by Charles W. Bowman

Biographies

HENRY S. GILMAN

   Immediately after the close of the war in 1865, Mr. Gilman came to Colorado, arriving in Denver in September of the same year. Here he found employment for two years, working most of the time for J.J. Reithman and Mr. Charpiot. From Denver he went to Pueblo, where he remained until May 7, 1869. Leaving the latter place he took up his residence in the old town of Las Animas. His family was the second one in the place. There they remained until September 1, 1877. He then moved his family to the Meadows, a tract of territory west of Granada, Bent County, where he had a ranch. Selling his property to Mr. John W. Prowers, he removed to his present location on the Arkansas River, southeast of Granada, February 26, 1879. He has a homestead of 160 acres. His principal crop is hay, though he cultivates a few acres, raising grain and vegetables. He was married, March 1, 1869, to Miss Nancy Williams, of Pueblo. They have three children – Fannie E., born January 9, 1870; Eli F., born June 14, 1872; John Arthur, born February 9, 1874. Mr. Gilman is a native of Massachusetts, born January 1, 1830, at Framingham, where he lived until he was twenty-one years of age. He did not have the school advantages he would have liked, for he was set at work driving a freight wagon when only nine years old, from his native town into Boston, and this he followed until he became of age. At this time he removed to Boston and commenced business for himself, opening a restaurant on the corner of Harvard and Washington streets, in which location he remained eight years. Having disposed of his business, he went to New York City, and remained there until September, 1861, and then enlisted in the First Massachusetts Cavalry, Company B. He was injured by falling from his horse at Hilton Head, S.C., in 1862. He was sent to Washington and from there to Chestnut Hill Hospital, Philadelphia. AS soon as he was able, he was detailed to take charge of convalescents and deserters, and returned with them to Washington. He was engaged in this duty for eight months. He was discharged from the army September, 1864, having served three years. Returning to Boston, he remained there until he came West.