Gehling, Frank 1872 -

GEHLING, LEITKENHAUS, HOLTEY, FRENCH

Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 2/25/2014 at 17:03:45

Frank Gehling

Frank Gehling is engaged in general farming and stock-raising upon one hundred and fifty-five acres 01 the old Gehling homestead in Washington township, section I. upon which he was born on the 2d of November, 1872. He is a son of Henry and Clara (Leitkenhaus) Gehling, natives of Germany. The former of whom came to America when he was eighteen years of age and after spending a few years in Wisconsin came to Winneshiek county, where he followed farming during the remainder of his life. He was township trustee for a number of years and served also as school director, taking a prominent and active part in public affairs. He died upon his farm in Washington township August 23, 1908, having survived his wife since March 13th of that year. To their union were born seven children, three of whom are still living: Elizabeth, the wife of Barney Holtey, of Ossian: Barnard, of Washington township: and Frank, of this review.

The last named was reared under the parental roof and has never left the homestead. He spent his childhood assisting in its operation and upon his father's retirement joined his brother in its management. After the estate was divided he secured one hundred and fifty-five acres and upon this fine property has since made his home, success steadily attending his well-directed efforts in its development. He has all the land in a high state of cultivation and upon it has made substantial improvements, erecting a comfortable modern house and barns and sheds. He engages in general farming and stock-raising and has made both branches (if his activities important and profitable.

On the 3d of February, 1903, Mr. Gehling was united in marriage to Miss Emma French, and to their union have been born four children: Catherine, who died September 22, 1908; Joseph Barney, who was born on the 6th of January, 1908; Marie, whose birth occurred January 26, 1910; and Luverne born January 16, 1912. Mr. Gehling is a democrat in his political beliefs and his religious views are in accord with the doctrines of the Roman Catholic church. He is accounted one of the active workers and progressive farmers of Washington township and has the unqualified esteem and confidence of the people among whom his entire life has been passed.

Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark publishing Company 1913