Marion County >> 1915 Index

The History of Marion County, Iowa
John W. Wright and W. A. Young, supervising eds. 2 vols. Chicago: S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1915.

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D. C. Gates - page 395

D. C. Gates is a general merchant of Swan, where he has conducted business since 1902. His residence in this county dates from 1869, although he was first here in 1866. Later he resided in Warren county for two years. His birth occurred in Rock Island county, Illinois, on the 29th of July, 1858. His grandparents were John and Mary Ann (Schoonover) Gates, who removed to Iowa in 1859, accompanied by their grandson, D. C. Gates. In the fall of 1866 they came to Marion county. The grandfather was a farmer of Swan township, where he continued to engage actively in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1898, when he was more than ninety years of age. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian church, and their lives were in consistent harmony with its teachings.

D. C. Gates has a half-brother and a half-sister, Mrs. Nellie Jordan and Burr Shook, of Swan. He was reared in his grandparents' home and attended the common schools. He early became familiar with farm work and followed that pursuit for a time in early manhood but later began clerking, to which he devoted one year. He later embarked in general merchandising at Swan and has since devoted his entire attention to that business. He has a well appointed general store and the stock which he carries and the honorable methods which he has followed have brought him substantial success in its conduct.

In 1901 Mr. Gates was united in marriage to Miss Evelyn Bramhall, a native of Warren county and a daughter of the late Harry Bramhall, of Indianola. Mrs. Gates was reared in Warren county and for nine years was an able and successful teacher in the schools of Warren and Pottawattomie counties. Mr. and Mrs. Gates have reared two adopted children, Clyde and Clara, twins, now fifteen years of age.

Mr. Gates is a republican, and fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows of Swan, while his wife is identified with the Rebekah degree. They are well known in Swan and the hospitality of the best homes is freely and cordially extended them. They have many friends whom they in turn delight to entertain.

N. J. Gesman – page 362

N. J. Gesman is a well known real-estate dealer of Pella and has also been prominent in the political affairs of the city, serving for two terms as mayor, during which time he was instrumental in closing up saloons and objectionable resorts. He was born in Pella on the 1st of November, 1865, a son of N. J. and Anna (de Jong) Gesman, both natives of Holland. The father was but a child when brought by his father, A. G. Gesman, to the United States in 1847, and the family resided in St. Louis for two years but in 1849 removed to Pella. A. G. Gesman, being a carpenter, built many of the first residences in this city and followed contracting until his demise, which occurred about 1889.

N. J. Gesman, Sr., was but eleven years of age when the family came to Pella and he received the greater part of his education here. He studied law and was admitted to the bar about 1872, but prior to this he engaged in teaching school for a time. He continued in the practice of his profession here until about 1890 and won a reputation as a lawyer of ability and integrity. He was connected with many phases of life in the city, as, in addition to his experience as teacher and his practice as a lawyer, he was for the last seven years of his life a minister in the Dutch Reformed church and for a time owned and edited the Pella Gazette. He passed away in 1894. His wife is a daughter of Arie de Jong, who in 1855 brought his family from Holland to the United States and came direct to Pella. Mrs. Gesman survives her husband and resides in Pella at the age of seventy-nine years. She is an active church worker, as was Mr. Gesman, the latter being one of the founders of the Second Reformed church. They had nine children, three of whom died in infancy. Arie is now living in Omaha; Mrs. John Korver is a resident of Pella; G. A. lives in Lavina, Montana; N. J., of this review, is the next of the family; and Mrs. S. B. Grant resides in Pella.

N. J. Gesman of this review received a public-school education and subsequently attended the Central University of Iowa at Pella. After leaving school he clerked in the city for several years, but in 1888 went west, remaining there until 1900, when he returned to Pella. During the fourteen years that have since passed he has devoted his time to the real-estate business and has become recognized as an authority upon realty values. He has negotiated many important transfers of property and is recognized as one of the prosperous business men of the city.

Mr. Gesman is a democrat is his political belief and has taken a prominent part in public affairs of the city. In 1909 he was elected mayor and reelected in 1911. The question at issue was the liquor business and his election meant the complete rout of the saloon interests. He enforced the law strictly and under his administration all saloons and objectionable resorts were close. It was also while he was mayor that the bonds were issued for the city water, light and sewers. All who know him concede his sincerity and integrity and honor him for the moral courage which characterizes all of his transactions.

T. G. Gilson – page 276

T. G. Gilson has amply demonstrated his financial ability as business manager of the Knoxville Journal, and under his management that paper is conducted along up-to-date and efficient lines. He understands the importance of eliminating waste and of keeping down the cost of publication as far as is consistent with a high standard of typographical work and he has also been successful in increasing the circulation and the amount of space sold for advertising purposes. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on the 22d of November, 1848, a son of James W. and Martha M. (Shearer) Gilson, both natives of the Keystone state. The paternal grandfather, William Gilson, spent his entire life in Pennsylvania and his father, Thomas Gilson, was also a resident of that state. He fought in the Revolutionary war, saw a great deal of active service and was wounded in the battle of Trenton.

James W. Gilson brought his family to Knoxville, the date of their arrival in this city being the 4th of April, 1862. A wagon maker by trade he opened a shop here which he conducted until his demise in 1886. His widow survived for two years, dying in1888 in the faith of the Presbyterian church, of which she was a member. To their union were born fourteen children, five of whom grew to maturity. John C., a farmer by occupation, came to this county in 1856. Sue U. became the wife of John T. Wright, who for a number of years was a locomotive engineer and who was a man of much mechanical ingenuity, the inventor of metallic packing. About 1880 he removed to Marion county and for a number of years engaged in farming. Both he and his wife are deceased, her demise occurring in April, 1914, at Tacoma, Washington. Delia married B. R. Ewalt, a merchant of Knoxville. He was for several years county auditor and proved a capable official. He is deceased and his widow lives at Cedar Falls, this state. T. G., of this review, is the next in order of birth. Robert M. resides at San Diego, California.

T. G. Gilson attended the public schools in the acquirement of his scholastic education and also learned the painter’s trade in his youth. After being telegraph operator in Ohio for a time he was for ten years engaged in the real-estate business in Knoxville. Later he was a clerk in the postoffice at Knoxville and from 1897 to 1902 held the office of postmaster of the city. At the expiration of his term of service in that capacity he purchased an interest in the Knoxville Journal and has since been the business manager of that publication, which is one of the leading papers of the city. As he is an aggressive and astute business man the finances of the paper were never in better condition than at the present time.

Mr. Gilson was married on the 25th of June, 1874, to Miss Hattie M. Porterfield, of this city, a daughter of James and Caroline Porterfield. Her father was a farmer by occupation. To Mr. and Mrs. Gilson have been born four daughters, namely: Maude, the wife of Judge W. C. Mentzer, of Cheyenne, Wyoming; Blanche, who married O. W. Thompson, a resident of Chicago; and Gail and Mildred, both at home.

Mr. Gilson is a republican in his political allegiance and has taken an active part in the management of local affairs. For thirty consecutive years he served as secretary of the city school board and for nineteen years was city clerk. For nine years he held the position of secretary of the local fair and was largely responsible for its success during that time. His experience in the management of fairs was not confined to his connection with the local fair, as for eleven years he was assistant secretary and chairman of the finance committee of the Iowa State Fair. He was one of the originators of the Homesteaders, a fraternal insurance company with headquarters at Des Moines, and is at present the editor of the official paper of that organization which is known as The Backlog and is a monthly of sixteen pages with a circulation of twenty-two thousand, five hundred. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Gilson has not only won individual prosperity but has aided in the development of Knoxville and Marion county through his connection with the Knoxville Journal and through his work as secretary of the local fair, and his initiative and ability have found yet wider scope through his connection with the state fair and especially through his labors in behalf of the Homesteaders. In all relations of life he has proven upright and reliable, as well as capable, and he has the unqualified respect of all who have been brought in contact with him.

Mrs. Verna Mae Goldizen – page 372

As the women of the country are perhaps the most vitally interested in the education of the children and as the elementary schools are largely taught by women it is fitting that the county superintendent should also be a woman and Mrs. Goldizen has fully demonstrated her fitness for this position, which carries with it responsibility for the advancement and efficiency of the public schools of the county. She was for many years a teacher and understands thoroughly the problems that confront the teacher and is thus able to advise wisely and to judge correctly of the value of the work done by those under her supervision. She has the faculty of securing the whole-hearted cooperation of the teachers of the county and of inspiring them to their best efforts.

Mrs. Goldizen was born in Warren county, this state, a daughter of S. I. and Jane (Turnipseed) Cassady, natives of Indiana and Ohio respectively. Her paternal grandfather was S. J. Cassady, of Barnesville, Ohio. After his death his widow remarried and brought her family to Warren county in 1853. S. I. Cassady was a farmer by occupation and was a veteran of the Civil war, enlisting in Company B, Thirty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in 1861 and remaining under arms until the close of the war. He passed away in 1902. His wife, who survives, is a daughter of Christopher and Maria Turnipseed, both natives of Virginia. She came to Iowa in 1854 and by her marriage she became the mother of eleven children, the subject of this review being the third in order of birth.

Mrs. Goldizen attended the public schools in her childhood and early girlhood and subsequently was a student in Simpson College, Des Moines College and the Iowa State Teachers College at Cedar Falls. Her first teaching experience was gained at Summerset school, Iowa, and from 1895 to 1897 she was principal at Palmyra Iowa. In 1901 she came to this county and was for seven years principal of schools in Harvey. At the expiration of that time she became principal of the Hamilton public schools and continued in that position for four years. In the fall of 1912 she was elected county superintendent of schools on the democratic ticket and took office January 1, 1913. The high standard of the schools of the county has been maintained and in a number of lines steps in advance have been taken, the work done comparing favorably with that of other counties of the state. The corps of teachers is very efficient and the parents manifest a willingness to cooperate for the good of the schools. Mrs. Goldizen is proving a capable leader of the education forces, adapting new methods and new ideals to the needs of the different schools of the county. Not the least of her value to the public-school system is her ability to suggest to the teacher a means of overcoming a difficulty that has arisen in her work.

In 1897 she became the wife of J. M. Goldizen, of Warren county, Iowa, whose parents removed to this state from Indiana in 1855. Mr. Goldizen is a resident of Knoxville and is well known and respected. Mrs. Goldizen is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, the Rebekahs and the Woman’s Relief Corps and takes a prominent part in all movements that have as their object the betterment of the community.

Fred P. Grant – page 137

Fred P. Grant is the owner of the only ice company in Knoxville and has developed his business to large proportions. He was born in New York state, at the foot of the Catskill mountains, on the 25th of February, 1846, a son of John F. and Mary M. (Miller) Grant. His paternal grandfather was General Grant, who was in command of militia from New York in the War of 1812. John F. Grant was a lumberman by occupation.

Fred P. Grant was taken to Pennsylvania by his parents when but ten years of age and lived there until his marriage. He then removed to New Jersey, where he resided until he came to Iowa, being superintendent of a lumber company in the east. In 1881 he came to Pella, this state, but late in the same year removed to Knoxville, where he started a creamery and conducted it until 1896. He then established the ice business of which he is still the owner. In the fall of 1913 a rival company was bought out and the Fred P. Grant Company now has the field to itself. It handles more than two thousand tons of ice per year and runs three of four wagons. The ice sold is natural ice and thirty-five men are employed in putting it up. Great care is exercised to prevent its contamination in any way, full weight is invariably given and the price is fair and reasonable. William L. Grant, the son of our subject, is associated with his father in business.

Fred P. Grant was married in 1872 to Miss Millie M. Pellett, of Pennsylvania, a daughter of Calvin and Eunice Pellett. Her father devoted his life to the work of the farm. To Mr. and Mrs. Grant were born four children: William L.; Nellie A., at home; Carrie B, who married Homer Carpenter, a resident of Trinidad, Colorado; and Edna, at home. Mrs. Grant passed away on the 9th of June, 1910.

William L. Grant, who was born in New York state on the 24th of September, 1873, after completing the public-school course at Knoxville, became associated with his father in the ice business when a young man. From 1903 to 1906 he was deputy sheriff of the county, serving under Sheriff Bybee. At the expiration of his term of office he lived in Colorado for seven years, but in 1913 returned to Knoxville and purchased the Goodspeed ice business, which he consolidated with that of his father, and he has since been a member of the Fred P. Grant Ice Company. He married Kate Kimball of Knoxville. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and belongs to the Knights of Pythias, in which he is past chancellor.

Fred P. Grant is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a republican in his political belief and has served as alderman from the third ward. He has been successful in business but has not allowed his private interests to take up his entire time, as he has always cooperated with those who have sought to promote the welfare of the community.

T. R. Gregory – page 120

T. R. Gregory, who has spent his entire life in Marion county and has carried on general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career, still resides upon his farm of two hundred and fifty acres on section 17, Clay township, but is now enjoying well earned retirement. His birth occurred in that township on the 6th of December, 1853, his parents being James T. and Harriet (Ridlen) Gregory, both of whom were natives of Indiana. They came to Iowa in 1846, the father entering a tract of land in Clay township, this county, whereon he built a log cabin which was his home for some years. In 1863 he removed to Knoxville, where both he and his wife passed away at the age of eighty-eight years and in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which they were devoted members. To them was accorded the rare pleasure of celebrating their seventieth wedding anniversary, and eight of their thirteen children are yet living. James T. Gregory gave his political allegiance to the democracy.

T. R. Gregory acquired his education in the common schools and remained at home until past twenty-seven years of age or until the time of his marriage. Following that important event in his life he started out as an agriculturist on his own account and in 1905 purchased the farm on which he now resides and which embraces two hundred and fifty acres of valuable land on section 17, Clay township. His undertakings as an agriculturist have been attended with a gratifying measure of prosperity and he is now living retired in the enjoyment of a comfortable competence.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Gregory chose Miss Sarah S. Rose, a native of Marion county, Iowa, and a daughter of Richard and Matilda (Glenn) Rose, who were born in Kentucky and Illinois respectively. They came to Iowa in 1855 and located on a farm in this county which Mr. Rose secured with a Mexican land warrant, having served throughout the Mexican war. Both he and his wife remained on the property until called to their final rest. They had six children and five of the number survive. Mrs. Gregory, who taught school for some terms prior to her marriage, has become the mother of four children, as follows: one who died in infancy; Glenn, deceased; Jessie A., who had a high-school education and is now the wife of W. H. Stroud, of Clay township; and Ruth R., who is attending college at Pella.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Gregory has supported the men and measures of the democracy, believing firmly in its principles. For some years he has served in the capacity of school director. The religious faith of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. They have spent their entire lives in Marion county and are well known and highly esteemed as people of genuine personal worth.

Samuel Ross Griffith – page 54

Samuel Ross Griffith, a well known farmer and stockman of Knoxville township, was born at Mount Morris, Pennsylvania, June 4, 1867, a son of Samuel and Juliana (Burris) Griffith, both of whom were born near Morgantown, West Virginia. The father’s natal day was September 30, 1814, and the mother’s January 9, 1829. They were married at Mount Morris, Pennsylvania, and the father farmed in that state until 1868, when the family removed to Pella, Marion county, Iowa. The following December they located in Wayne county, this state, and remained there for three years, after which they returned to this county and the father purchased the land now owned by our subject. He was a soldier of the Civil war and was faithful in the discharge of all duties. He died on the 6th of August, 1888, and his wife passed away on the 7th of July, 1907. Further information concerning them is found in the sketch of S. J. Marsh, published elsewhere in this work.

Samuel Ross Griffith was about a year old when brought by his parents to this county and the greater part of his boyhood was passed upon the farm where he still resides, although he lived for three years in Wayne county, this state. He was educated in the common schools and his training thus acquired was supplemented by a practical knowledge of agriculture gained by assisting in the cultivation of the home farm. Since starting out in life for himself he has devoted his time and energy to the work of the fields and has gained an enviable reputation as a successful farmer and stockman. He owns two hundred and thirty-eight acres on section 5, Knoxville township, and as the land is fertile and everything about the place is kept in good condition the property is a valuable one.

Mr. Griffith is a republican but has never aspired to office, preferred to concentrate his attention upon his agricultural operations. Fraternally he belongs to the Loyal Order of Moose at Knoxville and he attends the Methodist church. His life is guide by honorable principles and he is recognized not only as a successful man but as an upright and conscientious citizen.

Clarence Grubb – page 189

Since 1911 Clarence Grubb has carried on business as a lumber dealer of Tracy and in this connection has built up an enterprise of extensive and gratifying proportions. His birth occurred in Morgan county, Ohio, on the 7th of May, 1875, his parents being B. F. and Mary (Boileau) Grubb, likewise natives of the Buckeye state. In November, 1880, they came to Iowa, settling first in New Sharon, Mahaska county, and subsequently in Oskaloosa, that county, where they have made their home continuously since. To them were born six children, five of whom survive.

Clarence Grubb enjoyed the advantages of a high school education in his youth and when nineteen years of age left the parental roof and entered the service of the Iowa Central Railroad Company, being employed in the bridge and building department for twelve years. On the expiration of that period he made his way to Tulsa, Oklahoma, but at the end of two years returned to Iowa. He embarked in the lumber business at Tracy, where he has since won merited success as a dealer in all kinds of building materials. He owns fifteen lots in addition to his residence in the town of Tracy and is widely recognized as one of the progressive and prosperous citizens of the community.

On the 23d of January, 1909, Mr. Grubb was united in marriage to Miss Edith V. Stark, a daughter of James and Hester Stark. They have four children, namely: Abner; Helen; and Martha and Mary, twins. In politics Mr. Grubb is a republican, and both he and his wife attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has come to be recognized as one of the substantial men of his community, and his career is proof of the fact that industry and energy pave the way to success and that prosperity is but ambition’s answer.

The Guaranty Bank – page 156

The banks of Knoxville are ably managed and possess the confidence of the community and the Guaranty Bank receives a gratifying share of the banking business transacted in the city. Its doors were opened on the 1st of October, 1909, and its first administrative officers were George W. Crozier, president; Thomas Nace, vice president; N. F. Miller, cashier; and R. C. Nace, assistant cashier. It was at that time located one door west of the postoffice, but is now housed in its new building on the west side of the square on Main street. The structure was finished on New Years Day, 1914, and is modern in all respects. It has a handsome front and the equipment for banking is one of the best in Knoxville. The banking room is lighted by skylights and the vault is the finest and most secure in the county. The upper floor is given up to offices. It is a private institution owned by a copartnership of twenty-six responsible and representative men. It offers its depositors ample security and in the past year the total sum of deposits subject to check has almost doubled. The officials at the present time (1915) are Geo. W. Crozier, president; Thomas Nace, vice president; E. R. Jordan, cashier; and Roy Walker, assistant cashier. Its policy is a progressive one and its continued prosperity and growth is assured.

Thomas Gullion – page 162

On the list of Marion county’s honored dead appears the name of Thomas Gullion, who for an extended period was prominently and actively connected with agricultural interests in Indiana township, his labors bringing to him a substantial measure of success. He early recognized the eternal principle that industry wins and industry became the beacon light of his life. No matter how difficult the task which confronted him he accomplished it, for he was resolute, determined and persevering, and above all things he was thoroughly honorably in his business dealings.

Indiana numbered him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in that state, June 17, 1829, his parents being Jeremiah and Rebecca (McGrew) Gullion, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. They removed to Indiana at an early day and in the ‘40s came to Marion county, Iowa, arriving here before the admission of the state into the Union. This section was still largely undeveloped and unimproved, in fact, there were very few white settlers. The forests were uncut, the prairies uncultivated, the streams unbridged, and only here and there was to be seen the little cabin of the settler, showing that the seeds of civilization were being planted. The father secured land which he converted into a productive farm, upon which both he and his wife spent their remaining days.

Thomas Gullion was a youth in his early teens when the family came to Iowa and he shared with them in all of the hardships, trials and privations incident to pioneer life when neighbors lived miles apart and when farm work was very arduous, for there was none of the modern machinery of the present day. After reaching man’s estate Mr. Gullion was united in marriage on the 1st of April, 1853, to Miss Hannah A. Simmons, who was born in Kane county, Illinois, a daughter of Benjamin and Frances (Sherwood) Simmons, both of whom were natives of Indiana. At an early day they removed to Illinois and in 1837 came to Iowa when this state was still a part of the territory of Wisconsin. They settled in Linn county, Mr. Simmons being the second man to pass the winter in that county. They secured a tract of land and he built a log cabin with a clapboard roof and a puncheon floor and door, from which hung the latchstring, usually on the outside. There was a mud and stick chimney and the only means of heating the cabin was the fireplace. After aiding in the pioneer development of Linn county Mr. Simmons again became identified with pioneer life, removing to the northwest and taking up his abode in Oregon in 1853. There he and his wife again took part in sowing the seeds of civilization in a wild district and their remaining days were spent in that state. In their family were twelve children, of whom five are yet living.

Following his marriage Mr. Gullion purchased three hundred acres of land in Indiana township and bent his energies to the development and improvement of the place. The opening of spring saw him at work in the fields and he carefully tilled the soil and cultivated the crops until the harvests were gathered in the late autumn. The methods which he followed were at once practical and progressive and brought gratifying results. He lived upon the farm until his death, which occurred in April, 1911.

To Mr. and Mrs. Gullion were born ten children: Margaret, now the wife of John Corkins; Rebecca, who married William Hall; Sarah, the wife of George Gruder; McClellan; Isaac J.; Danny, at home; John S.; and three who have passed away. After the demise of her husband Mrs. Gullion sold the home farm and purchased fifteen acres, where she now resides. This land is highly improved and to its further development and cultivation she gives her personal attention and supervision.

Mr. Gullion was a member of the Methodist Protestant church and his life was in harmony with its teachings. In politics he was a democrat and always took an active interest in the questions and issues of the day but did not seek nor wish for office. He believed, however, it was the duty of every true American citizen to exercise his right of franchise in support of the principles in which he believed and he at all times manifested a public-spirited devotion to the general good. When death called him he was laid to rest in the Gullion cemetery, leaving a widow and seven children to mourn his loss.

William Gullion – page 286

Marion county lost one of her native sons and honored pioneer settlers when William Gullion passed away in September, 1901. He was then in the fifty-third year of his age, his birth having occurred in this county on the 23d of March, 1849. His parents were Eli and Mary (Whitlatch) Gullion, who were natives of Indiana and in the ‘40s came to Iowa, here making their home until they were called to their final rest.

William Gullion was reared amid the scenes and environments of pioneer life and shared with the family in all of the hardships and privations incident to settlement upon the frontier. He could remember back to the time when much of the land was unclaimed and uncultivated. The broad prairies were starred with a million wildflowers in June but in December were covered with a dazzling and unbroken sheet of snow. One could ride for miles without coming to a fence to impede his progress. There were comparatively few roads laid out and only in slight measure had the work of development and improvement been carried forward.

William Gullion aided in the arduous task of developing a new farm and remained upon the home place until he reached to age of thirty-one years. He then married and established a home of his own. The lady of his choice was Mrs. Elizabeth A. (Davis) Nicholson, who was born in Jackson county, Missouri, a daughter of Hampton and Cynthia (Watkins) Davis, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Kentucky. They became residents of Missouri, where they lived for some time, and in 1849 removed to Marion county, Iowa, where both Mr. and Mrs. Davis spent their remaining days. By her first marriage Mrs. Gullion had a daughter, Esther M. Nicholson, now the wife of I. J. Gullion. Unto Mr. and Mrs. William Gullion were born two sons, Loren A. and Guy C. The family circle was broken by the hand of death when, in September, 1901, Mr. Gullion passed away. There were many friends who mourned his loss and his memory is yet cherished by those who knew him. His widow still owns the old homestead farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Indiana and Washington townships and from this property derives a good annual income. She is a member of the Methodist Protestant church and has lived a life in harmony with its teachings. She possesses marked business capability and attends to all of her own interests in connection with the farm and the management of her property. She is widely and favorably known and has a circle of warm friends in the section of the county in which she makes her home.

George L. Gustin – page 183

Since March, 1910, George L. Gustin has resided in Knoxville, having retired from the active work of the farm. He was born at McArthur, Vinton county, Ohio, July 2, 1846, a son of Robert and Susanna (Speed) Gustin. The father came to this county on the 5th of April, 1847, located upon a claim in Union township, three miles from Red Rock village, entering a quarter section of land, and built the first hewn log house in that township. His wife and two children joined him in this county, which remained the family home thereafter. Mr. Gustin improved his first claim and subsequently traded it for another but resided in Union township until the spring of 1869. In that year he removed to Franklin township and purchased a farm, upon which he lived until his death, which occurred in 1873, when he was fifty-three years of age. He was a typical pioneer and aided much in the early development of the county. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. George Gustin, the former of whom died in early manhood, but the latter lived to a ripe old age. Robert Gustin was born in Athens county, Ohio, as was his wife, who bore the maiden name of Susanna Speed and was the daughter of George and Mercy C. Speed, the former of whom spent the last years of his life in Marion county and here passed away, while the latter died in Ohio. A number of representatives of both the Gustin and Speed families have lived in this county and the two names are held in high respect here.

Mr. & Mrs. Gustin were at first members of the United Brethren church but later joined the Methodist Episcopal church. She died in November, 1911, in this county, when almost ninety years of age. To their union were born three children. James W., whose birth occurred July 6, 1842, and who died in Missouri in 1873, was a farmer for a time but subsequently engaged in the shoe business in the Iron state. He left a widow and several children, all of whom are now deceased but a son, who resides in Canada. The subject of this review is the next in order of birth. Mrs. Mercy Morgan, whose husband was for twenty years chief of the fire department of Portland, Oregon, passed away in that city in 1904, leaving three daughters.

George L. Gustin was brought to this county when an infant and has lived here continuously since. For many years he followed farming, raising grain and stock and gaining more than a competence. He first bought land in this county in 1869 and subsequently sold that tract and bought a finely improved farm in Franklin township, which he sold for one hundred and fifty dollars per acre in 1909. He has dealt in land to a considerable extent, has bought and sold or traded a number of farms and still owns many acres of good land. In 1910 he removed to Knoxville, where he is highly esteemed by his fellow citizens.

In 1871 Mr. Gustin was married to Miss Susan Glenn, who was reared from childhood in this county but whose birth occurred in Jefferson county, this state. Her parents, Thomas and Mary Glenn, came to Iowa from the vicinity of Albany, Indiana, shortly after their marriage and the father followed farming. Both have passed away. An uncle of Mrs. Gustin, William Glenn, was for many years a merchant at Pleasantville. To Mr. and Mrs. Gustin have been born two children. C. D., representing the Home Insurance Company at Des Moines, married Miss Julia Welcher and they have three daughters, Gladys, Gertrude and Lois. Myrta married Clyde Flannagan, a farmer of Franklin township, by whom she has a son, Don.

Mr. Gustin is a stanch democrat and served for years in township offices while a resident of Franklin township. From January, 1884, to January, 1888, he was county auditor, and he has also served as a member of the board of supervisors. The family are members of the Free Methodist church of Knoxville and hold the respect of those who have come in contact with them as their lives are guided by high standards of morality.