Robert Tilford Gilmer (1817 - 1902)

Born 21 Jan 1817 in Adair co. Kentucky

Husband of Anna Creighton (Scott) Gilmer — married 11 Dec 1855 in Sangamon, Illinois, United States

Died 31 May 1902 at age 85 in Fairfield, Iowa

Biography

Fairfield Ledger June 4, 1902 Page 3 column 5

HE WAS A PIONEER. Robert Tilford GILMER died May 31, 1902....With one exception he was probably the oldest living resident of Jefferson County. He was not a member of the party of first settlers in Round Prairie Township, who located there on May 16, 1836, but was a nephew of James TILFORD, its leader, and had made his home here continuously since April 1837. Son of James and Elizabeth (TILFORD)GILMER, born in Adair County, Ky., Jan. 21, 1817. Married Dec. 11, 1855, near Berlin, Sangamon County, Ill., Anna Crayton SCOTT. Three children, only one of whom is now living, Frank GILMER of this city....Burial in Evergreen.

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 336-337

Robert Tilford GILMER. Among the most prosperous and successful of farmers of Jefferson County, as well as one of the earliest pioneers, must be classed the worthy citizen whose name heads this sketch. He is a native of Adair County, Ky., his birth having there occurred on January 21, 1817. His parents, James and Elizabeth (TILFORD) GILMER, were also natives of Kentucky and their sketch appears elsewhere in this work.

Our subject was reared to agricultural pursuits and received a common-school education. When it his twentieth year he accompanied his parents to Iowa, driving an ox-team all the way, while his sisters rode on horseback the entire distance. Starting in the fall of 1836, they traveled as far as McDonough County, Ill., where they spent the winter, resuming their journey the following spring. In April, 1837, they arrived at their destination in Jefferson County and during the succeeding few years Mr. GILMER assisted his father in erecting buildings and improving and carrying on the farm. On December 11, 1855, he was married near Berlin, Sangamon County, Ill., to Miss Anna C. SCOTT, a daughter of Andrew SCOTT and a sister of Alexander and James L. SCOTT, who were prominent pioneers of Ft. Des Moines, now the capital city of Iowa. The lady was born in Crawford County, Ind., and removed with her parents to Illinois when but three years of age.

Mr. GILMER and wife began their domestic life in Round Prairie Township, where he was extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising for some time. Three children were born of their union -- twin daughters who died in infancy, and a son, Frank, who was born in Round Prairie Township, March 2, 1858. He was reared to farm life, educated in the schools of Round Prairie Township and Fairfield, and is now residing with his parents in the city of Fairfield. Through industry and judicious management, Mr. GILMER increased his possessions until he now owns three large and handsomely improved farms. well stocked and fitted out. Two of these farms lie adjacent in Round Prairie Township and aggregate nine hundred and sixty acres; the other is situated in Cedar Township and contains three hundred and sixty acres, making a total of thirteen hundred and twenty acres, besides which he has a homestead plat of six acres with a fine residence in the city of Fairfield. The original cost of the city property was $6,000 but has increased in value since coming into possession of its present owner who has added many improvements thereto. The farming lands, judging from the present prices of real estate (which are now low) are worth from $35 to $40 per acre.

Mr. GILMER is a Republican but has never sought any political office. He once served a term of two years as a member of the Board of County Commissioners, but accepted the office against his wish and inclination and could never again be induced to serve in a public position. His wife is a member of the Christian Church and has been connected with that denomination for many years. It is with pleasure that we present to the readers of the 'Album' this brief sketch of the life work of Mr. GILMER, who has been a resident of Jefferson County for fifty-three years and is one of the very few left of its earliest settlers. His life has been a busy and useful one, and he is now at the age of seventy-three years, still active, both mentally and physically. He removed to the city expecting to lay aside all business and secure relief from the care of this three large farms, but he still finds himself doing as much work as a man of middle age ordinarily performs.

Fairfield Ledger, Wed., Mar. 14, 1877, Pg. 3, Col. 5

Mr. J. HOWE has sold his handsome property on E. Burlington Ave. to R. T. GILMER, one of the substantial farmers of Round Prairie township. Mr. HOWE and wife intend leaving for California soon, but we expect to see them back ere many months have passed.

Robert and Anna Gilmer were the adoptive parents of Sarah Elizabeth Bond, who died in 1891 and is also buried on the Gilmer family plot in Evergreen cemetery. The names of Sarah's biological parents and circumstances leading to her adoption are not known at this time. Any clarification would be appreciated.

Family Members Parents Photo James Gilmer 1784–1862

Photo Elizabeth Tilford Gilmer 1784–1865

Spouse Photo Anna Crayton Scott Gilmer* 1817–1909

Siblings Photo Benjamin Franklin Gilmer* 1814–1843

Photo Jane Hill Gilmer Ross* 1815–1897

Children Photo Frank Gilmer* 1858–1939

Memorials Region North America USA Iowa Jefferson County Fairfield Evergreen Cemetery Robert Tilford Gilmer Created by: Richard K Thompson Added: 17 Oct 2013

Sources

• Find A Grave Memorial 118846472

Source citation

• Fairfield Ledger

June 4, 1902 Page 3 column 5