Among the oldest citizens now living in Millersburg township is Mr. J. M. Gilmore. In 1840 he located in the village of Millersburg and kept hotel for two and a half years, then moved upon his farm east of the village, where he remained till seven years ago when he returned to take up his residence in Millersburg, where he now resides.

He came to Mercer county with small means which, combined with unabating energy, has made him a successful farmer. He owns a fine farm of 354 acres of plow land and 100 acres of timber. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1814 ; his father of Pennsylvania and his mother of New Jersey. In 1847 they came and settled in Perryton township, Mercer county, where the former died in 1857, aged seventy-two.

His wife, who is still living, is a devoted member of the Presbyterian church. They raised a family of nine children, all of whom grew up to adult age. Three yet remain in Mercer county. J. M.'s early educational training was such as the common schools of his neighborhood could furnish. He served an apprenticeship to a tanner, and began immediately to raise the material for making leather instead of dressing it

. He held the office of county assessor for six years, and also the office of county treasurer for the same time. He was married in 1888 to Margaret Taylor, of Pennsylvania, born in 1815, daughter of Jacob and E. (Hoover) Taylor, both of Pennsylvania. By this union Mr. Gilmore had eight children, five of whom are now living : George M. (deceased), Eva C., Catharine (deceased), Taylor, Mary, Richard (deceased), Jannett, and Fanny A. George M. served three years in company E, 9th Ill. Inf.; was veteranized and promoted to steward. He was wounded at Fort Donelson, having his index finger on the left hand carried away by a ball.

He was with Sherman on his march to the sea, and died of disease in the service two month's before the war closed. Taylor served three years in the 14th El. cavalry, and was commissioned hospital steward. He and wife are ardent supporters of christianity and good morals, and belong to the Presbyterian church at Millersburg. In politics he has always been a democrat.

 

History of Mercer and Henderson County

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