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Gilliss Family Collection

11 boxes (6.25 linear feet)

(1732 – 1994)

bulk 1830-1920

Edward H. Nabb Center for Delmarva History and Culture, Salisbury, University, Salisbury, Maryland

Identifier 1999.006
Creator(s) Gilliss, E.J.; Gilliss, Elizabeth A. Hall; Gilliss, John P.R.; Gilliss, Mae (or May)
Acquisition

Donated by S. Elizabeth Gilliss in 1999 with additions in 2019 (1999.006 and 2019.007).
Language(s) English
Use Records are open for research. Copyright, including literary rights, belongs to the author(s) or their legal heirs. Permission to publish or reproduce must be obtained from the Nabb Research Center which extends beyond "fair use."
Preferred Citation "Item, collection title and identifier, box # and folder # (if applicable), Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture, Salisbury University, Salisbury, Maryland."
Attribution Finding aid written by Ian Post
Related Materials

Tom Fooks family history collection (1700 – 1900)

Fassitt Family collection (1980-2000)

Charles Gilliss Family History Notes and Correspondences Collection (1928 – 1934)

Family Bible Collection (1700 – 1900s)
Separated Materials

Oversize Drawer

Series 1: Ancestry Charts, undated

Series 8: Letters to John P.R. Gilliss, 1832-1837

Series 8: Medical Certificate for John P.R. Gilliss, 1829

Series 9: County Commissioner Certificate, 1891
Abstract

The Gilliss Family Collection documents the Gilliss, Hall, and Fassitt families between 1732 and 1994, though primarily between 1830 and 1920. Documents include family history research, photographs, land and legal documents, correspondence (primarily sent to Lizzie A. (Hall) Gilliss in the 1860s and 1870s), ledgers (primarily medical journals of Dr. John P.R. Gilliss from the 1830s and 1840s), and business documents (primarily from E.J. Gilliss' company, Gilliss and Gilliss, between the 1879 and the 1951).

Biographical History

The Gilliss family lived primarily in St. Martin (near Berlin), Worcester County, Maryland. Born in 1808, John P.R. Gilliss was a doctor who began practicing in the area in 1830. His son, Edward James "E.J." Gilliss, was born in 1838 and later married Elizabeth "Lizzie" A. Hall, a school teacher.

Scope and Content Note

The Gilliss Family Collection documents the Gilliss, Hall, and Fassitt families between 1732 and 1994, though primarily between 1830 and 1920. Documents include family history research, photographs, land and legal documents, correspondence (primarily sent to Lizzie A. (Hall) Gilliss in the 1860s and 1870s), ledgers (primarily medical journals of Dr. John P.R. Gilliss from the 1830s and 1840s), and business documents (primarily from E.J. Gilliss' company, Gilliss and Gilliss, between the 1879 and the 1951).

Arrangement Statement

Series 1: Family History

Series 2: Land and Legal Documents

  • Subseries 2.1: Deeds and Indentures
  • Subseries 2.2: Surveys and Land Plats
  • Subseries 2.3: Wills and Estate Matters
  • Subseries 2.4: Legal Agreements

Series 3: Receipts

Series 4: Photographs

Series 5: General Correspondence

Series 6: Miscellaneous Papers

Series 7: Elzabeth “Lizzie” A. (Hall) Gilliss

Series 8: Dr. John P.R. Gilliss

Series 9: Edward J. Gilliss

Subject Terms

  • Topical Terms
    • Fassitt Family
    • Gilliss Family
    • Hall Family
    • Photography
    • Farm Life
    • Land Records
    • Medical History
    • Personal Correspondence
  • Corporate Names
    • St. Martin's Church
  • Location Terms
    • Berlin (Md.)
    • Worcester County (Md.)

Inventory List

The inventory list for this item is hidden due to its length. Click the button below to view it.

Box 1

  1. Series 1: Family Bible Family Record Pages of Hall and Gilliss Families
  2. Series 1: Family Bible of Edward J. and Lizzie (Hall) Gilliss
  3. Series 1: Family Bible of Elizabeth A. Hall
  4. Series 1: Family Bible of the Fassitt Family

 

Box 2

  1. Series 1: Personal Pocket Bible of Edward Pusey, 1912
  2. Series 1: Letters to Mae/May Gilliss about Family History, 1912-1967
  3. Series 1: Letter from Matthew Wise to Beth Gilliss about Family History, 1994
  4. Series 1: Family History Scrapbook by Mae/May Gilliss, 1956-1958 [SEPARATED]
  5. Series 1: Family History Newspaper Clipping Scrapbook, 1916-1964
  6. Series 1: Miscellaneous Family History Newspaper Clippings, 1899-1950s
  7. Series 1: Ancestry Charts, undated (also Series 1: Ancestry Charts, undated [SEPARATED])
  8. Series 1: Handwritten Family History Notebook, undated (1/2)
  9. Series 1: Handwritten Family History Notebook, undated (2/2)
  10. Series 1: Miscellaneous Handwritten Family History Notes, undated
  11. Series 1: Typescript Family History Notes, undated
  12. Series 1: “Arms of the Gilliss Family” Publication, 1983
  13. Series 1: Shirley Gilliss birthday folder, 1982
  14. Subseries 2.1: Copy of Deed, 1697
  15. Subseries 2.1: Copy Deeds of John Pope and Nehemiah Cropper, 1732
  16. Subseries 2.1: Deed Regarding “Red Land,” John Pope, and John Deale, 1738
  17. Subseries 2.1: Deed for Archibald Deale, 1756
  18. Subseries 2.1: Copy of Deed for John Deal from Archibald Deal, 1757 (?)
  19. Subseries 2.1: Deed of James Fassitt from Ananias Dale, 1792
  20. Subseries 2.1: Deed of Thomas Dale from Adam Dale/wife Polly, 1797
  21. Subseries 2.1: Copy Deed of Richard Hudson to Abislin Davis, 1799
  22. Subseries 2.1: Copy Deed of William Hudson to Abislin Davis, 1800
  23. Subseries 2.1: Deed of James Selby and James Fassitt, 1802
  24. Subseries 2.1: Copy Patent of Red Land, 1807
  25. Subseries 2.1: Copy Deeds for More Huss, 1807
  26. Subseries 2.1: Copy Deed of Archibald Dale and Edward and Sarah Davis, 1807
  27. Subseries 2.1: Deed from James Fassitt, Sr. to Elijah Fassitt, 1816

 

Box 3

  1. Subseries 2.1: Extract of Deed from Adam Spence and Wife to John Evans (recorded 1718), 1823
  2. Subseries 2.1: Deed of Elijah Fassitt from James Fassitt (brother), 1826
  3. Subseries 2.1: Deed of John P.R. Gilliss and Ann C. Gilliss from Edward Fassitt, 1840
  4. Subseries 2.1: Copy Deed of Lemuel Showell from Sally M. Tingle and Others, 1870
  5. Subseries 2.1: Deed of William and John Pitts, 1874
  6. Subseries 2.1: Deed of John W.H. Parker and John M. Gillet, 1877
  7. Subseries 2.1: Deed of John M. Jones and Jacob Jones from Covington H. Littleton, 1879
  8. Subseries 2.1: Deed of Covington Littleton and John and Edward J. Gilliss, 1879
  9. Subseries 2.1: Deed of John Cooper and Mary Cooper (his wife), 1884
  10. Subseries 2.1: Copy Deed of Robert J. Showell from Albert W. Vail and wife, 1887
  11. Subseries 2.1: Deed and Copy Deed of Annie M. Geiser (Whaleyville home), 1918
  12. Subseries 2.1: Deed of Edward, Josephine, and Maggie Gilliss, 1919
  13. Subseries 2.1: Deed of Edward, Josephine, and Maggie Gilliss to John H. and Mary A.F. Gilliss, 1919
  14. Subseries 2.1: Deed of James H.F. Hall and John and Mary Gilliss and Sally Hall, 1936
  15. Subseries 2.1: Deed and Letter to Josephine Stockley and Children for Signatures, 1942
  16. Subseries 2.1: Deed lists, undated
  17. Subseries 2.2: Morehuss Land Petition and Surveying Material, 1708-1815
  18. Subseries 2.2: Copy of Surveyor’s Certificate – Moses Freeman (Worcester County), 1763
  19. Subseries 2.2: Resurvey of Addition to Slaughter Ridge (copy), 1760
  20. Subseries 2.2: Copy Courses of Bartholomew’s First Attempt, 1793
  21. Subseries 2.2: Plat of Land for Elijah Fassitt, Courses for Fassitt Conclusion, 1815
  22. Subseries 2.2: Survey Drawing by J.I. Gilliss, 1832
  23. Subseries 2.2: Survey Note for Hog Quarter, 1833
  24. Subseries 2.2: Portions of Plat and Contract – George W. Purnell, 1841
  25. Subseries 2.2: Land Division for James and John Gilliss and Thomas Fassitt, 1869
  26. Subseries 2.2: Plat for “Redland” and “Additions to Redland,” 1872
  27. Subseries 2.2: Letters regarding land, 1896-1905
  28. Subseries 2.2: Copy of Courses and Distances of James’ First Beginning,” 1903
  29. Subseries 2.2: Land Commissioner’s Office Receipt, 1909
  30. Subseries 2.2: Courses and Distances of “Fassitt’s Conclusion,” 1912
  31. Subseries 2.2: Eastern Shore Gas and Electric Company land contact, undated
  32. Subseries 2.2: Survey Notes, undated
  33. Subseries 2.3: Copy of Portion of John Fletcher’s last will and testament, 1807
  34. Subseries 2.3: Will of John Cropper, 1808
  35. Subseries 2.3: Will of Stephen Roach, 1834
  36. Subseries 2.3: Will of Anna Fooks, 1848
  37. Subseries 2.3: Inventory of Thomas S. Baker Estate, 1854
  38. Subseries 2.3: Administrators Sale of Edward Fassitt, 1866
  39. Subseries 2.3: Copy of Will of Mary C. Hall, 1901
  40. Subseries 2.3: Estate Matters between J., Lizzie Gilliss, and Sallie Hall, 1910
  41. Subseries 2.3: Copy of Will of Sallie M. Hall, 1940
  42. Subseries 2.3: Copy of 18th Century Wills of John, Mary, and Captain William Fassitt, 1958
  43. Subseries 2.4: Bond from John Dale (The Inspector), 1759
  44. Subseries 2.4: Contract between Thomas Dale and Edward Bridell (Conclusion to Redland) and copy certificate of Morehuss, 1807-1808
  45. Subseries 2.4: Contract concerning John P.R. Gilliss, Thomas R.P. Spencer, and John Hamblin, 1833
  46. Subseries 2.4: Articles and Agreement between Peter Whaley and John P.R. Gilliss, 1835
  47. Subseries 2.4: Articles of Agreement between John P.R. Gilliss and William Powell, 1838
  48. Subseries 2.4: John P.R. and Ann C. Gilliss vs. Edward B. Fassitt, 1840
  49. Subseries 2.4: Slave hiring agreements by Lemwell Showell and James Whaley, 1862
  50. Subseries 2.4: Articles of Agreement between Mary Fassitt and William Baker, 1866
  51. Subseries 2.4: Fragment of Agreement, circa 1870s
  52. Subseries 2.4: Terms of Agreement between James Hall and Josiah Atkins, 1880
  53. Subseries 2.4: John Gilliss mortgage, 1909
  54. Subseries 2.4: Articles of Agreement between Noah Adkins and Lizzie Gilliss and Sallie Hall, 1911

 

Box 4

  1. Series 3: Gilliss Family Receipts, 1840-1843
  2. Series 3: Gilliss Family Receipts, 1863-1869
  3. Series 3: Gilliss Family Receipts, 1871-1879
  4. Series 3: Gilliss Family Receipts, 1881-1884
  5. Series 3: Gilliss Family Receipts, 1890-1899
  6. Series 3: Gilliss Family Receipts, 1910-1917
  7. Series 3: Receipt, undated
  8. Series 4: (2) Gilliss Family Photograph Albums, 1860s-1890s
  9. Series 4: Photos of Lizzie and Edward J. Gilliss, undated
  10. Series 4: Photo of John S. Gilliss, undated
  11. Series 4: Photos of Identified Gilliss Family Members, circa 1890s-1940s
  12. Series 4: Photos of Unidentified Gilliss Family Members, 1870s-1942
  13. Series 4: Schoolchildren class photos, circa 1910
  14. Series 4: Photos of Bowdoin College and Family, 1952
  15. Series 4: Aerial Photo and Map of (Showell?) Family Farm, 1980s
  16. Series 4: Photo of Presbyterian Church (Ocean View, Delaware), undated
  17. Series 4: Photo of Farmhose of Sallie M. Hall, undated

 

Box 5

  1. Series 5: Letters from “Polk”/”Polketta,” 1865-1870, undated
  2. Series 5: Letters from Bettie Jacobs, 1866 and undated
  3. Series 5: Letters to and from John S. Gilliss, 1867, 1914
  4. Series 5: Letter from Eliza Bruff to “Bettie,” 1868
  5. Series 5: Letter from William Tilghman to Elissee Hall, 1868
  6. Series 5: Letters from B (Bessie), 1869 and undated
  7. Series 5: Letters to Mrs. Gordy, 1871, 1878
  8. Series 5: Letters to James Gilliss, 1875-1885
  9. Series 5: Letters to Sallie Hall, 1877-1927
  10. Series 5: Letter from Melick Brothers Produce to James H. Hall, 1878
  11. Series 5: Letter from W.H. Boss to “Miss Sallie,” 1898
  12. Series 5: Letter from E.F. Cordell to Mary Campbell Fassitt Hall, 1899
  13. Series 5: Letter from Jon Nock, 1906
  14. Series 5: Letter from “John” to Mother, 1910
  15. Series 5: Invitation to James Hall and Sister, 1914
  16. Series 5: Card to Mrs. James Gilliss, 1917
  17. Series 5: Postcards sent to May Gilliss, 1926
  18. Series 5: Letter from Kitty Whaley to “Jimmie,” undated
  19. Series 5: Letters to and from unknown people, undated
  20. Series 6: Official List of Maryland House of Delegates, 1834
  21. Series 6: Poem Fragment, circa 1860s
  22. Series 6: Handwritten Poetry Journal, circa 1860s
  23. Series 6: Handwritten Journals, undated
  24. Series 6: Goldey College Graduation, 1910
  25. Series 6: Directory of School Officials and Teachers of Maryland, 1916-1917
  26. Series 6: Newspaper Clippings, 1960
  27. Series 6: Quilting Instructions, undated
  28. Series 6: Hand drawn silhouette of man, undated
  29. Series 6: Evidences of Good Classroom Work, undated
  30. Series 6: Envelopes, stamp, and calling card, undated

 

Box 6

1. Series 7: Letters from Lizzie A. Hall to others, 1870-1878

  • Family news, reflections on the death of Clara Conquest, hopes of travel. 
  • News of Lizzie's school room and local news, Lizzie declares her intent to remain single and asks her letters to be burnt after reading.

2. Series 7: Love Letter Exchange, 1866

  • A letter from Lizzie with an accusation and the gentleman's response.

3. Series 7: Letters from Amelia, undated

  • Notes about exchanging patterns and a visit.

4. Series 7: Letters from B. Powell, 1870

  • A letter beginning 'My once true friend,' references gossip and rumours and a bargain to always be honest with one another.

5. Series 7: Letters from Benjamin Gordy, 1869

  • A letter expressing Benjamin's hope to continue and aquaintance with Lizzie.

6. Series 7: Letters from Bess Jacob, 1866 and undated

  • Many letters detailing the friendship, misunderstandings and daily life.

7. Series 7: Letters from Bettie P., 1912

8. Series 7: Letters from Bettini, undated

9. Series 7: Letters from Billie, 1866

  • Many letters contain hints of secrets and betrayals, letters missin gin the mail and letters sent with false names, questions asked and answered in riddle.
  • Letters also include local news of friendships, marriages and church as well as personal news.

10. Series 7: Letters from Billie, 1867

11. Series 7: Letters from Billie, 1868 (1/2)

12. Series 7: Letters from Billie, 1868 (2/2)

13. Series 7: Letters from Billie, 1869

14. Series 7: Letters from Billie, undated

 

Box 7

1. Series 7: Letters from D.A. Marsey, undated

2. Series 7: Letters from Daniel Beatty (Pianos), 1878-1880

3. Series 7: Letters from Frank M. Matthews, 1866

  • Letters from Matthews as he works aboard ships and travels the coast.
  • Matthews details his role in the jury in a murder trial and news of the towns he visits.

4. Series 7: Letters from Frank M. Matthews, 1867

5. Series 7: Letters from Frank M. Matthews, 1868

6. Series 7: Letters from Frank M. Matthews, 1869

7. Series 7: Letters from Frank M. Matthews, 1870

8. Series 7: Letters from Frank M. Matthews, 1872

9. Series 7: Letters from Harrie, 1866-1867

10. Series 7: Letters from J.H.B., 1881

11. Series 7: Letters from J.J. Fooks, 1868

  • Includes the break down of a teachers' salary in 1868.

12. Series 7: Letters from Lavinia Sheppard, 1870

13. Series 7: Letters from Lemwell (Hall?), 1884, 1904 (?)

14. Series 7: Letter from Lester Hall, 1922

15. Series 7: Letters from Martha Gordy, 1878

  • Lizzie writes to the mother of an old friend after hearing that the friend was institutionalized and requests that her old correspondence be burnt.

16. Series 7: Letters from Mary C. Hall, 1871

17. Series 7: Letters from Maryland Agricultural College, 1915

18. Series 7: Letters from “M.E.,” 1860s

19. Series 7: Letters from “M.E.J.,” undated

 

Box 8

  1. Series 7: Letters from Merriel, 1866
  2. Series 7: Letters from Multiple People, 1858-1871
  3. Series 7: Letters from Polk Jacob, 1860-1871, undated
  4. Series 7: Letters from S.H. Carey, 1871-1873
  5. Series 7: Letters from Sallie Hastings, 1878
  6. Series 7: Letters from Stainsbury Smith, 1866
  7. Series 7: Letters from Unidentified People, 1869-1915
  8. Series 7: Letter from Unknown Person with Photograph, undated
  9. Series 7: Letters from William C. Sheppard, 1872-1875
  10. Series 7: Envelopes, undated
  11. Series 7: Miscellaneous Writings, undated
  12. Series 7: Diary of Lizzie Hall, 1866
  13. Series 7: Building Material Receipt, 1911
  14. Series 7: Teaching Certificates for Lizzie and Sallie Hall, 1868-1877

 

Box 9

  1. Series 8: Medical Ledger of John P.R. Gillis, 1830
  2. Series 8: Medical Ledger of John P.R. Gillis, 1830-1842
  3. Series 8: Medical Ledger of John P.R. Gillis, 1831-1837
  4. Series 8: Medical Ledger of John P.R. Gillis, 1840-1849
  5. Series 8: Receipts for John P.R. Gilliss, 1831-1866
  6. Series 8: Letters to and from John P.R. Gilliss, 1835 and undated
  7. Series 8: Letters to John P.R. Gilliss, 1832-1837 [SEPARATED]
  8. Series 8: Medical Certificate for John P.R. Gilliss, 1829 [SEPARATED]

 

Box 10

  1. Series 9: Letters to and from E.J. Gilliss, 1870-1902
  2. Series 9: St. Martin’s Farmers Resolution Written by E.J. Gilliss, undated
  3. Series 9: Notebook of E.J. Gilliss, 1896-1921
  4. Series 9: Banking Booklet of E.J. Gilliss, 1907-1911
  5. Series 9: Receipts of E.J. Gilliss, 1862-1909
  6. Series 9: Gilliss and Gilliss Business Documents Binder, 1879-1951
  7. Series 9: County Commissioner Certificate, 1891 [SEPARATED]

 

Box 11

  1. Series 1: Family History Scrapbook by Mae/May Gilliss, 1956-1958

Artifacts

*Silk Wedding Stockings, Dr. J. P. R. Gilliss, January 9, 1833
*Kid Gloves, Wedding, Dr. J.P.R. Gilliss, January 9, 1833
*Lace Chemise and Cotton Night Gown, made by Lizzie Hall Gilliss
*Series of hand-crocheted collars, bolero-style cap-sleeved jackets, and bonnets made by Lizzie Hall Gilliss as (what is to be thought of as her wedding trousseau), c. 1884

Attachments

None