Untitled Document

Osmyn E. Gilbert

Osmyn E. Gilbert , a farmer of Edford Township , has been a resident of Henry County since 1845. He was born in the town of Italy , Ontario Co. , N. Y., Dec. 12, 1828 . Joseph O. Gilbert, his father, was born in Bristol , in the same county. He was converted in early life and joined the Baptist Church . He fitted himself for the duties of a ministerial life, and was licensed to preach in Jamestown , in his native county. His wife, the mother of Mr. Gilbert of this narration, was named Speedy M. Tayler previous to her marriage. She was born in the town of Middlesex , in a part of the county of Ontario , now included in the county of Yates . She was born Aug. 24, 1819 . Her father was a native of Connecticut , and her mother was born in Massachusetts . They were pioneers of Ontario County .

The parents of Mr. Gilbert removed when he was a child of about two years to Mt. Morris in the same county, and a year later they went to Chautauqua County , in the State of New York , and were resident there two years. In 1833 they went to the State of Michigan , and settled near the present site of Manchester , in Washtenaw County . They were the very first settlers in that neighborhood, and were 18 miles distant from any white settlers. Indians and wild game were abundant. The first home there was a log cabin of the smallest dimensions possible for their accommodation, and as soon as possible the father built a hewed-log house of a quality to make ample amends for all former inconvenience. After the transfer of his interests to Michigan , the senior Gilbert changed his religious views and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he became a preacher. The family remained in the Peninsular State until the year named as that in which they removed to Henry County –1845.

The first winter was passed in Cambridge , and in the following year they located in the town of Colona . After a residence there of 12 years, they went to Edford Township , and there bought a farm on section 18. Soon after fixing his residence in Edford Township , Mr. Gilbert was called to the Pastorship of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Rock Island . Later he filled the charge of Pastor of the Church in Moline . He held the position in both places as long as the rules of the Church permitted, and afterwards preached in various places. At the time of his death, which transpired Feb. 14, 1863 , he lived at Kewanee. His widow still survives him, and she lives with her son.

The latter lived with his parents until his father became Pastor of the Church in Rock Island , and then took charge of the farm. Later, he bought land adjoining, on section 17, and he has continued his operations as an agriculturist until he takes rank with the leading farmers in Henry County . His estate now contains 320 acres of land, and he has a dairy of considerable dimensions, which business he is prosecuting with reasonable success. In 1878 Mr. Gilbert purchased an interest in the Green River Cheese Factory, and in 1884 he became the sole proprietor. The capacity of the enterprise is arranged for the use of the milk of nearly 300 cows, and the product finds ready market in the cities which are within easy reach.

Mr. Gilbert has been twice married. Elizabeth Bartlett became his wife, in September, 1848. She was a native of Chemung Co., N.Y., and her death occurred May 20, 1863 . She had borne six children. Four are now living, viz.: Mariam is the wife of Palmer Stafford, of Colona Township ; Mortimer lives in Richardson Co., Neb. ; Addie is the wife of D. P. Allen, and they are residents of Carroll Co., Iowa ; Joseph E. lives in Richardson Co., Neb. July 20, 1864 , Mr. Gilbert contracted a second marriage with Fannie Grant. She is a native of Henry County , and was the daughter of Michael and Jane (Dack) Grant. Her parents were pioneers of this county. Osman A., May, Fannie E., Charles G. and Jessie H. C. are the names of the children of the second marriage.

1885 Portrait & Biographical Album of Henry Co., Illinois page 431

Transcribed by Jan Roggy

Illinois Ancestors