Logan County Illinois Biography of Gustave Gosda Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm Submitted by: William L. Stephenson, Jr., Biography of Gustave Gosda History of Logan County Illinois 1911 page 383-385 Transcription by William L. Stephenson, Jr., - Historian, Bock Family Association Among the men of German birth who have done so much toward the development of Agricultural interests of Illinois is Gustave Gosda, who successfully engaged in general farming in Oran township, Logan county, Illinois. He was born in Germany, on the 6th of December, 1847, a son of Christian and Florentina (Gosda) Gosda, lifelong residents of that country. The birth of the father occurred November 12, 1812, and throughout life he followed farming. He was one of the prominent and influential citizens of his community and was called upon to fill various offices, such as supervisor, tax collector and justice of the peace. In 1848 he was in the military service as orderly sergeant and had three brothers who were members of the cavalry. The father died in 1906 and the mother, who was born June 12, 1822, passed away in 1908. They were the parents of twelve children, the eldest of whom was deceased by 1911, the others being Julius, Gustave, Florentine, Frederick, August, Christine, Godfried, Christian, deceased, Wilhelmina, Magdaline and one who died in infancy. In his native land Gustave Gosda was given good educational advantages, attending both the common and high schools, and later was employed for two years at the experimental station. Like all able-bodied young men of German birth, he entered military service and during the war between Prussia and Austria took an active part for four years and one month, retiring with the rank of corporal. He was twice wounded during the conflict. Before war was declared between those countries he served as a staff officer for two years. When hostilities ceased he returned home, but after visiting relatives and friends for two weeks he set sail for the United States. He first located in Chicago, where he arrived immediately after the terrible fire of October, 1871, and remained in that city one year. He next worked on a railroad in Wisconsin and subsequently took a contract to clear land in the state of Mississippi. We next find him in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was employed in a brewery, and in 1878 he came to Logan county, Illinois, locating at Lawndale, where he was employed by the month for a time. He next engaged in farming upon rented land for thirteen years and about twenty years ago (about 1991) purchased the farm in Oran township which he has improved and developed until it compares favorably with the farms about him. Upon this land he is quietly living, devoting his attention to general farming, and success has crowned his well directed efforts so that besides his home place he now (1911) owns six hundred and forty acres of land in Steele county, North Dakota. Mr. Gosda was married, at Springfield, Illinois, February 6, 1874 to Miss Dorothy Bock, who was born January 16, 1854, and died October 8, 1909, while on a visit to the fatherland. Becoming ill, she was taken to a hospital in Germany, where she received the best medical attention, but this availed nothing and she passed away two days later. Her remains were brought back by the sorrowing husband and interred in the Lincoln Cemetery. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gosda were born five children. Henry Julius, born June 12, 1875, was associated with his father in the operation of the home farm. He was one of the popular young men of the community and was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Albert C., born January 28, 1880, died May 7, 1908. Mary Caroline, born September 28, 1881, was married February 7, 1907, to Charles Lauer, a farmer of West Lincoln township, by whom she had two children but the first died in infancy. The other, Caroline P., was born December 27, 1908. Willie A., born May 26, 1883, also resided at home in 1911. he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Modern Woodmen of America. George Gustave, born august 31, 1890, was a member of the Woodmen and lived at home with his father as of 1911. Since attaining his majority Mr. Gosda has affiliated with the democratic party and has been called upon to fill minor offices, including that of school director. He was a member of St. James Evangelical church of Lincoln and was a man who commands the respect and confidence of those with whom he was brought in contact either in business or social affairs. He was very well read, having received a practical education in Germany, and after coming to the United States took up a course in English. Unlike Zachary Taylor, he believed in education and has given his children good advantages along that line, taking special care that their German was not neglected. He belonged to that class of strong, sturdy old German warriors who knew no defeat but death.