185. John Richmond5 Gorby (David4, Job3, Thomas2, Samuel1) was born in Near Hiramsburg, Noble Co, OH. January 23, 1848. John died November 29, 1923 in Medina, OH., at 75 years of age. His body was interred. Buried at Methodist Church Cemetery, Hiramsburg, Noble Co, OH.

He married Rebecca Davis in Noble Co, OH., January 1, 1866. Rebecca was born in On Dog Run near Belle Valley, OH. January 3, 1849. Rebecca was the daughter of William R Davis and Sarah Fogel. Rebecca died June 17, 1898 in Noble Co, OH., at 49 years of age. Her body was interred. Buried at Methodist Church Cemetery, Hiramsburg, Noble Co, OH. (1936) Rebecca (Davis) Gorby was a noble, lovable, Christian woman and a most devoted wife and mother.

Ref: GWG1-4.6.99 - Death date from tombstone. Inscription reads: a tender mother and a faithful friend. (1936) John Richmond Gorby's first adventure in the business world was to engage in the lumber business in Alabama, moving with his family to that state where he operated a lumber mill quite successfully. Later he returned to Noble Co, OH and purchased two farms.

After serving two terms as County Commissioner, he began the raising of thoroughbred race horses, beginning his stables with a file Kentucky stallion - Romancer - and some file brood mares from Lexington, KY. He built a one-mile race track on one of his farms and secured a trainer for his stables. No only did he enter this business for profit, but he enjoyed the work greatly, being a great lover of fine horses, thoroughly enjoying showing his horses and track to everyone who came to his farms. He disposed of this business shortly after the death of his wife.

At one time he was interested in an Onyx mine in AZ, living in Tucson, AZ for a number of years.

Always interested in governmental affairs and with a determination possessed by few, he pushed ahead to success. He passed away at his home.

In build, John Gorby was much like his father - tall, well built, and a very fine looking man. It is reported that he stole a horse to take him to enlist in the Union Army, running away to do so, but was refused because of his extreme youth and returned home.

From the History of Noble Co, OH , Watkins, 1887: p 140 - Commissioner J.R. Gorbly, 1884-7. p 494 - John R. Gorby, son of David Gorby, an old resident, was born January 23, 1848. His father settled in Noble County in 1823, being then fourteen years of age. J.R. Gorby has been engaged in farming and the lumber business. He spent some time in Illinois and Alabama. He married Rebecca Davis, in Illinois. Mr. Gorby is a Republican, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has held several township offices, and is now serving as a county commissioner.

Ref: GWG1-4.6.99 - Tombstone inscription reads: They were faithful unto Death.

John Richmond Gorby and Rebecca Davis had the following children:

child + 791 i. Eliza Jane6 Gorby was born March 25, 1868.

child + 792 ii. Mary Mahala Gorby was born April 24, 1870.

child + 793 iii. Minnie Josephine Gorby was born January 30, 1872.

child 794 iv. Leotus Gorby was born in OH. January 3, 1873. Leotus died October 14, 1875 at 2 years of age. His body was interred. Buried at Methodist Church Cemetery, Hiramsburg, Noble Co, OH. Ref: GWG1-4.6.99 - Shares an obelisk tombstone with sister Carrie. Illegible except for 'Leot?? ? Gorby'.

Mortality info: Died of smallpox on the same day as his sister Carrie.

child 795 v. Melissa Gorby was born in OH. February 9, 1875. (1936) Melissa Gorby was twin of Carrie Gorby. Died in infancy. Record of birth in the courthouse of Caldwell, OH.

child 796 vi. Carrie Gorby was born in OH. February 9, 1875. Her body was interred. Buried at Methodist Church Cemetery, Hiramsburg, Noble Co, OH. (1936) Carrie Gorby was twin of Melissa Gorby. Died of smallpox on the same day as her brother Leotus. Record of birth in the courthouse of Caldwell, OH.

Ref: GWG1-4.6.99 - Shares an obelisk tombstone with brother Leotus. Illegible except for 'Car?e ? Gorby'.

child + 797 vii. Leota May Gorby was born August 16, 1876.

child + 798 viii. John William Gorby was born February 13, 1881.

child 799 ix. Roberta Rebecca Gorby was born in OH. August 4, 1885. She married twice. She married Charles T Baird. Charles died 1932. (1936) Charles T Baird was an expert accountant for many years, later entering the law profession in Cleveland.

She married Milton Wells 1934. (1936) For many years Roberta Rebecca Gorby, or "Burta", has been first secretary then business manager for the Al Foss Fishing Tackle Co in Cleveland, OH, a very responsible position.

child + 800 x. Pearl Evangeline Gorby was born April 19, 1889.

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