J. M. GWIN (Biography)

[genealogynut]

History of the State of Kansas, by William G. Cutler

J. M. GWIN, farmer, P. O. Howard, was born in Mercer County, Ky., in 1840, when eight years of age, his parents moved to Indiana, where he was raised until 1870.  December 1, 1961, he enlisted inthe Fiftieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving three years and one month.  He was mustered out January 5, 1865, served in the Quartermaster's Department about two years of the time; after coming out of the army, he returned to Mercer County, and in 1870, emigrated to Kansas, locating in Greenwood County. The following year he settled in Howard County, and took a claim on Section 6, Township 29, Range 11, was among the first settlers in this part of the county, and when he settled, he was sixty-five miles from a railroad.  He has his place nicely improved, all enclosed with fence, food orchard planted, good frame house and other improvements.  He served as Township Clerk two terms, after which was elected Township Trustee for three consecutive terms, after which he was elected County Commissioner for a term of three years.  In 1866, he was married to Miss Martha A. Rice, of Monroe County, Ind.  They are both members of the Christian Church.  Mr. Gwin is a member of the E. M. Stanton Post, No. 23,  G.A.R.