Cleveland, George W. 1838-1903

CLEVELAND, GATES

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 12/19/2011 at 09:54:26

Grinnell (IA) newspaper; July 7, 1903

GEORGE W. CLEVELAND

George W. Cleveland was born in Oneida Co., New York, in 1838, and died in this city July 3rd, 1903. At the age of six years he, with his parents, moved to the town of North Bay, Oneida Co., N.Y. Here the father died leaving the widowed mother and two small children. At the early age of twelve he began to assist in the care of mother and sister, which assistance continued until her second marriage--eleven years afterwards. At the age of eighteen he became a Christian, but did not unite with any church until after coming to Grinnell, when he became a member of the First Congregational Church which membership he retained until his death.

He was never married. When the Dakota lands were opened he went west, taking a claim in that state. He endured the hardships of the Dakota climate for nine years--living alone the greater part of the time. Here his health failed and he came to Iowa to live with his only sister, Mrs. S.E. Gates, where he has been at home ever since.

He was a great sufferer, having been confined to his bed during the last six months of his life. Everything was done for his comfort and recovery but to no avail. His faith in the Father above was a great comfort and consolation and aided him during his hours of pain.

The funeral was conducted from the home of his sister at 12:30 p.m. Sunday by Dr. W.P. Stoddard.