My Genealogy Hound

JOHN CHRISTIAN GAUSS, Jr., is one of the representative farmers of Johnson County, his home being on section 4, township 45, range 27. His residence in this county covers a period of over a quarter of a century, as he located within its boundaries in August, 1869, and has since lived here. In everything relating to the development of this portion of the state he takes the most lively interest, and has been an important factor in its present prosperity.

The father, John C. Gauss, is a native of Germany, born in the province of Wurtemberg, December 20, 18 15. He received a good education, and when twenty-three years of age decided to seek a home in the New World and landed in New York after a long and tedious journey. He at once proceeded to Massillon, Ohio, reaching there April 11, 1839. For some four years he worked as a hostler, laying aside a large share of his earnings, with which he purchased forty acres of land in Noble County, Ind., in 1843. Settling on the property, he was soon on the high road to success, and as time passed he added more land to his original farm, until it contained altogether three hundred and eighty acres. When he had secured an ample competence for his declining years, he moved to the village of La Otto, and two years since was honored by being made Postmaster of the place. His wife was born in Bavaria, December 16, 1816, and came to the United States in 1837, locating in Ohio, where she met her future husband. They were married August 22, 1843, and lead a peaceful and happy life in companionship until they were severed by death, Mrs. Gauss being called to the home beyond April 14, 1887.

J. C. Gauss, Jr., was born November 12, 1847, in Noble County, and learned at an early age the duties of farm life. March 21, 1869, he married Selinda Rupert and a few months later came to Missouri. He had previously entered into an agreement with his father to manage the old farm for a year, but the matter was not satisfactorily arranged. As he had no capital, he worked by the month or day for the next two years, and at last purchased a team and a few necessities. He then rented a farm and endeavored more earnestly than ever to make a success in life. In 1873 he invested his savings in forty-seven acres, and as the years rolled by extended his possessions until he now owns one hundred and sixty-seven acres.

Our subject was fortunate in his choice of a wife, and to her is due a share of the credit of his success in life. She is a daughter of Daniel and Christina (Eby) Rupert, natives of Ohio. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gauss. The two eldest, Mary E. and Selinda, are accomplished young ladies; Charles M. and Edgar P. are twins, and the two youngest, Annie and Alva, are also twins. Mary has attended the State Normal for two terms, and Selinda has been a student there one term. The latter also formerly attended McPherson (Kan.) College.

Mr. Gauss is affiliated with the Republican party. Religiously he is of the German Baptist faith, and strives to follow the teachings of the Gospel in all his dealings with his fellows. He has gained the entire confidence of his many neighbors and acquaintances, who speak of him in the highest terms.