Lewis Publishing Company, 1904

Transcribed from the original book by Kristin J. Vaughn © 2008

William M. Gilmore Page 584 William M. Gilmore, proprietor of the Gilmore fine stock farm, is extensively engaged in the raising of Chester White hogs and Southdown sheep. Through his business activity he has contributed not only to his individual success, but also to the prosperity of the county, for by raising fine stock he has also advanced the prices paid and thus the entire county has benefited thereby. He has resided in Jefferson county since 1877, and his business ability and enterprise have made him one of the substantial citizens of this part of the state. Mr. Gilmore was born in Harrison county, Ohio, near Cadiz on the 17th of August, 1837, and belonged to an early family of that part of the state. His father, Cyrus Gilmore, was born in the east and was a son of William Gilmore, who removed to the west in 1797 when blazed trees were used to mark the way. One of the Gilmores was an officer in the war of 1812, serving under General Harrison and was also with Commodore Perry at the battle of Lake Champlain. Another member of the family served in the Revolutionary war. The family is of Scotch extraction and of Protestant faith. Cyrus Gilmore, the father, married Miss Hannah Moore, who was born on the 13th of April, 1813, in Harrison county, Ohio, and was a daughter of William Moore, who died in Cadiz, Ohio, at the age of sixty-six years. In order to provide for his family Cyrus Gilmore followed the occupation of farming. He gave his political allegiance to the Democracy and died at the age of seventy-two years. His wife, who is a consistent member of the Baptist church, is now living in Illinois at the age of ninety years. Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Gilmore were the parents of nine children, five sons and four daughters, of whom six are living. William M. Gilmore was reared in Harrison county, Ohio, upon the home farm, and early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. His education was acquired in the public schools and in the fall of 1857 he removed to Marshall county, Illinois, where he was employed at farm labor for some time. During the period of the Civil war, however, he put aside all business and personal considerations in order to espouse the cause of the Union and enlisted in August, 1862, as a member of Battalion A, of the Third Regiment of Light Artillery, under command of Captain D.F. Vaughn. The regiment went into camp at Camp Butler, Springfield, Illinois, and thence was ordered south to Jackson, Tennessee. Mr. Gilmore participated in an engagement with General Forrest's troops at Bolivar, Tennessee, and was on duty in guarding railroad bridges until the 4th of July, 1863, when he went to Helena, Arkansas. Later he fought the troops under General Price at Arkansas Post, and he was captured at Little Rock, Arkansas. Subsequently he took part in the battle at Prairie Du Ann, and at Condoin, Arkansas, and later returned to Little Rock. He participated in the battle of Duvalls Bluff and in two engagements near the railroad in that vicinity. He was also in other important engagements of note in Arkansas and saw active service in the arrest and pursuit of prisoners. He faced many of the hardships of war, and when hostilities were over was honorably discharged and returned to his home. He was a lieutenant of the company and made for himself a gallant record as an officer. On the 30th of November, 1865, Mr. Gilmore was united in marriage to Miss Mary Campbell, who has been a devoted wife and helpmate to him. She was reared in Illinois for twelve years and attended the public schools there. Her father, Aaron Lyle Campbell, was born near Uniontown, Ohio, and was of Scotch parentage. He married Miss Mamie McAdam, a daughter or George McAdam, who was a soldier of the war of 1812. On leaving the Buckeye state Mrs. Gilmore's parents removed to Illinois and the father died at Ford county, that state, at the age of seventy-two years. He was a farmer by occupation and always carried on agricultural pursuits in order to provide for his family. His political allegiance was given to the Republican party, and in religious faith he was a Presbyterian and served as an elder of the church. His widow still survives him and is now living in Lewiston, Illinois, at the age of eighty-five years. In the family were seven children, six of whom, two sons and four daughters, reached years of maturity. Mr. Gilmore removed from Illinois to Nebraska in 1877, and settled upon his present farm twenty-four years ago. He has two hundred and eighty acres of fine land, constituting one of the best improved farms in this portion of the state. Upon his place is a good house, a very extensive barn, a fine orchard, good groves and, in fact, all modern improvements, representing an investment of thirty-five hundred dollars. He raises Chester White hogs and has won many premiums at the state fairs. He also raises Southdown sheep. In his business he has been very successful owing to his unremitting industry, laudable ambition and well directed efforts. To Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore have been born thirteen children: Hetta E., who is a successful teacher in the public schools of Fairbury; Deda M., who is also engaged in teaching in Fairbury; James C.; Edward D.; Charles E.; Ella M.; Luletta E.; Ella M.; Garfield; Wallie Birney; Harry; Pearl; and John V. One of the sons, Edward Gilmore, was a soldier of the Spanish-American war, serving with the Second Nebraska Regiment under command of Colonel A.J. Bills and Captain McDonald. Mr. Gilmore is a stanch Republican in his political views and has served as a member of the school board. He also belongs to Russell Post, G.A.R., of Fairbury, and he and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian church. He has a wide acquaintance in the county where he has now lived for more than a quarter of a century, and where he has so directed his efforts as to overcome all difficulties and obstacles in his path and work his way steadily upward to success.