Gysbert was born on the 27th of August 1837, to Gysbert and Lena (Kamp) Steenhoek in the Netherlands. His father died before he was born. His mother later married Simon Simons. Gysbert spent his boyhood years in the city of Old Beyerland (Oud Beijerland), Zuid Holland, near the Maas River South of Rotterdam about 40 miles, and received the benefits of an education.

He emigrated to this country, at the age of 19, with the Simons family, in the spring of 1856 and settled in Marion County and engaged in farming. He was able to purchase his first farm at the age of 22.

Gysbert enlisted in the 17th Iowa Infantry Volunteers, Company "H" on the first of February 1862. He evidently was promoted to corporal early in his enlistment but he became sick at Keokuk, Iowa. He stayed at the U.S.A. General Hospital, in Keokuk, from April 11, 1862 to April 17, 1863. From Aug. 1, 1862 to Apr. 17, 1863 he was attached to hospital and employed as a nurse and for a period as a cook. During this time his unit reduced him in rank because he was not with them to fulfill his duties.

After rejoining his company, during Grant's campaign to capture Vicksburg, Gysbert took part in the battles of Raymond, Jackson, (May 14, 1863), Champion's Hill, (May 16, 1863) as well as, Fort Hill, Miss. (June 25, 1863) where he was severely wounded. He was in the hospitals of Memphis, Tennessee and Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. He was discharged from the Army at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., May 2, 1864.

He later mustered out at Davenport, Iowa in May 1865.

He married Miss Hendrika 'Henrietta' Klyn on the 18th of July 1865. Henrietta was a native of the Netherlands and was born on the 9th of February 1846. Gysbert and Henrietta had 14 children. 13 of who lived to adulthood. Gysbert and Henrietta attended the Third Reformed Church of Pella

Gysbert owned a fine farm of 179 acres, which was, located Northwest of Pella, in Lake Prairie Township. He held office as Road Supervisor, one term, and School Director of the Battle Ridge School for five years.

When he retired, Gysbert and Henrietta moved to Pella where they had a home on Washington Street.