John M. Gollibith

GOLLOBITH, ROUCH, BUTKA

Posted By: Anne Hermann (email)
Date: 12/30/2009 at 01:16:06

J. W. Ellis, History of Jackson County, Iowa, 1910

JOHN M. GOLLOBITH.

John M. Gollobith is well known in Baldwin and vicinity as a stock raiser, making his home on a valuable farm of two hundred and ten acres, which he owns on sections 28 and 29, Monmouth township. He was born in Austria, August 29, 1851, a son of Steven and Anna (Rouch) Gollobith, who lived and died in that country.
John M. Gollobith is one of a family of six children and is one of three who came to the United States, the year of his arrival here being 1874. Landing in New York city, he there remained for a short time, but later continued his journey westward to Clinton county, Iowa, where he spent three years. He then made his way to Maquoketa in Jackson county and during the years of 1877 and 1878 he worked in a brewery in that city. Subsequently for four years he conducted a saloon in Onslow and then returned to Maquoketa, where he spent ten years operating a butcher shop and a saloon. Once more he made a change in his place of location, this time coming to Baldwin, where for four years he conducted a saloon. At the end of that time he purchased his present farm of two hundred and ten acres, located on sections 28 and 29, Monmouth township. He is here engaged quite extensively in raising cattle and he also gives a portion of his time and attention to general farming, both branches of his business proving a gratifying source of profit. His place is improved with good buildings and the land is some of the best to be found in eastern Iowa.
It was in the year 1879 that Mr. Gollobith chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life, Miss Hannah Butka, and they have had four children, but the eldest died in childhood. Those who survive are: May, the wife of Tom Foley, of Chicago, Illinois; Edward F., a practicing physician of Garry Owen, Iowa; and Walter C., in school.
Politically Mr. Gollobith is a democrat, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Catholic church. Having made his home in Jackson county for almost three decades, he is well known in this section of the state.