HISTORY
OF
JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA,
CONTAINING A
HISTORY OF THE COUNTY,
AND ITS
TOWNSHIPS, CITIES AND VILLAGES
FROM 
1836 to 1882.

TOGETHER WITH

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF MANY ENTERPRISING FARMERS, MERCHANTS,
MECHANICS, PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS MEN; A CONDENSED
HISTORY OF THE STATE;THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED
STATES; AND ABSTRACT OF THEMOST IMPORTANT LAWS;
THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE COUNTY; ITS ORGANI-
ZATION; ITS POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS HISTORY;
AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE AND STOCK-
RAISING; WAR RECORD; TOWNSHIP HIS-
TORIES; CHURCHES; SCHOOLS;
RAILROADS AND BUSINESS
ENTERPRISES; MISCEL-
LANEOUS MATTERS,
ETC. ETC.

________________

IOWA CITY, IOWA.
1883.

*******************

    In the fall of 1839 Archibald Gilliland first came to Clear Creek township, leaving his family behind until he prepared them a home. He bought a large claim in four sections, but built his home in section 26, township 80, range 7, on the site where G. W. Watson now lives. He came from Illinois directly, but from Pennsylvania originally. He boarded at Mrs. Dennis’ – now McConnell – for some time and worked at his trade. Moved his family to Iowa City from Illinois in 1840, where he remained for two years to give his family the privileges of schools, then settled on his claim in 1842, where he resided until he died. His claim embraced a farm of 500 acres – a large farm for those days. He was county commissioner for three years, and justice of the peace for quite a number of years; and it was then considered remarkable that in all that time he never had a suit brought before him, spending days at a time to reconcile disagreeing parties, rather than neighbor should go to law with neighbor. He was an active politician, of the democratic school of politics, but took earnest sides in favor of “no license,” during the agitation of that subject. He died in 1852, leaving to his family a handsome property, accumulated by his thrift and economy. His wife survived him thirteen years. His family consisted of nine children, six of who are now living. These are James Gilliland, living in Madison township, blind by accident. For thirty-three years he has, with unequaled industry and ingenuity, made his way in the world and provided abundantly for his family. He guides and directs farming operations for others, and does much work by the wonderfully acute sense of touch that would seem almost impossible, such as hoeing garden, pitching on or off a load, repairing fences, trimming trees, etc., etc.  His farm has one of the largest and finest orchards in that section of the country, and abounds in all manner of small fruits. His family consists of his wife, two sons and adopted daughter.
    Mrs. Elenor Colany, wife of Charles Colany, who with their family of seven children, mostly grown, constitute a family of whose merits the least is the fact that Mr. Colany pays the heaviest tax in the township.
    Freeman Gilliland lives in Shelby, Shelby county – five children.
    Mrs. Millie Colany, wife of J. D. Colany – two sisters married two brothers – citizens highly esteemed for their integrity and moral worth; five children.
    Mrs. Ettie Brown lives in Greene county; five children.
    Andrew Gilliland, Poweshiek county; one child. These are the descendants of Archibald Gilliland and wife – worthy descendants of worthy ancestors.

                                                                                        -transcription by Kate Maynard, 2013