Simon G. GARY

Simon G. GARY, Sheriff of Cowley County, Kan., was born in Lewisburg, Champaign County, Ohio, February 5, 1837; is the son of Joseph F. and Martha Gary. His father died on the 18th day of August, 1850. Five years later, his mother, with her family of four children, moved to Mabaska, Iowa, where the subject of this sketch commenced work at the trade he had previously acquired, that of carpenter, which he followed until the commencement of the war, when he enlisted in Company H, Third Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He took part in the engagements of Blue Mills, Mo., September 17, 1861, of Pittsburg Landing April 6 and 7, 1862, siege of Corinth and Vicksburg, battles of Hatchie and Jackson, and the many other engagements of his command.

He was wounded at Pittsburg Landing in the left shin; at the Hatchie in the left shoulder; on board the steamer Crescent City near Greenville, Miss., in the ankle; at Jackson, Miss., July 12, l863, in left thigh. He enlisted in the army as a private. Five months later, was promoted to First Sergeant; in February, 1862, to Second Lieutenant; in October, 1862, to First Lieutenant, and in March, 1863, to Captain of his company, which commission he held until the close of his term of service. Was mustered out on the 18th day of July, 1864, and returned to Iowa, where he engaged in farming for ten years. In 1877, he came to Kansas, and located at Winfield, where he engaged in the manufacture of furniture. In February, 1883, he was appointed Sheriff of Cowley County to fill a vacancy caused by the death of Sheriff A. T. Shinnamin.

Mr. G. was married January 1, 1865, to Miss Mary E. Hunt, daughter of Abraham and Mahala Hunt. They have four children - John W. (who died February 25, 1871, was born April 29, 1868). There are living Leota (born February 6, 1866), George Gordon (born January 14, 1872), Mabel Grace (born August 19, 1875). Mr. G. is a member of the A. O. U. W. Lodge, No. 18. While residing in Iowa, he held the office of Justice of the Peace. Was twice Assessor of his township. Was Postmaster, and was County Supervisor two terms. Was Deputy United States Marshal for the purpose of taking United States census for six townships of Mahaska County, Iowa, in 1870. He was a member of the Eleventh General Assembly in 1865 and 1866. Has been a member of the City Council of the city of Winfield, Kan., for two years.