John B. GOSSAGE

GOSSAGE, GLASSCOCK, SOUTHLAND, GILLETT

Posted By: Mary E. Lanigan::VOLUNTEER (email)
Date: 7/20/2002 at 12:21:01

Mahaska County Iowa biography

John B. GOSSAGE, proprietor of the Blackstone House in Oskaloosa, was born in this city August 22, 1845, and second male child born at this place. He is the son of Samuel and Lucinda GLASSCOCK GOSSAGE, who were among the first settlers of Oskaloosa, and settled here in the year of 1842 or 1843. His father Samuel was a native of Ohio, and was born near Colunbus, but removed from there to Shawneetown, Illinois where he resided for a short time. Mr. and Mrs. GOSSAGE were the parents of nine children; six still living::

Elizabeth J. WARMAN, of Ottumwa; Thomas B. of Hebron, Nebraska, Joseph M, also of Nebraska.

The subject of our sketch (John B. Gossage) when five years old, went with his parents to Albia, Monroe County Iowa, and received his education in the common school of that city. In 1860 his father removed to Ottumwa, and engaged in business, John B. being employed as a salesman.

In 1864 he enlisted in the 47th Iowa Infantry, which was sent to Helena, Arkansas, for the purposes of guard duty. He participated in one engagement with his regiment, but having lost his health after a service of 100 days was discharged from service and returned to his home in Ottumwa, Iowa, where he lay ill for one year.

Mr. GOSSAGE was married in 1868 to Miss Annie SOUTHLAND who died one and a half years after their marriage. He was married again, June 19, 1880 to Miss Jennie GILLETT, a native of Wisconsin.

At the time of the big fire in Ottumwa, in that year of 1868, he lost his stock of goods and all his property. Following this loss he accepted a situation as traveling salesman for a St. Louis establishment, which business he followed for one year. In 1869 he removed to California where he engaged in hotel-keeping at Santa Rosa for one year, sold out there, and removed to San Francisco, engaging in the same line of business for a like period.Following his experience, he engaged in buying and shipping stock in Nevada, which he continued for 12 years.

In 1880, the death of his father Samuel Benton GOSSAGE necessitated his return to Iowa. In 1881 he removed to Minneapois, and engaged in railroading, and at Minneapolis, officiated as clerk in a hotel. From there he removed to Dubuque, Iowa, and pursued railroading for a time and, thence came to Oskaloosa, Iowa, where he resides. Mr. Gossage is the oldest settler now living who was born in Oskaloosa.

The subject of this sketch is a man who has traveled extensively over the entire West, and has observed its many changes and transformations from the great American desert of the early geographers to a land of flowing milk and honey. (it said MONEY) His present home was, at the time of his birth, the abode of the red man, who roamed at will over its vast expense of prairie. Having viewed all over the lands, he is now content to abide in the garden spot of Iowa, and among a host of friends and acquaintances, whose respect and esteem he enjoys.