BIO: William J. GEORGE, Dauphin County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Bookwalter

Copyright 2008.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/dauphin/
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/dauphin/runk/runk-bios.htm
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Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of Dauphin County, 
Containing Sketches of Representative Citizens, and Many of the 
Early Scotch-Irish and German Settlers.  Chambersburg, Pa.: 
J. M. Runk & Company, 1896, pages 348-349.
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  GEORGE, WILLIAM J., of the firm of George & Farnum, sole proprietors 
and publishers of The News, was born in Albany, N. Y., August 6, 1847.  
He was educated in the public schools and private academies of that 
city.  At the age of sixteen years he entered the Union army and served 
until the close of the Civil war, being finally mustered out in July, 
1865.
  During the war Captain George was correspondent in the field for 
several newspapers, among them being the well-known Albany Journal.  He 
took an active part in the campaign of the Army of the Potomac, 
although not a voter, in the memorable Lincoln-McClelland presidential 
contest in 1864.  He distributed thousands of pamphlets and circulars 
on which were printed the platforms of the parties.  These circulars 
had as much as any one other agency to do with the large Lincoln vote, 
owing to the stand taken by the Republicans on the war, and the neglect 
of the Democrats to uphold the Union, and their declaration that "the 
war was a failure."
  At the close of hostilities the Captain settled in the South and for 
many years was located in Virginia, where he took an active part in 
politics, being chairman of the Republican city committee of Richmond 
when he left there in 1877 for Harrisburg.  In Richmond he was 
connected with various newspapers, and also acted as special 
correspondent for a number of northern papers during the reconstruction 
days.  His letters at that period were very interesting, owing to the 
great efforts made to make the South solid for Democracy - no matter 
what the means used.
  Since Captain George resided in this city - up to July 1 of this year 
- he was connected with the Brainerd & Armstrong Company, the 
celebrated silk manufacturers of New London, Conn.  His son, Thomas G. 
George, took his place with the above company on that date in order to 
allow Captain George to give his undivided time and attention to The 
News.
  The Captain served the city as councilman in both branches and is one 
of its most active and progressive citizens.  He has been and is 
connected with a number of leading enterprises and is an up-to-date 
business man.  He is a member of a number of organizations and a leader 
in the Republican politics of the State capital.
  He was married at Albany, N. Y., January 20, 1867, to Miss Annie 
Henley, daughter of Robert and Jennie Henley, of Albany, where Mrs. 
George was born.  To their union have been born two children, Thomas G. 
and Jennie B., both residing in Harrisburg.  He also has two 
grandchildren residing with him, Annie M. and Gertrude Goodwin.  The 
father of Mr. George is deceased; his mother still survives and resides 
in Binghampton.