Adams, Rev. George M. 1845-1907

ADAMS, HAVENS, LATIMER

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 8/24/2016 at 16:40:59

The Grinnell (IA) Herald
May 1907

REV. GEO. M. ADAMS

Rev. George M. Adams was born Sept. 14, 1845, at Worcester, Mass. His parents moved to Rockford, Ill. in 1852 and in 1856 to Mason City, Ia.

In early life he became a Christian and joined the Congregational church. In 1863, he entered Iowa College with the idea of becoming a minister. About this time his mother became a Baptist, from conviction. Through her influence he became a Baptist and a year or two after the close of the war, entered the Baptist Theological Seminary in Chicago, graduating in 1870. In 1861 he enlisted with other students of Iowa College in the company of volunteers raised by Prof. Parker. This company became a part of the 46th Iowa, D.B. Henderson, Col.

Oct. 16, 1871, he was married to Miss Lydia Havens of Kalamazoo, Mich., who died Nov. 2, 1904, at Hedrick. Seven children came to the home, who of whom died in infancy.

Mr. Adams was ordained May (13)?, 1868, at Hinsdale, Ill. and had held pastorates in Iowa, Mich., Indiana and Kansas.

He died May 8, 1907, at Hedrick, Iowa, and was laid to rest in Hazelwood cemetery beside his wife. It was their chosen resting place.

The children, Mrs. Bertha M Cranford, Edith E., George M. Jr., Claribel J. and Mrs. Jessie Latimer, were all with the father during the last week of his life, except Mrs. Latimer, who is a missionary in Huchow, China

Rev. Orr Campbell, of Hedrick Baptist church conducted the funeral in the church at Hedrick. Rev. Mr. Wilson of the M.E. church offered prayer and sang, "Children of the Heavenly King," a song which he had sung to Mr. Adams several times during his sickness, at the latter's request. The choir sang "Saved by Grace," a song which Mr. Adams had asked his daughter, Edith, to sing for him several times during the last days.

Mr. Adams was pastor of the Baptist church here from 1891-1897, during which time he served the church and town well and made warm friends.