To Janice A. Frank janiceaf@ix.netcom.com and others researching the GILSON surname in Crawford County: Here are the references I found to that surname in the "History of Crawford County, PA, 1885." On pages 914 and 915, in the Biographical Sketch section for Oil Creek Township: "John GILSON (deceased) was a native of Maryland, and was brought up in Bedford County, Penn. His father, William GILSON, a native of England, was an American soldier in the Revolution. He married Alice Shirley, and they and their nine children settled in Oil Creek Township, this county, where Mr. GILSON, Sr., died in 1807. His widow died in 1844 in her ninety-sixth year. Our subject started on foot from Bedford County, Penn., for the lake region in 1799. He reached Oil Creek in December, and was crippled while cutting down a tree to cross the swollen stream near Centreville. This laid him up through the winter, and determined his course in staying. Returning in the spring to Bedford County, he married Anna Bell, and they came here on foot, settling permanently in 1800. They took up six tracts of land and retained one of 400 acres for themselves. They lived the lives of upright pioneers, and left an honorable name to posterity. Of their thirteen children, six are now living, viz.: Charles B., Thomas, Richard B., Mrs. Elizabeth Early, Mrs. Ann Navy, and John B. "Thomas GILSON, farmer, PO Titusville, was born July 4, 1811. He married Miss Elizabeth C. McLaughlin, September 21, 1848. They then settled on their farm and began clearing and improving it. Their children are Mrs. Lucy Ann Reynolds, Mrs. Hannah J. Reynolds, Mrs. Marietta Goodrich, and Mrs. Delilah Wheattall. Mr. GILSON is an earnest and life-long Democrat. "Charles B. GILSON, farmer and mechanic, PO Titusville, was born March 29, 1807, in Oil Creek township, this county. While a young man he learned the trade of carpenter and joiner under T.H. Hoskins, working in Forest, Crawford, Erie, Venango and other counties adjoining. He married Miss Marietta Moore, of Venango County, December 1, 1836. After living in Titusville some years (their property being where the Oil Exchange now stands), they moved to their present place in the township, where they have ever since resided. Their children are Edward L., Mrs. Priscilla Shaw (deceased), Samuel, Mrs. Melissa Jane Stackpole, Leonard and Dr. Willis O., of Spring Creek Station, Warren Co., Penn. Mr. GILSON has done a great deal of work through this country as a millwright, being know as a first-class mechanic and always commanding the highest positions. He is a Greenbacker; formerly a Democrat; voted first for Andrew Jackson. "John B. GILSON, farmer, PO Titusville, was born September 6, 1825, on the farm where he now resides, in Oil Creek Township, this county; son of John and Anna (Bell) GILSON (see sketch of John GILSON). He married December 25, 1853, Miss Nancy Early, of Rome Township, this county, a native of Vermont, born December 20, 1837, daughter of James and Hannah (Bradford) Early, early settlers of Rome Township. To this union were born three children: Mrs. Ida Victoria Kerr, Willard J. and Cyrus J. They also brought up Charles James Early, son of Thomas Early (deceased). After their married our subject and wife took care of Mr. and Mrs. John GILSON (our subject's parents) until their deaths, and they now occupy the old homestead. By industry and good management, they have added to it until they now own a farm of 175 acres of well-improved land, besides ninety acres they have recently bought. In politics Mr. GILSON is a Democrat." More to follow on the GILSON surname! Kathy Brubaker Volunteer Genealogist Linesville Historical Society kbrbkr@toolcity.net