JOHN J. GEORGE
Union
township numbers among its valued and worthy residents, John
J. George, who came to this part of Iowa in 1873. Since that time his
energetic public spirit and his loyalty in citizenship have
been felt as forces in politics and in the promotion of
progressive public projects, and his labors in the cultivation
of his fine farm on section 24 as elements in agricultural
development, and he stands today among the men of marked
ability and substantial worth in this community. He was born in
Bristol county, Massachusetts, February 10, 1848, and is a son
of Henry and Sarah (Hartley) George, natives of England, the
former born in Nottingham, May 4, 1818, and the latter of
Stockport, May 24, of the same year, this being also the
anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth. The parents came to
America at an early date and settled for a time in
Massachusetts, whence they came west in 1858, locating in Rock
Island county, Illinois.
After two years they moved to Mercer county, in the
same state, settling in Union township, Lucas county, in 1873. The father’s death
occurred in Derby. He
had been trained to the mechanic’s trade in England and knew
nothing of farming when he turned his attention to
agricultural pursuits in Rock Island county, Illinois, but he
made up for defects in skill by industry, perseverance and
determination and in time became one of the substantial and
prosperous men of this community. His wife has also passed away, her death
having likewise occurred in Derby. They were the parents of four children,
all born in Massachusetts:
John J., of this review; Albert L., who was born
February 26, 1851, and who died in Lucas county, 1906; Frank
H., whose birth occurred August 4, 1854, and who resides in
Archie, Missouri; and Rowland F., who has passed away.
John
J. George was ten years of age when he left Massachusetts and
came with his parents to Rock Island county, Illinois, and he
accompanied them in their later removals, coming to Union
township, Lucas county, in 1873. Since that time he has remained an
honored and respected resident of this part of Iowa and the
section owes a great deal of its development and growth along
agricultural lines to his energy and well directed labors. In addition to a
comfortable and well furnished home in Derby he owns one
hundred and forty-five acres of choice land on section 24,
Union township, and gives a great deal of time to its
management, its excellent condition at the present time
reflecting the many years of careful supervision and practical
labor which have been spent upon it. Mr. George is numbered among the
progressive and substantial agriculturists of this locality
and while promoting his individual prosperity has made
substantial contributions to general agricultural development.
It was not alone along this line however that Mr. George has done splendid work for Union township, for since taking up his residence here he has been active in politics and his name stands today for all that is progressive and public-spirited in matters of citizenship. For a number of years he has served as justice of the peace and during his term of office has tried two hundred and fifty-seven cases without having one appealed. He has been a member of the Derby school board and was for nine years president of that body, the cause of education finding in him an earnest and able champion. He was appointed notary public by Governor Sherman and served two terms as mayor of Derby, giving to the city a constructive, efficient and businesslike administration. Movements looking towards the permanent interests of his township and county never seek his aid in vain and he is always to be found among the leaders in the promotion of progressive public projects.
In
Mercer county, Illinois, on the 5th of November,
1871, Mr. George was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Dunn,
who was there born on the 8th of May, 1851. She died in Derby
on the 12th of December, 1904. To this union were
born seven children: Elsie
E., who was born august 5, 1872, and died in Derby; Mrs. Celia
W. Conner, who was born February 15, 1874, now residing in
Union township; Mrs. Bertha Shelton, whose birth occurred
February 26, 1876, and who resides in Chariton, Iowa; W.
Benjamin, who was born February 19, 1879, engaged in the
barber business in Derby; Charlie H., who was born August 29,
1884, and who has passed away; Loy H., who was born Mary 20,
1894, and Homer D., born December 8, 1895, both of whom are
assisting their father with the operation of the homestead.
On
the 1st of January, 1906, Mr. George was again
married, his second union being with Sophia Johnson, who was
born in Rock Island county, Illinois, May 17, 1867, a daughter
of Robert and Mary Jane Johnson, the former a native of
Ireland and the latter of Illinois. Both died in Rock Island county. They had four
children: Mrs.
George, the wife of the subject of this review; Robert J., a
resident of Rock Island county, Illinois; John W., also of
Rock Island county; and Mrs. Lizzie Hicks, of Montezuma, Iowa. Mrs. George has
been twice married and has two children by her former union. She and her husband
have become the parents of a son, Russell J., who was born
November 22, 1906.
Mr. George is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Derby and fraternally is connected with the Yeomen lodge. For thirty-one years he belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was well known in the affairs of the local branch of that organization. He is fond of the best literature and is a wide reader, the library in his home containing a large and well selected assortment of books. A progressive, public-spirited and representative citizen, he has worked unselfishly for the best interests of the community and has placed them always before personal benefit. In the township where he has so long resided he has become widely and favorably known, his success commanding the respect of his associates and his sterling qualities of character winning him the esteem and good-will of his many friends.