Los Angeles County CA Archives Biographies.....Gillis, William T. 
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Author: Luther A. Ingersoll (1908)

    WILLIAM T. GILLIS comes of the sturdy stock of Nova Scotia, being born in
that province, the son of Robert Gillis, a successful shipbuilder in the United
States. He passed his youth at the place of his birth and received his education
in Pictou, Nova Scotia, graduating from the Pictou Academy. He then fitted
himself for the occupation of a druggist and became the owner of a drug store in
Pictou.

    In 1887, drawn by the magic tales of California, he came to this state and
located in Santa Monica, where he soon opened a drug store, which he carried on
for a number of years, successfully engaged in the drug business. He returned to
Santa Monica in 1901 since which time he has been a resident of this city.

    He at once became identified with the remarkable real estate transactions
which have marked the vicinity of Santa Monica, and have changed the entire
aspect of the country within the past few years. As vice president and manager
of the Pacific Land Company, he was one of the promotors of Sawtelle and the
adjacent lands, which opened up a large acreage for settlement on such terms
that the old soldiers, their families and the laboring people were able to
secure homes. As a result of the policy pursued here, a thrifty community has
grown up which is a valuable addition to the wealth and population of this
district.

    Later, Mr. Gillis, with other prominent real estate men, organized the
Palisades Investment Company and also the Santa Monica Investment Company, which
secured fifty acres of land known now as the Palisades; one of the most
beautiful residence sites in California or, indeed, in the world. The company
spent a large sum in improvements and it met with a large sale at most
advantageous figures.

    Mr. Gillis was one of the organizers of the Sunset Brick and Tile Company
which began the erection of the extensive plant now owned by the Los Angeles
Pressed Brick Company, into which the first company was merged, its projectors
retaining an interest in the present company. He is also interested in the
Southwest Warehouse Company, which owns a large warehouse, located on the tracks
of the Southern Pacific and Los Angeles-Pacific Railways. He is a stockholder
and director of the Bank of Santa Monica and of the Santa Monica Savings Bank
and president of the Santa Monica Water Company.

    But Mr. Gillis is not only interested in financial affairs. He takes an
active interest in public affairs, being a stalwart Republican in politics. He
is also a prominent Mason, being a member and Past Master of Santa Monica Lodge,
F. and A. M.; a member of the Los Angeles Commandery, K. T.; and a member of Al
Malaikah Temple, of Los Angeles. He holds the rank of past exalted ruler in the
Santa Monica Lodge, B. P. O. E., which recently presented him with a handsome
jewel in appreciation of his services to the organization.

    Mr. Gillis owns and occupies a beautiful home in the Palisade district.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from:

Ingersoll's century history, Santa Monica Bay cities: prefaced with a brief
history of the state of California, a condensed history of Los Angeles County,
1542 to 1908: supplemented with an encyclopedia of local biography and
embellished with views of historic landmarks and portraits of representative
people.

Los Angeles: Luther A. Ingersoll (1908)


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