JEREMIAH GILPIN HOMESTEAD

Rt. 343, Sterling Township

Jeremiah Gilpin purchased the homestead from Simon Bortree in 1889.  The Gilpin ownership has continued since then.

The first house built by Jeremiah Gilpin is located next to the one now standing and is used ad a woodshed.  Attached to the outside of that building is a beautiful large stone fireplace and chimney.

The exact year this house was built is unknown, but the date "1860" was chiseled on the inside cellar way, as well as the date "1875" on the tie post.  It’s believed that the original house had 2 rooms and during the early years the present rooms were added.

On June 1899, Jeremiah Gilpin purchased the old Sterling church for $60 at an auction.  The 2 front doors as well as other features from the church became part of the house.  The windows in the side door came from a Model T Ford.  Wood paneling used in the south living room and kitchen was cut from trees on the farm's grounds.  The wood was hand sanded and stained by the women of this family.