Gaunt, "Edward Woodbury

GAUNT, MAJOR, RUSSELL, MCNEIL

Posted By: Mary H. Cochrane, Volunteer
Date: 6/30/2019 at 07:19:48

E. W. [EDWARD WOODBURY] GAUNT
1855 ~ 1920
History of Decatur County Iowa And Its People
Prof. J.M. Howell & Heman C. Smith. p. 63. S.J. Clarke Pub. Co. Chicago. 1915.

E. W. Gaunt, one of the successful agriculturists and influential citizens of Garden Grove township, has been a resident of the county for more than four decades and has devoted his attention to general farming throughout his entire business career.

His birth occurred in Eureka, Illinois, on the 3d of May, 1855, his parents being John D. and Judith A. (Major) Gaunt, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, the former born in Hopkinsville. John D. Gaunt removed to Illinois in early life and subsequently came to Decatur county, Iowa, here continuing to make his home until he passed away in 1891. During his active business career he followed farming and merchandising, conducting a mercantile establishment in Illinois for several years before coming to this state. In religious faith both he and his wife were Presbyterians. To them were born six children, three of whom died in early life, while those who grew to maturity are as follows: Mary F., who is the wife of John W. Russell; John B.; and E. W. of this review.

The last named acquired a public-school education in his youth and also spent one year as a student in Westminster College. He was reared on the home farm and remained in his native state until 1873, when he came to Decatur county, Iowa, where he has resided continuously since. As above stated, general agricultural pursuits have claimed his time and energies throughout his entire business and he is now widely recognized as one of the enterprising and prosperous farmers of Garden Grove township.

In 1892 Mr. Gaunt was united in marriage to Miss Grace McNeil, her father being S. P. McNeil, a highly respected pioneer of Decatur county. He is an agriculturist by occupation and has reared a family. To Mr. And Mrs. Gaunt have been born three children, namely: Joseph, Arnold and John.

Mr. Gaunt gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and since 1912 has served as president of the school board of Garden Grove township, being a stanch champion of the cause of education and lending his support to every movement and measure instituted to promote the general welfare. Wherever known he is highly esteemed and respected by reason of his genuine personal worth and excellent qualities of character.