Gerst, Gregory,abt.1840-1922

GERST, SCHNEE

Posted By: Mary Lou Verburg Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/13/2014 at 15:02:10

Gregory Gerst, aged pioneer resident of Alton, passed away at his home here Saturday, December 2nd, after an illness which confined him to his home for five years. He was 82 years old and came to Sioux County and homesteaded near Alton when a young man.

He was born March 11, 1840 in Germany, coming to the United States with his parents in his sixth year. The family lived at Pittsburgh Pa. for ten years. When a boy of fourteen years, young Gregory drove a team of mules hauling coal from the big mines. When he was sixteen his parents, and family moved to Mineral Point, Wisconsin, later settling on a farm near there. During the logging season, the young man used to "drive" logs on the Mississippi River. In 1871 the family came to Iowa, the father and each of the sons taking up a homestead, in Sioux County near what is now the town of Alton. In 1878 he was married to Margaret Schnee, the ceremony taking place in Le Mars. They had eleven children of whom six are living. The oldest son, Edward, lives at Cedar Rapids, Joe at Minneapolis, Mrs. D.N. Jungers, Hospers, Rudoplh and Arthur, Alton and Mrs. Carl Haag, Hospers. The family lived on a farm until a few years ago when they moved to Alton. Mrs. Gerst survives her life partner, and there is one sister living, Mrs. Mary Van Bergen of Granville.

Mr. Gerst had all the sturdy pioneer qualities. He was respected and liked by his neighbors and had a high standing in the community for integrity. He bore with fortitude the long illness and suffering from which death released him. The family have the sincere sympathy of all in the passing of the kind husband and father.

Funeral services were held from St. Mary's church Tuesday morning at 9:30, Rev. Bausch of Le Mars having charge in the absence of Fr. Brune. Interment was in St. Mary's Cemetery. Many relatives and friends were here for the funeral from out of town. The two oldest sons had but recently returned to their homes after spending time here with their father and were not able to come for the services. The other members of the family, including Mr. Gerst's sister, Mrs. Van Bergen of Granville, an invalid herself, were all here. Among others present were H.J. Schnee of Carthage, S.D. Frank and John Van Bergen, Don Penning and wife, Geo. Penning, all of Granville. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Ganzemer Sp? and Mrs. Cle?ner of Sheldon, Tony Haag and Jake Haag, John and Nick Jungers, Joe Selig, Nathan, Jess and Sylvester Haag, all of Hospers, Mrs. Geo. Adler and children of Howard, S.D. Matt Ganfler?? of Ashton.

Source: Alton Democrat 12/9 1922
PS. Some of the names were illegible.