This gentleman, who died at his home in Washington Township, Nov. 26, 1876, was formerly one of its best-known and most highly respected farmers, having lived on section 23 for many years. He was of Irish birth and was born in County Monaghan in 1835. His parents wer Isaac and Jane (Boyd) Gillespie, antives of the same county and farmers by occupation.
Our subject was the youngest but one of his parents ten children, and was but a lad when he came to America. He remained with them until his marriage which occurred in Derinda Townshp, Jo Daviess County, Nov. 21, 1863, his wife being Miss Margaret Ann Williamson, a native of County Cavan, Ireland, and born Sept. 13, 1839. She was the daughter of John & Margaret (Speer) Williamson, both now deceased. They were natives of County Monaghan, the father being born in 1792 and the mother in 1813. After their marriage this couple began life on a farm and their family of eight children were born there. Of their children, David, William, Robert, Eliza, and Margaret accompanied their parents to this country in 1855. They had, however, left Ireland some time in the forties, and, until the time of their emigration, had thereafter lived in the Lowlands of Scotland. Their passage to this country was made on a sailing-vessel, the "Shakespeare," which left Liverpool early in the fall of 1855, bound for New orleans. From that place the immigrants came up the Mississippi River to St. Louis and after a ten days stay int hat place, came to Hanover Twp. in Jo Daviess County IL, where they began life in the new country as farmers. They afterward removed to Derinda Township, where the father purchased his first land, consisting of 120 acres and that became his home until about the year 1870. The parents then removed to Woodland Twp. and ther both died; the father on 21 June 1874 and the mother Aug. 20, 1879. Both were members of the Presbyterian Church and were highly repected. Mrs. Gillespie the wife of our subject, was a child when her parents removed to Dundee, Scotland and there she received a practical education. On coming to this country she made her home with her parents until her marriage.
Mrs. Gillespie is the mother of seven children. Margaret J. died at the age of one year; William W. is an intelligent and thoughtful young man and has the principal care of a large farm left by his father. He is likewise a representative citizen, and takes a considerable part in the administration of the affairs of the township. He is now holding the position of Collector, it being the third office he has held since becoming of age. Isaac J. and John are also living at home and assist their brother WIlliam in the conduct of the farm. Mary E., Jennie and May M are all living with their mother and attending school. other and children are all consistent members fo the Presbyterian Church and those of the sons who are of age vote the Republican ticket.
Robert Gillespie was well and favorably known in the community. He worked hard to secure a home for his family and before his death, had acquired a fine farm of 387 acres which is especially adapted to stock-raising, being uncommonly well-watered. He had been a life-long member of the Presbyterian Church and a consistent Christian, living up to his profession. He had during his residence here taken an active part in local politics. In his political sentiments he was a Republican; be he believed that the best man, in local matters at least, should always be selected for office. His death was deeply regretted by a large circle of friends and his name is held in reverance by his wife and children, who lost a devoted husband and father.
Portraits & Biographical Carroll County 1889 Pg 975
