GILTNER

     A. M. Giltner, one of Iowa's early Legislators, came to Mont. County from Monroe County in 1882 to buy land for each of his sons.

     John M. Giltner, one of his sons, acquired the present Giltner farm in Pilot Grove Township in 1886. He was married to Bessie Byers in Albia on April 20, 1886. Following their wedding they came to Red Oak on the main line of the C. B. & Q., and on to Elliott on the north branch. They spent nearly 50 years on this farm, moving to Red Oak just prior to celebrating their 50th Anniversary.  After they retired their son, John D. lived on the farm and operated it.

     The Giltner's improved the land and built the first frame barn between Elliott and Grant. It is interesting to note that the sills were morticed and pegged with wooden pegs. This barn is still in use today.

      John M. and Bessie were parents of 6 children. Josephine Giltner Horne, deceased; Rebecca (Reba) Giltner Manker, of Delhi, Indiana; Paul M. Giltner of Mesa Arizona; John D. Giltner, of Red Oak, Iowa; Frances Giltner Elvidge, of St. Petersburg, Florida; and Elizabeth (Beth) Giltner, deceased.

     Three of the children married early Elliott vicinity families. Reba married Orville Paul Manker, who became a Methodist minister. Paul married Ruby Westerlund, whose parents, John and Emily lived in Pilot Grove Township. John D. married Mabel Powell, daughter of O. J. and Mary Powell of Elliott.

      John and Bessie were active in the Pilot Grove Church. John was Sunday School Superintendent for 25 years. Bessie had the reputation of being a good Sunday School teacher.

     The family farm is now owned by John D. Giltner and is operated by his son, John Giltner, Jr.