Wilson, George F. died 1861

WILSON

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 9/16/2024 at 18:37:11

DIED - In this city, on the 30th of November, 1861, of diptheria, George F., only son of Frederick and Hannah V. Wilson, aged 11 years and 4 months.

The youth whose death is here recorded, deserves more than a passing notice. For one so young, he had established a character which is rarely found. Man-like and respectful toward his seniors, gentle, and forebearing in intercourse with his young mates he won the love and the deferential attention of all with whom he came in contact. To a disposition of the greatest amiability he added an industry and an aptitude in learning that marked him the possessor of very high order of intellect.

I knew little George well. The discrepancy of years made no difference in the cordiality of our friendship. His love of sciences and his devotion to all that tends to mental elevation were passports at all times to the society of his seniors, while the modesty which became a child was always stamped on is face and lent its charms to his conversation.

The delicacy of his physical structure was in inverse ration to the vigor of his mental organization and to this cause, as is often the case, may he attributed his early decease.

Admired as a scholar and universally beloved as a boy George left the world at a happy period of life. When told that he would die, the little philosopher observed to his informant: "Well, I suppose it is for the best. I never did wrong to anybody!". How many who read this brief tribute to his memory ca say as much when death shall touch them with his icy fingers?

To the Father and Mother who have become childless within the last three weeks, by this second visitation of the [illegible] King, I can offer no words of consolation. God, alone, can be their comforter.

~Weekly North Iowa Times, Wednesday, December 11, 1861; pg 2

Note: 1860 census, Mendon twp. Alice, age 4, born in NY is enumerated in the household of her parents, Fred, age 38, born VT; Hannah, age 36, born NY and George, age 9, born NY

His sister Alice passed away 3 weeks prior to George.