From the St. Louis Christian Advocate
St. Louis, Missouri
21 April, 1869

GILLILAND. -- Mother Margaret Gilliland was born in Ireland December 8, 1767; emigrated to this country in the year 1800; lived some years in the State of Pennsylvania, and then removed to Shelby county, Ky.; subsequently to Jefferson county, Ky., where she lived until the 13th of March, 1868, when she left this world of sorrow for one of joy and peace.
   Mother Gilliland was a member of the Methodist Church more than 85 years; was a faithful and devoted Christian, a firm and ardent Methodist; very regular in her attendance on public worship till she became so infirm as not to be able to do so. This aged and faithful servant of God had learned to live above the afflictions and sorrows of this world; and while for 14 years was almost entirely helpless, yet I was told by her children and friends she was never heard to murmur or complain of her lot. It was my privilege to visit this aged pilgrim frequently, and hear her tell of the goodness of God. O, with what delight have I lingered about the couch, read the word of God, sung the songs of Zion and offered up my feeble prayers, to hear her praise the Lord and tell of his goodness, often exclaiming, “the Lord, blessed be his holy name! has been very good to me.” I cannot give you a correct idea of her appreciation of the ministry; but in our visits she would cling to my hand and lift up a fervent prayer, “God bless you!” Her room was a hallowed place for Christians -- God was there. Her physician and neighbor writes me: “I have known Mother Gilliland well 45 years, and intimately 30 years; and in affliction and health, adversity and prosperity she has been the same meek, patient Christian lady and saint; visting the sick, comforting the distressed,and supporting the weak was her mission when able. He adds, “an Israelite, indeed, in whom there is no guile.” Her end was peace, retaining her mind, and especially bright on the subject of religion to the last; gradually sinking, and when almost gone, she closed her own eyes and without a struggle ceased to breathe.
   Thus fell the oldest Christian it has ever been my lot to know, which confirms me more and more in the supremacy of the christian religion. “All this and heaven besides.” Sister Gilliland was the mother of 11 children, 10 of whom are still living. May their end be as hers. Her funeral was preached by the writer, from Revelations vii. 14, 17.
              J. P. GOODSON      
Louisville, April 13, 1869.

-- transcription by Kate Maynard, 2010