Transcription contributed by Arne H Trelvik 30 May 2003

Page
947

DAVID GILLIS, farmer, P.O., Maineville, was born in this township in 1818, and is a son of John And Mary (McMullen) Gillis. He was a native of Pennsylvania and she of W. Virginia. He located here soon after the beginning of the present century – settling on land on which our subject now lives. He was successful in business operations, and became owner of about 300 acres of land. He served in the War of 1812, and at one time went to New Orleans on a flat-boat, and walked back, the journey occupying thirty-one days. He was the father of eight children, three living, viz.: Robert, David and Elizabeth A. The deceased are William, John, Rachel, Margaret and Joseph. He died in 1865 aged 85 years. She (his wife) died in 1866 at upwards of 80 years. John (their son) was a tanner by trade, and was drowned in the Miami River. The subject of this sketch has been twice married, first with Isabelle Ross, Sept. 13, 1843, by whom he had five children, viz.: Vancy J., Mary F., Sarah A., William K. and Benjamin R. Mrs. G. died Sept. 1, 1863; was born May 1, 1823. His second marriage was celebrated with Sarah C. Wood Oct. 27, 1870. Six children have been born to them, viz.: John W., Ollie E., Maude A., Raymond H., Lulu G. and Hattie B. He and his estimable wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which he has been connected forty years. His deceased wife also belonged to the same church. Mr. G. owns 100 acres of excellent land near Maineville, which is well improved.