GANTZ, Jacob S. - 1890 Bio (1835-1922)

GANTZ, MCLISH, DEARDURFF, ENNIS, SMITH, ROCK, VANCE, CALHOUN

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/7/2007 at 14:38:54

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 327-328

Jacob S. GANTZ, one of the leading liverymen of Fairfield was born in Franklin County, Ohio, within five miles of Columbus, November 28, 1835, and is a son of John and Mahala (McLISH) GANTZ. On the paternal side the family is of German origin but his father was born in Washington County, Pa. After his marriage to Miss McLISH, a native of Carroll County, Ohio, they settled in the Keystone State but a short time afterwards removed to Franklin County, Ohio. By trade, he is a cooper, but has made farming his chief occupation and in the pursuit of that branch of industry has been quite successful. His residence in Jefferson County dates from 1850, in which year he purchased a farm of four hundred acres and located in Locust Grove Township, where he continued the care and improvement of the land until 1860, when he came to Fairfield. He is an honored citizen of Jefferson County, whom all respect and esteem. For more than twenty years he has served as Justice of the Peace and by the prompt and faithful discharge of every duty devolving upon him has won the confidence and approval of all. In politics he supported the Democratic party until the nomination of Fremont, when he voted for that candidate and has since supported the Republican party. He has now reached the ripe old age of eighty-three years and his wife is in the seventy-eighth year of her age. In their family were four sons and two daughters. It is a remarkable fact that all of the sons and the husbands of the two sisters served in the army during the late war. Martha J., the eldest, is the wife of E. G. DEARDURFF who followed the old flag three years; Andrew served the same length of time and is now engaged in farming in Fairfield Township; Jacob S., is the next younger; William, a farmer of this county, enlisted three times and served more than four years; Maria, is the deceased wife of Joseph ENNIS who for three years was numbered among the boys in blue; John, who was in the service but a short time, is now a carpenter of Omaha, Neb.

Attending the common schools of the neighborhood and aiding in the labors of the farm, such was the way in which our subject spent his early life. As soon as he was old enought he took charge of his father's farm and in its management displayed much ability. At the age of twenty four years he formed a matrimonial alliance with Louisa SMITH, a native of Ohio, their union being celebrated December 1, 1859. Two years later, on the 24th of November, 1861, feeling the country needed the services of all its loyal citizens, he enlisted in Company M, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, and served in the Western department, participating in the battle of Vicksburg, the two engagements at Jackson, the Big Blue in Missouri and the battles of Tupelo, Guntown and Selma, beside numerous skirmishes and engagements of lesser importance. At Selma he had his right arm so shattered by a musket ball that amputation was necessary. He was wounded about three oclock (sic) in the afternoon but did not receive medical aid until the next morning. Being thus disabled for further duty he returned home and received his discharge in August, 1865. He held the non-commissioned office of corporal.

Shortly after his return Mr. GANTZ was elected Sheriff of Jefferson County and served for three successive terms. On retirement from the office he purchased the GANTZ House, which he carried on for eighteen years with good success. He then served one term as Assessor of Fairfield and for the last fifteen years he has been engaged in the livery business, meeting with excellent success in that line. He also owns a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Black Hawk Township.

In 1880, Mr. GANTZ was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife who died on the 4th of June. On the 28th of November, 1882, he wedded Mrs. ROCK, whose maiden name was Margaret VANCE. By her former marriage she had three children -- Ettie, wife of Chester SMITH; Mabel, and Elva L., wife of J. W. CALHOUN. The children born unto Mr. GANTZ by his first wife are Dr. Byron N., of Fairfield; Minnie E., who is engaged in teaching school; Ernest C., Grace L., James A. and two who died in infancy.

Mr. GANTZ and his wife are both members of the Methodist Church of Fairfield, and in politics he is a Republican and a stalwart advocate of party principles. He is an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the Odd Fellows, having been connected with the latter society for thirty-four years. He is now commander of George Strong Post, No, 19, G. A. R., and feels a special interest in that organization where are banded together his comrades of the late war, and where are ever lovingly remembered those of their number who went forth to battle but never returned. Mr. GANTZ deserves all honor due to a loyal and faithful soldier. He was ever found at his post of duty and in the service of his country gave his good right arm, the most essential member of the body in almost whatever business engaged. The government, however, in recognition of his services pays him a pension of $45 per month.

[Transcriber's note: The G.A.R., or Grand Army of the Republic, is the fore-runner of the American Legion.]

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

Jefferson Biographies maintained by Joey Stark.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen