Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 96, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 August 1909 — GRANDFATHER J. M. GWIN WAS NINETY-ONE YESTERDAY. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

GRANDFATHER J. M. GWIN WAS NINETY-ONE YESTERDAY.

Oldest Man In Jasper County Enjoying Excellent Health—Helped Elect 12 Out of 18 Presidents.

Grandfather J. M. Gwin, of Rensselaer, perhaps the oldest man in Jasper county, celebrated his ninety-first birthday yesterday.

Mr. Gwin is the oldest man in Jasper county as far as known. Uncle John Makeever, of Rensselaer, comes next, being one year and four months younger that Mr. Gwin. Grandmother Antrim, of Rensselaer, is older than Mr. Gwin by two years.

Grandfather Gwin was born in Wayne county, Ind., August 19, 1818. He moved to Jasper county in September, 1852, and has resided here since that time, making his home on a farm until the death of his wife eleven years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Gwin raised eleven children, all living until after their marriage. Seven of the children are still living. They are J. C. Gwin, of Rensselaer; J. P. Gwin, of McCoysburg; E. W. Gwin, of Dakota; Mrs. Damarias Mundon, of Hancock county, Ind.; Mrs. Samantha McDaniel, of McCoysburg; Mrs. Celestia Parker, of Fair Oaks, and Mrs. Emmat F. Sears, of Hersher, 111.

Grandfather Gwin has helped elect 12 out of 18 presidents. His first vote for president was cast for Gen. William Henry Harrison in 1840, who w r as running on the Whig ticket, and upon the organization of the Republican party he voted that ticket and has voted for every Republican candidate since.

The picture of Grandfather Gwin printed above was taken eight years ago and is a good likeness of him today, with the exception of the beard, which he no longer wears. He sat for a new picture on his ninety-first birthday and this will appear in the Republican at some future date.

GRANDFATHER J. M. GWIN.