The Golly Family of Story County, Iowa

William H. Golly, farmer and stock-raiser, Zearing, Iowa. Personal popularity, it cannot be denied, results largely from the industry, perseverance and close attention to business which a person displays in the management of any particular branch of trade. And in the case of Mr. Golly this is certainly true, for he has adhered so closely to farming and the stock industry that high esteem has been placed upon him. He was born in Oneida County, N. Y., October 25, 1846, and was the eldest of three children: (William H, Lilias and Mary J. the result of the union of John S. and Catherine (Logan) Golly, natives also of York State. The father was born in March, 1821, came to Story County in the fall of 1864, and located with his family on the southeast quarter of Section 15, Lincoln Township, where he has a splendid farm of 160 acres. He was one of nine children born to Andrew and Lilly (Scott) Golly, both natives of County Tyrone, Ireland. Andrew was one of the following children: Andrew, Joseph, John, Polly and Lydia. The three sons came to America at an early day, and were among the early settlers of Oneida County, N. Y. The Gollys were Protestants, and were reared in the Presbyterian Church. William H. Golly came with his parents to Story County at the age of eighteen years, and in 1868 he started out for himself as an agriculturist, buying the north- -A west quarter of Section 23, Lincoln Township. He selected for his companion in life Miss Jane Perry, a native of England, and the daughter of William and Mary (Menhennet) Perry, natives also of England. Their marriage was consummated November 18, 1869, and to them were born ten children: Frederick H., Lillian M., M. Myrtle, Claud E., Clarence E., Walter S., William H., Catherine, Perry and Kussell L. Our subject is the owner of 720 acres of good land in the county, all of which he has accumulated by his own exertions and economy. He has good buildings on his place, and, take him all in all, is one of the representative farmers and stockmen of the county. He and Mrs. Golly were both successful teachers in the county for some time. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party, and has held various offices in the township. He is connected with the A. F. & A. M. Mr. Golly's mother and both sisters died in Illinois in 1850. His father afterward returned to New York and in 1854 married Miss Eliza J. Mitchell, of New York. They have one son, John M., of Story County. Mr. Golly and wife expect to make Story County their home for the future, and here, surrounded by their children and many warm friends, may they live long in peace and happiness.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

John M. Golly, farmer and stock-raiser, Zearing, Iowa. Located in the midst of one of the finest agricultural centers of Story County, the farm which Mr. Golly owns and occupies is conceded to be among the best in the vicinity, and this is saying not a little, for on every hand may be seen superior places, whose ownership indicates thrift and prosperity. Mr. Golly is descended from a race who have given their attention principally to farming. His father, John Golly, was a native of New York State [see sketch of William H. Golly].

John M Golly was born in Oneida County, N. Y., in 1855, and was married in 1876 to Miss Lucy Spohr, the daughter of Frederick and Lucinda (Piper) Spohr, natives of Germany. To Mr. and Mrs. Golly were born six children: Elizabeth, Gertrude, Guy, John, Leona, and Ernest. Mr. Golly bought the northwest half of Section 24, and is now the owner of 240 acres, all well improved. He has in the neighborhood of 500 rods of tile on his land, has about fifty-one cattle and eleven horses on his place, and keeps a good grade of all kinds of stock. His fine place is located two and a half miles from Zearing.

M. W. Gossard, steward of the county poor farm, was born in White County, Ind., in 1854, and came with his parents to this county two years later. He was the youngest of nine children born to William M. and Sarah (Ely) Gossard, the father a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother of Ohio. They were married in the last named State and moved to Story County, Iowa, in 1856, where the father carried on agricultural pursuits. He bought an improved farm in 1858, and made this county his home until his death, which occurred in November, 1884. He was a Republican in politics and an honorable, upright man. The mother died in August, 1881. The children were named as follows: W. A.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.