Edward Gillis,
stock dealer and breeder of fine blooded cattle, section 24, is a son of
George and Elizabeth (Dodge) Gillis, and was born in Sciota County, Ohio, November 23, 1834. He resided with his parents in
their various moves, and with them came to Holt County, Missouri, in October, 1844. Here he has since resided with the
exception of one year, during which time he was in Iowa.
He was reared on a farm, receiving the advantages of a common
school education, and in 1855, he began clerking in a store, continuing the same in different houses till 1859, when he
bought a stock of goods, and carried on business for himself in Mound City till
1861. Since that time he has been interested in farming and dealing in stock, and has been one of the most successful
stock men in the county. He was among the very first to invest in blooded stock, making his first
purchase of thoroughbreds in February, 1872.
His landed estate consists of 1,000 acres, 760 acres joining where he lives. His residence is one of the
finest in the county, and was
erected in 1871, being located within two and three-quarters miles of Mound City. He is a member of Mound City
Lodge No. 294, A. F. and A. M., Keystone Chapter No. 46, and also belongs to the I. O. O. F. fraternity.
Mr. Gillis was
married January 6, 1863, to Miss Amanda Moore, a daughter of Mr. S. Moore, a native of Shenandoah County, Virginia.
Her mother's maiden name was Clarissa Skeen, a native of Rockingham County, Virginia. Mrs. Gillis was born in Clinton County,
Indiana, August 11, 1837, and when seven years of age, her parents moved to Andrew County, Missouri, and two years after
came to Holt County. They have eight children, seven girls and one boy : Kittie, George B., Clara, Debia, Sadie, Fannie,
Charlie and Bettie. Having quite a family of girls, Mr. Gillis has chosen the plan of educating them at home by employing
a teacher and using one room of his residence for the school room. He now has one of the best of instructors, and the
school is conducted in the same manner as the common schools of the county.
Source:"History of Holt and Atchison Counties, 1882"
Transcribed by Karyn
