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George P. Meskimen 1851-1934

VALLEY, SAWVELL, FISH, GILSON

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 3/26/2007 at 00:54:21

Born in 1851 he came to Allamakee and first lived at Rossville

Again we are called upon to chronicle the rather sudden demise of one of our old and highly respected citizens, George Meskimen, who passed away at his home in Harpers Ferry, Thursday evening, November 29th, after an illness of just a few hours, he having suffered a paralytic stroke the same morning.

Mr. Meskimen was born September 12th 1851 in Coshocton county, Ohio moving west with the family at the age of five years. Transportation was by covered wagon.

The family took up residence in Benton county, Iowa, where he remained until he was married on July 1st. 1991, to Mary C. Fish, the ceremony taking place at Peoria, Illinois. Eight children were born to this union, four of whom have died, the surviving members of the family being Charles of Cedar Rapids, Gephard of Clearmont, Missouri, Mrs. William Valley , and Geneva of Harpers Ferry.

After his marriage he again returned to Iowa, taking up residence in Benton and Linn counties, and a portion of this time he was employed by the Cedar Rapids Street Railway Company, driving a horse car. He also followed the sawmill business for a great number of years, being a first class sawyer. Thirty-six years ago he removed his family to Rossville, where they resided until 1921, when they came to Harper Ferry

The day before his death he was one of the most happy persons in the county, as he had just received his first old age pension check and he felt that he could now commence to enfoy life. George Meskimen was an honorable gentleman, a gereral favorite of everyone, he possessed a pleasing personality, was well posted and could carry on an interesting conversation with anyone. He had a pleasant salute for every person he met and will be sadly missed by many friends, and it can truthfully be said that when he departed this life he did not leave an enemy.

His funeral was held Sunday afternoon, December 2nd, burial taking place at Rossville beside his loving wife who died on August 7 1916. Services at the home were conducted by Rev. Wareburg of Waterville. The casket bearers were Joe Calvey? Dave Vickery, Ray Vickery, Martin Valley, Ed Valley and Ed Sawvell, out of town relatives were Mrs. Reva (Gilson) Meskimen and daughters of Waukon.


 

Allamakee Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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