My Genealogy Hound

W. L. GEORGE, a well-known business man of Benton Harbor, conducted a flourishing boot and shoe establishment for almost a score of years. Being a gentleman of superior business attainments and experienced in mercantile pursuits, the methods he adopted commended him to the favor and patronage of the people of Benton Harbor; and the surrounding country. In his store was found a large stock, including in its selection every grade and quality of goods for ladies’, men’s or children’s wear. The owner of the establishment gave to it his close personal supervision, so that in every detail the business was reliable.

The family of which our subject is a worthy representative originated in England. His paternal grandfather, Timothy George, was born in New Hampshire, which State was also the birthplace of Woodbridge George, father of our subject. He was one of the brave soldiers in the War of 1812, and was also one of the pioneers of St. Joseph, Mich., where he made settlement in 1842. His wife was Sarah Farrar, a native of Jefferson County, N. Y., and the daughter of Josiah Farrar, of Vermont. The parental family comprised six children, W. L. being the third.

Born in Jefferson County, N. Y., June 24, 1829, our subject gained a fundamental knowledge of the “three R’s’’ in the common schools of the home neighborhood. At the age of twelve he accompanied his parents to St. Joseph. When fifteen years old he went sailing, securing a position as cook on a vessel on Lake Michigan. From that humble position he worked his way upward, and was promoted through successive offices to the position of Captain of “The Mariner,” a vessel that plied the waters of Lake Michigan between Chicago, St. Joseph and Muskegon. After ten years of life on the Lakes, Capt. George retired permanently therefrom.

Having been seized with the “gold fever,” our subject went to California in 1851 and engaged in mining for two years, after which he returned to Michigan, with more experience, if not more gold. He owned land in Bainbridge Township, Berrien County, and there he settled, entering upon the routine of a farmer’s life. His agricultural operations proved quite successful, and he continued thus engaged until 1867, when he purchased a fruit farm near the village of Benton Harbor and, locating on this place, he embarked in the business of fruit-growing, which he has continued up to the present time. In 1877 he opened the boot and shoe store mentioned above, and which he has recently sold.

In politics a stanch Republican, Capt. George served as Supervisor of Benton Harbor for four years, and is now filling the position of Alderman from the Second Ward, having been elected to that office in 1893 on the Republican ticket. Socially, he is identified with Lake Shore Lodge No. 298, A. F. & A. M., and Calvin Brittain Chapter, of St. Joseph. On the 28th of August, 1851, he married Miss Ravina Pitcher, of Watervliet, Berrien County, the daughter of Andrew Pitcher, who removed from New York, his native State, to Michigan in 1844 and settled in Berrien County. The union of the Captain and his estimable wife was blessed by the birth of three children: Cora, who married George Owen and resides in Chicago; Lina E. and Florence E., who are with their father. The devoted wife and mother died at the family home in Benton Harbor December 11, 1887, leaving a void in the family circle that can never be filled. The sweet and cheerful life she lived, her constant interest in the welfare of all around her, her zeal that lost sight of self in trying to contribute to the happiness of others, and her lovely Christian character, endeared her to all who knew her.