JOSEPH
W. GAUNT, stock and grain dealer, New Grand Chain. The growth and prosperity
of a whole country, or even a small hamlet, depend largely, if not
altogether, upon the character of the men who make up its population. While
nature gives to some localities special advantages over others, the genius
and enterprise of man often times turns the scales to the advantage of the
least favored in this direction. Hence we now see large and prosperous
cities throughout our land, which in the days of their infancy were
compelled to struggle against the greatest of natural disadvantages, are now
the centers of the trade world, and are connected with points in all
directions by rail, water and telegraph. The little village which suddenly
springs up in the wilderness, requires the tenderest of care. It has no
churches, schools, mills, stores, or anything which would kindly say to it.
Thou shalt live and prosper. The enterprise and energy of its citizens are
loudly called for, and the results of the earnest endeavors of those who
respond thereto are plainly seen in its near future. The subject of this
sketch, Mr. Joseph W. Gaunt, a portrait of whom will be found elsewhere in
this work, is a man whose life has been made up of ambition, industry and
perseverance. The village of New Grand Chain owes two-thirds of her present
buildings to his enterprising efforts in her behalf, and he has otherwise
contributed largely to her success and material growth. He is a Kentuckian
by birth, Hopkins County, that State, being his native county. He was born
May 23, 1827, to Thomas and Maria (Mott) Gaunt, both of whom were natives of
Virginia. They had been raised together as children, one's father having
married the other's mother. Thomas Gaunt was a carpenter by trade, but in
after years was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He died in 1847. He
participated in the battle of New Orleans, under Jackson. His wife had died
some years previously. Their married life had been blessed with ten
children, five of whom yet survive — John M., Joseph W., Christopher,
Ambrose G. and R. M. Our subject obtained some schooling in his native
county, and his parents, when he was young, removing to Pulaski County,
Ill., permitted him to attend the schools here for some time. He chose
farming for an occupation in early life, and was thus engaged for several
years. Boating upon the river afterward claimed his attention for about six
years, and about 1861, he went to merchandising in Old Grand Chain, and was
in the business for some time. He took in his brother as a partner and the
business was continued, until a disastrous fire swept away everything in
1865. Having no insurance, they sustained a total loss. They built another
store, however, and the business was continued by them until their disposal
of it shortly afterward to Bartleson & Steers, when our subject retired from
active business for awhile. When the railroad was built, he came to New
Grand Chain and erected a large store, and also shortly afterward a fine
residence. He re-engaged in merchandising and continued it until March,
1883, at which date he sold out to Bartleson & Porter, since which he has
been interested in various enterprises, and at present gives his attention
to stock and wheat, which he buys for the market. He also owns several
pieces of land, in all about 285 acres. He was first married to Caroline
Hall, who bore him five children, two of whom are living — Maria and
Geogianna. The former married R. B. Brown, and the latter T. E. Berry. His
second marriage was with Margaret Ray, widow of Calvin Ray, of Kentucky. His
third marriage was with Addie Copeland. This union has been blessed with
three children, two of whom are living — Fred and Joseph. Mr. Gaunt is a
member of the K. of H., and also the Good Templars. Politically, he is a
Democrat.
Extracted 02 Nov 2014 by Norma Hass from 1883 History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part V - Biographical Sketches, pages 304-305.
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Massac McCracken KY |
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