Transcribed by: Brandi McLoughlin

Giles A. Stilson, senior member of the mercantile firm of Stilson & Badgley, at Tampico, was born Feb. 24, 1827, in Benington Co., Vt. Russell Stilson, his father was a native of the same State and was a mechanic. He died on the farm where he had lived ever since his marriage, which took place when he was 24 years old. His death, which occurred when he was 60 years of age, was caused by a tobacco sore under the tongue, presumably the same disease as that from which General Grant is suffering. He was a man of remarkable physical strengthened had a finely disciplined intellect. The family had its origin in several Scotchmen, brothers, who came to America prior to the Revolution, and two of whom espoused the cause of the Colonists. Amanda Landon, who became the wife of Russell Stilson, and the mother of Giles A., was born in Vermont, and in her veins flowed the blood of Irish, English and Welsh progenitors. She lives with her daughter, Mrs. Lois Lampson, at Manchester, Vt., and she is past 80 years of age. Mr. Stilson was educated in the excellent public and private schools of Bennington County, and also was under the direction of a private tutor named Wadleigh, and English gentleman of culture and refinement. In1844, he came to Illinois, where he located in Portland, Whiteside County. He was married Jan. 16, 1849, to Mary A. Cramphin, who was born at Weedsport, New York, in September, 1829, and came in 1844 to Michigan with her parents. But one of three children of whom Mr. and Mrs. Stilson became the parents is living Emma, the wife of “Jed” Badgley, a farmer in Brown Co., Dak.; Russell B. and Evaline died while young. Mr. Stilson engaged in farming until September, 1961, when he enlisted in the “Yates Battalion of Sharp-shooters.” The command was attached to the Western Army Corps, serving first under General Pope and subsequently under General Rosenkrans. Mr. Stilson was in the service nearly a year and was honorably discharged for disability. In 1875 Mr. Stilson came to Tampico, and engaged in traffic in grain with T. S. Beach, in which branch of business he was interested two years. He then engaged in mercantile transactions, in which he had been previously interested, associated with other parties. The firm of Stilson & Badgley are doing an extensive business. Mr. and Mrs. Stilson are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is now a Village Trustee. He has served several years as Supervisor, a long term of years asSchool Treasurer, and six years as Treasurer of Tampico Township. He was formerly a Republican, but has adopted the principles of the Prohibitionists. Extracted from Portraits & Biographical Album of Whiteside County. Published 1885