Alfred Gilland

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Alfred Gilland

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

Among the most loyal of the citizens of Morris county, New Jersey, are many who are numbered among her native sons. From childhood they have been interested in her welfare, and in later life have devoted their best years to promoting her progress and advancement. To this class belongs Alfred GILLAND, whose interest in his city, county and State is deep and sincere, and springs from a true desire to further her growth and improvement. As a lifelong resident of Pompton Plains, he has materially enlarged her prosperity as a business man, and has increased her prestige by his devotion to the duties of the numerous official positions he has filled.

Alexander GILLAND, his grandfather, was born in Chenango county, New York, and died in the same county in 1883. He was a prosperous farmer. He married Rachel OLIVER, who died in 1893. They had children:

Eliza, married Samuel MILLER, of Elmira, New York;
James, whose son James served in the Union army during the Civil War and died in Libby Prison;
Alexander, of further mention;
Ann, married Peter HENNION, of Newark, New Jersey;
Margaret , married John B. TAYLOR, of Jersey City, New Jersey.

Alexander (2) GILLAND, son of Alexander (1) and Rachel (OLIVER) GILLAND, was born in Chenango county, New York . October 18, 1838, died in 1900. He commenced earning his own living at the age of nine years, receiving four dollars a month for such services as his strength would permit him to perform on the farm. In the course of time he secured a position with the firm of Root & Shafer, dealers in tinware in Newburgh, New York, receiving twenty-six dollars a month and his expenses as a traveling salesman. The value of the services he rendered found appreciation which was shown in increased salary for a period of four years. He was just nineteen years of age when he removed to Pompton Plains, Morris county, New Jersey, served as a clerk for David M. BERRY for about one and a half years, then returned to agricultural pursuits. After his marriage he managed the farm of his father-in-law, and resided on it six years. He bought the Martin J. BERRY hotel at Pompton Plains in 1864, and conducted the same personally and successfully until his death. Mr. Gilland married, November 28, 1858, Clarissa, daughter of Michael H. and Mary (WINTERS) DEMOTT, and they had children:

Charles H., died young;
Alfred, whose name heads this sketch;
Annie I., married Seymour SMITH, of Millport, New York;
Susie M., married F.L. LEWI, of Newark;
John W., whose sketch follows;
Cora May, married Joseph F. McLEAN, of Butler;
Harry Alexander;
Florence Adele.

Alfred GILLAND, son of Alexander (2) and Clarissa (DEMOTT) GILLAND, was born in Pompton Plains, New Jersey, in 1863. He acquired his education in the public schools of his native town, and after gaining the necessary experience to carry on a mercantile business of importance, purchased a store which dealt in general merchandise, and improved it in so many lines that it is now the largest and most enterprising store in the town. Mr. GILLAND has been at the head of this undertaking without interruption for a period of twenty-seven years. At the same time his brother, Harry Alexander, has carried on the hotel business since the death of the father. Mr. GILLAND has taken a prominent part in the public affairs of the community, and has filled a number of public offices with great benefit to the town. He has held the office of postmaster for the past twenty-six years; was collector of the township five years; assessor six years; president of the school board five years, serving on the board twenty years. He is a member of Emmanuel Lodge, No. 200, I.O.O.F.; also of the F. and A.M., and the J.O.U.A.M. He is also a member of the D. of L. Mr. GILLAND married Hester MANDEVILLE, and has two children:

Clara and
Ruth.

This biography was transcribed by Marlene Laing.