HILLIS, George B. - Putnam

HILLIS, GEORGE B., P. O. Greencastle, Farmer, Section 3; was born in Putnam County, Ind., 1828.

GEORGE B. HILLIS, a pioneer of Putnam County, was born in this county April 6, 1828, so of Abram and Elizabeth {Peck}Hillis, natives of Fleming County, Kentucky. Two of his maternal uncles were in the war of 1812. His father's ancestors were Irish. His parents came to the county from Kentucky in the fall of 1825, the mother making the entire trip on horseback, carrying one child in her arms. They were about three weeks on the road, camping out wherever night overtook them. They settled on section 3, Greencastle Township, where the father entered 160 acres of land from the Government. It was a dense forest, and the family necessarily endured all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. The father died June 7, 1868, lamented by the whole community. He was widely and favorable known throughout the country. He was of a jovial disposition, and in consequence made many friends. Himself and wife were members of the Presbyterian church. In politics he was a Republican, and has served creditably as justice of the peace. The mother died January 2, 1885. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom nine are living--Betsey A., wife of Christian Landes; George B.; Mary A., who married Amiz Finley; Sarah, wife of Enoch L. Foxworthy; John L,; Henry H., James H., of Harrison County, Missouri; Abram T., and Margaret E., wife of William H. Foreman, of Clark County, Kentucky. John L., Henry H. and James H. were soldiers in the war of the Rebellion, serving their country faithfully. George B. Hillis, our subject, has been reared to manhood in this county, and received a rudimentary education in the early pioneer schools, not having the advantages enjoyed by the young men of to-day. He was a constant reader and became well informed upon the general topic of the day. December 9, 1857, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Scobee, born April 2, 1837, in Montgomery County, Kentucky, and a daughter of William and Nellie J. Scobee, the latter being deceased. To this union six children have been born--Mary J., William A., a resident of Montana, Sarah E., Emma E., George H., Maggie M. Mr. Hillis owns 330 acres of land and has been a successful farmer. He and his wife have made the most of their property by hard work and good management. He is a Republican through and through in politics, and he has creditably served one term as assessor of Greencastle Township. Mrs. Hillis is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.