Union Twp. -
JAMES GILL, retired farmer, was born February 26, 1798, in Montgomery County, Ky.  In 1814, he crossed the territory, came to Illinois, and located near Palestine, on the Wabash, making temporary quarters in the Fort.  After a short stay he returned to Kentucky, and assisted his father to move.  They at once came to Fort LaMotte, afterward Palestine.  His father bought half a Section of land, being then the first public sale, the land office being located there.  The family removed to this land and lived there about twenty years.  He was engaged in flat-boating from Vincennes to New Orleans, making one trip a season.  This he continued seven seasons, he making the second trip that ever was made on a flat-boat.  He came to where he now lives in 1830.  He first entered a quarter Section, afterward bought and entered other lands, and has owned as high as 1,800 acres at one time.  He is one of the most enterprising men of this county.  He built his present house in about 1850, setting an example to his neighbors by building the best one then in this neighborhood.  He hauled the lumber from York, a distance of forty miles.  Mr. Gill has held many important office, viz.:  Justice of the Peace, County Commissioner of Coles County, and was the first County Commissioner of Cumberland County.  His father served in the Revolutionary war, enlisting as a private, and for meritorious conduct was promoted to Captain, which Commission he held until his death, he drawing a Captain's pension.  He was born Aug. 27, 1757, in New Jersey, and died near Palestine in 1837.  Our subject was married, Dec. 27, 1829, to Diadama Neal of Kentucky, who died Sept. 16, 1850.  They had six children living, viz.:  Emily, wife of Samuel P. Reed; Angeline, now Mrs. Conrad; Lucinda, now Mrs. Fulkerson; Nancy, now Mrs. Brooks; Martha, now Mrs. McMorris; John N., now managing this farm.  Hannah died May 11, 1856.  Martin C. served in the Confederate army and died Apr. 13, 1865.  George W. died Sept. 27, 1847.  James T. served in the Union army, and died Jul. 3, 1864.
Source:  Counties of Cumberland, Jasper and Richland, Illinois - Historical and Biographical - Publ. Chicago: F. A. Battey & Co. - 1884 - Page 351

Union Twp. -
JAMES GOSSETT, farmer, was born May 5, 1833, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and was the son of Luke and Jane Gossett, who were born in Pennsylvania.  In 1837 the family came to Cole County, and there engaged in farming.  In 1857, he moved to Cumberland County, and settled on Section 30, Union Township, and there remained till 1863, when he removed to his present farm.  He now owns 180 acres, mostly improved.  He has a very comfortable house, which he built in 1868; cost about $2,000; also other buildings, which cost over $3,000.  He was married in 1857, to Ann E. Roberts, of Delaware County, Ohio.  She was born, June 23, 1839; died in 1876.  They had eight children, five living, viz.: Clinton M., Luke Lincoln, James C., Augusta J., and Sarah M.  They lost one child in infancy.  Julia A. died Aug. 20, 1883, aged twenty-two; John died in 1876, aged eight months.  Mr. G. is a member of the United Brethren "Church of Christ.
Source:  Counties of Cumberland, Jasper and Richland, Illinois - Historical and Biographical - Publ. Chicago: F. A. Battey & Co. - 1884 - Page 351