Mr. Deathe was reared mainly in Henry County, Ind., where he received a fair education, and at the age of fourteen, began to learn the trade of a tinner at Ogden, and in 1859, came to Lake County and engaged in farming. In 1860 he taught school in Merrillville. In 1862 he became a clerk in a dry goods store in Lowell, at which he continued three years. Then he opened a tin ship in a building which was located on the site now owned and operated (on Clark Street) by Belanger's Implement Co.
He had but a small beginning, increasing his stock with his means, until with the growth of the town he too, grew, moving into a building on the corner of Clark Street and Commercial Ave. to accommodate the growing business. In 1898, he, with many other business men, had his building reduced to ashes during the big town fire. His loss was great, but undaunted he proceeded to erect a large brick structure on the same corner, where he continued in business until the time of his death, July 19, 1911, at the age of 70 years.
At that time he had one of the largest stocks of tinware, stoves, and hardware handled in Lowell. The business was carried on and conducted by his son, McKinley, until the latter was called into the service of Uncle Sam in 1918. The building is now occupied by the Rexall drug company, with Mr. Frank Gullstrom as the manager.
Mr. Deathe was married to Miss Margaret Johnson, a native of Canada, when a young man. To this union were born four children: Minnie, deceased; May, who married Edmon Dickinson of Lowell (deceased), lives in West Palm Beach, Fla., Winifred and Jessie, both deceased.
In 1883 he was left with the three children to care for. Then in 1885 he was married to Emma Buchanon of Hebron (who passed away in April of 1935). To this union were born six children, four daughters, Neva Ada, Ida, Beulah, and two sons, McKinley, and John, who is deceased.
Neva (Mrs. R.M. Jenkins) and Beulah (Mrs. H.T. Gregg) and McKinley all reside in northern California.
Ada and Ida, formerly employed by the Illinois Bell Telephone Co., until their retirement in 1940, still live in the old homestead built by their father in 1885.
George M. Deathe, from his long residence in Lake County and his active association in its business affairs, his continuous affiliation with and labors for the Republican party and his enthusiastic interest in Odd Fellowship, made him well known all over Lake County.
He was one of the charter members of the Lowell National Bank, a director and one of its heaviest stockholders. He was also a member of the Masonic order, and a charter member of the Odd Fellow lodge, which existed at that time. He was a man of high moral character, business integrity, and was always conscientious and fair in all of his dealings.
-- contributed by the family of George M. Deathe
Go to George McKinley Death, "Pioneer History Index," for further information.
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