Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1889

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 459
THOMAS GLADSTONE, a leading farmer residing on section 27, Goshen Township, was born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, in March, 1815, and was the third in a family of five children born to George and Mary (Johnson) Gladstone, who were also natives of Ireland. The father was a farmer by occupation, and resided in his native land until his death, which occurred at the advanced age of ninety-five years. His wife survived him several years, her death occurring in 1842.

Our subject was reared to manhood upon his father's farm, and in the schools of his native county received his education. Resolving to try his fortune in the New World, he bade good-by to his home and native land, and embarked at Belfast on a sailing-vessel, and after a stormy voyage of forty-two days landed at Quebec, Canada. Remaining in that city but a short time he then removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where for several years he engaged in teaming, when, in 1854, he came to Iowa, locating in Goshen Township, this county, where he purchased a partly improved farm. This he continued to cultivate for several years, developing the wild prairie into rich land, but in 1877 sold that farm and removed to his present home on section 27, Goshen Township, where he carries on general farming. His land is under a high state of cultivation, and comprises one of the best farms in this section.

While residing in Cincinnati Mr. Gladstone was united in marriage with Miss Rachel Johnson, the ceremony being performed in 1847. This lady was born on the Emerald Isle, and is a daughter of James Johnson, who was also a native of Ireland, and died in that country many years ago. By the union of this worthy couple six children have been born, namely: Thomas Robert, who married Mina Feiderlin, and resides on the home farm; George, a railroad engineer, residing in Lincoln, Neb.; Richard William, who is engaged in farming in Nebraska; John Wesley, still residing with his parents; Lizzie, wife of Albert Wiker, a resident of Nebraska, and Anna, now Mrs. White, of Nichols, Iowa. Of Mr. Gladstone's brothers and sisters, Elizabeth Jane, whose home is in Nebraska, is the wife of Lauchlan Smith; Richard, who came to this country in 1837, died in Pittsburgh, Pa., several years ago; James died in his native land, and Ann, wife of Joseph Hill, died in Washington, D. C., in 1886, Mr. Gladstone being at her bedside when death occurred.

Since becoming a resident of the United States Mr. Gladstone has taken an active part in political affairs, casting his ballot with the Republican party, and has held several township offices, discharging his duties with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He aided greatly in the organization of the school districts of Goshen Township, and has ever been prominent in the promotion of any enterprise which has for its object the public welfare. His honorable, upright course of life during his residence of thirty-five years in this community has won him many warm friends, gaining him an enviable place in the hearts of Muscatine County's best citizens.

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