Biography - Jacob Galster
JACOB GALSTER As his name would indicate, our subject is of German descent, although born in the United States. His birthplace was Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and his natal day was April 4, 1843. He is now a resident on section 27, and also owns land on sections 22 and 28, Rural Township, having made a settlement in Shelby County in the fall of 1864. His parents were the Rev. Mathias and Rosanna (Haller) Galster, who were natives of Germany, and coming to the United States, were married in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and there resided until 1853, when they removed to Huntington County, Ind., whence in 1864, they came to Illinois and settled in Rural Township.
Mathias Galster, the father of the original of our sketch was a minister of the Evangelical Church for some forty years, he was a zealous worker, and had a special tact and talent in organization, having organized four churches in Illinois, located respectively at Pana, Taylorsville, Oconce and Rural Township; also several in Ohio and in Indiana. He was born November 2, 1811, in the Kingdom of Wurtemburg, Germany, and came to America with his parents when eighteen years of age. He was converted at the age of twenty-two years, and felt that his mission in life was to preach the Gospel to the edification and sanctification of his hearers. The first services that he conducted were held in private houses. In Ohio, he founded eight new churches, and at Huntington, Ind., four churches.
On coming into Rural Township, our subject's father purchased a half section of land, and here resided until his death, which occurred March 25, 1887. His wife had preceded him by several years, having died March 8, 1880. He of whom we write, is one of five children, all of whom are grown up. Their names are Mathias, Jacob, our subject; William F., Christina and Mary. Mathias fought as a soldier in the Forty-seventh Indiana, and died while in service; Christina is now Mrs. August Posthner; Mary married William Stanger, and died in 1885. Our subject's maternal grandfather emigrated at an early day from his native land and died in Shelby County.
Our subject came to Shelby County with his family, and May 6, 1869, was united in marriage to Elizabeth K. Mautz, a daughter of George G. Mautz, for a history of whom see sketch of Philip A. Mautz in another part of this volume. After marriage our subject settled with his wife on the place where he now resides. He owns and operates one hundred and forty-two acres of land, which is in first class condition, bearing excellent improvements.
Mr. and Mrs. Galster have had nine children, eight of whom are living. They are Rosene M., George M., Barbara, Rebecca. Elizabeth, Jacob P. F., Anna C. W., John William and Samuel E. C. The children are all vigorous and intelligent young people, who promise to be the pride and comfort of their parents in their declining years. Politically our subject is a Democrat. He has held the office of Town Collector for five years, and the confidence that his townsmen have in his judgment and ability, is evinced by the fact that he has been elected to the position of School Director for several years. Mr. Galster was, some years ago, the victim of an accident which has made him a cripple for life. While riding he was thrown from his horse, and his foot being so firmly fixed in the stirrup as to prevent his shaking it loose, he was dragged for some distance and broke his leg in two places. He with his wife and family are members of the Evangelical Church.
Extracted 07 Apr 2017 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 219-220.
