My Genealogy Hound

JOHN P. GILLUM is one of the leading men of Knobnoster, Johnson County, and is interested in several enterprises of this locality. Though now in his seventy-fifth year, he possesses the ambition and energy more commonly found in men who have not seen half his years. A native of Kentucky, our subject was born June 25, 1820, to William and Maria T. (Oglesby) Gillum, both natives of Virginia. After reaching maturity they located in the Blue Grass State, but only continued to live there until 1831, when they took up their permanent abode in Missouri. For three years they remained in Cooper County, after which they became inhabitants of this county, settling about seven miles from this village. During his entire active life the father was engaged in farming, and his declining years were spent in Knobnoster, where his death occurred in 1863. His wife survived him several years, passing to the home beyond in 1877.

Mr. Gillum whose name heads this article had very limited advantages for obtaining an education, but made the best of what the primitive schools afforded. From boyhood he was accustomed to farm work, and on reaching his majority engaged in agricultural pursuits and in running a sawmill for several years. Later he was in business in Dunksburg, Mo., for two years, then removing to Knobnoster. When the war broke out he enlisted, but on account of poor health soon left the service. When the battle clouds had rolled away he went to Texas, where for some years he owned a farm and handled live stock successfully, but since 1878 his interests have been exclusively identified with this locality.

August 1, 1842, Mr. Gillum and Susan M. Houks were united in marriage. The lady’s father was John Houks, an early settler of Cooper County, Mo. Mrs. Gillum was called to her final rest in 1883, and two of her three children survive her, namely: Margaret E., who is the wife of Charles E. Newton, a native of this county; and John F., of this city. The eldest of the family, William N., died leaving a wife and five children, who are now living with our subject. In his religious belief Mr. Gillum has long been a Presbyterian and an active worker in the local church. Politically he adheres to the principles and candidates of the Democratic party.