1927 Obit, George H. Gates, Akron, Washington Co, Colorado http://files.usgwarchives.net/co/washington/obits/g/gatesgh1927.txt Donated by Sharlynn Gates Nov 2005 ****************************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ****************************************************************** George Gates was born in Adams County Nebraska on January 2, 1866 to Alfred L. Gates and Salina Hawkins. George was only age 15 when his father died of heart problems. George had only 2 sisters, Zutulba and Flora and one brother Charles that are known. At age 23, he married Sarah Elizabeth Post, on Sept 9 1889 in Hastings, Adams Co. Nebraska. 10 children were born to this Union, only five living to adulthood. The 10 children were: Frank Alva, Henry Alfred, Charles Leonard, Baby Gates, Minnie May, Melvin Roy, Ernest E., Howard C., Pearlie E. and Vernie L. George worked in Nebraska and a short time in 1895 in Oklahoma. They lived near Pauline, Nebraska. George was a road overseer for district No. 50 in Nebraska. They then moved near Laird, Colorado to homestead and farm. They later sold the relinquishment and moved to the Meekton community in 1915, where they also engaged in farming. A few year later he bought a place in Akron, Colorado, where he and Sarah lived for several years. While living in town George had a road crew and built roads with teams of horses and equipment. His son's were part of his crew. George farmed south of Akron. He was a horse trader, bronco buster and good with horses. It was said he suffered from bad headaches. He had Ague in 1872 and 1895 for about 2 months when Oklahoma, Diphtheria at the age of 10, La Grippe in 1896. He used tobacco enjoying smoking a pipe. He was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, Valentine Camp no 3725, Adams County, Nebraska. He is buried in the Akron Cemetery next to his wife and many family members. --------------------------------- George's 1927 obituary read: George Henry Gates, who has been a citizen of Washington County since 1915, and has made many friends here during that time by his friends and his neighborly conduct, went to his reward, at his home, fourteen miles south of Akron, on Monday March 14th 1927. George had been ill six days with flu, which developed into pneumonia. George Henry Gates was born in Iowa, January 2, 1866 to Alfred Henry and Celina Gates both deceased. He was united in marriage to Sarah Elizabeth post at Hastings, Nebraska, Sept 9 1889. He came to Akron in 1915 and entered into the occupation as farmer, where he has since resided south of Akron. He has been a Modern Woodman for about 28 years. George died at the age of 61 years, 2 months and 12 days. Funeral Services were held today (Thursday) at two o'clock at the Presbyterian church with the local modern Woodmen in charge. S. W. Keasey, delivered the sermon and Walter Gough, funeral Director. George leaves a wife and five children: five children having preceded him. Those living are: four sons Frank, Henry, Two daughters Mrs. Minnie Davison, all of Akron, Charlie of Woodrow, and Melvin of Lyman Nebraska. This was one of the largest funerals held in Akron for some time. Neighbors and friends coming from far and near. Mesdames J. B. Fisher, F. P. Cooley, and James E. Harris constituted the choir, signing: "What a friend we have in Jesus", "Nearer to God to Thee", and "Rock of Ages". Mrs. J. E. Harris was at the piano. The Pall Bearers were: Jack Newman, A. S. Edwards, E. E. Ball, Ed Dey, M. Higbotham and Clyde Bibbons. The earthy remains were laid to rest in the Akron Cemetery. The sorrowing family and relatives have the sympathy of the community in their loss.