Kate’s Notes: There are portions of this obituary that appear to be awkwardly worded and in some cases, words may have been omitted or misspelled; nonetheless, the transcript is faithful to the text as published.

From The Breckenridge News
Cloverport, Kentucky
15 February, 1899

Obituary.

   The funeral of Joseph A. Gilliland, of Chenault, Ky., occured last Sunday at the Southern Methodist church. Joseph A. Gilliland was born in 1838, near Chenault, Breckenridge county, Ky., and lived his entire life here. He was married to Miss Sallie Vertress, of Arkansas, in April, 1872, who died in five short months and left him to roam alone in the world, which he regarded her till death. He joined the Christian church in 1890, under the preaching of Eld. C. A. Manker, of Scottsburg, Ind., which he lived a constant Christian life until one year ago when he stepped aside until he was confined to his room two months ago, when he realized his condition then he sought mercy and pardon in Jesus Christ. His few remaining days was spent with prayer on his lips.
   He was so patient in his affliction. Not one word of complaint was uttered. His whole thought was what he was going to do in the near future. He leaves two sisters and one brother, Mrs. Brodie, Mrs. Roberts and James Gilliland, and a host of relatives and friends to mourn his loss. He was honest and upright and had the good will of everybody. When that monster death he closed his eyes in death. His last words were, Amen, Amen. His funeral was preached by Eld. A. F. Beare, of Stephensport, which was an able address and appreciated by the large audience, who came from Derby, Ind., and the neighborhood. He was laid to rest in the beautiful cemetry of the Southern Methodist church.
   Uncle Joe Gilliland was born Feb. 28, 1838, died Feb. 3, 1899. Age 60 years, 11 months and 3 days. Uncle Joe has gone home to a better country.

-- transcription by Kate Maynard, 2010.