Hatley, George T. 1861-1948

HATLEY, LANKELMA

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 3/25/2017 at 23:24:14

Source: Sioux County Capital (4-8-1948)

Birth: September 28, 1861
Death: April 4, 1948

George T. Hatley, widely known lawyer, died at his home Sunday after a long illness.

Of late years he was retired, enjoying his flowers and his home, but for many years he was a brilliant attorney.

George T. Hatley was born on September 28, 1861, on a small farm five miles west of Waukegan, Illinois in the Des Plaines Valley. His mother died when he was six years old, and his father died four years later, leaving him an orphan at the age of ten. He was given a home by Duncan L. and Sarah E. Briggs, at Logansport, Indiana and lived there for eight years.

At the age of 18 he began teaching school and reading law, and at 23 was admitted to the practice of law. He located at Waukegan, Illinois and practiced for a year.

Then his health failed, and his doctor advised him that he had six months to live. Acting on this advice, Mr. Hatley came to Northwest Iowa in March 1883, to spend the days enjoying his favorite pastime hunting and fishing. While pursuing these occupations and resting, he recovered his health, and then went back to Illinois.

There he practiced law, lectured and taught until admitted to the Supreme Court of Illinois March, 1888. In April, 1889, he returned to Iowa, and first lived at Storm Lake, Iowa. On May 1 1891, he opened his law office at Orange City.

On May 15, 1895 he was married to Miss Deane Lankelma of Pella, Iowa, who survives him.

Mr. Hatley was a successful attorney, and retired in 1932 at the age of 70. He died April 4, 1948 at his home in Orange City, Iowa.

The following foster nieces and nephews survive him, all grandchildren of Duncan E. and Sarah Briggs who befriended him in his childhood: Paul Patterson of Indianapolis, Indiana; Mabel Briggs Bethke of Logansport, Indiana, Harold Briggs of Logansport, and Clarence Briggs of Logansport. Several sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews of Mrs. Hatley also survive.

Funeral services were held this Tuesday afternoon at Trinity Reformed church, with Reverend J.J. Vander Schaaf officiating. Interment was in the Orange City Cemetery.