Obituary of Major Giller, Greene County, Illinois Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives Copyright 2000 Gary Griswold Politically he was a (Republican-?) always _________in the political welfare of the state and nation, though never aspiring to political _____ himself. The only public office he ever held was as school _____ he very efficiently served for ____years as treasurer of township 12 range 12. He was a man of generous _____ jovial, hospitable and kind. In his wide acquaintance throughout the county and state he had _____ both young and old, who will be grieved to know that he has passed away. Note: Some words could not be readable and were left blank. White Hall, Greene County, Illinois Newspaper. April 5, 1907 (Page 1, Column 4). Was more than Four Score and Five-A Hero of the Mexican War- Pioneer Settler and Prominent Granger _______ Major Edward A. Giller aged 85 years, 6 months and 18 days died at his home on W. Franklin Street this city at 7 o'clock p.m. Friday March 29, 1907. Funeral services were held at the late residence at 2 o;clock p.m. Sunday, March 31st. Dr. A. W. Foreman a long time personal friend and associate delivered the address in the presence of a large gathering of friends and relatives. A special quartet consisting of Dr. E K. Shirley, T.J. Grant, Elbert Green, and Alonzo Ellis sang "Going Down The Valley" and "The Soldiers Farwell". The floral offerings were beautiful and profuse. Pall bearers were Wm. H. Strang, O.F. Griswold, G.S. Vosseller, F.M. Baldwin, R.B. Winn, and W.M. Potts and the interment was made in the White Hall cemetry. The subject of this sketch was born in Manchester, England, Sept. 1821, his parents being Thomas and Hannah Bagley- Giller, both of England. In early life he learned the trade of ____ in his fathers manufactory, and was also a good wood worker in the same business. His early educational training was limited to a meager knowledge of reading, writing, and arithmetic. Later in life by extensive reading he greatly increased his sphere of knowledge and was regarded by all who know him as a man well posted on many subjects, particulary history, agriculture and current topics. When 20 years of age he and his cousin Robt. Frost migrated to America, landing in N.Y. the summer of 1842. They travled west as far as St. Louis, Mo. and shortly afterwards came to Greene County. For 3 years Mr. Giller followed different avocations and was for awhile located at Galena, Ill., later made the trip to New Orleans by boat. Remained there but a short time and returned as far as Natchez, Mississippi. In the spring of 1845 he again returned to White Hall and worked at the wagon trade. The Mexican Wars having broken out in May 1846, he inlisted in Company C, 1st Ill. regiment commanded by the gallant Jno. J. Hardin. He took part in the battle of Bueno Vista, and served efficiently as sergeant-major. As a result of this service he acquired the title "Major" by which name he was ever afterwards familiarly and affectionately known. June 1847 he was mustered out of service and returned to White Hall where he resided during his long eventful life. March 1st 1840 (should say 1849) he and Miss Augusta Ladd, who survives him, were married and they at once began housekeeping on Apple Creek Prairie where by frugal and energetic efforts they succeded in accumulating considerable wealth. Before removing to this city a few years ago, he divided among his children, approximately 1000 acres, or the proceeds thereof, of the most profitable and highly cultivated land in this section of the state. Since that time he had retired from active business pursuits and enjoyed a well earned rest. Major and Mrs. Giller have been blessed with a family of eleven children, seven of whom survive as follows, Geo. A. of Daum vicinity, Wm. M. of Omaha, Neb., Chas. H. of White Hall, Thos E. of the old homestead, Apple Creek Prairie, Ella A. wife of the late F.D. Moulton, Apple Creek Prairie, Lora B. wife of W.G. Curtiss, Stockton, Ill., and Mrs. Sophronia J. Rickart who for several years past has resided with her parents. There are thirty one grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren living. Mr. Giller was not a member of any religious or fraternal organizations. Being decidedly liberal in his views on these subjects. He was however, an honarary member of the G.A.R and always took an active part in the Grange meetings and organizations. He was for years Master of the State Grange, and had represented the state several times in the National meeting ----------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations or persons. 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