Iowa
Old Press
Maquoketa Excelsior-Record
Maquoketa, Jackson co. Iowa
October 4, 1918
George Potter Dies While Serving In Navy
George Arthur Potter was born near Scotch Grove, Jones County,
Iowa, on February 15, 1894, and while yet a small lad he came
with his parents to Jackson County and located near Emeline where
he grew to young manhood. He enlisted in the Navy on May 22, 1918
and was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station near
Chicago. He had a week’s furlough at fair time and was home
enjoying a visit with his people and many friends.
He returned to his training camp for duty and was getting ready
to go across the sea, when the dread and fatal malady, Spanish
Influenza, laid hold of him and carried him off. He died on
Sunday September 29th, aged 24 years, 7 months and 14 days, at
the hospital at Great Lakes, where all that medical skill and
care could do for him was done, but to no avail. His body reached
Maquoketa Tuesday evening.
Funeral services were held at Emeline Church on Wednesday,
October 2, at two p.m., where a large circle of friends and
patriotic citizens gathered to express their sympathy to the
family of the departed and their loyalty to a departed sailor who
has made the supreme sacrifice for his country. Burial was made
in Hickory Grove Cemetery. Mesdames Frank Wilson and Hugo Staack
sang consolingly at the church and at the grave Rev. D. F.
Boomershine officiated. His mother died seven years ago. His
bereaved father, James Potter, three sisters and three brothers
survive to mourn his death and they have this consolation that he
gave his life for his flag and humanity. He designated his little
sister as his beneficiary, who will be entitled to his government
insurance, to be paid in monthly installments for 20 years.
[Transcribed by K.W., July 2010]