For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 378
CHARLES GARVIN....Of the stalwart sons of Indiana who have established homes in Muscatine county, Charles Garvin occupies a place of responsibility and honor. Through energy, grit, and perseverance he has won a competence and is now a prominent landowner of Moscow township, being at the same time one of its highly respected citizens. He was born at Liberty, Indiana, September 4, 1864, a son of Patrick and Esther ( Powell ) Garvin. The parents were both natives of the Emerald isle and were married there before coming to America in 1849. They lived for nineteen years on a farm in Indiana, removing in 1868 to Rock Island county, Illinois, and three years later to Muscatine county, where the father continued until his death, which occurred in March, 1877. The beloved wife and mother survived her husband for twenty-eight years, being called from earthly scenes in November, 1909, at the advanced age of seventy-nine years. There were ten children in their family, only two of whom are now living, namely ; Charles, our subject ; and John, of Muscatine county.Charles Garvin was reared under the parental roof and as a boy became well acquainted with the duties of a farmer's son about the house as well as with the practical work pertaining to the fields and the raising and care of livestock. He attended the district school and the education which he there acquired he has since largely added to by observation and a general acquaintance with books and newspapers. After arriving at maturity he began farming on his own account by renting a place and six years later purchased one hundred and eighty acres on sections 29 and 32, Moscow township, where he now lives. Subsequently he bought forty acres more on section 32, and on the 20th of January, 1911, purchased twenty acres, so that he is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres in one of the fairest farming regions of the state. He has attained marked success both as an agriculturist and stock-raiser. His farm is supplied with a substantial set of buildings and wears an air of thrift and orderliness which indicates thoughtful care and wise management.
On the 10th of January, 1894, Mr. Garvin was united in marriage to Miss Emma Schmitt, who was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, in 1874, and is a daughter of Peter Schmitt. The home of Mr. and Mrs Garvin has been brightened by the arrival of five children : Malinda E., Charles, May L., Lloyd G., and Ellsworth. Living with them is Mr. Garvins niece, Miss Ida Garvin, who has made her home with them since her parents death when she was young.
Ever since arriving at voting age Mr. Garvin has identified himself with the democratic party and the estimation in which he is held by his neighbors and acquaintances is indicated by the fact that he has occupied all of the township offices, exercising a fidelity in the discharge of his duties which met the hearty approval of the tax-payers. He and his wife are stanch believers in the inspiration and authority of the Bible and have a host of friends in Muscatine county who have been attracted by their many estimable qualities.
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