In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1876
From Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement (1913)
WILLIAM WALTER GOSSMAN.
William Walter Gossman is the owner of one hundred and forty acres of finely improved land on sections 7 and 8, Burr Oak township. He was born on the farm which is still his home, July 30, 1876. He is the youngest in a family of eight children, whose parents are Anthony and Elizabeth (Snyder) Gossman, and who are mentioned more at length in connection with the sketch of Jacob E. Gossman on another page of this work.
William Walter Gossman was early trained to habits of industry and economy on the home farm, and his educational training was received in the district schools near his home. He those as his life work the occupation to which he was reared and is today the owner of the homestead place, consisting of one hundred and forty acres, located on sections 7 and 8, Burr Oak township. This place has been improved by Mr. Gossman and his father and on it are found substantial buildings for the shelter of grain and stock, while the fields are fertile and yield abundant harvests each year owing to the care and labor he has bestowed upon them. He is here engaged in general farming and stock-raising and both branches of his business are bringing him a good annual income.
Mr. Gossman was married March 28, 191 2, to Miss Rosa Emma Gresbrink, who was born in Faribault, Minnesota, January 21, 1890, a daughter of Alphonse and Gertrude (Simmons) Gresbrink. The father is now deceased and his widow married a second time, her union being with A. A. Truman. They now reside in Canton, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Gossman have a daughter, Irene Agnes, born May 6. 1913.
Mr. Gossman gives his political support to the democratic party, and he is a communicant of the Catholic church. He and his estimable wife have a wide circle of friends and the hospitality of their home is enjoyed by all.
As printed in Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement (1913). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1913. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.