GARDINER & ROTH are dealers in hardware and agricultural implements at Wayland, Henry Co., Iowa. Desiring to make mention of the respective families of these gentlemen in connection with their business we speak first of the senior member of the firm.

Benedick Gardiner was born in New Hamburg, Canada West, in 1839, and is the son of Christian and Anna (Roth) Gardiner. Christian Gardiner came to Washington County, Iowa, in 1857, being at the time the husband of Phoebe Roth, a relative of his first wife, who died in Canada, and was the mother of seven children, and Phoebe (Roth) Gardiner was the mother of three children. The death of Christian Gardiner, Sr., occurred in Iowa, and Phoebe, his widow, now resides in Johnson. Benedick Gardiner came to Iowa three years prior to his father, and when he was but fifteen years old. He worked on a farm in Lee County for a year and a half, when he went to Washington County, where he remained about the same length of time. Thence he went to Davis County, and a year later, in 1855, came to Henry County. On his marriage he rented a farm for a year, and a year later bought a farm in Trenton Township, on which he lived for nineteen years, and until his removal to Wayland, in 1881. He was married to Nancy A. Roth, of this county, in 1861. They have three children living: Ella, wife of Ed. H. Farris, the Station Agent at Wayland; Ida and Guy, who are unmarried, and live with their parents. One son, William Edward, died in 1880, aged twelve years.

On his removal to Wayland, in 1881, Mr. Gardiner engaged in a general mercantile business, which he later disposed of, and purchased a half interest in the hardware stock of Charles Bergh. This he later sold to Mr. Bergh, and for some time did an exclusive business in agricultural implements; but in 1886, with Joseph Roth, purchased the hardware stock and good-will of Mr. Bergh, and they have since done a large business in that line, besides dealing largely in all kinds of agricultural implements. They carry a $2,000 stock of hardware, and their sales the past season of buggies and agricultural implements alone amounted to over $4,500. Both the gentlemen named are enterprising business men, and their integrity and courtesy have drawn trade remote from their legitimate business center. Such men are valuable factors in any community, and to such the growth and prosperity of Wayland are due.

Joseph Roth, the junior member of the firm, is the brother-in-law of Mr. Gardiner. He was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1849, and is the son of John and Katie (Grever) Roth, who came to this country in 1849. Several children who were born in Ohio came with their parents to Iowa-Michael, John, Peter, Joseph, Nancy A., Mary and Lydia. After their arrival in this State Katie, David and Elizabeth were born. The family reside on a farm near Trenton, arid are highly spoken of.

Joseph Roth wedded Miss Nettie McCray, of Trenton, Iowa, Sept. 5, 1876. She was born Feb. 11, 1855. Their domestic life was begun upon a farm in Trenton Township, but in March, 1884, they removed to Wayland. Mrs. Roth engaged in the millinery and fancy goods business, and to her is the honor due of having a large and well-selected stock, and the only one in Wayland. Everything in ladies' goods is to be found there, and the store does a fine trade. Mr. and Mrs. Roth are parents of three children, all born in this county-Lulu, Earl and Clark. The parents of Mrs. Roth, Frank and Hester (VanVoast) McCray, reside near Trenton, upon the same farm where for forty years a happy married life has been enjoyed. They were the parents of eight children, six living: Orlando, unmarried, a bookkeeper in the bank of Sioux City; Nettie, wife of Joseph Roth; John, unmarried, a farmer in Dakota; Mary, wife of Prof. William Hart, a resident teacher of Holdrege, Neb., where she is also a teacher; Joseph and Frank, unmarried, reside on the old homestead.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, pp 200-201.)(JC)

Joel C Garretson

JOEL C. GARRETTSON, farmer, is one of the oldest settlers within Jackson Township, and for many years has been prominent in its history. He was born in Highland County, Ohio, Dec. 13, 1809, and is a son of Isaac and Alice (Paxton) Garrettson. Isaac Garrettson was a native of Adams County, Pa., and his wife was born in Stafford County, Va., and was a daughter of John and Mary Paxton, who soon after her birth removed to Loudonn County, in the same State. Later the Paxtons removed to Logan County, Ohio, where the parents died at a ripe old age. They were the parents of four sons and five daughters, the youngest of whom, Susan, wedded Richard Shockly, removing to Jefferson County, Iowa; the remainder staid in Ohio. Isaac Garrettson was born May 17, 1765, married his wife in Grayson County, Va., April 5, 1804, and died Dec. 13, 1844. His wife, Alice, was born May 19. 1769, and died Nov. 18, 1855. Soon after marriage the young couple emigrated to Highland, now Clinton County, Ohio, traded for lands, and he began farming. Their tract comprised 230 acres of virgin woodland, which he cleared up, the first settlement being made about 1824. In that State, Joel C. and Isaac H., the latter now a resident of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, who wedded Jeanette Pringle, were born. Their two eldest children, John G., who wedded Mary Goodson, and Mary A., wife of D. W. Henderson, of Salem, were born in Virginia. After a lengthy experience in pioneering in Ohio, the Garrettson family removed to Iowa, being preceded by their sons, Isaac and Joel, who located in this county in June, 1837. Our subject was married prior to their coming, to Miss Elizabeth P. Goodson, of Franklin County, Ohio. She was a daughter of George and Rebecca Goodson, of Virginia, who left that State at an early day and became pioneers of Ohio. Of the Goodson family there were six daughters and five sons, of whom the youngest son, George, married Eliza Hoffman, and they now live in Madison County, Ohio, and he is the only survivor of the family.

Isaac and Joel Garrettson both took claims, our subject selecting his present homestead, Isaac taking lands in Lee County, adjoining. These they secured at the first land sale in Burlington. As an incident of that sale, Mr. Garrettson informs the writer that for all the registered claims in this township he was the bidder on behalf of, the respective claimants, and perhaps the only man now living in this county who performed the same service. Isaac Garrettson was the inventor of. the first nail cutting and heading machine ever invented, of which there is any record, and which was patented while George 'Washington was President, the patent bearing the name of the Father of his Country.

The first cabin built by Joel Garrettson was erected on the creek on the east half of the south west quarter of section 27. Their first son, Amos was born in Ohio; Emily R. was born in the first cabin built on their purchase in Iowa, on March 15, 1840. With two yoke of cattle hitched to a wagon, the journey was made from Ohio, and the team played no unimportant part after they were fairly settled. They turned over the virgin sod, drew the logs for their cabins, and as both brothers brought with them a horse, they also had a team for driving. Our subject and his brothers began life in the new country like other pioneers. They built their own cabins, split the puncheons for floors, and fashioned the clapboards for the roof. They also made a "hominy mortar" of a hollowed log, and with a pestle made with a spring pole, somewhat similar to the old well-sweep, the corn was crushed into meal, and some of the neighbors, among whom were Ephraim Ratliffe and wife, patronized the primitive mill. The prosperous days that came later on did away with all that kind of labor, and the crushed corn was replaced by bolted meal and wheaten flour. Flocks and herds dotted the pastures, and almost before our subject and his young wife were aware of it they were wealthy people and the parents of a family of children, whose merry voices made the walls of the old cabin ring with their shouts of glee. As the days went by a modern house took the place of the pole cabin. The deer and wolves no longer raced across the 'prairies; the Indians who for years had hunted over the now fertile lands had gone, and Mr.Garrettson's remark to his friends when leaving Ohio, "that he had come West to secure lands and grow with the growth of the country," was fully realized. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Garrettson are: Amos, wedded to Mary A. Huffman, and who is a resident mechanic of Leon, Decatur Co., Iowa; Emily R. is the wife of Irenius M. Hoffman, a mechanic of Indianapolis, Ind.; Julia, wife of Benjamin F. Pratt, a resident physician of Clarks, Merrick Co., Neb., is a graduate of Whittier College, and also of the Florence Heights Medical College, New Jersey; Albert H., the husband of Louisa Smith, is a graduate of the State University, and a resident attorney of Keokuk; John G., also graduated at Whittier and the State University, wedded Laura Bartlett, and is his brother's law partner, the firm being favorably known as Garrettson & Garrettson; Owen A. graduated at Whittier College, and resides with his father on the farm, and is married to Miss Emma J. Diltz, a sister of Dr. Diltz, and daughter of Thomas Diltz, a well-known citizen of this township.

Long since our subject gained a competence, and he and his wife for years took life easy. They lived uprightly, did faithfully their life work, and in their mature age, before death came to their long companionship, could look upon children who are prominent factors in the business and social world. Having passed with honor all the official positions in the gift of the people of his township, Mr. Garrettson resigns public life to younger men. The golden wedding anniversary of Mr. Garrettson and his wife was celebrated in 1886, and all their children were present. They were the grandparents of sixteen children and one great-grandchild.

On Dec. 4, 1887, the Angel of Death entered the happy home, and the loving wife and faithful mother passed from earth, rendering up her soul to Him who gave it, and the aged husband was left to mourn the loss of a tender wife, by whose side he had passed more than half a century. She was a noble woman, who nobly discharged all her duties, and was truly a helpmeet to her husband. Her end came suddenly and peacefully, and her memory is enshrined in the hearts of not only her family but of a large circle of friends, by whom she was held in high esteem. Mrs. Garrettson was born May 5, 1816, in Franklin County, Ohio.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p. 188-190.)(JC)

Samuel Wallace Garvin

SAMUEL WALLACE GARVIN, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, is a dealer in dry-goods, carpets, notions, etc., and is also a partner of the firm of John Moroney & Co., dealers in staple and fancy groceries, of the same city. He was born in Fleming County, Ky., Sept. 28, 1836, and is the son of James and Margaret (Saunders) Garvin. In 1848, when he was but twelve years of age, the family emigrated to Henry County, Iowa, and settled upon a farm in Center Township. In the public schools of his native and also of his adopted State, Mr. Garvin received his primary education, and then took a course of study at the celebrated academy of Prof. Samuel L. Howe, of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. In 1858 he made his home at Mt. Pleasant and commenced business as a merchant clerk, in which capacity he served until August, 1862, when he enlisted as a private in Company B, 25th Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Before going to the front he was appointed Sergeant of his company and was promoted Commissary Sergeant of the regiment, and faithfully served until the close of the war, receiving his discharge in June, 1865. The 25th Iowa Volunteer Infantry was assigned to the 15th Army Corps, and made a glorious record during the war, participating in the battles of Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, siege of Vicksburg, battles of Raymond, Champion Hill, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Snake Creek Gap, Kennesaw Mountain, the battles of July 22 and 28, 1864, at Atlanta, and the siege of Atlanta, battles of Jonesboro, Sherman's march to the sea, capture of Savannah, march through the Carolinas, battle of Bentonville, N. C., and other minor engagements.

On his return from the army, Mr. Garvin engaged as a clerk at Mt. Pleasant for three and a half years, then, in September, 1868, he formed a partnership with T. H. Garlick in the mercantile business, which partnership existed for one and a half years. He was next in partnership with William G. Saunders in the same line of trade for six years, since which time he has carried on the business alone. As a merchant he has been quite successful, and has a reputation far and wide for the good quality of his goods. In addition to his extensive dry-goods business, Mr. Garvin is a partner in the grocery house of John Moroney & Co., which connection dates since April, 1877.

Mr. Garvin was married at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Sept. 5, 1867, to Miss Emma Fitch Franklin, a daughter of William and Lydia Franklin, both of whom were from the State of New York, locating in Iowa at an early day. Mrs. Garvin was born in Toolsboro, Iowa. Five children have been born to them, two sons and three daughters: William F., aged eighteen years; Nina S., aged fifteen years; Mamie S., aged thirteen years; George W., aged nine years, and Emma, an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Garvin are members of the Christian Church and have ever taken an active interest in all church work. For several years Mr. Garvin was an Elder in the Mt. Pleasant Church and also served as Superintendent of the Sunday-school. Politically he is a Republican and a firm believer in Prohibition. Socially he is a member of the McFarland Post No. 20, G. A. R. In addition to his other business Mr. Garvin is a member of the Comstock Scale Company and Machine Works, of which he was Vice President for several years.

As a means of relaxation, Mr. Garvin made a trip to Colorado in the spring of 1860, and remained in the mountains, mining, ranching and hunting, until the fall of 1861. He made another trip to the same region in the summer of 1887. He is one of the leading business men of Henry County, is a genial gentleman, methodical and exact in his business habits, and is held in high esteem as a business man, neighbor and friend. In connection with this sketch a fine portrait of Mr. Garvin is given on the opposite page.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, pp 266-269) (JC)

ENOS GHEEN, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 21, Marion Township, Henry County, was born in Chester County, Pa., Dec. 24, 1844. From his old home could be seen the Brandywine battle-field, and the old Friends' meeting-house that was used for a hospital, and where the blood-stains may yet be seen. In this meeting-house Enos received his early religious instructions, his parents attending the same. His father, Enos Gheen, Sr., was of Scotch descent, and his mother, Ann (Seeds) Gheen, of Irish, though both were natives of Chester County, Pa. They were the parents of five children, the two eldest dying in infancy: Hannah A., wife of Samuel Guss, emigrated to Linn County, Mo., where he died in 1872, while she departed this life Sept. 8, 1882, leaving three children-Mary A., Enos and Frank. Mary lives with her grandma Gheen; the sons are now living with our subject. Mrs. Guss was a member of the Congregational Church of Hickory Grove. The second child was Mary E., wife of John Dugdale, a resident of Mt. Pleasant.

The father of our subject came to Henry County in the fall of 1862, and bought 190 acres of land on sections 2 and 9, Marion Township, eighty acres of which were improved. In the spring of 1863 he removed with his family to his farm. In his native State he was a devoted member of the Society of Friends, and was one of the Stewards of the old Birmingham meeting-house, spoken of in the first part of the sketch. His occupation has always been that of a farmer and drover. He died Dec. 16, 1871, from typhoid fever, after six days' illness. He was a public-spirited man ; his time and money were always ready to advance any interest for the good of the community. He was a noble and faithful friend to those who needed a friend and a highly respected citizen. His wife survives him, and at the age of seventy-two is a well-preserved lady both physically and mentally. She is a member of the Congregational Church, and does her part in all church work.

Enos Gheen spent his early life in attending the district school in winter, and working on the farm in summer. In the winter of 1860-61, he attended the academy of Malboro. After coming to Iowa he attended Howe's Academy at Mt. Pleasant, and in the winter of 1865 he commenced teaching in Louisa County, continuing in that occupation two years, when he took charge of the home farm. He bought 120 acres on section 2, Marion Township, and was united in marriage, Aug. 13, 1874, with Miss Sarah A. Beeson, who was born Jan. 19, 1848, in Henry County. Her parents were Ames and Lydia (Pickering) Beeson, the father a native of Ohio and the mother a native of. Virginia. Her parents came from Ohio to Henry County in 1846. Mr. Beeson departed this life May 26, 1887, at the age of sixty-seven. His wife still resides in Mt. Pleasant, Mr. Gheen remained on his first farm until Nov. 23, 1886. He then bought 240 acres on sections 16 and 21 in Marion Township, upon which he now lives; he also owns ten acres of timber land on section 17, Trenton Township, and in Monroe County, eighty acres on section 17, Urbana Township, making in all 450 acres. He also has four lots in Mt. Pleasant. He takes great interest in all public matters. Mr. and Mrs. Gheen are the parents of three sons arid two daughters. Anna was born Aug. 18, 1876; Fred was born Oct. 28, 1878; John was born April 30, 1880; Elizabeth was born April 6, 1882; Benton H. was born Feb. 23, 1884.

Mr. and Mrs. Gheen are kind friends to the needy. Though not members of any church, they have always taken their part in all good works. Socially he is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and politically a Democrat.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, pp 195-196.)(JC)

Dr. Homer J. Gilfillan, engaged in the practice of medicine in Mount Pleasant, is a native son of Iowa, his birth having occurred in Milton, Van Buren county, on the 28^th of April, 1868. He is a son of Dr. George W. and Josephine (Swartz) Gilfillan. His paternal grandparents were Dr. Edward and Mary (McKinley) Gilfillan, the former born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the latter in West Virginia. The grandfather engaged in the practice of medicine in Washington county, Pennsylvania, for forty years, and was the beloved family physician in many a household. He died there in 1853, while his wife passed away in 1854. In the family were eight children, of whom two are now living, John F. Oberlin Gilfillan married Sarah Reed and is a retired farmer residing in Milton, Iowa.

The other surviving member of the family of Dr. Edward Gilfillan is Dr. George Gilfillan, who was born in West Alexander, Washington county, Pennsylvania, October 25, 1835, and acquired his early education in the common schools there, after which he attended the academy in his native town. Following his father's death he took up the study of medicine with Dr. Swartz as his preceptor, and under his direction pursued his reading and qualified for practice. He came west in 1855, making his way direct to Keokuk, Iowa, where he attended school for two terms and then came to Van Buren county, Iowa, first practicing in Bentonsport.

On the 9^th of May, 1861, Dr. George Gilfillan was married to Miss Josephine O. Swartz, a daughter of Dr. Swartz, of Keosauqua, Iowa, his former preceptor. She was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1836, and was educated in the seminary in Washington, Pennsylvania, of which she is a graduate. Unto this marriage eight children have been born, of whom two died in infancy. The others are: Edward, a book merchant residing in Chicago; Dr. H. J. Gilfillan, of this review; Marietta, the wife of Dr. James Hainline, of Denver, Colorado; Stella, a teacher of instrumental music in Chicago; Nellie, who is also a music teacher in that city; and Maud, who is a teacher in the schools of Henry county.

Dr. George W. Gilfillan is a Mason and both he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mrs. Gilfillan belongs to the Woman's Relief Corps. They reside at No. 301 North Main St. In his practice Dr. Gilfillan makes a specialty of the diseases of the stomach and bowels, and has been very successful in this branch of medical science. In 1861 he settled in Milton, Van Buren county, Iowa, where he remained until August, 1895, when he removed to Chicago, where he continued in general practice until 1901.

He then came to Mount Pleasant, and as his health does not permit general practice he is confining his attention to stomach troubles. Mrs. Gilfillan has taken a most active interest in music since she was graduated in 1854 from the seminary in Pennsylvania and has been extremely successful as a music teacher. Although now a grandmother she still keeps up her practice in music, and gives lessons. Both Dr. and Mrs. Gilfillan have many excellent qualities of heart and mind that have endeared them to all with whom they have come in contact and the family is one of prominence in Henry county.

Dr. H. J. Gilfillan was educated at the common schools and the high school of Milton, after which he was with the Milton Herald for four years. And then he established the Tri-County Independent, a weekly newspaper at Milton, which he conducted successfully for a time. He then took a course in pharmacy at the Highland Park College, at Des Moines. He then entered the college of Physicians and Surgeons, at Keokuk, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1896.

Soon after his graduation he located at Trenton, this county, where he established a good general practice. Selling his practice he took a post-graduate course in Chicago, in 1901, and then located in Mount Pleasant in October, the same year. He is a member of the Henry County Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, and is also examiner for a number of the most prominent life insurance companies.

Here he has a well equipped office on North Main street and enjoys a large patronage, which includes an extensive country practice. He keeps in touch with modern research along medical and surgical lines, and is a scientific practitioner, whose ability is well indicated by the liberal patronage that is accorded him.

Dr. Gilfillan has a beautiful home with elegant surroundings located a 412 North Main street, where he has all the comforts of a modern home.

On the 24^th of August, 1893, Dr. Gilfillan was married to Miss Clara M. Moon, of Milton, Iowa, a daughter of William T. and Arminda (Pabst) Moon, both of whom were natives of Ohio. Mrs. Gilfillan was born in Ohio, October 21, 1873, and began her education in the schools of that state, while later she continued her studies in Milton, Iowa. Six children have been born unto Dr. and Mrs. Gilfillan, all of whom are living: Pauline, Esther, William, Harold, Dorothy, and Clarence.

Dr. Gilfillan is connected with the Odd Fellows and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has served as a trustee. In his practice he has made a creditable name, adhering closely to a high standard of professional ethics, and conducting his business along scientific lines, which has resulted in successful accomplishment.

(Biographical Review of Henry County, Iowa. Chicago: Hobart Publishing Co.,1906, Page 172) (PE)

EDWIN SPENCER GILL, a retired farmer now residing in Mount Pleasant, was born near New Baltimore, Fairfield county, Ohio, October 5, 1828, a son of Selmon and Margaret (Dorette) Gill. The father was born in the state of Maryland on the 15^th of December, 1790, while the mother's birth occurred in that state October 6^th, of the same year.

In early life Mr. Selmon Gill learned the trade of an edge tool maker, which pursuit he followed for ten years. He enlisted for service in the war of 1812, and although he was never called out for active duty, he stood ready at all times to respond in case of his country's need of further aid. It was on the 19^th of December, 1813, that he wedded Miss Margaret Dorette, the wedding ceremony being performed by Rev. M. Beverley Waugh, who was the second bishop in America. In the year 1820 or 1821 Selmon Gill removed with his family to Ohio and there he carried on farming and blacksmithing with excellent success until 1843, when he came to Iowa, settling on a farm in Lee county, where he made his home with his son Edwin up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1862. The mother passed away three years after their arrival in Iowa, her death occurring in 1846.

Mr. Gill gave his early political support to the whig party, and afterward endorsed republican principles. Having lost his first wife he was married again in Ohio on the 7^th of July 1850, his second union being with Miss Margaret Chamberlain. By the first marriage there were nine children: William, Henry H., Elenorah, Joshua, Selmon, Margaret, Mary William, Edwin Spencer, Amanda and Rosanna Matilda, but Edwin S. is the only one now living. There were two children of the second marriage, James Harrison and Lucretia.

Edwin Spencer Gill pursued his education in the district schools of Ohio until fourteen years of age, when he came to Iowa and here he spent twenty days in school. The schoolhouse had been built three years after he arrived in Lee county, and it was there that he continued his studies for the brief period mentioned. He first worked on his father's farm, being thus employed until he was able to buy a farm of his own, when he invested in one hundred and sixty acres of land in Franklin township, Lee county. He first erected the small buildings which were most needed, and from time to time he added further improvements. This farm he sold in the fall of 1861, and in January, 1862, he bought a new raw farm of one hundred sixty acres, in Cedar township, which farm was later one of the finest in this section of the state, not having any land that was not tillable and productive, building fine barns and granaries, and at the time he left the farm, about nine years ago, he owned the finest house in the neighborhood, it having been erected in 1875, at a cost of three thousand dollars.

He placed his fields under a high state of cultivation and annually harvested good crops as a reward for his labors. On selling that farm, in 1900, to W. B. Seeley he purchased a tract of land in Henry county, about six miles from Mount Pleasant, which he owned until September 24, 1905, when he sold this property and bought a fine farm of one hundred and ninety-two acres, five miles west of Mount Pleasant. In May, 1898, he built a beautiful cottage on the corner of Locust and East Clay streets in Mount Pleasant, where he has since resided. It stands in the midst of a well kept lawn, adorned with fine roses and flowers of all kinds. There are also various kinds of fruit, including pears, plums and apples, and he has a nice garden.

On the 25^th of January, 1853, Mr. Gill was married to Miss Nancy McCracken, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Perrin) McCracken. The mother died during the early girlhood of her daughter. John McCracken was born in Delaware, October 1, 1802. When three years old he removed with his parents to Franklin county, Ohio. He grew up as a farmer, and in 1824 married Elizabeth Perrin. She died in 1837, and three children survived. He was a class leader of the Methodist Episcopal church for forty years. His death occurred January 7, 1890. He followed farming throughout his entire life and died in Iowa. By his first marriage he had three children: Susan, who became the wife of Harrison Brown, and after his death married Wesley Harrison, a prominent man of Lee county; Nancy A., who became Mrs. Gill; and Jacob Elijah, who married a Miss McCord, and afterward wedded Miss Garrett. Following the death of his first wife John McCracken wedded Miss Elizabeth Collins, who is now living with her son, near LaCrew, Iowa, at the advanced age of eighty-four years.

Mrs. Gill was born in 1830, and for more than a half century our subject and his wife have traveled life's journey happily together. They have become the parents of seven children: Elizabeth Ellen, born in 1854, is the wife of Emery Pease, of Sharon, Iowa, and has two children. Nancy Amelia, born in 1856, is the wife of Augustus McKey, of California; Flora Anna, born in 1858, is the wife of Samuel Hampton, of LaCrew, Lee county, Iowa. Fannie Alice died when twenty-three years of age. Edwin Herbert married Aggie Gardener and follows farming near Dover, Iowa. John Francis died at the age of six years. William died when about three years of age. He and his brother John died of diphtheria. The children who have reached mature years have all been afforded excellent educational privileges, some of them attending college in Salem and some having been students in Howe's Academy at Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Two of the daughters, Elizabeth Ellen and Nancy Amelia, have been successful teachers of Lee county.

In politics Mr. Gill has always been a stalwart republican and for a very long period served as school director in Lee county. The cause of education has always found in him a stalwart friend and he has put forth earnest and effective effort to improve the public school system. He and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been a trustee for twenty-five years and for some time has been church steward. When Mr. Gill came to Iowa, this part of the state was an unbroken wilderness, covered largely with timber. He is an intelligent man whose life has been characterized by enterprise and who has ever displayed a pleasant, genial nature, so that he has won many friends. In the early days the Indians were more numerous than the white settlers and there were many difficult conditions of pioneer life to be met but as the years passed Mr. Gill overcame all of the hardships in his path and worked his way steadily upward to success, being now in possession of a comfortable competence. His kindly spirit, genial disposition and honorable principles have greatly endeared him to those with whom he has been associated and he is respected by all.

(Biographical Review of Henry County, Iowa. Chicago: Hobart Publishing Co.,1906, Page 112) (PE)

JUDGE JAMES L. GILLIS, who died in Mt. Pleasant July 8, 1881, was, during his residence in that city, one of the most prominent figures in its business and social life. He was born in Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., Oct. 2, 1792. When eighteen years of age he went to Ontario County, in the same State, and two years later, in 1812, enlisted in the volunteer service in the war with Great Britain, and was commissioned as Lieutenant of Cavalry. He participated in a number of battles and skirmishes, and among others was engaged at the battles of Ft. George, Chippewa and Lundy's Lane, under Gen. Winfield Scott, and in the latter engagement was severely wounded. He was taken prisoner near Ft. Erie, Aug. 7, 1814, and was confined in jail at Toronto, Kingston, Prescott and Montreal, in Canada. Making his condition known to the Governor General of the colony, that official released him, and gave orders that he should be well cared for, and near the close of the war he was exchanged at Quebec. Returning to New York he was, in 1816, united in marriage to Miss Mary B. Ridgway, of Philadelphia, and in 1821 removed to Jefferson County, Pa., then on the frontier. Here he got a tract of timber land many miles away from any neighbor, and set about clearing his land and building a sawmill and a gristmill on the Clarion River. In two years he had 200 acres of land cleared and both his mills running, his being the first lumber rafted down that river. This energy and enterprise was ever a distinguishing characteristic of Mr. Gillis. In 1825 his wife was in ill-health, and he took her to his old home in Ontario County, N. Y., for medical treatment, but her health was undermined, and she died at Victor, N. Y., June 29, 1826, leaving two sons and one daughter. The daughter, Jeannette C., is the widow of J. V. Houck, and is living at Ridgway, Pa. The sons, Ridgway B. and Charles B., both died in Mt. Pleasant. It was while Mr. Gillis was in New York, after his wife's death, that the celebrated Morgan abduction case took place, with which he became identified, and of which more will be said hereafter.

Returning to Pennsylvania, Mr. Gillis continued his lumber manufacturing interests until 1862, and became a leader in that part of the State. In 1828 he was married to Cecelia Berry, of New York State, who died in April, 1855, leaving seven children, as follows: Mary B., wife of Samuel Porter, residing in Chautauqua County, N. Y.; Augusta E., wife of James V. Noxon, of Volusia, N. Y.; James H., a Commodore in the United States Navy, now temporarily residing in Binghamton, N. Y.; Bosanquet W., in Washington, D. C.; Claudius V., in Kane, McKean Co., Pa.; Cecelia, wife of Henry Whiting, now in Melbourne, Fla.; and Robert S., of Mt. Pleasant. (See sketch of Robert S. in another part of this work.) One of the sons, James H., made a brilliant record in the navy during the war of the Rebellion. He was commander of the iron clad, "Milwaukee," which was blown up by a rebel torpedo at the siege of Mobile. Being among those saved, he continued in active service there, commanding a battery until the surrender of the city, and handled it in such an able manner as to be highly complimented by Gen. Canby in general orders. At the close of the war he was placed in command of a vessel at Norfolk, Va.

While in Pennsylvania, Mr. Gulls was appointed, by Gov. David R. Porter, Associate Judge of Elk and Jefferson Counties. He was three times chosen Representative in the State Legislature, and three times was elected to the State Senate. In 1856 he was elected to Congress, serving two years. A man of marked ability, he made an honorable record in every position to which he was called, and was a friend of such men as Gen. Jackson, Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, Silas Wright, John C. Calhoun, and other leaders. During President Buchanan's administration he was appointed Indian Agent at the Pawnee Reservation, discharging the duties of that position for three years. In 1862 he came to Mt. Pleasant, where he resided until his death.

The Morgan abduction was an unpleasant episode in Judge Gillis' life. For a supposed connection with that affair he was twice arrested and tried, but was finally acquitted. His was the last trial, and he was the last survivor of those accused of complicity in that mystery, which can now never be solved in this world. When the indictment was first found against Mr. Gillis he was attending to his business in Pennsylvania, and knew nothing of it for some time. But when he learned of it, through the slow and infrequent mails of that day and region, he at once set out for New York and demanded a trial. He was jointly indicted with John Whitney, one of the men who took Morgan from the jail at Batavia. The latter had not been found, and the District Attorney refused to give Mr. Gillis a separate trial, but agreed to notify him when he was wanted, and he therefore returned to Pennsylvania. In May, 1829, the joint trial was had in the absence of Mr. Gillis, and Whitney was found guilty, but the jury disagreed as to Mr. Gillis. The rabid anti-Masonic feeling of the times, however, had to he pandered to, and the Sheriff was sent to rearrest Mr. Gillis at his Pennsylvania home, over 200 miles distant through a wild and mountainous country. He returned to New York, procured a trial in November, 1830, and was honorably acquitted, and with that the celebrated Morgan trials were ended.

Judge Gillis was a life-long Democrat, and had lived under the administration of every President from Washington (during whose second term he was born) to the time of his death. His first Presidential vote was cast for James Monroe; his last for Gen. Hancock. During the visit of Kossuth to this country, he was Chairman of the committee appointed to escort the distinguished Hungarian patriot from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. After taking up his residence in Mt. Pleasant, Judge Gillis became one of the noted men of the young city. Of a lofty and stately carriage, his dignified form was noticeable whenever he appeared upon the streets. His stirring and eventful life had made him familiar with all classes of society, and his urbanity endeared him alike to all. He took an especially warm interest in educational matters, and was earnest in his support of all measures tending to the advancement of the city. He was a liberal patron of the Ladies' Library, to which he made many valuable donations. His advanced years did not impair his faculties or dull his interest in the society of his neighbors or friends, whom he liked to have around him, and his death, although he had reached the ripe age of nearly eighty-nine, was mourned by a large circle of friends. After religious services at the house, his remains were taken in charge by the Masonic fraternity of which he had been an honored member for nearly seventy years, and interred with impressive ceremonies and a life full of stirring and eventful experiences, and rounded out with more honors than fall to the lot of most men, was brought to a fitting close.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p. 202-205.)(JC)

ROBERT S. GILLIS, Cashier of the National State Bank, of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, was born Ridgway, Elk Co., Pa., May 1, 1840, and is the son of Hon. James L. and Cecilia A. (Berry) Gillis. He passed his childhood and youth in his native State, receiving his education in the common schools. In 1859, his father having been appointed Indian Agent by President Buchanan, the family, including our subject, removed to the Pawnee Indian Reservation in Eastern Nebraska, and later to Omaha, from which place Robert S. entered the United States Naval Service in 1862, as Paymaster's Clerk in the North Atlantic and Gulf Squadron, and served till the close of the war. He was on board the United States man-of-war "Milwaukee," which was commanded by his brother, James H. Gillis, when she was blown up by a torpedo in Mobile Bay. In 1865 he went to Washington with the Paymaster, and was connected with the Treasury Department till the fall of 1868. He then returned to his old home in Pennsylvania, and two years later came to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. On coming to this city he was employed as bookkeeper in the State Bank, and was next made Assistant Cashier, and later was made Cashier to succeed Mr. J. H. Whiting, and has since held that position.

Mr. Gillis was married at Mt. Pleasant, Aug. 4, 1868, to Miss Sophia E. Whiting, daughter of Timothy Whiting (see sketch). Mrs. Gillis was born at Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y. Four children were born of this union, three sons and a daughter: James Timothy, now aged eighteen; Sarah Cecilia, aged fifteen; Robert Henry, aged four, and Hugh Claudius, aged one year. Mr. and Mrs. Gillis are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Gillis is a member of Mt. Pleasant Lodge No. 8, A. F. & A. M. Politically he is a Democrat. Personally he is regarded as a gentleman of unblemished character, thoroughly upright in all business transactions, and a straightforward man and good citizen.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, pp 199-200.)(JC)

Nicholas Greusel

GEN. NICHOLAS GREUSEL, of Mt. Pleasant, was born in Bavaria, Germany, July 4, 1817, and before leaving the old country received a fair education in German and French in the schools of his native city of Blieskastle. The Greusels, consisting of father, mother, brothers and sisters, emigrated to the United States in the summer of 1833, and on arriving at the city of New York strangers and penniless, the eight larger children were told by their father that they were now in a free country, that he had nothing more than a parent's blessing to bestow, and that they must commence the battle of life for themselves, but that in case of sickness or misfortune, such a home as he might be in possession of should be theirs. Without knowing a word of the English language, the future of these poor children looked dark and gloomy. The boy Nicholas wandered over the city for hours in search of employment, when, after many failures and rebuffs, a kind and benevolent lady admitted him under her roof, and gave him shelter and work. The lady who at this dark hour proved an angel of mercy to him was the mother of Hamilton Fish, once Senator from New York, and afterward Secretary of State under President Grant. Here Nicholas remained a year, and the following year worked in a brickyard at Nasburg, N. Y., when the whole family removed to the Territory of Michigan, reaching Detroit by canal and steamer, Nov. 1, 1835. At first such odd jobs as could be found were resorted to for a livelihood, such as driving team, gathering ashes, etc., but in the spring of 1836 he obtained a permanent situation in the firm of Rice, Coffin & Co., in the business of lumbering, and remained in their employ for eleven years, until the breaking out of the Mexican War. Prior to this he had served as Captain of the Scott Guards, a local military company, and subsequently as Major of the Frontier Guards, and was on duty during the Patriot rebellion in Canada. At the municipal election in Detroit in 1844, he was elected Alderman of the Fourth Ward on the Whig ticket, and served in that capacity two years. On the breaking out of the Mexican War he raised a company for service, which became Company D, 1st Michigan Volunteers, of which he was elected Captain. Marching to Springfield, Ohio, the company were sent thence by rail to Cincinnati, and by steamer to New Orleans and Vera Cruz, which latter place was reached ten days after its surrender to Gen. Scott.

In the march upon the city of Mexico the Michigan Volunteers were attached to the division of Gen. Bankhead, which marched through Cordova and Orizaba some distance out on the National road to the Mexican capital. Their progress through the country was almost a continuous battle with bands of guerrillas and bodies of Mexican soldiery, who swarmed from their mountain fastnesses. In their encounters with the enemy the Michigan Volunteers acquitted themselves nobly, performing successfully and well every duty assigned them.

The war being ended, in the summer of 1847 the regiment returned home, arriving at Detroit July 12. At the outset Capt. Greusel's company numbered 105 men, and he returned with eighty-five, the company having been better cared for and in better health than any other in the regiment. Under his economical management about $300 company money was saved, with which he purchased new shirts, shoes, blacking, and such articles of clothing as were lacking, and when within a few hours' ride from Detroit, directed his men to shave, wash, and dress in the new outfit provided for them. The other officers were astonished and somewhat chagrined to find that his company were clean and well dressed, while theirs were walking bundles of dirty rags. On landing, Col. Williams placed Company D in the advance in marching through the city, and the newspapers were filled with articles eulogistic of Capt. Greusel and the fine appearance of his veteran company.

The day succeeding his discharge and muster out of the service, found him back in his old position in the lumberyard of Rice, Coffin & Co., attending to business as of yore. Subsequently he was elected Captain of the City Guards, and then Lieutenant Colonel of the battalion; was appointed Superintendent of the city water-works in 1849, and was the first Inspector General of lumber for the State of Michigan in 1850, which office hue held two years. An unfortunate investment stripped him of the hard earnings of a lifetime, and he again commenced at the lowest round of the ladder of life to win his way to a competency, and to fame. He next turned his attention to railroading, and found continuous employment as a conductor, first upon the Michigan Central, and then with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, in whose employ the Rebellion found him. A company recruited by him at Aurora, Ill., was among the first to respond to the President's call for troops, he being the first man to enlist in that city, and on the organization of the 7th Regiment he was commissioned as Major, and proceeded with it to the front. This was the first regiment raised in the State of Illinois. At the close of the three months' service he was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment, which had reenlisted for three years, and on Aug. 14, 1861, was promoted to Colonel of the 36th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served as such until Feb. 7, 1863. He was a brave and efficient officer, and soon after the close of the war received the following letter from Lieut. Gen. Phil. H. Sheridan:

HEADQUARTERS, Mo. Div. OF THE U. S. ARMY. CHICAG0, Oct. 15, 1865.

COL. N. GREUSEL, Late of the 36th Ill. Vol.

AURORA, ILL.

Mr DEAR COLONEL :-It gives me great pleasure to summarize the service performed by you while under my command. I first met you as Colonel of the 36th Illinois Infantry. In the fall of 1862 your service was most valuable. At the battle of Perryville, Ky., Oct. 8, 1862, while in command of a brigade, you were quite gallantly leading your brigade all the time, and on the campaign to Nashville the excellent discipline your men maintained was a model for all. In the battle of Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862, while commanding your regiment, and after the death of Gen. Sill, the brigade (1st Brigade, 3d Division, right wing), your services were marked by bravery and good judgment, and when you were compelled to leave us it was much regretted, for it was felt that our cause was losing one whom it could illy spare.

I am, my dear Colonel, yours truly, P. H. SHERIDAN, Lieutenant General.

Gen. Greusel left the army on account of disability by rheumatism, which he contracted on the night of Jan. 2, 1863, at the battle of Stone River. He had been fighting for several days, and had no sleep nights, and on the night in question, in company with Gen. Sheridan, occupied a brush shelter. The wind shifted during the night, and in the morning they were completely covered with snow, and he was unable to move, and was compelled to resign in consequence, Feb. 7, 1863. He was breveted Brigadier General, by recommendation of Gen. Rosecrans, after Stone River. Returning to Aurora, Ill., as soon as he was able to work, he was offered the position of conductor on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, which he filled until Sept. 1, 1866. when he removed to Burlington, Iowa, and in January following made his home in Mt. Pleasant. He came to Iowa as Roadmaster of the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, holding that position for three years, when he retired from active life with the good wishes, and greatly to the regret of his superior officers on the road. He has in his possession a valuable solid gold badge, in shape and size of an annual pass, suitably inscribed, given to him in 1866 by James C. Sherman, President of the Conductors' Association, which is one of his most cherished souvenirs.

Gen. Greusel since his residence in Mt. Pleasant has connected himself with the Masonic fraternity here, demitting from the Illinois bodies. He is a member of Mt. Pleasant Lodge No. 8, A. F. & A. M.; of Henry Chapter No. 8, R. A. M., and Jerusalem Commandery No. 7, K. T., in which latter body he has been Senior Warden for sixteen years.

In Detroit, Mich., in 1839 Gen. Greusel was united in marriage with Jane Doumens, a native of France. By this union there were twelve children, eight of whom are now living: E. Stuyvesant is assistant master mechanic at Plattsmouth, Neb.; Josephine is the wife of Lafayette Langston; Elizabeth F. is the wife of John A. White, a resident of Aurora, Ill.; Rachel married Fred Grouch, a resident of Sandusky, Ohio; John O. resides at Mt. Pleasant; Nettie is still at home; Susie, wife of Charles Martin, of Plattsmouth, Neb.; Phil. Sheridan is employed on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad; Joseph R. enlisted in the 27th Michigan Volunteers, and was killed while on the steamer "Lyon," in 1863. In 1866 Gen. Greusel came to Mt. Pleasant. The General and Mrs. Greusel are both members of St. Michael's Episcopal Church at Mt. Pleasant, of which he is a Vestryman. They are highly respected by all who know them. By good management and hard labor, they have obtained a competency. Probably no man has held more offices of trust, or served more faithfully his adopted country, than has Gen. Greusel. His military abilities are very great, as is shown by the letter we give from Gen. Sheridan, which, coming from such a source, is higher praise than any we could give. Alone, unaided, by his own might he has conquered all, and from humble beginnings he has won for himself an honorable name and an enviable position. The portrait of this brave and gallant soldier and honorable man is given on an accompanying page.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, pp 279-281) (JC)