William T. Gilmore 1856-1935

GILMORE, WHAN, HOLMAN, SANDERS

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 6/26/2017 at 15:46:54

9 May 1935 - The Tipton Conservative

Born July 19, 1856, at Bellefontaine, Ohio, Mr. Gilmore came with his parents to Tipton when he was but six weeks old, and has resided in Tipton all his life. As a boy he attended the local public schools, and later graduated from Iowa State College. Engaged in clothing business for a number of years; served the Cedar Co. State Bank as director, vice-president and president; was member of the Tipton city council five years. Member State Historical Society number of years; was alternate to republican national convention in the year 1920. In 1920 Mr. Gilmore was elected state representative; re-elected in 1922 and 1926. Was member of Knights of Pythias, Masonic Lodge, the Consistory and Mystic Shrine and also county farm bureau for a number of years.

He passed away at his home in Tipton, Sunday night May 5th, at the age of 78 years, 9 months, 16 days.

May 9, 1935 - The Tipton Advertiser

One of the prominent pioneer residents of Tipton was summoned to the rest eternal Sunday night.

William T. Gilmore, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Gilmore, was born July 19, 1856, at Bellefontaine, Ohio. He passed away at his home in Tipton, Sunday night, May 5th, 1935, at the age of 78 years, 9 months and 15 days. He came with his parents from Ohio when he was only six weeks old and has lived in Tipton all his life. He has probably lived longer continuously in Tipton than any other person. Mr. Gilmore as a boy attended the public school of our community, later going to the State College at Ames where he was graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. In young manhood he was married to Miss Elizabeth Whan of Tipton. They enjoyed a little less than a year of happy married life when she was taken in death on April 26, 1851.

Mr. Gilmore was associated with his father for a number of years in Tipton's oldest clothing store, later he operated the store alone. He was a successful business man for many years. He served as president of the Cedar County State Bank. He was interested in civic affairs and was a member of the city council for five years. He earned the respect and confidence of the people of the county and was elected for five terms as a member of the Iowa legislature. He worthily filled this place and gave intelligent thought and devotion to the service of the people.

Mr. Gilmore was an honored member of the board of trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church for a good many years and was interested in every good work of the church. He was not a member of the church yet it was always spoken of as our church. He had a splendid heritage of Christian nurture and church fellowship.

For 37 years Mr. Gilmore was a member of Cedar Lodge No. 11, A.F. & A.M. and for many years was treasurer in the lodge. He was a member of the Scottish Rite Consistory in Cedar Rapids and of the Shrine in Davenport.

Mr. Gilmore leaves to mourn his passing a brother, Merrill Gilmore, of Ottumwa; four nieces, Mrs. J. C. Holman of North Platte, Nebraska; Marian Gilmore, Mrs. Edward Sanders and Eileen Gilmore; two grand-nieces, Louise and Dorothy Holman. Besides the immediate family there is a great host of friends and neighbors who will mourn his going.

Services for Mr. Gilmore were held at the Methodist Episcopal church on Wednesday morning at half past ten o'clock with the Rev. Roscoe C. Jerrell in charge. Beautiful organ music was played by Mrs. P. M. Hoffman, including "Ave Maria" by Bach-Guonod. The Masonic ritual service was used at the Masonic cemetery. The following brother Masons acted as casket bearers: E. C. Gilliam, G. J. Horn, C. H. Leabhart, F. B. Cobb, J. R. Casad and Mearl Clark.