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Note: N3215 George Gilmer
George, the second son of Peachy Ridgway Gilmer, had regular features, and an erect, perfectly-formed person. His father never sent him from home to school, or to mixi n society. His modest diffidence was never worn off. He sought for a wife only among his cousins, because they were free in their intercourse with him. They happened always to be engaged. His understanding was capable of great things; butits exercise was confined to a very limited circle of observation. His discernment was quick and clear, and his judgment unequalled for correct conclusion upon all matters within his examination. His temper and feelings were as simple, sincere, and affectionate as a child's. He never bought or sold for profit. He inherited the valuable Lethe land, upon which he lived, spending its products in hospitality and kindness, without seeking or making any accumulation. His truthfulness and integrity were never doubted.
His kindness to his negroes without limit. hs man, "Great Billy," owned three horses through his master's means. After "Great Billy" lost his first wife, he courted a young girl at Lethe, and tempted her to marry him, by offering his gig for her to ride in. When he died, his master sold his horses, and paid the proceeds of the sale, amounting to between two and three hundred dollars, to Great Billy's children, the negroes of a neighbor.
Stearns description of Uncle Toby was realized in my uncle George's character. Not a fly ever perished by his thoughtlessness or cruelty. For the last twenty years of his life, he rode a noble horse of his own raising. Sorrell never was in harness. He carried his master wherever he went, especially once a week during the summer months across the Shenandoah River, to the top of the Blue Ridge Mountain, where he salted his cattle. Sorrell was never known to leave him, though often without confinement. When his master died, Sorrell was carried from Letthe to Major Grattan's, where he continued to be served by Maj. Grattan's children as if he were akin to them. Only the youngest was ever put on his back. When he was, Sorrell would walk about with as much care as if he knew the preciousness of what he carried. Occasionally he would leave his pasture and go to Lethe, as if in search of something he had lost. He was always sent for as soon as missed lest he should suffer for the want of food. Sorrell lived to be twenty-seven years old. When he died, he was buried with the greatest affection by Major Grattan's children and grandchildren, as if he'd been the last remnant their good uncle.
George Gilmer continued to indulge his negroes as long as he lived. During the last years of his life he was unable to attend his farm. His negroes were so idle that he was obliged to buy corn and meat to feed them. He died a bachelor beyond seventy years, without having been once drunk, or done one act of stinginess.
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