoria township, his house facing the road that divides Copley and Victor townships.
     Ever since granted the right of franchise upon attaining his majority, Mr. Bulson has accorded his support to the men and measures of the democratic party. Although he is interested in local political activities and meets the requirements of good citizenship by the casting of his ballot on election day, he has never aspired to office, always having preferred to give his undivided attention to the development of his private affairs. Both Mr. Bulson and his family are held in high esteem in the community, where the name has been held in favorable regard for three generations, and the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them.  (pages 591-592, submitted by Janine Crandell)