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See Also:  Poetry by James Nott Gillis

In typing much of what I have included on this website into my Family Files, I typed quickly and made many errors.  I will try to correct those as time goes by, but felt making the information available was more important than pretty copy.  I hope you think so, too.  These pictures were requested by Gillis genealogists.  This will be a long load.  Be patient.  Sharman 

Generation No. 1

David Gillis War of 1812 and Civil War Christian Black Gillis Gillis Homeplace Fayetteville, N.C. Pat Gillis and Herbert Gillis 1916
James Nott Gillis and Mamie Bronson Gillis Temperance promise Duncan Black Gillis and Effie Johnson John Shaw
Gillises at the Beach David Bennie Gillis Essie Mae and Martha 1925 Duncan Monroe
James Nott Gillis
Bible Records Births
Bible Records Deaths    
Obituary of J. B. Gillis 1935      
   
John Patrick Gillis, my Grandfather WWI Pat Gillis and Eunice Jernigan courting Possibly Pat Gillis Upham Gillis in uniform, WWI

 

1. REBECCA1.

 

Children of REBECCA are:

i. RODERICK2 GILLIS, m. JANET MCQUAY.

2. ii. MALCOLM MARK GILLIS, b. Abt. 1775, Scotland, Isle of Skye, Parish of Bracadale?; d. 1815, Richmond County, North Carolina.

 

Generation No. 2

2. MALCOLM MARK2 GILLIS (REBECCA1) was born Abt. 1775 in Scotland, Isle of Skye, Parish of Bracadale?, and died 1815 in Richmond County, North Carolina. He married (1) REBECCA MORRISON. He married (2) UNKNOWN.

 

Children of MALCOLM GILLIS and REBECCA MORRISON are:

3. i. MARGARET3 GILLIS.

4. ii. DAVID  GILLIS , COL. BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS, b. 1787, Scotland; d. June 09, 1873, Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County.

iii. NORMAN GILLIS, b. Abt. 1790, Scotland.

iv. MARY GILLIS, b. 1795, Scotland.

5. v. SARAH GILLIS, b. 1798, Scotland.

Children of MALCOLM GILLIS and UNKNOWN are:

6. vi. DANIEL3 GILLIS.

vii. NANCY GILLIS.

viii. RODERICK GILLIS, b. 1786.

 

Generation No. 3

3. MARGARET3 GILLIS (MALCOLM MARK2, REBECCA1). She married NEILL GALBREATH September 22, 1813.

 

Child of MARGARET GILLIS and NEILL GALBREATH is:

7. i. JOHN A.4 GALBREATH, b. September 22, 1818.

4.  DAVID 3 GILLIS , COL. BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS (MALCOLM MARK2, REBECCA1) was born 1787 in Scotland, and died June 09, 1873 in Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County. He married CHRISTIAN BLACK  September 21, 1815 in Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County, daughter of DUNCAN BLACK and NANCY.Homeplace of David Gillis in Fayetteville, North Carolina.  Still inhabited by his descendants.

Notes for DAVID CHASE GILLIS , COL. BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS and soldier in the Civil War

1 AUTH built first Galatia Presbyterian Church

1 AGNC marriage witnessed by John Black, John Armstrong Clark

 

 

Children of DAVID GILLIS and CHRISTIAN BLACK are:

8. i. MALCOM DOBBIN4 GILLIS, b. July 20, 1820.

9. ii. CATHERINE GILLIS, b. December 21, 1824; d. November 19, 1881.

iii. MARGARET GILLIS, b. April 22, 1828; d. November 12, 1898; m. NEIL R. BLUE, December 24, 1846.

iv. SARAH REBECCA GILLIS, b. 1831; m. (1) HUGH MCPHAIL, October 09, 1851; m. (2) MALCOLM MCINNIS, October 17, 1855.

v. CAROLINE GILLIS, b. February 18, 1833; d. May 24, 1893; m. DANIEL MCNOTT, January 29, 1852.

10. vi. DUNCAN BLACK GILLIS , CIVIL WAR, b. July 02, 1835, Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County; d. March 24, 1915, Fayetteville, N.C., (Manley) Cumberland County.

11. vii. JOHN ARCHIBALD GILLIS, b. July 27, 1839; d. August 26, 1903.

5. SARAH3 GILLIS (MALCOLM MARK2, REBECCA1) was born 1798 in Scotland. She married MCSWEEN GILLIS October 30, 1817, son of ARCHIBALD GILLIS and MCSWEEN.

 

Children of SARAH GILLIS and MCSWEEN GILLIS are:

i. CATHERINE4 GILLIS, b. 1828.

ii. REBECCA GILLIS, b. 1830.

iii. MARY GILLIS, b. 1835.

6. DANIEL3 GILLIS (MALCOLM MARK2, REBECCA1). He married MARY MCLAUGHLIN.

 

Children of DANIEL GILLIS and MARY MCLAUGHLIN are:

i. DAUGHTER 24 GILLIS, m. J. LAMONT.

ii. DAUGHTER GILLIS, m. J. D. HOLT.

 

Generation No. 4

7. JOHN A.4 GALBREATH (MARGARET3 GILLIS, MALCOLM MARK2, REBECCA1) was born September 22, 1818. He married ELIZABETH.

 

Children of JOHN GALBREATH and ELIZABETH are:

i. C. C.5 GALBREATH, b. 1842.

ii. JOHN D. GALBREATH, b. 1847.

iii. FRANCES GALBREATH, b. 1849.

8. MALCOM DOBBIN4 GILLIS (DAVID CHASE3, MALCOLM MARK2, REBECCA1) was born July 20, 1820. He married ELIZABETH WILKERSON December 23, 1842.

 

Children of MALCOM GILLIS and ELIZABETH WILKERSON are:

i. JOHN MCNOTT5 GILLIS, m. MARY S. JOHNSON.

ii. ELIZABETH GILLIS, m. WILLIAM TILLMAN.

iii. MARY MCCORMICK GILLIS, m. MARVIN EDMONSON.

iv. MALCOM DOBBINS GILLIS, m. ALMA MONROE.

12. v. JAMES GILLIS.

9. CATHERINE4 GILLIS (DAVID CHASE3, MALCOLM MARK2, REBECCA1) was born December 21, 1824, and died November 19, 1881. She married DUNCAN SHAW November 12, 1846, son of GILBERT SHAW and CATHERIN RAY.

 

Child of CATHERINE GILLIS and DUNCAN SHAW is:

13. J. COLIN5 SHAW, b. 1861; d. WFT Est. 1899-1952.There was a Shaw name on the back of this picture.  I assume it fit with these Shaws (Jno. Shaw).

10.  DUNCAN BLACK4 GILLIS , CIVIL WAR (DAVID CHASE3, MALCOLM MARK2, REBECCA1) was born July 02, 1835 in Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County, and died March 24, 1915 in Fayetteville, N.C., (Manley) Cumberland County. He married EFFIE JOHNSON February 18, 1858, daughter of ALEXANDER JOHNSON and PATRECIA MILLAR.

Notes for DUNCAN BLACK GILLIS , CIVIL WAR:

1 AUTH buried Galatia Presbyterian Church, deacon

1 AGNC Confederate Army, Co. F. Bethel Regiment, NCST

1 DEST died of heart dropsy

1 MEDI lived at Gillis Hill 1 mi. S of place of birth

 

 

Notes for EFFIE JOHNSON:

1 AUTH died at 4:30 o'clock p.m.

1 AGNC diary, Aub. 17, 1897 "ma sick, lung trouble"

1 DEST father was sheriff in Fayetteville

 

Children of DUNCAN GILLIS and EFFIE JOHNSON are:

i. CHRISTIANNA BLACK5 GILLIS, b. April 02, 1859; d. October 30, 1930; m. WILLIAM HENRY MONROE, September 29, 1880, Galatia Church.  Notes for CHRISTIANNA BLACK GILLIS:Duncan Monroe

1 AUTH married by Reverend David Fairly

ii. ALEXANDER JOHNSON GILLIS, b. April 22, 1860, Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County; d. December 24, 1860, Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County.

14. iii. JAMES NOTT GILLIS, b. October 10, 1861, Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County; d. September 01, 1928, Brewton, Alabama, Escambia County.

15. iv. IDA MONTGOMERY GILLIS, b. October 24, 1864; d. May 16, 1923.

v. DAVID GORDON GILLIS, b. May 14, 1866, Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County; d. November 11, 1902, Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County; m. HATTIE A. GILLIS (?), July 28, 1895.

Notes for DAVID GORDON GILLIS:

1 AUTH married by D.A. Cochran

1 AGNC died from fall, hit head

Notes for HATTIE A. GILLIS (?):

1 AUTH married by D.A. Cochran

 

vi. MARY ISABELLA GILLIS, b. April 14, 1868, Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County; d. November 19, 1877, Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County.

Notes for MARY ISABELLA GILLIS:

1 AUTH funeral by Rev. H.G. Hill

 

 

vii. WILLIE HOPE GILLIS, b. September 05, 1870, Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County; d. December 25, 1870, Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County.

16. viii. ROBERT WINSHIP HARDIE GILLIS, b. May 18, 1872, Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County; d. Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County.

17. ix. JOSEPH AUGUSTUS BURNIE GILLIS, b. May 18, 1872, Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County.

x. JOHN CYRUS GILLIS, b. August 19, 1874, Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County; d. November 30, 1877, Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County.

Notes for JOHN CYRUS GILLIS:

1 AUTH Funeral Rev. J.P. McPherson

1 AGNC Galatia Church

 

 

18. xi. RALPH MILTON GILLIS, b. July 24, 1879, Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County.

11. JOHN ARCHIBALD4 GILLIS (DAVID CHASE3, MALCOLM MARK2, REBECCA1) was born July 27, 1839, and died August 26, 1903. He married CATHERINE ANN MCNOTT.

 

Child of JOHN GILLIS and CATHERINE MCNOTT is:

i. MALCOLM DOBBINS5 GILLIS, d. October 1936.

 

Generation No. 5

12. JAMES5 GILLIS (MALCOM DOBBIN4, DAVID CHASE3, MALCOLM MARK2, REBECCA1).

 

Child of JAMES GILLIS is:

i. FRANCIS6 GILLIS, m. DINKINS.

13. COLIN5 SHAW (CATHERINE4 GILLIS, DAVID CHASE3, MALCOLM MARK2, REBECCA1) was born 18611, and died WFT Est. 1899-19522. He married ANNIE C. MCDOUGALD WFT Est. 1898-19313, daughter of DOUGALD MCDOUGALD and SARAH PHILLIPS.

 

Child of COLIN SHAW and ANNIE MCDOUGALD is:

i. JESSE GILBERT6 SHAW, b. 18964; d. WFT Est. 1928-19875; m. MARGUERITE OUTLAND, Private.

14.  JAMES NOTT5 GILLIS (DUNCAN BLACK4, DAVID CHASE3, MALCOLM MARK2, REBECCA1) was born October 10, 1861 in Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County, and died September 01, 1928 in Brewton, Alabama, Escambia County. He married MAMIE D. BRONSON November 18, 1888 in Point Caswell, N.C., daughter of GUSTAVUS BRONSON and JOSEPHINE NEWKIRK.

Notes for JAMES NOTT GILLIS:

1 AUTH pneumonia

1 AGNC bought Polly "Pat's home! Pat's Home" Polly called from cage on porch when

1 DEST Civil engineer, building roads brought him to Al.

1 MEDI loved books

 

JAMES N. GILLIS DIARY

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

(in possession of H.D. Gillis in Brewton, Alabama. This is a copy recorded by Jean Bronson Gillis Burson, Dothan, Alabama)

Each life is a book written through with good or ills as we make it

May God direct me so in after years I will not be ashamed of it.

Happiness

How eager, how unwearied is the search for true and lasting happiness, but few are they who find it. Since neath the creative hand of the earth the world sprang from chaos, fresh and smiling since the first dawning of lights; since the waters were divided from the waters: since the sun, moon and the stars were set like burning Jerents over the broad blue fields of space, an d never was created and placed in the beautiful garden amid the blushing flowers and transluscent streams, his one great persuit and the intent has been happiness. Yes, since the first fruit from the Tree of Knowledge was plucked, men have been chasing shadows and phantoms vainly endeavoring to clasp the smiling angel in their arms, but again and again have they been extend ed only to close over empty air, her firm face turned upon them. And before these fled the dazzling form and her soft voice repeating--Love God, love virtue, love truth and be happy.

But in the eager chase, the first and greatest was overlooked while only "be happy--was remembered, and to be happy most took the wrong road. In their great eagerness they forget to love God virtue and truth; and the Bible--the star of the infinite--was scorned and cast aside while they sought for happiness, that precious and priceless bover ways--ways which were ways of foolishness to the sage eye of wisdom.

A WONDER

I wonder o I wonder

When the toils of life are over

Who will be the first to greet me

On the other Golden Shore

Who of all of my friends in Heaven

Will be waiting at the strand

To bid me kindly welcome

To that bright and glory land.

I wonder oft how many

Of the precious loved ones here

Should I be the first to enter

Will come on to Join me there

And how many of those dear ones

Whom I've loved and never seen

Will some day wander with me

Through the pastures fair and green.

Yes my heart will still keep asking

Who of all that white robed band

That stand waiting by the margin

Will be first to clasp my hand

And conduct me through the city

To the mansions bright and fair

That long ago the Master

Hath appointed for me there.

But I know someone will meet me--

Tis enough for me to know

And cloth me with the vestments

That is whiter far than snow

And there it cannot matter

Who my gentle guide shall be

If they'll only lead me to Him

Whom my soul so longs to see.

THE BLESSED HOME

To be home is the wish of the seaman on the story seas and lonely watch.

Home is the wish of the soldier and tender visions mingle with the troubled dreams of trench a d tinted field. Where the palm tree wave sits graceful plumes and birds of jeweled luster f lash and flicker among the gorgeous flowers the exile sits staring on vacancy far away home ties on his heart and home on the wings of fancy over intervening seas and lands, he has swept a way home and hears the lark singing above his father's fields and sees his fair haired brother with light foot and childhood's glee chasing the butterfly by his native stream. And in his best hours home, his own native home with his father above that stormy sky will be the wish of every Christian man. He looks around him--he finds the world full of suffering: he is distressed with its sorrows and irked with its sins--He looks within him--He finds much of his own corruptions to grieve for. In the language of a heathen repelled grieved, vexed. He often turns hi s eyes upwards saying, I would not live always. No not for all the gold in the world's minds- -Not for all the pleasures of her flashing frothy cup--not for all the crowns of her kingdoms-- would I live always. Like a bird about to migrate to those sunny lands where no winter shed s its snows or strips the groves--or binds the dancing streams. He will often in the spirit b e planning his wings for the hour of his flight to glory.

THE OLD BROWN COAT

The moon is up the stars are out

The birds are singing fine

Listen while I sing about

My old brown coat and me.

My father was an honest man

Though very poor was he

He lived in yonder little cat

That sands beside the lee

I toiled upon my fathers farm

Till I was twenty-one

Then took a little farm myself

Hard manhood's life begun.

I wore a suit of homespun brown

Twas not fair to see

And all the ladies in the town

Laughed at my coat and me.

I fell in love with Mary Blain

Whose father kept a store

And never was a maiden loved

More tenderly before.

But Mary she was very proud

And haughty as could be

She said that she would never wed

My old brown coat and me.

I did not wait to plead my cause

For pleading ws in vain

But bid farewell to Mary Blain

Nor saw her face again.

I am forty summers old today

And riches fill my star

My children play upon the lawn

My wife sings at the door.

I've land enough and money now

Hard Hard honors are in fee

And all the ladies in the town

Respect my coat and me.

But Mary Blain who so despised

My old brown coat and me

Was married to a lawyer's son whose name was Jason Lee.

He wore a suit of shinig black

Had talked so proud and grand

That Mary fancied he would make

A rich and noble mate.

But now alas her husband roams

A pirate on the sea

And Mary wishes she had wed

My old brown coat and me.

Now ladies listen to my song

For it is a countless price

Reflect upon the truth I sing

And treasure this advice.

Remember that an old brown coat

Though not so very grand

May cover up as good a heart

As any in the land.

And where you are called upon to choose

Of those who bend the knee

Remember that an old brown coat

Though not so very grand

May cover up as good a heart

As any in the land.

 

DIARY BEGINS 1896

Oct 10--I awoke at Southern Pines this morning at my sister's Mrs. Monroe's. Have just return ed from Troy Court. This is my birthday. I am 35 years old. If I live out my allotted time three score and ten, I am one half through this life. It is strange, yet sad. I awoke long before noon thinking of and making new resolutions to do better in years to come so as to be at peace with God and to live for something in this life. I am very unwell today and not able to return to Wilmington.

Oct 11th--Took Atlanta Special at Southern Pines at 8:00 for Wilmington, arrived there at 1:0 0 met at the depot by Louis and Charley Simmons. Cross the ferry at 4:00 in the afternoon wit h Captain Black for our Camp at El Paso arrived at camp about dark.

Oct. 14th--In Wilmington F.H. Blodgett returns from Philadelphia. Tells us the C T &O RR can' t pay us off. They owe us over three thousand dollars. We are in a bad fix. He also has a received appointed for the Road.

Oct 15th--We take out attachment papers on C T &O RR the property of F.H.Blodgett.

Oct. the 1 I go to Aberdeen to see Elkhomb on business concerning the paper given me to Brow n and return to Wilmington.

Oct 20--I start the outfit through the country for Manly in Charge of Neil Blue, Jim and Mr. Morris and return to Wilmington with Gordon who takes S A L R R home and I take C F & R to Lisbon to see my darling wife and children. Arrive at Garland at *:00 P.M. and walked out to Liston. What a happy meeting we had. One serious accident happened today I like to forgot to write . I got my hand badly hurt crossing the river in ferryboat. My middle finger is bursted open and hurts badly.

Oct 27th--Leave Lisbon at 7:00 for Garland and take train at 9:00 forFayetteville, Laura cam e with us. They took dinner at Goddards hotel. The outfit meets us here. Blue, Welch, Morris , Hanved and myself eat dinner at O'Daniel's Restaurant and leave Fayetteville at 2:00 p.m. for my father's where we stay tonight.

Oct. 23--We leave for Manly from my fathers. Old Charley give out and Mamie and Laura and the children stay at Mr. Evander Johnson. The rest come on to Manly. Except Blue whom we leave at his fathers.

Oct 24--send Alex back for Mamie and Laura and children. I go to Pinehurst to see Mr. Couch a nd get work for mules

Oct 27--Begin hauling at Pinehurst with Louis and Sintrin. Will begin Mr. Morris tomorrow. Also got Dr. Bradbury to dress my hand.

Oct 31--Go to Pinehurst and come back to Southern Pines with Louis team or feed then back home to Manly.

Nov1st. This is Sunday. We are all together and so happy. How pleasant it is to be with those we love. The day is cloudy and rainy and what a good dinner we had and Laura went to Sunday school. John Morris came to see us on his way out to Pinehurst.

Nov. 21--I went to Southern Pines and then with Mr. McGilvary to start grading for Mr. Tufts o n Dr. Van Huff's land. Then on to Pinehurst to look after teams, etc. and found all doing well. Mr. Moris came home with me. Tomorrow is Election day and many an anxious heart is now beating with bright hopes and anticipation will have ERA another day have their hopes scattered by the whirwind of disappointment. But God will use his all living wisdom in elections and have those elected that are the best for our good and forwarding his Kingdom o n Earth. Amen

Nov. 3 Today is Election day. All at Manly have gone except myself. I can't vote as I have not registered. I stayed and kept the P.O. and let the P.M. "Moma" go. I stayed up to 12:0 0 at telegraph office to grab news of election returns. Come in very slow. Everything so far is uncertain.

Nov. 4 What a rainy day. The rain came down in torrents. The Election News came in slowly . First reports McKinley's elected by a general landslide. Later reports are that Bryan i s elected but this is uncertain.

Nov. 5--It has been a Republican land slide Mr. McKinley is elected president of the United States and Russel Governor of N.C.

Nov. 6 I went to Southern Pines this a.m. Bob Buchan the town marshal was knocked in the head by Sandy Wicker and badly hurt. The warrant was placed in my hands for his arrest but I failed to find him. Neil Blue went with me to find him.

Nov. 7-- Saturday I went to Pinehurst. Had a settlement paid for my work paid off my men and came back by Southern Pines and paid my bills. Came on to Manly and did the same. Had my t eams brought to Manly to begin the grade for Mr. Tufts on Van Huffs land on Monday.

Nov. 8-- Monday begin grading of Van Huffs land. Mr. Morris is overseer. Upham is right sick . My darling boys how I love them next to my father in heaven.

November 9-- I went to Southern Pines this morning and out on the grade I found all getting a long nicely. Also a crowd of hands waiting greater than we need. Work is scarce and labor plentiful and cheap. The weather is beautiful but cold. The autumnal tings are now burning almost red. Looks like efforescents of fire burning yet unconserved. Soon winter's dreary winds will mournfully blow them to the ground to decay and betrodden under foot of man. A sad lesson in human life that we too must die, youth, manhood, and old age pass away as the grass and fallen autumn leaves.

Nov. 22--Saturday since my last writing ever thing has been so dull and uneventful I don't know what to write. I have been sick for several days. I think it is liver complaint and neuralgia.

Nov. 26--This is National Thanksgiving day. I have been very sick all night but better today . The weather is warm almost like summer and I feel very thankful and greatful to the Alwise Giver for his many kindness and Mercie for the last year and implore his continuance of the same. We should thank him.

For the hay and the corn and the wheat that is reaped

for the labor wel done and the barns that art heaped

for the sun and the dew and the sweet honey comb

for the rose and the song and the harvest brought home--

Thanksgiving,Thanksgiving

For the homes that with purest affections are blest

For the season of plenty and well deserved rest

for our country extending from sea unto sea

The land that is known as the "land of the free."

Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving.

And when earthly tempest threatens

Let me lift my eye above

And though darkness shrouds the future

Let me trust a Father's love.

Dec. 4th--What a big snow. It is beautiful. It is about 12 inches deep on level ground and i n places is drifted to 2 1/2 feet.

Dec. 6th Sunday I left Southern Pines for Wilmington to try to get my mouey out of Southport R.R. Got to Wilmington at 12:50 stopped at Mrs.Sutton where I met n old friend Gustave Pet atcliks who I had not seen for4 years.

Dec. 7th Mondy went to livery stable and got horse and carriage and withMrs. Walter G. McRa e and Captain Black went over our grading on SouthportR.R. for an estimate. We took dinner a t Mrs. Drew's at El Paso andreturned to Wilmington in the P.M.

Dec. 8th --Came back to Men tookd supper at Hamlet and got back at 2:00a.m. and found all we ll.

Dec. 10th--Completed the grading at Southern Pines near depot for Mr.Biard and at noon went b ack grding for Mr. Tufts. It is too bad somevillain tried to wreck the electric rig can an d did throw it off thetrack last night. I tried to track him but could not get far. Theycau ght Bud Wickers in Raleigh and brought him to Southern Pines thisa.m. I had a long talk wit h Mr. Stebbins about our big timber deal Ihope and pray we will be able to make this deal.

Dec. 15, 1996 I went to Autryville North Carolina to see Captain Autryabout timbr lands fo r Pa Co. was met at depot by Capt. Autry. Stid thatnight with him at his clerks a Mr. Royal.

Dec. 16--Capt. Autry and I rode all day looking over timber lands and sawsome fine indeed an d stayed at night at his beautiful home "Clement". Hehas a very interesting family of swee t little children and was much moved at the love shown between father, mother, and children . I think Capt.Autry one of the best men in our county. I enjoyed eating sausages pudding backbones and chitlins.

Dec. 18--Stayed with my father. Home to Manly, but after we got a mile it began to rain and w e returned to wait for tomorrow.

Dec. 19--Stayed again with my father and at D.A. Shaw's over took Jim Pridgen. I sent Pa back and Jim nd I came on together and found a horse trader and tried to trade with him til late at night.

Dec. 22--I went to the Reunion at Southern Pines. quite a large crowd here. Francis Deaton and Jim Welch came home with me and we went back and stayed late t night enjoying negro dancing , etc.

Dec. 25--Christmas. We are having such a nice time. Santa Claus brought dear little Upton and Herbert lots of nice things. We killed a large turkey gobbler and Mamie has several nice, large cakes and we have plenty to eat, to drink and everything to make us happy. Neill Blue, Alex Patterson, and mr. Morris ate dinner with us and a great crowd of young people came in after dinner and are all so happy. Mr. Heil Rau----best Christmases I have ever spent.

Dec. 30--I have been very ill for a few days with neuralgia in breast and stomach. It seems so me times like it will kill me. I pray God to live to help to do something for Christ and raise my children right and not leave them destitute. I bought another mule yesterday from Blue and McQueen. A dance at Southern Pines tonight.

1897

Jan. 1--This is a clear cold day, we have passed another mile stone on our journey of life to o and endless eternity. May God in his mercy and the Holy Spirit guide us in the coming yea r to make better efforts to do good and help build up Christ's Kingdom on earth.

Jan 7--A cold some what cloudy day. I went to Southern Pines with Neill and come back for dinner. I enjoyed the quail find. Me and Gordon will go to Mr. Shaw's and Upchurch mill this p.m . me and save McNeill went to Pinehurst yesterday. I made Mr. Tarbell pay me back the money I found.

March 7--I have been very ill. Have been confined to bed for six weeks. I came near crossing the dark river that divides the Real from the ideal. But God has spared my life to provide and protect my wife and children. I feel so thankful to be about well again. I am suffering some with pain about my heart. I hope it is not serious, also with neuralgia. I am very thankful to God for his many mercies during my illness to bless me with good friends so many comforts, I must say the people of Manly have been very very kind to me I hope and pray God will bless every one of them.

Mar. 8--Rode down to Mr. Louis Johnson to look at land to plow with Gordon. Have teams hauling lumber for Mr. Bush. I am glad to see the beautiful sunshine out again to her the sweet singing of birds. This is a beautiful world with all its sins, scars and disappointments. Tie s are woven and friendships formed that it is painful to sever.

Mar. 13. I have just returned from a trip to my farm and to Fayetteville. I left Charley Lasker horse down with Pa. I tried to sell some mules but could not. Gordon went with me down t \o Pa's. D.A. Shaw went to Fayetteville with me and stayed at Goddard hotel.

Mar 14 Sunday stayed at home. Cyrus and Gordon came to see us. At night Mr. Morris and my se lf kept Herbert at home and let Mamie and Laura go to prayer meeting. Herbert is so sweet a darling little boy. God bless him an my darling Upham too and help me to raise them in the right way.

Mar. 15 I went to Southern Pines in the a.m. also in the p.m. and looked after hauling wood t o Glover's and Hawlins. The weather is very bad, rainy and changeable.

Mar. 22 I sold old Bill Mule today to the Niagra Grape Co. He is one of the best mules I ever owned. I am sorry to see him go. I sold him and borrowed on hundred dollars to pay Mr. Shaw on Gove Note.

Mar 23. I went to see Mr. Shaw and met him on the road and paid him one hundred and fifty dollars. I went with him to see Mr. Lamby's horse that run away and got hurt. I then went to se e Mr. David about the logs and started Louis to hauling in the p.m. Jno Street begin plowing for Mr. Johnson on yesterday. I came back from Mr. David's to where he is at work and then home.

Mar. 25. I went to Southern Pines this a.m. to see McQueen about horse trade but failed to make it as he had none I wanted. I will go back after supper to attend the Odd Fellow Lodge. T he board members of the lodge have been very kind to me during my recent illness and they visits as well as they aid did m lots of good. I think most especially of Brother Rhodes and N.G . and Bro Kurtz our P.G. God bless them.

April 7 I went down to Cumberland Farm took one horse and one mule and boys. Jud Williams Charles Davis and Tom Love. Got there about 7 p.m.

April 8 Began plowing with teams and done a good day's work. I worked in my vineyard and tie d up vines. I do like the farm. It is so nice to live upon your own place. My vines and trees have done so well.

April 9 I went to Fayetteville with Pa about the business I done was to buy 3 tons of Guano.

Apr. 10 I went down to Bones Creek Mill to see the washout. The dam is broke. Went back t o pass, ate breakfast and Pa and I started to Manly and went as far as D.A. Blue and Neill Blue brought me to Manly and stayed with me till Sunday P.M.

April 11 I went with Mr. Shelton to a Negro baptizing in the afternoon and went to church tonight. Heard a good sermon by Mr. Dobbs.

Apr. 12 Dug a cellar for Nr. Grover. Did not get quite done.

Apr 14. Went to Southern Pines got done the cellar came back for dinner.

Apr 18 Saturday one of my twin mules Lon died. I feel so sorry. I feel like I have lost a dear friend. She was such a good mule and it is the first mule or horse I ever lost. I hope God will help me and I will not lose another. I also sold today Old Charley horse. I hate to part with him but he is getting too old.

Apr. 19 Sunday Easter. I went to Wilmington today to eat dinner in Sanford and took CF&Y R f or Wilmington at Odessa Captain Black got on and we go to Wilmington at 7:30. And went to Mrs . Sutton's Boarding House.

Apr. 24 It is Friday I have just returned from Wilmington today where Captain Black and I have been all the week attending court on our Southport R.R. Case. WE got judgement for 3000 against Frank H. Glogettand the Union Construction Company. The R.R  will be sold on the 15th o f May and we will I think get our money.

Apr. 28 Ralph came up from home and stayed last night with me. I am not very well. Had a durn chill last night and took a dose of calomel. Thebaby Herbert is unwell. Teething I think .

May 3 At Manly it is municiple election day. I went and voted and stayed at home all day. O n yesterday I traded old Dave mule for a horse and road cart. Upham was very sick last night with croup and I am very unwell with cold and couth.

May 6 I attended meeting of Odd Fellows tonight at Alpha Lodge No. 182Southern Pines. We ha d a nice meeting. Met visiting brothers Benbow and Swiney. We ar going to try to get the Grand Lodge of N.C. to meet here next year.

May 8 Saturday I went to Southern Pines in a.m. and met Mr. Davids. Came home for dinner an d went back in p.m. to attend to business with Johnson paid off my men at night.

May 9 Sunday I woke this a.m. rheumaism. Laura is right sick and I feel uneasy about her . Mamie went to the Baptist church to preaching and John Street attended to dinner for her . Mr. Morris kept little Herbert.He is so good and sweet Upham attended church but got bad a nd came back.

May 13 I went to Cumberland today on my way to Wilmington. My eye began hurting me this morning.

May 14 Went from Fayetteville to Wilmington and stopped at Mrs. Sutton's.

May 15 CT&O Rail Road was sold in Southport today. Mr. J.R. Perrentino purchased it for 10,000.00 dollars also called at the office of Dr. Galloway specialist to have him treat my eye which is very bad.

May 27 Have been since above date--My eye has improved some--went to Fayetteville today. Pa met me there and went out to my farm. Say Mr.Currio and traded with him about building hi s dams.

May 28 I had bad night last night with my eye. Came home to Manly today.

May 30 Sent Gordan and my teams to Cumberland to build the dams for Mr.Currio. My eyes pain me bad.

May 31 I went to Raleigh today to have my eyes treated by Dr. Lewis and Battle. I got off at Union Depot and took a carriage to Dr's Lewis and Battles office after examination, Dr. Battle went with me to Mrs. Smith's No. 118 North Wilmington Street where to engage room and board . Dr. came to see me at 11 o'clock tonight I came home from

June 9 Raliehg today have been ther ten days. I find myself improvedsome but slowly. The Drs say I have a stubborn case of rheumatism of the eye, I have suffered agony too much to try to smile. Dr. Lewis and Battle wrote a letter. Dr. Scott explaining treatment and advising same.

June 12 We had a big storm this afternoon it was worse at Southern Pinesthan here. Having blown down several houses there. Lightning struck the Baptist church here.

June 13 Sunday Laura and Upham went to Church. Dr. Swett came to see me and thinks my eyes a re getting some better.

June 14 Came back from Cumberland where he has been building the dam forMr. Currio. The jo b has not been at all satisfactory or profitable tome.. They bring me good news that my crop and garden is fine.

June 15 An uneventful day with heavy rain in the late afternoon. I send Mr. Morris with letters to David and Lamby. Lamby won't pay me so I wrote the Stuiro Shaw about him.

June 16 I sent Mr. Morris, John Street and Jim Auston with teams back to Cumberland. Work is so dull here and I can't collect what is due me. Am thankful to say my eyes seem better today . Do hope and pray it will soon be well.

July 1st I send telegram to Wilmington to find out why I don't hear from any on the Rail Road Crowd. and I hope I will get a letter from Captain Black this p.m.

July 4 For the first time in nearly two months I can write in my diary.I have had a severe spell with my eye. I went to Wilmington and Raleighto have a specialist to treat me. Thank G d I am nearly well again and hope and pray I may not have a return of it. Today is the 45h d ay of July a National holiday. Today 121 years ago the Independence of our Grand Republic was declared and it is wonderful the progress of our civilization under guidance of God's eternal care. May he still blessandguide us as a Nation and as individuals.

July 5 I went to Fayetteville via Sanford. Mr. Shearin went with me from Cameron. I went out home with Dunk Shaw.

July 6 I went back to Fayetteville today. Ralph drove me into town Mr.Sherrin and I attend to charter busines with S. MacRae to get charter from Sect of State to build a RR from Hope mill s to Southern Pins. We have bought the old Enterprise Land and Improvement Company Right of W ay.

July 7 I went to see several people along the line of Enterprise RR about Charter rights, etc .

July 8 I went to Hope Mills to register a lot we bought between RRs and to see people about charter.

July 9 I went back home to Manly and found all well and doing well.

July 10 I am at home in a.m. Gordon and Upchurch came up to see me in the morning. I loane  Bob Bucham my Road Cart at nice to go to dance at McDonnelds.

July 11 This is Sunday a beautiful day. After refreshing showers of rain. It is cooler and pleasant. Laura went to the Baptist Church in a.m. and her and Upham went to Sunday School in t he p.m. What a blessing to live in a land of churches and Sunday school think the people of Manly the most consistent People I ever knew and I believe the best, God bless them all.

July 14 Mr. Shrain and myself went down to Cumberland to look after Hope Mills RR We stayed at Pas at night Upchurch also went with us.

July 15 Miss Shrain, Upchurch and myself went to Hope Mills took dinner at Johnson Hotel. Go t out terminus of road and lot located and came over to Pas that night.

July 16 We went to Fayetteville to organize the RR Co. We met at S.H. McRae's office. Dr. Ca mpbell came from Cameron with the rest of stockholders. Elected the following directors. H. M. Shrain, Dr. Campbell, Alex Sessions, W.S. Cook and J.C. Upchurch and H.L.T. Thurston.

July 17 I came back to Manly today. I brought JNo Street and 2 carts to do Mr. Bards grading . Came by and made trade with Ross Bass to haul rosin.

 

 

Notes for MAMIE D. BRONSON:

1 AUTH buried Union Cemetery, Brewton

1 AGNC witnesses to wedding, J.H. Colvin, Wm. H. Louis, D. Gordon Gillis; pastor Faison

1 DEST blonde, blue-eyed, fat when older

1 MEDI always thought of funniest things to say

 

Children of JAMES GILLIS and MAMIE BRONSON are:

i. CHARLES UPHAM6 GILLIS, b. March 11, 1893, Cumberland Co. N.C.; m. ALMA BAGGETT, May 21, 1923, Pensacola, Florida.Upham and Herbert Gillis

ii. HERBERT DURYEA GILLIS, b. April 18, 1896; m. ESSIE MAE LESTER, June 16, 1923, Pensacola, Florida.

iii. John_Patrick_Gillis_WWI.jpg (13205 bytes) JOHN PATRICK GILLIS , SGT. WWI AND MEX. BORDER DI, b. September 14, 1898, Southern Pines N.C.; d. June 11, 1934, Escambia County, buried Union Cemetery, Brewton, Al.; m. CLARE EUNICE JERNIGAN, June 20, 1920, Cumberland.

Notes for JOHN PATRICK GILLIS , SGT. WWI AND MEX. BORDER DI:

1 AUTH logs on truck ahead of him ended up landing on his car, killing him

1 AGNC Co. "G" 123rd U.S. Infantry 1st Al. Infantry for duty on Mexican Border

 

 

Notes for CLARE EUNICE JERNIGAN:

[Broderbund Family Archive #110, Vol. 1, Ed. 3, Social Security Records:U.S., SS Death Benefi t Records, Surnames Beginning with G, Date ofImport: Jun 19, 1996, Internal Ref. #1.111.3.786 28.27]

Individual: Gillis, Eunice

Birth date: Oct 30, 1902

Death date: Feb 1986

Social Security #: 422-38-3546

Last residence: AL 36426

State of issue: AL

1 AUTH Last residence: AL 36426

1 AGNC State of issue: AL

 

[Broderbund Family Archive #110, Vol. 1, Ed. 3, Social Security Records:U.S., SS Death Benefi t Records, Surnames Beginning with G, Date ofImport: Jun 19, 1996, Internal Ref. #1.111.3.786 28.27]

Individual: Gillis, Eunice

Birth date: Oct 30, 1902

Death date: Feb 1986

Social Security #: 422-38-3546

Last residence: AL 36426

State of issue: AL

[Broderbund Family Archive #110, Vol. 1, Ed. 3, Social Security Records:U.S., SS Death Benefi t Records, Surnames Beginning with G, Date ofImport: Jun 30, 1996, Internal Ref. #1.111.3.786 28.27]

Individual: Gillis, Eunice

Birth date: Oct 30, 1902

Death date: Feb 1986

Social Security #: 422-38-3546

Last residence: AL 36426

State of issue: AL

 

 

15. IDA MONTGOMERY5 GILLIS (DUNCAN BLACK4, DAVID CHASE3, MALCOLM MARK2, REBECCA1) was born October 24, 1864, and died May 16, 1923. She married DANIEL A. SHAW February 26, 1885.

 

Children of IDA GILLIS and DANIEL SHAW are:

i. EFFIE6 SHAW, m. GORMAN.

ii. JOHN SHAW.

iii. ROBERT SHAW, d. Panama City, Florida.

iv. LAURA SHAW, m. MCPHAIL.

16. ROBERT WINSHIP HARDIE5 GILLIS (DUNCAN BLACK4, DAVID CHASE3, MALCOLM MARK2, REBECCA1) was born May 18, 1872 in Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County, and died in Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County. He married FLORA CATHERINE MCIVER April 26, 1896, daughter of WILLIAM MCIVER and MARTHA SINCLARE.

 

Child of ROBERT GILLIS and FLORA MCIVER is:

i. MARTHA6 GILLIS, m. LAURICH.

17. JOSEPH AUGUSTUS BURNIE5 GILLIS (DUNCAN BLACK4, DAVID CHASE3, MALCOLM MARK2, REBECCA1) was born May 18, 1872 in Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County. He married ADA HELEN PHILLIPS December 25, 1901.

 

Children of JOSEPH GILLIS and ADA PHILLIPS are:

i. DAVID6 GILLIS.

ii. ANTHONY GILLIS.

iii. MARGARET GILLIS.

iv. MARY BARBARA GILLIS.

18. RALPH MILTON5 GILLIS (DUNCAN BLACK4, DAVID CHASE3, MALCOLM MARK2, REBECCA1) was born July 24, 1879 in Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland County. He married BESSIE PHILLIPS May 12, 1909.

 

Children of RALPH GILLIS and BESSIE PHILLIPS are:

i. DAVID6 GILLIS.

ii. BARBARA GILLIS.