The Isaac Gillespie Family

By Mrs. Hal Starkey

Isaac Gillespie was born January 1, 1850, at Killylea, County Armargh, Ireland, and educated at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. He came to America in 1874, and two years later married Rebecca Anna Hardeman, daughter of Blackstone Hardeman of Melrose, Nacogdoches County, Texas.

Isaac Gillespie conducted a school in San Augustine and was a Lay Reader in Christ Episcopal Church. Later, he served as school superintendent in Sherman and taught in Austin at Pease School. They lived in New Orleans, where their daughter, Vera, was born just prior to coming to Jacksonville in 1889 to make their home.

Isaac Gillespie did not have many years in Jacksonville—he died February 29, 1892—but he had established a home in Jacksonville for succeeding generations to visit and enjoy. Mr. Gillespie was a member of Jacksonville Lodge No. 108 A.F. & A.M.

After Isaac's death, his widow, Rebecca Anna, continued to live at the family home at 918 Kickapoo and was loving and respected by the community. She was an outstanding churchwoman and a charter member of Trinity Episcopal Church. She died May 23, 1939.

The 918 Kickapoo address became the home of Vera and Homer Starkey in the fall of 1941. In time, the old home was removed and a one-story brick home was constructed by Hal Starkey for his parents. Although the home was sold after the' death of both Mr. and Mrs. Starkey, a piece of the old Gillespie property was retained by the family and the ties to Jacksonville remain.

Isaac and Rebecca Anna Gillespie had four children.

Bertha Georgina married J. R. Holland. Their children are J. R. Holland, Jr., John Holland, Willard P. Holland, Harry C. Holland and Kathleen (Mrs. Earl Gammage).

Annie married W. Y. Forrest.

Isaac, Jr., married Fannie Whitehead.

Vera married Homer Blakeley Starkey and their children included Ned Gillespie Starkey, Lynn Blakeley Starkey of Jacksonville, Jack Starkey and Hal Starkey.

Isaac Gillespie and his wife Anna Rebecca (Hardeman).

The Gillespie Home at 918 Kickapoo Street, which was built about 1890.

Vera, Bertha and Annie.