Jonathan B. Lott

Jonathan B. Lott was born in Licking County, Ohio, February 14, 1839, and when eight years of age came with his parents to Mclean County, Ill., where he grew to manhood on a farm. He was a schoolmate of Gov. Fifer, and when the war broke out enlisted on the same day, in Company C. Thirty-third Illinois Infantry, and was with the regiment for over three years. On the 1st day of January, 1864, he veteranized and served until discharged at New Orleans, June 15, 1865. He was twice wounded, once a ball cutting across the top of his head, inflicting a scalp wound, and ere that was healed, contrary to the orders of the surgeon, he ran away from the hospital and joined his regiment. A few days later he was wounded in the left arm, which partially disabled it for life. When Joe Fifer was wounded and the doctor said only ice would save his life, Mr. Lott volunteered to make the attempt to procure it, which though very hazardous, was successful. Gov. Fifer has often spoken of Mr. Lott as the one who saved his life. Mr. Lott was a brave soldier, ever found at his post of duty, and when discharged held the position of Sergeant.

After returning from the war, Mr. Lott attended the Wesleyan College, of Bloomington, Ill., and in that city he was married, on the 1st of January, 1867, to Margaret A., daughter of James and Mary E. (Stevenson) Gibson.

The shanty, 12 x 14 feet in dimensions, built by Mr. Lott was the first building to mark the site of what is now Gibson City, but before winter was over he had a good frame house erected. He laid out the town in 1871, and named it Gibson, in honor of his wife's maiden name. He was instrumental in securing the post office there, but as it was so much like Gilson, another town in the State, the office was changed to Gibson City. He was the prime mover in securing the railroad for Gibson, and in every public enterprise took an active interest.
He was very popular, much beloved, and always in sympathetic touch with the poor. He a member of the Christian Church and died in that faith on the 18th of September 1879. In honor of him, the Grand Army Post of Gibson City was named Lott Post, No. 70.
He left no family save his wife.

--Portrait and biographical record of Ford County, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies of all the governors of the state, and of the presidents of the United States. Lake City Publishing Company.  Chicago, Illinois.  1892. Page 539.

BORN  14 Feb 1839
DIED  18 Sep 1879
BURIED Glen Cemetery
IL Co. C. 33rd Illinois Infantry