
Bill Ricks writes: This is called the Neil Gillis House on GA 86 at US 221. “Old Man” Neil is the “father of Treutlen County”, as his leadership in the General Assembly led to the creation of the county from Montgomery and Emanuel Counties. His son, “Mr. Jim” Gillis was responsible for the initial paving of most of the roads in Georgia, as he was on the highway board from the 1930s most of the years leading up to the early 70s when Jimmy Carter became governor. I-16, down the hill from this house is named the Jim Gillis Highway.
This is called the Neil Gillis House on GA 86 at US 221. “Old Man” Neil is the “father of Treutlen County”, as his leadership in the General Assembly led to the creation of the county from Montgomery and Emanuel Counties. His son, “Mr. Jim” Gillis was responsible for the initial paving of most of the roads in Georgia, as he was on the highway board from the 1930s most of the years leading up to the early 70s when Jimmy Carter became governor. I-16, down the hill from this house is named the Jim Gillis Highway.
Thanks for the information, Bill. Perhaps you can help identify some of the other structures in Treutlen County. I saw your photographs at Morings, and thought I would link your site to mine…I’d definitely like to talk more with you. Your archive of Treutlen County images should be published in book form!
Wow, I was so young. Didn’t know my family did so much.