GARBER, George - 1914

GARBER, FITCH, WALKER, WADDELL, MUMMERT

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 7/5/2009 at 03:17:14

HISTORY OF
Cherokee County
IOWA
VOLUME II
ILLUSTRATED
CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1914
by Thomas McCulla

GEORGE GARBER.

George Garber, a prominent general merchant of Aurelia, was born in Clayton county, Iowa, in 1879, and ls a son of M. L. and K. M. (Fitch) Garber, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. Their marriage occurred in Clayton county, Iowa, whither both had come in childhood, and afterward the father engaged in the general merchandise business in Elkport, the name of which has since been changed to Garber in honor of Hon. Judge Garber, the grandfather of the subject of this review, who founded the town early in the 40s, built the first railroad into it and took a prominent part in all measures and movements to promote its progress. M. L. Garber continued in the mercantile business in Garber for a number of years, but eventually disposed of his interests and moved to Woodbury county, where he bought a farm, which he operated until 1906. He then retired from active life, making his home at Correctionville until his death, which occurred in 1911. His wife survives him and is now sixtyeight years of age. Four children were born to their union: H. F., who is connected with the Farmers Mercantile Company of Oto, Iowa; W. H., who operates a store for the Farmers Mercantile Company in Correctionville ; George, of this review; and Maude E., who married J. Walker, a farmer near Correctionville.

George Garber acquired his education in the public schools of Woodbury county and when he was sixteen years of age began his independent career as a clerk in a mercantile establishment. In 1903 he opened a store in Diamond Center and after operating this for two years moved his stock to Aurelia, where he has since continued in business. For four years he was associated with M. Mummert, but at the end of that time purchased his partners interest and has since conducted the enterprise alone. This he has made the leading store of its kind in the town, supplying a large trade, drawn from Aurelia and the surrounding country districts. Mr. Garber owns a fine home in the city and his business property and is a stockholder in the Peoples Telephone Company and the Farmers Elevator Company. He is recognized as one of the substantial and representative citizens of the community.

On September 20, 1901, Mr. Garber married Miss Etta Waddell, who was born in Fairmont, Minnesota, but who has lived in Cherokee county since she was one year old. She is a daughter of O. D. Waddell, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Garber have two children: Rosalie E., who was born in 1903; and George, Jr., born in 1907.

Mr. Garber attends the Methodist Episcopal church and is a member of the Masonic order. He is a republican in his political beliefs. He never seeks public office, however, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his business affairs, which are capably managed and are bringing him a gratifying measure of success.