G. THOMPSON FORSYTH, PLEASANT TOWNSHIP

"This well known and substantial farmer of Pleasant township has been one of its residents for a quarter of a century, and therefore is entitled to a place in the honored ranks of the county's pioneers. Born February 9, 1856, in Wapello county, Iowa, he is the son of George and Rachel (Edgar) Forsyth, his parents being pioneers of that section of the State. The mother was a native of Illinois, and the father of County Downs, Ireland. The latter immigrated to the United States in 1842, and first settled in Westmoreland county, Pa., whose population has always had a large Irish element.

"George Forsyth, the father of our subject, came to Wapello county, Iowa, in the year 1851, his journey being accomplished entirely by boat -- via the Ohio, Mississippi and Missouri (sic) rivers. With the family came also John Forsyth, the grandfather, who died in that county. The father lived there for thirty years, as a successful and respected cultivator of the soil, and in 1881 came to Pleasant township to continue his life of usefulness. Here he resided until his death in July, 1902, and his wife followed him in December 1904. They were both firm members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Forsyth, besides being an active religious worker took quite an interest in the public affairs of the township and served for a number of years as a justice of the peace. Seven sons and three daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. George Forsyth, all of whom are living except Frank, who died in 1906, three residing in Cass County.

"G. Thompson Forsyth, our subject, reached the maturity of an intelligent, vigorous young manhood in Wapello county, and when twenty-five years of age accompanied his parents and other members of the family to Pleasant township. After assisting in the early improvement of the homestead, he spent two years in Oregon and Washington, and has since resided in this locality as a successful farmer and a progressive citizen.

"In 1889 Mr. Forsyth was united in marriage with Lottie Grinnell, a sister of W. J. Grinnell, whose father was one of the pioneer farmers of the township. Her parents, Thomas B. and Frances A. (Morrison) Grinnell, were natives of New York and in 1870 located on their farm in Pleasant township. There the mother died in 1880 and the father in 1894, leaving six children, three of thom are still residents of this county.

"Mr. and Mrs. G. T. Forsyth have become the parents of Leon G., Frank L., Earl T. and Lottie G. The family are identified with Presbyterianism. Mr. Forsyth is a member of the Court of Honor, and no citizen of the township is more highly respected for his good qualities of head and heart."

From the book "Compendium of History and Biography of Cass County, IA"
published by Henry Taylor and Company, Chicago 1906