C. E. Gilhousen is famous for his outstanding gold coin collection. He was a photographer, real estate agent, miner, and auto dealer who amassed one of the most prestigious collections in American numismatic history.

Charles "Clarke" Ellsworth Gilhousen (1869-1952), was born on December 13, 1869, Kahoka, Clark, Missouri, son of William Henry Gilhousen (1841-1932), and Sarah Ellen Clarke Gilhousen (1843-1938).

He was educated at The Dalles, Oregon.

Gilhousen worked as a professional photographer until 1899.

On June 1, 1892, he married Laura "Lulu" Pollock (1873-1918), at Kahoka, Clark, Missouri. They had a son Howard "Holly" Clarke Gilhousen (1895-1969).

In 1900, he lived in Warsaw, Hancock County, Illinois.

In 1901, the Los Angeles City Directory lists him living at 1031 East 27th Street. He was in the real-estate firm of Jordan & Gilhousen 2603 Central Avenue, having formed a partnership with Paul Jordan.

Gilhousen began to expand the real estate business to include mining.

In 1905 Gilhousen bought out Jordan and renamed the company C. E. Gilhousen & Co.

The 1905 -1910 Los Angeles City Directory on page 2241 lists him at 2603 South Central Avenue under Notaries Public.

In 1910, he entered the automobile business trading as Gilhousen Bros. Co.

In 1918 he married Jeanette S. Duckett Amsbary (1868-1962), at Los Angeles, California.

He was a member of the California Coin Club, and became president.

The 1930 U. S. Census lists him as a gold miner dredging for gold.

From February 19-21, 1973, Superior Stamp and Coin auctioned Part 1 of the Gilhousen Collection realizing $875,000.

From June 11-14, 1973, Superior Stamp and Coin auctioned Part 2 of the Gilhousen Collection realizing $840,000.

From October 1-4, 1973, Superior Stamp and Coin auctioned Part 3.

To read the complete article, see:
GILHOUSEN, CHARLES ELLSWORTH(http://www.numismaticmall.com/numismaticmall-com/gilhousen-charles-ellsworth)