The full biographical sketch as printed, transcribed from the public-domain book. Spelling and wording are the original author’s; a few scanning errors may remain.
FRANK B. GAY.
Frank B. Gay, the cashier of the Conesville Savings Bank at Conesville, Iowa, is a native of Muscatine county, born in 1869. and the son of John and Hannah (Sharp) Gay. The parents were both born in England but emigrated to the United States when young. They located in Iowa and here the father followed his trade, which was that of contractor and builder, until his retire- ment in 1890, since which time he has resided in Conesville. They were the parents of eight children, who are as follows: 3.1illie, wife of Charles Cecil, of Hedrick, Iowa; Frank B. ; Richard H., an electrical engineer of Washington, D. C. ; Fannie E., a resident of Iowa City; John C, a dentist of Conesville; Al- bert M., game and fish warden, living at Conesville, Iowa; Anna M., a music teacher at Fairfield, Iowa; and one who died in infancy.
Frank B. Gay acquired his preliminary education in the common schools of Muscatine county and later attended the Iowa City Academy for more ad- vanced work and subsequently took a commercial course. At the age of twenty years he embarked in the jewelry business and continued the same for ten years, but in 1901 he was appointed postmaster in Conesville, continuing in that office for seven years, at the end of which time he accepted the position of cashier in the Conesville Savings Bank, where he is still engaged.
On the 27th of September, 1893, Mr. Gay was united in marriage to Miss Ida Merrill, who was born in Columbus Junction, Iowa, in 1871, a daughter of
John L. and Alice M. (Hight) Merrill. Mr. and Mrs. Merrill were married in Vermont, in which state the mother was born, but the father was a native of New Hampshire. They came west in 1855 and located on a farm near Columbus Junction, Iowa, and for nineteen years that continued to be their home, but in 1874 Mr. Merrill was elected to the office of county treasurer, and at the expira- tion of his term he turned his attention to the mercantile business, continuing in that line until his death in 1891. Mrs. Merrill passed away in 1893. They were the parents of five children, three of whom still survive: Will A., of New Mexico; Nettie E., the wife of Robert Owen, Columbus Junction; and Mrs. Frank B. Gay, the wife of our subject. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gay: Feral G., aged sixteen years, now attending the high school at Columbus Junction ; Alice H., aged twelve, attending grammar school ; Frances C, aged six; and Lillian, who died at the age of four years. The family are affiliated with Grace Reformed church.
Ever since he attained his majority, Mr. Gay has been a strong supporter of the republican party. He has always been quite active in local politics, serving as clerk of his township for one term and also having been mayor of the village of Conesville. He is highly regarded in his community, where he has resided for many years and where he and Mrs. Gay have gained the friendship of the best people.
Source: History of Muscatine County, Iowa. See the original pages at the Internet Archive.
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