James Gettys
Brigadier General, Pennsylvania Militia

James Gettys was born on 14 August 1759.

After serving in the American Revolution as a soldier in the Pennsylvania Militia, he founded Gettysburg in 1786 on the family farm, a log home. His 116 acres, which today is around the town circle, was purchased from his father, who had 386 acres in the Marsh Creek Settlement, which was the town's original name.

James Gettys then married Mary Todd, an ancestor of Mary Todd Lincoln. He served as sheriff, town clerk, road builder, state legislator, tavern owner, and a Brigadier General of local militia until his death in 1815.

The town he gave birth to was the site of the most famous battle of the American Civil War from 1-3 July 1863. The original building which was his home succumbed to fire in 1880.

Death and Burial

James Gettys died on 13 March 1815 in Gettysburg, PA. He is buried at the Evergreen Cemetery in Gettysburg.