JOHN GILBERT
John Gilbert, son of Adam and Catherine (Diffenbaugh ) Gilbert, was born in Maryland, January 28, 1830 and fixed his residence in Tazewell County in March. 1854. Both his parents were born in Maryland, the father residing in Carroll County during the Civil War. Both the Confederate and Union armies were camped near his home and his family had to hide all their horses and cattle to prevent them being taken for food by the soldiers. In 1858 he came West on a visit to his son, and died in 1866. His wife departed this life at the advanced age of eighty- six years. After John Gilbert arrived in Tazewell County in 1854, he rented land until his marriage, when he purchased a farm in Hittle Township, Section 18, for which he paid $30 per acre. This was the first part of the town to be settled. Since then he has gradually added to his possessions until now the proprietor of 283 1-2 acres, which be has greatly improved by cultivation and the addition of several substantial buildings, being a stockraiser as well as a farmer.
Mr. Gilbert is a Methodist in his religious belief and, in politics, a Republican. For many years he has served his town as School Director.
In February 1856, our subject was married, in Pekin, to Miss Martha Ann Taylor, and of this union the following children were born: Ambrose, who died aged twenty-four years:
Harry E., and John, both of whom are married and live in North Dakota; George W., single and a resident of North Dakota, Roy E., who lives at home: Julia, married and living in Missouri; Massey, married and residing in Nebraska: Ida. living in Missouri; and Maggie and Bell. living with their parents. Mrs. Gilbert is the daughter of Henry and Keziah (Lemon) Taylor, who were born in Ohio. Her maternal grandparents, the Lemons, were natives of England.
Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Tazewell County - page 1007