June 19, 1918
GEORGE COWAN GILMER
Dr. George Cowan Gilmer was born in Hansonville, Russell county, Virginia, on Feb. 26, 1847. His early life was spent at that place. He received his education at the academy at Abingdon, Virginia, and at King College at Bristol. Having decided to study medicine, he entered the Medical College of Virginia at Richmond, Virginia, from which institution he was graduated in 1873.
Dr. Gilmer served in the Confederate Army during the last year of the war between the states, and although still a youth in age, he was a man in size, and was promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
He began the practice of medicine at Estilleville, now Gate City, Va., and in the year 1878 removed to this section where he continued the practice of his chosen profession. He was married on May 20, 1879, to Miss Nettie Reasor, of Turkey Cove, Lee county, Va., and in this union were born the following children: John Axley, Guy Henderson, George Carl and Charles Benton. The two last named children died some years ago, and are buried in Turkey Cove near the former residence of Mr. Milt Reasor. His wife and the two oldest children survive him. For several months Dr. Gilmer has been in declining health, and while his loved ones and friends hoped for the best, his death was not unexpected. The end came Thursday morning, June 13th, at 1:50 o'clock, aged 71 years, 3 months and 17 days.
Dr. Gilmer's long and useful life speaks to us today in far more eloquent terms than it could be outlined in words. For the past forty years he has given himself to the work of mercy in the relief of human suffering. During the day and during the night, in summer and in winter, he responded to the many calls for his services, and ministered to the sick and dying of this community. he was no doubt the best known figure amongst us, having won not only the respect of all his neighbors and friends, but a very warm place in their hearts. He was a man of positive religious convictions, having made a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ early in life, and united with the Southern Methodist church in Russell county. He transferred his membership to the congregation of the same church at Big Stone Gap when he moved to this section. During his illness he expressed himself as being ready to die, both to the members of his family and to his pastor and friends. He fully realized his condition and bravely awaited with Christian resignation the will of the Lord. By his many friends, Dr. Gilmer is considered a great man because of the two sons whom he reared; one a distinguished and successful physician who enjoys a large practice in this community, and the confidence of all the people, while the other fills a most important position in the operating department of the Norfolk & Western Railway Company with headquarters at Roanoke, Virginia. The successful careers of these two sons were a source of much comport and satisfaction to their father, and during his last illness their tender care and filial devotion contributed much to the happiness and comfort of their aged father.
Dr. Gilmer's death will be mourned by his large circle of friends and acquaintances, who extend affectionate sympathy to the bereaved family.
The funeral services were held from the residence in Turkey Cove Friday morning at 11 o'clock, conducted by Rev. C. W. Dean, his pastor, assisted by Rev. H. S. Hamilton, Rev. Jones, and Rev. Jas. M. Smith. A large number of sorrowing friends were in attendance from all parts of Wise and Lee counties.
The interment was made in the family cemetery near the residence.
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