James (Gilliland, Gilleland, Gilliand, and similar spellings) was suspected to have been born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania on "1 Aug 1745" (without proof). Others say he came from N. Ireland in 1750 with his parents. It is believed he married Susanna Young (about) "13 Jun 1768 at St. James Episcopal Church* in Lancaster Co., PA" (now on King St.). However I understand the original document (unseen), may say John Gilland instead, not James. (transcribed doc on right says James. Also Annette Simpson's Marriages 1753-1854 Lancaster County, PA, 1986, p 11, #579, "James Gilliland and Susanna Young, 13 June 1768.") Susanna was born in ABOUT 1750 in Augusta Co, Virginia to John Young and Agnes Elizabeth "Davis" (of Botetourt Co.) and was the granddaughter of Robert Young, Sr. She died 18 Jun 1842 in Virginia.
*There were Gillilands in Lancaster Co., PA mid 18th century but was it the same couple who married in 1768? It's close to the birth of their 1st known child, but further investigation is needed. Could John Gilleland and Widow Gilleland be James parents on the 1750 tax list in Hanover Township, Lancaster Co., PA? In 1755, "In the East End of Hanover, the following had fled: John Gilliland....(The History of the counties of Berks and Lebanon by I. Daniel Rupp, p 323)." Further research at the PA Archives may reveal some unpublished data.
Possible connection: Page 16.--17th November, 1770. George Adam ( ) Bright and Mary ( ) to James and Samuel Gilliland, of County of York, £80, 170 acres in Beverley Manor at head of a branch of South River, David Hays line. Teste: Joseph Moore, James and John Tate. Deed Book #17. Lyman Chalkley, Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia: Extracted from the Original Court Records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, page 505. Plus Page 350.--Part of the plantation James Gilliland lives on. Same source, page 555.
They had 13 known children (suspect dates were taken from an old bible, as all but 1 are complete):
John, 11 Nov 1768 (Margaret Barclay 1797 & Sarah Walker 1804), below
William S., 7 Oct 1771 - aft 28 Apr 1800 in Davidson Co., TN inventory, below
Jenny Jane, 3 Jan 1773 (Jacob Lemon), below
Samuel, 28 Apr 1775 - bef 29 Apr 1815 VA Inventory
Henry, 6 Apr 1777
Nancy, 20 Mar 1779 (Conrad Lemon)
Susannah, 3 May 1781 (Jno Shanklin)
James, Jr. 10 Aug 1783 (Mary Polly Karnes, m 1812) d 21 May 1854, below
Shepherd, 13 Feb 1786 (Jennet Harriet Haynes, m 1811)
Sarah, 12 May 1788 (Edward Wood), below
Joseph, 23 Dec 1790 - 31 May 1838 (Mahaleth Griffith, m 1829)
Elizabeth "Betsy," 6 Mar 1792 (Jno Carnes)
Mary "Polly," 1796
Many of their children are listed in Botetourt County Marriages 1770-1853, Vol. 2.
In 1765, James Gilliland owned a Tavern named Gilliland Tavern in Alleghany Co., VA. It was 19 miles east of Covington, Bath Co., VA ("Rt 60, Rt 42, left" in 1937), according to WPA worker, Mary S. Venable's : 31 Mar 1937 WPA report #ALL-98. It was a 2 story, 2 chimney, upper and lower porches, frame and log building with 7 large and 3 small rooms, about 9' ceiling, that was used for a summer camp in 1937. Connecting it to this James heirs was an 1854 Deed Book 5, p 331. Then in 1874, son Shepherd Gilliland, Sr. sold it to son SHEPHERD YOUNG GILLILAND, Deed Book 7, p 107. In 1937 it belonged to Shepherd Y. Gilliland's third wife, a widow. In this 1937 document, it states that James came from Lancaster, York Co., PA, though at that time Lancaster, a separate county was as far north as current Dauphin Co., PA, due north of York County on the MD border. It add in 1805 James owned a 189 acres on Potts Creek he purchased from John and Katherine Wright. It was sold to David Bowyer in 1829. The land in 1827 was described as being on the east side of Potts Creek, to Bernard Johnson. Venable adds he stated he came to VA before the Revolution and on 9 Nov 1781 was discharged by Capt. Geo Houston and that he was in the campaign under General McIntosh and died in 1810. It further details the heirs divisions of James' land down to SYG's widow Maggie, in DB7, p 107, "all the land on the sides of the Cowpasture, commencing at a cliff...to the mouth of "Jerry's run." Through Shepherd's will, wife Maggie received all my property and 2/3 of all monies due me to the following children: P.T. Gilliland, G.Y. Gillliland, E.V. Gilliland and Carrie Lee Curtis, dated 1926. It has 4 photo of the tavern in 1937 and owner and widow Maggie Gilliland was one of the informants for the report. In 1854, four of the Gilliland heirs of Shepherd, son of James Gilliland, were in Keokuk, Iowa, from when they sell to Sampson Karnes a tract of 24 acres, joining John Allen and Michael and Wm Karnes. Shepherd Senior appears to have made over his property to two of his children, Mary S Shanklin and Shepherd Young Gilliland See Deed Book 7, p 107), on condition that they pay his debts. ... See Karnes Family Cemetery
Low Moor, Alleghany County, as Sampson, Michael, William and other Karnes are buried there. See Mountain View Cemetery, Clifton Forge, Alleghany County for Margaret "Maggie" Gilliland and others.
Shephard Y Gilliland applied for a CSA pension in 1900, having received a fractured skull at the Battle of Piedmont. Then S.Y. Gilliand applied for a CSA pension in 1906. He signed up in Covington in 1862 and surrendered at Appomattox in 1865. His widow Maggie applied in 1935. His brother Wm S. G. also applied in 1902-3 and was fully disabled.
Next to this Alleghany Co. Gilliland land on Potts Creek was the Gillaspie-Gilliland Home in the WPA report by Robert Stover, dated 25 Oct 1937. Described at 11 miles NE of Clifton Forge, 6 East on Rt 60, then 5 miles up Cowpasture River, on the east side. Prior to 1826 it was in Bath/Botetourt Co., VA. The line of owners and heirs involve Ann L Gilliland's guardian Executor Jos Haynes deceased who sold the land to Henry L Gillaspie, 125 acres on Cowpasture River. It included an original log house, 2 story, frame, gabled and shingled, 9 roomed, with about 7' ceiling. No photos included. Both sources and informants are listed. #ALL-386. (Another Gillispie/Gilliland connection found: Widow, Mary Mays Gilliland was the daughter of E. Mays and Malinda Gillispie, both VA born. Mary was born in VA on 3 Apr 1835 and died on 31 Dec 1925 in Louden, So. Charleston, Kanawha Co., WV, of acute dilatation of heart. Her husband's name was left blank. WV Certificate of Death, #16126.)
Also see Grifith-Pucket Home, Alleghany Co., VA #ALL-96, WPA report dated 11 Jan 1937 by Mary S. Venable, Covington, VA. Same location at ALL-366 east of Clifton Forge. It was built about 1780 and involved Wm Griffith and others and in 1858 a "blanket suit against S.Y. Gilliland and Shepherd Gilliland in Chancery Court books 3 to 6. The Gillilands purchased the home from Wm's son Orlando Griffith, and the Gilliland Tavern was not far from it. Shepherd G, Sr. sold it to his son S.Y. Gilliland and it involved many suits and much time. Chancery Court Order Bk Aug 1874 term, p 336. Mrs. Shepherd Gilliland of Clifton Forge was one of the informants. One photo was included. (Note: G. M. Gilliland Griffith died 22 Nov 1854 in Alleghany Co.)
James Gilliland lived in Rockingham County, VA and then on to Botetourt. He was on the 1782 tax list in Botetourt County, VA with 80 acres. In 1785, he lived in Frazer's District of Botetourt Co., James Gilleland claims 11 white people, 2 dwelling houses, and 2 other buildings. He lived on the east side of the James River on land inherited from Susanna's father, John Young. He was deeded land in 1783, 1798 and 1799.
James Gilliland, of Bath, enlisted in Rockingham, Declaration of Militia Pension. Historical Register of Virginians in the Revolution: Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, 1775-1783, by John Hastings Gwathmey, Richmond, VA, 1938, p 308. Plus two men by same name in Augusta Co., 1) Capt. Tate's Co. and 2) Capt. Hewett's Co.
Personnel of Botetourt County Companies as Districted. He was included on a list of men registered for recruitment in the Revolutionary War. Dated 31 Aug 1782. Page 127 lists James Gillilan and other men in Capt. Baird's Company to be considered as the 28th District. A Seed-Bed of the Republic by Robert Douthat Stoner, Roanoke, VA, p 122-123, 127.
"According to militiaman James Gillilan (no D): "In the summer season (we) would all turn out (from Renick's Fort) in a body and work each others places by turns - whilst some were working others would be watching and guarding to give alarm of the approach of Indians." Augusta Historical Bulletin, Vol 42, 2006, page 17.
He served in the Revolutionary War and was listed in the D.A.R. Patriot Index, with wife Susanna Young. Capt. George Houston discharged him on 9 Nov 1781. James Gilliland, of Bath (Co.), enlisted in Rockingham (Co.), dmp. Ancestor #: A044935. DAR is straightening out the two or more men by the same name, from PA and VA.
On 9 Jun 1789, James Gilleland was appointed Surveyor of the Road. Plus on 11 May 1790, the grandjury presented: James Gilleland was Surveyor of the Rode, for not keeping same in repair, in Botetourt Co., Virginia. Annals of Southwest Virginia, p 435, 440.
On 26 Jul 1792, grantee James Gilleland received 180 acres on the north side of James River adjoining the land of Wm. Davidson, in Botetourt County. Land Office Grants No. 26, 1792, p. 670. Suspect this was his.
James died between Sep 1810 and 15 Apr 1811. His probate was in Botetourt County, Virginia. Will Book B, page 257 (see photo on 2 pages), was made on 1 Mar 1810 and probated April 1811. It lists wife Susannah; children: Sally, Shepherd, Joseph, James, Betsy, Mary, John, William, Samuel, Jenny, Nancy and Susannah. He left his plantation to sons Shepherd and Joseph. Inventory recorded 15 Apr 1811, Will Book B, page 263 (see photo).
Feb 1834 James' Rev. War pension went to his widow Susanna in Certificate #23488, on 5 Feb 1834 per the General Accounting Office, in the Washington, D.C. Office of Naval Records.
Lyman Chalkley's Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia, Vol. 2, page 494 and 496 says: "Shepherd Gilliland, aged 59, son of Susannah Gilliland, deceased widow of James Gilliland, a soldier of the Revolution, makes declaration as follows: James and Susannah were married in Lancaster County, Penna., and moved to Rockingham County, Virginia; James was drafted in the Company of Capt. George Houston; again he performed a tour in McIntosh's campaign; refers to the affidavit of Jacob Lemon, a pensioner. Susannah died June 18th, 1842. James died in the fall of 1810; had 13 children. The following are still alive, viz: Jenny Lemon, wife of Jacob Lemon, of Botetourt; Nancy Lemon, wife of Conrad Lemon, of Alleghany; Susannah Shanklin, widow of John Shanklin, now living in Botetourt; declarant; Sarah Wood, wife of Edward Wood, of Bath; Elizabeth Carnes, wife of John Carnes, of Monroe County."(Note: Jacob Lemon was James' son in law.) "Register of children of James and Susannah Gilliland:
John Gilliland born November 11th, 1768;
William Gilliland born October 7th, 1771;
Jenny Gilliland born January 3d, 1773;
Samuel Gilliland born April 28th, 1775;
Henry Gilliland born April 6th,;
Nancy Gilliland born March 20th, 1779;
Susannah Gilliland bom May 3d, 1781;
James Gilliland born August 10th, 1783;
Shephard Gilliland born February 13th, 1786;
Sally Gilliland born May 12th, 1788;
Joseph Gilliland born December 23d, 1790;
Elizabeth Gilliland born March 6th, 1792;
Polly Gilliland born ___, 1796."
"GILLIAND, JAMES.— Bath, VA 29 Apr 1845. Declaration by Sheppard Gilliland, aged 59, son of Susannah Gilliand, widow of James. James came from Lancaster Co., Pa, before the Revolution and settled in Rockingham (VA), from which he went out on three tours of duty. One under Capt. George Houston, who gave him a discharge, Nov. 9, 1781. Was in campaign under Gen. McIntosh. James died in 1810. Susanna in 1842, aged 92. Children: 1. John, born Nov. 11, 1768; 2. William, Oct. 7, 177_; 3. Jane, Jan. 3, 177_, married Jacob Lemon; 4. Samuel, April 28, 1775; 5. Henry, April 6, 1777; 6. Nancy, March 20, 1779, married Conrad Lemon; 7. Susanna, May 3, 1781, married John Shanklin; 8. James, Aug. 10, 1783; 9. Shepherd, Feb. 13, 1786; 10. Sarah, May 12, 1788, married Edward Wood; 11. Joseph, Dec. 23, 1790; 12. Elizabeth, March 6 (?), 1792, married John Carns; 13. Polly, June 20, 1796." Virginia Militia in the Revolutionary War, J. T. McAllister, 1913, p 110, Section #108.
JG says family records say he was buried at Big Hill in Botetourt Co., VA. (haven't found any reference to Big Hill yet).
This was NOT the same man who applied for a Revolutionary War Pension application file in 1833, #S,15,852, who died in about 1838. It contains 44 detailed pages. The above man did not move in about 1779 to Washington Co., VA and remain there and did not serve in the King's Mountain expedition. They both appear to have been in PA in about 1745, have different wives, served in the VA militia in Indian campaigns. Tracing the tax records in Washington Co. and Bath Co. clearly prove there were two men in these VA counties. The OTHER James' son David, born in about 1767 (66 in 1833) stated in the pension app that James Gilleland, acting as Lieutenant in Captain James Tate's company in the County of Augusta, but has no recollection of ever SEEING his commission. Was there proof that the other man was in Augusta County?
John Gilliland is listed as on of Capt. John Gilmore's delinquents. who did not appear at the next court to show why they did not appear at the general muster on 16 April 1767. Believe this was the brother of James, not his son. Virginia's Colonial Soldiers by Lloyd Bockstruck, p336.
Locally, another early Gilliland was Nathan. His name appears on the list of Rev. John Craig's baptisms in Augusta Co., VA. On 29 May 1746 Nathan Gillliland a child baptized named Katherine, it took place in the Calf Pasture (area).
The surname is Scottish from medieval times with some earlier Irish connections. Many are still in Northern Ireland today.
Bio researched and written by LSP
*There were Gillilands in Lancaster Co., PA mid 18th century but was it the same couple who married in 1768? It's close to the birth of their 1st known child, but further investigation is needed. Could John Gilleland and Widow Gilleland be James parents on the 1750 tax list in Hanover Township, Lancaster Co., PA? In 1755, "In the East End of Hanover, the following had fled: John Gilliland....(The History of the counties of Berks and Lebanon by I. Daniel Rupp, p 323)." Further research at the PA Archives may reveal some unpublished data.
Possible connection: Page 16.--17th November, 1770. George Adam ( ) Bright and Mary ( ) to James and Samuel Gilliland, of County of York, £80, 170 acres in Beverley Manor at head of a branch of South River, David Hays line. Teste: Joseph Moore, James and John Tate. Deed Book #17. Lyman Chalkley, Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia: Extracted from the Original Court Records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, page 505. Plus Page 350.--Part of the plantation James Gilliland lives on. Same source, page 555.
They had 13 known children (suspect dates were taken from an old bible, as all but 1 are complete):
John, 11 Nov 1768 (Margaret Barclay 1797 & Sarah Walker 1804), below
William S., 7 Oct 1771 - aft 28 Apr 1800 in Davidson Co., TN inventory, below
Jenny Jane, 3 Jan 1773 (Jacob Lemon), below
Samuel, 28 Apr 1775 - bef 29 Apr 1815 VA Inventory
Henry, 6 Apr 1777
Nancy, 20 Mar 1779 (Conrad Lemon)
Susannah, 3 May 1781 (Jno Shanklin)
James, Jr. 10 Aug 1783 (Mary Polly Karnes, m 1812) d 21 May 1854, below
Shepherd, 13 Feb 1786 (Jennet Harriet Haynes, m 1811)
Sarah, 12 May 1788 (Edward Wood), below
Joseph, 23 Dec 1790 - 31 May 1838 (Mahaleth Griffith, m 1829)
Elizabeth "Betsy," 6 Mar 1792 (Jno Carnes)
Mary "Polly," 1796
Many of their children are listed in Botetourt County Marriages 1770-1853, Vol. 2.
In 1765, James Gilliland owned a Tavern named Gilliland Tavern in Alleghany Co., VA. It was 19 miles east of Covington, Bath Co., VA ("Rt 60, Rt 42, left" in 1937), according to WPA worker, Mary S. Venable's : 31 Mar 1937 WPA report #ALL-98. It was a 2 story, 2 chimney, upper and lower porches, frame and log building with 7 large and 3 small rooms, about 9' ceiling, that was used for a summer camp in 1937. Connecting it to this James heirs was an 1854 Deed Book 5, p 331. Then in 1874, son Shepherd Gilliland, Sr. sold it to son SHEPHERD YOUNG GILLILAND, Deed Book 7, p 107. In 1937 it belonged to Shepherd Y. Gilliland's third wife, a widow. In this 1937 document, it states that James came from Lancaster, York Co., PA, though at that time Lancaster, a separate county was as far north as current Dauphin Co., PA, due north of York County on the MD border. It add in 1805 James owned a 189 acres on Potts Creek he purchased from John and Katherine Wright. It was sold to David Bowyer in 1829. The land in 1827 was described as being on the east side of Potts Creek, to Bernard Johnson. Venable adds he stated he came to VA before the Revolution and on 9 Nov 1781 was discharged by Capt. Geo Houston and that he was in the campaign under General McIntosh and died in 1810. It further details the heirs divisions of James' land down to SYG's widow Maggie, in DB7, p 107, "all the land on the sides of the Cowpasture, commencing at a cliff...to the mouth of "Jerry's run." Through Shepherd's will, wife Maggie received all my property and 2/3 of all monies due me to the following children: P.T. Gilliland, G.Y. Gillliland, E.V. Gilliland and Carrie Lee Curtis, dated 1926. It has 4 photo of the tavern in 1937 and owner and widow Maggie Gilliland was one of the informants for the report. In 1854, four of the Gilliland heirs of Shepherd, son of James Gilliland, were in Keokuk, Iowa, from when they sell to Sampson Karnes a tract of 24 acres, joining John Allen and Michael and Wm Karnes. Shepherd Senior appears to have made over his property to two of his children, Mary S Shanklin and Shepherd Young Gilliland See Deed Book 7, p 107), on condition that they pay his debts. ... See Karnes Family Cemetery
Low Moor, Alleghany County, as Sampson, Michael, William and other Karnes are buried there. See Mountain View Cemetery, Clifton Forge, Alleghany County for Margaret "Maggie" Gilliland and others.
Shephard Y Gilliland applied for a CSA pension in 1900, having received a fractured skull at the Battle of Piedmont. Then S.Y. Gilliand applied for a CSA pension in 1906. He signed up in Covington in 1862 and surrendered at Appomattox in 1865. His widow Maggie applied in 1935. His brother Wm S. G. also applied in 1902-3 and was fully disabled.
Next to this Alleghany Co. Gilliland land on Potts Creek was the Gillaspie-Gilliland Home in the WPA report by Robert Stover, dated 25 Oct 1937. Described at 11 miles NE of Clifton Forge, 6 East on Rt 60, then 5 miles up Cowpasture River, on the east side. Prior to 1826 it was in Bath/Botetourt Co., VA. The line of owners and heirs involve Ann L Gilliland's guardian Executor Jos Haynes deceased who sold the land to Henry L Gillaspie, 125 acres on Cowpasture River. It included an original log house, 2 story, frame, gabled and shingled, 9 roomed, with about 7' ceiling. No photos included. Both sources and informants are listed. #ALL-386. (Another Gillispie/Gilliland connection found: Widow, Mary Mays Gilliland was the daughter of E. Mays and Malinda Gillispie, both VA born. Mary was born in VA on 3 Apr 1835 and died on 31 Dec 1925 in Louden, So. Charleston, Kanawha Co., WV, of acute dilatation of heart. Her husband's name was left blank. WV Certificate of Death, #16126.)
Also see Grifith-Pucket Home, Alleghany Co., VA #ALL-96, WPA report dated 11 Jan 1937 by Mary S. Venable, Covington, VA. Same location at ALL-366 east of Clifton Forge. It was built about 1780 and involved Wm Griffith and others and in 1858 a "blanket suit against S.Y. Gilliland and Shepherd Gilliland in Chancery Court books 3 to 6. The Gillilands purchased the home from Wm's son Orlando Griffith, and the Gilliland Tavern was not far from it. Shepherd G, Sr. sold it to his son S.Y. Gilliland and it involved many suits and much time. Chancery Court Order Bk Aug 1874 term, p 336. Mrs. Shepherd Gilliland of Clifton Forge was one of the informants. One photo was included. (Note: G. M. Gilliland Griffith died 22 Nov 1854 in Alleghany Co.)
James Gilliland lived in Rockingham County, VA and then on to Botetourt. He was on the 1782 tax list in Botetourt County, VA with 80 acres. In 1785, he lived in Frazer's District of Botetourt Co., James Gilleland claims 11 white people, 2 dwelling houses, and 2 other buildings. He lived on the east side of the James River on land inherited from Susanna's father, John Young. He was deeded land in 1783, 1798 and 1799.
James Gilliland, of Bath, enlisted in Rockingham, Declaration of Militia Pension. Historical Register of Virginians in the Revolution: Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, 1775-1783, by John Hastings Gwathmey, Richmond, VA, 1938, p 308. Plus two men by same name in Augusta Co., 1) Capt. Tate's Co. and 2) Capt. Hewett's Co.
Personnel of Botetourt County Companies as Districted. He was included on a list of men registered for recruitment in the Revolutionary War. Dated 31 Aug 1782. Page 127 lists James Gillilan and other men in Capt. Baird's Company to be considered as the 28th District. A Seed-Bed of the Republic by Robert Douthat Stoner, Roanoke, VA, p 122-123, 127.
"According to militiaman James Gillilan (no D): "In the summer season (we) would all turn out (from Renick's Fort) in a body and work each others places by turns - whilst some were working others would be watching and guarding to give alarm of the approach of Indians." Augusta Historical Bulletin, Vol 42, 2006, page 17.
He served in the Revolutionary War and was listed in the D.A.R. Patriot Index, with wife Susanna Young. Capt. George Houston discharged him on 9 Nov 1781. James Gilliland, of Bath (Co.), enlisted in Rockingham (Co.), dmp. Ancestor #: A044935. DAR is straightening out the two or more men by the same name, from PA and VA.
On 9 Jun 1789, James Gilleland was appointed Surveyor of the Road. Plus on 11 May 1790, the grandjury presented: James Gilleland was Surveyor of the Rode, for not keeping same in repair, in Botetourt Co., Virginia. Annals of Southwest Virginia, p 435, 440.
On 26 Jul 1792, grantee James Gilleland received 180 acres on the north side of James River adjoining the land of Wm. Davidson, in Botetourt County. Land Office Grants No. 26, 1792, p. 670. Suspect this was his.
James died between Sep 1810 and 15 Apr 1811. His probate was in Botetourt County, Virginia. Will Book B, page 257 (see photo on 2 pages), was made on 1 Mar 1810 and probated April 1811. It lists wife Susannah; children: Sally, Shepherd, Joseph, James, Betsy, Mary, John, William, Samuel, Jenny, Nancy and Susannah. He left his plantation to sons Shepherd and Joseph. Inventory recorded 15 Apr 1811, Will Book B, page 263 (see photo).
Feb 1834 James' Rev. War pension went to his widow Susanna in Certificate #23488, on 5 Feb 1834 per the General Accounting Office, in the Washington, D.C. Office of Naval Records.
Lyman Chalkley's Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia, Vol. 2, page 494 and 496 says: "Shepherd Gilliland, aged 59, son of Susannah Gilliland, deceased widow of James Gilliland, a soldier of the Revolution, makes declaration as follows: James and Susannah were married in Lancaster County, Penna., and moved to Rockingham County, Virginia; James was drafted in the Company of Capt. George Houston; again he performed a tour in McIntosh's campaign; refers to the affidavit of Jacob Lemon, a pensioner. Susannah died June 18th, 1842. James died in the fall of 1810; had 13 children. The following are still alive, viz: Jenny Lemon, wife of Jacob Lemon, of Botetourt; Nancy Lemon, wife of Conrad Lemon, of Alleghany; Susannah Shanklin, widow of John Shanklin, now living in Botetourt; declarant; Sarah Wood, wife of Edward Wood, of Bath; Elizabeth Carnes, wife of John Carnes, of Monroe County."(Note: Jacob Lemon was James' son in law.) "Register of children of James and Susannah Gilliland:
John Gilliland born November 11th, 1768;
William Gilliland born October 7th, 1771;
Jenny Gilliland born January 3d, 1773;
Samuel Gilliland born April 28th, 1775;
Henry Gilliland born April 6th,;
Nancy Gilliland born March 20th, 1779;
Susannah Gilliland bom May 3d, 1781;
James Gilliland born August 10th, 1783;
Shephard Gilliland born February 13th, 1786;
Sally Gilliland born May 12th, 1788;
Joseph Gilliland born December 23d, 1790;
Elizabeth Gilliland born March 6th, 1792;
Polly Gilliland born ___, 1796."
"GILLIAND, JAMES.— Bath, VA 29 Apr 1845. Declaration by Sheppard Gilliland, aged 59, son of Susannah Gilliand, widow of James. James came from Lancaster Co., Pa, before the Revolution and settled in Rockingham (VA), from which he went out on three tours of duty. One under Capt. George Houston, who gave him a discharge, Nov. 9, 1781. Was in campaign under Gen. McIntosh. James died in 1810. Susanna in 1842, aged 92. Children: 1. John, born Nov. 11, 1768; 2. William, Oct. 7, 177_; 3. Jane, Jan. 3, 177_, married Jacob Lemon; 4. Samuel, April 28, 1775; 5. Henry, April 6, 1777; 6. Nancy, March 20, 1779, married Conrad Lemon; 7. Susanna, May 3, 1781, married John Shanklin; 8. James, Aug. 10, 1783; 9. Shepherd, Feb. 13, 1786; 10. Sarah, May 12, 1788, married Edward Wood; 11. Joseph, Dec. 23, 1790; 12. Elizabeth, March 6 (?), 1792, married John Carns; 13. Polly, June 20, 1796." Virginia Militia in the Revolutionary War, J. T. McAllister, 1913, p 110, Section #108.
JG says family records say he was buried at Big Hill in Botetourt Co., VA. (haven't found any reference to Big Hill yet).
This was NOT the same man who applied for a Revolutionary War Pension application file in 1833, #S,15,852, who died in about 1838. It contains 44 detailed pages. The above man did not move in about 1779 to Washington Co., VA and remain there and did not serve in the King's Mountain expedition. They both appear to have been in PA in about 1745, have different wives, served in the VA militia in Indian campaigns. Tracing the tax records in Washington Co. and Bath Co. clearly prove there were two men in these VA counties. The OTHER James' son David, born in about 1767 (66 in 1833) stated in the pension app that James Gilleland, acting as Lieutenant in Captain James Tate's company in the County of Augusta, but has no recollection of ever SEEING his commission. Was there proof that the other man was in Augusta County?
John Gilliland is listed as on of Capt. John Gilmore's delinquents. who did not appear at the next court to show why they did not appear at the general muster on 16 April 1767. Believe this was the brother of James, not his son. Virginia's Colonial Soldiers by Lloyd Bockstruck, p336.
Locally, another early Gilliland was Nathan. His name appears on the list of Rev. John Craig's baptisms in Augusta Co., VA. On 29 May 1746 Nathan Gillliland a child baptized named Katherine, it took place in the Calf Pasture (area).
The surname is Scottish from medieval times with some earlier Irish connections. Many are still in Northern Ireland today.
Bio researched and written by LSP
James (Gilliland, Gilleland, Gilliand, and similar spellings) was suspected to have been born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania on "1 Aug 1745" (without proof). Others say he came from N. Ireland in 1750 with his parents. It is believed he married Susanna Young (about) "13 Jun 1768 at St. James Episcopal Church* in Lancaster Co., PA" (now on King St.). However I understand the original document (unseen), may say John Gilland instead, not James. (transcribed doc on right says James. Also Annette Simpson's Marriages 1753-1854 Lancaster County, PA, 1986, p 11, #579, "James Gilliland and Susanna Young, 13 June 1768.") Susanna was born in ABOUT 1750 in Augusta Co, Virginia to John Young and Agnes Elizabeth "Davis" (of Botetourt Co.) and was the granddaughter of Robert Young, Sr. She died 18 Jun 1842 in Virginia.
*There were Gillilands in Lancaster Co., PA mid 18th century but was it the same couple who married in 1768? It's close to the birth of their 1st known child, but further investigation is needed. Could John Gilleland and Widow Gilleland be James parents on the 1750 tax list in Hanover Township, Lancaster Co., PA? In 1755, "In the East End of Hanover, the following had fled: John Gilliland....(The History of the counties of Berks and Lebanon by I. Daniel Rupp, p 323)." Further research at the PA Archives may reveal some unpublished data.
Possible connection: Page 16.--17th November, 1770. George Adam ( ) Bright and Mary ( ) to James and Samuel Gilliland, of County of York, £80, 170 acres in Beverley Manor at head of a branch of South River, David Hays line. Teste: Joseph Moore, James and John Tate. Deed Book #17. Lyman Chalkley, Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia: Extracted from the Original Court Records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, page 505. Plus Page 350.--Part of the plantation James Gilliland lives on. Same source, page 555.
They had 13 known children (suspect dates were taken from an old bible, as all but 1 are complete):
John, 11 Nov 1768 (Margaret Barclay 1797 & Sarah Walker 1804), below
William S., 7 Oct 1771 - aft 28 Apr 1800 in Davidson Co., TN inventory, below
Jenny Jane, 3 Jan 1773 (Jacob Lemon), below
Samuel, 28 Apr 1775 - bef 29 Apr 1815 VA Inventory
Henry, 6 Apr 1777
Nancy, 20 Mar 1779 (Conrad Lemon)
Susannah, 3 May 1781 (Jno Shanklin)
James, Jr. 10 Aug 1783 (Mary Polly Karnes, m 1812) d 21 May 1854, below
Shepherd, 13 Feb 1786 (Jennet Harriet Haynes, m 1811)
Sarah, 12 May 1788 (Edward Wood), below
Joseph, 23 Dec 1790 - 31 May 1838 (Mahaleth Griffith, m 1829)
Elizabeth "Betsy," 6 Mar 1792 (Jno Carnes)
Mary "Polly," 1796
Many of their children are listed in Botetourt County Marriages 1770-1853, Vol. 2.
In 1765, James Gilliland owned a Tavern named Gilliland Tavern in Alleghany Co., VA. It was 19 miles east of Covington, Bath Co., VA ("Rt 60, Rt 42, left" in 1937), according to WPA worker, Mary S. Venable's : 31 Mar 1937 WPA report #ALL-98. It was a 2 story, 2 chimney, upper and lower porches, frame and log building with 7 large and 3 small rooms, about 9' ceiling, that was used for a summer camp in 1937. Connecting it to this James heirs was an 1854 Deed Book 5, p 331. Then in 1874, son Shepherd Gilliland, Sr. sold it to son SHEPHERD YOUNG GILLILAND, Deed Book 7, p 107. In 1937 it belonged to Shepherd Y. Gilliland's third wife, a widow. In this 1937 document, it states that James came from Lancaster, York Co., PA, though at that time Lancaster, a separate county was as far north as current Dauphin Co., PA, due north of York County on the MD border. It add in 1805 James owned a 189 acres on Potts Creek he purchased from John and Katherine Wright. It was sold to David Bowyer in 1829. The land in 1827 was described as being on the east side of Potts Creek, to Bernard Johnson. Venable adds he stated he came to VA before the Revolution and on 9 Nov 1781 was discharged by Capt. Geo Houston and that he was in the campaign under General McIntosh and died in 1810. It further details the heirs divisions of James' land down to SYG's widow Maggie, in DB7, p 107, "all the land on the sides of the Cowpasture, commencing at a cliff...to the mouth of "Jerry's run." Through Shepherd's will, wife Maggie received all my property and 2/3 of all monies due me to the following children: P.T. Gilliland, G.Y. Gillliland, E.V. Gilliland and Carrie Lee Curtis, dated 1926. It has 4 photo of the tavern in 1937 and owner and widow Maggie Gilliland was one of the informants for the report. In 1854, four of the Gilliland heirs of Shepherd, son of James Gilliland, were in Keokuk, Iowa, from when they sell to Sampson Karnes a tract of 24 acres, joining John Allen and Michael and Wm Karnes. Shepherd Senior appears to have made over his property to two of his children, Mary S Shanklin and Shepherd Young Gilliland See Deed Book 7, p 107), on condition that they pay his debts. ... See Karnes Family Cemetery
Low Moor, Alleghany County, as Sampson, Michael, William and other Karnes are buried there. See Mountain View Cemetery, Clifton Forge, Alleghany County for Margaret "Maggie" Gilliland and others.
Shephard Y Gilliland applied for a CSA pension in 1900, having received a fractured skull at the Battle of Piedmont. Then S.Y. Gilliand applied for a CSA pension in 1906. He signed up in Covington in 1862 and surrendered at Appomattox in 1865. His widow Maggie applied in 1935. His brother Wm S. G. also applied in 1902-3 and was fully disabled.
Next to this Alleghany Co. Gilliland land on Potts Creek was the Gillaspie-Gilliland Home in the WPA report by Robert Stover, dated 25 Oct 1937. Described at 11 miles NE of Clifton Forge, 6 East on Rt 60, then 5 miles up Cowpasture River, on the east side. Prior to 1826 it was in Bath/Botetourt Co., VA. The line of owners and heirs involve Ann L Gilliland's guardian Executor Jos Haynes deceased who sold the land to Henry L Gillaspie, 125 acres on Cowpasture River. It included an original log house, 2 story, frame, gabled and shingled, 9 roomed, with about 7' ceiling. No photos included. Both sources and informants are listed. #ALL-386. (Another Gillispie/Gilliland connection found: Widow, Mary Mays Gilliland was the daughter of E. Mays and Malinda Gillispie, both VA born. Mary was born in VA on 3 Apr 1835 and died on 31 Dec 1925 in Louden, So. Charleston, Kanawha Co., WV, of acute dilatation of heart. Her husband's name was left blank. WV Certificate of Death, #16126.)
Also see Grifith-Pucket Home, Alleghany Co., VA #ALL-96, WPA report dated 11 Jan 1937 by Mary S. Venable, Covington, VA. Same location at ALL-366 east of Clifton Forge. It was built about 1780 and involved Wm Griffith and others and in 1858 a "blanket suit against S.Y. Gilliland and Shepherd Gilliland in Chancery Court books 3 to 6. The Gillilands purchased the home from Wm's son Orlando Griffith, and the Gilliland Tavern was not far from it. Shepherd G, Sr. sold it to his son S.Y. Gilliland and it involved many suits and much time. Chancery Court Order Bk Aug 1874 term, p 336. Mrs. Shepherd Gilliland of Clifton Forge was one of the informants. One photo was included. (Note: G. M. Gilliland Griffith died 22 Nov 1854 in Alleghany Co.)
James Gilliland lived in Rockingham County, VA and then on to Botetourt. He was on the 1782 tax list in Botetourt County, VA with 80 acres. In 1785, he lived in Frazer's District of Botetourt Co., James Gilleland claims 11 white people, 2 dwelling houses, and 2 other buildings. He lived on the east side of the James River on land inherited from Susanna's father, John Young. He was deeded land in 1783, 1798 and 1799.
James Gilliland, of Bath, enlisted in Rockingham, Declaration of Militia Pension. Historical Register of Virginians in the Revolution: Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, 1775-1783, by John Hastings Gwathmey, Richmond, VA, 1938, p 308. Plus two men by same name in Augusta Co., 1) Capt. Tate's Co. and 2) Capt. Hewett's Co.
Personnel of Botetourt County Companies as Districted. He was included on a list of men registered for recruitment in the Revolutionary War. Dated 31 Aug 1782. Page 127 lists James Gillilan and other men in Capt. Baird's Company to be considered as the 28th District. A Seed-Bed of the Republic by Robert Douthat Stoner, Roanoke, VA, p 122-123, 127.
"According to militiaman James Gillilan (no D): "In the summer season (we) would all turn out (from Renick's Fort) in a body and work each others places by turns - whilst some were working others would be watching and guarding to give alarm of the approach of Indians." Augusta Historical Bulletin, Vol 42, 2006, page 17.
He served in the Revolutionary War and was listed in the D.A.R. Patriot Index, with wife Susanna Young. Capt. George Houston discharged him on 9 Nov 1781. James Gilliland, of Bath (Co.), enlisted in Rockingham (Co.), dmp. Ancestor #: A044935. DAR is straightening out the two or more men by the same name, from PA and VA.
On 9 Jun 1789, James Gilleland was appointed Surveyor of the Road. Plus on 11 May 1790, the grandjury presented: James Gilleland was Surveyor of the Rode, for not keeping same in repair, in Botetourt Co., Virginia. Annals of Southwest Virginia, p 435, 440.
On 26 Jul 1792, grantee James Gilleland received 180 acres on the north side of James River adjoining the land of Wm. Davidson, in Botetourt County. Land Office Grants No. 26, 1792, p. 670. Suspect this was his.
James died between Sep 1810 and 15 Apr 1811. His probate was in Botetourt County, Virginia. Will Book B, page 257 (see photo on 2 pages), was made on 1 Mar 1810 and probated April 1811. It lists wife Susannah; children: Sally, Shepherd, Joseph, James, Betsy, Mary, John, William, Samuel, Jenny, Nancy and Susannah. He left his plantation to sons Shepherd and Joseph. Inventory recorded 15 Apr 1811, Will Book B, page 263 (see photo).
Feb 1834 James' Rev. War pension went to his widow Susanna in Certificate #23488, on 5 Feb 1834 per the General Accounting Office, in the Washington, D.C. Office of Naval Records.
Lyman Chalkley's Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia, Vol. 2, page 494 and 496 says: "Shepherd Gilliland, aged 59, son of Susannah Gilliland, deceased widow of James Gilliland, a soldier of the Revolution, makes declaration as follows: James and Susannah were married in Lancaster County, Penna., and moved to Rockingham County, Virginia; James was drafted in the Company of Capt. George Houston; again he performed a tour in McIntosh's campaign; refers to the affidavit of Jacob Lemon, a pensioner. Susannah died June 18th, 1842. James died in the fall of 1810; had 13 children. The following are still alive, viz: Jenny Lemon, wife of Jacob Lemon, of Botetourt; Nancy Lemon, wife of Conrad Lemon, of Alleghany; Susannah Shanklin, widow of John Shanklin, now living in Botetourt; declarant; Sarah Wood, wife of Edward Wood, of Bath; Elizabeth Carnes, wife of John Carnes, of Monroe County."(Note: Jacob Lemon was James' son in law.) "Register of children of James and Susannah Gilliland:
John Gilliland born November 11th, 1768;
William Gilliland born October 7th, 1771;
Jenny Gilliland born January 3d, 1773;
Samuel Gilliland born April 28th, 1775;
Henry Gilliland born April 6th,;
Nancy Gilliland born March 20th, 1779;
Susannah Gilliland bom May 3d, 1781;
James Gilliland born August 10th, 1783;
Shephard Gilliland born February 13th, 1786;
Sally Gilliland born May 12th, 1788;
Joseph Gilliland born December 23d, 1790;
Elizabeth Gilliland born March 6th, 1792;
Polly Gilliland born ___, 1796."
"GILLIAND, JAMES.— Bath, VA 29 Apr 1845. Declaration by Sheppard Gilliland, aged 59, son of Susannah Gilliand, widow of James. James came from Lancaster Co., Pa, before the Revolution and settled in Rockingham (VA), from which he went out on three tours of duty. One under Capt. George Houston, who gave him a discharge, Nov. 9, 1781. Was in campaign under Gen. McIntosh. James died in 1810. Susanna in 1842, aged 92. Children: 1. John, born Nov. 11, 1768; 2. William, Oct. 7, 177_; 3. Jane, Jan. 3, 177_, married Jacob Lemon; 4. Samuel, April 28, 1775; 5. Henry, April 6, 1777; 6. Nancy, March 20, 1779, married Conrad Lemon; 7. Susanna, May 3, 1781, married John Shanklin; 8. James, Aug. 10, 1783; 9. Shepherd, Feb. 13, 1786; 10. Sarah, May 12, 1788, married Edward Wood; 11. Joseph, Dec. 23, 1790; 12. Elizabeth, March 6 (?), 1792, married John Carns; 13. Polly, June 20, 1796." Virginia Militia in the Revolutionary War, J. T. McAllister, 1913, p 110, Section #108.
JG says family records say he was buried at Big Hill in Botetourt Co., VA. (haven't found any reference to Big Hill yet).
This was NOT the same man who applied for a Revolutionary War Pension application file in 1833, #S,15,852, who died in about 1838. It contains 44 detailed pages. The above man did not move in about 1779 to Washington Co., VA and remain there and did not serve in the King's Mountain expedition. They both appear to have been in PA in about 1745, have different wives, served in the VA militia in Indian campaigns. Tracing the tax records in Washington Co. and Bath Co. clearly prove there were two men in these VA counties. The OTHER James' son David, born in about 1767 (66 in 1833) stated in the pension app that James Gilleland, acting as Lieutenant in Captain James Tate's company in the County of Augusta, but has no recollection of ever SEEING his commission. Was there proof that the other man was in Augusta County?
John Gilliland is listed as on of Capt. John Gilmore's delinquents. who did not appear at the next court to show why they did not appear at the general muster on 16 April 1767. Believe this was the brother of James, not his son. Virginia's Colonial Soldiers by Lloyd Bockstruck, p336.
Locally, another early Gilliland was Nathan. His name appears on the list of Rev. John Craig's baptisms in Augusta Co., VA. On 29 May 1746 Nathan Gillliland a child baptized named Katherine, it took place in the Calf Pasture (area).
The surname is Scottish from medieval times with some earlier Irish connections. Many are still in Northern Ireland today.
Bio researched and written by LSP
*There were Gillilands in Lancaster Co., PA mid 18th century but was it the same couple who married in 1768? It's close to the birth of their 1st known child, but further investigation is needed. Could John Gilleland and Widow Gilleland be James parents on the 1750 tax list in Hanover Township, Lancaster Co., PA? In 1755, "In the East End of Hanover, the following had fled: John Gilliland....(The History of the counties of Berks and Lebanon by I. Daniel Rupp, p 323)." Further research at the PA Archives may reveal some unpublished data.
Possible connection: Page 16.--17th November, 1770. George Adam ( ) Bright and Mary ( ) to James and Samuel Gilliland, of County of York, £80, 170 acres in Beverley Manor at head of a branch of South River, David Hays line. Teste: Joseph Moore, James and John Tate. Deed Book #17. Lyman Chalkley, Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia: Extracted from the Original Court Records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, page 505. Plus Page 350.--Part of the plantation James Gilliland lives on. Same source, page 555.
They had 13 known children (suspect dates were taken from an old bible, as all but 1 are complete):
John, 11 Nov 1768 (Margaret Barclay 1797 & Sarah Walker 1804), below
William S., 7 Oct 1771 - aft 28 Apr 1800 in Davidson Co., TN inventory, below
Jenny Jane, 3 Jan 1773 (Jacob Lemon), below
Samuel, 28 Apr 1775 - bef 29 Apr 1815 VA Inventory
Henry, 6 Apr 1777
Nancy, 20 Mar 1779 (Conrad Lemon)
Susannah, 3 May 1781 (Jno Shanklin)
James, Jr. 10 Aug 1783 (Mary Polly Karnes, m 1812) d 21 May 1854, below
Shepherd, 13 Feb 1786 (Jennet Harriet Haynes, m 1811)
Sarah, 12 May 1788 (Edward Wood), below
Joseph, 23 Dec 1790 - 31 May 1838 (Mahaleth Griffith, m 1829)
Elizabeth "Betsy," 6 Mar 1792 (Jno Carnes)
Mary "Polly," 1796
Many of their children are listed in Botetourt County Marriages 1770-1853, Vol. 2.
In 1765, James Gilliland owned a Tavern named Gilliland Tavern in Alleghany Co., VA. It was 19 miles east of Covington, Bath Co., VA ("Rt 60, Rt 42, left" in 1937), according to WPA worker, Mary S. Venable's : 31 Mar 1937 WPA report #ALL-98. It was a 2 story, 2 chimney, upper and lower porches, frame and log building with 7 large and 3 small rooms, about 9' ceiling, that was used for a summer camp in 1937. Connecting it to this James heirs was an 1854 Deed Book 5, p 331. Then in 1874, son Shepherd Gilliland, Sr. sold it to son SHEPHERD YOUNG GILLILAND, Deed Book 7, p 107. In 1937 it belonged to Shepherd Y. Gilliland's third wife, a widow. In this 1937 document, it states that James came from Lancaster, York Co., PA, though at that time Lancaster, a separate county was as far north as current Dauphin Co., PA, due north of York County on the MD border. It add in 1805 James owned a 189 acres on Potts Creek he purchased from John and Katherine Wright. It was sold to David Bowyer in 1829. The land in 1827 was described as being on the east side of Potts Creek, to Bernard Johnson. Venable adds he stated he came to VA before the Revolution and on 9 Nov 1781 was discharged by Capt. Geo Houston and that he was in the campaign under General McIntosh and died in 1810. It further details the heirs divisions of James' land down to SYG's widow Maggie, in DB7, p 107, "all the land on the sides of the Cowpasture, commencing at a cliff...to the mouth of "Jerry's run." Through Shepherd's will, wife Maggie received all my property and 2/3 of all monies due me to the following children: P.T. Gilliland, G.Y. Gillliland, E.V. Gilliland and Carrie Lee Curtis, dated 1926. It has 4 photo of the tavern in 1937 and owner and widow Maggie Gilliland was one of the informants for the report. In 1854, four of the Gilliland heirs of Shepherd, son of James Gilliland, were in Keokuk, Iowa, from when they sell to Sampson Karnes a tract of 24 acres, joining John Allen and Michael and Wm Karnes. Shepherd Senior appears to have made over his property to two of his children, Mary S Shanklin and Shepherd Young Gilliland See Deed Book 7, p 107), on condition that they pay his debts. ... See Karnes Family Cemetery
Low Moor, Alleghany County, as Sampson, Michael, William and other Karnes are buried there. See Mountain View Cemetery, Clifton Forge, Alleghany County for Margaret "Maggie" Gilliland and others.
Shephard Y Gilliland applied for a CSA pension in 1900, having received a fractured skull at the Battle of Piedmont. Then S.Y. Gilliand applied for a CSA pension in 1906. He signed up in Covington in 1862 and surrendered at Appomattox in 1865. His widow Maggie applied in 1935. His brother Wm S. G. also applied in 1902-3 and was fully disabled.
Next to this Alleghany Co. Gilliland land on Potts Creek was the Gillaspie-Gilliland Home in the WPA report by Robert Stover, dated 25 Oct 1937. Described at 11 miles NE of Clifton Forge, 6 East on Rt 60, then 5 miles up Cowpasture River, on the east side. Prior to 1826 it was in Bath/Botetourt Co., VA. The line of owners and heirs involve Ann L Gilliland's guardian Executor Jos Haynes deceased who sold the land to Henry L Gillaspie, 125 acres on Cowpasture River. It included an original log house, 2 story, frame, gabled and shingled, 9 roomed, with about 7' ceiling. No photos included. Both sources and informants are listed. #ALL-386. (Another Gillispie/Gilliland connection found: Widow, Mary Mays Gilliland was the daughter of E. Mays and Malinda Gillispie, both VA born. Mary was born in VA on 3 Apr 1835 and died on 31 Dec 1925 in Louden, So. Charleston, Kanawha Co., WV, of acute dilatation of heart. Her husband's name was left blank. WV Certificate of Death, #16126.)
Also see Grifith-Pucket Home, Alleghany Co., VA #ALL-96, WPA report dated 11 Jan 1937 by Mary S. Venable, Covington, VA. Same location at ALL-366 east of Clifton Forge. It was built about 1780 and involved Wm Griffith and others and in 1858 a "blanket suit against S.Y. Gilliland and Shepherd Gilliland in Chancery Court books 3 to 6. The Gillilands purchased the home from Wm's son Orlando Griffith, and the Gilliland Tavern was not far from it. Shepherd G, Sr. sold it to his son S.Y. Gilliland and it involved many suits and much time. Chancery Court Order Bk Aug 1874 term, p 336. Mrs. Shepherd Gilliland of Clifton Forge was one of the informants. One photo was included. (Note: G. M. Gilliland Griffith died 22 Nov 1854 in Alleghany Co.)
James Gilliland lived in Rockingham County, VA and then on to Botetourt. He was on the 1782 tax list in Botetourt County, VA with 80 acres. In 1785, he lived in Frazer's District of Botetourt Co., James Gilleland claims 11 white people, 2 dwelling houses, and 2 other buildings. He lived on the east side of the James River on land inherited from Susanna's father, John Young. He was deeded land in 1783, 1798 and 1799.
James Gilliland, of Bath, enlisted in Rockingham, Declaration of Militia Pension. Historical Register of Virginians in the Revolution: Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, 1775-1783, by John Hastings Gwathmey, Richmond, VA, 1938, p 308. Plus two men by same name in Augusta Co., 1) Capt. Tate's Co. and 2) Capt. Hewett's Co.
Personnel of Botetourt County Companies as Districted. He was included on a list of men registered for recruitment in the Revolutionary War. Dated 31 Aug 1782. Page 127 lists James Gillilan and other men in Capt. Baird's Company to be considered as the 28th District. A Seed-Bed of the Republic by Robert Douthat Stoner, Roanoke, VA, p 122-123, 127.
"According to militiaman James Gillilan (no D): "In the summer season (we) would all turn out (from Renick's Fort) in a body and work each others places by turns - whilst some were working others would be watching and guarding to give alarm of the approach of Indians." Augusta Historical Bulletin, Vol 42, 2006, page 17.
He served in the Revolutionary War and was listed in the D.A.R. Patriot Index, with wife Susanna Young. Capt. George Houston discharged him on 9 Nov 1781. James Gilliland, of Bath (Co.), enlisted in Rockingham (Co.), dmp. Ancestor #: A044935. DAR is straightening out the two or more men by the same name, from PA and VA.
On 9 Jun 1789, James Gilleland was appointed Surveyor of the Road. Plus on 11 May 1790, the grandjury presented: James Gilleland was Surveyor of the Rode, for not keeping same in repair, in Botetourt Co., Virginia. Annals of Southwest Virginia, p 435, 440.
On 26 Jul 1792, grantee James Gilleland received 180 acres on the north side of James River adjoining the land of Wm. Davidson, in Botetourt County. Land Office Grants No. 26, 1792, p. 670. Suspect this was his.
James died between Sep 1810 and 15 Apr 1811. His probate was in Botetourt County, Virginia. Will Book B, page 257 (see photo on 2 pages), was made on 1 Mar 1810 and probated April 1811. It lists wife Susannah; children: Sally, Shepherd, Joseph, James, Betsy, Mary, John, William, Samuel, Jenny, Nancy and Susannah. He left his plantation to sons Shepherd and Joseph. Inventory recorded 15 Apr 1811, Will Book B, page 263 (see photo).
Feb 1834 James' Rev. War pension went to his widow Susanna in Certificate #23488, on 5 Feb 1834 per the General Accounting Office, in the Washington, D.C. Office of Naval Records.
Lyman Chalkley's Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia, Vol. 2, page 494 and 496 says: "Shepherd Gilliland, aged 59, son of Susannah Gilliland, deceased widow of James Gilliland, a soldier of the Revolution, makes declaration as follows: James and Susannah were married in Lancaster County, Penna., and moved to Rockingham County, Virginia; James was drafted in the Company of Capt. George Houston; again he performed a tour in McIntosh's campaign; refers to the affidavit of Jacob Lemon, a pensioner. Susannah died June 18th, 1842. James died in the fall of 1810; had 13 children. The following are still alive, viz: Jenny Lemon, wife of Jacob Lemon, of Botetourt; Nancy Lemon, wife of Conrad Lemon, of Alleghany; Susannah Shanklin, widow of John Shanklin, now living in Botetourt; declarant; Sarah Wood, wife of Edward Wood, of Bath; Elizabeth Carnes, wife of John Carnes, of Monroe County."(Note: Jacob Lemon was James' son in law.) "Register of children of James and Susannah Gilliland:
John Gilliland born November 11th, 1768;
William Gilliland born October 7th, 1771;
Jenny Gilliland born January 3d, 1773;
Samuel Gilliland born April 28th, 1775;
Henry Gilliland born April 6th,;
Nancy Gilliland born March 20th, 1779;
Susannah Gilliland bom May 3d, 1781;
James Gilliland born August 10th, 1783;
Shephard Gilliland born February 13th, 1786;
Sally Gilliland born May 12th, 1788;
Joseph Gilliland born December 23d, 1790;
Elizabeth Gilliland born March 6th, 1792;
Polly Gilliland born ___, 1796."
"GILLIAND, JAMES.— Bath, VA 29 Apr 1845. Declaration by Sheppard Gilliland, aged 59, son of Susannah Gilliand, widow of James. James came from Lancaster Co., Pa, before the Revolution and settled in Rockingham (VA), from which he went out on three tours of duty. One under Capt. George Houston, who gave him a discharge, Nov. 9, 1781. Was in campaign under Gen. McIntosh. James died in 1810. Susanna in 1842, aged 92. Children: 1. John, born Nov. 11, 1768; 2. William, Oct. 7, 177_; 3. Jane, Jan. 3, 177_, married Jacob Lemon; 4. Samuel, April 28, 1775; 5. Henry, April 6, 1777; 6. Nancy, March 20, 1779, married Conrad Lemon; 7. Susanna, May 3, 1781, married John Shanklin; 8. James, Aug. 10, 1783; 9. Shepherd, Feb. 13, 1786; 10. Sarah, May 12, 1788, married Edward Wood; 11. Joseph, Dec. 23, 1790; 12. Elizabeth, March 6 (?), 1792, married John Carns; 13. Polly, June 20, 1796." Virginia Militia in the Revolutionary War, J. T. McAllister, 1913, p 110, Section #108.
JG says family records say he was buried at Big Hill in Botetourt Co., VA. (haven't found any reference to Big Hill yet).
This was NOT the same man who applied for a Revolutionary War Pension application file in 1833, #S,15,852, who died in about 1838. It contains 44 detailed pages. The above man did not move in about 1779 to Washington Co., VA and remain there and did not serve in the King's Mountain expedition. They both appear to have been in PA in about 1745, have different wives, served in the VA militia in Indian campaigns. Tracing the tax records in Washington Co. and Bath Co. clearly prove there were two men in these VA counties. The OTHER James' son David, born in about 1767 (66 in 1833) stated in the pension app that James Gilleland, acting as Lieutenant in Captain James Tate's company in the County of Augusta, but has no recollection of ever SEEING his commission. Was there proof that the other man was in Augusta County?
John Gilliland is listed as on of Capt. John Gilmore's delinquents. who did not appear at the next court to show why they did not appear at the general muster on 16 April 1767. Believe this was the brother of James, not his son. Virginia's Colonial Soldiers by Lloyd Bockstruck, p336.
Locally, another early Gilliland was Nathan. His name appears on the list of Rev. John Craig's baptisms in Augusta Co., VA. On 29 May 1746 Nathan Gillliland a child baptized named Katherine, it took place in the Calf Pasture (area).
The surname is Scottish from medieval times with some earlier Irish connections. Many are still in Northern Ireland today.
Bio researched and written by LSP
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