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         J. S. GIPPLE, residing in the village of Letts, was born in Dauphin County, Pa., in 1822, and was the eldest in a family of ten children born to George and Mary Ann (Stroh) Gipple, who were also natives of Pennsylvania. The father of our subject was a farmer by occupation, and came to Louisa County in 1852, settling near the village of Grand View, where he bought a partly improved farm, commenced its improvement, and there resided until his death, which occurred in 1855. His estimable wife still survives him, and resides on the old homestead.

Our subject was educated in the district schools of his native State, was there reared to manhood, and in 1847, in Dauphin County, was united in marriage with Margaret Hoover, who was born in that county, and is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Baucham) Hoover. Her father was by trade a shoemaker, and both parents died in Pennsylvania.

To Mr. and Mrs. Gipple have been born ten children, seven of whom are yet living: Elmira Frances, wife of Jasper Bedwell, of Greene County, Iowa, died in 1884; Catherine Matilda, now Mrs. Sutherland, resides in Decatur County, Iowa; Mary Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Donahue, a resident of Ringgold County, Iowa, died in 1885; Julia Ann, now Mrs. Waltman, is a resident of Audubon County, Iowa; Sara Alice died in 1882; William Wesley and James Madison are twins; the former is married and resides in Audubon County, Iowa; the latter is married, and resides on the old homestead. Thomas Jefferson is married, and resides in Elm Grove Township, Louisa County; Harriet Amanda died in 1881, and Lettie Isabella is at home.

In his early life Mr. Gipple learned the trade of a miller, which he followed in Pennsylvania until his removal to the West. In 1852 he migrated to Louisa County, Iowa, settling in Concord Township, where he purchased forty acres of raw prairie land, upon which he built a two-story brick residence. They developed the land, improved a farm, and from time to time Mr. Gipple added to it until he now owns 130 acres of arable land in a high state of cultivation. In September, 1887, he retired from active life and removed to the village of Letts, renting his farm to his son James M. He purchased a nice residence in the town, has made several improvements, and owns four lots. He is one of the early settlers of Concord Township. The first people who came to the county came merely for the purpose of fishing or hunting, paying no attention to the development of the land, but Mr. Gipple removed to the West for the purpose of obtaining a home. He helped to develop the country, endured the trials of pioneer life, and is now enjoying the fruits of his labor. In his political views he is a Republican, has always taken great interest in politics, and has held various offices of trust in Concord Township. He has served as Road Supervisor, was School Director, and has ever been prominent in the promotion of education. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church at Letts, and of the church of that denomination in Grand View his father was the first Class-Leader.