James F. Gunn
Among the younger generation of farmers in Crawford county who have demonstrated their ability to handle the problems of agriculture in an intelligent and comprehensive manner is James F. Gunn, who has acquired his knowledge of tilling the soil in the school of practical experience.
A son of Ernest J. and Helen (Stevens) Gunn, he was born July 7, 1886, in Crawford county and obtained his early education in the district schools. He assisted his father on the home farm until twenty-three years old, when he rented eighty acres of land on section 9, Jackson township, and began farming on his own account.
On January 12, 1909. Mr. Gunn was united in marriage to Miss Anna Schaffer, a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Pfaunkuch) Schaffer, both of whom are natives of Germany, whence they emigrated to the United States in 1888. They were the parents of eleven children, six of whom are still living, namely: Louis and William, who are on farms in Crawford county; Martha, who married William Ricke and lives in Breda, Carroll county; Conrad, who is a farmer in Sac county; Lizzie, who became the wife of George Bruns and makes her home in Carroll county; and Anna, who is the wife of our subject. The deceased members of the family are: William, Henry, Henry, there being two of this name, and two others, who were twins and died unnamed.
Mr. and Mrs, Gunn have one child, Helen, who was born October 16, 1909.
In his political relations Mr. Gunn has been a stanch supporter of the republican party and shows a commendable interest in the welfare of his community. In religion he is an earnest adherent of the Presbyterian church. He is a young man of energetic character who takes a deep interest in his farm work and his many excellent qualities have won for him the high regard of his many friends.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.