Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 242 - 243

 ANDREW J. GILLESPIE, a prominent agriculturist, residing upon section 12, Illinois Township, was born in Macoupin County, Ill., Feb. 28, 1846, and is a son of Pendleton R. and Rebecca (Hand) Gillespie.  His father, who was a farmer by occupation, was born in Georgia in 1804, and died in 1883.  His mother died in 1849, when our subject was about three years old, after which his father married Mrs. Mahala Goff, nee Barnett, a native of Kentucky.

      Our subject was one of a family of six children, born to his parents as follows: Daniel, John, William and Harriet, all of whom are deceased; Elizabeth, the wife of Rev. D.P. Deadrick, a Baptist clergyman, at Carlinville, Ill., and the mother of four children; and Andrew J., the subject of this sketch.  The latter received his education in the common district schools of his native State, and derived from that pure source an abundant amount of knowledge.  While pursuing the flowery paths of learning, he assisted his father in the daily labors upon the farm to the extent of his powers, and was thus initiated early in life into the vocation of farming.  As he grew to maturer years, and as he gained in experience, he became anxious to start out in life for himself, and to reap the full benefit of his own labors.  Having, by industry and economy, accumulated a small stock of this world's goods, it became his duty to establish a home, and brighten his future life with domestic joys.  Accordingly, Dec. 5, 1875, he was duly united in marriage with Miss Mary Elizabeth Jones, a native of Macoupin County, Ill., born June 3, 1850, and daughter of John and Caroline (Rich) Jones.  The father of the bride was a native of England, who had left his native shire, and came to America a number of years ago, and settled in Madison County, Ill.  He was the father of six children, of whom we have the following record: Helen Jane, the deceased wife of Henry Cline; Emma, who died at the age of eleven years; Henry and George, who both died in infancy; Mary E., Mrs. Gillespie; and William, who resides with his mother in Macoupin County, Ill.

      Mr. Gillespie came to Kansas in 1875, in search of a home, where his efforts toward a competency would be less confined than in his native State, and on the 22d of September of that year made a settlement upon the farm where he now resides. The homestead embraces 160 acres of land, which is well brought under cultivation, and which he has substantially and handsomely improved, and upon which he carries on what is called mixed farming, raising both grain and stock. Since coming to this place, his natural ability attracting the attention of his neighbors, he was elected to hold the office of Township Clerk. During the years 1876 and 1877, having performed the duties that fell upon him in that capacity, he was honored with the office of Township Treasurer.  In 1884-85 he served as Township Trustee, and is now occupying the office of Treasurer of the School District.  In his politics he thinks and votes with the Democratic party, and holds strictly to the tenets of that Jeffersonian organization.  Both he and his wife are most estimable people, and possess the affection and respect of all with whom they are brought in contact. As an office-holder Mr. Gillespie has always fulfilled, in the handsomest manner, the duties devolving upon him, and possesses the entire confidence and respect of the community.

      Gathered around the fireside of Mr. and Mrs. Gillespie are their little family of three children, who have come to gladden their home.  Joseph C. was born Oct. 10, 1876; George William was born Dec. 3, 1878, and Charles F. was born Nov. 15, 1886.  The two elder boys are bright and intelligent youths, and give great promise of attaining more than a common position in their manhood.

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