GILCHRIST, Archibald - 1890 Bio (1837-1916)

GILCHRIST, MCALLISTER, KIRKPATRICK, CLENDENIN, BARR

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/7/2007 at 16:17:27

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 358-359

Archibald GILCHRIST, contractor and builder of Fairfield, has followed his present business since the age of twenty-two years, and in the pursuit of his chosen trade, has done not a little for the upbuilding and advancement of this community. He was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., January 1, 1837, and was the fourth in order of birth in a family of eight children, whose parents were Joseph and Eliza (McALLISTER) GILCHRIST. His parents were both of Scotch (sic) descent, and were natives of the Keystone State. His father was twice married, his first union being with a sister of his second wife, and unto them were born two children. By the second marriage eight children were born, as already stated, and of the complete number, nine are living. Having engaged in farming in Pennsylvania until 1868, Mr. GILCHRIST then removed to Van Buren County, Iowa, where and his wife spent their last days. His death occurred at the age of seventy-eight years, and his wife departed this life when ten years younger. They were members of the Presbyterian Church, were people highly esteemed by their many friends, and in politics, he was a Whig, and later a Republican.

Although reared to farm life, Archibald GILCHRIST determined to engage in some other pursuit as his life work, and at the age of twenty-two years began learning the trade of cabinet-making and carpentering, at which he became a proficient workman. In 1861, he married Eliza KIRKPATRICK, but she survived their union only about a year.

Having lost his wife, and with no home duties to bind him, Mr. GILCHRIST followed his patriotic impulses, and in August, 1863, enlisted in the service as a member of Company F., Sixty-third Pennsylvania Infantry. He joined the army of the Potomac at Culpeper Court House, Va., and was with the Third Army Corps until its consolidation with the Second Army Corps, which was commanded by Gen. Hancock. He participated in many skirmishes and a number of important battles, including the engagement at Mine Run, the battles of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania, the siege of Petersburg, and the capture of Lee at Appomattox. Through his entire service he was never wounded or taken prisoner, and on the 18th of July, 1865, was honorably discharged at Pittsburg.

When the war was over, Mr. GILCHRIST returned to his home and engaged in the undertaking and cabinet-making business in Madison, Westmoreland County, Pa. He was again married November 6, 1867, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary M. CLENDENIN, who was born in Westmoreland County, June 9, 1840, and is a daughter of David and Nancy (BARR) CLENDENIN, who were also natives of the Keystone State. By occupation her father was a farmer, and follwed that business throughout his entire life. He died at the age of sixty-six years, but his wife is still living in Missouri, and has now attained her eightieth year. Of their family of eight children, the wife of our subject is the fourth in order of birth.

The year 1869 witnessed the removal of Mr. GILCHRIST from his native State to Greenwood, Jackson County, Mo., where he worked at cabinet-making and undertaking for some five years, at the expriation of which time we find him en route for Iowa. Making a location in Fairfield, in 1874, he assisted in building Parsons College, and a number of other buildings. He then spent two years in a furniture factory, since which time he has devoted his time and energies to his present business, that of contracting and building. Thoroughly conversant with the trade, capable of planning and superintending the work, and conscientious in the fullfilment of all contracts, he has won the confidence and regard of the community, and thereby secured a liberal patronage, which he justly merits. He was bridge builder for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad for two years, was the builder of the Savings Bank, and has erected several of the finest residences of Fairfield, inclding that of Mrs. Henn's and his own home. In April, 1890, he admitted to partnership in the business, W. S. Cook, and the firm of GILCHRIST & Cook ranks first among the contractors in Fairfield. They employ about ten men and their trade is constantly increasing.

The GILCHRIST home is the abode of hospitality, and our subject and his worthy wife hold an enviable position in the social world. Their union was blessed with no children of their own, but they reared an orphan child, Erie R. Mr. GILCHRIST has served as a Director in the Fairfield Building and Loan Association. In politics, he is a Republican, having supported that party since casting his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.