Argo, George (1841-1917)

ARGO

Posted By: Linda Linn (email)
Date: 3/2/2011 at 20:44:40

LeMars Semi Weekly Sentinel
12-14-1917
Page 1

NOTED LAWYER DIES
GAINED FAME IN CONDUCT
OF CRIMINAL CASES
G. W. [GEORGE] ARG0 A PROMINENT PIONEER
I. J. McDuffle received a telegram on Wednesday from Spokane, Wash., telling him of the death of his former law partner, George W. Argo, and saying the remains would he shipped here for burial.

George V. Argo was one of the pioneer residents of LeMars, coming here shortly after the founding of t h e town and was intimately associated with the early h i s t o r y of LeMars and the surrounding country. Some thirty years ago he was considered one of the leading criminal lawyers of the state.

Mr. Argo was about seventy-five years of age and had been in failing health for several years. He was born at South Bend, Ind., and learned the carpenter trade. While working at
his t r a d e he studied and read law evenings and in his leisure moments and was admitted to the b r. It is recalled by old residents that he built with his own hands the house on th e corner of Cedar and Sixth streets, which washis home for many years.

Mr. Argo located here in the seventies and soon built up a fine practice, making a specialty of criminal law. He was known as a splendid pleader before a jury and was a keen judge of human nature. In early days he formed a partnrs ip with Major C. .T. Ball, a well known figure in pioneer times.

Mr. Argo was associated later with the late S. C. Kelly. In 1887 I.J. McDuffle coming here from Jefferson, formed a partnership with Gen, Argo and they were in business-together for ten years. Mr. Argo then went to Sioux City where he continued to practice law until failing health prevented any longer active work. While in Sioux City for several years he maintained an office in LeMars, being associated with t h e firm of Argo, Allen & Austin, and later in the firm of Argo
& Edelsteln, of LeMars.

Mr. Argo gained fame in the eighties when the famous Haddock murder case was tried in Sioux City. Rev. Geo. C. Haddock, a Methodist preacher in Sioux City, who headed crusades against saloons, was shot and killed on August 3, 188?. John Arenedorf, a well known Sioux City brewer, was indicted for the murder and after two trials, in the first the jury disagreed,was found not guilty.

Mr. Argo was leading attorney for the defense. Argo was also defending counsel in several other big criminal cases of note in early days.

In his youth he served in the civil war, enlisting in an Indiana regiment.

He was a strong, vigorous man physically and in temperament and hadmany staunch friends a s well as many bitter enemies when he was in the zenith of his career.
He is survived by two daughters, Miss Florence Argo and Miss Vinnie Argo, of Spokane, Wash. His wife died about three years ago.

The funeral services will be held this afternoon at the Engelken undertaking parlors and the remains laid to rest beside those of his wife and one child, in the city cemetery.

Gravestone photo
 

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