Gilliland - William C
Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana - 1893 Chapman Brothers p 314
William C. GILLILAND, residing on Sec 19, Union Twp, is an able and enterprising farmer, who well represents the young men of his class, native to the soil, who are so potent in extending the agricultural interests of Montgomery County.
Our subject was born March 24, 1858, on the old family homestead in Union Twp, and is a son of one who was for many years one of the leading men in the county, among the most prominent and successful of its pioneer farmers, and one of its foremost citizens in public life.
We refer to the late Samuel Gilliland.
Samuel was born in Huntingdon County, PA in 1807.
His father was of Irish birth, while his mother was from Holland.
When a young man he left his native county, and making his way to Butler County, Ohio, he worked there on a farm by the month for a time and then went into the distillery business.
After marriage he came, in October 1834, to this State and county and entered a tract of land fromt he Government Sec 25, Union Twp.
He was well equipped for the pioneer life before him, and was a fine type of the bold, enterprising, far-seeing, resolute pioneers that opened up this country for settlement, as he was a man of fine physique, of medium height and of great strength.
He was also well endowed mentally and possessed keen business qualifications, which led to his early selection for important offices, especially that of County Commissioner, which he held 16 years.
In his political convictions he was a Democrat with sound views on the issues of the day.
He showed great skill in the management of his own affairs and accumulated a large property, including 1500 acres of land in this county, although when he left home at the age of 16 he had but $16 in the world.
He was a hard worker, energetic and prompt in carrying out his plans, and his success was assured from the start.
His death occurred May 19, 1889, and that of his wife May 7, 1870, and they were laid to rest in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Mr. Gilliland was first married Dec 20, 1832 to Miss Mary TRUESDELL, a native of Butler County, where they wed.
Five children were born of that marriage: John T, deceased; Lizzie Jane, a resident of this township; Anna Louisa, now Mrs. BUSENBARK, a resident of New Market; Margaret, Mrs. REMLEY of Crawfordsville; and William M, who died in infancy.
Samuel Gilliland's first wife died June 4, 1844 and he again married March 9, 1848.
His second wife was Sarah MILLER, a daughter of Abraham R. Miller an old settler of this county and a prominent farmer, who came from Ky, and married a Miss ENDICOTT. Seven children were born of the second marriage, all of whom grew to maturity but one and are still living: Mary E, Mrs. William SMITH, who lives east of Whitesville; Martha E, Mrs. WRAY, who lives in this township; Nancy J, Mrs. VanCleave, who also lives in this township; James B, a resident of this township; William C; and Henry E, who lives in Crawfordsville.
Samuel M. died at age 16.
The subject of this biographical sketch was reared in the home where he was born and in the excellent schools of his native township he gained a practical education.
He remained with his father until his marriage and then located on a farm on Section 19, and has been actively engaged in farming ever since.
In March, 1890, he removed to his present farm, which comprises 275 acres of good land, that yields abundant harvests under the excelletn system of cultivation to which it is subjeted and a good class of stock is raised upon it.
Mr. Gilliland shows commendable enterprise in carrying on his agricultural pursuits, and does a large and lucrative business.
He and his wife are highly regarded ins ocial circles and in their home are genial, friendly and hospitable.
As an intelligent citizen should, he takes an active interest in politics and favors the Democratic party.
Mr. Gilliland was married March 1, 1883 to Miss Dora D. STITH, a daughter of Joseph and Catherine Stith.
Her father, a resident of Crawfordsville was born in Boone County, his parents. who were among the first settlers, coming from Ohio and he became a pioneer of this county. Mrs. Stith's father was David CANADAY who came from NC and was one of the original settlers of Boone County, Indiana.
Mrs. Gilliand was reared and educated at Crawfordsville.
Her marriage with our subject has brought them two children: Henry M, who was born July 31, 1884; and Bessie P, born Dec 22, 1886.