James Gilbreath

JAMES GILBREATH. A good standing among the agriculturists of Jefferson County is held by the gentleman above named, whose comfortable estate consists of one hundred and thirty acres located on section 35, Bald Hill Township. The estate bears a full line of improvements, including a pleasing dwelling, adequate barns, outbuildings, and a sufficient number of fruit trees to furnish the family with an abundant supply in their season. The farm is well stocked and the most approved methods are used in its cultivation.

Mr. Gilbreath is a native of this state, having been born in Washington County, February 12, 1829. He is the third in order of birth in the family of Barton and Patsy (McKenzie) Gilbreath, the former of whom was born in old Kaskaskia. He spent the greater part of his life, however, in Washington County, where his decease occurred in 1861. The mother, whose family were Tennesseeans, departed this life in 1866.

James, of this sketch, was permitted to attend school only three months, and then he was obliged to walk six miles to the temple of learning. His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm, aiding in its cultivation, and when at the age of eighteen years he began the struggle of life on his own account, he was fully qualified to take charge of a farm, and was thus engaged when, in 1865, he entered the army, joining Company C, One Hundred and Fifty-second Illinois Infantry, and was mustered into service at Camp Butler. Young Gilbreath saw only six months of army life, however, when peace was declared, but during that short time was deprived of his right hand. He was discharged at Memphis, Tenn., in 1865, and returning to his home in Washington County, remained there until 1878, the date of his advent into this county, where he purchased land and has resided ever since. On account of his army experience he has been incapacitated for hard labor of any kind, but manages his estate in a most etticient manner, and has placed all but ten acres of it under the best methods of cultivation.

Mr. Gilbreath was married May 19, 1850, to Miss Maria, daughter of Philip and Robecca Jones, of Perry County, this state. Their union has been blessed by the birth of eight children, namely:

1. Laura, who died when two years of age;
2. George W., who married Melvina Direxou and resides in Williamson County, this state;
3. John M., who married Miss Anna Baker, and on her decease became the husband of Miss Ella Davis;
4. Philip, who married Ossaola Gibson and makes his home in Franklin County, this state;
5. Martha, who is the widow of Charles T. Ward;
6. James, who is unmarried;
7. Rosa Bell, who married Frank Barnett and makes her home in this county;
8. William, who married Linnie Fred and makes his home with his parents.

In his political relations our subject is, and always has been, a stanch Democrat, and although never an aspirant for office, has always taken a prominent part in local affairs. Socially, he is a member of Stephen Place Post No. 581, G. A. R.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Record of Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, IL
Published by Chapman Publishing, Chicago, IL -1894
Page 530
Submitted by Sandy (Whalen) Bauer