Updated November 25, 2022
It has been long claimed that Ensign James GILLIAM is James, the son of John GILLIAM and Sarah Faris of Goochland, and husband of Frances Hopkins, but where Ens. James GILLIAM served and with whom makes it clear that Ens. James GILLIAM of Cumberland is none other than James GILLIAM, Jr., the ordinary operator and the son of James GILLIAM of Littleton Parish.
The Two James Gilliams
The attribution of the service record of Ensign James Gilliam to James Gilliam, the son of John Gilliam and Sarah Faris, arose partly over the confusion of two James Gilliams, one living in Cumberland and later Powhatan and one living in Goochland, Amelia and later Prince Edward.
James Gilliam of Cumberland
James Gilliam, Jr., of Cumberland, and later Powhatan, is the son of James Gilliam, Sr., of Littleton Parish Cumberland County. It can be demonstrated that this James lived continuously in Cumberland from 1769 until 1803, when he removed to Powhatan. The Will of James Gilliam of Littleton Parish, dated 24 Oct 1774, mentions both son, James Gilliam and grandson, Charles M. Gilliam. The Will of James Gilliam of Powhatan County, dated 9 Nov 1809, mentions the heirs of son, Charles M. Gilliam. This James is found in the court orders, deeds and tax records of Cumberland County. This James married Susannah. James and Susannah are mentioned in the Bible of their son, John Gilliam of Maiden's Adventure.
Brief Timeline of James Gilliam, Jr., son of James Gilliam of Littleton Parish
abt 1746, James Gilliam is born, (birth date from Gilliam family Bible)
abt 1769 James Gilliam marries Susannah.
5 Aug 1769, James Gilliam, Jr., receives from James Gilliam, Sr., a tract in Cumberland formerly owned by Jacob Cox.
abt 1771, son Charles Manning Gilliam is born.
24 Oct 1774, James Gilliam, Sr., writes his will mentioning son, James and grandson, Charles Manning Gilliam. Will is witnessed by G. Carrington, Jr., Lucy Manning and John Creasey
22 Nov 1773 James Gilliam, Jr., Wm Dillon and John Creasy appraised the estate of John Carter.
24 Feb 1776, son John Gilliam is born
24 Nov 1777, Ordinary license
23 Aug 1779, Ordinary license, Hezekiah Davidson security
28 Dec 1779, Ordinary license, John Hudgens security
27 Nov 1780, Ordinary license, Nathaniel Mannin, security
22 Oct 1781, Ordinary license, Joseph Carrington, security
26 Nov 1782, Ordinary license, Nathaniel Carrington, security
1782, James Gilliam listed in Personal Property Tax rolls of Cumberland County
1783, James Gilliam listed in Personal Property Tax rolls of Cumberland County
1784, James Gilliam listed in Personal Property Tax rolls of Cumberland County
26 Nov 1784, Ordinary license, John Wood, security
1785, James Gilliam listed in Personal Property Tax rolls of Cumberland County
26 June 1786, Richard James, John Woodson, James Gilliam inventory the estate of George Carrington, the Elder.
28 Aug 1786, James cited for selling liquor without a license.
1787-1803, James Gilliam listed in Personal Property Tax rolls of Cumberland County
1804, James moves to Powhatan.
9 Nov 1809, James Gilliam writes his Will.
1810, James Gilliam enumerated in Federal Census, Powhatan County
30 Oct 1812, James Gilliam dies.
James Gilliam of Goochland and later Prince Edward
James Gilliam, the son of John Gilliam and Sarah Faries married Frances Hopkins on 16 Dec 1772, Goochland County. James is mentioned in the Will of his father, John Gilliam dated 7 Jan 1794, Goochland. James' Will is dated 11 Feb 1821, Sumner County, TN mentions wife Frances.
Brief Timeline of James Gilliam, son of John Gilliam and Sarah Faris.
abt 1745, James Gilliam is born
1766, James listed with father John in Goochland Tithes
1767, James listed with father John in Goochland Tithes
1770, James listed with father John in Goochland Tithes
16 Dec 1772, James Gilliam married Frances Hopkins in Goochland County
1788-1791, James Gilliam listed in Amelia County Personal Property Tax roll. [Prince Edward County was formed from Amelia County in 1753.]
1793, John Gilliam made a Deed of Gift in Goochland to his son, James GILLIAM of a slave named Bristol.
7 Jan 1794, Will of John Gilliam, Goochland, father of James Gilliam
5 May 1795 James Gilliam removes to Prince Edward County
1796, James Gilliam listed in Personal Property Tax rolls of Prince Edward County
1798, James Gilliam listed in Personal Property Tax rolls of Prince Edward County
1800, James Gillum listed on the Personal Property roll, Prince Edward County
1803, James Gilliam listed in Personal Property Tax rolls of Prince Edward County
1810, James Gillum enumerated in Federal Census, Prince Edward County
15 Apr 1811, James Gilliam purchases 300 acres on Vaughn Creek in Prince Edward, from Phillip and Molly Matthews
1815, James Gilliam listed in Prince Edward Landowner's Directory
25 Nov 1816, James Gilliam and Frances sold 300 acres in Prince Edward to Benjamin Hardwick.
1820 James Gillam enumerated in Federal Census, Sumner County, TN
11 Feb 1821, James Gilliam writes his Will.
15 Jun 1821, James Gilliam dies
James Gilliam's Enlistment
James was sworn into service as an Ensign on April 23 in Cumberland County, Virginia. His service record can be found in J. T. McAllister's Records , Section 260, page 198, and John H. Gwathmey's Register of Virginians in the Revolution, page 308.
With Whom Did Ensign James Gilliam Serve?
Allen, Richard, Cp., 1777.
Allen, Samuel, En., S. Aug. 25, 1777.
Allen, Archer, Cp., 1777.
Allen, Benjamin, S. L., S. Aug. 25, 1777--under R. Allen.
Anderson, William, S. L., S. Aug. 25, 1777--under Scott.
Anderson, Robert, Cp., S. March 26, 1781.
Baine (?), John, En., S. Aug. 25, 1777.
Ballon (?), Charles, Cp., S. Sept. 28, 1778--vice W. Hobson.
Ballon, William, S. L., S. May 22, 1780.
Booker, Richard, F. L., S. July 28, 1777.
Burton, John, S. L., S. Aug. 25, 1777.
Burton, John, En., S. March 26, 1781.
Carrington, Joseph, gent., Cp., S. July 28, 1777.
Carrington, George, Jr., gent., Maj., S. July 28, 1777--res. Feb. 26, 1781.
Clarke, William, F. L., R. Sept. 28, 1778.
Daniel, William, F. L., S. April 23, 1781--under A Allen.
GILLIAM, James, En., S. April 23, 1781.
Glen, James, S. L., S. Aug. 24, 1778--under M. Woodson.
Guttery, Bernard, F. L., S. Aug. 24, 1778--under M. Woodson.
Guttery Alexander, Cp., S. April 23, 1781.
Harrison, Benjamin, En., S. April 23, 1781.
Haskins, Creede, Cp., S. Aug. 25, 177----vice J. Burton. [p.199]
Hatcher, John, F. L., R. March 27, 1780.
Hatcher, John, En., S. March 27, 1780.
Hobson, Benjamin, S. L., S. April 26, 1779.
Hobson, William, gent., Cp., S. July 28, 1777--res. Sept. 28, 1778.
Hobson, John, En., S. May 22, 1780.
Hudgens, William, F. L., S. Aug. 25, 1777.
Keeling, George, F. L., S. March 26, 1781--under Wilson.
Meredith, William, En., S. Aug. 24, 1778--under M. Woodson.
Noel, John, En., R. Aug. 25, 1777--under R. Allen.
Parker, Charles, En., R. May 26, 1781.
Randolph, Beverley, Col., S. July 28, 1777.
Richardson, Martin, S. L., S. March 26, 1781.
Scott, ----, Cp., 1777.
Skipwith, Henry, Lt. Col., S. July 28, 1777.
Taylor, Samuel, S. L., S. Aug. 26, 1777.
Thompson, Bartlet, F. L., R. May 26, 1781--under Haskins.
Townes, William, S. L., S. April 23, 1781.
Turpin, William, En., S. Aug. 26, 1777.
Williams, Samuel, En., com'd, Feb. 26, 1781.
Wilson, ----, Cp., 1777.
Woodson, Miller, Cp., 1777.
McAllister, J.T., Virginia Militia in the Revolutionary War, McAllister Publishing Co., Hot Springs, VA: 1913.
PART III, Virginia's Share in the Military Movements of the Revolution, page 198
Section 260--Cumberland
With Whom Did Ensign James Gilliam Resign His Commission?
Officers of the county Militia, rank, dates of their concs, resignations
Henry Skipwith, [sic] cy luitent, day of 17--
George Carrington Junior, Colonel, dead
Benjamin Wilson, Lt colonel, resigns
Archer Allen, major, 6th day of March 1781
Richard Allen, 1 capt, 17th April 1775
Moses Arnold, Lieutenant, resigns
John Nowell, Ensign, 11 September 1777
Joseph Carrington, Q Captain, resigns
Nathaniel Carrington, Lieutenant, resigns
James GILLIAM, Ensign, resigns
Creed Haskins, 3 Captain, 25th day of August 1777
William Hudgins, Lieutenant, dead
Edmond Forguson, Ensign, removed
Charles Ballow, 4th Capt, removed
John Hatcher, Lieutenant, resigns
John Hobson, son of William, Ensigns, 22 May 1780
Robert Anderson, 5th Captain, 26th March 1781
George Keeling, Lieutenant, resigns
William Saunderson, Ensign, 24 May 1782
Alexander Guttery, 6th Capt, 23rd Apr 1781
William Daniel, Lieutenant, resigns
Stephen Woodson, Junior, Ensign, no Con
John Lee, 7th Captain, 24th May 1782
William Anderson, Lieutenant, 24th May 1782
Jno Woodson, Ensign, 24 May 1782
William Walker, 8th captain, 24th May 1782
Bernard Guttery, Lieutenant, 24th August 1778
Bernard Thompson, Ensign, removed
28 Aug 1786, Cumb Court Orders, page 100
How is Ens. James Gilliam Related to Those With Whom He Served?
A review of those who served with Ens. James GILLIAM:
Joseph Carrington is the father-in-law of Martha Carrington, the daughter of James GILLIAM, Jr.
George Carrington is the father of Joseph Carrington, above. James GILLIAM, Jr. inventory the estate of George Carrington, the Elder. The Inventory was recorded 26 Jun 1786.
Samuel Taylor is the father-in-law of Judith Taylor, the sister of James GILLIAM, Jr.
William Turpin is the uncle of Maria Jefferson James, the wife of John GILLIAM, who is the son of James GILLIAM, Jr.
Where Did James Gilliam Live?
From Cumberland Orders, it is clear James, son of James of Littleton Parish, lived near the Point of the Fork:
28 Apr 1777
Ordered that a road be cleared from the ferry at the fork to run up the hill from the river and round the fence as cleared at present thence along a ridge into the cart way leading from Mayo's Plantation thence along the said cart path thro the lands of Philip Mayo dec'd, John Cobbs, Christopher Baltimore, and Daniel Boatright to the corner between Hezekiah Davidson and George Carrington Junior, thence on their lines to their corner in GILLIAMs line thence the usual way into the river road near Drury Woodson the same having been viewed. William Gathright is appointed surveyor and hands of Thomas Jefferson, John Cobbs, Thomas Norris, Daniel Boatright, James Boatright, and Christopher Baltimore work thereon.
James Gilliam's Publick Service Was Made at the Point of the Fork:
On Jan 1781, a James GILLIAM supplies 41 bushels of wheat to the militia.
Ensign James GILLIAM and Col. George Carrington in June 1781 supplied 63 pounds of bacon to the militia after the retreat of Baron Stueben:
George Carrington 291# stalled beef Jan. 1782 by Ben Wilson comr. State £3-12-9; 640# beef Oct. 1781 by do. £5-6-8; 259# beef Nov. 1781 by do. £2-3-2; 521# beef Oct 1781 for do. 4-6-10; 63# bacon for militia guarding for publick armies out of James River near the fork after Baron Stuben's retreat June 1781 by James GILLIAM ensign G. Carrington Jr. Col. State £2-77-3; 96# bacon for militia assisting securing publick stores at the retreat of Maj. Gen. Baron Stuben from the Point of the Fork; 43 bu wheat & carriage Nov. by Ben Wilson & Henry Skipwith Comr. State £8-12 & 6s; assne of John Jefferson 1 beef & driving Nov. 1780 by do. State £3-9-5 & 6s [total] £34-16-3.
Publick Claims, Page 8.
In June, Ensign James Gillum [sic] along Col G. Carrington, Jr. with also supplies 16# bacon for guard of the arms saved out of the river at the Point of the Fork.
James Gilliam was an Ordinary Operator
22 Oct 1770
On the motion of James GILLIAM it was ordered that a license be issued for him to keep an ordinary at his house in this county the ensuing year whereupon he with Thomas Fearn his security entered into bond according to law.
Virginia Gazette 23 Apr 1785
Joseph Carrington, D. Sheriff at Cumberland, advertises for sale at Mr. James GILLIAM’s Ordinary to satisfy the taxes due, lands of Robert Jordan, William Chamberlain, John Badkin, Nathaniel W. Barker, Jacob Cohan, John Cheek, Elizabeth Forloin, Thomas Kevil, John Minton, Paul Wright and Judith Robinson.
See also Gilliam's Ordinary
On the Day of Ensign James Gilliam's Resignation he was fined for selling liquor without a license.
According to Cumberland Order, 28 Aug 1786
James GILLIAM, Ensign, resigns.
On the same day a James GILLIAM, Ordinary Operator, is fined along with John Brown for selling spirituous liquor without license
James Gilliam is mentioned in Revolutionary War Pension Applications
The Pension of Obadiah Johnson refers to James GILLIAM.
" . . . The last term was also a three months term. This officiant also states that between the time of his service under Captain Meredith and his trip to the Siege of York he was called out under Lieutenant James GILLIAM and served for about 10 days at Caroline. . . "
[Obadiah Johnson is the brother of Isaac Johnson who married Judith Woodson. Judith's sister, Elizabeth, married Charles Manning GILLIAM, the son of James GILLIAM.]
Revolutionary War Pension Application: Obadiah Johnson, Goochland Co, VA, Pension Packet #13826
The Pension of Richard Taylor refers to James GILLIAM.
" . . . He [Richard Taylor] was also out for fifteen, or twenty days, date not stated, under Lieutenant James Gilliam at the Point of Forks. "
[Richard Taylor was the grandson of Samuel Taylor of Cumberland from whom James Gilliam, Sr., purchased several tracts of land.]
Revolutionary War Pension Application: Richard Taylor
The Pension of Samuel Scott refers to James GILLIAM.
Included is Statement of Accounts, June 1799
June 14, James Gilliam, one barrel corn, 24/
June 24, James Gilliam, one half barrel corn,12/
[The Scotts and the Gilliams operated a mercantile, Gilliam, Scott and Company.]
Revolutionary War Pension Application: Samuel Scott
Sources
- Virginia Militia in the Revolutionary War [database online]. Orem, UT: Ancestry.com, 1997. Original data: McAllister, J.T., Virginia Militia in the Revolutionary War, McAllister Publishing Co., Hot Springs, VA: 1913.
- Revolutionary War Pension Application: Obadiah Johnson, Goochland Co, VA, Pension Packet #13826