- LOVELL R. GILBERT, deceased, one of the pioneer settlers
of Rock County, was a native of
- Vermont, born in Putney, April 27, 1814. He was there reared
to manhood and received a limited education on account of the
weakness of his eyes which would not permit him to confine himself
to his books. He resided under the parental roof until starting
out to make his way in the world, when thinking that the opportunities
afforded young men in the West were superior to those in the
Eastern States, he emigrated to Michigan and made his home in
Kalamazoo, where he was employed in a distillery. While residing
in that city he formed the acquaintance of Miss Clarissa JOYCE,
who was born in the Empire State in 1817. Their friendship
ripened into love and in 1840 they were united in the holy bonds
of matrimony. The young couple began their domestic life in
Kalamazoo and their home was gladdened by the presence of two
children there born unto them - Eldridge and Charles.
- In the early spring of 1840 Mr. GILBERT came to Wisconsin
with the intention of selecting a
- location and in the course of his travels reached what is
now the town of Clinton, Rock County. Being favorably impressed
with the country and its prospects, he immediately returned to
Michigan, and accompanied by his family again came to Rock County.
The township had not then been organized, but soon after a meeting
was held for that purpose in which several names were proposed,
none proving satisfactory however until Mr. GILBERT suggested
that of Clinton, calling it in honor of D. C. Clinton, which
name was adopted. In that community he developed a fine farm
and for eight years held the office of Township Treasurer, which
long continued service testifies to his ability and the faithfulness
with which he discharged his duties.
- Though many were the trials and hardships to be endured,
time passed merrily in the pioneer cabin
- of Mr. GILBERT until 1845, when a dark shadow was thrown
over the home by the death of the loving wife and mother, who
died on the 20th day of December. He was afterward again married,
his second union being with Miss Lydia BURT, by whom he had six
children, namely: Amelia, wife of Moses BEACH of Nemaha County,
Neb.; Frank, who married Miss Sarah OLMSTEAD, daughter of Page
OLMSTEAD, a leading farmer of Clayton County, Iowa; LaFayette,
who makes his home in San Francisco, Cal; George wedded Lettie
KILLEN and resides in Monona, Iowa; Egbert, also living in Monona,
is the husband of Eva GREEN; and Alice is now the wife of George
CARPENTER, who resides in Jackson County, Wis. The mother of
this family was called to her final rest on the 15th day of July,
1862, while residing in Clayton County, Iowa, and Mr. GILBERT
wedded her sister, Miss Harriet BURT. Two children were born
of the last marriage, a son and a daughter, Frederick and Monie,
who reside with their mother in Clayton County.
- In the month of June, 1857, Mr. GILBERT sold his land in
the town of Clinton and removed to
- Clayton County, Iowa, making his home in Reed Township, where
he continued to reside until purchasing a farm in Giard township,
near Monona. In his political sentiments he was a staunch Democrat,
and in the fall of 1869 was nominated by that party as a candidate
for the Legislature. He made a creditable canvass, running far
ahead of his ticket, but was defeated on account of the district
being overwhelmingly Republican. In connection with his extensive
farming interests, in company with his son, he engaged in the
sale of agricultural implements and did a large and lucrative
business. He was ever fair and honorable in his dealings, was
never known to intentionally wrong any one, and possessed the
confidence and kind regard of young and old, rich and poor.
He was essentially a self-made man, his successes being attained
through methodical business habits and careful attention to every
detail. He possessed untiring industry and perseverance and
whatever he undertook to do he was sure to accomplish. His home
relations were the most pleasant, and though plain and unassuming
in manner, he was earnestly devoted to his family and friends.
Sympathetic and benevolent, many poor men had reason to hold
his memory in veneration for substantial favor in the hour of
need. He died at his home in Clayton County, Iowa, June 21,
1877.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 487-488.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|