The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1910-01-06
Mrs. Martha Gillian.

Martha M. Hall, daughter of
James and Rachel Hall, was born in
the state of North Carolina, Dec. 1,
1882, died at her home in Leon,
Iowa, Dec. 81, 1909, at the age of II
years and 20 days.
Another of our most highly es-
teemed and greatly beloved pioneer
citizens has passed away. Practi-
cally all her life had been spent in
the state, and by far the greater
part of it in Leon. When she was
about two years old her parents
moved to Jefferson county. This was
while Iowa was yet territory, 10 or
Ii years before admission to the
union. The family remained in that
county for number of years, dur
ing which time she was united in
marriage to c. A. Gillian, Dec. %,
1858. In 1855 they came to Leon,
and thenceforth this was their home.
10 them were given children, 2
sons and 3 daughters. Her husband
died 26 years ago, and one of the
daughters is also deceased The
children living, and all present were
Mrs. Emma Miller and Mr.. Frank
Gillian, of Bedford, Iowa; Mrs.
Olive Hoover, of Seattle, Wash, and
Mr.. Lew Gillian, of Leon, and an
adopted daughter, Mrs. Mary Nor
rell, of Waverly, Iowa.
Mrs. Gillham's Christian life be-
gan with her childhood. 1t is prob
able that she never knew a time
when she did not love her Lord.
Her children cannot remember the
time she was not a devoted Chris
tian. Her religious life was quiet
but most earnest and true. She
loved the house of God, and the
prayer meeting was never neglected.
To listen to her prayers and testi-
monies was 70 be convinced at once
of the genuineness of her piety, and
to see that with her the religion of
Jesus Christ was blessed reality.
Here was beautiful helpful life.
For 81 years she had lived in this
community. Those that have known
her all their lives looked to her as
an ideal Christian woman. For many
years she had been a member of the
Leon M. E. church. Her children
grown to manhood and womanhood
pay beautiful tribute to the stead
| fastness of her Christian life. She
sought to so live as to let her deeds
bear testimony for her. She spoke
| harm OF no one, charity love seemed
to be the guiding principle of her
life. She knew what toll, privations
| and sorrow were. Hers had been a
pioneer life with all that means.
Her husband was soldier in the
civil war Then there would be
added burdens and cares, and for 26
years she had been widow. Out
from her life her loved ones had
J been taken, but in it all she was
faithful and found Jesus a very ferv-
ent help in time of trouble. For sew
eral weeks sister Gillian had been
in declining health. During the fall
she visited old friends and relatives
at Fairfield. When she returned a
physician was called About four
weeks ago she fell, which seemed to
hasten the development of the dis
ease. Every thing possible was done
| for her. The children came from
their distant homes to aid in the
ministry of love, but the summons
came. Jesus had called her to be
with Him. To her it is sweet relief,
and going home. Those who deeply
and truly mourn her departure are
the 5 children, 10 grandchildren and
l greatgrandchild besides many rel
atives and old friends. Jesus passed
by and she touched the hem of His
garment, and was made whole from
that very hour
| Funeral services were held from
the home Wednesday afternoon, Dec
29th, at l o'clock, conducted by Rev
j. L. Boyd, pastor of the M. E
church, interment being in the Leon
cemetery.