My Genealogy Hound

LOUIS H. GILSTER. This successful business man of Chester is engaged as a banker, merchant and miller. He was born in the kingdom of Hanover, Germany, January 26, 1844, and is a son of Henry and Doris (Schraeder) Gilster. The father, who was a merchant tailor in his native land, crossed the Atlantic, December 6, 1857, on a sailing-vessel, and landed at New Orleans. Thence he made his way up the Mississippi River to Chester, and there worked at his trade until his decease, which occurred April 26, 1880. His good wife, who survives him, is a most estimable lady and is at present residing in this place.

Louis H. is the fifth in order of birth of the parental family of ten children. He received a good education in his native language, and after coming to the United States prosecuted his studies for two winters in the district school taught by Rev. Mr. Barlow, a Baptist minister of Chester. When old enough to choose an occupation, he learned the trade of a merchant tailor from his father, and completed his apprenticeship when reaching his
eighteenth year.

On the outbreak of the Civil War, our subject, desirous of giving his services to the Union, enlisted in Company H, Twenty-second Illinois Infantry, which was commanded by Colonel Swanwick. His regiment joined the Army of the Cumberland and participated in many of the hard fought battles of the war. He did brave and valiant service throughout that period, and on receiving his honorable discharge, in June, 1865, returned to this place and for the following two years worked at the tailor’s trade.

In 1867 Mr. Gilster began clerking in the store of William Schuchert, with whom he remained for a period of six years. During that time he had an opportunity to learn the business, and finding that he could make it pay better than to follow his trade, he formed a partnership with his father, the firm becoming Henry Gilster & Son. They put in a full stock of general merchandise, and continued thus to operate until 1875, when the father’s interest in the business was purchased by a brother of our subject and the firm name was changed to L. H. Gilster & Brother. They were very successful young business men, and their trade extended over a large territory. Our subject, however, in the spring of 1891, purchased his brother’s interest in the store, which is now known throughout the county.

In 1888 our subject organized the Buena Vista Milling Company, of which he is Treasurer and general manager. The mill is fitted out with a new process roller system, and manufactures the “ Crown Patent,” “ Belle of Chester,” and “ Triumph” brands of flour. It also turns out large quantities of crushed corn and bran, and its capacity is seventy-five barrels of flour every twenty-four hours. Our subject is a man whose versatile talents permit him to engage in various kinds of business, and in 1882 he established the banking house of Louis H. Gilster, which he is conducting at the present time. He has had a large experience as a business man, and his sterling qualities and genial manner are recognized by all who know him and prepossess strangers in his favor.

June 3, 1866, Louis H. Gilster and Miss Caroline Begemann were united in marriage. The lady was born in Lippe-Detmold, Germany, January 6, 1845. Their family comprises eight sons and four daughters, all of whom are living. Our subject is deeply interested in their welfare, and therefore is ready to bear a part in all those movements which will enhance the material, educational and moral prosperity of the nation. As is a well known fact, he has succeeded well in worldly affairs, and has just completed a fine two-story business block.

Mr. and Mrs. Gilster are devoted members of the Lutheran Church, in which the former has served in the capacity of Deacon for the past twenty-five years. He is a decided Republican in politics, and works earnestly to promote the interests of that party. He has held various local offices, and for four years was Alderman of the Third Ward of Chester.