Notes for: James Kasson Gaston

"James K. Gaston, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Richmond, Berkshire Co, Mass., April 17 1832. He moved with his parents to Lorain Co Ohio at age six, where he remained until he grew to manhood, working on a farm. He received his education chiefly in common schools, but attended Oberlin College several terms. He arrived in Iowa Nov 27 1853, and worked as a farm laborer for some time. In summer 1853, he taught school at Pleasant Grove, near Sidney, in Fremont Co. He was married in Tabor, Fremont Co. Iowa, Nov 23 1857, to Miss Sarah J. Cummings, who was born in Lorain Co, Ohio September 12, 1839. They are the parents of nine children, eight of whom are now living: Emily C., Ellen M., Willard E., Burton C., Vernon L., Lillie J., Lucy May and George R. He has been a member of the Congregational church since 1854, and has always been identified with the work of temperance. He has filled various township offices with credit to himself, and has been school treasurer since 1873. He owns a fine farm of 280 acres, which is well improved especially adapted to stock raising, in which business he is extensively engaged. He has a very fine building upon his farm, which is a model of neatness and convenience."
Source: "History of Mills County, Iowa," pp. 608-609, published 1881 in Des Moines by State Historical Company.