Interim Content

Gilliam, Cornelius

Biography

13 Apr. 1798–24 Mar. 1848. Politician, military officer. Born near Mount Pisgah, Buncombe Co., North Carolina. Son of Epaphroditus Gilliam and Sarah Ann Israel. Moved to Missouri, before 1820. Married Mary Crawford, 1820/1821, in Ray Co. (later in Clay Co.), Missouri. Sheriff of Clay Co., 1830–1834. Served in Black Hawk War, 1832. Served as captain in Seminole War, 1837. Participated in “Mormon War,” 1838. Served as state senator, 1838–1844. Led group of emigrants from Missouri to Oregon Country (later in Oregon Territory), May–Dec. 1844. Ordained a Baptist minister, 1845, in Yamhill District (later in Polk Co.), Oregon Country. Appointed superintendent of postal matters for Oregon Country, 1847. Commanded Oregon troops in campaign against Cayuse Indians, 1847–1848. Died near Umatilla River, Clackamas Co., Oregon Country.

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