Transcribed by Denise McLoughlin
Tampico Area Historical Society
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com

Page 536

GEORGE GUNKEL

George GUNKEL, Sheffield, was bornin Butler County, Ohio, October 16, 1814. His is the son of John and Catherine (BEAKLER) GUNKEL, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Mr. George GUNKEL was reared on a farm in his native county, in Ohio, til about the age of seventeen years, when he began learning the trade of millwright, and served his aprenticesdhip, and afterward followed his trade for about nine years. He then began carpentering, and continued in the same business till after coming to this county. About the time of reaching his majority he left his native State, and for two years resided in Carroll County, Ind., and then in Tippecanoe County, where he continued to reside till coming to this county in 1856.

In 1857 he erected for himself a business house at Sheffield, and began in the mercantile business, and has continued without intermission in the same since, and is now the oldest business man in Sheffield. When he first began business there were but five other business houses here except saloons. Besides the general store, he has also been engaged in the lumber business for a number of years. His son, D.A. is his partner in business.

He was married, February 24, 1837, in Indiana, to Sarah ISLEY, who was born near Dayton, Ohio. Her parents were natives of Virginia, and also of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. GUNKEL have two  children living, viz.: Daniel A. and Mrs. Catherine A. BOYDEN, wife of Charles H. BOYDEN, of Sheffield.