On Saturday evening at his home in Cedar Rapids (sic) occurred the death of Dr. M. Garst, one of the pioneers of Boone county. Mr. Garst resided on the old homestead south of the city for years, where now stands the new, Eleanor Moore hospital. The remains were shipped to Madrid and brought from the latter place to this city in a hearse. The funeral took place at 4 o'clock, Monday afternoon, at Linwood cemetery where brief services were held. The pall bearers were A.J. Barkley, S.I. Moore, D.F. Goodykoontz and C.S. Mason.
Dr. M. Garst was born in Botetourt county, Virginia, June 17th, 1815. The first eighteen years of his life was spent in acquiring an education in his native state. In 1833 he removed to Dayton, Ohio, where he commenced the study of medicine with his brother, Dr. Silas Garst. He attended the college lectures at the Jefferson Medical College, in Philadelphia. He graduated from this school on March 15, 1837. After graduation he returned to Dayton and engaged in his profession. He soon removed to Champaign county, Illinois, and here engaged in the real estate business with much success. Before the war he entered the Seventy First Illinois regiment and in 1858 came to Boone county. He returned to Champaign but in 1866 returned to Boone.
He was married to Miss Maria Morrison on the 5th day of May, 1840. She died on August 21st 1873, leaving eight children, one of whom Charles E. died while a missionary. The other children living are Morrison Garst, Illinois, Edward Garst, Coon Rapids; Mrs. Laura Kennard, Champaign, Perry Garst, Commander of the United States ship Terror, Warren Garst, State Senator, Coon Rapids, Julius, who is now in the east and Mrs. Mary E. Wells of Des Moines.