Hatch, G.M. 1822-1882

HATCH, WOODWARD

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 12/30/2012 at 21:46:41

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; Aug. 1882

OBITUARY.

HATCH.--Died, at his home, July 31st, of congestion of the brain, G.M. Hatch, aged 60 years and 7 months. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, August 2d, at 2 o'clock P.M.

Mr. Hatch was born Jan. 1, 1822, at Northfield, Vermont. He lived on a farm until he was fifteen years of age, when he learned harness making, which business he followed until he came west in 1866. In 1867 he came to Grinnell and engaged in the mercantile business, establishing himself on what was known for many years as Hatch's corner, at that time a little away from the principal business of the place, and many were ready to prophesy that he had made a mistake. But time showed that he had judged better than they whither business was tending. Five years ago he built his large and elegant block, affording him and his associate in business one of the largest and most commodious salesrooms in Central Iowa.

Mr. Hatch was postmaster in his native place for twelve years. July 15, 1862, he was married to Miss Anna M. Woodward, of Windsor County, Vt. Since his residence in Grinnell he has been closely identified with its business interests--never in an ostentatious or loud manner, but in a quiet, effective way. He was very popular with his own party and his fellow citizens of all parties. He was twice elected, almost without opposition, to the office of mayor, and once he was a reluctant candidate for the Legislature, and although belonging to a party always in a hopeless minority in his own county, came near getting elected. He was a man who eminently minded his own business, and who allowed others to do the same in regard to theirs. Of those now in the mercantile business here, he had been longest in the trade. His health had not been good for some time before his last sickness, which supervened soon after, if it was not directly caused by, over-exertion at the time the tornado visited this place, June 17. Socially Mr. Hatch was genial and companionable, much liked by those who came to know him well. As a business man and a citizen he will be greatly missed.