**************************************************************************** File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project Copyright 2008, all rights reserved. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format without the written consent of the author at http://fulton.ilgenweb.net. **************************************************************************** Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1890 **************************************************************************** The Biography of William T. GENTLE Pages 220-221, transcribed in full by Danni Hopkins [Surnames: ALLEN, GENTLE, JOHNSON, SMITH, TERWILLIGER] WILLIAM T. GENTLE. There is not a more successful resident of Fairview Township than is the subject of our sketch who is widely known as the successful owner of fine Shropshire sheep. His estate is peculiarly well adapted to stock-raising, and he has been in that business during the years intervening between boyhood and the present date. At this writing he has on hand about three hundred thoroughbreds and high grades. He received his start from George Allen, of Allerton, Ill. Mr. Gentle was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, about four miles from Cincinnati. His parents came to this State in 1855, settling in Farmington Township. The father died in 1879, at the age of fifty-five; the mother is still living and makes her home with our subject, being now sixty-three years of age. To them were born four children, viz: William T.; John W., who resides in Iowa, married Miss Lou Terwilliger of London Mills, Ill.; Hester A., who married L. C. Johnson, died at her home in Iowa, leaving three children; Thomas E. makes his home in Prescott, Iowa. Our subject's parents and all the children with the exception of William T. moved to Creston, Iowa in 1876 and there the father died in 1879. The the mother returned to live with our subject. The birth of Mr. Gentle took place September 24, 1846, and he was only nine years of age when he came to Illinois. His education was received partly in this State and partly in Ohio, and he reached man's estate on his father's farm in Farmington Township. In 1869 Mr. Gentle married Miss America A. Smith, the sixth child of Jonathan Smith, deceased, one of the wealthiest citizens who ever resided in Fairview Township. Her brother, Foster G. Smith, is represented in another part of this ALBUM. Her birth occurred in Fairview Township where the most of her birth was passed. She attended school at Yates City. Of their union have been born three children, viz: Lacie O., Minnie A. and Mattie F. Misses Lacie and Minnie A. are students at the State Normal at Bloomington, thus fitting themselves to enjoy the wealth and comforts of their beautiful home in the highest possible manner, and to add sunshine to an already happy home. The subject of this sketch is the owner of one hundred and ninety acres of valuable land on section 26. He is a member of the Independent Order Odd of Fellows lodge at Fairview and has been through the chairs in same, and is also a member of the Modern Woodmen lodge. Mrs. Gentle and her two eldest daughters are members of the Daughters of Rebecca lodge in Fairview Township, and Mrs. Gentle is holding the Noble Grand Chair for the second term. Both our subject and his wife are members of the Providence Chapel, Methodist Episcopal Church, and the former is Trustee. The entire family are active workers for the Sunday-school and other worthy causes that benefit and advance the interests of humanity. He believes in protection to American industries. Mr. Gentle has had possession of his present farm for three years and it is one of the finest in the surrounding country. His fame and popularity have extended much beyond the limits of the township and his genial, cordial manners have gained him the friendship of all who have been associated with him either in commercial or social circles.