George William Gilleland

GILLELAND, HAMILTON, HARRISON, NICHOLS

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 8/15/2004 at 11:51:26

G. W. Gilleland, the efficient steward of the county farm, is a native of this county, born on the 8th of September, 1867, of the marriage of David W. and Nancy (Nichols) Gilleland. The father was born in Hope, Bartholomew county, Indiana, on the 10th of August, 1839, and when a boy removed to this county from the Hoosier state, the journey being made in a wagon drawn by two yoke of oxen. He witnessed many interesting events in pioneer days of this region and experienced the life of an early settler with all of its hardships and struggles but with its compensating sense of worthy achievement. On the 2d of April, 1862, feeling that the need of his country was paramount to all else, he accordingly enlisted in Company F, Fourth Iowa Infantry. He saw much active service, being at the front for four years and four months and taking part in the battles of Pea Ridge, Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, the first battle of Jackson, fought on the 4th of May, 1863, the siege of Vicksburg, the second battle of Jackson, on the 12th of July, 1863, and the battles of Lookout Mountain and Ringgold. On the 22d of September, 1863, he left Vicksburg and went by way of Corinth to join General Sherman. His company was with Hooker at Lookout Mountain on the 24th of November and at Missionary Ridge on the day following. Mr. Gilleland fought in over thirty battles and met the enemy in eight Confederate states. His company had the remarkable record of never being repulsed. On the 3d of September, 1865, he was mustered out and returned to Winterset, where he worked until 1868, and then began farming in Douglas township. He was the owner of forty acres of well improved land and resided there until his death, which occurred on the 10th of March, 1902. He was buried in the Worthington cemetery. He was very active in local republican circles and held a number of township offices. He was always seeking to promote the progress of his community and his energy and enthusiasm enabled him to accomplish much along that line. His wife, who was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, on the 24th of July, 1839, is still living and resides with two of her children in Des Moines. There were seven children in all and four are residents of this county.

G. W. Gilleland received his education in the district schools of Douglas township and when but sixteen years of age began working as a farm hand, receiving eleven dollars a month for his labor. For twelve years he was so employed and then rented land, which he operated on his own account. In 1889 he was appointed assistant steward of the county farm and was in charge of the insane there for three years. In March, 1914, he was made steward and has proved an excellent man for the place. He understands the peculiar problems that confront him and manages affairs so as to save the county unnecessary expense and yet provide well for those who are the county's wards.

On September 24, 1892, Mr. Gilleland married Miss Cynthia Harrison, who was born in Johnson county, Iowa, a daughter of James and Martha (Hamilton) Harrison. Both of her parents were natives of the Hoosier state, the former born November 20, 1839, and the latter May 6, 1840. Mr. Harrison removed to Illinois when of age and resided there for some time. He afterward settled in Johnson county, Iowa, and he and his family lived upon a farm there until 1876. In that year a removal was made to Madison county, the family home being established in Webster township, where the father became a well known farmer and stock-raiser.

He was prevented from enlisting in the Union army because of defective eyesight but his two brothers, John and Joseph, became Union soldiers and one gave his life in defense of his country. James Harrison was throughout life a republican and took considerable part in local political affairs. He passed away on the 16th of August, 1907, and is survived by his widow, who resides in Winterset. To Mr. and Mrs. Gilleland has been born a son, Albert, whose natal day was July 12, 1894, and who is now assistant manager of the Citizens Lumber Company of Winterset. He entered the employ of that concern early in March, 1914, as driver of a wagon, and his ability won him unusually rapid promotion. Mr. and Mrs. Gilleland have a niece, Cynthia A. Harrison, who makes her home with them.

Mr. Gilleland is a stanch republican and has held many township offices and his official record has always been one of honor. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Madison Lodge, No. 136, at Winterset, and he is also a member of the Maccabees, in which he has been master of the guard. He is widely known throughout the county and is popular as a man and as an official.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915”