Dallas County >> 1907 Index

Past and Present of Dallas County, Iowa
Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907.

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Levi D. Gamble

Among the most worthy and respected citizens who have lived for any length of time in Perry is numbered Levi D. Gamble, now deceased, and though he has passed away his memory is yet cherished by those who knew him and were acquainted with the history of his life of general usefulness and activity. He was born January 29, 1842, in Concord, Illinois, his parents being John and Rachel Gamble, farming people of that state. In his boyhood Levi D. Gamble became a student in the common schools. He ran away from home to join the army at the age of nineteen years and was enrolled on the 20th of December, 1861, as a member of Company D, Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, under command of Captain Lewis H. Armstrong. He served until December 19, 1864, and was released at Memphis, Tennessee, after three years of active and honorable connection with the Union forces. He was always a soldier of courage and spirit, never neglecting any military duty that devolved upon him, whether it called him to the lonely picket line or exposed him to the dangers of the firing line. A few years after his retirement from the army he came to Perry and was engaged in the grocery business until his store was destroyed by fire. He then turned his attention to real-estate dealing for a short time and in the year in which the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad was surveyed through Perry he opened a furniture and undertaking business and was thereafter occupied with its successful conduct until called to his final rest. He had a good establishment, carrying a carefully selected line of furniture of all grades and his reasonable prices and reliable business policy gained him a gratifying patronage.

On the 3d of May, 1871, Mr. Gamble was united in marriage to Miss Anna H. Townsend and unto them have been born a son and daughter: Harry L. Gamble, who was born in 1873 and died at the completion of a course in the law school at Iowa City, in March, 1898; and Helen T. Gamble, now the wife of Leslie B. Morgan.

In his political views Mr. Gamble was a republican, in hearty sympathy with the principles and purposes of the party and the platform upon which it rested. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and to the Odd Fellows lodge. He was in sympathy with all churches, which he aided in liberally maintaining, perhaps giving more influence, however, to the Methodist church of Perry. In his views of life he was optimistic and progressive, yet he did not lack that conservatism which acts as a balance wheel and makes a man master of a situation, recognizing the relative value of each point connected with that situation. He was therefore sound in matters of business judgment. In his relations to others he was generous and hopeful, was ever ready to assist a fellow traveler on life's journey and had faith in the goodness of humanity. His entire life was an exponent of a broad humanitarianism which has caused his memory to be honored and cherished by all with whom he came in contact. The circle of his friends was almost co-extensive with the circle of his acquaintance but the best traits of his character were reserved for his own fireside and his family.

T. H. Gardiner

T. H. Gardiner is one of the oldest settlers of Dallas county, dating his residence here from 1857, and in the state from 1555. He is a prosperous farmer of Beaver township, owning a well improved and valuable farm of three hundred and twenty acres, situated on sections 16 and 17, and here in addition to cultivating the land he also engages in raising good grades of stock.

Mr. Gardiner was born near Brockville, Canada, January 26, 1845, a son of Robert Gardiner, a native of Ireland. He was there married and came with his wife and one child to America, establishing his home in Canada, where he followed farming for a time and later, in 1855, removed with his family to Wapello county, Iowa, where he lived for two years and then came to Dallas county, locating in Beaver township, where he entered two hundred acres of land and made his home thereon until the time of his death, which occurred in 1861. He was survived by his wife for a few years, when she, too, was called to her final rest.

T. H. Gardiner is one of a family of six sons and five daughters. He was reared to farm life, giving his father the benefit of his services until the time of the latter's death, when the son assumed the management of the home farm, for his two elder brothers were in the army. It was in January, 1873, that Mr. Gardiner chose as a companion and helpmate for life's journey, Miss Ida M. Conway, who was born and reared in Indiana. After his marriage he located on a farm on section 8, Beaver township, this place comprising one hundred and fifty-five acres of land, which he improved and cultivated for several years and then disposed of that tract and purchased his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres, located on section 17, Beaver township. This was partially improved when he took possession but he has added many modern accessories and equipments, has a good country residence and substantial outbuildings and everything about the place is kept in first-class condition. He has added to his original holdings from time to time until he now owns three hundred and twenty acres of land, this being divided into two farms. In addition to this he likewise owns four hundred acres of farm land near Plankinton, South Dakota. All that he today possesses has been acquired entirely through his own well directed labors and capable management, for he started out in life empty-handed and has worked his way steadily upward until he has become one of the extensive landowners of this section of the state.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner has been blessed with nine children, five sons and four daughters, and all are still living. The sons are: B. C., a farmer of Beaver township; J. R., a lumber and tile merchant of Gardiner; Charlie H., on his father's farm in Beaver township; D. M. and Emmett, both at home. The first three sons are married. The daughters are: Holly, the wife of Joseph Vickroy, a farmer of Boone county, by whom she has three children, Ruth, Dorothy and Don; Bertha, a student in Des Moines (Iowa) Business College; Nettie, a student in the same college; and June, at home.

Mr. Gardiner formerly gave his political support to the republican party but is now a supporter of the prohibition party. He has served as township trustee and as a member of the school board for several years. He has also been sent as a delegate to county conventions on various occasions. He and his wife are faithful and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Gardiner has been a resident of Dallas county for a half century and at the time of his arrival the work of progress and improvement lay largely in the future. In the years which have since passed Mr. Gardiner has not only witnessed a most wonderful transformation but has largely aided in the labors which have transformed the wild tract into a splendid commonwealth. Now in his declining years he is surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, which is the merited reward of a long and honorable business career.

Rev. H. H. Garwick

The agricultural interests of Walnut township find a worthy representative in Rev. H. H. Garwick, who is living on section 6. He is thoroughly progressive as a farmer, stockraiser and dairyman and he is also well known as a minister of the Brethren of Christ church. Born in Carroll county, Illinois, on the 14th of August, 1862, he is a son of Henry Garwick, a native of Germany and one of the earliest settlers of Carroll county. Subsequently he removed to Whiteside county, Illinois, where he opened up a farm, clearing the land and developing a good property. It was upon that place that he reared his family and spent his remaining days, his death occurring in September, 1902, while his wife passed away in 1890. Their family numbered four sons and two daughters, all of whom have reached mature years and reared families.

Rev. H. H. Garwick was reared in Whiteside county, Illinois, where he acquired a common-school education. His privileges, however, were somewhat limited in that regard, but possessing an observing eye and retentive memory he has added largely to his knowledge since attaining man's estate.

As a companion and helpmate for life's journey Rev. Garwick chose Miss Barbara Stoner, to whom he was married in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, on the 15th of February, 1887. She is a native of Pennsylvania and spent her girlhood days in that state. After their marriage they located on a farm in Whiteside county, Illinois, where Mr. Garwick carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1892. In February of that year he came to Dallas county, Iowa, where he first purchased eighty acres of land, which he began to cultivate and develop. He has rebuilt and remodeled the house, which is a two-story frame structure, has also built barns and other outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock and has added to the productiveness of his land by tiling, has fenced his fields, and has purchased forty-eight acres adjoining the original tract, so that he is now the owner of one hundred and twenty-eight acres, constituting a good farm. He also makes a specialty of raising stock, keeping good grades of hogs, and he is likewise successfully engaged in the dairy business, having high-grade Herefords for this purpose. The labor he has bestowed upon his place has made it a well improved and valuable farm, which in its neat and thrifty appearance indicates his careful supervision .

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Garwick have been born eight children, four sons and four daughters: Noah S., Aaron, Jesse, Ruth. Rachel, Esther and Rhoda. They also lost an infant son.

Politically Mr. Garwick is a prohibitionist. He has always believed in and worked for temperance and does everything in his power to promulgate temperance principles. He is a believer in good schools and the employment of competent teachers and has served as treasurer of his school district. His life has ever been honorable and upright and he is well known as a minister of the Brethren of Christ church, having been one of its active members since a young man of nineteen years. He was ordained to the ministry in 1888 and has had charge of two churches, one at Dallas Center and the other at district No. 6 in Sugar Grove township. For not less than fourteen times in fifteen years has his home been open for the annual meetings or lovefeast occasions of the Brethren in Christ, at which members from all parts of Iowa and from other states have been present. He has served as a delegate to the conventions of the church in Pennsylvania, Kansas, Iowa and also Ontario. He is well known in northern Illinois and in this state, having been a resident here for fifteen years, during which time his genuine worth, his active life and his high principles have commended him to the good-will, trust and respect of all with whom he has been associated.

William H. George, inventor and manufacturer and one of the leading business men of this section of Iowa, was born in Muscatine county, this state, June 24, 1862, a son of Clark and Martha J. (Morrison) George. The father was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, July 10, 1823, and was there reared to agricultural pursuits. He came to Iowa in 1851, entering one hundred and sixty acres of government land, on which he built a comfortable frame house. Here he resided until about 1887, when he came to Dexter, Dallas county, having acquired a competence that enabled him to live retired until the time of his demise on November 8, 1904. He was a stanch republican and an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, which he had joined in his boyhood days. He was esteemed as a man of genuine personal worth and one whose co-operation could always be counted upon in advancing the moral, intellectual and material development of the county. Mrs. George was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1835, her father being a prominent grocery merchant of that city. He later came west to Muscatine, Iowa, being here also identified with the grocery business. His daughter, Mrs. George, is still living and now resides with our subject. Mr. George of this review has only two brothers -- the Rev. Albert George of Jamison, Iowa, who is connected with the Methodist Episcopal ministry and W. P. George, residing in Omaha, Nebraska.

William H. George was reared on the home farm, acquiring his education in the public schools of Muscatine county, Iowa. When he had reached his majority he began his business career as an agriculturist, being identified with this pursuit for seven years. During this time, however, he had been at work on the invention of a threshing machine tooth and had secured patents for the same. In 1890 he obtained employment as a traveling salesman for the firm of Gaar, Scott & Company, manufacturers of threshing machines, remaining in their employ for two years. During these two years he had begun the manufacture of his thresher tooth and the business soon attained such volume that it demanded his entire attention. He therefore resigned his position with Gaar, Scott & Company and a year later sold a half interest in his patent and organized a company in Dexter which was known as The Excelsior Thresher Tooth Company. It was organized on August 27, 1892, and capitalized for thirty thousand dollars. In 1903 a modern factory building was erected in Dexter to facilitate the growing business, the output of the plant including automatic engine couplers, adjustable belt guards, cylinder wrenches and harrow carts, in connection with the thresher tooth. All of these inventions are the product of Mr. George's fertile brain, combined with his mechanical skill and ingenuity. On February 25, 1907, the factory was destroyed by fire, but preparations are now well under way for the rebuilding of the plant on a greatly enlarged scale. A few months ago a new department was added to the enterprise in the manufacture of washing machines, and this has already grown so rapidly that it will also require increased facilities. Mr. George is widely recognized as one of the leading business men of this section of the state, the volume and importance of his business bringing to him a gratifying measure of prosperity. He is also the owner of a tract of farm land in the southeastern part of North Dakota.

On October 18, 1883, William H. George was married to Miss Olive M. Nolte, a daughter of Herman Nolte of Muscatine county, Iowa, who came here from Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. George were the parents of four children: Lilly, who is attending Simpson College at Indianola, Iowa; Grace, a graduate of the high school, who expects to enter college in the fall of 1907; Verna, deceased; and Clark. The children are all yet at home and add to the spirit of good cheer as well as to the air of culture and refinement which pervades the household.

In his political affiliations Mr. George is a republican, gives his support to the Methodist Episcopal church, and fraternally is connected with Dexter camp, No. 1632, M. W. A. Few men are more prominent. or more widely known in the enterprising city of Dexter than Mr. George. He has been an important factor in business circles and his prosperity is well deserved, as in him are embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabating energy and industry that never flags.

O. S. Gibbons is the owner of a valuable farm in Dallas County, comprising an excellent tract of level prairie land conveniently situated within a mile of the thriving village of Earlham. A native of Illinois, he was born in De Kalb county, on the 27th of August, 1860, his parents being William and Emily (Warren) Gibbons. Both parents were born in the state of New York and at an early day removed to western Illinois, settling in Victor township, De Kalb county, where the father purchased land and began farming. He is still the owner of three hundred and twenty acres in that township from which he derives an excellent income, it being now a very desirable and valuable farm. However, he is now living retired in the village of Waterman, having well merited the rest which he is today enjoying. Unto him and his wife have been born two sons and a daughter: W. H. Gibbons, a resident of Steelville, Missouri; 0.S., of this review; and Rachel, the wife of Thomas Bruce, whose home is in Joliet, Illinois.

O. S. Gibbons was reared in De Kalb county, remaining at home until twenty-one years of age, during which period he became familiar with all of the farm work from the time of early spring planting to the time of harvesting in the late autumn. Upon attaining his majority he entered the employ of Isaac Ellwood, in De Kalb, with whom he remained for a year, but believing that he might have better opportunities west of the Mississippi he started for Iowa, and established a home in Story county in 1888. There he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres for which he paid seventeen dollars per acre. His cash capital at that time amounted to only one hundred and fifty dollars, but he gave this in partial payment on the place and then resolutely undertook the task of meeting the other payments. For a year he rented his farm while he worked out by the month in order to secure money with which to purchase a team. The struggle has been a difficult one but has been courageously carried forward, and as the years have passed Mr. Gibbons has gained that success which always crowns earnest, persistent and honorable efforts.

In 1890 occurred the marriage of O. S. Gibbons and Miss Emily V. Willey, of De Kalb, Illinois, at which time they began their domestic life upon the farm in Story county, Iowa, which was their home until 1902. Mrs. Gibbons spent her girlhood days in De Kalb county, her parents being Morris and Mary (Bovee) Willey. Her father was born in the state of New York and her mother's birth occurred in Indiana. They became residents of De Kalb at an early day and unto them were born eleven children, five of whom are still living, as follows: Warren, who is now a resident of De Kalb; Eliza, the wife of William Brittain, who is living in Story county, Iowa; Mrs. Gibbons; Richard, also a resident of Story county; and Lily, whose home is in De Kalb, where she lives with her father. The wife and mother died in 1901 but the father is still living in De Kalb where he has long made his home and where he is very widely and favorably known. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gibbons have been born three children of whom Willie and Ora P. are at home. Eva, the
second child, has departed this life.

Following his marriage Mr. Gibbons settled on his farm in Story county, Iowa, where he lived for twelve years. He then sold that property and bought land in Adams township, Dallas county, becoming the owner of two hundred acres of land a mile north of Earlham and situated on section 30, Adams township. He removed to this place in 1902 and began its improvement, building a fine house and a large barn. The place is now known as the Garden Grove Stock Farm and Mr. Gibbons makes a specialty of raising full-blooded Hereford cattle. He has a fine herd of sixty head and always has males on hand for sale. He owns some of the finest stock in the state and has gained a wide reputation in this connection. He is a most energetic business man, realizing fully the truth of the old Greek adage -- "Earn thy reward: the gods give naught to sloth." He has worked persistently to win success and has made the Garden Grove Stock Farm one of the most profitable properties in this part of the state. He has been very successful in all of his land purchases and the farm which he bought in 1902 at a cost of fifty-two and a half dollars per acre is now worth one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre. The soil is rich and the fields are productive, owing to the care and labor which he bestows on them, while his stock-raising interests constitute an important branch of his business.

Mr.. Gibbons votes with the republican party. He has held the office of school director for several years but otherwise has never sought or desired office. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Earlham and are interested in the work for the moral progress and uplifting of the community.

Abram Golden owns and controls two hundred acres of rich and valuable land on section 32, Van Meter township. He was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 21st of December, 1831, and was the fourth in order of birth in the family of ten children whose parents were Jacob and Alcy Golden, natives of Tennessee. The year 1830 witnessed their arrival in Illinois, where the father followed farming for about nineteen years, when death ended his labors in 1849. His wife survived him for a long period and passed away in 1874.

In his youth Mr. Golden acquired a common-school education and was trained to the work of the home farm, gaining a knowledge of and precision in agricultural methods that have made him very successful in his later years as he has carried on farm work on his own account. In 1853 he was united in marriage to Miss Rachel J. Baldwin, who was born in Ohio, March 14, 1835. She accompanied her parents on their removal to Vermilion county, Illinois, where her father and mother died, the former passing away in 1838 and the latter in 1868. They cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers of Vermilion county, but the father was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, owing to his early demise. The family number twelve children, of who Mrs. Golden was the eleventh in order of birth. After her marriage she went with her husband to a farm in Illinois, on which they lived for three years.

In 1856 they came to Iowa, choosing Dallas county as the place of their future residence, and here they have lived continuously since. During the first year after his arrival Mr Golden cultivated the land upon which the village of Van Meter now stands. He afterward purchased other property and is today the owner of two hundred acres of rich and fertile land on section 32, Van Meter township. A glance at the place will indicate to the passerby the careful supervision and practical methods of the owner, who carefully tills his fields and raises his stock. He cultivates the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and finds a ready market for his products. In his business methods he is systematic and in all of his dealings is thoroughly reliable and energetic.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Golden were born four daughters and a son: Emily C., whose birth occurred February 1, 1855, and who is now married and lives in Nebraska; Mary A., who was born August 7, 1857, and is married and lives in Madison county, Iowa; Rachel A., who was born November 13, 1859, and is the wife of George A. Stuart, she and her husband being missionaries in China, while one of her daughters is a student in a college in Warren county, Iowa; William M., who was born January 20, 1863, and is located in Colorado; and Alcy J., who was born June 14, 1866, and is the wife of L.E. Moyer, a resident of Oklahoma.

The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Van Meter and are much interested in its work and growth. Mr. Golden votes with the republican party and has served as school director for eleven years but otherwise has not held office, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs, and he is now reaping the rewards of his close application and earnest labor, for as the years have gone by he has accumulated a goodly competency, so that he is now very comfortably situated in life. He has passed the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten and in fact has reached the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey. He is still, however, actively concerned in carrying on the farm work and has led a life in which indolence and idleness have had no place, while in his vocabulary there is no such work (sic) as fail.  His success has not come through speculation or through any fortunate combination of circumstances but has resulted from his perseverance, his wise investments and his habit of carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.

S. J. Goodson, living on section 22, Boone township, is prominent among the early settlers of Dallas county, and as an influential and progressive farmer and representative business man we present this life to your readers. His birth occurred upon a farm which is still his home, his natal day being July 18, 1849, so that he is now probably the oldest native son of Dallas county living today within its borders. His knowledge of events here is comprehensive and exact and he has wide information concerning the county's history and its progress. His father, J.C. Goodson, was a native of Tennessee, born in 1812, and in his boyhood days he removed with this parents to Indiana, where he was reared to the occupation of farming. In Washington county, that state, he married Miss Priscilla Coffin, and they resided in that county for a few years, or until 1846, when J. C. Goodson, W. D. Boone, George Gresham and John Johnson came through from Indiana to Iowa on horseback. They found a wild, unsettled district, which gave them opportunity to secure property, and they staked their claims in what is now Boone township. The following year they returned with their families and each made a home here, becoming the first settlers of the township. Mr. Goodson first pre-empted a farm, although the land at that time was not surveyed. In the course of time his possessions amounted to two hundred acres in all and his son, S. J. Goodson, now has the original deed of the government patent. The father made a home, building a log house on the creek, and with characteristic energy began to improve his land, plowing the fields and cultivating his crops. Unto him and his wife were born four children, all of whom have reached mature years and are yet living, namely: William N., a resident farmer of Madison county; Sarah A., the wife of W. D. Clayton, who follows farming in Van Meter township; S. Jasper of this review; and J. M., who is living in Des Moines. The father and mother died at the old home in this county, where Mr. Goodson departed this life in 1895, at the age of eighty-three years, while his wife passed away in 1883, at the age of sixty-seven years. They had borne their full share in the work of public progress and development and their labors in behalf of the county were far-reaching and beneficial.

S. Jasper Goodson was reared on the old homestead. His educational privileges were limited when he was young but later he, had the opportunity of pursuing a business course at Salem, Iowa. He always remained at home, looking after the farm, and he cleared a tract of land, cut rails for the fences and cultivated the fields. In early days he saw many deer and other kinds of wild game, while Indians were frequently seen here. Des Moines at that time was but a hamlet, containing only one store. Many of the hardships and trials of pioneer life were to be endured, but with the settlement of the county there came a cessation of the hardest labor and in course of time Dallas county was transformed into one of the rich agricultural portions of this great state. In connection with his father Mr. Goodson erected the present commodious buildings and substantial barns upon the farm. He has several springs on the place, has laid pipes therefrom and now has an abundant supply of flowing water for the use of the stock. He has been a raiser and feeder of stock for years but now he rents out most of his farm of two hundred acres and for the last three years has given his time exclusively to his apiary, being extensively and successfully engaged in the cultivation of bees. He has about a hundred hives, the output of which is from three to five tons of honey yearly. He is also a stock-holder in the Mutual Telephone Company and also of the Enamel Concrete Company, which he joined on its organization. He likewise has coal and iron mine interests in Nova Scotia.

Mr. Goodson is a well posted man, keeping informed on all matters of general interest, including the political situation and questions of the day. After age gave to him the right of franchise he supported the men and measures of the democratic party up to 1876; being opposed to monopolistic tendencies, he supported independent parties until 1896; since then has been a Bryan democrat. He has served his township as clerk for ten years, was trustee for four years and road supervisor for three terms, discharging the duties of these varied positions with promptness and capability. He is now serving as treasurer of the school board and for many years has been a director and secretary of the board. He has likewise served as a delegate to various county conventions of his party. Mr. Goodson has always lived upon the farm where his birth occurred, having purchased the interest of the other heirs and thus retaining the ownership of the old homestead. He is well known as an old settler and enterprising farmer and is a most prominent apiarist of this section of the state. He always lends his aid for the betterment of the county and rejoices in what has been accomplished here since the days when pioneer conditions existed. 'Today it has rich lands, all largely cultivated, having been brought under a high state of fertility through the labors and efforts of such men as Mr. Goodson, who in all his work displays a prompt and energetic spirit, productive of excellent results.

T. J. Gose

T. J. Gose, who is a native son of Iowa and a retired merchant who owns and operates one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, dates his residence on his present farm in Dallas county from the year 1899. He was born in Marion county, Iowa, February 4, 1858, and is a son of S. Y. Gose, a native of Virginia, who, when a child, removed with his parents to Indiana, where he was reared upon a farm. In 1849 he came to Polk county, Iowa, and made his home for several years with Judge McHenry, who at that time lived about seven miles northwest of Des Moines. He subsequently entered government land in Polk and Marion counties. He was twice married, his first wife bearing the maiden name of Martha Miller and being a native of Ohio. To this union were born seven children. Mrs. Gose passed away at the age of forty-two in the year 1874. The second wife of Mr. Gose was Margaret Cart, who died and left two sons. S. Y. Gose is still living in Marion county with a daughter and has now attainted his eighty-first year. He represented his district in the Iowa legislature for one term.

Thomas J. Gose of this review was reared upon his father's farm in Marion county and there acquired his early education in the district schools. On leaving home at the age of nineteen years he attended the State University
of Iowa for one year. Subsequently he rented a tract of land in Polk county, which be operated for four years, removing at the end of that time to Dallas county. On account of ill health and feeling that he might perhaps do better in business, he bought an interest in a general store at Rockwell City and conducted it until October, 1886, when it was consumed by fire, this being a total loss. He then closed out the business and accepted a position in another store, where he remained until December, 1887. He next bought grain until August, 1888. Having secured employment as a clerk in Des Moines, he removed to that city and served in that capacity for four years. At the end of that time he again embarked in business for himself at Churdan, Iowa, where he carried on operations for seven years, enjoying a good trade. At the end of that time he removed to his present farm, which consists of eighty acres in Lincoln township and he also has eighty acres in Linn township. He has greatly improved the land and has thus almost doubled its earning capacity. He has remodeled the house and built corn cribs and outbuildings, has tiled and fenced the land and is now engaged in raising Poland China hogs. He set out the splendid orchard which now bears such luscious fruit, and has planted much small fruit on his place.

Mr. Gose was married on December 26, 1878, to Emma Johnson, a native of Marion county, Iowa, and a daughter of E. Johnson, who was born in Ohio and is now living at Linden, Iowa. Five children have been born to this union: William R., who married Bertha Winehart and is now engaged in the telephone business in Ankeny, Iowa; Charles S., who operates a part of the home farm; Grace, who was graduated from the Guthrie county high school in 1907 and intends teaching; Earl J., who has been attending the Guthrie county high school; and Albert Harold, who is at home.

In national affairs Mr. Gose has always voted the republican ticket and for four years was township clerk in Lincoln township. He served in the same capacity and also as justice of the peace at Churdan for two years. He and his family are all members of the Methodist church at Linden and Mr. Gose is an official member of that church and for.a number of years has been superintendent of the Sunday school. He has always been very much interested in young men and on that account has given special attention to the Sunday school work, where he feels that the moral and religious life of the coming generation is largely built up. The Sunday school has grown under his management, for he always has a warm sympathy for the fun as well as for the serious part of life and on that account the young people find him a genial companion. His religion is not all in theory, for he has led a conscientious Christian life, having made practical use of his religion in his every day affairs. He is honest and upright in his dealings with his fellowmen and they honor and respect him. His friends are legion and he is well known in the central part of the state. He is the president of the Linden Rural Telephone Company.

Francis M. Gott

Almost a third of a century has come and gone since Francis M. Gott allied his interests with those of Dallas county. He has lived in Woodward since 1883 and in Iowa since 1846, in which year he became a resident of Linn county. He was then a young lad of nine years, his birth having occurred in Montgomery county, Indiana, on the 4th of November, 1837. His father, William N. Gott, was a, native of Kentucky, and when a young man removed to Crawfordsville, Indiana, where he opened up a farm and carried on agricultural pursuits. He was married to Jane Maddox and he died in Indiana in the year 1845. In the family were nine children who were carefully reared by the mother after the death of the husband and father. Prior to his demise William N. Gott had sent his oldest son, David F., to visit Linn county, Iowa, and he had entered land from the government. His death occurred, however, in the same year. The family had been making preparations to remove to Iowa, and following the death of the father, the mother came alone with her children, proved up her claim to one hundred and sixty acres of land and made a good home for her little ones. Upon the farm she continued to reside and with the assistance of her sons, converted the place into a rich and productive tract of land.

Francis M. Gott, whose name introduces this record, was reared to farm life. His educational privileges were limited, but reading, experience and observation have greatly added to his knowledge. In August, 1862, when a young man of twenty-four years, he offered his services to the government, enlisting for the defense of the Union at Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He joined Company A, of the Twentieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and his regiment joined the regular army in rendezvous at Clinton, Iowa.  They then proceeded to St. Louis and were assigned to the Army of the Frontier after which they went to Missouri and Arkansas, participating in the engagement at Prairie Grove, Arkansas, where the Twentieth Iowa lost heavily. On the 11th of June, 1863, they landed in the rear of Vicksburg, participating in the siege of that city and afterward taking part in the Banks expedition. They then proceeded by boat from New Orleans to the mouth of the Rio Grande river where Mr. Gott was on garrison duty for eight.months, subsequent to which time he returned to Port Morgan, Alabama, with his command, which seized the fort. He also took part in the siege at Blakeley, Alabama, where many Confederates were captured. He afterward did provost duty at Mobile and was mustered out there on the 8th of July. 1865. Later the troops returned to Clinton, where Mr. Gott was honorably discharged, on the 27th of July. He had been a brave and faithful soldier, never faltering in the performance of any duty, always valiantly supporting the old flag and the cause it represented. Mr. Gott's oldest brother, David F., and youngest brother, Clay, and his cousin, M. S. Preble, and brother-in-law, B. F. Brockman, all served in the same regiment, the first three in the same company and Mr. Brockman in Company H.

When his country no longer needed his aid Mr. Gott returned home and remained with his mother until the 1st of March, 1866, on which day he was married, in Linn county, Iowa, the lady of his choice being Miss Hortence Mounce, a native of that county and a daughter of Joe Mounce, a native of Indiana who came to Linn county, Iowa, previous to 1846. Following his marriage Mr. Gott engaged in operating the home farm for eight years and met with good success in the work. On the expiration of that period he sold the property and went to Boone county, where he remained a year, after which he came to Dallas county, settling in Sugar Grove township. There he purchased an eighty-acre tract of land which he broke, transforming the wild sod into rich fields. Upon this place he built a house and otherwise improved his farm, continuing its cultivation and making it his home for seven years. He then removed to Dallas Center where he remained until 1883, when he sold his farm and became a resident of Woodward, purchasing a residence in the town..He has one of the beautiful homes here, his lawn and flower gardens showing much care and attention and proving a most attractive beauty spot in the city. His time is now largely occupied in the care of his lawn and plants and he finds genuine pleasure in this work.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gott have been born three children, but they lost theeldest in infancy. The others are Carrie, the wife of A. B. Calonkey, who ismentioned elsewhere in this volume, and they have one child, Francis Byron; and Delbert, a resident of Portland, Oregon. He married Mayme Rhoads, a daughter of Lewis and Martha Rhoads, and they have one child, Leland M. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gott are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Gott belongs to J. W. Guthrie post, G. A. R., of Woodward. He is senior vice commander and was officer of the day for six years. In politics he has been a lifelong republican, supporting Abraham Lincoln, and each nominee for the presidency since that time. He was appointed postmaster under President McKinley and filled the office for five years. His life has been an active, useful and honorable one and in the conduct of his private business affairs he has won that success which comes as the reward of capability, efficiency and well directed labor. The rest which he is now enjoying is well merited, having been made possible by his energy and diligence in former years.

George Gray

George Gray was born in Preble county, Ohio, October 29, 1822, and died on the 9th of December, 1885, upon his farm in Dallas county, Iowa, being then sixty-three years of age.  Such were his good qualities that he is entitled to mention among the honored dead of this part of the state.  He did not seek to figure prominently in public life but in the field of business activity, in which nearly every individual must labor, he made a good record by his diligence and fidelity.  In the paternal line he was a representative of an old New York family, while in the maternal line he was descended from Virginia ancestry. His father, Nathaniel Gray, was born in the Empire state and after arriving to years of maturity wedded Katherine Smith, a native of Virginia.  They became the parents of ten children but only three of the number are now living, namely: Lemuel, who resides in Randolph county, Indiana; Mrs. Richard Kunard, living in Kansas; and Mrs. Nancy Willis, who is in Cold Water, Michigan.   The parents removed from Ohio to Indiana, where the father purchased a farm, which he cultivated up to the time of his death. He was quite successful, his agricultural interests bringing him a desirable competence, and by a further judicious investment of his means he left quite a large estate at the time of his demise.  

George Gray acquired a common-school education,  early  becoming  familiar with those branches of learning which constitute the curriculum of most public schools  When not busy with his text-books he spent his early life on the farm, continuing with his parents up to the time of his marriage. That important event in his life was celebrated on the 4th of September, 1851, when Miss Lydia Jane Macey became his wife. She was born October 10, 1830, a daughter of William and Lucy (Diggs) Macey, both of whom were natives of North Carolina. The father was born in Surry county, North Carolina, March 22, 1802, while the mother's birth occurred in Anson county, on the 30th of January, 1812. Both have now passed away.  The death of Mr. Macey occurred January 2, 1881, when he was in his seventy-ninth year, while his wife died on the 24th of February, 1882. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom five are yet living: Mrs. Gray, of this review; William W., who is living in Minnesota; Cyrus, who resides in Long Beach, California; Littleberry, who is living in Wisconsin; and Mrs. Phoebe L. Cannon, who lives in Ontario, California.  

After his marriage Mr. Gray began farming on his own account on land belonging to his father-in-law and also worked on railroad construction for four years. He then bought forty acres of land in Indiana, cultivating the fields there until 1864, when he removed to Jo Daviess county, Illinois.  At that time he bought forty acres of land but this he sold after six months and later bought eighty acres. In due course of time he disposed of that property and on the 14th of September, 1874, arrived in Iowa, taking up his abode upon the farm where his widow now resides. At that time only twenty acres of the land had been broken and the improvements were very meager. There was a little house of rude construction and a prairie stable but with  characteristic energy, Mr. Gray began to cultivate the land and in due course of time had transformed the farm into excellent property.  He was practical in all his methods, understood the best ways of raising crops best adapted to the soil and climate, and received a liberal market price for the grain which he sold.  

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gray mere born seven children: William M., the oldest, who is now a resident of California; Alonzo, who died in infancy; Orlando Thomas, who resides with his mother and operates the home farm; Oscar L., who is living in Dallas Center, Iowa; Leonard S., who died when only three years of age; Caroline L., who is now the wife of George Ward, of Long Beach, California, and has six children, Lawrence, Mabel, Josephine, Lena, Herbert and Helen; and Albert H., the oldest of the family, who died in infancy.  

Mr. Gray, the father, continued active in the operation of his farm for the support of his family until called to his final rest in 1885. During the years of his residence in Iowa he had gained the respect of all who knew him for he was honorable and straightforward in business, faithful in friendship and devoted to the welfare of his family.

M. W. Gribben

To own a farm of Iowa's rich and productive land is to gain a place among the substantial citizens, for the soil is very fertile and productive and a man of business enterprise, careful management and firm purpose can always gain success in farming.  Mr. Gribben now owns and cultivates three hundred and sixty-six acres of land on section 5, Sugar Grove township, where he makes his home and he likewise has another tract of eighty acres in Beaver township.  All this is well improved and valuable land and he is justly classed with the leading agriculturists of his community.

His father, Charles Gribben, was a native of Ireland and was reared and married there. He afterward came to the United States, locating in New Jersey, while subsequently he made his home in Orleans county, New York, where he followed the occupation of farming and reared his family.  In fact he continued to reside there until called to the home beyond.

M. W. Gribben was the fifth in order of birth in a family of nine children, all of whom reached mature years and became heads of families.  His natal day was July 27, 1840, his birth occurring in Orleans county, New York.  There he was reared and to some extent attended the public schools but has greatly promoted his knowledge through the lessons gained in the school of experience.  He continued a resident of the Empire state until 1876, when he made his way westward to Michigan, locating in the lower peninsula.  In 1877 he came to Dallas county, settling at Minburn, where he was engaged in the grain business.  He purchased a warehouse and continued in the grain trade until 1890, when he sold out.  During that period he did much to improve the town and make it an enterprising, thriving village.  In 1890 he located on his farm, after purchasing one hundred and ninety-four acres of land, to which he has added from time to time as opportunity has offered until he now owns four hundred and forty-six acres.  When he took up his abode on this place it was but slightly improved and for one summer he lived in a log cabin.   He then built a commodious and comfortable residence, also a barn and he now has two sets of good farm buildings on his place.  He is engaged in stock-raising, annually feeding and shipping two or three carloads of cattle.  His business is conducted with keen discernment and is most carefully managed, so that he is now meeting with gratifying success.   In addition to his agricultural interests he is a stockholder in the Savings Bank at Minburn. In New York he was engaged in the grain business for five years in connection with farming.

In 1884 Mr. Gribben was married in Lucas county, Iowa, to Miss Emma Larmer, a native of Iowa, who was born in Lucas county and became a teacher in Dallas county.  They are now parents of three children:  Ray, who is a graduate of the college at Ames, Iowa, and is now a teacher in that institution; M. W., who is  a student  at  Ames;  and  Lynett,  at  home.  Mr. Gribben has always been a stanch advocate of the temperance cause and believes that the liquor traffic should be suppressed.   He formerly voted with the prohibition party but now casts his ballot with the republican party. For two years he served as justice of the peace and in 1890 he was elected supervisor, in which capacity he served for three years, being chairman of the board for one year. He also served as township trustee for twelve years.  He has been a delegate to county and congressional conventions and at all times stands for good citizenship, believing in the adoption of those principles which work for general improvement, reform and upbuilding.  He and his wife are much interested in church work and are earnest advocates of Methodism.  Mr. Gribben belongs to Yates lodge, A. F. & A. M.; to Perry chapter, R. A. M.; and to Des Moines commandery, K.T.  He is well known in Minburn and the county as one of its substantial citizens and progressive farmers who owes his advancement in life entirely to his own perseverance and well directed labor.  His friends entertain for him high regard by reason of his fidelity to the trust reposed in him, his devotion to his business cares and his faithful performance of the duties of citizenship.

David T. Griffith

One of the most straightforward, energetic and successful business men of Van Meter is David T. Griffith, dealer in implements, vehicles and seeds. Courteous, genial, well informed, alert and enterprising, he stands today as one of the leading representative men of his county-a man who is a power in his community.  He was born July 11, 1875, in Madison county, Iowa, his parents being D. A. and Hester E. (Miller) Griffith.  His father was born in Dayton, Ohio, and arrived in Madison county, Iowa, in the '50s, becoming one of the prominent, influential and successful farmers of that community. Both he and his wife are living in Madison county but he has retired from active business to enjoy a well earned rest. At the outbreak of the Civil war he put aside all personal and business considerations to espouse his country's cause and enlisted in Company D of the Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for four years and seven months, participating in many of the important engagements of the war, including the battles of Bull Run, Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. In days of peace he has been equally loyal to his country and at all times has been a stalwart champion of the stars and stripes.  In his family were two daughters and five sons.  

David T. Griffith was educated in the local schools of Madison county and afterward attended the Capital City Commercial College at Des Moines, from which he was graduated in the class of 1896.  He then returned to his father's farm in Madison county, where he remained for a year, after which he was engaged in the grocery business for two years at Earlham. He next came to Van Meter and in association with his brother, U. G. Griffith, now deceased, he bought out the implement business of McBride & Company in 1901. They started with a small capital but made steady advancement until they became representative men in their line in the county. The business has steadily grown until in the year 1906 the sales amounted to almost twenty-three thousand dollars.  

David T. Griffith was married in 1896 to Miss Lucy Anderson, who was born in Madison county, Iowa, in 1877, a daughter of G. T. and Adeline Anderson, who were farmers of that county but are now located in Oklahoma.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Griffith were born three daughters and a son.  

In his political views Mr. Griffith has always been a republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise.  He has served on the school board for four years and has been village assessor for the past four years, still continuing in the office.   He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Van Meter and have taken a most active and helpful part in its work. Mr. Griffith has been steward of the church for three years and secretary for one year and does all in his power to promote the growth and extend the influence of the church. His life has been a busy and useful one and he stands as a splendid type of American citizenship.  

U. G. Griffith, now deceased, who until his death was a member of the firm of Griffith Brothers, was born on the 7th of May, 1868, in Jefferson county, Iowa.  No event of special importance occurred during his boyhood and youth. He acquired his education in the public schools and in 1901 joined his brother David in the purchase of the implement, vehicle and seed business conducted by the firm of McBride & Company.  He was numbered among the leading men of Van Meter, both socially and in a business may and was uniformly respected, for he possessed many good qualities that endeared  him to  those  with whom  he came in contact.  His political allegiance was always given to the republican party and he ever stood firm in support of his honest convictions.  He filled a place on the village council for four years, discharging his duties with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents.  He belonged to the Masonic lodge and to the Modern Woodmen camp at Van Meter and while not a member of any church he was a very earnest and untiring worker in the Epworth League.   He died January 20, 1907, amid the deep regret of all who knew him.  He had proved his right to be ranked among the leading merchants of Van Meter and had gained a place in public life that brought him the honor and respect of all who knew him. He had many good qualities and was one whom the community looked upon as a citizen whom it could ill afford to lose.  His business integrity was unquestioned and he had a kindly and considerate spirit, which was manifest in geniality and deference for the opinions of others.

W. Scott Guthrie, living on section 15, Des Moines township, successfully carries on farm work upon a tract of land of one hundred and twenty acres which is his own property. The years which have come and gone since his arrival in the county number fifty-three, and great changes have occurred during this period, of which Mr. Guthrie has been an interested witness, while to a large extent he has been an active participant in the work and events which have brought about the modern conditions of progress and prosperity here. He was born in Richland county, Ohio , July 22, 1850 , his parents being Francis E. and Matilda (Stuart) Guthrie, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of New York . They were married, however, in Michigan , but afterward resided in Ohio until 1854, when they sought a home in Iowa , driving across the country with teams to Dallas county. Here Mr. Guthrie entered forty acres of land from the government, upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made. He also bought one hundred and sixty acres upon which he made his home and subsequently added twenty acres more. The first house which he built he occupied for four years and in 1860 he erected one of the first frame houses in Des Moines township, building it from native lumber. As time passed, he continued the work of breaking the sod and bringing his fields under cultivation, carrying on his farm work with good success until his death, which occurred in 1872 when he was sixty-one years of age. His wife passed away in 1887 when seventy-two years of age. In their family were seven children, all of whom reached years of maturity, but the eldest son, Wesley, died at Keokuk , Iowa , while serving in the army as a soldier in the Civil war. He was a member of Company B, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry.

W. Scott Guthrie was the fifth in order of birth and was only about four years of age when brought by his parents to Iowa . He was here reared on the home farm and was educated at Ames College , being one of the first students of the institution. He remained there for three years and then, because of ill health, went to Colorado , where he spent three years in the lumber business, being greatly benefited by the change of climate. When his father was accidentally killed in 1872 by the overturning of a log sled, Scott Guthrie returned home and took charge of his father's farm. He inherited forty acres of land, purchased a portion of the interest of the other heirs and has since bought an additional tract of forty acres. He is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of good farming land on section 15, Des Moines township, and his farm in its fine appearance indicates his valuable supervision and practical, progressive methods. He has also been closely associated with educational interests in his community. He has taught sixteen terms of school in Des Moines township and two terms in Beaver township. While attending Ames College he also taught school during a winter term and later he has taught several years both during the winter and spring terms. He helped to set out the shade trees that now adorn the campus of Ames College and he has great affection for his alma mater. Since giving his attention exclusively to farm work he has remodeled his residence, has built the barn and outhouses, has fenced the fields and tiled the land. Throughout his life he has been raising and fattening stock and this branch of his business proves to him a profitable source of income.

On the 18th of March, 1878 , Mr. Guthrie was united in marriage to Miss Lina Newell, a native of Des Moines township, and the daughter of A.C. and Elizabeth (Robbins) Newell. Unto them have been born four children, three sons and one daughter: Harry, who was educated at Ames Colles, and is now with Swift & Company at Omaha, Nebraska, married a Miss Katherine Broderick and they have one child, Mabel; Clarence C., who attended business college at Des Moines, is now in North Dakota and has taken up a homestead claim; Harvey is a student in the Woodward schools; and Lottie is at home.

Where national issues are involved Mr. Guthrie has always given his support to the republican party, casting his first presidential ballot for U.S. Grant. He was township clerk for fifteen years and is now one of the township trustees. He has been idetnified with the school in various official capacities all his life and at the present writing is treasurer for the school district. Whatever tends to promote the intellectual, material, social or moral welfare of the community receives his endorsement and his efforts have been an effective force in promoting public progress. For twenty years he has been a member of the Masonic lodge at Woodward and has filled all of its offices, while he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star, in which she has served as an offical. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Woodward and both he and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal church of which the latter is a member. Mr. Guthrie is largely familiar with the history of the county and has intimate knowledge of the events which have changed its annals and most of its policies. His worth and work entitle him to metnion among the representative men of this part of the state, and it is therefore with pleasure that we present his record to the readers of this volume.

Harry Gutshall

Valuable farming property annually pays tribute to Harry Gutshall, who owns and supervises the cultivation of six hundred acres of valuable farming land, his home being in Van Meter township. Indolence finds no place in his vocabulary and on the contrary a life of activity has resulted in winning for him the favorable place which he now occupies in agricultural circles.  He was born in Ohio, October 7, 1853, and is a son of Jacob Gutshall, a venerable and honored citizen of Van Meter township, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume.  He was reared to farm life and was educated in the common schools of Dallas county, having been brought thither by his parents when less than two years of age. When he had acquainted himself with the common branches of English learning he entered the Western College of Linn county, Iowa.

Having arrived at years of maturity, Harry Gutshall was married to Miss Minnie Baldwin, who was born in New Hampshire, January 1, 1865, her parents being also natives of that state.  On coming to the west they located in Iowa, in 1869.  Their family numbered five children, of whom Minnie was the second in order of birth. Her girlhood days were spent under the parental roof, where she was early trained to the duties of the household, so that she was well qualified to take care of a home of her own when, on the 12th of February, 1880, she gave her hand in marriage to Harry Gutshall.  Unto them have been born four children: Gertrude, born April 15, 1881, and now the wife of S. M. Hague; Clara, born April 22, 1885; Jacob M., born October 27, 1896; and Vivian, born June 2 ,1898.

The family home is pleasantly situated in the midst of a fine farm, where are found all of the comforts and conveniences of modern agricultural life.  The latest improved machinery is used in carrying on the work of the fields and good buildings have been provided for the shelter of grain and stock.  Mr. Gutshall is engaged quite extensively in feeding stock and derives therefrom a, gratifying annual income.  His landed holdings embrace six hundred acres and the soil is rich and fertile, and brings forth large crops in return for the care and labor bestowed upon the fields. He votes with the republican party, which he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. For several terms he has held the office of school director and is much interested in the cause of public education.  He and his wife attend the United Brethren church. Both are representatives of old families of the county and are much esteemed here.

Jacob Gutshall

No history of Dallas county would be, complete without mention of Jacob Gutshall, who is one of the largest land owners and prominent agriculturists of this section of the state, his property holdings aggregating ten hundred and sixty acres.  He still operates and manages his farms and supervises his financial interests.   His investments have been judiciously made, as a result of sound judgment and keen foresight.  He early had the prescience to discern the greatness which the future had in store for this county and he wisely purchased land that has continually increased in value.  His record is also notable from the fact that while he has now passed the ninety-second milestone on life's journey, he is still numbered among the active men of the county. A great majority of men, long before they attain his age, put aside business cares, feeling that they have a right to rest from labor, but indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to the nature of Mr. Gutshall and therefore he still supervises his farming interests.

A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Perry county, that state, on the 27th of May, 1815, a son of John and Elizabeth Gutshall, who were likewise born in the Keystone state.  There the father died and the mother afterward removed to Ohio, where her demise occurred.  In their family were seven children, of whom Jacob is the third in order of birth. After losing her first husband Mrs. Gutshall married again, becoming the wife of John Manbeck and unto them were born eight children.

In taking up the personal history of Jacob Gutshall we present to our readers the life record of one whose history should serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to others, showing what may be accomplished when one has determination and energy. He left home at the age of fourteen years and has since been dependent entirely upon his own resources.  He has worked persistently without thought of failure, knowing that success comes as a reward for perseverance and unceasing toil.   After his first marriage he engaged in clerking for an uncle in a mercantile shop for eight years. On the expiration of that period he purchased a half interest in the business and followed that pursuit until 1853, when he disposed of his store in Harrison county, Ohio, and came to Iowa, buying sixteen hundred acres of land in Dallas and Madison counties. He again visited this state in 1854 and the following year moved his family to Dallas county, since which time he has made his home in Van Meter township, though it then formed a part of Boone township. On coming to Iowa he abandoned commercial pursuits and turned his attention to the development of a farm.  As the years passed by his harvests brought to him good financial returns for his labor. He has disposed of some of his land but still possesses ten hundred and sixty acres in this county. This is divided into several farms but Mr. Gutshall remains the supervisor of his property interests and attends to his financial affairs himself.

In early manhood Mr. Gutshall was united in marriage to Miss Ruth A. Mathias, whose parents were natives of Pennsylvania.  The only child of this marriage died in infancy and Mrs. Gutshall passed away in 1839.  For his second wife Mr. Gutshall chose Miss Mahala Snyder, who was born in Harrison county, Ohio,while her parents were natives of Maryland.  The sons and daughters of this union were as follows: Joshua, who died at the age of three years; Elizabeth; Ruth; Harry; George A.; and one who died in infancy.

Mr. Gutshall was a democrat in politics until 1860, since which time he has supported the republican party and is in thorough sympathy with its principles and policy.  In early life he took an active interest in public affairs and held the office of supervisor for several terms and was likewise school director for some years.  He was called upon to mourn the loss of his second wife in 1906, her death occurring on the 28th of September of that year, when she had reached the age of eighty-three years. She was a member of the United Brethren church, to which he also belongs.  He is now ninety-two years of age and enjoys remarkable health for one of his years, possessing the vigor and energy of a much younger man. Many years have passed since he arrived in Dallas county and he is justly numbered among her honored citizens. His is a remarkable record of one who has by his upright life won the confidence of all with whom he has come in contact.  He has long since rounded the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten but though the snows of many winters have whitened his hair he has the vigor of a much younger man and in spirits and interests seems not to have passed his prime.  Old age is not necessarily a synonym for weakness or inactivity. It need not suggest,  as a matter of course,  want  of  occupation  or helplessness.  There is an old age that is a benediction to all that comes in contact with it,  that  gives out of its rich stores of learning and experience and grows stronger intellectually and spiritually as the years pass.  Such is the life of Mr. Gutshall -- an encouragement to his associates and an example well worthy of emulation to the young.