Grayson County TXGenWeb

Gilliam Farm
1880

The Gilliam Farm is located 2 miles north and 1 mile east of Bells on FM1789.
The founder of the farm was Americus Patton Gilliam of Scott County, Missouri.
As a young boy, Mr. Gilliam migrated to Texas with his parents to establish a homestead. They settled the land in 1871 but it wasn't until 1880 that a title to 81.5 acres was acquired. The land was tilled and produced cotton, corn, oats. Mr. Gilliam helped to build the Virginia Point Methodist Church.
His children were - John C., Thomas W., J.W., Frank and Bettie. Thomas Wesley inherited the farm in 1914. He married Angie Palmore; their children were - William Neal, Blanche who died as an infant, and Ollie Leah. His only son, William Neal, interited the 81.5 acres in 1923, marrying Ola Mae Belsher.
William Neal & Ola Mae Gilliam's children were - Mary Margaret, Minnie Frances, Tommie Maxine, Marvin Donald, and Bessie Louise. Marvin Donald acquired the land in 1979. Marvin raised registered Braham cattle and Quarter horses, which were the mainstay of the farm in 1980.

Source: Family Land Heritage, 1979-1980