William Gilley, an Early Settler of Mount Desert Island Spragues Journal of Maine History Vol. VII February, March, April 1920 No. 4 pgs. 192-193 William Gilley, an Early Settler of Mount Desert Island Among those early Settlers who under the Bernard Grant were living on Mount Desert Island prior to the year 1784, was one William Gilly, born in England, which country he is said to have left at the age of seven years. In all of the published histories relating to this part of the country Gilly is is mentioned as a settler at Norwood's Cove and no mention is made of any date earlier than above. An item of local historical interest is contained in a "Declaration" of this early settler and progenitor of all the Gilleys in this vicinity. He married Eunice Bunker and they were the parents of several children among whom William married Hannah Lurvey. William and Hannah Lurvey Gilley moved to Baker's Island as early as 1806 or 7 and were the first settlers on the Island. They were the parents of John Gilley about whom the President Eliot of Harvard wrote.(1) The following relating to William Gilley is from the Documentary History of Maine (Baxter Ms.) Vol. XV, p. 90: The Declaration of William Gilley of Cranberry Island the Mass State Fisherman, That sometime in the month of April past the Ship of War called the Scarborough Belonging to the British King Commanded by Captain Mowat Came into the Harbor of said Island and anchored there-- That aid William was on board the said ship and had considerable conversation with said Mowat, some particulars he remembers as follows--The said Mowat asked if the inhabitants of said Island had taken up arms. It was answered No. The said Mowat then said that he was not come to molest but to protect them and if they would not disturb his boats in procuring wood and water that he would not hurt them but if otherwise that he was determined to level every house on the Island. Mowat then asked if the Inhabitants up Frenchman's Bay had not chiefly taken up arms. Said William answered that he knowed nothing about it. Mowat then said that he knowed several that had and asked said William if he was not a Pilot up Frenchmans Bay and whether he would not undertake to carry up the ship. Said William Answered that he was not a Pilot nor could he undertake it.-- Said Mowat then asked if said William was acquainted with Colonel Jones who lived up there. It was answered in the affirmative. Mowat said that he wanted to see him very much, as he had received an invitation from Col. Jones when at Halifax to pay a visit and that the said Colonel Jones had promised to procure him several heads of cattle which were to be drove down to some certain point (which the Declarant forgets the name of) where Boats were Boats were to be sent By the man of War to receive them. That the said Mowat through out many threats against many of the settlements particularly Machos, asking if those Rebels did not think hanging too good for them, that if he went there he would utterly destroy them--Said Mowat appeared to be very well acquainted with the Situation and Circumstances of the difft. settlements mentioning the different quantity of Lumber which was in several Harbors and told of many matters which happened in different parts. He further said that new had come from Philadelphia Being in possession of the Britons and that the Inhabitants of the Southward were laying down their arms--That Boston would soon be in possession of the Kings troops, and that the Frigates which were there he wanted to see, would rejoice of having an Oppt of attacking them both together--He further said That the Greyhound and Diamond which were seen sometime ago before Newbury were cruising for Captain Manley and McNiel--several other matters were spoken of which the subscriber does not remember. his WILLIAM X GILLEY Mark Witnesses Jno Long William Maxwell J Allen Cranberry Island May 10, 1777 ************************************************* * * * * NOTICE: Printing the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. * * * * The USGenWeb Project makes no claims or estimates of the validity of the information submitted and reminds you that each new piece of information must be researched and proved or disproved by weight of evidence. It is always best to consult the original material for verification.