Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 698 - 699 

WILLIAM P. GILCHRIST, owner and manager of a livery stable at Mt. Hope, is one of the solid and substantial business men of this town. He was born in Union County, Ky., Nov. 18, 1829. His father, Charles C. P. Gilchrist, was a native of Berkeley County, Va. When a young man he migrated to Union County, Ky., where he married Miss Mary C. Morrison, like himself a native of Berkeley County, Va. After marriage they settled down in Kentucky, and he was there engaged in agricultural pursuits, with good results, until his death, Oct. 15, 1848, at the age of forty-eight; his wife survived him ten years, dying in November, 1858, at the age of fifty-six. They were useful and honorable citizens of the community in which they lived. Their married life was blessed by the birth of eight children, of whom all attained maturity, with the exception of one son, who died at the age of seventeen. Their record is as follows: James M. died in 1863; Robert died in 1848; William P.; Ann C., deceased; Samuel was killed at New Hope, Ga., while serving as a soldier in the late Civil War; Mary H. died in October, 1887; Charles lives in Florida; White is a farmer and dealer in live stock in Kentucky. 

        Our subject was reared on a farm, and received his first lesson in agriculture from his father, who was a practical, capable farmer. He grew up to be vigorous and strong, and afforded his father great help in his work. After the death of his parents he still continued to live in his native State for several years, engaging in his chosen calling. While there he took an active part in local affairs and served as Justice of the Peace for some time. In 1874, convinced that he could do still better farming on the rich soil of Kansas, he came here and purchased 160 acres in this county, which he developed into a fine farm, erected substantial buildings, and otherwise greatly increased its original value. He continued to manage it some years, when he sold it, and subsequently turned his attention to cattle-raising. In April, 1885, he moved into the village of Mt. Hope and established himself in the livery business, which he has since carried on with good financial success. He owns valuable town property, and he and his family have one of the pleasantest homes in the town. 

        Our subject was married in his native State, Feb. 22, 1852, to Rebecca E. Wallace, a native of Kentucky. After a pleasant wedded life of eleven years' duration, the faithful and devoted wife and mother passed to eternal rest, Feb. 13, 1863, leaving four children -- Robert, William, Mary E. and Rebecca. Mr. Gilchrist's second marriage took place Jan. 22, 1865, to Lucretia Hobbs, of Jefferson County, Ky. Of this union eight children have been born, seven of whom are now living, as follows: Charles H., James B., Ella, Scott R., Minnie B., Mattie and Virgie. 

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