William Gillespie was born about 1737 in Ulster, Ireland. William, his brother James and John are named as part of the immigration to the colonies. They likely grew up in Beverly Manor, Virginia. When William’s father died in 1769, William inherited one of his plantations in Virginia.
The family was part of the Tinkling Springs Presbyterian Church, led by early Blount County settler John Craig. Its members included many of Blount County’s early settlers.
At some point, William may have married a young woman named Rose, who sources say was previously married to a Henderson with whom she had several children. The Daughters of the American Revolution lists this William Gillespie as having two wives, Isabella Houston Henderson and Ann Houston. However, a young woman named Rose is listed on some legal documents with William Gillespie…