My Genealogy Hound

REV. ROBERT ADDISON GILFILLAN, P. O. Turtle Creek, is of Scotch-Irish descent. John Gilfillan and Robert Brewster, his grandfathers, came from Ireland to this country. James G., son of John Gilfillan, was prominently identified with the U. P. Church, and was among the first abolitionists and prohibitionists. He married Mary A. Brewster, and settled on a farm in Liberty township, Mercer county, Pa., where, in January, 1844, Robert Addison was born. The latter was educated at the common schools, and before the age of nineteen joined Company K, 100th P. V. V., and participated in nineteen battles. This regiment was part of the Ninth Army Corps, was with the Army of the Potomac, and took part in the siege of Vicksburg and battles of Jackson, Knoxville, Campbell Farm and Raytown. Mr. Gilfillan never lost an hour through sickness or wounds, his only injury being a slight cut in the cheek by a minie-ball. Returning home after his discharge in June, 1865, his first active temperance work was to oust a liquor-seller who was operating in his native town in defiance of law. After attending New Castle Academy, he entered Westminster College, at Wilmington, Pa., whence he graduated in 1874. His final preparation for the ministry was made at the U. P. Theological Seminary in Allegheny, and his first charge was near North Washington, Butler county, Pa. After two years at Calcutta and one at Wooster, Ohio, he came to Turtle Creek in 1886. Here he is president of the school board, and his influence is powerfully felt in the cause of temperance. In 1879 Mr. Gilfillan married Lucy, daughter of Charles and Lucinda (Follno) Rogers. Mrs. Gilfillan was for ten years a teacher in the Fifth Ward school of Allegheny, in which city she was reared. Mr. Gilfillan was also a teacher, having put in sixty months of service while perfecting his education. One child has been born to them, Charles Addison.