Thomas Curtis Gilpin, Major (1916)

BEAN, COOPER, GILPIN, MCBRIDE

Posted By: Mary Welty Hart
Date: 1/12/2009 at 20:35:52

The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Wednesday, December 27, 1916

MAJOR T.C. GILPIN, Taps Sound For Civil War Veteran

Major T. C. Gilpin died at his residence on Dec. 21st, 1916, at the age of 84 years, after an illness which had been slowly but surely, sapping his strength. Born in Butler county, Ohio, of New England parentage, he received his education at Mt. Carmel, Ind., and Hanover College. After five years of high school teaching he adopted the legal profession with admittance to the bar in 1856. After practicing in Rushville and Cincinnati, he came to Bloomfield, Iowa. In 1861, enlisting four months later in Co. E, Third Iowa Cavalry. His promotion was rapid, for in two months after his enlistment as a private, he was advanced to second lieutenant, then to first lieutenant and captain. In the battle at Ebeneezer Church, Alabama, his bravery was of such a daring and conspicuous nature that he was brevetted Major and was given a place on Gen. Upton's staff.

He was never wounded in battle, although he had many miraculous escapes from death or serious injury. At the close of the war, Major Gilpin located in Winterset, practicing law with Col. Cummings. He served as county judge from 1868 until that office was merged into county auditor, then becoming the first incumbent of the latter position. His practice of law continued until twelve years ago.

His marriage to Miss Susan McBride of Rushville, Ind., took place on 1856, and a delightful celebration of their 60th anniversary occurred last July. Four of the seven children born to them now are alive: Mrs. Eva Cooper, residing here and Mrs. Grace Bean of Shoshone, Wyoming, were present at the funeral. The sons, Victor and Phil of New York City, were not present.

Major Gilpin was a strong member of the Masonic order, being of high standing in both Evening Star lodge and Lebanoa Chapter. In both he has held the highest offices with undoubted ability. To Pitzer Post G.A.R. He was a valuable member also, and as a churchman, he exhibited unusual devotion and loyalty. His unfailing attendance upon all church services was an inspiration to many and his absence from his accustomed seat will be felt by the entire congregation.

The funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 at the Presbyterian church by Dr. J. S. Corkey.
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The Winterset News
Winterset, Iowa
Wednesday, December 27, 1916
Page 1, Column 1

Major Thomas C. Gilpin

Major Thomas C. Gilpin was born in New London, Butler county, Ohio, September 27, 1832 and died at his home in Winterset, Thursday, December 21, 1916.

He attended they high school at Mount Carmel, Indiana and supplemented the education their acquired by a course in Hanover college, Jefferson county, Indiana. He taught for 5 years in the rule schools in Butler county and was teacher for two years in the high school at Rushville, Indiana. He read law in the office maintained by Hackleman and Clark in 1956 was admitted to the bar at Rushville. In that year he became prosecuting attorney for rush in Decatur County’s, proving an able and conscientious official. He later removed to Cincinnati, Ohio where continued his professional labors until 1861.

In April 1861 Major Gilpin removed to Bloomfield, Davis county, Iowa and in the following August enlisted in Company E, Third Iowa Cavalry, for service in the Union army. He was rapidly promoted and in three months was captain of his company. For gallantry on the battlefield at Ebenezer church, Alabama he was brevetted major and he served as aide-de-camp on Major General Upton’s staff.

In 1865 Major Gilpin came to Winterset and began the practice of law, a partner of Colonel Cummings. Three years later he was elected county judge and was the last to hold that position, as a law was passed abolishing the office and creating instead the office of county auditor.

In 1856 Major Gilpin married Susan F. McBride. To Mr. and Mrs. Gilpin was born following children: Ellerslie Freed born 1857, died 1908; Curtis Nelson, born 1862, died 1902; Frederick L., Born March, 1864 and died in April 1864; Mrs. Grace Bean, of Shoyone, Wyoming; Victor, of Brooklyn, New York, Finley Warner, of New York City, and Mrs. R. S. Cooper, of Winterset.

Major Gilpin always took a keen interest in public affairs and has held many prominent positions. He was an influential member in the Presbyterian church and for many years was elder and Sunday school superintendent. He was a member of Pitzer Post No, 55 and was quartermaster at the time of his death. He became a member of the Masonic Lodge in 1880 and was one of its most steadfast and loyal members.

Funeral services were held in the Presbyterian church Sunday afternoon, conducted by Dr. J. S. Corkey. The services at the cemetery were in charge of the Masonic lodge.
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Coordinator's note: Middle name taken from G. A. R. membership card.

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