BENJAMIN H. GATTON
Page 165

Mr. Gatton was born in Kentucky in 1808, and with his parents removed to Morgan county, (now Cass), Illinois, in 1824. For an idea of the homes and surroundings of the settlers of Central Illinois, fifty-two years ago, we refer the reader to the "Sketch of the Early History of Illinois," in another part of this book. From Morgan he removed to Mason county, May 1, 1841. His business has been, dealer in grain and general merchandise, at the village of Bath, and so prominently has Mr. Gatton been identified with that town that his biography is substantially a history of the same. Mr. Gatton was the first post-master there on the establishment of that office in 1842. He has been succeeded by the following gentlemen, though not perhaps in the precise order named, to-wit: John S. Wilbourn, J. M. Beesley, --- Patterson, Joseph A. Phelps, --- Moseley, John E. Nelms, W. J. Odle, and Isaac N. Weir, the present incumbent. Mr. G. erected the second house in Bath, and has since been closely identified with the place; was at Beardstown in 1831, when that city had scarcely an embryo existence, and during his brief sojourn there, served as a justice of the peace. He was at Bath when the first survey of block fifteen was made by ex-President Lincoln. A cabin stood on the shore of the river, and was occupied by a Mr. Carey. The old house still is in existence, sided up over the log walls, and is still occupied as a residence. A Mr. Smith, a brother of the well-known Marcus A. Smith, of Sny Carte, was the first county commissioner from this locality. In 1849 Mr. G. went to California, and again in 1853, making these journeys overland. He was first married in 1827, and the second marriage in 1835, and again, ten years later, or 1845, and in 1853 to his present companion. The official positions of the subject of this sketch have been as various as might be expected from a man of his abilities, his extended and somewhat varied experience, and the numerous vicissitudes of a long and active life. In addition to his position as first postmaster of the town where he still resides, he served in the State militia as Major--the date of the appointment was in 1843-an appellation which has ever adhered to him, and by which he is still most familiarly known. He has served in all those minor offices of school, township, corporation and county, and as grand juror in the United States Courts. In politics, Major Gatton was at an early date identified with the Whig party, and when "requiescat in pace" was inscribed on the mausoleum of that once invincible organization, he took a position in the ranks of the Democratic party. In all the varied experiences of the above hastily sketched life, its possessor has been peculiarly fortunate. He has been fortunate in the possession of a well-balanced mind of great vigor; fortunate in the possession of a fine physical organization and excellent health; also, in the habit of befriending all, and having all for his friends. Though now his years are nearly three score and ten, he retains the appearance and activity of those twenty years his junior. The hand of time has touched him lightly.

Biography Index

Home