KILGORE, JNO., farmer, section twelve, post-office Lenox, is a native of the Hoosier State [Indiana], born in Orange county in 1824. He there arrived at man's estate, received his education and learned the carpenter trade. He engaged in farming in summer and working at his trade in winter until 1850 when he came to Iowa and settled in Monroe county. Two years later he moved to Union county and preempted a quarter section of land in Platte township, this county, which he now owns. He planted a cottonwood tree in the corner of the four counties of Adams, Ringgold, Union and Taylor, which still grows and marks the spot. His mother's was the first death and burial in Union county. Enlisted in the army, but was rejected. He was married in 1845 to Miss Atocia WILLIAMS, a native of Indiana. They have eleven children: Taylor, Noah, Martha, William, Francis, Simpson, Helbert, Albert, Mary, Sarah, Curtis and John (12 names listed by author). Mr. KILGORE's father resides with him. He is now eighty-four years old, but still retains the activity and intellect of his younger days.

SOURCE:  EVANS, Lyman. "Jefferson Township". Taylor County, Iowa History
Pp. 730 - 731. 1881

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, 2008