M. W. Brother Gulliford was born in Springfield, Pennsylvania, on July 24, 1855. On June 1, 1865, he moved with his parents to Cleveland, Ohio. Very early in life he learned watch making and became proficient in the jewelry business. While incidentally connected with other business enterprises, his life was devoted to his chosen vocation. He established a jewelry store on Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, which he maintained for more than fifty years. He was a life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 1878 Brother Gulliford was married to Miss Ida V. Russell, to who was born a son.
M. W. Brother Gulliford received his Entered Apprentice Degree, January 24, 1887; Fellow Craft Degree, March 28, 1887; and Master Mason Degree, April 11, 1887, in Iris Lodge, No. 229, F. & A. M., Cleveland, Ohio. He served his Lodge as Senior Warden in 1891 and Worshipful Master in 1892.
He received the Mark Master Degree, May 17, 1887; Past and Most Excellent Master Degrees, June 9, 1887; Royal Arch Degree, June 23, 1887, in Webb Chapter, No. 14, R. A. M., Cleveland, Ohio. He was made a Knight of the Red Cross and Malta, August 5, 1887; and a Knight Templar, August 12, 1887, in Oriental Commandery, No. 12, K. T., Cleveland, Ohio. He held the office of Warder, Sword Bearer, Junior Warden, Senior Warden and Generalissimo, and in 1897 was elected Eminent Commander.
In the Scottish Rite he received the degrees in Eliadah Lodge of Perfection, February 11, 1890; and in Bahurim Council, Princes of Jerusalem, February 12, 1890; in Ariel Chapter of Rose Croix, February 12, 1890; in Northern Ohio Consistory, U. D., Chartered Lake Erie Consistory, February 13, 1890.
On December 22, 1891, he was received, admitted, and created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in Al Koran Temple.
In the Grand Lodge, he served as Lecturer for the Twenty-second District in 1892, 1893, and 1894; Junior Grand Deacon, 1892 and 1893; Grand Marshal, 1894; Junior Grand Warden, 1895; Senior Grand Warden, 1896; Deputy Grand Master, 1897, and in 1898 was elected Most Worshipful Grand Master. He was also Representative of the Grand Lodge of Oregon near the Grand Lodge of Ohio. As Chairman of the Committee on Credentials M. W. Brother Gulliford rendered a very valuable and distinctive service.
Death came to M. W. Brother Gulliford on February 10, 1930 at his home in Cleveland, Ohio. The funeral services were conducted on February 14, 1930 by the Grand Lodge of Ohio, with M. W. Brother Frank S. Harmon, Past Grand Master, in charge. His body was interred in the Knollwood Cemetery, Section 17, Lot 283, Mayfield Heights, Ohio.