EDWARD B. GIPPLE.

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         Edward B. Gipple, an enterprising agriculturist, owns three hundred and sixty-five acres of land in Elm Grove township, which he carefully and successfully cultivates. He was born in this county, on the 23d of June, 1859, being a son of George W. and Mary Ellen (Brooks) Gipple. The parents, who were natives of Pennsylvania, came to Iowa in 1845, settling in Louisa county where the father engaged in agricultural pursuits until his retirement. They are now living in Letts and have recently celebrated the sixty-fourth anniversary of their marriage. Both have reached a venerable age, the mother having been eighty-four in October, 1910, while the father passed his eighty-fourth birthday on the 4th of May, 1911. Of the children born of their union eight attained maturity, the two oldest having passed away. The others, according to birth, are as follows: Emma, the wife of Mark Sharp, of Fall City, Nebraska; Anna, who married L. Hudler, of South Dakota; Cynthia, who became the wife of A. H. Dalahide, of Audubon county, Iowa; Charles, a resident of Letts; Edward B,; Harvey, living in Bentonville, Arkansas; Carrie, who married John Holtz, of Muscatine county; and Link N., who is engaged in the drug business in Letts.

         In the public schools of Louisa county Edward B. Gipple acquired his education. In common with the majority of farmer lads he early assisted in the work . . .

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. . . of the homestead, giving his entire attention to this after leaving the schoolroom. When he attained his majority he considered that he was fully qualified to begin his independent career as an agriculturist, and so bought eighty acres of land in Audubon county, which he operated for eight years. Disposing of that farm, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 27, Elm Grove township, Louisa county. Meeting with success in his farm work he has been able to add to his holdings at various times until he now owns three hundred and sixty-five acres of valuable and productive land. During the period of his residence here he has erected all of the buildings now standing on his place, having large, commodious barns and sheds and a fine house. In connection with the tilling of his extensive fields, which are almost entirely sown to such cereals as are used in feeding, he raises stock. He feeds and ships his own cattle and hogs, this having proven to be a very lucrative venture.

         For his wife and helpmate Mr. Gipple chose Miss Lona Metzger, their union being celebrated on the 27th of December, 1882. Mrs. Gipple is the eldest child of Nathan and Sally (Felencer) Metzger, unto whom were born nine children, seven now living: Lona, now Mrs. Gipple; Ella, the wife of Frank Chamberlain, of Louisa county; and Jacob, Simon, David, Levi and Edward, all of whom reside in this county. One child died in infancy, and Matilda, the second in order of birth, is deceased.

         Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gipple eight children were born, but the eldest, a little daughter, died in infancy. The other seven are as follows: Charles and George, both of whom reside in Louisa county; Glennie, the wife of L. Huston, also of this country; and Harrison, Vernon, Hilton and Pearl, all of whom are at home.

         The family always attend the Evangelical church of which the parents are members. Ever since being granted the full rights of citizenship upon attaining his majority Mr. Gipple has given his political support to the candidates of the republican party. Such success as has crowned the efforts of Mr. Gipple is the direct result of industry and thrift as well as clear judgment and intelligence in the direction of his undertakings.