OBIT: George A. ICKES, 1917, Altoona, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JRB Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _________________________________________ DR. G. A. ICKES IS CALLED BY DEATH Injury Complicated With Illness Fatal to Widely Known Physician Dr. George A. Ickes, one of Blair county's widely known physicians and prominent as a former city councilman, died at the Altoona hospital at 9:40 o'clock yesterday morning of pneumonia, superinduced by a fall received in front of his home, at 2412 Broad avenue, on December 31. Alighting from his sleigh, after making a professional call, Dr. Ickes slipped, and falling backward, struck his back on the edge of the vehicle. The injury was not necessarily of a serious nature and he was recovering from its effects, when a few days later he developed pneumonia. His condition did not seem to be serious until Monday evening, when he grew rapidly worse. He was taken to the Altoona hospital in a critical condition yesterday morning and never rallied, dying a few hours later. Dr. Ickes was one of the most prominent physicians and best known residents of Altoona, having figured for years in the public life of the city and always being active in progressive civic work. He was born at Icksburg, Perry county, October 19, 1855, the son of George Loy and Elizabeth Ickes, both deceased. His early education was received in the Newport schools and at the Juniata Normal school. After teaching a short time he entered the Jefferson Medical college, Philadelphia, being graduated in 1886. He first practiced medicine in McAllisterville, Juniata county, and later at Millerstown, Perry county, coming to Altoona in 1889 and enjoying a successful and extensive practice here ever since. He was married in 1882 to Sidna E. MacClung, of Philadelphia. During his career in Altoona, Dr. Ickes was always a prominent figure in public and professional life. He was identified with many progressive movements and always took a prominent part for civic betterment. He was a member of the Blair County Road Drivers' association and the League of American Wheelmen, and was the originator and captain of the Altoona Bicycle Police club. He was also a member of the Westmont Fire company and of the old Altoona Athletic association, having introduced into council the legislation that permitted six round boxing bouts and wrestling matches. Some years ago he was a member of Sheridan Troop of the Pennsylvania National Guard and received several medals attesting to his ability as a sharpshooter. He was exceptionally fond of hunting, fishing and all outdoor sports. Dr. Ickes was first elected to council in 1897, serving in the common branch of the city legislative body, and was president until 1901. He served continuously until March 23, 1905, when he resigned to fill the unexpired term of the late J. M. Hileman in select council. He was elected to the select branch of council at a special election held February 21, 1905, and served until the old form of municipal government passed into history in 1913. During his long service in council he was known as a progressive and a fearless legislator. He was a member of the Odd Fellows, the Order of Heptasophs, the Foresters and the Moose, as well as the Blair County Medical society and other organizations of the county and city. He is survived by his wife and the following children: G. L., L. A., R. N. A., Marion E. and H. Gertrude, all at home. The following brothers and sisters also survive: Mrs. Alfred Kell, of Perry county; Mrs. Mattie Gingerich, of Perry county; Mrs. Susan Charlesworth, of Kansas; Nicholas Ickes, of Illinois, and W. J. Ickes, of this city. The funeral will be held with services at the late home at 10 o'clock Friday morning in charge of Rev. Clayton Grinnell of the First Baptist church, followed by interment in Fairview cemetery. Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Wednesday Morning, January 10, 1917 1910 Altoona Ward 9, Blair County census - George A. Ickes, 54 Sidna E. Ickes, 44 George L. Ickes, 24 Leon A. Ickes, 19 Raymond N. Ickes, 18 Marion E. Ickes, 12 Helen G. Ickes, 2, dau. by adoption