Kate’s notes: According to the 1850 Allegheny census, John was the son of Andrew and Jane Gilleland. At that time his siblings were listed as Hugh, the eldest, named after his grandfather Gilleland, and four sisters: Mary, Sarah, Emma and Elizabeth, named after her grandmother Gilleland.
   Anna (Dunlap) Gilleland’s forename appears as “Annette” in other documents, including the 1880 census and her burial records.

The Pittsburgh Times
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
23 November, 1897

JOHN A. GILLELAND DEAD.
_______________

Allegheny’s Ex-Postmaster Passed
Away Last Night After a Lingering
Illness – Sketch of His Life.

    Ex-Postmaster John A. Gilleland, of Allegheny, died last night at his residence, 90 Pennsylvania avenue, after a long illness of a complication of diseases, resulting from a liver trouble that fastened on him about the time his term as postmaster, to which position he was appointed under the Harrison administration, expired. Mr. Gilleland was born on October 12, 1841. He was always a resident of Allegheny county, his birthplace having been in Ohio township, a short distance back from Emsworth. His ancestors were Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, his grandfather Hugh Gilleland, having emigrated from the North of Ireland at an early age, and settled in Butler county.
    In his youth John A. Gilleland worked on his father’s farm. When 19 years old he obtained employment in the dry goods store of William Semple, on Federal street, Allegheny. During the Rebellion he went to the front. His first enlistment was on August 8, 1862, as a member of company E, One Hundred and Twenty-third Pennsylvania volunteer infantry. He was at Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. His first enlistment expired May 12, 1863, and he returned home and again entered the employ of William Semple. July 14, 1864, he enlisted in company B, One Hundred and Ninety-third Pennsylvania volunteer infantry. This enlistment expired in November of that year, and, again being honorably discharged, he returned to Allegheny and again went to work in Mr. Semple’s store, but the war spirit was still in him and in March, 1865, he enlisted in company D, Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania volunteer infantry. He was made a second lieutenant, and remained at the front until the close of the war, when he again engaged with Mr. Semple. He remained with him until 1867, when he entered the dry goods house of Irwin McConnell & Co., with whom he remained for several years, afterward engaging in the merchant tailoring business on Beaver avenue, in which he continued until made postmaster.
    For five years Mr. Gilleland was a member of the Allegheny poor board and for a number of years a member of the school board of his ward. He was married November 18, 1869, to Anna Dunlap, a daughter of Capt. H. M. Dunlap, of Allegheny.  His wife and two sons survive. Mr. Gilleland was prominent in the Masonic order, was a Knight Templar and a Shriner, and was also active in G. A. R. circles, being a member of Post 162, named after one of his old commanders, Col. J. B. Clark. Four sisters are living at Tacoma. In politics he was an earnest and enthusiastic Republican, and as a citizen he was progressive and popular.
    
-transcription by Kate Maynard, 2013