George J. Anstey was born in Monmouthshire, England on October 24, 1858. He was the son of John and Elizabeth (Lloyd) Anstey.

George came to the United States in 1877 and settled in Wisconsin. He was educated in England and was a stock breeder there prior to migrating to the United States where he continued that endeavor. He later moved on west and settled in Cass County, Iowa. There he purchased 880 acres for cattle breeding and dealt in Registered Herford Cattle.

Obituary:

George J. Anstey, widely known Cass County Cattle Breeder, died at his home six miles southwest of Massena. Death was due to a fall and his advanced age. He was born October 14, 1858 at Whitehall, near Newport, England, a son of John and Elizabeth Anstey. He came to America at the age of 16 locating in Wisconsin, where he lived before coming to Iowa.

On November 2, 1885 he was married to Miss Ada Louise Alway of Canada who departed this life May 8, 1940. To them eleven children were born, four preceded their father in death, George, Ada, Elizabeth and Lloyd. Those living are two sons, Charles and James and one daughter Nell at home another son John of Massena. Three other daughters, Mrs. Florence Spiese of Anita, Mrs. Kathleen Kordick of Des Moines, and Mrs. Mae Dunn of Roseville, California. Two brothers, Fred of Prescott, Iowa and Arthur in England. He also leaves 44 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and many other relatives.

He entered the business of raising Hereford cattle and is credited with having played a big part in developing and popularizing the breed. Mr. Anstey judged at the National and International shows. Illness had stifled his activity in recent years but the business has been carried on by his two sons, Charles and James who were his partners.

Funeral services were held at St. Timothy's Catholic Church at Reno at 10 a.m. Monday conducted by Father Maskin of Reno, assisted by Father Morgan of Massena and Father Dower. Interment was in Calvary cemetery at Reno.

Active pallbearers were Harry Jordan, Glen Eblen, Fred Mills, James McLaren, James Cullen, Mike Wolf. Honorary pallbearers were Wray Wilson, Carl Zellmer, William Sweeney, C.W. Sullery, W. A. McKee and Charles Malone.