One of the leading and influential men of Princeton Township is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch . He first saw the light of day July 17, 1850, in Prospect, Delaware County, Ohio. He is the second child of John L. and Margaret (Moyer) Gast. He was less than a year old when his parents immigrated from Ohio to Scott County, Iowa, hence he grew up here with the development of the County. His first education was obtained at the public schools of Princeton, which was supplemented with a course at Mount Vernon, and another year at the Princeton graded school. He has spent his past life in stock raising and agricultural pursuits, and is a successful farmer.
Mr. Gast was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca, daughter of John and Ann (Orr) Henry, July 20, 1871. She is a lineal descendant from prominent Irish and English families. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Gast has been blessed with three children: Mellie E., John O. and Emory L.
Mr. Gast has never been an office-seeker, though he has been induced to hold some Township and school offices. He is an elder in the Prince ton Presbyterian church, where he has labored earnestly and faithfully for the betterment of mankind and the morals of the community. He is a strong advocate of prohibition, and liberal in his views in local political contests, casting his vote for the man whom he thinks most eligible to fill the office.
BIOGRAPHIES