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JAMES L. GILMORE,
who now resides in the city of Effingham, is one of the early settlers of that county, long and favorably known
as Clerk of the Circuit Court and Recorder of the county. He was born in Morgan, now Wolf, County, Ky., April 30,
1827, and is a son of Jeremiah and Mary (Lansaw) Gilmore. His father was born in Alabama, November 7, 1802, and
was brought to Kentucky when young. He grew to manhood upon a farm in that Slate, and there he married. Subsequently
he came to Illinois and settled upon a farm in Marion County, after which he removed to Fayette County, of this
State, where his death occurred in 1862. His wife, the mother of our subject, was born in Kentucky, in 1806, and
her last days were spent in Effingham County, whence she was called to her final home in 1878.
James
L. Gilmore came to Illinois with his parents in 1835, and resided for a time in Marion County. He afterward removed
with the family to Fayette County, and in 1847, almost a-half century ago, came to Effingham County. The days of
his boyhood were quietly spent under the parental roof. In the summer months he aided his father in the labors
of the farm, and in the winter months attended school, receiving such educational advantages as the public schools
of those early days afforded. He remained at home with his parents until twenty-one years of age, when he was married.
In Effingham County in 1848, he wedded Miss Cynthia Seales, a native of Smith County, Tenn., born January 3, 1827,
and a daughter of Solomon Seales (deceased), who was one of the very first settlers in this part of the State.
Immediately
after his marriage, Mr. Gilmore located on a farm in West Township, Effingham County, which he still owns, and
where he was engaged successfully in farming until his election to the office of County Clerk. When he was chosen
by the people for that position, he removed to Effingham, where he has since made his home. His farm, which is
a well-improved and valuable tract of land, embraces six hundred and forty acres, or a full section. He at one
time owned a larger amount, but as a present he gave to his son, J. P. Gilmore, a tract of one hundred and seventy
acres.
Eleven
children were born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore, of whom five are yet living, one son and four daughters.
William H. died in 1882; John P. married Miss Josephine Marion, and is engaged in agricultural pursuits in West
Township; Mary E. is the wife of John Burch, a resident farmer of West Township; Margaret A. is the wife of James
R. Scott, who is living in Edgewood; Ellen is the wife of John Thompson, a farmer of Edgewood; Frances Jennette
married J. G. Townsend, and they reside in Nashville, Ill.; Uriah and Jennie are deceased; and three died in early
childhood.
For
fourteen years Mr. Gilmore held the position of Supervisor of West Township, and his long continued service well
indicates the prompt and faithful manner in which he discharged his duties. In 1882 he was elected County Clerk
of Effingham County, and after serving a term of four years in that capacity, he was elected Recorder and Clerk
of the Circuit Court, serving in that office for four years. He has also been Alderman in the Effingham City Council.
His public and private life are alike above reproach, and his official career has been one of honor. In political
sentiment, Mr. Gilmore is a Democrat. In his social relations, he is a Knight-Templar Mason, and belongs to the
Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery of Effingham. His wife and daughters are members of the Baptist Church, and
the family is one of prominence in the community, its members ranking high in social circles.
Portrait
and Biographical Record of Effingham, Jasper and Richland Counties Illinois, Containing Biographical Sketches of
Prominent and Representative Citizens, Governors of the State, and the Presidents of the United States. (Chicago:
Chapman Brothers, 1887), p. 519. Transcribed by Judy Rosella Edwards.
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