JOHN JAMES GAMBLE

John James Gamble, who has resided within the borders of Cedar county for the past half century or throughout practically his entire life, devotes his attention to general agricultural pursuits and is the owner of one of the finest farming properties in the county—a tract of land comprising two hundred acres on section 21, Springdale township. His birth occurred in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the 23d of April, 1858, his parents being Samuel and Martha (Kerns) Gamble, who were born, reared and married in County Antrim, Ireland. They crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1849, settling in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, where they resided for eleven years. On the expiration of that period, in 1860, they came to Iowa and here made their home throughout the remainder of their lives, the father being successfully engaged in farming. Their children were ten in number as follows: Andrew, who is deceased; John, who died in infancy; Sarah, who passed away at the age of four years; John James, of this review; William R., living in Ansonia, Connecticut; Elizabeth Homer, a resident of Downey, Iowa; Archibald, living in Colorado; Benjamin M., who makes his home with our subject; Samuel, who likewise resides with his brother John; and Mrs. Matilda Carson Worthman, of Salt Lake city, Utah.

John James Gamble was two years of age when brought to Downey, Iowa, by his parents and this locality has remained his place of residence continuously since. He early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, and the pursuits of farming and stock-raising have claimed his attention throughout his entire business career. He is a breeder of Percheron horses and mules and this branch of his business adds materially to his annual income. His place comprises two hundred acres of valuable land on section 21, Springdale township, and is situated three and one-half miles southeast of West Branch, two and one-half miles northeast of Downey and one mile west of Centerdale. It is one of the finest farming properties in the county and the best on the west side of the Cedar river. The improvements on the place are valued at ten thousand dollars and all have been made by our subject with the exception of the old house. Mr. Gamble has made his home on this farm for the past twenty years and the property was formerly in possession of his father. His dwelling, a commodious and modern structure, is supplied with gas and steam heat and is up-to-date in every particular. He also owns some Canada lands and is widely recognized as one of the most prosperous and enterprising citizens of the community.

In 1891 Mr. Gamble was united in marriage to Miss Anna L. Voss, who was born in Cedar county, Iowa, in 1872, her father being Frank Voss, of Durant. They now have two children, Earl and Louis.

Mr. Gamble has attained high rank in Masonry, belonging to Wapsinnonoc Lodge, No. 381, A. F. & A. M., at West Branch; Liberty Chapter, No. 79,R. A. M. at West Liberty, Iowa; Palestine Commandery, No. 2, K. T., at Iowa City; Adelphia Council, No. 4, R. & S. M., at Harlan, Iowa; A. & A. S. R. of F. Consistory, S.P.R.S., at Davenport; and the Eastern Star at West Branch. He likewise belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America at West Branch and is a devoted member of the Presbyterian church at that place. Both he and his wife are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community, having always displayed those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard.