Robert Stuart Gillis (1840/Elk Co, NY - 1907/Henry Co, IA)
Robert Stuart Gillis (1 May 1840/Ridgway, Elk Co, PA – 13 Sep 1907/Mount Pleasant, Henry Co, IA) was the son of James Lyle Gillis (1792-1881) and Cecilia Ann Berray (1806-1855).
Biography from the “Portrait and Biographical Album of Henry County, Iowa,” (Chicago:Acme Publishing Company, 1888), pp 199-200.
Robert S. Gillis, Cashier of the National State Bank, of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, was born in Ridgway, Elk Co., Pa., May 1, 1840, and is the son of Hon. James L. and Cecilia A. (Berry) Gillis.He passed his childhood and youth in his native State, receiving his education in the common schools.In 1859, his father having been appointed Indian Agent by President Buchanan, the family, including our subject, removed to the Pawnee Indian Reservation in Eastern Nebraska, and later to Omaha, from which place Robert S. entered the United States Naval Service in 1862, as Paymaster's Clerk in the North Atlantic and Gulf Squadron, and served till the close of the war.He was on board the United States man-of-war "Milwaukee," which was commanded by his brother, James H. Gillis, when she was blown up by a torpedo in Mobile Bay.In 1865 he went to Washington with the Paymaster, and was connected with the Treasury Department till the fall of 1868.He then returned to his old home in Pennsylvania, and two years later came to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.On coming to this city he was employed as bookkeeper in the State Bank, and was next made Assistant Cashier, and later was made Cashier to succeed Mr. J. H. Whiting, and has since held that position.
Mr. Gillis was married at Mt. Pleasant, Aug. 4, 1868, to Miss Sophia E. Whiting, daughter of Timothy Whiting.Mrs. Gillis was born at Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y.Four children were born of this union, three sons and a daughter:James Timothy, now aged eighteen; Sarah Cecilia, aged fifteen; Robert Henry aged four, and Hugh Claudius, aged one year.Mr. and Mrs. Gillis are members of the Presbyterian Church.Mr. Gillis is a member of Mt. Pleasant Lodge No. 8. A. F. &. A. M.Politically he is a Democrat.Personally he is regarded as a gentleman of unblemished character, thoroughly upright in all business transactions, and a straightforward man and good citizen.