E. K. GABRIEL.

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         Among the landowners of Columbus City township who have reflected credit upon farming pursuits and are entitled to mention in a history of Louisa county is E. K. Gabriel. A native of Iowa, he was born in Muscatine county, October 30, 1853, his parents being Conrad and Susan (Kegg) Gabriel. The father was born in Hessen Darmstadt, Germany, and the mother in Pennsylvania. He arrived in America in his boyhood and was one of the early settlers of Muscatine county. His wife died in that county and later Mr. Gabriel moved to Louisa county, where he purchased a farm upon which he spent the remainder of his life. There were six children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel, four of whom survive.

         E. K. Gabriel, of this review, attended the district schools and in his boyhood and youth assisted in work upon the home farm. He remained with his father until arriving at maturity and then rented a place upon his own account for four years. In 1881 he purchased sixty acres in Columbus City township and, as his resources multiplied he increased his holdings until eventually he became the owner of two hundred and twenty-four acres, constituting a very valuable and desirable property. The farm is on section 12 and annually yields abundant harvests in response to the care and labor expended upon it. Mr. Gabriel has been very successful as a stock-raiser and in all branches of his business has shown a foresight and ability that seldom fail to produce handsome returns. He is the owner of a fine residence in Columbus City.

         On March 5, 1876 Mr. Gabriel was married to Miss C. A. Bretz, who was born in Louisa county, a daughter of Peter and Cathrine (Cutkomp) Bretz, both of whom were born in Germany. Mr. Bretz settled upon a farm in Louisa county, about 1855, where he continued until about 1895, when he retired to . . .

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. . . Columbus City, Iowa, where he resided until his death, which occurred February 3, 1903. The mother is still living and makes her home in Columbus City. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel, namely: L. R., who lives in Louisa county; C. O., who is now making his home in the state of Washington; Lydia G., who is deceased; and R. O. and C. E., both of whom are at home.

         Mr. Gabriel is a supporter of the republican party but not in the sense of being an office seeker, as he has never aspired to political honors. He and his wife are valued members of the Evangelical church. He is enterprising and progressive in his business and, as he is genial, pleasant and unaffected in his bearing, he readily attracts friends and exercises a kindly influence wherever he is known. He liberally supports movements which he regards as important in the advancement of the general interests and is recognized as a most useful citizen.