OBITUARY: Rev. James M. Gill, 1875 - Smith County, TX Submitted by Vicki Betts 10 Oct 2002 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ***************************************************************** TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 10, 1875, p. 8, c. 6 Gill.—The Rev. James M. Gill, after a protracted illness died at his residence in Tyler, on the 24th inst. He was about 67 years old, and had been a Methodist preacher for many years. He was an old Texan—converted and licensed to preach in Texas. He was universally esteemed as an honest, good man. His memory was remarkable, and the manner of his preaching unlike that of any one else—it was eminently his own. One circumstance connected with his conversion is worthy of note, especially as it may afford encouragement to pious wives whose husbands are irreligious. On their arrival in Texas they stopped in Harrison county, the young wife having been converted in Mississippi. Mr. Gill offered no opposition to his wife's religion, and at her solicitations often strolled with her on Sunday evenings in the wild forests, on which occasions she would kneel at His feet and pray. This seemed to be a little embarrassing to the husband; but he would seek to throw it off by whistling some merry tune. How unseemly! But the good wife never flinched from duty nor yielded to discouragements. The test of her faith was even sharper than that of the prophet on Mount Carmel—no cloud of hope arose in the form of a word or act indicating the slightest interest on his part in reference to his soul. There were no revivals, and but little preaching in the new country. They went out to hear the circuit preacher—the Rev. Mr. Crawford, a local preacher now of Palestine—and, to the amazement of the delighted wife, Mr. Gill arose, advanced to the preacher, and joined the church. A gracious revival was kindled that day which swept the new settlement. Sister Gill survives, and though aged and infirm, moans as the dove which has lost its mate. They never had any children—they lived in harmony forty-six years. Death has dissolved the bands of life, but the separation will be of short duration. We mourn the loss of our venerable brother. —R. S. Finley