Obituary: Rock County, Wisconsin: William Wallace GILLIES ************************************************************************ Submitted by Ruth Ann Montgomery, May 2005 © All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ************************************************************************ OBITUARY William Wallace Gillies The late William Gillies of Evansville, was born in Rutland, Dane County, February 15, 1854. His childhood life was spent in the town of Union, where he attended the district school and the Evansville Seminary. In early manhood, he taught in the schools of the County and in 1875, he was married to Julia Hosley of Union, who passed away in 1910. Three children survive, Maud Gillies Spooner, Lyman and Milo, a son Scott having died in 1916. In 1895 the family left their farm at Union and since that time, Evansville has been his home. In 1895 he became Secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Co., of the town of Union and in 1903 was made Secretary of the Wisconsin Tornado Mutual Insurance Co., in 1913 was made Treasurer of the Company; these three positions, he held until his death. Mr. Gillies was stricken by disease in middle life, but faced life cheerfully and confidently. Mr. Gillies lived a life which counted for the better life of the community. his best was given to his God and to his fellow men. No lure of gain swerved him from loyalty to his sense of duty. No desire of mere personal pleasure tempted him to neglect the highest duties. Indeed his greatest gain, his highest pleasures were soul gains and spiritual uplifts. His ideal was ever "To justly love mercy, walk humbly with his God." Hence, duty was no stern word to him and his was a presence that brought cheer everywhere. It was among the young people that he loved most to work and where his best work was done. His fifty years as S. S. Supt., in the Baptist churches at Union and Evansville attest his interest in the life of young people and he was always a welcome presence among them. As friend, businessman, Christian lover of home and family, he will be missed in business circles, in Christian activities, socially, and in the home. Funeral services will be held this afternoon at the Baptist Church at two thirty, the Rev. Robert H. Pratt officiating. Mr. Gillies is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Spooner, two sons, Lyman Gillies and Milo Gillies, four grandchildren; two sisters, Miss Elizabeth Gillies and Miss Margaret Gillies, both of Evansville, and a brother, James Gillies, Evansville. June 30, 1927, p. 5, col. 4, Evansville, Wisconsin