John Gambill was born July 16, 1813 in Sumner County, Tennessee.
Sometime in the 1830’s he traveled west to Missouri, and in
1837 at the age of 24, married 19 year old Phineze Pollan and
started a family that would eventually produce eleven children.
In 1840, Mr. Gambill made one of the first land entries in Dade
County. Their homestead became known locally as “Gambill
Springs”, and eventually encompassed more than 400 acres.
John Gambill died February 10, 1861, and according to his
wishes, was buried in the exact geographic center of his property,
establishing the Gambill family cemetery.
Eventually a road was put through the property, and with the
small cemetery straight in line with its course, a jog in the road
to go around the graves was necessary. The road has since been
moved over a little to the other side of the plots, allowing it to
be straightened, but you can still clearly see the original
path.
This is a quick park and grab, but please pause a moment to take
in the views of what was once one mans proud homestead, and the
beautiful spot he chose for his eternal resting place.