The village of Gillespie was settled in 18289 by Abraham Huddleston from Virginia and others. Jackson Sisson from Virginia had a farm here in 1837, upon which land the village of Gillespie developed. It was first surveyed in 1853, used as its founding, upon which it’s Centennial and other celebrations have been based. The village was named after Judge Joseph Gillespie who was responsible for the railroad passing through the town and township. East Gillespie is a small village adjoining Gillespie on the north, partly in Gillespie Township and partly in Cahokia Township. It was incorporated in 1938 and has its own town hall. . . Read more in MACOUPIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS HISTORY & FAMILIES available in our genealogy library or through this website.