University of Virginia Library

GEORGE GARST

George Garst, in his day, one of the most widely
known of Roanoke County's citizenship, was born in
Franklin County, Virginia, November 15th, 1821,
being a son of Jacob
and Tamsy Garst. He
was one of five children
born to them, there
being three sons and
two daughters.

As a young man he
chose to be a miller by
trade, and began life at
the Bonbrook Mills in
Franklin County. He
then located at the
Deyerle Mill in
Roanoke County, some
three or four miles
southwest of Big Lick,
now Roanoke. After
some years he became
the owner of this valuable
mill property which
is still operated by his son, Jacob Garst.

He married first, Mary Ann Linkenhoker, and to
them five children were born: Elizabeth, who died at
eighteen years; John Henry, who left home soon after
Lee's surrender and was never heard from; Taylor,
who died last year in Patrick County; Fannie, married
Jacob Bittenger, resides in Chicago; Julia, married
Ballard P. Linkenhoker. His wife died May 21st,
1854.

George Garst married secondly, Mary Frances
Lockett on June 14th, 1855. To this union ten
children were born as follows: Jacob Benjamin; Jane
Anne, married to W. T. Lockett, now deceased; Forest
J. and Jack, who reside at Boone Mill, Franklin County,
Virginia; Susan Mildred, married to George Haislip;
Charles William, resides in Botetourt County, Virginia;
Eliza K. Neal, married to James A. Peters, resides in
Roanoke; Maggie Lewis, married to W. C. Leslie,
both deceased; Robert L. died in Alabama, and
Frank Garst, the latter residing with his mother at
the old home place.

Jacob Benjamin Garst, who married Sue Peters,
has a most interesting family of eleven children, there
being eight daughters and three sons. He operates
the Garst Mill, and a large tomato canning establishment,
and resides in a modern home near the mill.

Frank Garst married Julia Sink of Franklin County,
and seven shildren have been born to this union,
two of whom are dead. Beside the numerous living
children of the late George Garst, who died July 3d,
1890, he is survived by a large number of grandchildren
and great grandchildren.

The family has been prominent in the development
of Roanoke County for more than half a century.