REV. W. B. GILMORE, clergyman, Manito; was born April 4, 1836, in Mechanicsville, N. J., remained there until I-1/2 years old, when his parents moved to Springfield, Ill., and remained a year; they then moved to Fairview, Fulton Co., where his father now lives; his mother's maiden name was Vanordstrand. He attended school while he was with his parents, and at length studied Latin and Greek, under Rev. Mr. Jerolmon; during 1859 and 1860, he taught school at Fairview. In September, 1861, he went to Holland, Mich., and attended the Hope College, at that place, where he graduated in 1866; he then commenced his course in the Faith Seminary, at Fairview, in which he graduated in 1869. He then went to Amelia Court House, Va., and engaged in the Amelia Institute, remaining four years. During this time, he married Christine C. Van Ralte, daughter of Rev. A. C. Van Ralte, founder of the colony of Holland, Mich.; they moved to Holland, Mich., where he engaged as Principal of the Female Academy for a year. Owing to ill health, he abandoned teaching, and came to Spring Lake, Tazewell Co., and took charge of the Reform Church there. In 1876, he began his labors at Manito, where he now resides; has held almost all offices connected with the Church. All through life, he has depended upon his own resources; he gave instruction in music while in the Institute at Michigan. He has had four children:  A. 0. V. R., Willie B. S., died June 25, 1871; Margaret A., died Feb. 21, 1879; Frank E., died Feb. 13, 1879.



Maintained by Mason County Coordinator Donna Mayer