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         FREDERICK GAST, a miller of Grand View, and a prominent citizen of Louisa County, is a native of Germany, born in 1816. His parents, Christopher and Mary (Bishop) Gast, were also natives of that country. He received his education in his native land, and during his youth learned the trade of a millwright. Thinking that the New World would furnish a better field for his future labors, in 1850 he set sail for America. After reaching the United States he worked at his trade for four years in the State of New York. Coming to Louisa County, Iowa, in 1855, he settled in the village of Grand View, where he worked at the car- . . .

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. . . penter’s trade for eight years, but in 1863 abandoned that occupation and purchased a farm. This land, which was situated on section 14, Grand View Township, he greatly improved, making it his home until 1879, when once more he became a resident of the village, and has made it his home continuously since. At that time he purchased the mill, which, with the aid of his son Herman, he still operates.

In 1842, before leaving Germany, Mr. Gast was united in marriage with Emelia Stoke, who is a daughter of Adam and Mary Stoke, also natives of Germany. Four children have been born of their union: Emeline, who died in infancy; Augusta, who became the wife of Zacharias Manheart; Herman, who wedded Sarah Steinman; and Henrietta, who married David Young, and was the mother of five children, but her death occurred Dec. 27, 1876, at the age of twenty-nine years.

Mr. Gast and his entire family are members of the Congregational Church. He has ever been an active worker in his Master’s cause, and for many years was a teacher in the Sunday-school. A quiet, unassuming man, though one who has the best interest of the community at heart, he is highly respected and esteemed by his fellow-citizens.