PORTRAIT AND
BIOGRAPHICAL
RECORD
OF
Montgomery, Parke and
Fountain Counties
INDIANA

CONTAINING

Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens,
TOGETHER WITH BIOGRAPHIES AND PORTRAITS OF ALL THE
Presidents of the United States

CHICAGO
CHAPMAN BROS.
1893

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WILLIAM C. GILLILAND, residing on sec. 19, Union Township, 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 Township, 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 Gilliland was born in Huntington 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 from the government on section 25, Union Township. 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 sixteen 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 fifteen hundred acres of land in this county, although when he left home at the age of sixteen 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 December 20, 1832, to Miss Mary Truesdell, a native of Butler County, where they were wedded. 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 was again married, March 9, 1848. His second wife was Sarah Miller, a daughter of Abraham R. Miller, and old settler of this county, and a prominent farmer, who came from Kentucky, 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, as follows: Mary E., Mrs. William Smith, who lives east of Whitesville; Martha E., Mrs. Wray, who lives in this township; Nancy J., Mrs. Van Cleave, 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 the age of sixteen.
    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 two hundred and seventy-five acres of good land, that yields abundant harvests under the excellent system of cultivation to which it is subjected, 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 in social 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 North Carolina and was one of the original settlers of Boone County. Mrs. Gilliland 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., who was born December 22, 1886.

-transcription by Kate Maynard, 2012