The Southeast Economist
Southeast Side, Chicago, Illinois
8 September, 1949

W. J. Gilliland
Killed in Fall
From Ladder
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Funeral for Southeast Side
Contractor to Be Held Today.
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    Funeral services will be held this afternoon for William J. Gilliland, 64 years old, 6644 Cottage Grove ave., South side roofing contractor more than 30 years, who died Monday in Jackson Park hospital of head injuries suffered August 30 when he fell from a ladder while estimating repairs on a garage at 6715 Chappel ave.
Estimating Repairs.
    The services will be conducted at 3 o’clock in the Spreyne chapel, 7509 Stony Island ave. Burial will be in Oak Woods cemetery.
    Mr. Gilliland, who owned the Grove Roofing company at the Cottage Grove address, was estimating repairs on a garage behind the home of Dr. Frederick Phillips when the accident occurred. He was either mounting or descending a five-foot ladder when he caught his foot between the first and second rung and fell, with the ladder on top of him, striking his head on the concrete alley, Deputy Coroner Frank R. Harris said.
Found by Janitor.
    He was discovered unconscious a few moments later, his foot still tangled in the ladder, by Stephen Zalewski, 6724 Chappel ave., a janitor. Police took him to Jackson Park hospital where he died without regaining consciousness. A verdict of accidental death was returned at an inquest Tuesday.
    Mr. Gilliland, a native of Lockport, is survived by his widow, Alma, a son, William K., 7005 Harper ave., a daughter, Mrs. Grace Petersen, 7401 Wabash ave., three grandchildren, two sisters and a brother.

                                                                               -transcription by Kate Maynard, 2013