S.B. GILBERT, farmer, P.O. Woodlawn, was born in this county, February 25, 1841, and was a son of Eli and Lucy (Fairchild) Gilbert. The father was born March 2, 1809, in Waterbury, VT., the mother June 10, 1805, in Preston, Mass. The twain came to this county in 1839, where they lived until their death, which occurred January 20, 1878, both dying on the same day. The father was a farmer by occupation, and to them were born five sons and two daughters, and of that number five are now living.

Our subject has made this county his residence all his life. His education was of the common school character, and since then he has been engaged in farming, now having a farm of 100 acres. He also deals in stock. In the spring of 1865, he entered the service, enlisting in the Forty-ninth Regular Infantry, Col. Moore, Company G. Our subject was stationed at Paducah, KY., where he remained until the close of the war.

Mr. Gilbert was married in 1862, to Mary A. Rightnowar, a native of this county, and a daughter of Henry Rightnowar, one of the leading farmers of this county. The result of this marriage has been ten children, nine of whom are now living --

1. James H.
2. David P.
3. Mary E.
4. Martha A.
5. Hiram E.
6. Robert H.
7. Lucy M.
8. Lavina J.
9. Eda E.
10. William I
11. Samuel B. is the one deceased.

Our subject is a member of the A.F. & A.M. of Mount Vernon, No. 31, and has acted as representative of this organization to the Grand Lodge. In politics, he is a a Democrat; has served his county and township in numerous offices, among which are Justice of the Peace, Constable, Supervisor and Assessor.

Source: The History of Jefferson County, Illinois
by William Henry Perrin
Globe Publishing Co - 1883
Page 61 & 62

Submitted By: Sandy (Whalen) Bauer