Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL
Originally published 1885 Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL

Transcribed by: Becky Jones

Page 384

Gilbert Finkle, general farmer, resident on section 1, Jordan Township, was born July 5, 1834, in Delaware Co., N.Y. At the age of 20 years he found himself possessed of the privilege of making a hand-to-hand struggle with the world on his own account. In March 1845, a few months before he reached the age of 21 years, he came to Illinois, and located at Buffalo Grove, Ogle County. He found ready employment as a farm laborer, and spent three years in the service of N.N. Shaver.

Meanwhile he was married to Nancy Sanford. An account of her parents is to be found elsewhere in this work, her father, Vernon Sanford, being one of the pioneers of Whiteside County. Her marriage to Mr. Finkle took place Oct. 22, 1857. She is one of the first white children born in Whiteside County, where her birth occurred April 15, 1839. She has been the mother of eight children, all of whom are living with two exceptions. Irving is a farmer in Jordan Township; Mary J. married Fletcher Schryver, a farmer in Eagle Point Township, Ogle Co., Ill. David E., Arthur, Vernon and Sarah C. are at home; Adam V. died March 23, 1865; Cyrenus died March 3, 1879. After becoming the son-in-law of Mr. Sanford, Mr. Finkle acceded to the management of his homestead, and spent some years in the prosecution of its interests. He is now the owner of nine acres in Jordan Township, and 230 acres in Ogle County.

Mr. Finkle is a Democrat in his political principles.