HENRY GILFILLAN. Among the practical farmers of Hallock Township, none are more thoroughly acquainted with the growth and development of this county than the gentleman above named. He has seen the country converted from its wild state into one great beauty and productiveness, where well-tilled acres and thriving towns take the place of the unbroken prairie or the infrequent log house of the frontiersman. His own farm came into his possession in an unbroken state and is now numbered among the well-improved and thoroughly cultivated tracts of the county. It comprises one hundred and sixty acres on section 8. 

The birth of our subject took place in Ross County, Ohio, November 7, 1832, and he was but two years old when his parents came overland to Central Illinois. They located in Limestone Township, this county, near the city of Peoria, living there until 1846, when they removed to Hallock Township. Amid the frontier scenes young Gilfillan grew to manhood, bearing such a part as his strength would permit in the work of development and acquiring as good an education as the time and circumstances would allow. He studied law and practiced the profession for a short time. He also learned the trade of a brick-mason and plasterer and by its pursuit earned the wherewithal to purchase his farm. He was a skilled workman, but having chosen an agricultural life he has devoted himself unremittingly [sic] to a faithful discharge of the duties of his latter occupation, proving his skill also in this line of labor. 

The pleasing qualities and find character of Miss Jemima Newell, of Marshall County, won the regard of our subject, which being reciprocated, they became man and wife November 20, 1861. Mrs. Gilfillan was born in Coles County, May 5, 1839, and was the tenth in the large family of Benjamin and Phebe (Horton) Newell. Her parents were born and reared in Bradford County, Pa., and after their marriage came west. For some years they lived in Coles County, Ill., later settling in Madison County, where Mr. Newell died when about fifty years old. His widow subsequently removed to Marshall County, and after some years came to live with her daughter, Mrs. Gilfillan, at whose home she died in 1876 at the age of seventy-five years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Newell were of the Methodist faith. 

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Gilfillan is comprised of three children, two of whom are now married and settled in homes of their own. Lucy is the wife of William Kettle; their home in on a farm belonging to our subject, not far from his own residence. Charles also occupies a farm in the same township, his wife having formerly been Miss Martha Clawson. Olive M., a well educated lady who intends to follow the profession of teaching, is yet at home. Our subject and his wife occupy a prominent position in society and are highly esteemed by those to whom they are know. Mr. Gilfillan has held some of the local offices and is an ardent advocate of Republican principles. 

The father of our subject was Adam Gilfillan, who was born near Pittsburg [sic], Pa. He was the son of Mathew Gilfillan, one of six brothers who had come from the North of Ireland to America when young men and located in or about the Smoky City. The family had since spread out until is now represented in many of the States. The grandfather of our subject while living in Pittsburg [sic], was Postmaster for many years, and was prominent and influential. He had married a lady of this country and was the father of a small family. 

Adam Gilfillan grew to manhood in the Keystone State whence he removed to Ohio. There he enlisted as a private in the War of 1812, finally advancing to the rank of First Lieutenant, in the Brigade of Gen. McCarthy. He passed through the dangerous scenes of the war unhurt and returned to Ross County, Ohio, where in 1815 he was married to Miss Sarah Motz. That lady was born in Pennsylvania and accompanied her parents to Ohio during her girlhood. Mr. and Mrs. Adam Gilfillan resided in Ohio until 1834, when they removed to Illinois, in 1846, becoming residents of Hallock Township, Peoria County, as before noted. Here they spent their last days, the husband dying when about forty-five years old and the wife surviving him many years, passing way in 1876 when more than four-score years old. Mr. Gilfillan was a thorough-going Whig and bore an active part in local politics. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, honored for her noble Christian life and character. Our subject and two sisters are the only surviving members of a family of ten sons and three daughter. 

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