Biographies, beginning with G, History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882 Transcribed by Sally Scarff and Marlene Chaney for the USGenWeb Archives. Submitted August 2000 by Roxanne Barth , IAGenWeb Allamakee County Coordinator. ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *********************************************************************** History of Clayton County Iowa 1882 Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Company, 1882 Reprinted by: Monona Historical Society, Monona, Iowa Reproduction by: Unigraphics, Inc., 1401 North Fares Ave, Evansville, Indiana 47711, 1975 G Lodomillo Twp. -- James P. Gager is a native of Delaware County, N.Y., born June 16, 1803, son of Oliver and Sarah (Latrop) Gager, natives of Connecticut. Oliver was a soldier in the Revolutionary war for some time. They had a family of nine children, of whom James was the third son. He farmed and engaged in clerking until his marriage to Jane Frazine, which occurred Nov. 10, 1833. She was born in Ulster County, N.Y., May 17, 1809, and was a daughter of Conrad and Leah (Soper) Frazine. Of four children born of this union, two are living-- Edgar L. and Emily A. (now Mrs. Abraham Treadwell.). In April, 1835, Mr. Gager left New York and came West, locating in Chicago, Ill., where he conducted a boarding house six months, then went to Forked Creek, Cook County, Ill. He followed farming there, and at Rockville and Plainfield, Ill, until 1848, when he removed to Galena, Ill. In the spring of 1852 he came to Clayton County, and settled in Lodomillo Township, where he has since resided. He has held various local offices of trust in this township, and has served as Postmaster in New York and Illinois. He is one of the pioneers of the county, and a representative farmer and esteemed citizen. In politics he is a Republican. His oldest brother served in the war of 1812. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 888-889 Marion Twp. -- Engebret Galbranson was born in Norway, Aug. 18, 1826. He emigrated to America in 1851, and came at once to Marion Township, Clayton County, and bought eighty acres of land on section 4. By hard work and close attention to business, Mr. Galbranson has succeeded in getting his land under a high state of cultivation, and is now the owner of one of the finest farms in Clayton County. His marriage occurred in 1851, to Lisse Maria Paulsdatter, who was born in Norway, Dec. 1824. Their married life has been blessed with thirteen children, nine living - Jacob E., born May 22, 1853; Maria E., June 15, 1855; Lisse, Feb. 20, 1858; Pauline, May 29, 1859; Kari, Dec. 17, 1860; Gustav Peter, July 16, 1864; Andres, Nov. 18, 1866; Iver, July 25, 1870, and Otto, Sept. 29, 1871. Mr. Galbranson is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church. In politics he is a Republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 930 Mendon Twp. -- Samuel P. Gale, proprietor of the McGregor House, is a native of Monroe, Mich., born Jan. 4, 1833. His father, William W. Gale, was born in New York, and was a carpenter and joiner by trade. He was married in Rochester, N.Y., to Lydia A. Thompson, and soon after settled on a farm in Monroe County, Mich., being one of the first white men in that region. His farm is now a part of the town of Monroe. Samuel P. attended school and assisted on the farm until fourteen years of age, when he went to live with his brother-in-law, G. R. Mandaville, and under his instruction learned the carpenter, joiner and millwright trades. When twenty years old he went to Milwaukee, Wis., and there obtained a position as fireman of the C., M. & St. P. R. R., and three years later was given charge of the old "Milwaukee" engine, which he ran one year. On June 21, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, 24th Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, and served three years, being promoted from private to Sergeant of his company. At the close of the war he returned to Milwaukee and remained there about two years, when he came to North McGregor, Ia., where he worked as a machinist in the C., M. & St. P. car shops eight or nine years, then opened the McGregor House, which he has successfully conducted since. He was married on Feb. 12, 1867, to Mary Sovay, who was born in Ogdensburg, N.Y., and was a daughter of Duncan and Rosetta Sovay. In politics Mr. Gale is rather independent on voting for local officers, but for President is decidedly Republican. He is one of McGregor's most prominent and respected citizens. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 982-983 Boardman Twp. -- Patrick Garaghty, harness-maker, Elkader, was born in County West Maid, Ireland, on the 3d day of February, 1833. In February, 1848, left his home in Ireland for America, landing in New York and went immediately to Litchfield, Conn., where he learned the trade of a molder, remaining there until Oct. 7, 1851. His parents being in Clayton County, he made it his objective point, and came here and engaged in farming. In 1862 he met with an accident which came near causing the loss of his life. As he was being lowered into a well he was sinking, the man at the windlass let go, letting him drop a distance of forty-six feet, breaking his left leg in two places. By this accident he was crippled, so that he was forced to sell his farm and come to Elkader, where he embarked in his present business. In 1883 he married Catherine Connorton who was born in New London, Conn., Sept 6, 1852. By this union there is a family of seven children, via.: Lawrence, Annie, Katie, Susan, Romana, Mary, and Philaphena. Mr. G. took a decided stand in early life for the cause of temperance, and from his boyhood up has never touched liquor of any kind. Mr. G. has been identified with the county for thirty years, and has seen the wild unbroken praries developed into a beautiful and cultivated county. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 656 Volga Twp. -- John C. Garber, of the firm of John Garber & Son, general merchants, East Elkport, was born in Logan County, Ohio, Apr. 23, 1844. His parents, John and Mary C. (Rife) Garber, were among the early pioneers of Clayton County, coming here when the subject of this sketch was four years of age. His education was received in the common schools of Clayton County, where he was married in 1868, to Elizabeth Livingston, a native of Pennsylvania. By this marriage there were three children, one living, Jessie. His wife died Mch. 7, 1874, and he was again married on Aug. 27, 1879, to Caroline Blanschien, who was born in Germany, and was a daughter of Charles and Caroline (Stahl) Blanchien. In 1877, in partnership with his father, Mr. Garber embarked in the dry goods and grocery business in the town of East Elkport, which they still prosecute. They carry a full and complete stock of general merchandise, and do a profitable business. He is a member of I.O.O.F. lodge; in politics he is a Repbulican. History of Clayton County Iowa 1882, p. 1121 Cass Twp. -- Elisha B. Gardner was born in Chautauqua County, N.Y. Dec. 5, 1822, and was a son of Eleazer and Cynthia Gardner, the former a native of New Jersey, the latter of Connecticut. He attended school until he was eighteen years of age, then engaged in farm labor and in a saw-mill until 1854, when he came to Clayton County, settling in Cass Towhsip. He entered a farm of eighty acres, to which he has since added twenty acres of timber, and is extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was married on March 11, 1852, to Eunice Cooley, a native of Chautauqua County, N.Y. Of seven children born of this union four are living--Adda, Edward O., L.C. and Meed E. Mr. Gardner has held the office of Justice of the peace four years, and that of Township Trustee for twenty years. He is a member of the Baptist church, and one of the men who have had the fortitude to brave the hardships of pioneer life in the West, and to whom much credit is due for the present prosperous condition of Clayton County. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 695 Elk Twp. -- Elijah Gates , one of the representative citizens of Elk Township, was born in Granville, Canada, Mch. 28, 1825. He left Canada in 1857, and came to Iowa, locating in Delaware County, whre he resided seven years, and in 1864 settled on his present farm in Clayton. it is situated on section 33, Elk Township, and consists of 170 acres of fine farming land. He also has a steam saw-mill on his place, which he operates, in connection with farming. He is a carpenter by trade and does all is own building, etc. He was married Feb. 1, 1854, to Ellen W. Gibson, a native of Edwardsburg, Canada, born Sept. 15, 1833. Four children have been born unto them, viz.: Jennie R., born Feb. 24, 1855; Sarah M., Aug. 2, 1857, married James E. Klotzbach; Isaac P., Oct. 2, 1859, and George Edgar, Aug. 31, 1869. Jennie is engaged in teaching the district school, and music. Mr. Gates had held the offices of School Director and Towhship Supervisor. He and two daughers are members of the Congregational church. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 760 Mallory Twp. -- Joseph Geiselman, one of the prominent farmers of Mallory Township, was a son of Valentine and Sarah (Gexty) Geiselman, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in Ohio at an early day and died there. Joseph was born in Ohio, Oct. 30, 1832, where he was reared and educated. He come to Iowa in 1854, and bought the farm of 160 acres on section 12, where he now lives. His land is mostly under fine cultivation. In 1864 he married Barbary Ann, daughter of John M. and Elizabeth (Gillian) Bolsinger, natives of Pennsylvania. They now live in Mallory Township, Ia this union there is one child--Sarah Elizabeth, born April 16, 1865. Mr. B. votes the Democratic ticket. History of Clayton County Iowa, 1882, p. 918 Volga Twp. -- Thomas Geraghty, one of the enterprising farmers of Volga Township, is a native of County West Main, Ireland, and was born in November, 1829, son of Lawrence and Catherine (Ennis) Geraghty, who were natives of the same county, and came to this country in 1848, locating in Falls Village, Litchfield County, Conn., where they resided for three years, and in June, 1857, removed to Garnavillo Township, Clayton County, and entered 160 acres of land, on which they resided for twenty-one years. They then moved into Volga Township, where the father died in 1868. The mother is still living with the subject of this notice, in her seventy-ninth year. Thomas Geraghty owns 160 acres of land in Volga Township under a fair state of cultivation, and worth $30 an acre. He is a member of the Catholic church at Elkader, and in his political views is a Democrat. History of Clayton County Iowa 1882, p. 1121 Sperry Twp. -- Edward Germar was born in Guttenberg, May 28, 1860. He was the son of Henry and Theresa (Bremer) Germar. He passed his early life in Guttenberg, attending school until he was fifteen years of age. He then went into the boot and shoe shop of Philip Kirch, and learned his trade. After serving his apprecticeship of three years, he removed to Elkader with his parents. He remained there until the spring of 1882, when he removed to Volga City, and now keeps a boot and shoe shop in that place. Mr. Germar was married Jan. 8, 1882, to Lena Breitauer. Politically Mr. Germar is a Republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1095 Cox Creek Twp. -- G. L. Gifford hotel proprietor and farmer, Littleport, is a native of Sherburn, Chenango County, N. Y., born March 27, 1824, and is a son of Asa W. and Huldah (Pendle) Gifford, natives of Vermont. His father moved to New York in 1822 and in 1829 came to Clayton County. He entered a farm and resided here until 1851, when he went to California, remaining four years, then returned to Wyoming County, N. Y., where he still resides. He is eighty-four and his wife is eighty-two years old. G. L. Gifford came with his parents to this county in 1839. He was the recipient of a practical education and when twenty-one years of age entered 160 acres of land in Boardman Township. In 1852 he came to Cox Creek Township, and preempted 200 acres of land, and laid out the village of Littleport. He built a hotel, a number of public buildings and otherwise improved the town. In 1859 he visited Pike's Peak, Col., remaining one year. On July 13, 1848, G. L. Gifford and Clarinda Quigley were united in marriage. She was born in Indiana, Feb. 20, 1830, and was a daugher of Dennis Quigley of Kentucky, and Charity, nee Spoors, of Cattaraugus County, N. Y. Seven children have been born unto them, viz.: Esther, born Sept. 1, 1849, married John Gaylord; Amira, born May 14, 1851, married S. L. Palmer; H. L., born Aug. 19, 1855, is married and resides at Mederville; P. P., born Oct. 23, 1857, is married and lives on the old homestead; Ezra D., born Jan. 30, 1860, is attending the Theological Seminary at Hillsdale, Mich., preparing for the ministry; Annis, now Mrs. Michael Nelligan, was born June 24, 1862; and Socrates R., born in June, 1853, and died in July, 1859. Mr. Gifford resided in Independence, Ia., one year where he built a fine brick hotel, which he sold soon afterward. He has held many of the town offices, and in politics affiliates with the Republican party. He was Captain of the home guards during the war. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 744 Lodomillo Twp. -- William Gifford, son of Justice and Phebe (Ecker) Gifford, of New York, was born in Nunda, Livingston County, N.Y., Nov. 13, 1829. His father died when he was about four years old, and his mother afterward married George Weatherly. Prior to his death Justice Gifford gave William to his sister, Mrs. Lydia Easton, with whom he remained, attending school and assisting on the farm, until he was nineteen years old. He then worked on a farm at $10 a month for six months, saving $50, with which he went to Oswego County, N.Y., and attended school one winter, then returned to his home in Livingston County. He was married in Wyoming County, to Jane Kingsley, Oct. 27, 1855. She was born in Perry, N.Y. Four children were born of this union--Martha (wife of Henry Mimkin), Victor E., Eva (wife of Lorreston Easton) and Justice K. After his marriage Mr. Gifford went to Dodge County, Wis., in 1855, thence to Edgewood, Delaware County, Ia., in 1857, and remained there until the spring of 1865, and from there to Michigan, Macon City, Mo., and Pierce County, Wis.; at the last place he engaged in farming till he settled in Clayton County, Ia., in 1873. He purchased a farm of sixty acres on section 19, Lodomillo Township, which he still owns and resides upon. Mr. Gifford lost his first wife, Dec. 1, 1880, and he was again married on Oct. 27, 1881, to Hellen M. Woodworth, who was born in Pike, Wyoming County, N.Y., and was a daughter of Leonard Woodworth and Almaretta, nee Stuart. Mr. Gifford has held various local offices of trust, and in politics was a Democrat, but is now Republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p.889-890 Giard Twp. -- Lowell R. Gilbert (deceased) was born in Putney, Windom County, Vt. He came with his family to this county and settled in Read Township, where he remained until the fall of 1867, when he removed to Giard Township, which was his home at the time of his death. He was a thrifty, well-to-do farmer, a prominent and respected citizen, and filled some important official positions creditably to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. In the fall of 1869 he was nominated and made a very creditable canvas for the office of Representative in the Legislature. Mr. Gilbert had ten children living, nine of whom were present at the funeral, which took place at his late residence, Rev. Moses Polley officiating. His death was a sad affliction, which falls heavily upon his family, consisting of a loving wife and ten children, who survive him. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 819 Mendon Twp. -- William J. Gilchrist is the lineal descendant of two Scotchmen, on his father's and mother's side, who came to the colonies previous to the Revolutionary war, and settled in the then County Tyron (now towns of Charlton and Galway, county of Saratoga and State of New York), named Wm. Gilchrist and William McCartney. A raid of Indians and Tories during the Revolutionary war, under Sir John Johnson, compelled them to leave their farms; they removed to near Albany, and particpated in the perils and hardships of the war. The only son of the former married the daughter of the latter on Nov. 22, 1799; both died in 1811, leaving four children, who were reared by the respective grandfathers, the subject of this sketch being the only survivor of these children, and was born Sept. 16, 1802. He was educated in the common schools of the town and subsequently aided by a celebrated Scotch teacher, and acquired a partial knowledge of the Spanish language, intending to go to South America, but these plans were frustrated by his marriage to a lady of his own name, in May, 1824. They had five children, two of whom only survive. He remained a farmer until 1854 when he sold his farm and possessions and removed to Elgin, and afterward to Rockford, Ill. While in New York he possessed the confidence of many of the prominent statemen of the Empire State, Silas Wright, John Cramer, Samuel Young, Eli M. Todd, John Van Buren, and others, and was nominated as a Delegate to the Constitutional Convention to amend the Constitution of the State, in 1844, in opposition to John K. Porter, but was defeated on account of his temperance and free-soil proclivities. He was also a delegate to the Free-Soil Convention that nominated Martin Van Buren for the Presidency, in opposition to General Cass; and during the administration of Governor Wright, and subsequently, he was a commissioner to loan out the United States Deposit fund on improved farms, the interest of which went to the support of common schools. This fund he managed with fidelity and to the full satisfaction of State. After coming to Illinois, he invested his funds in farm mortgages and entered lands in Iowa, and finally came to McGregor, in 1857, and organized the old reliable produce firm of Gilchrist & Co. In 1863 he assisted Ex-Governor Samuel Merrill in the organization of the First National Bank of McGregor, of which he was a Director and Vice-President, and subsequently; with others organized the Clayton County Savings Bank, of McGregor, and was President for several years. When Congress authorized the issue of four per cent, bonds, in small amounts, to be sold by Postmasters, the managers concluded to close up the institution, which they did, to the profit of the stockholders and the satisfaction of all concerned. The tear and wear of nearly four-fifths of a century has compelled him to relinquish all care, except his private business, with a liberal competency and home, and all the appliances of comfort and luxury desired, and a wife yet surviving, having passed the fifty-eighth anniversary of their marriage, with kind children and grandchildren, he is a looker-on, rather than a participant, of the great events transpiring. He was nominated as a candidate for Representative to the General Assembly of Iowa, in 1861, but on account of the multiplicity of his engagements, was compelled to decline, but in 1863 was nominated and elected, and actively particpated in the legislation of that session as Chairman of the Committee of Ways and means in the House. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 980-982 Mallory Twp. -- Emily W. Gilmore is the widow of WIlliam W. Gilmore, a native of Ohio, who came to Iowa at an early day. He followed millling, building a flour-mill at Millville, which he owned and operated for many years, selling it in 1875. In 1865 he purchased property on sections 27 and 28, consisting of forty-three acres, on which he erected a beautiful residence, and lived until his death, which occurred Jan. 20, 1877. Mrs. Emily W. Gilmore was born in the State of Pennsylvania, Feb. 18, 1838, and was a daughter of John N. and Elizabeth Flanniken, nee Grooms, natives of the Keystone State. They settled in Iowa in 1856, and resided here until their death. Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore were married in 1858, and were blessed with three children--Ira A., born July 23, 1859, is married and living on the old homestead with his mother; Elizabeth Jane, born Feb. 21, 1864, and Albert D., born Nov. 23, 1872. In his political views Mr. Gilmore was a Republican. He was held in high esteem by his fellow- citizens, and sorrow fell upon many hearts when to the list of the dead was added his name. History of Clayton County Iowa, 1882, p. 918-919 Sperry Twp. -- Henry Gipper was born in Germany, Feb. 20, 1846. He served in the war between France and Prussia, as a cavalry man with the Hessians. In 1871 he emigrated to America, and settled at once in Clayton Couty, Ia. He purchased a farm of eighty acres in Sperry Township, which he now has under good cultivation and abundantly stocked. He was married to Martha Falkner in Germany. They had three children. She died in 1878 and he was married the second time in 1879, to Mary Portez, by whom he has two children. In politics Mr. Gipper is a Republican, and in religious views a Lutheran. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1095 Boardman Twp. -- Daaniel Gleason, blacksmith, Elkader, was born in Tipperary County, Ireland, in 1825; son of Edmund and Mary Gleason, who emigrated to the United States in 1837, and locatd in New York City, where the father followed the trade of a blacksmith until 1842, when they removed to Wester New York, and in 1854 came to Dubuque, and afterward to Clayton County. Edmund Gleason died here in 1869; his wife on Dec. 18, 1881. Daniel learned his trade in his native country, commencing at the age of fifteen and serving a five years' apprenticship. In 1846 he came to America, landing in Boston, and from there went to join his parents then residing in Western New York. In 1854 came with them to Dubuque, where he worked at his trade until 1858, then came to Elkader, and embarked in his present business. In the fall of 1853 he married Johanna Ryan. They have three children--Timothy, Mary Ann (now the wife of Dennis Liddy) and Daniel. Mr Gleason is one fo the representative business me of Elkader. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 656 Sperry Twp. -- Mary Glidden was born in Carroll County, O., Oct. 11, 1829. She removed to Indiana with her father, James Lowe, and from there to Wisconsin, coming to Iowa in 1847. They settled in Sperry Township. She was married to Charles Glidden March 27, 1848. He ws born in Waldo County, Me. Theirs was the first wedding in Sperry Township, and Mr. Glidden was the first Deputy Sheriff of Clayton county. Their matrimonial life has been blessed with eight children - Melissa, now Mrs. Millard Boshell, resides in Sperry Township; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Benjamin F. Read, also of Sperry Township; N. B.; M. I., now Mrs. Hiram Lavanly, resides in Dakota; Sarah, married James Parsely, of Dakota; Lucy M., now Mrs. Joseph Parsely, also resides in Dakota; James, Benjamin and Olie. Mrs. Glidden owns fifty acres of land in Sperry Township, and 160 in Dakota Territory. She has her farm here under fine cultivation and abundantly stocked. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1095 Jefferson Twp. – Adam Goetz, prominent among the business men of Guttenberg may fairly be mentioned the subject of this sketch. He was born in Hesse, Darmstadt, Germany, on Jan. 1, 1810. In 1836 he left his native country for America, reaching New York on June 11 of that year. He remained in that city until the fall of 1837, when he went to Cincinnati, O. He worked then at his trade, that of a cabinet-maker, and was also engaged in the confectionery business, and from 1845 to 1854 he kept a lumber yard. In October of the latter year he came to Guttenberg, where he engaged in the lumber business. Mr. Goetz married Sophia Welman, who was born in Germany, and emigrated to this country with her parents when a mere child. They settled in Cincinnati, O., in 1832. Mrs. Goetz died Sept. 18, 1879, leaving four children-William and Edward engaged in the lumber business with their father; Charles, railroad agent at Canton, D.T., and George, a resident of Hawkeye, Ia., where he has charge of a lumber yard. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 867 Jefferson Twp. – Calvin P. Goodrich was born in Cayuga County, N.Y., in 1817, and resided there until twenty-one years of age, when he came West, locating in Quincy, Ill. Five years later he removed to Hazel Green, Wis., thence to Clayton County, in 1849. He purchased a farm on section 7, Jefferson Township, which consists of 200 acres of finely cultivated land, upon which he resides. He was engaged in mining a number of years. In 1872 he was appointed Justice of the Peace to fill the vacancy left by John B. Kriebs; was re-elected the following spring, and has held the office since that time. He was Assessor of the town of Jefferson a number of terms and has served on the Board of Supervisors. He married Delia Pine, a native of New York State. To them have been born five children—Julia, wife of John Luther; Emma, widow of M. Horsch; Anna E., now Mrs. Herman Schroeder; Frank, who resides on the homestead, and Laura, wife of Louis Schroeder. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 867- 868 Sperry Twp. -- Caroline Goodwin was born in Grand Isle County, Vt., on March 25, 1814. She was married to Jonathan Goodwin on the 5th of November, 1829. He was born in Newberry, Vt., Nov. 15, 1806. Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin moved to Clayton County, Ia., in 1852, and settle upon the farm where she now resides, in Sperry Township. Seven children were born of their union, viz.: Caroline, born in 1830; William W., in 1833; Franics F., in 1835; Enoch A., in 1837; Seymour, in 1842; Laura J. In 1847, and Louis M., in 1849. Mr. Goodwin died in January, 1881. In his death Clayton County lost one of her most esteemed citizens, and his family an indulgent husband and father. Mrs. Goodwin, with the aid of her children, manages their fine farm of 300 acres. It is under cultivation and thoroughly stocked. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1096 Grand Meadow Twp. -- James Gordon is a native of Canada, born Feb. 10, 1828. In 1849 he went to Rock County, Wis., and remained there until 1854, when he came to Clayton County and settled on his present farm on section 7, Grand Meadow Township. He owns 154 acres of highly cultivated land and forty of timber. He was married to Nancy Stiles on June 28, 1860. She was born in New York, Dec. 30, 1840. Their union has been blessed with three children--Arthur, born April 6, 1861; Orren M., March 19, 1863, and Edwin C., Sept. 3, 1864. Mr. Gordon votes the Republican Ticket. He is one of Clayton County's substantial farmers and representative men. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 828 Millville Twp. -- Joseph Graham (deceased) was born in Ireland, Dec. 12, 1812, and emigrated to America in 1824, settling in Vermont, where he remained until 1854. He then came to Clayton County, and located on section 19, Millville Township, where, in 1855, he erected a saw-mill, which he owned and operated until his death, which occurred Feb. 9, 1867. He married Adeline Haven, who was born in the Green Mountain State, Jan. 26, 1825. Five children blessed this union, viz.: Thomas, born Feb. 21, 1848; George, Feb. 2, 1850; Clarence, April 13, 1854; Elizabeth, Nov. 12, 1861, and Archibald, September, 1865. Mr. Graham during life had ever been active in any project tending to the advancement of Clayton County's interests, and in his death she lost one of her most respected citizens. His widow is still living in Dubuque, Ia. His sons, George and Clarence, are operating the mill, and occupy the old homestead. George was married Sept. 16, 1875, to Martha Wait, born in New York, Dec. 14, 1853. They have three children--Mabel, born June 14, 1876; Blanche, Aug. 19, 1877, and Edith, May 6, 1881. The brothers own 320 acres of fine farming land, and in politics are Republicans. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1013-1014 Millville Twp. -- John S. Graybill, a prominent citizen of Millville Township, was born in Millville Township, Clayton County, on June 30, 1848, and was the youngest of a family of nine children. He was married March 15, 1870, to Anna Smith, who was born in this township July 22, 1844. Five children have blessed this union, viz.: Charles, born Oct. 2, 1872; Ella, Nov. 31, 1874; Hattie, July 13, 1877; Martin, Dec. 8, 1879, and Orren, March 20, 1882. Mr. Graybill's mother, Amelia Graybill, was born in Union County, Pa., Dec. 4, 1808, and came to Iowa in 1841, settling first at Guttenberg, which at that time contained only three cabins. She afterward removed to section 23, Millville Township, where she is at present residing. When she came to the county it was yet in its infancy, being inhabited chiefly by the Indians. She says that as many as ten Indians have slept in her cabin in one night, they sleeping on the floor while the family occupied the beds. Mr. Graybill is now President of the School Board, and has held the offices of School Director, Road Supervisor and others. He gives the Republican party his support. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1014 Clayton Twp. -- H. Graybill was born in Juniata County, Pa., on May 2, 1831 and in 1841 left his native State and came with his father to Iowa, landing at Dubuque on May 2, of that year. He went to Prairie La Porte, where he remained until 1842, thence to Milville Township, and ten years later removed to Monona Towhship. In 1858 he returned to Milville Township, and resided there until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted, on Aug. 22, 1862, in the Twenty-first Iowa Infantry. He served until Nov. 9, 1863, when he was discharged on account of physical disability, and returned to Milville Towhship. In 1870 he removed to Cassville, Wis., and conducted a hotel and barber-shop there nine years, then went to Clermont, Fayette County, where he remained one year, and in November, 1880, he came to Clayton County, where he has resided since. In the fall of 1881 he became the proprietor of the Clayton House, which he is still running, and is making a success of it. He was married May 17, 1853, to Lydia Ferguson, who was born Aug. 27, 1830 in Canada, and died Oct. 15, 1867. Of six children born of that union, two are living--Amelia, born April 20, 1855, and Alice, July 5, 1861. Mr. Graybill was again married on June 16, 1871, to Letitia Campbell. His father died March 1, 1864; his mother is living in the county at the advanced age of seventy-three years. He is a member of the United Brethren Church, and in his poltical views is a Republican. He is justly entitled to being classed with the pioneers of Clayton County, and although he met with many of the adversities and hardships of pioneer life, he says that there was more real enjoyment in life in those primitive days than in these days of political and financial strife. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 722 Sperry Twp. -- Daniel Green, farmer, was born in the ancient town of Wittlesea, county of Cambridge, England, Dec. 22, 1818. Until he was of the age of sixteen years, he lived on his father;s farm. He then helped lay the track of the London & Northwestern road, the second railroad of any consequence that was ever built. He followed track-laying until 1852. June 21, 1840, he was united in marriage to Mary Hartley Brown, of Wittlesea. Apr. 4, 1852, he set sail for America, being one month on the voyage. Proceeding to Cleveland, he found employment for one year in a soap and candle factory. He worked here at delivering goods, and at the expiration of the year knew every street and store in the city of Cleveland. In the spring of 1853 he rented ten acres of land in East Cleveland. Here he followed market gardening for two seasons. In October, 1854, he moved to Clayton County with his brother James and family, and during the winter lived in a log cabin which stood where Tangeman's grist-mill now stands, between Clayton and Garnavillo. This was then called "Forbes' Hollow." In the spring of 1855 he removed to Boardman Township, four miles west of Elkader, and built the second house on the Elkader and East Union road, the first having been built just previously. In the spring of 1856 he moved to section 25, Boardman Township, and built a brick house. Selling out in the fall of 1858, he removed to Cox Creek Township, where he lived the following winter. The next spring he located on section 18, Boardman Township, where he lived until Feb. 15, 1867, when he purchased his present home, on section 11, Sperry Township. Mr. Green has no family of his own, but in 1855 he adopted an orphan name Peter Bowhart, who took the name of Peter B Green. He has a wife and three children, and still lives with Mr. Green. The family now own 407 acres of land well stocked, and free from incumbrance. Mr. Green is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has held various local offices, and is one of the most highly respected citizens of Sperry Township. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1096-1097 Cox Creek Township -- Frederick Grennwaldt (deceased) was a native of Germany, born in 1819. He came to the United States in 181, and located at once in Guttenberg, Ia. He was married the same year to Dorathea, daughter of Christian and Elizabeth Klien, nee Grout, natives of Germany. Five children blessed their union, viz.: Rica, born Nov. 18, 1852, married Charles Heiden, of Boardman Township; Henry W., born Jan. 11, 1855; Minnie, Jan. 26, 1858, is now the wife of G. M. Snediger, of Cox Creek Township; Anna, born July 2, 1860; and one child who died in infancy. Mr. Grennwaldt met with a tragical death, being killed by a tree falling on him, on the 12th day of January, 1860. In his death Clayton County lost one of her most respected and esteemed citizens. Mrs. Greenwaldt was again married in 1860 to John Schmidt, who was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, and came to the United States in 1856. He followed the occupation of farmer until his death, which occurred in Cox Creek Township, on Jan. 12, 1879. Two children were born unto them—Albert, born Feb. 22, 1863, and John, Oct. 30, 1867. The family are members of the Lutheran church. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 744-745. Monona Twp. -- John S. Gregg, one of the pioneers of Clayton County, was born in Lower Canada, on the 28th day of November, 1823, son of Reuben and Mary (Bruce) Gregg, his father a native of Massachusetts, and his mother of New Hampshire. They were married in Montreal, Canada, in 1820, and were the parents of eight children, four sons and four daughters, viz.: John S., Jane, Mary, Julia, Samuel, James, Reuben and Annie. Mr. Gregg by trade was a millwright and carpenter, and came to Clayton County in 1845, where he spent one year, then returned to Canada. In 1847 he moved his family to this county, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1872. The mother is still living at the advanced age of eighty-nine. John S., in 1844, left his home and came to Iowa, coming by water to Milwaukee, and from there footed it to Clayton County, following the old Government trail, traveling one whole day without seeing a house. Soon after coming here he entered the claim where he now lives, the land having changed hands once. He has been twice married: first to Jeannette Ferguson, who was born in Canada, Oct. 23, 1826. They had six children, viz.: Percella, Jesse C., E. Jane, Gustavus, Lovina and James. Mrs. Gregg died Aug. 10, 1865, and he again married Dec. 22, 1869, Jerusha Burge, a widow of Josiah Wheeler, by whom there was five children, one living--Ira J. In the winter of 1844 and '45, Mr. Gregg returned to Canada on foot, making a distance of 750 miles in twenty-one days. His average expense was fifty cents per day. The same year he returned to Clayton County in company with his father and Mr. Ferguson. Mr. Gregg had but fifty cents of ready money in his pocket when he reached Clayton County, but by hard work he has accumulated a competency. He owns 115 acres of land, valued at $45 per acre. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, Monona Township, p. 1042 Clayton Twp. -- E. Griest was born in Adams County, Pa. Sept. 21, 1821, and was there reared and educated. In 1854 he went to Ohio where he remained three years, then came to Clayton County, locating in Garnavillo. He resided there twelve years and during that time ran a stage, and carried the mail from Garnavillo to McGregor. He came to Clayton City, where he has kept hotel for the past fourteen years, and during the early years of his residence here carried the mail form Clayton to Elkader. He was united in marriage with Rebecca Cook, on Sept. 9, 1845 in his native State, where she was born March 2, 1824. Of six children born of this union four are living--Louisa, born June 15, 1846; Wesley C. May 14, 1851; Anna E., Dec. 3, 1859, and Lucy B., May 22, 1864. In politics Mr. Griest is a Republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 722-723 Clayton Twp. -- John Jay Grinnell, official stenographer for the Tenth Judicial District of Iowa, born at Lafayette, Ind.; came to Clayton in 1855; was married to Mattie Glenn, July 24, 1880; have one child---George Jay Grinnell, born Oct. 25, 1881. John Grinnell and Caroline Hulbert, father and mother of John Jay, were born in Columbia County, N.Y., Jan. 8, 1815, and Schenectady, N.Y. April 6, 1826, respectively. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 723 Boardman Twp. -- H. C. Grotewohl, cabinet-maker, and one of the enterprising business men of Clayton County, was born in Hanover, Germany, on the 27th day of April, 1828; son of Christian and Sophia Grotewohl, natives of the same place. The subject of this memoir received his reducation in his native country, and when fourteen years of age learned the trade of a cabinet- maker. In 1852 he left his home in Germany and came to the United States landing in New York, where he remained a short time, then went to Philadelphia, Pa., where he remained one and a half years working a his trade; thence to Clayton County in 1853, where he joined the Communistic Colony. In May, 1855, he came to Ekander, where he has remained since. In the spring of 1957 he married Johanna Davis, a native of Wales, by whom he had three children--Fanny, Saraph, and Harry. Mrs. Grotewohl died in 1864. He again married Caroline Stevens, who was born in Ohio. To them have been born four children, viz.: Carrie, George, Bessie, and Arthur. Mr. G. is a member of the I.O.O.F., Edkander lodge, No. 304; also of the A.O.U.W., Bismark Lodge, No. 119, also of V.A.S. fraternity. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 657 Marion Twp. -- Birgit H. Groth (or Holsteinson) was born in Ness, Norway, Aug. 7, 1831. She came to the United States in 1849, and lived in New York for one year, then came to Clayton County, and settled on section 7, Marion Township. She has 200 acres of good land. She was married to Sven Holsteinson Sept. 11, 1847, in Wisconsin. He was born in Norway, March 11, 1821, and died Sept. 3, 1879. Birgit was the daughter of Mr. Holgrimson. By her marriage she has eight living children - Julia, born Oct. 8, 1854; Holstead, May 19, 1860; Holgrim, March 5, 1863; Rachel, March 16, 1865; Barbo, April 30, 1867; Kittil, Jan. 14, 1870; Olena Sophia, Dec. 17, 1874, and Sven Bartemus, Oct. 1, 1879. Five children are dead. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 930 Mendon Twp. -- Duane E. Grout, assistant agent for the C., M. & St. P. R. R., at North McGregor, was born at Fox Lake, Dodge County, Wis., Feb. 22, 1846. His parents, Stephen D. and Marion E. (Garrison) Grout, were natives of New York, and had a family of three sons, viz.: Adelbert B., of Chicago; Irvin S., mining in Colorado, and Duane E., who attended school until fifteen, when he enlisted as a private in Company E, Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, Sept. 27, 1862. He was in the battles of Port Gibson, Miss., siege of Vicksburg, Fourteen Mile Creek, Champion Hill, siege of Jackson, Miss., Opelousas, La., Carion Crow Bayou, was in the "Texas Expedition," the battle of Sabine Cross- roads, where he was captured May 8, 1863. He, with 100 others, escaped from the stockade at Hempstead, Texas, Nov. 14, 1863, but was re-captured by some Confederate cavalry in the Calcasien bottoms, La., and returned to Houston and were exchanged at Galveston, Dec. 25, 1863. He then joined his company at New Orleans, and took part in the Mobile expedition, Spanish Fort and Blakely. On April 8, 1865, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant of the Fifty-third Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers for meritorious service, and remained in the service until the close of the war, when he was discharged at Madison, Wis. He went thence to St. Louis, Mo., and clerked in a grocery store in the fall of 1867, when he went to Chicago and clerked in the spring of 1868, thence to Woodman, Grant County, Wis., and took charge of a lumber yard for the firm of Garrison and Co., until the fall of 1869. He was married there to Anna E. Deitrich, on Dec. 5, 1869. She was a daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Geiser) Deitrich. After his marriage Mr. Grout went to Dubuque for the lumber firm, and in September, 1870, came to McGregor, where he began to break on the C., M. & St. P.R.R., and was injured accidentally while coupling cars on July 11, 1870, and since then has been employed in the office. He and wife have two children, viz.: Herbert B. and Mary E. Mr. Grout is a member of A.O.U.W., Keystone Lodge, No. 111 at McGregor. He was elected Mayor of North McGregor in 1880, and is the present Secretary of the School Board. In politics he is rather independent. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1822 p. 983-984 Mendon Twp. -- Eugene A. Guilbert, M. D., McGregor, was born in Waukegan, Ill., Jan. 20, 1850, a son of Dr. Edward A. and Catherine Guilbert, nee Sommers, who were the parents of seven children, five sons and two daughters. Dr. Edward A. Guilbert is at present residing in Dubuque, Ia., and has been in active practice for the past thirty-five years. He graduated at Rush Medical College when twenty-one years of age. Eugene A. commenced reading medicine in his father's office in 1867, and was associated with him until 1878, when he attended lectures at the Homeopathic Medical College of Missouri, and afterward attended the St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons, graduating from that institution with high honors in 1881. He was unanimously chosen valedictorian of his class, and received a gold medal. He has held the following honorable appointments; United States Examing Surgeon for Pensions, Health Physician of Mendon Township, and Medical Examiner of A.O.U.W. and V.A.S. Lodge. In 1881 he was elected Professor of Ophthalmology and Otology in the Homeopathic College of Missouri. He was commissioned Colonel and Aid-de-camp of Governor Gear of Iowa. The Doctor is well and favorably known throughout the Northwest as an orator and writer of unquestionable ability, and ranks with the leading physicians of Clayton County. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 982 Marion Twp. -- Thomas Gunderson was born in Norway, July 15, 1838. He embarked for America June 25, 1868, and landed at Quebec. From there he came to Iowa, and located in Fayette County, where he resided seven years, and then settled on his present farm in Marion Township, this county. He owns eighty acres of well- improved land, and is extensively engaged in farming and stock raising. His marriage occurred in 1862 to Bertha Jameson, who was born in Norway, July 24, 1837. The fruit by this union is five children - Martha, born Sept. 24, 1862; James, Nov. 10, 1863; Gunder, Oct. 5, 1865; Gilbert, Oct. 3, 1867, and Trene Matilda, April 26, 1871. In religious sentiment Mr. Gunderson is a Lutheran. Politically he is a Republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 930- 931 Cass Twp. -- A. J. Gusting, photographer, Strawberry Point, was born on April 19, 1842 in Lincolnshire, England. He emigrated to America with his parents when ten years of age, and six years later settled in Iowa. He enlisted from Dubuque in 1861 in the volunteer army, and served until 1863. He participated in the battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh, where he was taken prisoner, and sent to Tuscaloosa prison, where he was confined four months, then sent to the hospital. He was honorably discharged at St. Louis, Mo. On Feb. 1, 1863. He was married Aug. 15, 1863, to Maria A. Guerrin. Their marriage life has been blessed with eight children--Olive, Emma, Lenore, Milton, Henry, Fred, Grace, and Beatrice. Mr. Gusting is the only photographer in Strawberry Point, and is the recipient of a good trade. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 695-96 Giard Twp. -- Werner Gutheil, one of the pioneers of Clayton County, was born in Hesse, Germany, on the 17th day of Nov. 1826. In May, 1844, he left his native country for America, and after being on the ocean for seven weeks, landed in New York, where he remained a short time, and thence to New Jersey, where he worked on a farm four years. Then went to Connecticut and remained until 1853, when he came to Clayton County, Ia.,, and located on the place where he now lives. In 1855 he married Eve Barnhardt, who was born in Baden, Germany, in 1824. There are three living children--Caroline, Henry and Louisa. Mr. Gutheil came to the county in limited circumstances, but by fair dealing and close attention to business has accumulated a fine property and home. He owns 100 acres of land valued at $40 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. Gutheil are members of the Albrecht church, of Giard. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 819