Francis L. GILMER, assistant postmaster at Henry, was born near Wenona, Illinois, in 1870. His father, Albert GILMER, was born in Ohio and on coming to Illinois settled near Florid, making the journey hither with his parents. He became a well-to-do citizen and here died in the forty-sixth year of his age. His political support was given the republican party. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah E. KINDER, was also born in Ohio and is now living in Henry at the age of fifty-six years. In their family were three children: Francis L.; Roy M., a bookkeeper in Chicago; and Orrel, who is connected with a book store in Henry.
Francis L. GILMER acquired his education in the public schools of Wenona and of Henry. He was reared to farm life and to some extent worked at farm labor, but on abandoning agricultural pursuits came to Henry. For five years he was connected with his father in the conduct of a livery business in Streator, but following the father's death he sold out the business there and came to Henry. Subsequently he was employed at farm labor for three years and then returned to Henry, where he entered a grocery, remaining there for a year. On the expiration of that period he secured the position of janitor of a school and worked in that capacity for three years. He then again went back to the grocery, but after sixteen months he accepted a position with J. Watercott & Company, with whom he remained for several months. The position of assistant postmaster was then tendered him by John KLINE in 1900 and he has since acted in that capacity with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned, proving a most capable, prompt and efficient officer.
On the 15th of September, 1903, Mr. GILMER was married to Miss Edna GODDARD, who was born in 1876 and is a daughter of Joseph and Sarah GODDARD. Her father was a harnessmaker and a veteran of the Civil war. Unto Mr. and Mrs. GILMER have been born one daughter, Marjory Pearl, born October 8, 1904. Mrs. GILMER is a member of the Episcopal church and Mr. GILMER is an Odd Fellow, while his political support is given to the republican party. He has a wide acquaintance in this locality, where his entire life has been passed, and he is one of the most popular and efficient officers ever connected with the Henry post office.
Extracted July 2011 by Norma Hass from Past and Present of Marshall and Putnam Counties Illinois, 1907.
| Bureau | Putnam | |
| Stark |
 |
La Salle |
| Peoria | Woodford |
