Teed, George Willmer (1849-1941)

TEED, HACKLEY, TATHAM, MARTIN

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 3/5/2015 at 11:33:37

Webster City Freeman, Thursday, June 19, 1941

SERVICES FOR GEORGE W. TEED ARE HELD HERE

Was Pioneer Businessman; Widely Known Over the County

George W. Teed, 92, a resident of Webster City since 1874 and one of the city's widely known businessmen, died at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the home of his son, George M. Teed, 1106 Des Moines street, death being caused by ailments incident to old age.

He had been in failing health for several years and had been bedfast for more than two years.

Funeral services were held at 4 p.m. today at the Foster funeral home, with the Rev. Harold Putney, Congregational pastor, officiating. Burial was made in Graceland cemetery with the Knights Templar putting on the Masonic ritual. There was an honorary escort of members of the Elks club.

He is survived by his son, two granddaughters, Mrs. John W. Hackley and Mrs. Fred E. Tatham, and two grandsons, George W. Teed, jr., and James C. Teed. There are also several nieces and nephews.

George Willmer Teed was known to his hosts of friends in this community as "Pap." He was born March 16, 1849, in Stonebridge, Canada, on the famous Welland canal, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. Pell Teed. He was the eldest of four children.

In 1851 the family moved to Teed's Corners, New York, and in 1860 they moved to Geneseo, N.Y. where he attended grade school and the academy, learning the watch making trade.

He came to Chicago in 1870 where he traveled from Chicago to Yankton, S.D., for Giles Brothers jewelry house. At that time his parents were greatly distressed to think he was moving "so far west." They were sure he would encounter difficulty with the Indians.

He was married to Adella Jane Martin June 16, 1874, in Patterson, N.J., and six months later he and his bride came to Webster City where he entered in partnership with the late B. Detlor in the drug and jewelry business, the building being located at the corner of Seneca and Bank streets now occupied by the Crandall grocery store.

At the time of his arrival here, Dec. 19, 1874, the city was experiencing one of the worst blizzards in its history.

In those days the location of the Teed & Detlor store was one of the best in Webster City. It was just across the street from the old Hamilton house, one of the most famous of central Iowa's old time hostelries.

As business moved up town - into what was then known as "Willson town" - Mr. Teed made plans to move also, and so in 1881, he pulled up stakes on his own hook and moved up into the building he occupied until he retired in 1931 - 632 Second street. At the time of his retirement he was the oldest businessman in continuous business in the city and oldest druggist in continuous business in the state.

Mr. Teed was always active in Webster City business and social groups, being a member of the Acacia lodge, A.F. & A.M., the Elks lodge and the Country club. For many years, before his health failed, he was one of the city's golf enthusiasts.

He was the last charter member of Triune Commandery, Knights Templar, and was also a charter member of Hope chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and Sharon chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.

In 1933 Acacia lodge issued a life membership for 50 years of service in the Masonic organization, Royal Arch Masons honored him the same way and the Knights Templar, at the time of their Golden anniversary in 1932, made him a life member.

He was made a life member of the Elks lodge in 1932.

His wife preceded him in death Dec. 12, 1924.

Mr. Teed was very popular among his many friends in Webster City. He was always a great optimist, fond of his home town and loved by all.