George H. Gilbert

George H. Gilbert, proprietor of the Gilbert House at Reed City, was born in Schuyler, Herkimer Co., N.Y., June 19, 1843. His parents, Josiah and Tilda (Whitaker) Gilbert, were natives of the Empire State, and died there. Mr. Gilbert, when about 14 years of age, began to operate as a buyer and shipper of cattle, in which he was engaged 11 successive years. In JUly 1862, he enlisted in Co. C, 121st N.Y. Vol. Inf., under Capt. Fish, and went to the front as Third Sergeant. He was in the service until the close of the war, and was in the Army of the Potomac. He was in the actions of the second Bull Run, Antietam, Cold Harbor, Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court-House, Cedar Creek, Crampton's Pass, Frederick City, Winchester, Petersburg, Fredericksburg, Sailor's Creek, or Oliver Mountain, and was present at the surrender of General Lee. Mr. Gilbert was discharged as Orderly Sergeant, and returned to the State of New York, and passed two years in the vicinity of the city of Utica, on a farm. In the spring of 1867 he came to the village of Newaygo, in the county of the same name, and engaged in the meat business. He officiated as manager of the Jarse House two years, and in 1871 came to Reed City, where he bought a building site, removed the timber, literally "cleared the bush," erected a building and established a sloon and billiard-room. In the following year he built the hotel which he is now managing. It is 24 x 96 feet in extent, is two stories in height, with a basement, and has accommodaions for an average of 40 guests. His hotel was destroyed by fire the morning of Jan. 17, 1885.

Mr. Gilbert is a member of the order known as the Princes of the Orient, and also of the Odd Fellows. Besides his hotel property he owns ninety feet front on Slosson Street, with a barn, 80 acres of land in Mason County and also 160 acres of land in Lake County.

He was married in Schuyler Co., N.Y., Aug. 27, 1866, to Amoretta Sterling, and they have two children: Vara, born in January, 1870, in Newaygo; and Ira, born in July, 1879, in Reed City. Mrs. Gilbert was born in August, 1844, In Schuyler, N.Y.

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