JOHN G. GILLHAM, Platteville; born Dec. 22, 1819, in Madison Co., Ill.; son of Charles and Clarinda Gillham, who settled in Grant Co. in 1835. The sons of Charles Gillham engaged in mining at Big Patch, J. G. Gillham following the "diggins" and farming until 1850, when he went to California, and for two years sought his fortunes in the gold mines; returning, he began farming near Belmont, Wis. In 1862, he made a second visit to the Pacific Slope; on his return in 1863, he sold his Belmont farm, and settled in Platteville. The summer of 1864 was spent by him in the United States service, as a Private in the 41st W. V. I., he returning on sick leave shortly before the final discharge of his regiment. He settled in his present pleasant home in 1872. J. G. Patterson, a former owner of the property, had established a nursery here, which has secured to Mr. Gillham an unusually large, fine orchard, besides other fruit and ornamental trees. He married Miss Mary L., daughter of Ashahel and Eliza Haggett; she was born April 25, 1829. An adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gillham is now the wife of Frank White, of Lancaster. Mr. and Mrs. Gillham belong to the M. E. Church of Platteville. The father, Charles Gillham, died on the day of the capitulation of Gen. Lee, in April, 1865. Mrs. Charles Gillham died Sept. 28, 1879.

This biography generously submitted by Roxanne Munns.