GEORGE ELMORE

George Elmore, now living retired in Seymour, has had a long and active business career characterized by many changes in occupation and location, all of which have materially advanced his interests. From 1890 to 1903 he was in the coal mining business in this city and by years of earnest and well directed work earned the retirement he is now enjoying. He was born in New York, April 22, 1846, and is a son of Daniel and Helena (Yager) Elmore, both natives of that state, the former of English descent and the latter of German Lineage. The father of our subject was a Methodist minister and was also active at carpentering. He and his wife became the parents of eight children: Mary J. and M. P., both of whom have passed away; Juliet M., a resident of Lodi, New York; Carrie, deceased; Sylvester; Celestia, whose home is in the state of New York; F. L. Day, who was killed in the Civil war; and George, of this review.

George Elmore acquired his education in New York, where he attended an academy, and after laying aside his books he left home and clerked in a grocery store in Illinois for some time. Later he spent one year traveling for a nursery concern, but finally returned to New York and resumed his studies. In 1866 he came west, locating in Wyoming, where he obtained employment with the Wyoming Coal Company, acting for about four years as superintendent of mines. In 1869 he went east on a visit and remained in New York until April of the following year, when he went to Clinton, Iowa, and there established himself in the retail wood, coal and ice business. At the expiration of four years he went to British Columbia and was successful as a fur trader until 1890. This period of his life was extremely interesting, as during the time he traveled over the greater part of northern Canada, journeying on the Fraser river almost to its source in search of furs. During that time he opened a trading post and this was so signally successful that he gave his entire attention to the business, establishing posts at various points. He was in partnership with his brother, M. P. Elmore, and together they secured a gratifying patronage, becoming successful and well known as reliable fur traders. In 1890 Mr. Elmore returned to Iowa, settling in Seymour, where, with his brother, M. P. Elmore, and R. H. Armstrong, he purchased the Sunshine coal mine, which he operated until 1903 when they disposed of the enterprise and Mr. Elmore retired.

In 1874 Mr. Elmore married Miss Luella Maple, a daughter of Henry and Maria Maple, of Illinois, the former of whom passed away when Mrs. Elmore was still a child. Mr. Elmore gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is public-spirited and progressive in his citizenship. In 1896 his fellow citizens called upon him to accept the office of mayor and he did such able, progressive, straightforward and businesslike work that in 1908 he was again chosen to the office. He is a man of marked intelligence and great force of character, whose natural ability makes him an ideal leader of public thought and opinion.

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