George W. Brownell (1857-1921)

BROWNELL, STEVENS, POWERS, FREEMAN, SWEM

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 5/22/2008 at 13:57:03

It is with sadness, at this Christmas
season, that we record the passing-
of another of Fayette County's
pioneers. George W. Brownell died
at his late home, 404 2nd Ave. E. at
5:30 P. M., Friday, Dec.,23, 1921.
He had been in failing health for
the past year, and last April, was two
weeks in the hospital at Iowa City.
Two months ago his trouble became
complicated and from that time on he
suffered much but bore it patiently
with an iron will and nerve. All that
medical skill and loving care could
do, was done, but of no avail. His
life work has ceased, and he has
entered into eternal rest.
He was the son of William and
Sarah Brownell, 'was born at Elk
Grove, Lafayette County, Wisconsin,
Dec. 5, 1857. There he lived until
the spring of 1875 when he came with
his parents to Scott township, Fayette
County, Iowa, where his father had
purchased a large tract of land,
a portion of which afterward became
his own farm, where he built for
himself a home, residing there until
he moved to Oelwein in 1891.
Feb. 22, 1881, he was married to
Miss Mary Stevens, who died about
two years later. December 25, 1885,
he was united in marriage to Miss
Melissa Powers, who died March 2, 1918.
To this union were born three children,
viz. Charles, who resides on the farm
in Scott township; Burr of Stanley,
and Mrs. Sarah Hallinan of this city.
He had six grandchildren. Oct. 1, 1919
he was married again to Mrs. Jennie
Freeman-Swem, who survives him. One
brother, Grant S., one sister, Nelly,
preceded him in death. One brother,
Frank B. residing at 115 2nd St. E.
remains to mourn his departure and
there are many more distant relatives.
He will be missed by a large circle
of friends and acquaintances,
made during the forty-six years that
he has lived among, them and by
whom he will always be remembered
as a man of integrity and honor.
Rev. Korteling of the Presbyterian
church officiated at the service at
the home Monday, Dec. 26, 2 p.m.
Interment at the Oaklawn cemetery*.

Oelwein Daily Register - 27 Dec 1921
Note: Burial was at Woodlawn Cemetery, Oelwein.