GINTHER, John Joseph - 1912 Bio (1845-1936)

GINTHER, STOCKER, STEWART, WAYMAN, CHAPPLE, JOHNSON, MICK, ELLIS, HESTON

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 9/15/2007 at 10:27:59

History of Jefferson County, Iowa -- A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, Vol II, Published 1912, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 380-382

John J. GINTHER, the well known and efficient postmaster of Pleasant Plain, was long and actively identified with general agriucltural pursuits but is now living practically retired. His birth occurred in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, on the 5th of July, 1845, his parents being John M. and Rosina (STOCKER) GINTHER, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. In 1845 the father drove from Ohio to Buchanan county, Iowa, and in making the journey crossed only one railroad and this being then in course of construction. He entered a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Buchanan county and began the improvement of his property, while subsequently he entered more land. In this county he followed general agricultural pursuits for eighteen years and on the expiration of that period disposed of his farm and removed to Dallas county, where he also purchased and improved a place, operating the same until 1872, in which year he sold the farm and made his way to Dixon county, Nebraska, where he bought a homestead and spent his remaining days, passing away in 1874. His wife was called to her final rest in 1876.

John J. GINTHER was reared and educated in Buchanan county, this state, but did not begin his studies until thirteen years of age, for there were no schools in the locality prior to that time. He remained under the parental roof until twenty years of age, when he was married and established a home of his own. In 1872 he accompanied his father on his removal to Nebraska and after the latter's death, operated the homestead place in that state until 1883, making many substantial improvements thereon. After disposing of the farm he came to Jefferson county, Iowa, and here cultivated rented land for three years. At the end of that time he removed to Keokuk county, this state, there purchasing and improving a farm and operating the same until 1893. In that year he sold the place and returned to Jefferson county, purchasing and improving a tract of twenty-eight acres in Penn township. Subsequently he put aside the active work of the fields, sold his farm and bought property in Pleasant Plain, where he has resided to the present time.

Mr. GINTHER has been married twice. In July, 1865, he wedded Miss Mary STEWART, a daughter of Andrew and Nancy (WAYMAN) STEWART, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. The father, an agriculturist by occupation, made his way to Dallas county, Iowa, in an early day, there purchased and improved a farm and operated the same until his demise, which occurred in 1867. Mrs. STEWART passed away in 1873. To John J. and Mary (STEWART) GINTHER were born five children, as follows: Helen, the wife of A. D. CHAPPLE, a farmer of Nebraska; Ida, who is the wife of B. C. JOHNSON and resides in Penn township; Rosina, the wife of J. N. MICK, an agriculturist of Minnesota; Loretta, whose demise occurred in 1885; and Leando, who died in 1881. The wife and mother passed away in 1879 [sic - Aug. 31, 1877] after an illness of four months' duration. On the 31st of December, 1882, Mr. GINTHER was again married, his second union being with Miss Betsy ELLIS, a daughter of Isaac and Betsy (HESTON) ELLIS, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. Coming to this county, the father entered, cleared and improved a tract of land and cultivated the same throughout the remainder of his life. His demise occurred in 1887, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1893.

At the polls Mr. GINTHER supports the prohibition party, believing that the liquor traffic is one of the greatest evils with which this country has to contend. He has served as assessor and town treasurer of Pleasant Plain and is again holding the latter office at the present time. In 1896 he was appointed postmaster, serving in that capacity for a period of seven years or until he resigned. In May, 1911, he took charge of the office again and has since ably discharged the duties devolving upon him in this connection. Both he and his wife are devoted and consistent members of the Friends church. Being a man of sterling character, he has always merited and received the confidence and respect of all with whom business, official or social relations have brought him in contact.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.