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         GEORGE W. GIPPLE, an early settler of Louisa County, Iowa, now residing in Letts, was born in Pennsylvania in 1827, and is the son of George and Mary A. (Stroh) Gipple, who were also natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a farmer, and, accompanied by his family, came to Iowa in 1852, settling in Grand View Township, where he remained until his death, in 1855. The mother still resides on the old homestead. They were both members of the Evangelical Church, and during the early days of the county the services of that church were held at their home, and the camp-meeting convened in a grove adjoining.

George was reared upon a farm, and in the district schools of his native State received his education. In 1847 he was united in marriage with Mary Ellen Brooks, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Alexander and Anna (Barnes) Brooks, who were also natives of that State. The father there followed farming, and his death occurred several years ago. The young couple began their domestic life upon a farm in Pennsylvania, where they resided until their removal to this county, in 1852. Locating in Grand View Township, near the village of that name, Mr. Gipple purchased forty acres of raw prairie, which he developed into a farm and also added to it. Selling, he purchased 120 acres of fine land in Cedar Township, Muscatine County, which he still owns and has under a high state of cultivation. In February, 1888, he removed to the town of Letts, where he is now residing. He casts his vote with the Republican party, and takes great interest in political affairs. He held various offices while residing in Muscatine County, serving as Trustee, Justice of the Peace for five years, and School Director for a number of years. To every enterprise which has for its object the public good he gives assistance, and when the academy at Grand View was an institution of learning of note, he was one of its stockholders.

To Mr. and Mrs. Gipple have been born ten children, eight of whom are living: Emma P., wife of Mr. Sharp, of Audubon county, Iowa; Anna M., now Mrs. Hudler, a resident of Audubon county; Cynthia J., now Mrs. Dollahide, is also a resident of Audubon County; Charles W. became the husband of Effie Jones, and makes his home in that county; Edward B. and Harvey W. are both married and living in Audubon County; Carrie M., now Mrs. Holtz, resides near Sweetland Center, Muscatine County; Lincoln U. is clerking in a store in Audubon, Iowa. James A. died in Pennsylvania in infancy, as did also Hattie E.