John A. Gerhart, a prominent
farmer in
on
In 1878, he graduated from the Louisville Hospital Medical College, at Louisville, Ky. He was Assistant Surgeon in the Indiana State Hospital at Jeffersonville, Ind., for one year, when he removed to Mitchell, Ind., and practiced there two years, and in the spring of 1881 came to Hoosier Prairie, where he has built up a large practice.
He has built a neat brick office, and also has been appointed Postmaster and keeps the post office in this office. The Doctor is a member of the Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky Tri-State Medical Society, of the Indiana State Medical Society, and of the Lawrence (Ind.) District Medical Society. Excerpt from "History of Wayne and Clay Counties, Illinois 1884 "
Nicholas G. Gibson, grocer and produce merchant, Louisville. This enterprising young man was born in this county April 1, 1859. He was brought up and educated in Louisville. In March, 1881, he engaged in the mercantile business in Noble, Ill., and in March, 1883, he sold his entire store of goods and returned to Louisville, and brought on a new stock of goods and engaged in business here. He also carries a line of hardware, having a capital stock in all of about $4,000, and is doing an extensive business. He is the most extensive produce dealer and shipper in Louisville. He was married, July 31, 1880, to Miss Lizzie B. Ellis, daughter of George Ellis, of Noble, Ill. They had one child, deceased. Mr. Gibson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. James M. Gibson, the father of the above, was born in Braxton County, Va., August 31, 1833, and is a son of Jacob Gibson, deceased, born near Wheeling, Va. He was brought to this county by his parents in 1848, and has since resided here. Jacob Gibson died in this county in August, 1879. James M. married Elizabeth Engledow in 1854. By her he had four children—Jacob H., William D., Nicholas G. and Alpharetta. His present wife was Miss Alice A. Pierson. Excerpt from "History of Wayne and Clay Counties, Illinois 1884 "
Walter Gill,
farmer. P. O. Clay City, was born in Yorkshire, England, on April 18,
1827, and is a son of "William and Sallie (Littlewood) Gill, both of
whom are now dead. He was the eldest of a family of thirteen children,
of whom but four are now living, William, Ruth and Eliza, in England,
and Walter, our subject. The latter received a common English education
in the old country, and at an early age was apprenticed to learn the
mason and stone-cutter's trade. He worked at that trade in
England until about twenty-three, and then came to this country,
landing in the city of New York in the summer of 1850. He worked in
that city at his trade the following fall and winter, and in the next
two years he worked in different cities in the Atlantic and Middle
States.
In 1853, he came to Illinois and began working as a
contractor for mason and stone work on the Ohio & Mississippi
Railroad. He worked on that road for two years, and then went to
Missouri and there worked on the North Missouri, which was then under
process of construction. He only worked there for one year, and then
returned to Illinois.
He settled in Stanford Township, Clay County. He
first purchased 120 acres which he has since increased to 360 acres,
situated in Sections 10, 15, 21 and 22. Has about 230 acres in
cultivation; also pays some attention to stock-raising, handling about
fifty head of cattle, and considerable amount of other stock in a
year.
Mr. Grill was married in Clay City Township, Clay
County, on March 15, 1855. to Mary Ann Evans, a daughter of Seth and
Ketorah Evans, early pioneer settlers in this county, and already
noticed in the history of Clay City Township. Mrs. Gill was born in
this county on October 5, 1827, and was the mother of seven children,
live of whom are now living—Jonas in Flora, William in Flora,
Francis at Xenia, Charles in Louisville, and Oscar at Mill Shoals.
Her death took place in March, 1866, and on
September 26, 1869, Mr. Gill was married near Lawrenceville, Lawrence
Co., Ill., to Miss Mary Jane Gray, a daughter of George and Mary Ann
(Doty) Gray, both natives of Virginia. This lady was also born in that
State on January 1, 1840, and to her have been born five children,
three of whom are now living, viz., Cora L., Ida R. and Emma J.
Mr. Gill is a strong Democrat. Mrs. Gill is a member of the Clay City
Methodist Episcopal Church.
Excerpt from "History of Wayne
and Clay Counties, Illinois 1884 "
In June, 1861, he enlisted as a private in the Eleventh Missouri Regiment, under Gen. Harris. He was promoted to the office of Captain in August, 1862, which position he held during the remainder of his term of service.
From 1864 until 1867, he was on the Western frontier, at the latter date locating at St. Louis, where he studied as a specialist in the treatment of the diseases of the eye. He came to Flora in 1871, and for two years practiced as an oculist. He afterward abandoned this profession and adopted that of teaching which he followed in Clay County for several years. In 1882, he opened an office in Flora for the prosecution of his present business.
In politics, he is a Democrat and present Chairman of the Central Committee of Clay County. The Gillaspy family are of Scotch-Irish origin, and were early represented in the colony of Virginia, his great-grandfather being a soldier in the Revolution. The mother, Hester Gray, was of English ancestry, who came with Lord Baltimore to the settlement of Maryland as early as 1620. Excerpt from "History of Wayne and Clay Counties, Illinois 1884 "
Wilbur Adino Goodenough--In the history of Clay county, as applying to the milling industry, the name of Wilbur A. Goodenough occupies a conspicuous place, for through a number of years he has been one of the representative lumber dealers in this locality, progressive, enterprising and persevering. Such qualities always win success, sooner or later, and to the subject they have brought a satisfactory reward for his well directed efforts, and while he has benefited himself and community in a material way, he has also been an influential factor in the educational, political and moral uplift of the community favored by his residence.
Wilbur Adino Goodenough was born in Jefferson county, New York, May 26, 1857, the son of Morris M. Goodenough, who was a native of Northern New York. Adino Goodenough, the great-grandfather of the subject, was a native of Scotland, who came to America with Lord Howe. He passed the winter with Washington at Valley Forge as one of his captains, having enlisted three times in the Revolutionary war. The third time he walked from Vermont to Boston to enlist. He spent his last days at Watertown, Jefferson county. New York, dying there in his eighty-seventh year. Most of his life while in America, was spent in Vermont. The subject's grandfather, John Banister Goodenough, a native of New York, died in 1864, at the age of eighty-two years. He devoted his life to farming. The subject's father was also a farmer, and, like his ancestors, was a man of influence in his community. He died at the age of seventy-two years in Jefferson county, New York, in 1899.
The mother of the subject was Caroline Griswold, also a native of northern New York, where she lived all her life and where she ended her earthly labors in 1895, at the age of sixty-two years. Twelve children were born to the subject's parents, eight of wh<;m are living, in 1908, namely: Charles, Estella, Wilbur, Albert, Caroline, Ward, Eaton, Morris, Emma, Belle, Mollie and Grace.
Mr. Goodenough spent his boyhood days in Watertown, New York, where he attended school and received a good education. He went from there to Copenhagen, New York, where he learned the trade of miller, after which he went to Ogdensburg, that state, where he worked for fifteen years with much success attending his efforts. In 1894 he came to Louisville and bought the Louisville Roller Mills, which burned down October 25, 1897. The plant was rebuilt the fall of 1898. His brother, Albert, has been associated with him in all his business. They have an extensive trade and carry on a growing industry, their customers coming from all parts of this locality, both in the flour and lumber business.
Mr. Goodenough was united in marriage February 22, 1883, to Luella Stanford, of Lowville, Lewis county, New York, the representative of a well known family there, and to this union two children have been born: Luella, born April 15, 1894, and Stanford, born December 17, 1898. Our subject is a director in the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank of Louisville. In his fraternal relations he is a member of the Masons, the Chapter and Knights Templar. In politics he is a Republican and both he and Mrs. Goodenough are members of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Goodenough is one of the substantial citizens of Clay county. He has persevered in the pursuit of a persistent purpose and gained a most satisfactory reward. His life is exemplary in many respects, and he has ever supported those interests which have for their object the welfare of the community and the benefit of humanity Biographical and Reminiscent History of Richland, Clay and Marion Counties Illinois--1909
Loren Gould, farmer, P. O. Bible Grove, was born May 11, 1838, in Edwards County, Ill., son of Philander Gould, a native of New York. He is a farmer by occupation, and came to Illinois when about eighteen years old, settling in Edwards County, Ill., where he yet resides. The family is an old one of good standing, and distantly connected with the famous railroad king, Jay Gould.
The mother of our subject was Sarah (Knolton) Gould, a native of Virginia. She died January 10, 1876. She was the mother of ten children, who are all living and have numerous descendants. Our subject was educated in Edwards County, Ill., where he resided till he was of age, when he got married and moved to this county in 1859; here he bought and commenced to farm; success has crowned his efforts, and now he owns in this and Jasper County 410 acres of good land. Mr. Gould is an enterprising farmer.
He was married, August 25, 1859, to Miss Delia E. Stanley, born June 24, 1842, in Edwards County, 111. She is a daughter of William and Maria (Gunn) Stanley, who are natives of Ohio. Eight children blessed this happy union, their names are Sarah M., born August 2, 1860; Lizzie H, born March 9, 1863; Cina P., born August 28, 1865; Ezra O., born July 17, 1869; Ella R., born April 15, 1873; Duel W. (deceased aged two years and eight months); Hattie C, born October 15, 1878; and Effie C, born December 25, 1882. Mr. Gould has served his neighbors in the capacity of School Trustee, and politically he is a Republican. Excerpt from "History of Wayne and Clay Counties, Illinois 1884 "
Theoren Gould, merchant, Bible Grove. Among the wide-awake business men of Clay County must be classed Mr. Gould. He was born July 10, 1842, in Edwards County, Ill.; son of Philander Gould, a native of New York, and a farmer by occupation. The mother of our subject was Sarah (Knowlton) Gould, a native of Virginia, she died in Edwards County,Ill. She was the mother of ten children, all living.
Our subject was educated in Edwards County. In early life he farmed, and at the age of nineteen entered the army, enlisting in the fall of 1861, and served faithfully till he was wounded at Jackson, Miss., when he was honorably discharged and returned home. While in the army, he participated in the battle of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Vicksburg and other engagments. He was a Sergeant.
After the war Mr. Gould engaged in farming and stock-dealing, owning now over 600 acres in this and adjoining counties. Between 1878 and 1880, he opened the Bible Grove Grist Mill, and bought D. D. C. Pixley's general merchandising store in Georgetown, where he now does a thriving business. Mr. Gould was joined in matrimony May 25, 1865, to Miss Nancy A. Webster, who was born January 23, 1848 in Clay County, Ill. She is a daughter of Anderson and Sarah (Fulk) Webster.
Five children blessed this union, viz.: Chloe F., born June 4, 1866; Charley A., born June 10, 1868; Philander, born February 24, 1872; Sarah E., born February 23, 1877, she died September 26, 1879; and Lola G., born October 31, 1881.
Mrs. Gould is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Gould is an A. F. & A. M., also an I. O. O. F.. and is at present, Commander of the G. A. R. Post. Excerpt from "History of Wayne and Clay Counties, Illinois 1884 "
Robert Gray, special insurance agent for the American Central Company of St. Louis, is a resident of Flora, and a native of Switzerland County, Ind., where he was born May 25, 1843. He is the youngest of a family of thirteen children born to Peter and Nancy (Wright) Gray. His father, who was born in Virginia in 1791, served as a soldier in the war of 1812, completing a term of five years in the regular army. He was reared in Kentucky, to where he returned at the close of his service, and was there married to Nancy Wright. They remained in Kentucky several years, during which time four children were born to them. They emigrated to Indiana and settled near Vevay, in Switzerland County, and there made a residence of several years, and where the rest of their large family were born. In 1852. they removed to Tipton County, Ind., where the parents died, the mother April 11, 1866, and the father in 1877. Robert received a very limited education in his youth, his total attendance in public schools not aggregating more than one year.
In 1862, August 11, he enlisted in Company C, of the One Hundred and First Indiana Regiment, and was wounded and made a prisoner on the 19th of September, 1863, at the battle of Chickamauga, having participated in the fights at Stone River, Milton and Tullahoma. He was retained a prisoner but a short time, after which he was attached to the United States Reserve Corps at Washington City. He was discharged April 14, 1864.
He then returned to Tipton County. Ind. where for two years he engaged in the lumber and milling business. He was there married March 11, 1866, and in March of the following year came to Illinois, and located at Iola, in Clay County. In 1872, he was elected to the office of Sheriff of Clay County, as a Republican, and served acceptably for the term of two years.
In 1875, he removed to Flora, and formed a partnership with Mr. M. H. Presley in local insurance business, and in 1876, became the traveling agent for the American Central Company, having the supervision of the States of Illinois. Indiana. Kentucky and Tennessee.
His wife, whose maiden name was Clara Lee, is a daughter of John and Parmelia Lee. She was born February 25, 1848, in Switzerland County, Ind. They are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Flora, and he of the Masonic- fraternity. They have two children. Excerpt from "History of Wayne and Clay Counties, Illinois 1884 "
Matthew Griffin,
deceased,
late of Louisville, was born September 29, 1828. He was
brought up on
the farm, and educated at Shurtleff College, Upper Alton,
Ill. He
taught school a few years, then read law, and was admitted to
practice
in the Supreme and lower courts of Illinois. He was married first to
Adaline, daughter of Hon. Dr. P. Green, deceased. They had two
children, one living—Martha (Olmsted). Mrs. Griffin died, and Mr.
Griffin married Mrs. Mary Finch, by whom he had one child—Effie May
(Watson). Mrs. Griffin's first husband, Dr. James A. Finch, was
a
graduate of Rush Medical College, Chicago. By him she had two
children—Emily and James A., both deceased. The latter was an attorney
in Louisville. Dr. Finch was born in Indiana September 20,
1826. Mrs.
Griffin's father, Rev. John M. Griffith, deceased, settled in Oskaloosa
Township, this county, in 1830. He was a local Methodist
preacher, and
nearly all the old pioneers of Clay and Wayne Counties have heard him
preach.
Excerpt from "History
of Wayne and Clay Counties, Illinois 1884 "
Albert Griffith, contractor and builder.
He was first married, to Eliza Kronne, who was born in
Pauline Gibbs, his second wife, was born in
He came to
Illinois in 1854, and made a settlement in Bedford Township, of Wayne County,
but the year following came to Flora,
He was enlisted in
July, 1861, and was an officer, with the rank of Captain. He has been a
resident of