History of Fulton County, Illinois; together with
Sketches of its Cities, Villages and Townships, Educational, Religious,
Civil, Military, and Political History; Portraits of Prominent Persons
and Biographies of Representative Citizens. Chas. C. Chapman & Co.,
Peoria, Illinois, 1879, page 437, Astoria Township
John A. Gilliland, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Vermont; is a native
of Missouri, where he was born Dec. 9, 1823. His father, Hiram A.
Gilliland, was a native of North Carolina, and in an early day moved to
Missouri, where he was united in marriage to Miss Matilda M. Seeley,
daughter of Eziekel Seeley. There were born of this marriage 11
children, 10 of whom grew to mature years. John was the second
son. On attaining his majority in 1845, located at Rushville,
this State, and shortly afterwards moved to Springfield, where he
learned the brick and stone-mason trades. He soon became quite
extensively engaged as a contractor and builder. April 14, 1854,
he was united in marriage with Miss Lucinda Owen, daughter of Dr. Owen,
one of the original founders of Astoria. In 1855 Mr. G. purchased
the tannery situated at Astoria and owned by John Boyd. He was
quite successful here and gained the confidence of the people by honest
dealing. He then became a partner of W. H. Green in the harness
trade, having sold his tannery to Chas. Chaddock, and dissolving
partnership with Mr. Green in 1867 he purchased 100 acres of land in
Astoria township, and now owns 140 acres. He has held many local
offices. Of the marriage above referred to 4 children were born,
three of whom are living, - James H., Chas. C. and Ernest A.
submitted by Carla Finley
