Background
Gurney was born in Massachusetts, and moved to Iowa about 1852.
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Charles Gurney
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During the American Civil War, he enlisted in the Union army, serving with the 3rd Iowa Infantry, and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. After the war, he opened his first nursery, Hesperian Nurseries, in 1866 in Monticello, Iowa. The business remained in Monticello until 1882, when the business was moved to Dixon County, Nebraska.
After realizing the trade potential in towns near rivers, Gurney moved Hesperian Nurseries to Yankton, South Dakota, in 1897.
Gurney’s seven sons were very involved in the family seed business. The company listed products on a generic price list for mailing purposes.
In 1910, Gurney’s published its first large seed and nursery catalog with a full-color cover. In 1919, Gurney’s son Deloss Butler Gurney ("Data Base") became head
The company diversified and grew quickly.
By 1924, Gurney"s Seed was one of the largest in the world, receiving orders from 46 of the 48 states and many foreign countries. Charles Gurney"s grandson, John Chandler Gurney (son of Data Base), was United States. Senator from South Dakota from 1939 to 1951.
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Born
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Died
March 25, 1913 (aged 73) -
Nationality
American