GILLUM-Osborn - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Osborn Gillum, farmer & stock raiser, Harveysburg was b. in Chatham Co NC July 22, 1817and is a s/o John & Susana (Martin) Gillum, both natives of the state. The Gillums came from England to Va then settled in NC. John & SUsana with their family, moved in 1828 to Orange Co In where both d., he March 20 1848 aged 64 y and she Jan 3, 1864 aged 79 years. They were QUAKERS or friendsl He was a whig. They had 5 boys & 5 girls. Each boy wa set at liberty by the father at 18 years of age, with the admonitionn to "go, select an occupation, push ahead, be honest, tell the truth and be temperate." This was all the fotune he had for them. Four boys became farmers, and one, John W studied law and was a member of the state convention when the constitution was revised. Osborn left home & engaged on a farm at $11 per month for 2 years saving a part of his wages until he was able to pay $00 for the 180 aacres of land on which he now lives. He came to Fountain Co in 1839 and secured his place, built a cabin and began to clear and soon planted an orchard. Aug 26, 1841 he was marr to Emiline Sowers da/o George & Eliz. Sowers who came from NC an early day. She was in that state July 31, 1821. Mr. & Mrs. Gillum settled on their woody farm and began in earnest thie pioneer labors. He cleared 3 acres and planted an orchard. He owns 120 acrs. Whig; and later a radical republican. Mason. Their children: John; Ira H; Howard S; William B and Charles W. John enlisted in the 31st Ind Reg and was badly wounded at Donelson. Ira H enlisted 63rd reg and served thourhg the war and is a physician in Parke Co. Howard S enlisted 3 diff. times. He was afterward at Wabash College and becoming overheated in walking home from school took sick & d. Ira H was elected to the state leg in 1880."

Prepared by: Karen Zach