IowaJones/Biographies/G. Gerdes

G. Gerdes–O. E. Gillen

G. Gerdes
Born 1811

G. GERDES, farmer, Wayne Twp., Sec. 8; P.O. Langworthy; born in Germany in 1811; came to America and to Jones Co, in 1872. Wife's maiden name was Margaret Johnson, a native, also, of the old country; they were married in 1849; have seven children—Johanna, Rickliffe, Hermer, Henry, Johnnie, Johnson and Riokle. Mr. Gerdes and his two boys carry on a farm on shares with Mr. John Jacobs; there are 320 acres in the farm, and it is adjoining the village of Langworthy. Mr. Gerdes and his family are Lutherans.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 624.

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Ricklef Gerdes
Born August 24, 1855

Not only has Ricklef Gerdes won success in his vocation so that he is one of the leading farmers of Richland township but he has generously given to others of his skill and knowledge so that much of the prosperity of his township can be placed to his credit. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, but more than the area of his fields is the influence he has exerted for the progress and advancement of his fellow citizens. He was born in Hanover, Germany, August 24, 1855, and is a son of Gerd and Grace (Kruse) Gerdes, also natives of the fatherland. In 1872 they came to the United States, locating in Wayne township, this county. Later they made their home with their son John, in Cass township, where they passed the remainder of their lives.

Ricklef Gerdes was reared at home and, as he was about seventeen years of age when his parents came to America, he had obtained his education in the German schools. He spent one term in the schools of Jones county, however, to become more familiar with the English language. Since he has been a resident of this country Mr. Gerdes' life has been devoted to hard work. Immediately after his arrival he found employment as a farm hand, working by the month for the next six years. In 1878 he married and engaged in agricultural pursuits for himself. For five years he tilled the soil as a renter and then, in 1883, purchased the place in Richland township on which he now lives. He has added to its original area, however, from time to time until he now owns two hundred and forty acres, one-third of which lies in Scotch Grove township. While he has engaged extensively in a diversified line of agriculture he gives his especial attention to dairying, milking on an average twenty-five cows. In both of his industries he has been very successful and receives a gratifying income from his labors.

Of more value to his fellow citizens than his own prosperity is the influence he has wielded in their midst, for during the period of fifteen years he has served as township trustee and for almost a quarter of a century has been continuously the president of the school board. In the administration of his duties he is both upright and progressive, never failing to prove true to the responsibilities reposed in him.

It was in 1878 that Mr. Gerdes was united in marriage to Miss Mary S. Grumm, of Wayne township. She had been born, however, near Dixon, Illinois, where her parents had lived for a time after coming from Hanover, Germany. Thirteen children have been born of this union, all of whom are living: William, of Tulare county, California; Gerd, of Wayne township, this county; John, also of Wayne township; Margaret, who is at home; Fred, of Tulare county, California; Sophia, who is the wife of Arthur George, of Pomeroy, Iowa; August, who is at home; Hannah and Anna, who are twins and live at home; and Henry, Carl, Paul and Louisa, who are also at home.

Politically Mr. Gerdes is in sympathy with the democratic party, in his public life evincing fidelity to its principles, and he does all within his power to advance the best interests of his constituents. Regarding cooperative dairying of great value to the community, as director of the Klondyke Creamery Company he has promoted its interests. With his wife he belongs to the German Lutheran church, of which he has been director for the past fifteen years, in this fact again proving that his interests are those which most deeply concern the community.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 326.

S. Gerdes
Born 1854

S. GERDES, farmer, Wayne Twp., Sec. 17; P.O. Langworthy; born in Germany in 1854; came to America in 1872, and to Jones Co. in the same year; carries on farm on shares with Mr. John Oltman. Wife's maiden name was Mary Grumm, a native of Illinois; they were married January 21, 1879; have one child—William Gerhardt. Mr. and Mrs. Gerdes are members of the Lutheran Church.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 624.

John Gibboney

John Gibboney, farmer, P. O. Cuba, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1843. When old enough, learned the brick-molder's trade, working at this trade summers, and was employed in a woolen factory as weaver in the winters, following this business until January, 1862, when he was employed in the post-office until February, 1864. Was a member of Weston Hose Fire Company, of Philadelphia, thirteen years secretary of the same. In 1865 migrated to Iowa, locating in Jones County, where he engaged in farming, remaining there until 1873, when he came to Kansas, locating in Republic County, taking a homestead on Section 27, Township 3, Range 1. Was among the first settlers, there being no improvements, except once in a while a small field on the creeks. Was forty miles from market, and about the same to mill. Has a good place, which he has improved with thirty-five acres of plow land. Has planted a good grove of forest trees, put up stone house and stable, and is raising stock. Has a good place, being watered by Elk Creek, with about forty acres of timber along the stream for shelter. Mr. Gibboney is a very popular man in his town, and has held the Office of Town Trustee continuously for six terms. Was married in 1872 to Miss Charity Howkett, of Republic County. They have one child. Is a member of I. O. O. F.

Extracted from Cutler's History of the State of Kansas, first published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas, Chicago, Illinois, and submitted by Susie Martin-Rott.

Russell Gilbert
Born 1819

RUSSEL GILBERT, of the firm of Gilbert Fordham, general hardware, Wyoming; he was born in 1819, in Onondaga Co., N.Y.; in 1829, came to Ohio; in 1849, to Pennsylvania; in 1856, he came to Wyoming and opened the first general stock of merchandise here; in 1871, the firm changed to Gilbert & Fordham, and still continues. Married Susan Wilkins in 1840; she was born August 30, 1820, in Vermont; have four children—Lucy (now Mrs. Bratton), Truman, Chauncey and Sarah. Republican; member of the M.E. Church.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 601.

S. L. Gilbert
Born March 7, 1835

S. L. GILBERT, firm of C. S. & S. L. Gilbert, Wyoming Valley Cheese Factory, Onslow; he was born March 7, 1835, in Herkimer Co., N.Y.; in 1856, he came to Jones Co.; he owns 205 acres of land; this cheese-factory was established in 1867, being the oldest factory in Iowa; the cheese manufactured here is equal to the New York factories; they are making about one hundred thousand pounds a season. He was married to Miss Eveline M. Seaman in December, 1855; she was born in Herkimer Co., N.Y.; they have five children—Homer L., Ida L., Ada, Lydia L. and Fred D.; lost Lester D., aged 15 years. Republican; M.E. Church.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 615.

H. W. Gill
Born December 21, 1818

H. W. GILL, dealer in agricultural implements and farm machinery, Monticello; is a native of Springfield, Windsor Co., Vt., and was born December 21, 1818; he grew up to manhood there, and, in the spring of 1850, went around Cape Horn to California, and remained there four years and returned, and, in 1854, he came to Iowa and located in Jones Co.; he entered a section of land, one-half of which was for his brother. He engaged in farming, and continued for ten years; then removed to Monticello and bought seventy-seven acres of land inside the city limits; he has sold off a part of it, but still owns twenty-four acres. Mr. Gill established his present business in 1869, and, by fair dealing, has built up a large trade. He held the office of Justice of the Peace in Castle Grove; but, since coming to Monticello, he has refused all offices. He married Miss Damiette Toles, a native of Wethcrsfield, Vt., Dee. 35,1853; they have two children—Maria (now Mrs. W. F. Bingham, of this city), and one son, Frank, in school.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 668.

O. E. Gillen
Born September 22, 1830

0. E. GILLEN, proprietor Gillen House, Anamosa; is a native of New York City, and was born September 22, 1830; he grew up to manhood there, and came West to Iowa in 1855; upon the breaking-out of the rebellion in 1861, he enlisted in the 5th I.V.C., Co. I; he served as Commissary Sergeant of the regiment; he remained in the service three years, and returned to Iowa and opened thc City Hotel at Mechanicsville, and remailled there five years; in July, 1873, he engaged in the hotel business at Monticello, and remained there until January, 1816, when he came to Anamosa, and, in February, 1877, he opened the Gillen House. In February, 1864, he married Miss Margaret R. Milligan, from Cedar Co., Iowa; she Was a native of Pennsylvdnia; they have four children—Jennie B., John B., Maggie A., Addie; they have lost three children.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 557.