Gideon P. Marner, M. D.—Success in any profession, in any line of occupation, is not a matter of spontaneity, but represents the result of the application of definite suggestive forces and the controlling of objective agencies in such a way as to achieve desired ends. As a member of the Medical profession Dr. Marner has enjoyed for many years a reputation which well exemplifies the truth of the foregoing statements. Gideon P. Marner is a native of Pennsylvania and was born in Johnstown on Jan. 4, 1856, a son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Penrod) Marner. Jacob Marner, the first of the family to settle in America, was of German descent, born in Switzerland, and a farmer and preacher of the Amish faith. He came to Johnstown when nineteen years of age, lived to advanced age, and became a citizen of influence. Jonathan, his son, and father of Dr. Marner, was born and reared in Johnstown, Pa. He also became a farmer. He married Elizabeth Penrod, born in Johnstown, the daughter of a native of England, who came to the United States when a youth of nineteen. In 1866 Jonathan Marner removed his family to Iowa, and located on land he had bought near Iowa City. He resided there until his death, in 1909. His wife had preceded him in death, in 1905.

Gideon P. Marner acquired his early education in the district school of Iowa. He assisted his father on the farm until reaching his majority, when he began his independent career. Accepting such employment as offered he was able to work his way through the university preparatory school at Iowa City. He then engaged in teaching, his vacation periods finding him employed as a carpenter. Subsequently he entered the medical department of Iowa University and was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, in the class of 1883. He was engaged in practice in Frank-Pierce, Iowa, until 1885, when he came to Kansas, locating in Morganville, Clay county, where he remained until coming to Marion, in 1892. As a physician and surgeon he is recognized as among the leading men of his calling in central Kansas and enjoys a large practice. He is also known as one of Marion county's most progressive and public spirited citizens. He has served as coroner of the county four terms and for the past eight years as county health officer. Since his early experience as a teacher he has taken a keen interest in educational matters. He served as a member of the school board in Morganville for six years. On coming to Marion he desired to become a member of its school board and succeeded in being elected. He was made president during his first term and delivered an address and presented the diplomas to graduating class of 1905, of which his two daughters were members. He has served six years and as president three years. He is local surgeon of the Chicago, Rcok[sic] Island & Pacific railroad and the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad. In 1910 he served as an associate in his practice Dr. J. F. Coffman, Jr. In 1910 they established, in connection with a spacious office, a private hospital and furnished the institution with modern equipment. It has five rooms for patients, a laboratory and operating room, and is a credit to its founders and the city of Marion. Dr. Marner is a member of the Marion County Medical and the Kansas State Medical societies and the American Medical Association, the Santa Fe and the Rock Island Surgical societies and the National Association of Railway Surgeons. He is also a member of Center Lodge, No. 147, Free and Accepted Masons of Marion, the Modern Woodmen of America and McPherson Lodge, No. 502, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His reputation as a lover of out-door life is widespread. He has made frequent trips to the north woods and mountains of the West in search of big game and got it. He is also a disciple of Isaac Walton. He is, probably, Marion county's most enthusiastic sportsman and finds in this life recreation from the cares of his large practice. In common with most Kansans he is fond of the automobile and an expert driver.

Dr. Marner married, on June 27, 1883, Miss Louise Merling of Iowa City, Iowa. They are the parents of one son and two daughters: Omar Marner, a retail lumber dealer of Bakersfield, Col.; Miss Zoe Marner, engaged in professional nursing, and Eulah Marner, the wife of Harry Rogers of Marion, Kan.