GEORGE M ELSEY
George M. Elsey, a native of Marion county, Ohio, was born in May, 1828. His father, George Elsey, was one of the pioneers of Mahaska county, Iowa, where he died in 1882. He was twice married. His first wife, Elizabeth Elsey, the mother of George M., died in Ohio in 1840. Mr Elsey was married the second time, to Nancy Gerhart, who died about seventeen years ago. George M. Elsey is one of the pioneers of Cass county, having been identified with its interests since 1854, at which date, he came to Lewis, bringing a general stock of goods from Oskaloosa, and, in company with Charles Baldwin, opened the first general store in Lewis, the name of the firm being Baldwin and Elsey. They continued in partnership till the summer of 1855, when Mr. Elsey bought the interest of his partner, and, same year, sold the business to Joseph Wannock. The winter following, Mr. Elsey taught the pioneer school of Lewis. Among his pupils were the sons of Jehu Woodward, Chester and Wooster; Neil McClintock and his two brother, Frank and Augustus. December 1st, 1827, George M. Elsey and Ariminta Littlefield were united in marriage. She is a daughter (of) Horace Littlefield, and a native of Switzerland county, Indiana, born in 1838. They began keeping house, in the house of Mr. Dan Stanley, where they remained till July, 1858, then removed to their present residence on section 14, adjoining the town plat of Lewis, where he owns eighty acres. He also owns one hundred acres in sections 22 and 16. They have had seven children...Waren, died at the age of one year; Carrie, wife of H.A. Shade, of this township; Sophie, wife of George G. Gilliepie, of this township; Iola, Bessie, Effie and Georgie, at home. Mr. Elsey is a prominent and much esteemed citizen. He is at present assessor of Cass township. He has also held the office of township trustee and clerk.1st day of January, 1885, will celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage which will be a rare occasion.
Transcribed by Gloria Goltiani from "History of Cass County, Iowa. Together With Sketches of its Towns, Villages and Townships, Educational, Civil, Military and Political History: Portraits of Prominent Persons, and Biographies of Old Settlers and Representative Citizens." Springfield, Ill.: Continental Historical Company, 1884, pg. 523.
