City Directories and History: Constructed in circa 1890, this historic home at Bethany has always been associated with the McGill family. Built by William McGill for his son, Jones
Leslie McGill, Sr., the home remain in the McGill family in 2013. At James L. McGill’s death, his extensive estate included a gin house, saw mill, cotton press, grist mill and a shingle machine. In total he was worth over $13,000. His son, James L. McGill, Jr. inherited most of the estate.
Notice on the 1910 Walker map the area around Bethany is dotted with McGill’s extensive holdings.
See comments and corrections 10.23.14 posted below.
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Jack Grier says
Appreciate the article about my father in laws house but may I clarify some details. The house was actually built by James L McGill around 1880 when he married his bride Mattie Lowery. The original house had just 4 rooms down stairs with 2 bedrooms upstairs, it had a full second floor porch. The McGill Store was built next door in 1888. The house was remodeled around 1913 by his son John Leslie McGill after James Leslie died in 1906. The account of is holdings is accurate, but it was held mainly by his two oldest sons Wiiliam Bonner and John Leslie McGill. Bonner McGill built a house across the road around 1910 and his grandson lives there today. His other children Ruth, Moffat and Frank each held partials of land around the home place.
rradmin says
R&R sincerely appreciates you posting these updates! It would be wonderful if you shared images and further history of the McGill family for posting on R&R. Thousands of users enjoy the site each month and your family’s history is exceptionally interesting and important for the Bethany area. If you have questions please contact us and know that we are available to help digitize collections if needed.
W.B. Fairey, Co-Founder