GEORGE, Charles F. - 1912 Bio (1832-1922)

GEORGE, STEBBINS, MENDENHALL, PIERCE, MORRIS, MOUNT, GARD

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 9/13/2007 at 20:56:00

History of Jefferson County, Iowa -- A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, Vol II, Published 1912, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 330-332

Charles F. GEORGE.

No history of Fairfield would be complete without extended reference to Charles F. GEORGE who for fifty years was one of the prominent and honored merchants of the city connected with the jewelry trade throughout that entire period. He then retired to private life and is now enjoying a well earned rest. He was born in Oswego, New York, May 15, 1832, a son of Joel and Elizabeth (STEBBINS) GEORGE, who were natives of New York and Massachusetts respectively. The mother died in Bloomington, Illinois, in 1885, and the father spent his last days in the home of his son Charles, passing away in 1887. He was a machinist and throughout his life had followed that trade. In the family were four children, Sidney, Charles F., Hattie and Lyman F. The last named died at the age of five years and the others have passed away with the exception of Charles F. GEORGE, who is now the only surviving member of the family.

When he was three years of age his parents removed to Joliet, Illinois, so that the greater part of his life has been passed in the middle west. He there resided until twenty-three years of age, and pursued his education as a public school student until he reached the age of seventeen years, when he began learning the trade of a jeweler and watch maker. He closely applied himself to the business and gained expert knowledge of and skill in the trade. At twenty-three years of age he removed to Beardstown, Illinois, and in 1859 came to Fairfield, where he has since resided. Here he opened a jewelry store which he conducted successfully until seven years ago, when he sold out to T. E. McLain, who had learned the trade under Mr. GEORGE and who still continues the business at the old location on the north side of the square. After continuing in the jewelry trade for fifty years Mr. GEORGE felt that he was entitled to the rest that he is now enjoying and retired. He was ever progressive in business, energetic and enterprising, and while he endeavored to extend his trade relations and build up a profitable enterprise he never sought success at the sacrifice of another's interests. He now resides at No. 1008 West Burlington street and his home, which is a fine old brick residence built by his father-in-law, stands in the midst of nineteen acres of ground, well kept and tastefully improved.

On the 12th of February, 1861, in his present home Mr. GEORGE was united in marriage to Miss Esther A. MENDENHALL, who was born November 22, 1842, in a log house in Fairfield where the Presbyterian churh now stands. Her parents were Daniel and Susannah (PIERCE) MENDENHALL, who were natives of North Carolina and Virginia respectively but were reared and married in Indiana. They came to Fairfield in 1842 when Iowa was still under territorial rule and their remaining days were passed here. The father died November 9, 1873, at the age of fifty-three years, nine months and ten days, while his wife passed away March 23, 1904, at the age of eighty years and six months. He was a gunsmith by trade and after coming to Iowa was engaged in the grain and live-stock business in this city for many years and during the period of the war when prices became high he sold his products at a good profit and laid the foundation for his fortune, becoming very prosperous. About fifty years ago he built the residence now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. GEORGE. He was identified with everything for the good and welfare of the city, cooperating in the various movements and measures for public progress and improvement. He also gave liberally to church work and was an active and helpful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His political views stanchly supported the democratic party but he was never a politician in the sense of the office-seeking kind. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. MENDENHALL were six children: Esther, now Mrs. GEORGE; Sarah Jane, the widow of C. C. MORRIS, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa; Louis, living in Fairfield; Mrs. Ella MOUNT, deceased; Anna, the wife of John GARD, of St. Louis, Missouri; and Laura, who died at the age of eighteen years. Mr. and Mrs. GEORGE have but one child, Dr. Edward J. GEORGE, of Chicago, who is a professor in Hahnemann College and is a specialist in the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. He has a large private practice with offices in the Marshall Field building. He was born in the house which his parents still occupy in 1863, acquired his early education in the public schools of Fairfield and prepared for the practice of his profession as a student in the Chicago Homeopathic Medical College. His record is one of which his parents have every reason to be proud as he has attained considerable distinction in the field of his specialty.

Mr. GEORGE was made a Mason in Joliet, Illinois, in 1854, afterward took the Royal Arch degree and for ten years was honored with election to the office of high priest of the chapter in Fairfield. His fellow citizens have always entertained for him the warmest regard and give him the highest confidence and he has ever shown himself fully worthy of such honors. His life has been one of usefulness and activity, crowned by well earned rest. There is an old age which grows better and stronger mentally and physically as the years go by and gives out of its rich stores of wisdom of experience for the benefit of others and this Mr. GEORGE has done.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.