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Below is a family biography included in County of Trigg, Kentucky, Historical and Biographical edited by William Henry Perrin and published by F. A. Battey Publishing Co. in 1884.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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WILLIAM M. GILLAHAN, farmer, was born in Trigg County, Ky., June 2, 1818, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (Baker) Gillahan. Subject’s grandparents came from North Carolina, and were among the first settlers in Trigg County. His father lived and died near what was the site of the old Empire Furnace; his mother died in the fall of 1861 by the hand of one of her slaves (Easter Gillahan), whom she had reared from childhood. William M., our subject, has made farming his sole occupation. On Christmas, 1859, he settled on the farm which he now owns, and which is one of the best in Ferguson Springs Precinct. In 1843 he married Cecelia Ferguson, a native of Kentucky, by whom he had eight children; two sons and one daughter are living. Mrs. Gillahan departed this life in March, 1861, and in November, 1862, Mr. G. married Margaret Choat; to this union have been born eight children, seven of whom are living. Three of his children by his first wife and one by his last are married. K. P. was married to Nancy F. Choat March 27, 1863; they have two daughters. Robin was married May 9, 1880, to Martha B. McWatters; they have one son and one daughter. S. R. married Martha Lampkins March 8, 1883; Cecelia was married, December 21, 1882, to J. H. Smith; they have one daughter. The children at home are: R., J. Margaret G., R. M., Christian L., Robert L. and Ellen T. Three grandchildren—Lillie Gillahan, William P. and Florence, the last two, orphans of J. C Gillahan, also make their home with our subject. Mr. Gillahan’s aunt was the first white child born in Christian County. K. P. Gillahan’s wife and his father’s wife are sisters.

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This family biography is one of 185 biographies included in The History of Trigg County, Kentucky published in 1884.  For the complete description, click here: Trigg County, Kentucky History and Genealogy

View additional Trigg County, Kentucky family biographies: Trigg County, Kentucky Biographies

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