My Genealogy Hound

ROBERT GANT, a respected and prosperous farmer of township 7, range 6, Randolph County, was born November 1, 1832, in this county, and has here made his home all his life. His father, Thomas Gant, was a native of Nelson County, Ky., and lived in the Blue Grass State until 1831, when he came to this county and engaged in farming, which vocation he followed until his death, which occurred in April, 1875. The grandfather of our subject bore the name of William Gant. He was of English birth, but came to the United States and located in Kentucky about the year 1795. He was married in his native country to Miss Jane Holt.

The mother of our subject bore the name of Eliza Hathaway. Her parents came from Wales and settled in Kentucky, where she was born and reared. She was called from this life in April, 1834, when Robert was but a year and a-half old. His father was again married, taking Mrs. Parthena (Williamson) Uhls as his wife. The lady was born in North Carolina, but was residing in Randolph County at the time of her marriage, and by her union with the father of our subject became the mother of two children, only one of whom is living. He bears the name of Thomas, and is now United States Gauger, with headquarters at Belleville.

Our subject is one in a family of five children born to his mother, only two of whom are yet living, Robert and Spicy. The latter married William Gant and makes her home in this county. Robert had the advantages of a three months’ subscription school for a few years when he was quite young, but, being of a studious turn of mind, he improved his spare moments and has become one of the well posted men of his section. He aided his father on the home farm until reaching his majority, when for the next four years he received a small compensation for his labors. He then began on his own account, and has added to his first small purchase until he is now the happy possessor of eight hundred broad and fertile acres. As a farmer, he displays excellent judgment in the rotation of crops, fertilization of the soil and cultivation of the land, and, as a result of his efforts, he has gained prosperity. In addition to raising the cereals, Mr. Gant keeps a fine grade of stock on his place, which is now one of the most attractive in the township.

The marriage of Robert Gant and Miss Catherine Harmon was solemnized June 10, 1858. Mrs. Gant is a daughter of Abraham and Ann (Pillars) Harmon, residents of Randolph County. The following children have been born of this union: S. E. Gant, a practicing physician in California; Florence, the wife of G. B. Allison, Postmaster of Chester; Emily, who married George Pinkerton, and is now making her home in Chicago; and Ellen, Thomas A., Anna E., Robert L., Laura, May and Katie Alice, all of whom are at home with their parents. Roy Holt, the youngest child, died when but three years old.

Mr. and Mrs. Gant are consistent members of the Methodist Church, in which the former is Trustee. Socially, he is connected with Lodge No. 72, A. F. & A. M., of Chester. In his political affiliations Mr. Gant is a stalwart Republican, but has never been desirous of office, although in 1887 he was elected County Commissioner, and has filled the position with satisfaction to his constituents as well as with credit to himself. His term of office was three years, and during one year of that time he was Chairman of that body. William Harmon, a nephew of Mrs. Gant, whose parents died when he was but three months old, is now included in the family circle of our subject.