EDWARD A. GILLER, a prominent citizen of this county, is a native of Manchester, England, born Sept. 11, 1821, his parents being Thomas and Hannah (Bagley) Giller, natives of England. His father was a carriage manufacturer, and was thus engaged until his death, which occurred in his native country in 1839, having survived his wife several years, she dying in 1823. Edward was reared in Manchester, and there learned the trade of carriage painter in his father's manufactory, besides learning to be a very good worker in wood at the same business. His education was limited to a knowledge of reading, writing and some arithmetic. At the age of 20 years, he left England, to seek a home in the new world, being accompanied by his cousin, Robert Frost. They set sail May 14, 1842, on the Roscius, a large sailing vessel, bound for New York. On arriving there they traveled west as far as St. Louis, and then came up to Greene county. Here Edward was employed by a man named King, and received $5 per month for his services, having to do his own washing and mending. He continued there one winter, when, thinking that he was not receiving enough wages, he started out to hunt another place, and was engaged by F. P. Vedder, doing painting in connection with farming. He thus continued to work around until the spring of 1844, when he and his cousin Robert Frost, went to the Galena lead mines, with the intention of getting some wealth. They spent one summer there, but not meeting with much success returned to Greene county, and for the first time since coming to this country, he and his cousin parted, he going south and his cousin east. Edward proceeded to New Orleans, but not finding employment, returned as far as Natchez, where he spent the winter, taking a job of cutting cord-wood at 75 cents a cord. In the spring of 1845 he returned to White Hall and resumed his trade of painting, and also working at wagon and carriage making, until May, 1846, when the Mexican war broke having broken out, he, with ardent patriotism, enlisted in Co. C, 1st Ill. regiment and was elected sergeant-major, the regiment being commanded by the gallant John J. Hardin. Maj. Giller participated in the hardships of the voyage down the Mississippi to New Orleans, thence across the Gulf, to Camp Erwin, Tex., continuing the march, on Dec. 21, the troops occupied Agua Nueva, having completed a six weeks' march of 1,000 miles. The march continued until the battle of Buena Vista, in which severe fight Maj. Giller was engaged, his duties calling him to the side of Col. Hardin. From there he went to Camargo, where he was mustered out, June 17,l 1847, when he returned to White Hall, where, March 1, 1849, Major Giller was married to Augusta Ladd, daughter of Timothy and Deidamia (Swallow) Ladd. He bought 120 acres of land on sections 5 and 6, where he settled down, building a little shop in which he worked at his trade at night, and improved his farm by day. This shop is still standing on the old farm. By the frugal and energetic efforts of the major and his wife, they continued adding to their original tract, from time to time, until they now own two of the finest farms in the county, comprising 985 acres of land, in a good state of cultivation. Major and Mrs. Giller have been blessed with a family of 11 children, seven of whom are living - George A., married Emily C. Robley, resides in Missouri; Charles H., married Hattie Bonfoy, and resides in Roodhouse township; Sophronia J., wife of Jacob Rickert, residing in Kansas; William M., now attending school in Ann Arbor, Mich.; Ella A., Lora B., and Edward A., at home. Those deceased are Marcus R., Walter, Emma, an infant and Alice M. Major Giller is a prominent and enterprising gentleman, and enjoys the confidence of all. He and his family are now enjoying a home of ease and comfort, the fruits of their industry and perseverance. He has served his township as treasurer a great many years, and is a representative member of the grange lodge.