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GILLIS HOMESTEAD

Program
NYS Historic
Subject
House, People, Site
Location
6455-6457 Gillis Rd, Victor, NY 14564, USA
Lat/Long
43.01264595408, -77.381793924056
Grant Recipient
Town of Victor
Historic Marker

GILLIS HOMESTEAD

Inscription

GILLIS HOMESTEAD
ESTABLISHED CA. 1821 BY GILLIS
FAMILY, INCLUDING JAMES L.,
WAR OF 1812 VETERAN
AND U.S. CONGRESSMAN
FROM 1857-1859.
WILLIAM G. POMEROY FOUNDATION 2024

Located in Victor, New York, the former Gillis Homestead was established ca. 1821 by members of the Gillis family, which included James L., who was a War of 1812 veteran and later a United States Congressman from 1857 – 1859.

In an article published in the Clearfield Republican on Wednesday, December 25th, 1878, titled, “James L. Gillis: a Few Incidents of an Eventful Life,” a brief biography is provided for Judge Gillis. The article details his experience during the War of 1812, including his involvement in the Battle of Lundy’s Lane and eventual capture by the British, as well as his subsequent career. After leaving Victor in the 1820s, Gillis would serve as associate Judge of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania. He would also serve as a judge and State Senator in Elk County, Pennsylvania before representing his district as a United States Congressman.

Following his political career, Gillis would relocate once more to Iowa, where he would pass away in 1881 at the age of 89.

As for the homestead, which got its start in the early 1820s, several generations of the Gillis family were involved in establishing and maintaining the working farm. The land, purchased by James L. in 1821, was eventually sold to his stepbrother in 1835. From there, the Gillis Homestead would remain in the family for several generations. During the 20th century it was awarded a “One Hundred Year Family Farm” certificate by the Ontario County Cooperative Extension.