Eva Morrow (1881-1944), was the daughter of Civil War Veteran Edwin Morrow (1846-1890) and Alice Godwin Morrow (1849-1919). Alice Godwin Morrow was the daughter of Mary Ann Elliott (1826- 1882) and Reverend William Daniel Godwin (1824 - 1907). Mary Ann Elliott was the granddaughter of Thomas Elliott (1761-1805), and Thomas Elliott was the aide-de-camp to General Francis Marion (The Swamp Fox), who wrote most of General Marion's correspondence in the Revolutionary War.
Eva Morrow Gill was skilled at many things, one of which was writing poems. She wrote this poem, and it was read at her funeral:
MY PRAYER
Lord make my life a candle light
If I can be no star,
For Jesus, let me shine each day
Though I shine not far.
Lord take the glare from out my
light
And make it softly glow,
That it might save some saddened
heart
And bring back hope once more.
Take from my light all flashing
gleams,
Just make it steady; true,
That it might inspire confidence
And lead someone to You.
Lord let me be a candle light
If I can be no star,
And though I shine only at home
My prayer can go afar.
– Eva M. Gill
Eva Morrow (1881-1944) was married to Micheal (also spelled "Michael") Baughman Gill (1874-1946) and they had the following children:
1. Evelyn Gill (b: 1907 d: 1953)
Spouse: Rudolph Richard Plotz (1904 - 1965)
2. Michael Baughman Gill, Jr. (b: 1910 d: Oct 1966 in Dade County, FL)
Spouse: Sylvia G. (b: 28 Mar 1918 d: 20 Aug 2005 in Dade County, FL)
3. Myriam Gill (b: 1912 d: 1927)
4. William Morrow Gill (b: 7 Jul 1914, Lincoln Parish, LA d: 30 May 1990, Bexar Co, TX)
Spouse: Ruth Albritton (b: 7 Nov 1916 in Farmerville, Union Parish, LA d: 29 Mar 2006, Bexar Co, TX)
5. Benjamin Cameron Gill (b: 28 Dec 1916 in Ruston, LA d: 5 Dec 1989 in Jefferson Co, TX)
Spouse: Lucille Hood (b: 3 Nov 1919 d: )
6. Clinton Reagon Gill (b: 21 Nov1919 in Ruston, LA d: 29 Oct 2001 in Shreveport, LA) Spouse: Margaret Hope Griffith ( b: 30 Dec 1918 d: 7 Oct 2003 in Shreveport, LA)
7. James Monroe Gill (b: 2 Sept 1922 in Ruston, LA d: 6 Jun 1994 in Baton Rouge, LA)
Spouse: Winfred Lindsay (b: 1922 )
{Married in 1946 in Palm Beach, FL ]
OBITUARY
The Ruston Daily Leader, Front Page
Nov. 20, 1944
Funeral Service Held
For Mrs. Gill Here
Funeral services for Mrs. M. B. Gill were held Sunday afternoon in the Temple Baptist Church in Ruston. Interment was in the Greenwood cemetery. Mrs. Gill died in a hospital in Shreveport Friday after a lingering illness. The services were conducted by Rev. Charles L. McKay with Rev. C. S. Cadwallender assisting. Mrs. Gill is survived by her husband M. B. Gill of Ruston; a daughter, Mrs. Plotz of St. Louis, Mo.; five sons, Lieut. (sg) M.B. Gill, Jr., in the South Pacific; William G. Gill of Shreveport, Ben C. Gill of Texarkana, Texas, Sgt. Clinton Gill, stationed at Tucson, Ariz., Ensign James Gill, stationed at Miami, Fla,; three sisters, Mrs. Madella M. Bailey, Mrs. Alice M. Stewart, Mrs. Stella M. Toler, all of Shreveport; two brothers, William Morrow of Shreveport, John Morrow of Dallas, Texas and five grandchildren.
The Ruston Daily Leader, Page 4
Nov. 20, 1944
MRS. M. B. Gill
Sad but beautiful in its simplicity was the funeral service held for Mrs. M. B. Gill Sunday afternoon in Temple Baptist Church with Rev. Chas. L. McKay, pastor, conducting assisted by Rev. C. S. Cadwallader, pastor of the First Baptist Church. A quintette sang very tenderly "Asleep In Jesus" and "The Old Rugged Cross," with Mrs. R. W. Lawson at the organ. Rev. Cadwallader read a most comforting scripture, John 14 after which Dr. McKay read a loving tribute to her life – a life spent in consecrated service to her Master, enduring service to her family and friends, and all other in whom she made contact. We can say with heavy hearts that the world was made bigger and better for her being in it. Heaven will be brighter and more beautiful by her presence there. To husband, children, sisters and brothers, whole hearts are grieved by her passing, we would leave this thought: to live as she lived and your assurance of heaven secure.
-----A. friend
***********
EVA EDWINA MORROW GILL
*By: Dr. Phillip Plotz, M. D.
Eva Edwina Morrow Gill was a prominent and well-loved member of Ruston, Louisiana's society. Her stature stemmed from her gracious personality and her involvement in Ruston's Baptist and civic organizations. She was a member of Temple Baptist Church in Ruston and served as the church Music Club Committee Chairperson. She also volunteered for the church Women's Missionary Circle. Eva was known throughout the Ruston Baptist community. At her funeral, ministers from both Temple Baptist Church and First Baptist Church officiated.
Eva completed her education upon graduation from Louisiana Normal School in 1901 and obtained a teaching job at the Chautauqua School in Ruston where she lived in a dormitory with other teachers and students. On Sundays, she enjoyed riding. One weekend, she went to Ruston's livery stable to rent a buggy to ride around the countryside. When she returned, the owner of the stable did not charge her. The same thing happened the next weekend. Finally on the third weekend, the owner of the stable asked her if he might hold the reins for her and show her the sights in Ruston. That man was M.B. Gill, Sr. and so began their courtship.
She married Michael Baughman Gill in Lincoln Parish on 1 Jul 1906 at the age of 24. Baughman was becoming a wealthy man being involved in the real estate and oil business and at one time Eva had live-in help in her house.
Eva was a writer for the town paper, the Ruston Daily Leader, mostly obituaries and social columns. She even wrote her own mother's obituary, describing lovingly Alice Morrow's passing. (This can be read on Alice Morrow's findagrave page.) When Eva's family had social gatherings or visitors, it was written about in the paper, probably by Eva herself. Her own death was announced both on the front page and on page 4 of the paper on the same day.
Eva Gill was also a gifted poet. There exists an unpublished book of her poems, some of which she wrote about her children. The last verse of one poem is inscribed on the Gill Family grave monument and is a touching tribute to her faith in God. She also wrote a poem about her mother and included it with her mother's obituary.
She was involved with local and state politics, often critical of corrupt politicians in Baton Rouge. Always hospitable, when her family's financial situation took a downturn, she opened her home to boarders to help the family budget during the Depression.
At one point, during World War II, she had three sons serving in the military in various parts of the world. That must have been a scary time for Eva thinking of the potential loss of her boys.
One of her greatest achievements was the education of her five sons. All of her boys attended Louisiana Tech University due in no small part to her support and encouragement.
Eva's life was not without personal tragedy. She was only 9 when her father, Edwin E. Morrow, was killed in a cotton gin accident in Big Cane, LA, and her third child, Miriam Gill, died of asthma-like condition at the age of 14. That must have been especially heartbreaking for Eva. Miriam is buried next to Eva in Greenwood Cemetery in Ruston.
Throughout her life, Eva remained devoted to her extended family as they were to her. When her mother was convalescing from an illness, she lived with Eva, and died at Eva's home. And when Eva was stricken with terminal cervical cancer, her sister Stella took care of her until her death in a hospital in Shreveport.
* Dr. Phillip Plotz wrote this tribute to his great grandmother, Eva Morrow Gill, after visiting Ruston, Louisiana, and doing extensive research.
***********
Eva Morrow Gill was skilled at many things, one of which was writing poems. She wrote this poem, and it was read at her funeral:
MY PRAYER
Lord make my life a candle light
If I can be no star,
For Jesus, let me shine each day
Though I shine not far.
Lord take the glare from out my
light
And make it softly glow,
That it might save some saddened
heart
And bring back hope once more.
Take from my light all flashing
gleams,
Just make it steady; true,
That it might inspire confidence
And lead someone to You.
Lord let me be a candle light
If I can be no star,
And though I shine only at home
My prayer can go afar.
– Eva M. Gill
Eva Morrow (1881-1944) was married to Micheal (also spelled "Michael") Baughman Gill (1874-1946) and they had the following children:
1. Evelyn Gill (b: 1907 d: 1953)
Spouse: Rudolph Richard Plotz (1904 - 1965)
2. Michael Baughman Gill, Jr. (b: 1910 d: Oct 1966 in Dade County, FL)
Spouse: Sylvia G. (b: 28 Mar 1918 d: 20 Aug 2005 in Dade County, FL)
3. Myriam Gill (b: 1912 d: 1927)
4. William Morrow Gill (b: 7 Jul 1914, Lincoln Parish, LA d: 30 May 1990, Bexar Co, TX)
Spouse: Ruth Albritton (b: 7 Nov 1916 in Farmerville, Union Parish, LA d: 29 Mar 2006, Bexar Co, TX)
5. Benjamin Cameron Gill (b: 28 Dec 1916 in Ruston, LA d: 5 Dec 1989 in Jefferson Co, TX)
Spouse: Lucille Hood (b: 3 Nov 1919 d: )
6. Clinton Reagon Gill (b: 21 Nov1919 in Ruston, LA d: 29 Oct 2001 in Shreveport, LA) Spouse: Margaret Hope Griffith ( b: 30 Dec 1918 d: 7 Oct 2003 in Shreveport, LA)
7. James Monroe Gill (b: 2 Sept 1922 in Ruston, LA d: 6 Jun 1994 in Baton Rouge, LA)
Spouse: Winfred Lindsay (b: 1922 )
{Married in 1946 in Palm Beach, FL ]
OBITUARY
The Ruston Daily Leader, Front Page
Nov. 20, 1944
Funeral Service Held
For Mrs. Gill Here
Funeral services for Mrs. M. B. Gill were held Sunday afternoon in the Temple Baptist Church in Ruston. Interment was in the Greenwood cemetery. Mrs. Gill died in a hospital in Shreveport Friday after a lingering illness. The services were conducted by Rev. Charles L. McKay with Rev. C. S. Cadwallender assisting. Mrs. Gill is survived by her husband M. B. Gill of Ruston; a daughter, Mrs. Plotz of St. Louis, Mo.; five sons, Lieut. (sg) M.B. Gill, Jr., in the South Pacific; William G. Gill of Shreveport, Ben C. Gill of Texarkana, Texas, Sgt. Clinton Gill, stationed at Tucson, Ariz., Ensign James Gill, stationed at Miami, Fla,; three sisters, Mrs. Madella M. Bailey, Mrs. Alice M. Stewart, Mrs. Stella M. Toler, all of Shreveport; two brothers, William Morrow of Shreveport, John Morrow of Dallas, Texas and five grandchildren.
The Ruston Daily Leader, Page 4
Nov. 20, 1944
MRS. M. B. Gill
Sad but beautiful in its simplicity was the funeral service held for Mrs. M. B. Gill Sunday afternoon in Temple Baptist Church with Rev. Chas. L. McKay, pastor, conducting assisted by Rev. C. S. Cadwallader, pastor of the First Baptist Church. A quintette sang very tenderly "Asleep In Jesus" and "The Old Rugged Cross," with Mrs. R. W. Lawson at the organ. Rev. Cadwallader read a most comforting scripture, John 14 after which Dr. McKay read a loving tribute to her life – a life spent in consecrated service to her Master, enduring service to her family and friends, and all other in whom she made contact. We can say with heavy hearts that the world was made bigger and better for her being in it. Heaven will be brighter and more beautiful by her presence there. To husband, children, sisters and brothers, whole hearts are grieved by her passing, we would leave this thought: to live as she lived and your assurance of heaven secure.
-----A. friend
***********
EVA EDWINA MORROW GILL
*By: Dr. Phillip Plotz, M. D.
Eva Edwina Morrow Gill was a prominent and well-loved member of Ruston, Louisiana's society. Her stature stemmed from her gracious personality and her involvement in Ruston's Baptist and civic organizations. She was a member of Temple Baptist Church in Ruston and served as the church Music Club Committee Chairperson. She also volunteered for the church Women's Missionary Circle. Eva was known throughout the Ruston Baptist community. At her funeral, ministers from both Temple Baptist Church and First Baptist Church officiated.
Eva completed her education upon graduation from Louisiana Normal School in 1901 and obtained a teaching job at the Chautauqua School in Ruston where she lived in a dormitory with other teachers and students. On Sundays, she enjoyed riding. One weekend, she went to Ruston's livery stable to rent a buggy to ride around the countryside. When she returned, the owner of the stable did not charge her. The same thing happened the next weekend. Finally on the third weekend, the owner of the stable asked her if he might hold the reins for her and show her the sights in Ruston. That man was M.B. Gill, Sr. and so began their courtship.
She married Michael Baughman Gill in Lincoln Parish on 1 Jul 1906 at the age of 24. Baughman was becoming a wealthy man being involved in the real estate and oil business and at one time Eva had live-in help in her house.
Eva was a writer for the town paper, the Ruston Daily Leader, mostly obituaries and social columns. She even wrote her own mother's obituary, describing lovingly Alice Morrow's passing. (This can be read on Alice Morrow's findagrave page.) When Eva's family had social gatherings or visitors, it was written about in the paper, probably by Eva herself. Her own death was announced both on the front page and on page 4 of the paper on the same day.
Eva Gill was also a gifted poet. There exists an unpublished book of her poems, some of which she wrote about her children. The last verse of one poem is inscribed on the Gill Family grave monument and is a touching tribute to her faith in God. She also wrote a poem about her mother and included it with her mother's obituary.
She was involved with local and state politics, often critical of corrupt politicians in Baton Rouge. Always hospitable, when her family's financial situation took a downturn, she opened her home to boarders to help the family budget during the Depression.
At one point, during World War II, she had three sons serving in the military in various parts of the world. That must have been a scary time for Eva thinking of the potential loss of her boys.
One of her greatest achievements was the education of her five sons. All of her boys attended Louisiana Tech University due in no small part to her support and encouragement.
Eva's life was not without personal tragedy. She was only 9 when her father, Edwin E. Morrow, was killed in a cotton gin accident in Big Cane, LA, and her third child, Miriam Gill, died of asthma-like condition at the age of 14. That must have been especially heartbreaking for Eva. Miriam is buried next to Eva in Greenwood Cemetery in Ruston.
Throughout her life, Eva remained devoted to her extended family as they were to her. When her mother was convalescing from an illness, she lived with Eva, and died at Eva's home. And when Eva was stricken with terminal cervical cancer, her sister Stella took care of her until her death in a hospital in Shreveport.
* Dr. Phillip Plotz wrote this tribute to his great grandmother, Eva Morrow Gill, after visiting Ruston, Louisiana, and doing extensive research.
***********
Eva Morrow (1881-1944), was the daughter of Civil War Veteran Edwin Morrow (1846-1890) and Alice Godwin Morrow (1849-1919). Alice Godwin Morrow was the daughter of Mary Ann Elliott (1826- 1882) and Reverend William Daniel Godwin (1824 - 1907). Mary Ann Elliott was the granddaughter of Thomas Elliott (1761-1805), and Thomas Elliott was the aide-de-camp to General Francis Marion (The Swamp Fox), who wrote most of General Marion's correspondence in the Revolutionary War.
Eva Morrow Gill was skilled at many things, one of which was writing poems. She wrote this poem, and it was read at her funeral:
MY PRAYER
Lord make my life a candle light
If I can be no star,
For Jesus, let me shine each day
Though I shine not far.
Lord take the glare from out my
light
And make it softly glow,
That it might save some saddened
heart
And bring back hope once more.
Take from my light all flashing
gleams,
Just make it steady; true,
That it might inspire confidence
And lead someone to You.
Lord let me be a candle light
If I can be no star,
And though I shine only at home
My prayer can go afar.
– Eva M. Gill
Eva Morrow (1881-1944) was married to Micheal (also spelled "Michael") Baughman Gill (1874-1946) and they had the following children:
1. Evelyn Gill (b: 1907 d: 1953)
Spouse: Rudolph Richard Plotz (1904 - 1965)
2. Michael Baughman Gill, Jr. (b: 1910 d: Oct 1966 in Dade County, FL)
Spouse: Sylvia G. (b: 28 Mar 1918 d: 20 Aug 2005 in Dade County, FL)
3. Myriam Gill (b: 1912 d: 1927)
4. William Morrow Gill (b: 7 Jul 1914, Lincoln Parish, LA d: 30 May 1990, Bexar Co, TX)
Spouse: Ruth Albritton (b: 7 Nov 1916 in Farmerville, Union Parish, LA d: 29 Mar 2006, Bexar Co, TX)
5. Benjamin Cameron Gill (b: 28 Dec 1916 in Ruston, LA d: 5 Dec 1989 in Jefferson Co, TX)
Spouse: Lucille Hood (b: 3 Nov 1919 d: )
6. Clinton Reagon Gill (b: 21 Nov1919 in Ruston, LA d: 29 Oct 2001 in Shreveport, LA) Spouse: Margaret Hope Griffith ( b: 30 Dec 1918 d: 7 Oct 2003 in Shreveport, LA)
7. James Monroe Gill (b: 2 Sept 1922 in Ruston, LA d: 6 Jun 1994 in Baton Rouge, LA)
Spouse: Winfred Lindsay (b: 1922 )
{Married in 1946 in Palm Beach, FL ]
OBITUARY
The Ruston Daily Leader, Front Page
Nov. 20, 1944
Funeral Service Held
For Mrs. Gill Here
Funeral services for Mrs. M. B. Gill were held Sunday afternoon in the Temple Baptist Church in Ruston. Interment was in the Greenwood cemetery. Mrs. Gill died in a hospital in Shreveport Friday after a lingering illness. The services were conducted by Rev. Charles L. McKay with Rev. C. S. Cadwallender assisting. Mrs. Gill is survived by her husband M. B. Gill of Ruston; a daughter, Mrs. Plotz of St. Louis, Mo.; five sons, Lieut. (sg) M.B. Gill, Jr., in the South Pacific; William G. Gill of Shreveport, Ben C. Gill of Texarkana, Texas, Sgt. Clinton Gill, stationed at Tucson, Ariz., Ensign James Gill, stationed at Miami, Fla,; three sisters, Mrs. Madella M. Bailey, Mrs. Alice M. Stewart, Mrs. Stella M. Toler, all of Shreveport; two brothers, William Morrow of Shreveport, John Morrow of Dallas, Texas and five grandchildren.
The Ruston Daily Leader, Page 4
Nov. 20, 1944
MRS. M. B. Gill
Sad but beautiful in its simplicity was the funeral service held for Mrs. M. B. Gill Sunday afternoon in Temple Baptist Church with Rev. Chas. L. McKay, pastor, conducting assisted by Rev. C. S. Cadwallader, pastor of the First Baptist Church. A quintette sang very tenderly "Asleep In Jesus" and "The Old Rugged Cross," with Mrs. R. W. Lawson at the organ. Rev. Cadwallader read a most comforting scripture, John 14 after which Dr. McKay read a loving tribute to her life – a life spent in consecrated service to her Master, enduring service to her family and friends, and all other in whom she made contact. We can say with heavy hearts that the world was made bigger and better for her being in it. Heaven will be brighter and more beautiful by her presence there. To husband, children, sisters and brothers, whole hearts are grieved by her passing, we would leave this thought: to live as she lived and your assurance of heaven secure.
-----A. friend
***********
EVA EDWINA MORROW GILL
*By: Dr. Phillip Plotz, M. D.
Eva Edwina Morrow Gill was a prominent and well-loved member of Ruston, Louisiana's society. Her stature stemmed from her gracious personality and her involvement in Ruston's Baptist and civic organizations. She was a member of Temple Baptist Church in Ruston and served as the church Music Club Committee Chairperson. She also volunteered for the church Women's Missionary Circle. Eva was known throughout the Ruston Baptist community. At her funeral, ministers from both Temple Baptist Church and First Baptist Church officiated.
Eva completed her education upon graduation from Louisiana Normal School in 1901 and obtained a teaching job at the Chautauqua School in Ruston where she lived in a dormitory with other teachers and students. On Sundays, she enjoyed riding. One weekend, she went to Ruston's livery stable to rent a buggy to ride around the countryside. When she returned, the owner of the stable did not charge her. The same thing happened the next weekend. Finally on the third weekend, the owner of the stable asked her if he might hold the reins for her and show her the sights in Ruston. That man was M.B. Gill, Sr. and so began their courtship.
She married Michael Baughman Gill in Lincoln Parish on 1 Jul 1906 at the age of 24. Baughman was becoming a wealthy man being involved in the real estate and oil business and at one time Eva had live-in help in her house.
Eva was a writer for the town paper, the Ruston Daily Leader, mostly obituaries and social columns. She even wrote her own mother's obituary, describing lovingly Alice Morrow's passing. (This can be read on Alice Morrow's findagrave page.) When Eva's family had social gatherings or visitors, it was written about in the paper, probably by Eva herself. Her own death was announced both on the front page and on page 4 of the paper on the same day.
Eva Gill was also a gifted poet. There exists an unpublished book of her poems, some of which she wrote about her children. The last verse of one poem is inscribed on the Gill Family grave monument and is a touching tribute to her faith in God. She also wrote a poem about her mother and included it with her mother's obituary.
She was involved with local and state politics, often critical of corrupt politicians in Baton Rouge. Always hospitable, when her family's financial situation took a downturn, she opened her home to boarders to help the family budget during the Depression.
At one point, during World War II, she had three sons serving in the military in various parts of the world. That must have been a scary time for Eva thinking of the potential loss of her boys.
One of her greatest achievements was the education of her five sons. All of her boys attended Louisiana Tech University due in no small part to her support and encouragement.
Eva's life was not without personal tragedy. She was only 9 when her father, Edwin E. Morrow, was killed in a cotton gin accident in Big Cane, LA, and her third child, Miriam Gill, died of asthma-like condition at the age of 14. That must have been especially heartbreaking for Eva. Miriam is buried next to Eva in Greenwood Cemetery in Ruston.
Throughout her life, Eva remained devoted to her extended family as they were to her. When her mother was convalescing from an illness, she lived with Eva, and died at Eva's home. And when Eva was stricken with terminal cervical cancer, her sister Stella took care of her until her death in a hospital in Shreveport.
* Dr. Phillip Plotz wrote this tribute to his great grandmother, Eva Morrow Gill, after visiting Ruston, Louisiana, and doing extensive research.
***********
Eva Morrow Gill was skilled at many things, one of which was writing poems. She wrote this poem, and it was read at her funeral:
MY PRAYER
Lord make my life a candle light
If I can be no star,
For Jesus, let me shine each day
Though I shine not far.
Lord take the glare from out my
light
And make it softly glow,
That it might save some saddened
heart
And bring back hope once more.
Take from my light all flashing
gleams,
Just make it steady; true,
That it might inspire confidence
And lead someone to You.
Lord let me be a candle light
If I can be no star,
And though I shine only at home
My prayer can go afar.
– Eva M. Gill
Eva Morrow (1881-1944) was married to Micheal (also spelled "Michael") Baughman Gill (1874-1946) and they had the following children:
1. Evelyn Gill (b: 1907 d: 1953)
Spouse: Rudolph Richard Plotz (1904 - 1965)
2. Michael Baughman Gill, Jr. (b: 1910 d: Oct 1966 in Dade County, FL)
Spouse: Sylvia G. (b: 28 Mar 1918 d: 20 Aug 2005 in Dade County, FL)
3. Myriam Gill (b: 1912 d: 1927)
4. William Morrow Gill (b: 7 Jul 1914, Lincoln Parish, LA d: 30 May 1990, Bexar Co, TX)
Spouse: Ruth Albritton (b: 7 Nov 1916 in Farmerville, Union Parish, LA d: 29 Mar 2006, Bexar Co, TX)
5. Benjamin Cameron Gill (b: 28 Dec 1916 in Ruston, LA d: 5 Dec 1989 in Jefferson Co, TX)
Spouse: Lucille Hood (b: 3 Nov 1919 d: )
6. Clinton Reagon Gill (b: 21 Nov1919 in Ruston, LA d: 29 Oct 2001 in Shreveport, LA) Spouse: Margaret Hope Griffith ( b: 30 Dec 1918 d: 7 Oct 2003 in Shreveport, LA)
7. James Monroe Gill (b: 2 Sept 1922 in Ruston, LA d: 6 Jun 1994 in Baton Rouge, LA)
Spouse: Winfred Lindsay (b: 1922 )
{Married in 1946 in Palm Beach, FL ]
OBITUARY
The Ruston Daily Leader, Front Page
Nov. 20, 1944
Funeral Service Held
For Mrs. Gill Here
Funeral services for Mrs. M. B. Gill were held Sunday afternoon in the Temple Baptist Church in Ruston. Interment was in the Greenwood cemetery. Mrs. Gill died in a hospital in Shreveport Friday after a lingering illness. The services were conducted by Rev. Charles L. McKay with Rev. C. S. Cadwallender assisting. Mrs. Gill is survived by her husband M. B. Gill of Ruston; a daughter, Mrs. Plotz of St. Louis, Mo.; five sons, Lieut. (sg) M.B. Gill, Jr., in the South Pacific; William G. Gill of Shreveport, Ben C. Gill of Texarkana, Texas, Sgt. Clinton Gill, stationed at Tucson, Ariz., Ensign James Gill, stationed at Miami, Fla,; three sisters, Mrs. Madella M. Bailey, Mrs. Alice M. Stewart, Mrs. Stella M. Toler, all of Shreveport; two brothers, William Morrow of Shreveport, John Morrow of Dallas, Texas and five grandchildren.
The Ruston Daily Leader, Page 4
Nov. 20, 1944
MRS. M. B. Gill
Sad but beautiful in its simplicity was the funeral service held for Mrs. M. B. Gill Sunday afternoon in Temple Baptist Church with Rev. Chas. L. McKay, pastor, conducting assisted by Rev. C. S. Cadwallader, pastor of the First Baptist Church. A quintette sang very tenderly "Asleep In Jesus" and "The Old Rugged Cross," with Mrs. R. W. Lawson at the organ. Rev. Cadwallader read a most comforting scripture, John 14 after which Dr. McKay read a loving tribute to her life – a life spent in consecrated service to her Master, enduring service to her family and friends, and all other in whom she made contact. We can say with heavy hearts that the world was made bigger and better for her being in it. Heaven will be brighter and more beautiful by her presence there. To husband, children, sisters and brothers, whole hearts are grieved by her passing, we would leave this thought: to live as she lived and your assurance of heaven secure.
-----A. friend
***********
EVA EDWINA MORROW GILL
*By: Dr. Phillip Plotz, M. D.
Eva Edwina Morrow Gill was a prominent and well-loved member of Ruston, Louisiana's society. Her stature stemmed from her gracious personality and her involvement in Ruston's Baptist and civic organizations. She was a member of Temple Baptist Church in Ruston and served as the church Music Club Committee Chairperson. She also volunteered for the church Women's Missionary Circle. Eva was known throughout the Ruston Baptist community. At her funeral, ministers from both Temple Baptist Church and First Baptist Church officiated.
Eva completed her education upon graduation from Louisiana Normal School in 1901 and obtained a teaching job at the Chautauqua School in Ruston where she lived in a dormitory with other teachers and students. On Sundays, she enjoyed riding. One weekend, she went to Ruston's livery stable to rent a buggy to ride around the countryside. When she returned, the owner of the stable did not charge her. The same thing happened the next weekend. Finally on the third weekend, the owner of the stable asked her if he might hold the reins for her and show her the sights in Ruston. That man was M.B. Gill, Sr. and so began their courtship.
She married Michael Baughman Gill in Lincoln Parish on 1 Jul 1906 at the age of 24. Baughman was becoming a wealthy man being involved in the real estate and oil business and at one time Eva had live-in help in her house.
Eva was a writer for the town paper, the Ruston Daily Leader, mostly obituaries and social columns. She even wrote her own mother's obituary, describing lovingly Alice Morrow's passing. (This can be read on Alice Morrow's findagrave page.) When Eva's family had social gatherings or visitors, it was written about in the paper, probably by Eva herself. Her own death was announced both on the front page and on page 4 of the paper on the same day.
Eva Gill was also a gifted poet. There exists an unpublished book of her poems, some of which she wrote about her children. The last verse of one poem is inscribed on the Gill Family grave monument and is a touching tribute to her faith in God. She also wrote a poem about her mother and included it with her mother's obituary.
She was involved with local and state politics, often critical of corrupt politicians in Baton Rouge. Always hospitable, when her family's financial situation took a downturn, she opened her home to boarders to help the family budget during the Depression.
At one point, during World War II, she had three sons serving in the military in various parts of the world. That must have been a scary time for Eva thinking of the potential loss of her boys.
One of her greatest achievements was the education of her five sons. All of her boys attended Louisiana Tech University due in no small part to her support and encouragement.
Eva's life was not without personal tragedy. She was only 9 when her father, Edwin E. Morrow, was killed in a cotton gin accident in Big Cane, LA, and her third child, Miriam Gill, died of asthma-like condition at the age of 14. That must have been especially heartbreaking for Eva. Miriam is buried next to Eva in Greenwood Cemetery in Ruston.
Throughout her life, Eva remained devoted to her extended family as they were to her. When her mother was convalescing from an illness, she lived with Eva, and died at Eva's home. And when Eva was stricken with terminal cervical cancer, her sister Stella took care of her until her death in a hospital in Shreveport.
* Dr. Phillip Plotz wrote this tribute to his great grandmother, Eva Morrow Gill, after visiting Ruston, Louisiana, and doing extensive research.
***********
Family Members
Siblings
