Posted on: Guernsey Co. Oh Obituaries Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Oh/GuernseyObits/83 Surname: Gillespie, Cook or Cooke, Heade, Borrows, Moore, McCormick ------------------------- Newspaper obituary: The Daily Jeffersonian, 30 Sep 1925 W. J. GILLESPIE PASSED AWAY Prominent Cambridge Merchant Died in Tucson, Ariz., Tuesday Night William J. Gillespie, aged 56 years died in St. Mary's hospital,at Tucson Arizona,Tuesday night,at 9 0'clock,following an acute attack of asthma, according to a telegram received here from Dr. Purcell, of the hospital. The body will be brought to Cambridge, but until its arrival here, funeral arrangements cannot be completed. Word of the death of Mr. Gillespie came as a great shock, not only to the relatives, but also to his associates and many friends. The deceased was well known not only in Cambridge and Guernsey county, but throughout this section of the state, because of his extensive business interests and the active part he has taken in the advancement and development of every movement for the betterment of his home city and county. William J. Gillespie was born near McCleary's Mills in Jefferson township, July 17, 1869, where he grew to young manhood. About 31 years ago he moved to Cambridge and later with his brother-in-law, S. J. McCulley, opened the Gillespie & McCulley furniture store, and since the opening the store has been located in the same building. From the opening of the store the new firm was successful and in a few years was know as one of the leading furniture establishments in Guernsey county. About seven years ago Mr. McCulley retired from the active management of the store, but retained his interest in the company, the name of which at that time was changed to Gillespie-McCulley Furniture Co. For some time Mr. Gillespie had been in poor health, but continued in charge of the business of the firm until compelled to seek relief because of failing health. He visited a number of health resorts and received treatment. About two weeks ago Mr. Gillespie, accompanied by Mr. McCulley, left for St. Mary's hospital in Tucson, Arizona, spending three or four days in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Mr. McCulley remained with his broth-in-law for about one week, before leaving for Cambridge, arriving here last Saturday. missing------had been a member of the U. P. church, taking a very active interest in all departments of the church and Sunday school, and on moving to Cambridge continued his membership in the First U. P. church. At one time he served as superintendent of the Sunday school. In civic affairs Mr. Gillespie was interested in all movements having for their purpose the advancement of his home city and county. He was a member of the Cambridge Rotary club, and during its existence, the Cambridge Commercial club. Mr. Gillespie was vice president of the Guernsey National Bank, having served as a member of the board of directors for a number of years. In addition to the widow Mr. Gillespie is survived by one sister, Mrs. A. L. Moore, of Columbus, and one brother, George Gillespie, of Cambridge. Three sisters and one brother are deceased. The asthmatic attack causing the death of Mr. Gillespie developed suddenly Tuesday night. During the evening he dispatched a night telegraph letter addressed to Mrs. Gillespie, stating that he was slightly improved. The telegram was as follows: "Have sent you a letter every day for seven days. I am able to live here without gettin worse and have cut the treatment in two, which indicates I will slowly improve." At the same time this telegram was received a second telegram reached here as follows: "Mr. Gillespie passed away at 9 p. m. Severe asthmatic attack. Death was very sudden. Dr. Purcell." Both telegrams were dated September 29th.