Gilmore, John S., 1848-

John S. Gilmore was born in Rochester, New York, and moved with his parents to the flourishing Kansas territorial region in 1857, They continually uprooted and re-established their home in various Kansas communities during John's adolescence, however. After deciding to be a journalist, Gilmore served his apprenticeship with a number of community newspapers, notably, the Emporia News, Burlington Patriot, Oswego Register, Leavenworth Daily Commercial, Osage Chronicle, and the Emporia Tribune. In May of 1873, Gilmore purchased the Fredonia Journal and changed its name to the Wilson County Citizen. Fredonia, Kansas, became his permanent residence and from there John Gilmore became intimately involved in local and state politics, primarily the state Republican party. He was also the postmaster for Fredonia, a representative to the Kansas State Legislature, and a member of the Board of Directors for the Kansas State Penitentiary.

From the guide to the Correspondence, business forms, receipts, and petitions., 1862-1913, (University of Kansas Kenneth Spencer Research Library Kansas Collection)