Francis Gilman (biography)

[genealogynut]

Taken from History of the State of Kansas, by William G. Cutler


FRANCIS GILMAN, farmer, P.O. Moline, was born in Lake County, Ind., in 1841.  In 1850, he emigrated to Dallas County, Iowa, and in 1861 enlisted in the Second Iowa Battery, serving four years.  He was wounded at the battle of Tupelo, Miss., and was captured and taken to Mobile, and from there to Cahaba, and from there to Macon, Ga., and was then taken to Andersonville, where he remained from February 1, 1865 until April.  After coming out of the army he returned to Iowa.  In 1868, he migrated to Kansas, locating in Neosho County, remaining there two years.  In 1870, he came to Elk County, then Howard, and took a claim on Section 3, Town 31, Range 10. The place is well watered by Wild Cat Creek.  He was one of the first settlers, and put up the first house on Wild Cat Creek, this was for a time the only house where they could hold religious services.  He was sixty miles from market.  His place is well fenced with hedge, has plenty of water, ten acres of timber, two acres of forest trees, a good apple and peach orchard and a large variety of small fruits.  His farm is located about half a mile from Moline, he is raising cattle and hogs, and is doing well, was the first Justice of the Peace in Wild Cat township.  He was married in 1859 to Miss Dillon, of Dallas County, Iowa. They have seven children --Blanche, J. E., Harry, George, Kitty, Maggie, and Nelson.  He is a member of the E. M. Stanton Post No. 23, G. A. R. of Elk Falls Lodge, No. 126, A. F. & A. M., and of Moline Lodge No. 87, A. O.U.W.