Representative George Chauncey Shipman View All Years
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George Chauncey Shipman
Muscatine County
West Liberty, first came to Muscatine County in 1853. He was born in Marietta, Ohio, January 17, 1824, and is a son of William H. and Mary Ann ( Edgerton ) Shipman, the latter a native of Connecticut, and the former of Marietta, Ohio, but of New England descent. George remained in the family until sixteen years of age, receiving his education in the common schools, supplemented by one year's attendance at Marietta Academy. When he arrived at the age mentioned he secured a situation as clerk in a mercantile establishment, where he remained until he attained his majority. In the spring of 1853 Mr. Shipman was united in marriage with Miss Malissa B. Stone, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Samuel Stone. Believing the fair State of Iowa a far better country, the young couple resolved to move to this " beautiful land," and in the fall succeeding their marriage came to Muscatine County, where Mr. Shipman purchased 200 acres of land in Goshen Township. On this farm they resided until 1862, when the step-father of Mr. Shipman having died, he returned with his family to Ohio, and lived on his mother's farm until 1867, when he again came back, sold his farm and moved into West Liberty. On coming to West Liberty he engaged in the grain trade, in which he continued for two years. He then embarked in the grocery and provision business, continuing in that line for another two years. In the fall of 1870 he was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace. Not long after the arrival of Mr. Shipman in this county, his neighbors discovered the worth of the man, and he was nominated and elected a member of the House of Representatives of the 8th General Assembly. He was re-elected and served as a member of the 9th General Assembly. During his first term he served as a member of the military committee with N. B. Baker, who gained great reputation as Adjutant General of the State during the Rebellion. In the 9th Assembly he was Chairman of the committee on township and county organization. He was present at the special session called on the outbreak of the Civil War, voting for every measure calculated to facilitate enlistments and preserve the honor of the State. Previous to the first election to the General Assembly, he served as Township Assessor in 1855, and in 1857 was elected and served as County Assessor. In his church relations Mr. Shipman is also a Presbyterian and a Trustee of the church at West Liberty. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was Secretary of Mt. Calvary Lodge No.95, A. F. & .A. M., and also Secretary of Liberty Chapter No.79, R. A. M. Politically he is a Republican. He is Secretary of the School Board and held a like position in the Fair Association of West Liberty.
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