History

Ayers French was of English background. As a young man he had lived near Harrisburg, PA. He fought in the Revolutionary War. As a reward for his war service, he was granted a section of land, probably 648 acres, located in northern Butler County. He made his original home at what became the Gilmore Homestead. His daughter, Eleanor, an only child, married an Irish immigrant named Hugh Gilmore. Thus, the name Gilmore became the main ancestral name. While still in his early fifties, Ayres was thrown from his horse and killed. In the area originally granted to Ayres French, many families named Gilmore still reside.

Ayres French lived in the same area at the same time and place in Pennsylvania as the ancestors of Alexander and Samuel French from Scotland (see FFA Chart #26), but no research proves any connection to theirs. Because Ayres had only one daughter, Eleanor, who was named after her mother Eleanor who died in childbirth with this child, there are no clues as to either of their parentage. They were Presbyterians, unlike the many Quakers in the area with the surname French.

Ayres French also lived in Armstrong, Westmoreland, PA in 1787. Similar to Ayres, Aaron French, b. ca. 1750, lived in Franklin County, PA during the Revolutionary War, and by 1782 he was in Bedford, Bedford, PA, and in Armstrong, Westmoreland, PA from 1787-1790, and by 1800 in Slippery Rock, Allegheny County, PA, where he died in 1803.

The three original counties of Pennsylvania, established by William Penn in 1682, were Chester, Philadelphia and Bucks. Chester County included all the land except a small portion of Philadelphia County, southwest of the Schuylkill to the extreme limits of the State. Lancaster County was formed and taken from Chester May 10, 1729; York was taken from Lancaster August 9, 1749. Cumberland County remained a part of Lancaster until it was itself erected a separate county, January 27, 1750. Franklin County, the then southwestern part of Cumberland, and known as the “Conococheague Settlement,” was established September 9, 1784. To understand the early history of this country, the reader will need therefore, to bear in mind two facts:

1. Prior to January 27, 1750, its territory (with the exception of Warren township) was found in the county of Lancaster.

2. From January 27, 1750 to September 9, 1784, it belonged to Cumberland County. Since the latter date (September 9, 1784) it has had a distinct organization of its own.

What is now Cumberland County had settlements at various points away from the river. Richard Parker and his wife settled three miles north of Carlisle in 1724. His application at the land office in 1734 was for a warrant to land on which he “had resided ye ten years past.” George Croghan, an Indian trader, whose name occurs frequently in early records, lived about five miles from the river on the north side of the Conodoguinet. He owned tracts in various parts of the county, a large one being north of Shippensburg. He did not cultivate all these, but changed about as his convenience and trade demanded. He was an Irishman of common education, and in later years lived at Aughwick or Old Town, west of the North Mountains, where he was trusted as an Indian agent. In the settlement commenced by James Chambers near Newville, then known as Big Spring, a group of inhabitants, so numerous as to form and support a religious society as early as 1738, was found, consisting of David Ralston, Robert Patterson, James McKehan, John Carson, John Erwin, Richard Fulton, Samuel McCullough and Samuel Boyd. Robert Chambers, brother of the preceding, as well as of Benjamin, who located at Falling Spring, formed a prosperous settlement near Middle Spring, about two miles north of Shippensburg.

Ayers French lived at the same time and place as Samuel French from Scotland (FFA Chart #26) (compiled together with FFA Chart #66); Arthur French (FFA Chart #143); and Aaron French (FFA Chart #21), but no sufficient documentation can prove that they are related.

First Generation

1.1* ___________ French, b. ca. 1720. He had only 1 son, Ayres [7]. The surname Ayres was abundant in England and Pennsylvania in the mid 1700s. “A” William Ayres married Elizabeth Buchanan on 24 Dec 1754 in Lancaster, PA. “An” Ezekiel Ayres was b. 23 Feb 1730 in Philadelphia, PA. “A” John Ayres was buried 21 Dec 1729 in Christ’s Church in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA. No sufficient record exists to prove that Ayres French was the father of Ayres French. The mother of Ayres French from the Second Generation could have been a woman with the surname Ayres who married a French.

Second Generation

Children of Ayres French, 1.1

2.1 Ayres French (sometimes spelled Airs, Aires, Eirs, Eres, or Harris), b. 1750 in Esterton, Lancaster County, PA, married to Eleanor Ann (surname unk) (1758-1778 dying probably giving birth to their only child). Ayers French never remarried, and d. 1803 in Butler County, PA.

The surname Ayres appeared in Butler County, PA, in the early 1800s, see Ref [5] below. William J. Ayres was born in the borough of Butler in Mar 1811, the son of General William Ayres of the town, who was born 19 Jul 1771 in York County, PA, and died 1 Apr 1843 in Butler County, PA, aged 71, and buried in the North Side Cemetery. It is not known who General William Ayres father was, but his father would have been in the same generation as Ayres French. William Ayres came to western Pennsylvania in 1794, with the troops sent to quell “The Whisky Insurrection,” in the capacity of a tailor. It was here in Pittsburg that he began the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1809. In 1804, William Ayres, who appears to have moved from Pittsburg to Butler in the Fall of 1801, opened an account with Butler County, PA. Gen. William Ayres died in 1843 and left an estate valued at $150,000. The Pittsburg area could have been the first homestead of Ayres French; however, the surname French does not appear in the “History of Butler County, Pennsylvania” 1895 [5].

Chronology

1750 – Ayers was born in Lancaster County. PA. Ten “Series” of “Pennsylvania Archives” have been so far published in from 5 to 31v. Ea. Philadelphia and Harrisburg. 1852- Series 2, v.2 and v.8 (early Pa. marriage recds.) have been indexed, plus all the v. of Series V. Which contain nearly complete Pa. Rev. War recds., Ser.5:6:371.

1775 May – Ayres French, age 25, is listed as a resident of Mercersburg, Franklin, PA, a Presbyterian, attending the Presbyterian Church of The Upper West Conogogheaue. This was 2 years before he married, had a daughter, and lost his wife during childbirth. The church does not list a Gilmore. No one named Eleanor shows as attending the Presbyterian Church of The Upper West Conogogheaue during 1770-1779 when she died.

1777 – Ayres French married Eleanor Ann, born 1758, died 1778 during childbirth, aged 20.

1777 Jul – Ayres enlisted under Capt. George Crawford in the Revolutionary War. He is listed as Private Avers French of 8^th Company, 6^th Battalion, of Cumberland, PA. Ayres French of this research was alive only during the Revolutionary War as he died in 1803. Cemetery location: Rocky Springs in Harrisville, currently Butler County, PA.

1777 Jul – Airs French served in the Revolutionary War of Franklin County, PA.

1777 Jul 20 – As a result of Airs’ war efforts, he was granted a section of land, probably 648 acres, located in northern Butler County. He made his original home at what became the Gilmore Homestead. His daughter, Eleanor, an only child, married an Irish immigrant named Hugh Gilmore. Thus, the name Gilmore became the main ancestral name.

1778 – A year of happiness and sadness. Ayres had married Eleanor, had only child Eleanor or Ellen that year, and her mother died during childbirth. It is possible that infant Eleanor lived thereafter with the Gilmore family. Eleanor was baptized in August 1778 at the Presbyterian Church of the Upper West Conogogheaue in Mercersburg, Franklin, PA.

1778 Jul 14 – Cumberland County, PA.

1778 Aug – Baptism of Ayres French’s daughter, yet unnamed but given her mother’s name, Eleanor, after her mother died in childbirth, in Mercersburg, Franklin, PA, at the Presbyterian Church of The Upper West Conogogheaue.

1778 or 1779 – Ayres French m2. unknown woman. Because they had daughter Susannah, Ayres could have married a woman named Susanna who might have belonged to Presbyterian Church of The Upper West Conogogheaue in Mercersburg in 1779, but no one fits in that category. No marriage to anyone who would fit has been found.

1779 – Ayres French’s daughter Susannah French with second wife was born in Mercersburg, Franklin, PA.

1781 Nov 6 – History of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

1782 – Airs French is listed in the Bedford, Bedford, Pennsylvania Tax and Exoneration List of 1768-1801.

1783 May 4 – son Hugh French with second wife is listed as baptized in Mercersburg, Franklin, PA, with Ayres French in attendance at the Presbyterian Church of The Upper West Conogogheaue.

1786 – Taxable in Derry Twp, Westmoreland County, PA.

1787 – Aires French is listed in the Pennsylvania Tax and Exoneration Table in Armstrong, Westmoreland, PA, with 1 horse and 2 horned cattle. He was aged 37.

1789 – Eirs French appears in the Tax and Exoneration List in Armstrong, Westmoreland, PA.

1790 Census -- Ayers French is listed in Armstrong, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania as Eres French. Suggestion: visit the Conococheague Institute in Mercersburg, Franklin County, PA, which contains a lot of history. 12995 Bain Rd., Mercersburg, Franklin County, PA, 717-328-3467. Eres French is also listed in Washington, Armstrong, PA, the only male, living with 5 females, totaling 6 members in the household.

1800 Census – Hugh Gilmore, Ayres (Eres) French’s son-in-law, is listed as living in Slipperyrock, Butler, PA. He is aged 24-44 (born 1756-1776) and Hugh’s wife Eleanor French Gilmore is aged 16-25, b. 1778, the same year her mother Eleanor French died in childbirth. Living near Hugh Gilmore is Aaron French, living alone, age 26-44, born between 1756-1774. Also “a” Harris (sounding like Ayres) French was living in Slipperyrock, see below.

1800 Census – Ayres French is listed in the Pennsylvania, U.S., Septennial Census of Slippery Rock, Allegheny, PA, as a farmer.

1801 – Pennsylvania, U.S., Tax and Exoneration, 1768-1801 for Aires French, who had 1 horse and 2 horned cattle.

1803 -- Ayers French died as he was thrown from his horse, buried in Big Springs Cemetery in Marion Twp., Western PA, Butler County, PA, 3 miles east of Harrisville. He was aged 53. Data posted at www.ancestry.com indicate that AYERS French (1750-1803) was born in Esterton, Lancaster Co. PA and was married to Eleanor Ann LNU* (1758-1778). They had a daughter, Ellen French (born 1778 in Cumberland [County?] PA and died 1 June 1838); Ellen French married Hugh Gilmore (1770-1856), who died in Butler Co. PA. as he was thrown from his horse, buried in Rocky Springs Cemetery in Marion Twp., Western PA (later considered Franklin County, then Butler County), 3 miles east of Harrisville, see https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/24789292/airs-french, now Butler County. He was of English background.

Picture of

"PVT. PA. TROOPS / REV. WAR”

Buried in Big Springs Cemetery in Marion Township, Butler Co., PA

227 buried in this cemetery

His daughter Eleanor French and her husband Hugh Gilmore were also buried in this cemetery. Ayres is the only French buried in this cemetery, spelled Airs French; six Gilmore burials are in this cemetery.

Big Springs Cemetery

Third Generation

Children of Ayres French and Eleanor Ann French, 2.1

3.1 Eleanor (Ellen) French, b. Aug 1778 in Cumberland County, PA, the only child of Ayres French, 28, and his wife Eleanor, 20, who died giving birth to this daughter. Also listed is her christening on Aug 1778 in Mercersburg, Franklin, PA, in the Presbyterian Church of the Upper West Conococheague, Mercersburg, Franklin, PA.

Eleanor, age 16, married Hugh Gilmore Jr. in 1794, an Irish immigrant of Scotch-Irish descent, and was also buried in the same cemetery as her father. She died 1 Jun 1838, age 60, and is buried at the Rocky Springs Cemetery in Pennsylvania.

Hugh Gilmore Jr. was b. 1 Jan 1770 in Cork, Ireland, d. 3 May 1856 aged 85-86 in Philadelphia, PA, buried in the Big Springs Cemetery, Marion township, Butler County, PA on 20 May 1856. Hugh Gilmore Sr. was the son of John Gilmore 1720-1795 and Jane Heard 1723-1795. John and Jane Gilmore also had son John Gilmore, b. 18 Feb 1780 and d. 11 May 1845 and buried in the North Side Cemetery in Butler County, PA. In Butler, the judges were William Ayres, John Cunningham, and John Gilmore in 1803.

Hugh Gilmore is listed in The War of 1812 as a Private in Butler County.

Hugh Gilmore, husband of Eleanor French, b. 4 May 1783, baptized in Mercersburg, Franklin, PA, according to a list of American Revolutionary soldiers of Franklin County, PA. Hugh was a Presbyterian and belonged to the Presbyterian Church of The Upper West Conogogheaue. In 1786 he was taxable in Derry township, Westmoreland County, PA. He married Eleanor French, not Eleanor Gilmore.

Baptisms in Mercersburg, Franklin, PA, at the Presbyterian Church of The Upper West Conogogheaue, b. 4 May 1783, Parent’s name Ayres French.

See: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/114541621/eleanor-gilmore

See several 6 other Gilmore family members on the page above buried in the same cemetery.

Picture of

1800 census -- Hugh Gilmore is listed in the 1800 census of Slipperyrock township, Butler, PA, age 26-44 or born 1756-1774, living with a female aged 16-25, b. 1775-1784, which was probably his wife Eleanor French who was born in 1778. In this census, he was living near Aaron French (on the same census page). Aaron French was b. Feb 1767 in NJ and d. 1 Jan 1851 and is buried in the Ghent Cemetery in Bradford County, PA, located in Ghent in Sheshequin.

1810 Census -- Hugh Gilmore is listed in the 1810 census of Mercer, Butler, PA, with a household of 7.

1820 Census – Hugh Gilmore lived in Mercer, Butler, PA, aged 45+, living with 1 male under 10, 2 males 10-15, 3 femailes under 10, 1 female 10-15, 2 females 16-25, and 1 female 26-44 who was his wife Eleanor.

1830 Census – High Gilmore lived in Mercer, Butler, PA, with a family of 8: 1 male 5-9, 1 male 10-14, 2 males 20-29, 1 male 50-59, 1 female 10-14, 1 female 15-19, 1 female 40-49 who was his wife Eleanor.

1838 Jun 1 – Hugh Gilmore’s wife Eleanor French Gilmore died.

1840 Census – Hugh Gilmore lived in Mercer, Butler, PA, aged 60-69, living with 1 male aged 15-19, 1 male aged 30-39 (perhaps John Gilmore aged 33), and 1 female aged 15-19.

1850 Census -- Hugh Gilmore is listed in the 1850 census at age 77, born 1 Jan 1770 in Cork, Ireland, living in 1850 in Mercer, Butler, Pennsylvania, a farmer, a widower, living with children John Gilmore 43, Margaret Gilmore 35, Jane Gilmore 13, Ellen Gilmore 11, Hugh Gilmore 8, Betsy Gilmore 7, John Gilmore 5, Isabel Gilmore 1.

1856 May 3 -- Hugh Gilmore died: d. 3 May 1856 aged 85-86 in Philadelphia, PA, buried in the Big Springs Cemetery, Marion township, Butler County, PA on 20 May 1856.

Children of Ayres French and second wife, unknown, 2.1

3.2 Susannah French, b. 1779 in Mercersburg, Franklin County, PA. No further records found.

3.3 Hugh French, b. 1783 in Mercersburg, Franklin County, PA. No further records found.

1783 May 4 – son Hugh French with second wife is listed as baptized in Mercersburg, Franklin, PA, with Ayres French in attendance at the Presbyterian Church of The Upper West Conogogheaue.

Fourth Generation

Children of Eleanor French and Hugh Gilmore Jr. b. 1779, d. 1848, 3.1

4.1 Isabella Jane Gilmore, b. 28 Feb 1794 in Fayette County, PA, d. 7 Feb 1862 in Allamakee County, Iowa, m. Moses Andrews Ross.

4.2 Nancy Gilmore, b. 11 Aug 1801 in PA, d. 10 Apr 1839.

4.3 Jane Gilmore, b. May 1803 in PA, d. 18 Jun 1874 in PA.

4.4 Sarah “Sally” Gilmore, b. 11 May 1805 in PA, d. 27 Aug 1876 in New Castle, Lawrence County, PA.

4.5* John Gilmore, b. 19 Apr 1807 in Marion, Butler County, PA, d. 5 Feb 1886 aged 78 in Madison, Butler County, PA, buried in the same cemetery as his parents. He m. Margaret Kilgore, 1815-1894. They had 9 children:

Jane D. Gilmore Jobe 1836-1925; See https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/44435852/jane-d-jobe.

Ellen Margaret Gilmore Mortland 1839-1914; See https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/81213998/ellen-margaret-mortland

Dorcas Gilmore 1840-1842;

Hugh Gilmore 1842-1923; (might have been Ayres French Gilmore, see next generation)

Elizabeth Gilmore Mortland 1844-1930;

John J. Gilmore 1836-1919;

Isabelle Gilmore Clay 1849-1920;

William Ayers Gilmore 1851-1932;

Matilda A. Gilmore McCoy 1854-1919.

4.6 William Ayres Gilmore, son of Eleanor and Hugh Gilmore, b. 27 Oct 1809 in PA, d. 13 Nov 1858 aged 49, buried in Prairie Cemetery, Harrisville, Butler County, PA. He m. Catharine McCallen Kerr 1815-1906, and had daughter Julia Ann Gilmore 1853-1856, and Clara Gilmore Meals. In the 1850 census he was living in Harrisville, Butler, PA, the Justice of Peace, with children Robert Gilmore 13, Harriet Gilmore 10, Agnes Gilmore 8 (should be Ayres French Gilmore), and Clarisa Gilmore 0. His probate was on 16 Jul 1858 in Butler, PA, signed by Catharine Gilmore. See https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/80756339/william-ayres-gilmore.

4.7 Elizabeth “Beth” Gilmore, b. 23 Feb 1812 in Butler County, PA, d. 4 Nov 1881 in Marion, Butler County, PA.

4.8 Hugh Ayres Gilmore, b. 1818 in Merrittstown, Fayette, PA, d. 13 Nov 1858 in PA.

4.9 Eleanor Anne Gilmore, b. 2 Jul 1820 in PA, d. Feb 1899.

4.10 Joseph Gilmore, b. 1827 in Butler, Butler, PA, d. 1857 in Mercer, Butler, PA, aged 30.

Fifth Generation

Children of John and Margaret (Kilgore) Gilmore, 4.1

5.1 Ayres French Gilmore, b. 13 Jan 1842, d. 8 Feb 1872 aged 30, buried in Prairie Cemetery in Harrisville, Butler County, PA. Ayers French Gilmore m. Cynthia Rosetta McCoy and had daughter Kathryn Gilmore who m. Richard B. Barnes in 1888 in Butler, PA. Their other children were William McCoy Gilmore (1865-1944); Horace Gilmore (1867-1867); Sara Marilla Gilmore (1870-1951), m. Walter.

From the Brookville American newspaper, 4 Oct 1951. She was born 26 Jan 1870 in Harrisville, PA, and d. 27 Sep 1951 in Brookville, Jefferson, PA. She married Richard Black Barnes, 1863-1936, and had 2 sons: Louis G. Barnes, 1892-1931 and Doyle Ashbel Barnes, 1897-1933.

Findagrave lists her as Kathryn Gilmore Barnes, 27 Jan 1870 – 27 Sep 1951, Crestview Memorial Park, Grove City, Mercer County, PA. She was the daughter of Ayres French Gilmore, 1842-1872 and Cynthia Rosetta McCoy Gilmore, 1845-1921, and the wife of Richard Black Barnes, 1863-1936. Her siblings were William McCoy Gilmore 1865-1944; Horace Gilmore 1867-1867; and Sara Marilla Gilmore Walter 1870-1951.

Julia Ann Gilmore was a sibling of Ayres French Gilmore, b. 19 Aug 1853, died at 3 years old on 19 May 1856 and is buried in the Prairie Cemetery in Harrisville, Butler County, PA.

Clarissa “Clara” Gilmore was a sibling of Ayres French Gilmore, b. 15 Mar 1850, d. 22 Jan 1922, buried in the North Side Cemetery in Butler, Butler County, PA, she m. Isaac Meals. They had children Erla M. Meals Klingensmith and Horace G. Meals.

Bibliography

[1] Vicki French Carroll and her research at the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society there are pages from the Biographical Annals of Franklin County Pennsylvania. Email: BVCarroll@aol.com.

[2] Susan Forish, email JSAOFORISH@msn.com, last email in Nov 2020, lives in western PA, 724-961-1330. She married a Forish. Her father was Lester Martin Meals. Her grandfather was Closs Meals, and her great-grandfather was Samuel Meals. See also: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/124748794/samuel-jerome-meals.

Closs M. Meals b. 4/29/1822, d. 5/3/1960 married Rhetta Mahood on 9/13/1905. Closs was born in Butler Co., near Adams Corners. Rhetta was born 3/22/1887, d. 9/15/1960. We’ll visit the Mahoods later. Closs’ obituary states he spent most of his life in the oil fields, serving as a tool dresser and pumper. He worked for the Crawford-Gregory Oil Co. in Eau Claire. During WWII he was employed by the Cooper-Bessemer Co. He retired in 1947. At that time, he worked as a custodian for the Union Presbyterian Church in Clintonville. His hobby was hunting and he spent many hours hunting deer and small game in the woodlands of the area. It also mentions Chester who was killed in WWII at Okinawa while serving with the US Marines. I often think about Chester and wish I would have known him.

Closs was the son of Samuel Jerome Meals b. 8/20/1852, d. 12/31/1917 and Margaret Bosley, 1858- 1889. Samuel was married twice, but Closs’ obituary lists Margaret as his mother so I would imagine that would be correct. It is said Samuel is buried at Clintonville M. E. Cemetery, but I can’t say as I ever saw his grave there. Closs, Rhetta, Chester, Chuck, Margaret, Mom and Dad are buried there and my Mom was the grave keeper. Every year she made sure each grave had flowers, and was weeded, with the help of her daughters.

See https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/25801866/person/1716174375/facts from Bruce Mortland.

Susan Forish’s great-grandfather #1, Horace G. Meals, b. 7 Oct 1871 in PA, d. 27 Aug 1927, m. Grace M. McHugh Meals. Horace was a dentist. The had children Regina E. Meals, Robert Gilmore Meals (b. 1904), and Horace G. Meals (b. 1914).

Susan Meals Forish, b. 7 Apr 1956, lives in western PA, near Pittsburg. She has a tree on FamilySearch. In 1987 she was living at 311 Oakland Ave., Greensburg, PA, and in 1993 she moved to 56 Fosterville Rd. She was born Susan Meals and m. Forish. She attended Franklin Area High School in Franklin, PA. 22 members of the surname Ayres are buried in the Homewood Cemetery in Pittsburg, Allegheny, PA, the oldest is Hiram Ayres, born 12 Aug 1815, died 30 Aug 1896, married to Mary Ann Given Ayres, 1821-1889. See https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/90757974/hiram-ayres. 11 members of the surname French are buried in this cemetery. The oldest is George French, b. 1844, d. 1903; he had married Elizabeth Tainton, 1847-1898.

I am definitely related to Ayres French through the Gilmore name on my maternal grandfather’s side. Hugh Gilmore who married Eleanor French was my direct ancestor. I’ve included my family writing on Ethel Idella Gilmore Martin and you’ll see the relationship. Ethel was my great-grandmother on my maternal grandfather’s side. She was married to Samuel Martin, my great-grandfather. If you want any more info on generations below Ethel, let me know.

The Meals name in on my father’s side. Samuel J. on the stone marker was my great-grandfather. He was originally married to Margaret Bosley and she was my great-grandmother. He later married Frances after Margaret died.

Ethel Idella Gilmore Martin is buried in Clintonville Methodists Cemetery. I’m curious where her middle name “Idella” came from. Did her mother just like the name or is it a family name. There is not much information on the Gilmores and I’m stuck at John David Gilmore. So, I’ll give you the information I have from John David down, and in the future if I can actually document John David as the son of Alexander 1700-1792 then we’ll move on to Sir Charles Gilmour and his wife Jean Sinclair. I’ve been trying to make an accurate connection to the Sinclair family and this may be it, but I’m only giving you what I can be fairly certain is accurate. The Sinclair’s are exciting people so I’ll keep trying.

Ethel Idella, was the daughter of William Ayers Gilmore b. July 1, 1851, d. 10/23/1932 and Barbara Williams, b.3/26/1854., d. 7/29/1949. William and Barbara are buried in Prairie Cemetery, Harrisville.

Many of you will remember Uncle Ray Gibb. He wrote many stories in his lifetime. The following is taken from his

“Remembrances of my Mother-In-Law”

“Here is a brief description of Ethel Gilmore’s heritage. She was born on May 25, 1878 at the Gilmore family homestead in Northern Butler County. Her Great Great Grandfather, Ayers French, was of English Background. As a young man he had lived near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He fought in the Revolutionary War. As a reward for his service, he was granted a section of land, probably 640 acres, located in northern Butler County. He made his original home at what became the Gilmore Homestead. His daughter, Eleanor, and only child, married an Irish immigrant named Hugh Gilmore. Thus, the name Gilmore became the main ancestral name. While Still in his early fifties, Ayres was thrown from his horse and killed. In the area originally granted to Ayres French many families named Gilmore still reside. Ethel was born in a log cabin which was located on what is now the front lawn of the main Gilmore Homestead. This cabin might have originally been the home of Ayres French. I’m not sure. When she was a young girl her family moved to the large frame house which now stands on the same property. Her parents were William Ayres Gilmore and Barbara Williams Gilmore.”

More from Uncle Ray’s story:

“Ethel’s maternal grandfather served in the Civil War. Some other man who had been called to serve paid him (probably about $200.00) to take his place……………………….Daniel Williams died shortly after his discharge at the end of the war- presumably from illnesses contracted during the war.”

And finally:

“In many respects she was ‘away ahead of her times’ I know of no other parent in those days who routinely took her children to the dentist at least once per year. She made sure that her daughter had nice – not foolish – clothes to wear. “

William’s father was John Gilmore b. Apr. 19, 1807, d. Feb 5, 1886 and mother, Margaret Kilgore, b. 11/29/1815, d. 4/3/1894. They are both buried in Big Springs Cemetery, which I believe is what we call Rocky Springs. The Kilgore/Kilgour family connects us to the Jack/Jacque family and to the Farquhar family. I’ll save that for another day.

John’s father was Hugh Gilmore b. 1770, d. 1856 and mother Eleanore or Ellen French b. 1778, d. 6/1/1838. See the connection in the French name. Eleanore is Ayers daughter, but that’s for another day.

Hugh’s father was (and this is my road block) John David Gilmore b. 1720, d. 1795. I can’t give you his mother yet. Died in Tyrone, Cumberland Co, PA

I believe according to John’s will her name was Jean. And his will does not list his middle name as David. If I ever have a definitive connection with John David and his father listed as Alexander, I will be able to continue on to at least the 1600’s on the Gilmore side taking you to the Baronet’s of Craigmiller.

Susan Forish’s uncle gave her the following information about Ayers French:

[3] See https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/25801866/person/1716174375/facts from Bruce Mortland.

[4] Notes on the Early History Along the Conococheague Creek in Antrim Township, Franklin County, PA. See http://www.frenchfamilyassoc.com/FFA/CHARTS/Chart195/1998-3-25%20Calvin%20Bricker%20Early%20Conococheague%20History.pdf. (Searchable file)

[5] “History of Butler County, Pennsylvania”, 1895. Mentions the Ayres and Gilmore families, but not French. Website: https://sites.rootsweb.com/~pabutler/1883/83-08.htm#jgilmore.

[6] Conococheague Institute in Mercersburg, Franklin County, PA, which contains a lot of history. 12995 Bain Rd., Mercersburg, Franklin County, PA, 717-328-3467.

[7] Ancestry research: https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/87441327/person/350134649960/story. Researched by tfusca.

[8] All Pennsylvania Genealogies: Chiefly Scotch-Irish and German, 1700-1895 contains 48 members of the Ayres family.

Pennsylvania and New Jersey, U.S., Church and Town Records, 1669-2013

This database is a large collection of records containing vitals (birth, marriage, death) from churches and towns located primarily in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The dates range from 1669-2013.

Pennsylvania, Church Records - Adams, Berks, and Lancaster Counties, 1729-1881

This database contains information on almost 180,000 individuals found in the records of more than fifty Pennsylvania (U.S.A.) churches. These churches are located in Adams, Berks, and Lancaster counties. Information that may be found in this data set includes name of individual, date of event, event type, record ID, relation to principal individual in the record, location, and name of church.

Pennsylvania, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1683-1993

These probates from the state of Pennsylvania, 1683-1993, can bequeath a wealth of personal details on the decedent and other family members.

[9] History of Butler County, Pennsylvania, Chapter 10. https://sites.rootsweb.com/~pabutler/1895/95x10.htm

[10] Gilmore Family Notes

Hugh Gilmore Sr. was b. in 1744 in Pennsylvania.

Hugh Gilmore Sr. was b. 1748 in Ireland, the son of Jean Heard and John Gilmore. He had 2 sons and 2 daughters with Isabella Gilmore. Hugh’s brother, James, was born in 1750 when Hugh was 2 years old. His brother Matthew was born in 1752 when Hugh was 4 years old. His brother Thomas was born in 1757 when Hugh was 9 Years old. His brother Robert was born in 1759 when Hugh was 11 years old. His brother John was born in 1762 when Hugh was 14 years old. His brother Joseph was born in 1764 when Hugh was 16 years old. His sister Charity was born in 1773 when Hugh was 25 years old. His sister Margaret was born in 1774 when Hugh was 26 years old. His son Hugh Jr. was born on April 29, 1779 in Cork, Cork, Ireland. In 1783, the family immigrated to America and lived in Menallen, Westmoreland, PA. In 1785-1798 they lived in German, Fayette, PA. His father John Gilmore died on January 22, 1796 in Carlisle, PA, at the age of 76. Hugh Gilmore Sr. died in 1798 in Fayette, PA, when he was 50 years old. As stated above, Hugh Gilmore Jr. was born on April 29, 1779 in Cork, Cork, Ireland. His father, Hugh, was 31 and his mother, Isabella, was 27. He married Eleanor “Nellie” French in 1794 in Pennsylvania. They had 9 children in 33 years. He died February 25, 1848 in Merrittstown, Pennsylvania, at the age of 68, and was buried in McClellandtown, PA. Eleanor “Nellie” French was born in 1778 in Cumberland, PA, when her father, Ayres French, was 28, and her mother Eleanor Ann, was 20. She married Hugh Gilmore in 1794 in Pennsylvania. They had 9 children in 33 years. She died on June 1, 1838 in PA at the age of 60. Because Ayres French’s first wife died during the birth of Eleanor in 1778, Ayres remarried and had daughter Susannah in 1779 in Mercersburg, Franklin County, PA. He also had son Hugh born in 1783 in Mercersburg, Franklin County, PA. He was the son whom Ayres French had baptized that year. Ayres further had daughter Isabella Jane on February 28, 1794 in Fayette, PA. Eleanor French married Hugh Gilmore Jr. in PA in 1794 when she was 16 years old. Ayres had daughter Nancy on August 11, 1801 in PA

Hugh Gilmore Sr. died in 1798 in Fayette, PA. at the age of 50; therefore, born in 1748.

Hugh Gilmore Jr. was born 29 Apr 1779 in Fayette, PA, making him only a few months younger than Eleanor French.

Hugh Gilmore Jr. was born in 1782 and married Elizabeth Gully and had daughter Mary Gilmore.

Hugh Gilmore Jr. died 25 Feb 1748 in Merrittstown, PA.

Hugh French was baptized on May 4, 1783 in Mercersburg, Franklin, PA, with Ayres French in attendance at the Presbyterian Church of The Upper West Conogogheaue.

[11] 1779 Mar 24 – “A” Thomas French died and his will was probated in Pitt (Pittsburg?) township, Westmoreland, PA. He gave his son William a Black Stallion and farming equipment to him and his heirs. He gave to his daughter Mary, a Bay Mare and a Yearling Black Heiffer to her and her heirs and the first Colt of the Bay Mare he gives to his daughter Ann and her heirs. He gives to his daughter Margaret and Bald Mare to her and her heirs. He gives to his daughter Ann and her heirs a Red Cow and Calf. He gives to his son William and his daughters Ann, Mary, and Margaret all his lands upon Racoon Creek to be equally divided between them. He gives to his son William all the monies due me from John Hughes. He gives all the rest of debts due me to be divided equally between his daughters Ann, Mary, and Margaret. He gives to his son-in-law David Scott those three plantations upon Racoon Creek. All the rest will be divided between his 4 children. He appoints his trusty friend John Caveat to be executor. Proven the 9^th of April 1779. No spouse is mentioned. John Caveat was from Greensburg, Westmoreland County, PA. No proof of any connection between Thomas and Ayers French except for the location.

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