Ira Gilbert
Ira Gilbert, farmer, Deerfield, was born in Palmyra Township, this county, in 1831, son of James and Charlotte (Cox) Gilbert, and a direct descendant of Sir John Gilbert, of England, who obtained the first land grant in Connecticut from the Crown. The parents of our subject settled in Palmyra Township, this county, in 1811, where they lived to the close of their lives. Their children are Everett, Ira and Lucinda, wife of David Daniel. Our subject was twice married, on first occasion in 1855, in Paris Township, this county, to Miss Harriet, daughter of John Colwell, of this county, and who died in 1879. She was the mother of six children, four of whom are now living: Frank, John, Frederick and Mary. Mr. Gilbert married, on second occasion, in January, 1882, Mrs. Cynthia Green, daughter of George and Polly (Ward) Carris, of Rootstown, Ohio, and who were among its earliest pioneers. "Mother" Ward's pond was named after one of Mrs. Gilbert's ancestors. Mr. Gilbert has been a resident of Deerfield Township, this county, for forty five years. His present farm, comprising 155 acres, was first settled by Alva, son of Judge Day, and was among the first cleared in the township. Our subject is a stanch supporter of Democratic principles, and one of the most active and respected citizens of Deerfield Township.
From History of Portage County, Ohio, Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885