River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1901-08-29
Rev. William Gill, Died Aug. 20, 1901.

PRED April %, after short illness.
Soon after Mr.. Gill returned to River
Falls where he was taken care of by his
son Herbert and wife. The death of
Mrs. Gill and the physical suffering he
experienced from the disease that af-
tlicted him prompted the frequent ex-
preston of desire to depart and be
at rest, and when the end came it was
welcome and painless
To Mr.. and Mrs. Gil we're born four
children, two Of whom survive-Wm
H., OF Honolulu and James Herbert,
of Bozeman, Montana.
Rev. Mr.. Parsons, in his remarks at
the funeral, paid this deserved trib-
ute to the character Of Rev Mr.. Gill:
THE impression he made On those
who knew him was that OF an earnest,
sane, devout Christian. He was
man OF sagacious Judgment. His
brethren in the ministry were won't
to counsel with him, because he
seemed almost intuitiyely to see what
was the desirable course to pursue.
His ministry was of solid value be-
cause of his ability TO advise wisely,
and speak word In season. The
strength Of the churches he faithfully
served testify TO the enduring value
of his efforts. No church division ever
disturbed the even tenor OF his life.
Father Gill was a man Of earnest
conservation. He possessed abilities
that would have enabled him to sue
coed in practical life, but having a
call TO the ministry he consecrated
his talents to the service OF the
churches he served. 1t was his JOY to
put weak churches on their feet. He
never sought after large salary, but
with singleness Of purpose went where
he could do the most good. His sound
judgment, joined with such consecra-
tlon gave rounded symmetry to his
ministry.
An added source OF power was his
kindly sympathy. One so discerning
as himself could not but see many
weaknesses and many faiiings among
those to whom he ministered. But
his unfailing charitableness enabled
him to recognize the struggling good
that blended with the evil. Men
drew to him because he knew them
and believed in them. Thus he had
power to help others to rise to their
better selves. In sorrow, and doubt,
and sin, the troubled turned to him,
and he helped them. He possessed
the love and admiration OF those he
helped and In these was his reward"
The funeral was held from the
Congregational church last Thursday
afternoon conducted by Rev. G. II.
Mcintosh, assisted by Rev. Julius
Parsons of Roberts and Rev. L, j.
Snodgrass. A large number were
present from Cottage Grove, Mimi,
Roberts, New Richmond, and Kinnic-
kinnic, former parishes Of the de-
ceased
The verses following, appropriately
descriptive Of Rev. William Gill while
in the early years OF his pastorate
here, are taken from poem, 1.-THE
Old Village Church, written by Rev.
William j Gray, who as boy, sat un-
der the preaching Of Mr.. Gill.
The pulpit was OF plainest wood
A man Of gold behind ii stood
Appearing through these early years
Like one OF Israel's old time seers.
On Carmel's peak he seemed to stand
When reading the divine command
From Cavary's cross again he came
/ with heart IN Calyary's love aiame.
His voice was raised gainst human greed,
HIS hand went out to human need,
In pulpit, pew or on the street
He stroye the people needs to meet;
To him the village owes az yet
A grateful, loving, growing debt