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File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project
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Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County
Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1890

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The Biography of William A. GEARHART 

Pages 395-396, transcribed in full by Danni Hopkins 

[Surnames: GEARHART, ROSS, THORNE] 

    
WILLIAM A. GEARHART, the son of a pioneer of Fulton County, is industriously pursuing his occupation as a farmer on section 18, Orion Township, of which he is a valued citizen, and here he has one of the coziest and happiest homes in all the community. He is a son of John Gearhart who was born in Pennsylvania and migrated from the Keystone State to this county forty-five years ago. William A., the subject of this sketch married Lillian Ross in February, 1876. 
    
Our subject was reared to a strong and energetic manhood in this county and has since identified himself with the agricultural element that is the main factor in promoting the prosperity of Orion Township. He is a practical, clear-headed man and has good capabilities as a farmer, has his place under admirable cultivation and supplied with necessary buildings, and it is in good condition generally. 
    
We should be doing but scant justice to our subject did we not devote a part of this sketch to the good wife who is laboring so faithfully by his side and is an important aid to him in his work. She is an intelligent, amiable woman, is wise in counsel and a true friend to those about her. She is a daughter of the late Isaac W. Ross, who was a prominent merchant of Canton, and was also a very prominent Mason, a member of the Grand Lodge of the A. F. & A. M., of the State of Illinois. Mrs. Gearhart is a granddaughter of Gilbert Thorne, who moved from Marion County, W. Va., to Illinois in 1827, and settled in Orion Township. 
    
Isaac W. Ross, Mrs. Gearhart's father, married Juliet Thorne, and his widow now resides in Canton. 
    
Mr. Gearhart lives comfortably surrounded by a happy family, the home circle of himself and wife being completed by their daughter Edith, aged thirteen, and Jessie aged seven years. Mr. Gearhart is in all respects a sincere minded, straightforward man, of excellent habits and a kindly disposition, and he and his amiable wife stand well in the community.