GAMBLE, EZRA, a retired carpenter living at Buffalo, Mechanicsburg Township, Sangamon County, was born in Franklin County, Pa., May 15, 1830, and is a son of Morrell R. and Hannah (Filson) Gamble, natives of Pennsylvania. The parents were farmers and spent their entire lives in Pennsylvania, the father dying at the age of forty-four and the mother also dying young. The Gamble family came originally from Scotland and the Filson family from Ireland. Morrell R. Gamble and his wife had seven children, of whom five were sons, and Ezra is the only surviving member.

Mr. Gamble was educated in his native county and during his boyhood worked on his father's farm until eighteen years of age, then began learning the trade of carpenter, which he followed in Pennsylvania for some years. He came West May 15, 1857,and lived for a time in Scott County, Ill. Two years later he moved to Sangamon County, and has since resided in Buffalo. Since coming to the village he has followed contracting in the vicinity, and in this connection has erected many residences, and has been successful financially. He has made a large number of friends during the many years he has lived at his present location and is considered a representative, useful citizen.

Mr. Gamble was married in Buffalo, January 7, 1861, to Mary Elizabeth Vlerbome, who was born in Butler County, Ohio. Her parents came to Sangamon County, Ohio, at an early day and located on a farm. Mrs. Vlerbome died in Sangamon County and her husband returned East and died in New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Vlerbome had five sons and four daughters. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gamble, of whom two survive: Jennie E., widow of William T. Hall, of Buffalo, and Anna, who lives at home. Mrs. Hall has two children, Lela E., with her mother, and Hazel, wife of Ernest Fullenwider, residing in Springfield. Mr. Gamble is a member of the Methodist Church and a member of its Board of Directors. In politics he is a Republican.