GEORGE W. PARK

George W. Park, whose home is on section 11, Linn township, has a tract of one hundred acres of land which returns to him a gratifying annual income as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields and upon his stock, for he carries on both general farming and stock-raising. The attractiveness of Cedar county as a place of residence is indicated in the fact that many of her native sons have elected to remain within her borders, enjoying the natural advantages and opportunities here afforded. Such a one is Mr. Park, who for more than a half-century has lived in Cedar county, his birth having occurred in Linn township on the 10th of July, 1859. He is a son of George W. Park, Sr., and a brother of John B. and Enos Park, who own adjoining farms. Further mention of the family history is given in connection with the sketch of John B. Park on another page of this volume.

No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for George W. Park in his youthful days. He was reared upon the old homestead and the joys and pleasures of boyhood were his while at the same time his parents wisely impressed upon his mind lessons concerning industry, perseverance and integrity. As his age and strength increased he aided more and more largely in the work of the fields, remaining with his father until the latter’s death and then succeeded to a share of the estate. He has always followed general agricultural pursuits and has made a close study of the best methods of tilling the fields. Since his marriage he has resided at his present home and during this period has rebuilt and remodeled the house and done much repair work so that everything about the place is kept in excellent condition. There is an orchard on the farm of his own planting and the fields produce good crops while in the pastures and feed lots are found good stock. He raises and feeds a large number of hogs each year, also high grade cattle and some sheep. He finds delight as well as profit in his stock-raising interests and he now has a flock of sixty head of Shropshire sheep, which are fine animals. Progress has been the keynote of his character and his success in all that he has undertaken is attributable entirely to his earnest purpose and careful management.

On the 28th of February, 1883, in Mechanicsville, Mr. Park was united in marriage to Miss Addie Rate, who was born in this county and reared in Linn township. She is a daughter of William Rate, one of the early settlers. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Park have been born four children but they lost the eldest, Lloyd R., who died in February, 1908. The others are: Ned G., who is now connected with business interests in Mechanicsville; Lee P., who assists in carrying on the home farm; and Ruth G., a student in the home schools.

Politically Mr. Park is a democrat and for some years served as road commissioner. He is interested in maintaining good highways, believes in good schools and in fact stands for progress and improvement along all lines that indicate advancement. The county, therefore, can rest assured that his cooperation will be given for all progressive public measures. Those with whom he has business dealing find him reliable as well as enterprising and he therefore enjoys the confidence and esteem of the entire community.