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ILMORE, JOHN CURTIS, soldier, general of the United States army, retired, is an example of the efficient soldier graduated from the field of battle into the regular army of the United States. He was born in the Dominion of Canada, April 18, 1837, just across the border from northern New York; and, when he was but six months old, his parents removed to Louisville, St. Lawrence county. New York. He attended the village school, and, after completing its course of study he entered, and in due time was graduated from the Albany law school, at Albany, New York. Circumstances soon diverted him from the law, however, and in 1862, he entered the Union army and went to the front as captain of the 16th New York volunteer infantry, and served until the close of the war. He was promoted major of the same regiment, on September 29, of the same year; became lieutenant-colonel of the 193d New York infantry, March 28, 1865; brevet colonel of volunteers, November 14, 1865; and was mustered out of the volunteer service January 18, 1866. His civil war record was one of gallantry and honor, and was officially recognized by brevets and promotions for meritorious service at Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Salem Heights, Virginia. For "distinguished conduct" in the latter named battle, the Congress of the United States awarded him a medal of honor.

On May 11, 1866, General Gilmore was appointed to the United States army as second lieutenant of the 12th U. S. infantry, and has since that time been continually attached to the regular army down to his retirement, on April 18, 1901. His chief assignments during this period of thirty-five years are as follows : Transferred to the 30th U. S. infantry, September 21, 1866; promoted captain of the 38th U. S. infantry, January 22, 1867; transferred to the 24th U. S. infantry, November 11, 1869; assigned to service on the staff of the adjutant general of the United States army, with rank of major, August 14, 1890; promoted lieutenant-colonel, November 15, 1896, and colonel April 28, 1900, while attached to staff; during the Spanish-American war he was made brigadier-general of volunteers.