George L McGreer 1828-1905

MCGREER, WILCOXEN

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 2/12/2012 at 09:25:50

A Pioneer Passed Away

GEO. L. McGREER.

George Livingston McGreer was born in Fayette county, Indiana, May 14, 1828, and died at his home in Hillsboro, Henry county, Iowa, Sept. 1, 1905, at the age of seventy-seven years, three months and eighteen days.

He came with his father to what is now Iowa in the summer of 1837, at the tender age of nine years. His father purchased a tract of land about two and one-half miles southeast of where Primrose now stands and proceeded at once to build a cabin home, floored with the virgin soil, roofed with hand-driven boards, and plastered with a compound of clay and water.

In this home little George spent his youth and early manhood in what was then the almost trackless wilderness "Where nothing dwelt but beasts of prey, or men as fierce and wild as they."

White neighbors and young associates were few; but Indians were numerous and restless. The echoes of the warhoop of the Blackhawk war had scarcely ceased to reverberate from the far away hills of the Mississippi river. The land on which his home stood was a part of Wisconsin territory. Iowa at that time was not.

His chief amusement was swinging his ax and maul, with an occasional shot at a deer or wild turkey. His only free school was at his mother's knee. Books were scarce and newspapers seldom seen.

In the midst of such surroundings he grew to manhood, and on March 15, 1854, was married to Miss Louisa Wilcoxen. To this union were born three sons, viz. John B. now living in Charleston, Neb.; Chester who died in infancy; and Wm. L. of Harrisburg township, Van Buren county, Iowa.

Soon after his marriage he made his home near Utica on the farm now owned and occupied by Mr. John Klise. After selling this home Mr. McGreer bought a farm in the same township owned by Hon. R. H. McDow, on which he lived in comfort for several years.

About four years ago the infirmities of age began to lay heavy upon him, his health also failing he retired from the farm and made his home in Hillsboro, where he died, and where the wife of his bosom, his first love, survives him to mourn her loss.

About 1860 he gave his heart to the Lord and his hand to the Baptist church at the White school house near Brattons grove and lived a consistent Christian life, dying in the triumph of a living faith.

As a friend and neighbor kind and considerate, as a husband and father affectionate and judicious; in his business relations always obeying the injunction "Owe no man anything, but to do him good." Our loss is his gain. Good bye, old friend, good bye.

J. A. H.

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Source: Entler Scrapbook Collection, vol 3, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA Historical Library, Iowa City, IA