Gust Burgh
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Gust
Burgh is a representative of the farming interests of Paton township,
living on section 11, where he owns and controls a tract of land of one
hundred sixty acres, constituting one of the best improved farmes in
this locality. Here he has lived for fifteen years, during which time
he has made many changes in the appearance of the place through the
improvements he has put upon it. He was born in Sweden on the 11th of
December, 1859, his parents being John and Elizabeth (Johnson) Burgh.
The father died when his son Gust was thirteen years of age, and the
mother passed away two years later. In their family were eight
children, of whom three are now living: Fred, a resident of Denver,
Colorado; Mrs. Johnson, whose home is in Gladstone, Illinois, and Gust.
The last named spent the first sixteen years of his life in his native
country and then came to the United States, making his way to the home
of his sister in Illinois. On the 3d of March, 1876, all came to Paton,
Iowa, and soon afterwards Mr. Burgh began working on a farm in Webster
county, where the village of Lanyan now stands. For eleven years he was
in the employ of one man - a fact which indicates his capability and
his trustworthiness. He then engaged in farming on his own account,
renting land in Webster county for four years, after which he purchased
one hundred and sixty acres on section 11, Paton township, investing
the money which he had saved from his earnings, so that his farm is
today thevisible evidence of his life of thrift and industry. It was an
improved farm when it came into his possession and the changes that he
has made upon it make it one of the best farms of this section of the
state. He uses the latest improved machinery in facilitating the work
of the fields, keeps his buildings in excellent repair, and his fields
under a high state of cul tivation.
On the 23d of February, 1888, Mr. Burgh was united in marriage to Miss
Tilda Gustafson, who was born in Sweden in 1863. They have five
children - Fred, Jennie, Nellie, Ruth and Paul - and the family circle
yet remains unbroken by the hand of death, all yet being under the
parental roof.
Mr. Burgh is a member of the Swedish Mission church and is interested
in its work and liberal in its support. In politics he was formerly a
republican, but his strong advocacy of the temperance cause has led him
to give his support to the prohibition party. He has served both as
school director and as road supervisor, and in the discharge of his
duties has been faithful and prompt. He is recognized as a leader among
the Swedish citizens of Paton township, being a man of marked
individuality and strength of character, whose influence is always
exerted on the side of right, progress and improvement. In business
affairs he manifests stalwart purpose and indefatigable energy, which
always lead to success, and, although he came to this country
empty-handed when a youth of sixteen years, he is now one of the
prosperous residents of Paton township and a worthy citizen of the
county.
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