Biographies
For
Muscatine County Iowa
1889



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 555

ISAAC GATTON, residing on section 18, Wapsinonoc Township, first came to Muscatine County, Iowa, in 1837. He was born in Richland County, Ohio, July 4, 1835, and is a son of Galentine and Sarah A. ( Hendrickson ) Gatton, the former a native of Maryland, and the latter of Ohio. Galentine Gatton in an early day removed to Richland County, Ohio, being among its pioneer settlers, and there improved a farm. He made that his home until the autumn of 1837, when, following the course of emigration, he came to Muscatine County, Iowa, settling on what is now section 6 of Wapsinonoc Township. Purcahsing 240 acres of Government land, he built a log cabin upon it, and there resided until his death, which occurred in September, 1881, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. He was a conservative man, firm in his convictions of right and wrong, and though never having an opportunity to secure a higher education for himself, believed that all should secure the best education which their condition in life afforded them. His wife died when her youngest son was but a small child. They were the parents of eight children, Namely: John, who died in childhood; William, who is now living in Oregon; Samuel, a carpenter, residing in Western Territory; Isaac, our subject; Margaret, who died in childhood; Lavina, who also died in childhood; Sarah A., wife of V. Morris, of West Liberty, and James, a resident farmer of WapsinonocTownship.

After the death of his first wife, Mr. Gatton was again married, his second union being with Mary Caruthers. To them were born three children, two of whom died in infancy, the one remaining being Mary E., wife of Daniel Keeland, a resident of Nebraska. The second wife departed this life in 1864.

Whe but two years of age our subject became a resident of this county. Here the days of his boyhood and youth were passed, and his education was received in the common schools of the new county. He remained under the parental roof until attaining his majority, when, in the spring of 1860, he went to Atlanta, Ill., where he was engaged in the mercantile business until 1866. He next went to Colorado, and there engaged in mining, prospecting, and freighting for two years. Returning once more to Illinois, he continued to reside there until 1874, when he determined to make his home in Iowa, and renting land, he engaged in farming. Until the spring of 1879 he continued the cultivation of the farm which he had rented, when he drove a team across the plains to Leadville, Colo., and again for six months engaged in mining. Once more he came to this county, spent the winter, and in the spring returned to Leadville again, where he remained some months. Coming back to his home, he here spent a few years, and in 1886 went to California, returning home the same year.

In the fall of 1856 Mr. Gatton was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss N. E. Lonnecker, who was born near Eaton, Ohio, and is a daughter of Peter and Sarah ( Collins ) Lonnecker, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Ohio. Their union has been blessed with four children: Sarah A., now the wife of Silvan Plumly, a teacher of Muscatine; Mary L., who wedded Lincoln Osborne, a resident of Custer County, Neb.; Benjamin, who is living in West Liberty, and Mirt E., who is still at home.

Mr Gatton engaged in general farming and stock-raising,and dealing in stock. He is the owner of 130 acres of as fine farming land as can be found in the county, situated one mile east of West Liberty, upon which he has erected a handsome residence. He also owns eighty acres on section 17, of Goshen Township. Socially, he is a member of the I. O. O. F., while politically he is a supporter of the Republican party, and has held various township offices, in which he has served with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. His wife, who is a most estimable lady, is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Gatton takes great interest in the welfare and prosperity of the county,on the unsettled prairies of which, in the pioneer days, the years of his childhood were passed. He has witnessed much of its growth and development, and no citizen within its borders is more highly respected or deserving of the esteem of all than he.


Back to 1889 History of Muscatine Co. Index Page

Back to the Muscatine Co. IAGenWeb Index Page