John D. Hilliard was born in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, July 2, 1818, and died at his residence near Zion M. E. Church, Field township, Jefferson Co., Ill., July 19, 1893, aged 75 years and17 days.

He was married to Miss Mary M. Hunt Nov. 2, 1843.

They were blessed with eleven children, four sons and seven daughters.

Two of the girls have gone before him into the heavenly home.

The rest of the children are living, the oldest, John P. Hilliard, of Weatland, Col.; Dr. S. H. Hilliard, H. A. and Geo. E. all of Jefferson county; Mrs. Myers, of Washington county; Mrs. Colemyre, Miss Alice Hilliard, Mrs. J. B. Crowder and Mrs. Henry Stonecypher, all of Jefferson county, who mourn the loss of as good a father as ever lived in this world.

He was converted at the age of 17 years and lived a consistent Christian for 58 years. Before he came to Illinois he was an active member of Old South Church, Boston, Mass. He was always an active worker for Christ.

In 1884 he went out with his son-in-law to Dodge City, Kansas, and there being no church there he went to work and help until there was a house to worship God in. He rejoiced happily in the fruits of his labors.

In 1886 he came back to Jefferson county after seeing the son and daughter comfortably located, who afterward returned to this county.

At the holiness meetings at Mt. Vernon in July, 1892, he received the blessing of sanctification or perfect love and was happy a man from that time until his death as ever lived in this sin-cursed world. He died as had lived. He just fell asleep, trusting in God's promises to the faithful. It seemed as if the windows of heaven opened and received one more pure saint into the heavenly home. A BROTHER IN CHRIST.

Source:
Date: July 19, 1893
Submitted by: Ken Richardson