John Sumner Gilbert, the youngest child born to Zina and Prudence Fuller Gilbert, after years of poor health and physical suffering, entered into rest January 24, 1917. He had seven brothers and sisters, Lucina, Mrs. Clarinda G. Randolph, Elijah, Philo Thomas, Eliza Fedora, Lucy Amarilla, Phoebe. Lucina, the eldest, is the sole survivor of this large family.
Sumner was born May 23, 1845, in the township of Wirt, Allegany County, New York. In September of 1848, the family migrated from New York to Wisconsin, stopping first at Milton, then about a year later locating at Utica. In 1881, Sumner, with his family, came to Milton Junction which has since been his home.
In February 1875, he was married to Miss Emma Oviatt. Five children were born to them: Wilma, who died aged seven, Harry, who died in infancy, Ward and Zina, who live at Melrose, Wis., and Bonnie, who lives at home. There are also five grandchildren.
In his youth Sumner was baptized by Elder Zuriel Campbell and united with the Seventh-day Baptist church at Utica, of which his father was an honored deacon. During the Civil War Sumner enlisted as a member of the 40th Regiment of Wisconsin. The funeral services were held at his late home Sabbath afternoon, January 27, conducted by Rev. Henry N. Jordan, who was assisted by Elder George W. Burdick, a boyhood chum of Sumner's while the families lived at Utica. Interment was in the cemetery at Milton Junction.
