Kate's Notes: R.A. Gillilan was a son of Capt. Coleman Gillilan, whose portrait may be found in our library's family photo album for descendants of James Gillilan, Jr. and Margaret Boggs.

THE PORTSMOUTH TIMES 
Wednesday, July 5, 1922

Death Claims R. A. Gillilan
_____________
   
   Robert A. Gillilan, aged 46, a highly respected resident of this city for many years, died very suddenly at a hotel in St. Louis. His only sister, Miss Bertha Gillilan of Washington, D.C. was at his bedside when his death occurred at 9 a.m. Wednesday. He had been ill only a short time and not seriously until Sunday when Miss Gillilan, who had been visiting here was called to St. Louis.
   A message conveying the sad news of Mr. Gillilan’s death was received by Mrs. Knox Hausee, a niece of the deceased.
   Mr. Gillilan for the past two years had been on the road for the Emerson Shoe Company of Boston. Prior to this he traveled for local shoe firms and later represented St. Louis firms on the road. Mr. Gillilan, who was 46 years old, was the son of the late Captain and Mrs. Coleman Gillilan, long prominent residents of this city. In addition to his sister, Miss Bertha, he leaves one brother, Harry of Pittsburgh. Mr. Gillilan was a Mason and a member of the Portsmouth lodge of B.P.O. Elks. He virtually spent all of his life in Portsmouth and the news of his sudden death will be learned with sincere sorrow. To know “Bob” Gillilan was to like him. Genial and companionable at all times he made friends readily. He was faithful to every trust [required of] him and was the soul of honor. He never uttered an unkind word against any one and was always ready to assist the needy as he possessed a kind and generous heart.
   He was a splendid salesman and had staunch friends in hundreds of cities throughout the U.S.A.  His body will arrive here Thursday and burial will take place in Greenlawn.

-- Contributed and transcribed by Kate Maynard, 2009.