BERT GILLETT

GILLETT, GROESBECK, JUNKEN, RATCLIFF

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 10/30/2002 at 14:59:35

Bert Gillett, the leading photographer of Fairfield, and one of its wide-awake and enterprising young citizens, has spent the greater part of his life in this State. He was born in Birmingham, Van Buren County Iowa, on July 14, 1856, and is a son of Isaac C. and Maria Groesbeck Gillett, who were early settlers of Van Buren County, and are now living in Keokuk County.
The early life of our subject passed uneventfully, unmarked by any event of special importance. His primary education, acquired in the public schools, was supplemented by a course in the academy of Birmingham and in1873, he accompanied his parents to Sigourney Iowa, where he learned the business in which he is at present engaged. He opened a gallery in Nickerson Kansas, in 1882, and afterward engaged in the same pursuit in Emporia and Clay Center of the same state. Three years have passed since he located in Fairfield and in that time he has succeeded in securing a liberal patronage such as is deserved by his merit and ability. His studio is situat4ed in the new brick building just erected by F.W. Junken, at the southwest corner of the square and contains all the appurtenances and improvements known to that branch of business.
The marriage of Mr. Gillett was celebrated in Fairfield on Christmas Day of 1878, Miss Virginia E. Ratcliff becoming his wife. The lady is a native of the city, which she now makes her home, and is a daughter of R.F. Ratcliff. Two interesting children graced their union, a son and a daughter, but the former, Robert Clyde, died at the age of ten years. The daughter is Bessie Maud.
Mr. Gillett is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Sigourney Lodge, No. 98, I.O.O.F. and his wife holds membership in the Presbyterian Church. He has been in business in his present line for eight years and is an expert and popular artist.