Hugh GILLIES and Mary BLUE were married on the Isle of Gigha, in Argyllshire, Scotland. In 1851 Hugh worked as Farmer of 20 Acres & Inn Keeper in Ballacroy Village and they had a family of eleven children. Their son, John Gillies left school at the age of sixteen and with his two brothers, Malcolm and Dugald Gillies sailed for America. They reached Canada in August, 1852, and shortly afterwards settled upon a farm in the township of Eiderslie, Bruce County, Ontario. Hugh, Mary and the remaining childer joined them about 1855. Major John Gillies was appointed senior major of the Canadian militia. in 1856 and he was elected township councillor of Elderslie where he served as Reeve and Warden of the County. John also served his constituency in the Provincial and Federal Governments during his lifetime.