Biography of Charles Sewell Gilbert
FROM: History of Livingston County,
New York
By James H. Smith
Assisted by Hume H. Cole
Published By D. Mason & Co. 1881
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Charles Sewell Gilbert Charles Sewell Gilbert, the subject of this sketch. was born at Mutford Hall. Suffolk county. England. January
5, 1817. He is the son of Charles and Hannah (Borrett) Gilbert. The former was a farmer by occupation. and died
at ins home in London. December 12. 1857, aged sixty-four years. His wife also died there March 4. 1875, aged eighty-five
years. They had eleven children, eight of whom are now living and all residing in England. with the exception of
Charles S., who came to America in the spring of 1837. While at home he enjoyed moderate advantages for an education,
and at the age of fifteen years was apprenticed to a miller and remained with him four years.
After landing at New York he proceoded to Rochester and stopped during one month ith Mr. Beers, of Pittsford. receiving
ten dollars for his services. He then commenced working for Mr. John Agate a son-in-law of Mr. Beers, who promised
him ten dollars per month, but was so well pleased with him that he increased his wages to one dollar per day.
With Mr. Agate he lived one month. He next engaged himself as second miller in the mill belonging to Andrew Lincoln
of Penfield with whom lie remained eighteen years After being with him about a year and a half. Mr. Lincoln placed
him in full charge of the mill, where he served as master miller to the satisfaction of all concerned, until he
severed his connection with Mr. Lincoln. He often speaks of Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln as his "American parents."
who ever took a parental interest in his welfare, such kindly interest and friendship being one of the pleasant
memories and green spots of his life.
January 30, 1839. he was married to Mary, daughter of John and Hannah (Goodrich) Clark, of Suffolk county, England.
She was born January 29, 1811. and in company with her brother and one sister, came to America in 1837, on the
same ship with the voyager who proved to be her future husband. They were married at Penfield, while Mr. Gilbert
was in the service of Mr. Lincoln, and during their residence with him revisited England.
In 1805, they settled in the town of Avon, where they now reside. He purchased a mill property which he has improved
by adding steam power, so it can now be run at all seasons. When on his way to occupy his present home he was informed
by curious anti inquisitive persons whom he met, that he surely would starve if he relied upon getting a living
there: but such a fate was not in store for him, and he is now one of the prominent business men of the town, and
has run the mills successfully for nearly twenty-five years.
There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert eight children, too of whom died in infancy. Those living are named
as follows: John W. born January 5, 1840; Harriet E. born March 11, 1845; Martha A., born March 28, 1851; Charles
Borrett, born December 1, 1853; Arthur Sewell, born July 20, 1856, and Alfred Clark, born January 10, 1858. The
two eldest sons are in company engaged in the mercantile business at West Avon. or “Avon Springs
In religions sentiment Mr. Gilbert and his wife are Episcopalians. but in politics Mr. Gilbert takes no interest,
having never voted during his residence in America.
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