GILMER, James - 1890 Bio (1784-1862)

GILMER, HILL, ALLEN, TILFORD, WALKER, ROSS, SCOTT

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/7/2007 at 21:09:29

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 269-270

James GILMER, deceased, was one of the earliest pioneers of Jefferson County, Iowa, having located in what is now Round Prairie Township, in the spring of 1837, and prior to the organization of the county. A native of Kentucky, he was born in Woodford County, November 1, 1784, and was the son of James and Jane (HILL) GILMER. His parents were natives of Virginia, and of Irish descent. In 1783, only eight years subsequent to the first settlement of Daniel Boone, at Booneville, Mr. GILMER's parents emigrated from Virginia to Kentucky, and settled in what is now Woodford County, but at that time the region was an unbroken wilderness inhabited only by wild beasts and wilder Indians. They lived in a block house, and were in constant danger from the hostile red men. It was in the autumn of the following year that James GILMER was born. During his youth the family removed to Adair County, and he was reared in that community, and when the War of 1812 broke out, enlisted as a loyal American soldier. About the 1st of January, 1814, he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth ALLEN, widow of William ALLEN, whose maiden name was Elizabeth TILFORD. She was born in Virginia, December 24, 1784, and by her former marriage was the mother of two children, a daughter and son. The daughter, Sarah Ann, who was born September 25, 1810, married Samuel S. WALKER, came to what is now Jefferson County, Iowa, in the fall of 1836, and is now deceased. The son, William H. ALLEN, was born March 4, 1812, and died in Kentucky when quite young.

Mr. and Mrs. GILMER were parents of seven children, as follows: Benjamin Franklin, born October 16, 1814, came West to Morgan County, Ill., in 1833, but returned to Kentucky in the fall of 1835. In the spring of 1836, he returned to Illinois, locating in McDonough County, where he was engaged in selling goods. In 1837, he brought a small stock of general merchandise to Jefferson County, Iowa. During the following winter, he disposed of the goods, and in the spring engaged in farming, in company with his father and brother, Robert T., and continued in that occupation until the time of his death, which occurred October 24, 1843. Jane Hill GILMER, was born December 4, 1815, and became the wife of S. S. ROSS, a pioneer of Jefferson County, who died in 1857. His widow is now a resident of Fairfield. Robert Tilford, the next younger, was born January 21, 1817, married Annie C. SCOTT, and is now residing in Fairfield; Mary Ann, born December 18, 1818, is the wife of James L. SCOTT, a resident of Des Moines; Thomas, who was born November 30, 1820, died at the age of eight years; James Alexander and Ermine Esta, both died in childhood.

Accompanied by his family, Mr. GILMER started for Iowa in the fall of 1836, traveling in the primitive manner of that day with horses and oxen. Day after day they pursued their journey, camping out at night until they reached McDonough County, Ill., where they spent the winter, and in April, 1837, crossed the Mississippi River into Iowa. They settled in what is now Round Prairie Township, Jefferson County, where some of their relatives had located the autumn before. The entire settlement consisted of not more than a dozen families, and in true pioneer style they began life on the Western prairies. Mr. GILMER made a claim, purchased others, and at the land sales in Burlington, in November, 1838, entered seven hundred and twenty acres which he subsequently increased by purchase. He was enterprising and industrious, labored diligently to improve his land, and was known as a prosperous and successful farmer.

In politics, Mr. GILMER was a Whig in early life, and greatly antagonistic to the institution of slavery, so that when the Republican party was formed to prevent its further extension, he immediately joined its ranks. He was one of the early Assessors of his township, and also served as Justice of the Peace. A resolute, earnest man, he was industrious and frugal in his habits, and strictly upright and honorable in all things. His death occurred in Round Prairie Township, in 1862. His wife, who was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church died in 1865.

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