WI BIO - Dane Co - GILLIES, James
Biographical Review of Dane County, WI. Chicago: Biographical Review Pub. Co. 
1893, Vol II, p 567

James GILLIES, Sr., one of the pioneers of the town of Rutland, Dane County, 
WI, was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, 20 Jun 1815. His father, James GILLIES, 
was born in the same shire, and his father, Walter GILLIES, was born in 
Glasgow, Scotland. Walter GILLIES learned the trade of millwright, which he 
followed in Fifeshire and vicinity for many years, and spent his last days 
there. The maiden name of his wife was Margaret BRONSON, who was born in 
Fifeshire, Scotland, and spent her entire life there.

James GILLIES, the father of our subject, who died in 1837, learned the 
trades of flax dresser and linen weaver. This was at a time when all linen 
was made by hand. He followed these trades and also engaged in farming, and 
with the exception of a short time spent in Paisley, his entire life was 
spent in Fifeshire. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Janet 
HUTTON, born in the parish of Kingstettle, Fifeshire, Scotland, a daughter of 
William and Janet (THOMPSON) HUTTON, both natives of Scotland. Janet 
(HUTTON) GILLIES died in 1845, after rearing 10 children: Walter, William, 
Janet, John, James [the subject of this sketch], David, Robert, Margaret, 
George, and Andrew. Five of these (James, David, Margaret, George, and 
Andrew) came to America.

Our subject, James GILLIES, Sr., was reared and educated in Scotland, where 
he learned the trade of weaving. He was employed in a mill 18 years, and in 
1847 came to America, accompanied by his wife and two children. He went from 
Scotland to Liverpool and sailed from there 01 May 1847 in the sailing vessel 
"Burkinhead," and landed in NY 31 May 1847. He came immediately to the 
Territory of WI [WI not a state until 29 May 1848], via the Hudson River to 
Albany, NY, then by Erie Canal to Buffalo, NY, then by lake to Milwaukee, WI, 
and then by team to Dane County, WI. At that time there were but few 
settlers in this neighborhood, and deer were occasionally seen. James 
GILLIES, Sr. bought 80 acres of land that is included in his present farm, 
and there were 10 acres broken and fenced, and this constituted the 
improvements. He built a log house at once, which was the first permanent 
home of the family in America. He has been a resident of this place 
continuously for 45 years, and has seen the entire growth and development of 
this section. He has purchased other land, has erected a brick house, a farm 
barn, planted fruit and shade trees, and otherwise improved the farm.

In 1841 James GILLIES, Sr. was married to Elspit HUME, who was born in 
Fifeshire, Scotland, in 1815, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (PIGGIE) 
HUME. William HUME was a farmer and spent his entire life in his native 
land, but her mother came to America and spent her last days with Mrs. 
GILLIES. James, Sr. and Elspit (HUME) GILLIES have two children: James and 
Janet. James married Isabella NEWMAN and has three children (Ira, William 
N., and Beth). Janet married Nathaniel SLOSSON, and has three children 
(Ernest, Elsie, and Palmer). James GILLIES, Sr. is a very intelligent, just, 
self-made man and excellent citizen. 

Submitted by Cathy Kubly