- GEORGE A. GILMAN is numbered among the prominent farmers
of Beloit Township, residing
- on section 2. He was born in Walden, Vt., in 1832, and is
a son of Joseph and Mary (FAIRBANK) GILMAN, who were also natives
of the Green Mountain State. The father was born of English ancestry,
while the mother was of Welsh descent. About the year 1833, accompanied
by his family Joseph GILMAN left Vermont, removing to Lower Canada,
where his death occurred about the year 1839. The mother remained
a resident of that country until 1844, when, accompanied by her
children, she came to Wisconsin, settling in the village of Beloit,
where her death occurred in 1881, at the advanced age of eight-two
years. Both parents were members of the Baptist Church, were
earnest, since Christian people, aided greatly in the upbuilding
of their Master's cause, took an active part in the work of the
Sunday School, and were greatly beloved for their many kind deeds
and gracious acts. They were the parents of twelve children,
but only two are now left to relate the story of the early history
of the Gilman family - Clark E. and our subject, who was the
youngest of the family. Samuel died in Milton, Rock County, Wis.,
in 1866; Elmira, now deceased, was the wife of John PADDOCK;
John P. died in Nebraska in 1885; Sophrona is the deceased wife
of John TAPLEN; Abbie wedded Isaac HILL, a resident of this county,
but is now deceased; Isaac was the next in order of birth; Mary
is the deceased wife of Amos DUTTON, a resident of Vermont; and
Clark E., a retired farmer, is living in Beloit.
- In 1844 our subject came to this county with his mother,
and being a lad full of energy, knowing
- that his support would devolve upon his widowed mother did
he not make some effort to help himself, he resolved to at once
begin the search for employment, and before the setting of the
sun on the day of their arrival he secured a situation for the
winter, receiving his board as the compensation for doing chores.
The six succeeding years were not spent in idleness, for he worked
industriously at various occupations, thus providing for his
own maintenance. In the spring of 1850, attracted by the discovery
of gold in California, he started overland to that Territory,
being accompanied by Lewis CLARK, whose sketch appears upon another
page of this work. About four months were spent in making the
trip, but immediately after reaching their destination, Mr. GILMAN
began mining for the precious metal, which occupation he followed
successfully for two years. Tidings of the rich gold fields in
Australia reaching his ears, at the expiration of that time he
set sail for those far-off mines, reaching harbor after a voyage
of eighty-four days. As on the Pacific slope, his operations
were attended with success. Deciding to return home, he boarded
a vessel which sailed around Cape Horn and anchored at New York
City, whence he continued his journey overland to Beloit, where
he continued to reside for two years. Desiring to turn his attention
to agricultural pursuits, he purchased 160 acres of wild land,
which he at once began to improve, and has now one of the finest
farms in Beloit Township. It comprises 240 acres, and is in a
high state of cultivation. Many improvements he has made since
his purchase, including the erection of a beautiful two-story
frame residence, in which abound all the comforts and conveniences
which make life worth the living.
- In 1856 Mr. GILMAN led to the marriage altar Miss Phoebe
HUMPHREY, a native of Ohio, and
- a daughter of Stephen O. and Phoebe L. HUMPHREY, who were
born in Hartford, Conn. It is fitting in this volume to preserve
the memories of the dead as well as to speak of the prosperity
of the living, and this sketch would hardly be complete without
mention of Mrs. GILMAN's parents, who were numbered among the
well known and highly respected citizens of Rock County. Mr.
HUMPHREY was one of the energetic and prominent business men
of Beloit, in which city he engaged as a machinist until his
death, which occurred in 1865, at the age of fifty-two years.
Both he and his wife were devoted and consistent members of the
Congregational Church, in which organization he filled the office
of Deacon for many years. He also served as Justice of the Peace
for several years and proved an efficient and faithful officer.
In making his decisions, he carefully considered the case in
all its bearings, pondering well the evidence brought forth by
both parties, and in this manner justice was administered to
all. In the prime of manhood, when his life seemed brightest,
the final summons came, and thus the count lost one of it best
citizens, his friends a kind companion, and his family a loving
husband and father. Mrs. HUMPHREY shared with him his labors
in the Church and Sunday School, and was truly a helpmate. Their
children were four in number - Noah S., who was a machinist by
trade, died in Beloit in 1872; Phoebe is the wife of our subject;
Silas died in infancy; and Ellen is the wife of Henry BARRY,
a farmer of Beloit Township.
- By the union of Mr. and Mrs. GILMAN four children have been
born - Albert, who is living in
- Broken Bow, Neb; Stella, wife of F. E. ADAMS, a resident
farmer of Beloit Township; Dexter, who is still at home; and
Georgia, who died at the age of eighteen.
- Mr. GILMAN is truly one of the self-made men of Rock County,
and his early days were passed
- amid toil and privations. He may be said to have begun life's
battle when only seven years old, for at that tender age he began
working, receiving in return his board. Industry and enterprise
have ever been among his chief characteristics, and though enduring
many trials in early years, perhaps he can more fully appreciate
his present comfortable circumstances. He has filled various
township offices of trust to the entire satisfaction of his constituents,
and is one of the leading farmers of the community. He is strictly
temperate in habits, and though not belonging to any religious
denomination, contributes liberally to all church and educational
work. His wife is a member of the Congregational Church, an earnest
worker in her Master's vineyard, and a devoted Christian lady,
who is beloved by all for her many excellencies of character.
Socially Mr. GILMAN is a member of the I.O.O.F., while politically
he has been an ardent supporter of the Republican party since
its organization. This brief sketch will be gladly received by
many who will with pleasure read the life of one of Rock County's
most prosperous citizens.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 419-420.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|