Updated November 25, 2022
Background
Madison County was established on September 14, 1812. It was formed from parts of Randolph and St. Clair counties and named for President James Madison. At the time of its formation, Madison County included all of the modern State of Illinois north of St. Louis, as well as all of the modern state of Wisconsin and part of Minnesota and Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Overview
The Gilhams of Madison County, IL originated in Augusta County, VA and travelled through York County, SC before finally settling in Illinois. This line distinctively spells its name Gilham or Gillham instead of Gilliam as most commonly used by the Gilliams that settled along the James River.
Pensions
Pension application of Isaac Gillham S32270
That he was drafted in the month of March 1778 and was commanded by Lieutenant Thomas Gillham and the Regiment commanded by Colonel Thomas Neel and marched to Charleston and had been there, but a few days when the British laid siege to it in were repulsed, and he then marched to Stono where he was stationed till the battle at that place, after the battle he was dismissed and returned home. He further declares that he was drafted in the spring of 1780, soon after the surrender of Charleston and belonged to the company commanded by Captain Barnett [possibly Jacob Barnett] and Regiment by Colonel Andrew Neale [Andrew Neel] General Sumpter [sic, Thomas Sumter] and marched to Clem's branch where they were stationed for some time, from there they went and attacked a British garrisons at Rocky Mount SC
State of Illinois, Madison County On this 4th day of September in the year 1832, personally appeared in open Court before their Honors the Judges of the County Commissioners Court for Madison County now sitting Isaac Gillham a resident of Madison County and State of Illinois, aged 74 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832. That the said Isaac Gillham entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That he volunteered in the fall of 1777, in Camden district South Carolina and was in the company commanded by Captain Robert Macupfee [?] (in the Company of Horse) in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Thomas Neale [Thomas Neel] and marched into Georgia and was stationed at Phillip's Fort for 50 days, he was then dismissed and returned home. when the Colonel was killed in the Lieutenant Colonel and Captain both wounded, the next week the head of another battle with the Tories and British defeated the Tories, but the British drove them from the field.3 Soon after this General Gates sent them some reinforcements and they then marched to Camden where they took some baggage wagons. Soon after this Colonel Tarleton surprised them and defeated them.
He declares that he volunteered again as soon as his wounds would permit in the winter of 1781 and was commanded by Captain Barnett and Major Hartshom [?] He declares that he received in the battle with Colonel Tarleton several wounds and narrowly escaped with life and was disabled for a long time or to the succeeding winter that they embodied at the Cross Roads in Camden district in marched to Friday's Fort on the West side of the Congaree River and laid siege to it and continued for 3 or 4 days when a band of the British from Camden came and compelled them to retire. That they then went down to a Fort 25 miles below at Colonel Thompson's and laid siege to it in were compelled to retreat from it. They then went down the River to Colonel Floods plantation where they cross the River and went to a Fort at Wrights Bluff
Savannah to General Sumter's plantation and took his wife and son and some of his slaves which were left and took them far into the country where he was disbanded. He further declares that he was in several scouting parties in the year 1782 but short tours. He declares that he was in the service of the United States more than 2 years during the war of the Revolution, and served. He has no documents by which to prove his services never received any discharges, and knows of but 2 persons by whom he can prove his services they are John Gillham and William Gillham both living in Madison County and State of Illinois one of them was with him in the service the other knowing of it in have known him ever since. He was born in Augusta County, Virginia, on the 10th day of November 1757, and his parents moved to Carolina in 1763, and he lived there till 1800 when he came to Madison County and State of Illinois where he has lived ever since. He has no record of his birth, nor knows of none. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Sig: Isaac Gillham
John Gillham
He was again drafted about the first of May 1780 and was commanded as stated in his declaration aforesaid and served as a private soldier till the 18th of August when he was a resident of the County of Madison hereby certifies that he is well acquainted with Isaac Gillham, who has sworn to and subscribed the above declaration and knows that he served as therein stated as he was with him most of the time, and had the care of him while he was confined with his wounds and believes that he served more than 2 years in the war of the revolution. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Sig: John Gillham
William Gillham a resident of the County of Madison, hereby certifies that he is well acquainted with Isaac Gillham, who has sworn to and subscribed the above declaration, and knows that he was in the service as stated in his declaration, and that he was at his house while he was confined with his wounds and believes that he was in the service more than 2 years. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Sig: Wm Gillham
State of Illinois, Madison County On this 10th day of June personally appeared before me the undersigned an acting Justice of the peace within and for the County of Madison and State aforesaid Isaac Gillham who being duly sworn according to law makes the following amended Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress &c passed June the 7th 1832. That he volunteered in the month of December about the 15th in the year 1777 at the place mentioned in his declaration of the 4th of September 1832, and served as a private soldier as stated in said declaration for 50 days and returned. He was drafted on the 29th of March 1778 and served as a private soldier and was commanded as stated in the said Declaration and served till August following when he returned home wounded and completely disabled and remained so till about the first or 15th of February 1781. He then volunteered and was commanded as stated in his former declaration and served as a private soldier till about the first of May 1781, when he was disbanded.
He declares that he was out in many scouting parties during the fall of 1781 the winter and spring of 1782 and had many skirmishes with the Tories & British and was under Colonel Bratton and Captain Barnett and served as a private soldier and served till sometime in the summer of 1782, and was completely employed so that he could not perform any private business during more than 6 months while he was employed in the scouting parties. But from old age and his consequent loss of memory he cannot recollect the precise length of his service but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades, to wit:
for 2 years and 20 days I served as a private soldier, and for such service I claim a pension.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 10th day of June 1833.
Sig: Isaac Gillham
Sig: William E. Starr, JP
Wills
Madison County Probate Case Files Index, 1813–1903
| Last Name | First Name | Box/Tray |
| Gillham | Anna | 03/007 |
| Gillham | Isaac | 03/007 |
| Gillham | Isham | 03/007 |
| Gillham | John | 03/007 |
| Gillham | Samuel | 03/007 |
| Gillham | Isaac | 10/030 |
| Gillham | James M. | 10/030 |
| Gillham | John | 10/030 |
| Gillham | Ryderus C. | 10/030 |
| Gillham | William | 10/030 |
| Gilliam | Thomas | 10/030 |
| Gillham | Charles | 14/043 |
| Gillham | Isom M. | 14/043 |
| Gillham | Lewellyn B. | 14/043 |
| Gillham | John D.P. | 18/055 |
| Gillham | Jos. A. | 18/055 |
| Gilham | Margaret L. | 23/073 |
| Gillham | James Sr. | 32/097 |
| Gillham | John G. | 32/097 |
| Gillham | Mary J. | 32/097 |
| Gillham | G.P. | 32/098 |
| Gillham | Josiah | 32/098 |
| Gillham | Micajah C. | 32/098 |
| Gillham | Nathaniel P. | 32/098 |
| Gillham | Polly | 32/098 |
| Gillham | Shadrack B. | 32/098 |
| Gillham | Samuel | 49/149 |
| Gillham | Daniel B. | 63/191 |
| Gillham | Lizzie | 63/191 |
| Gillham | Charles E. | 64/193 |
| Gillham | James | 76/231 |
9 Feb 1819
Will of Ann Gilham
In the name of God, Amen. I Ann Gillham of Madison County Illinois Territory do make this my last Will and Testament being sensible that it is appointed unto all by God once to die and being in a low state of health, tho of sound mind I have thought fit and do by these presents request my beloved son James Clemonds Gillham to convey this half section of land I now live on to Harry and David Gilham my two youngest sons one equal part to each of them.
I also bequest to James H. Gilham one feather bed and bed clothing, the bed I lie on and bedstead
I do also bequeath to James H. Gilham & David M. Gilham my beloved sons one bay mare named Cate, one equal part of the profits of said mare hath in service and increase so long as aid mare shall live and let it be understood that said mare is not to be sold of f the plantation by either party, I do also bequeath David M. Gilham my youngest son one feather bed and bed cloths and bedstead
I also bequeath to James H. Gilham and David M. Gilham my two youngest sons all the dresson [sic] furniture and household furniture to equally divided between them as they may think fit I do also bequeath to James H. Gilham and David M. Gillham all my stock of horned cattle that are to settle the debt that I owe to Clayton Griffin and divide the cattle as they think fair.
I do bequeath to my beloved daughter Nancy Stean one feather bed and stand of curtains and my ____ dress my other wearing apparel to be equally divided between my three beloved daughters namely Polly Thomas, Sarah Finlay and Nancy Stean
I do also bequeath to Isaac Gilham, Jacob Clemonds Gilham, Polly Thomas, Sarah Finley and Nancy Stean children an equal divides of the money arising from the profits of the said Ferry now claimed by Charles Deguney that is to say the one half other profits of said Ferry is mine and the other half belongs to Samuel Gilham my eldest son by his father’s Will and the other half to me by said Will and that I never have received it nor my part of it
I do request that James Harvey Gilham and David Marney Gilham to faithfully execute this my last will and testament in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this ninth day of February 1818
Signed, sealed and delivered
Sig: Ann [her X mark] Gilham
In presence of Isom Gillham, Samuel Gillham, James Stean
At a Commissioners Court held for Madison County on the 12th day of July 1819
The last Will and Testament of Ann Gilham was this day proved in open court by the oath of Isom Gilham and Samuel Gilham who stated that they believe the Testator to be of sound mind memory and judgment at the time of signing the same that they were present and saw the said testator sign said Will or make her mark.
[Ann Barnett married Jacob Clemons Gilham, the son of Thomas Gilham of Augusta County, VA]
20 Feb 1837
Last Will and Testament of Thomas Gillham decd
In the name of God Amen I Thomas Gillham of the County of Madison being weak in body but of sound mind and memory do make, ordain and establish this to be my last will and testament, hereby revoking all others and I do hereby appoint Margaret L. Gillham my wife to be the executor of this my last will and testament.
1st It is my will that all my just debts be paid that sufficient of my personal property be sold for that purpose if it is be found necessary.
2nd After the payment of all my just debts and funeral expenses I do hereby devise and bequeath to my beloved wife the farm and improvements hereon which I now live, known as the south east quarter of section seventeen in township thru south range nine west as will more fully appears by a reference to deed bearing date July the nineteenth 1823 from Isaac Gillham Seignor, to me also the west half of the north east quarter of section No. 20 in Township No. Three, north of range nine west, as will also appear by a reference to the above deed.
3rd I also give and bequeath to my son Newton D. Gillham one other tract of land in this county as will sufficiently appear by a reference to deed executed in favor of him the said Newton dated February the 12th 1837 by me.
4th I give and bequeath to my son Lewallyn B. Gillham two small tract of land in said county know as the land deed to me by George Churchill said deed bearing date March the twelfth 183 as will fully appear by a reference to said deed with the exception of a small piece sold by me to Wm Davidson the precise amount not known.
5th I give and bequeath to my wife all my other lands not described here, will be easily be identified by reference to the papers in my possession which compose a part of this last bequest.
6th Also I give and bequeath to my wife all my stock in horses, cattle, hogs, sheep, oxen wagons, farming utensils of every description also all my household and kitchen furniture of every description.
7th I also give and bequeath to my beloved wife all my ready money also all my books and papers all the above enumerated articles together with every other species of property not herein enumerated either personal or real to be by here disposed of as she may in her wisdom think best
8th I give and bequeath to my son James Gillham one ___ year old colt, known by the name of the “Honey” also one saddle, bridle and martingales, claimed by him also my rifle, guns and accruements.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this twentieth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven
Sig: Thomas Gillham
Signed and acknowledged before us: William Gillham, Wm Davidson, Newton D. Gillham.
State of Illinois, Madison County
Wm Gillham and Newton D. Gillham being duly sworn depose and say that they are subscribing witnesses to the annexed Last Will and Testament of Thomas Gillham late of said County deceased, that they were present and heard the said testator acknowledge that he signed said last will and testament and that they believe him to have been of sound mind and memory at the time of signing and sealing the same that they saw no improper influence made used of to induce said testator to sign and seal as aforesaid, but believe that the same was done freely and voluntarily, and that they signed their names as attesting witnesses to the said Will in presence of the testator.
Sig: William Gillham, Newton D. Gillham
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 12th day of Nov AD 1844.
Geo. W Trinkett,
Madison County, IL, Will Book ___, page ____.
Familysearch,org. Illinois, Probate Records, 1819-1970, Madison Wills 1843-1863 Vol B, Image 42 of 327
[Thomas Gillham married Margaret Letitia Davidson on 16 Aug 1810. Thomas was the son of Isaac Gillham and Jane Kirkpatrick.]
8 Jan 1850
Last Will of Margaret L. Gillham
In the name of God Amen, I Margaret L. Gillham of the county of Madison in the state of Illinois being old and infirm but of sound mind and memory do make and publish this my last will and testament hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me any time heretofore made.
First it is my will that m y funeral expenses and al my just debts be fully paid
2nd it is my will that all my personal property, goods, and chattels of whatsoever kind be appraised and sold as by law in cases of administration in intestate estates and the proceeds thereof be equally divided between Shadrack B. Gillham, Jane M. Marlow, and Margaret Lynn (my youngest son and two daughters) on this express condition that they pay to Newton D. Gillham, my son three dollars to L. B Gillham, my son, three dollars and to James G. Gillham, my son, three dollars and to William N. Marlow my grandson, one hundred dollars.
3rd I give and devise unto my youngest son Shadrack B. Gillham his heirs and assigns forever all and every my messuage, lands, tenements and hereditaments whereof I am seized in fee situate in the county of Madison in state of Illinois for a full description reference to deeds and title papers now in mg possession. This express condition that he S. B. Gillham pay to Jane M. Marlow his heirs or assigns three hundred dollars and to Margret M. Linn her heirs or assigns three hundred dollars.
4th Should there be money on hand at my death after funeral expenses are paid it is my will that it he added to the proceeds of the sale of the above mentioned personal property and divided as above stated.
5th And I do hereby constitute appoint my son Luallin B. Gillham sole executor of this my last will and testament in witness whereof I have unto set my hand and seal this eighth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty signed sealed and acknowledged before us
Sig: Margaret L. [her X mark] Gillham
Wit: H. Arthur, Calvin Kinder
State of Illinois, Madison County
I Calvin Kinder and Hiram Arthur of the county of Madison and state of Illinois being duly sworn according to law depose and say that they are subscribing witnesses to the foregoing last will and testament of Margaret L. Gillham deceased that they were personally present and saw the testatrix Margret L. Gillham sign her name by her mark to the said last will and testament after the same had been read in her hearing and fully explained to her and that they heard her declare the same to be her act and deed that they saw no improper means used to induce her to so sign and declare that they believed and believe her to have been of sound mind and memory at the time of her so signing and declaring and that they signed their named thereto as attesting witnesses in the presence of the said Margret L. Gillham the testatrix and sworn to before me this 6th day of March AD 1863
Sig: Calvin Kinder, H. Arthur
Joseph Chapman, Clerk
[Margaret Letitia Davidson, married Thomas Gillham above]
Sources
- Familysearch,org. Illinois, Probate Records, 1819-1970, Madison Wills 1843-1863 Vol B, Image 42 of 327