Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1889

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 203
G. W. WEBSTER. resides on section 25, Fruitland Township. He was born in Fayette County, Ohio, in 1833, and was the eldest in a family of seven children born to David and Susan ( Holland ) Webster, who were also natives of Ohio. His father, who was a farmer by occupation, emigrated to Louisa County, Iowa, at a very early day, settling near Wapello, where he entered forty acres of land, which he improved, after which he added forty acres more. His death occurred in 1850, at the age of forty-nine years. He was not very active in politics, but was very active in church matters. Methodism in that locality had its birth in his log cabin. He was the first Class-Leader, and occupied that position for many years. His excellent wife still survives him, and now resides with a son in Morning Sun, Iowa.

After the death of his father our subject had the main charge of the farm. He received his education in the district schools, and had to work hard from youth. He was married in Louisa County, Nov. 8, 1855, to Sarah Beir, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Henry and Elizabeth ( McCormick )Beir, who were natives of Pennsylvania. Her father, who was a farmer by occupation, moved to Louisa County, Iowa, at an early day, took up land from the Government, which he improved, and to which he added other lands, and now owns a fine farm in Wapello Township. Her mother died in February, 1868.

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Webster settled in Wapello Township, where they resided until 1867, when they moved to Muscatine County, Mr. Webster purshasing eighty acres of partly improved land, to which he subsequently added ten acres. He afterward sold that land to his son, and in 1877 purchased eighty acres of improved land where he now resides. His business is that of gardening, the raising of melons and sweet potatoes being his specialty, though he raises considerable fruit.

In politics, Mr. Webster is a Republican, though not a partisan. He is a member of the Island Methodist Episcopal Church, of which body his wife is also a member. To the building of that church he contributed liberally, and has been Trustee and Steward many years, holding the latter position at the present time.

To Mr. and Mrs. Webster have been born seven children, three of whom are living---David D., William and Leonard. Arabel and Annabel, twins died at the ages of three and five years respectively: Henry B. died at the age of fourteen years; David D., who is married, resides in the village of Fruitland, where he is engaged in business, and is the present Postmaster; William, who is also married, resides on the island; Leonard is at home.

Of the members of his father's family, Elizabeth Jane, now Mrs. Frizzell, resides near Wapello; Diana, now Mrs. Higbee, resides in Morning Sun; William, who is married, resides in Elm Grove Township, Louisa County; Eli, who is married, resides in Morning Sun Township, Louisa County; J. L., died in August, 1887, leaving a widow, who resides in Kansas; Permelia, now Mrs. Augustine, resides in Nebraska.

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