Sherman, George S. 1856-1921

SHERMAN, NETTLETON, MALLORY, EASTON, PARKER, PHILLIPS

Posted By: Bart Hamlett (email)
Date: 1/13/2016 at 21:46:37

Had life been lengthened ten days for George S. Sherman, he would have been sixty-five years of age. He was born in Delaware County, Iowa, June 18, 1856 and ended a useful career on June 8, 1921, having lived 64 years, 11 months and 20 days.

George was the son of Daniel and Lorena Sherman. Of the parental family he is survived by two sisters and one brother: Mrs Dora C. Nettleton, of Hill City, Kansas; Mrs Ada Mallory, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and D.A. Sherman of Edgewood, Iowa.

Only such opportunities as were afforded by the rural schools of those times, were offered during the early years of the subject of this sketch, and his education was thus limited. As he advanced in years he assisted some of the best farmers of the neighborhood in their agricultural labor. He thus gained knowledge which aided in the successful management of his own projects in latter life.
On February 20, 1876 he was married to Miss Ida Marion Easton, who after more than 45 years of mutual understanding and helpful companionship, is now left to mourn the departure of a faithful husband.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sherman were for seven years rather unsettled in making for themselves a permanent home. For a part of that time they were on a farm in Delaware County, next they tried Kansas, suffering from the grasshopper scourge. Their next home was near Iowa Falls, in Hardin County of this state where they remained three years. This worthy couple then determined to have a home of their own, even if it was humble in extent of territory. They purchased five acres of land two miles north of Edgewood, and in the fall of 1883, they moved into a log cabin, their own home.

Since then success has followed a life of honest industry and intelligent endeavor. Land holdings were increased, primitive buildings have been replaced by those modern in every respect and their children located in prosperous homes of their own. The sons; Ernest, Fred and Elmer are on farms adjoining the old homestead upon which Bryan is located.

A short time before his death, the deceased in talking to the writer of these lines, expressed his satisfaction regarding the very pleasant relationship existing between his children. He spoke feelingly of the entire absence of all controversy. His daughter, Mrs. Myrtle Parker, resides in El Cajon, Cal., while his other daughter Mrs. Letha Phillips lives near Earlville, Iowa. The first born of the family was Willie, who at the age of 11 months was called from earthly scenes. This was while the family was in Kansas. The great and crushing affliction of Mr. Sherman's life was the loss of his daughter, Mrs. Verna Hagensick, who died December 6, 1916. The little grandson, George S. Hagensick, has been at home with grandparents, where he has been tenderly cared for, giving in return a full measure of childish affection. Of the six other grandchildren each has accorded its own special place in the loving regard of the one so deeply interested in their welfare. He was especially anxious that as they arrive at the proper age their education should not be neglected.

While many farmers in like circumstances were moving to the city or town, Mr. Sherman always claimed he could be more contented and happy on Woodland Farm, and his home was called then, than in any city residence. There he had lived with his family, until his children were all married and in homes of their own, and around that spot his life interests had centered. Who can criticize his actions?

The departed was a member of The Modern Woodmen of America, and also of the Royal Neighbors, and by the members of those orders he will be especially missed.

Mr. Sherman was a firm believer in the value of Christian principles, either from the individual or community standpoint. Kind and generous hearted he has been helpful to many of his fellow men, applying by work more than word, the principles of the Golden Rule. He gladly gave to the support of the church, preferring to give the money in hand, rather than have his name appear on the list of contributors. The Great Master on occasion told his followers that they should not give to be seen of men. This man of noble impulses, seemed to have imbibed that idea.

George S. Sherman will be missed by this community. For years his advice has been sought by those desiring to improve methods of agriculture. If some of his ideas were original, he could show results in support of his contention. By example and precept, the life now closed has exerted an influence for good to many persons. A profound feeling of loss and sadness is shared by the large circle of friends and acquaintances.

The funeral services were held at the old homestead, Monday, June 13, at 10 a.m., by Rev. A.F. Eldridge. Internment was made in the Edgewood Cemetery.

Those in attendance at the funeral from out-of-town were, Mrs. Myrtle Parker of El Cajon, Cal., Mr. and Mrs. W.P. Phillips of Earlville, Iowa, Mrs. H.H. Mallory and daughter Pearl, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Charles Easton and family of Strawberry Point; Ira Rankin and family and Ed Easton and Jesse Nading and mother of Strawberry Point; and Mrs. Charles Chase of Hutchinson, Kansas.

( as written in the Edgewood Journal June 16, 1921 )