Merritt A. GILE was born in Groton, N. Y., Dec. 3, 1848, and came to Hinsdale with his parents in 1850. He was educated in the common schools and reared a farmer. In 1864 he enlisted in the U. S. navy, serving on the ship Undine at Paducah at the mouth of the Tennessee river. Two weeks later they were attacked by Gen. Hood's army. The commanding officer and several others were killed, and the vessel was captured, but the crew escaped by wading to the opposite shore and tramping 160 miles through the woods, rejoining their squadron at Mound City at the mouth of the Ohio river. Mr. GILE was present at the evacuation of Mobile and was often under fire. Since returning home he has been a farmer adjoining his father. He is a staunch Republican and has served as assessor six consecutive years. He was one of the organizers of the Union Free School of the village and is a member of the Board of Education. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church, of which he is a trustee and the recording steward. May 3, 1867, he married Viola M., daughter of Jeremiah and Lovina (LEARN) RAUB; children: Edith L. (Mrs. Alexander ADAMS), Catherine A., Fred M., Thenia M., and Vincent H.
Bio from:
Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893. History of the Town of Hinsdale - Chapter XXXI (31), Page 712 |
