My Genealogy Hound

Stephen D. Gilbreath, merchant of West Fork, Ark., is a native of Washington County, Ark., born May 28, 1845, and is a son of Cyrus D. and Sarah (Craig) Gilbreath. The father was born in North Carolina in 1808, and as his educational advantages were quite limited in his boyhood days, he attended school with his own children in order to obtain the coveted education. In 1833 he located on a farm in Independence County, Ark., and two years later came to Washington County, and became one of the leading farmers and stock raisers of the county, owning a good farm of 200 acres. He always took an active interest in politics, and held the office of justice of the peace a number of years, and was also judge of the county court several terms. His death occurred in October, 1880. His wife, who became the mother of nine children (five living), died in 1847, and in 1851 he married Mrs. Cynthia Bloyd, and their union was blessed with two children. Stephen D. Gilbreath received a fair English education, and was reared to manhood on his father’s farm. In 1862 he was compelled to hide in the woods to save his life, and in 1863 be enlisted in Company D, First Arkansas Cavalry, United States Army, and did honorable and active service until the close of the war. After his return home he located on a farm, and in February, 1865, was married to Susan Billingsley, a native of Washington County, and by her became the father of five children: James M., Sarah R., John, Dayton W., and Amy E. In 1882 Mr. Gilbreath gave up farm life and engaged in merchandising at West Fork, in partnership with John Lane. At the end of three months he purchased his partner’s interest, and after carrying on the business in his own name for some time, formed a partnership with J. M. Lagster, with whom he has since been connected. Mr. Gilbreath is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the G. A. R., Post No.14, at West Fork, and he and family attend the Christian Church.