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Storefront detail on Main Street

Brothers George “Wesley " Gaumer and Harvey Emmor Gaumer overcame early adversity to jointly own and operate the Gaumer Bros. Drug Store for many years in Fairfield, IA, seen at lower right in this image. The pair were sons of James Buchanan and Anna Viloma (Bales) Gaumer of the family of Daniel and Elizabeth (Korns) Gaumer.

Wesley went to work in young manhood for the Shriner and Swayse drug store on the northwest corner of the town square in Fairfield. He graduated in 1906 from the Highland Park School of Pharmacy in Des Moines, just a few months after his father was struck and killed by a moving Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad freight train.

"After getting his degree," reported a newspaper, Wesley "worked for a drug firm in Bloomfield for two years. He was located in Ottumwa for two years and in other communities before he returned to Fairfield in 1914 when he and his brother, Harvey..., purchased the Eaton and Israel Drug Store on the south side of the Square. After two years the store was moved to 113 W. Broadway where the Walker Office Supply Store is now located. In 1932 the store was moved to its present location on the northwest corner of the square."

In all, Wesley worked at the store for 54 years and held memberships in the First United Methodist Church, Elks Club and Izaak Walton League. At his death in 1968, a newspaper called him "one of Fairfield's oldest business men before his recent retirement... Although he had been in failing health the past few months, his death was sudden and unexpected."

Harvey was only 14 years of age at their father’s tragic death. He went on to graduate in 1912 from Fairfield High School as president of his class. Two years later, he joined his older brother in purchasing the Eaton and Israel Drug Store. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War I. Harvey was elected to the Fairfield School Board in 1937 to fill a vacant seat and was re-elected in 1938. He passed away in 1970.

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