George Edward Flower
Feb. 21, 1872-April 22, 1938
Niles Daily Star, Friday, April 22, 1938, page 1, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library
DEATH CLAIMS G.E. FLOWER, NILES BANKER
Prominent Citizen is Stricken at 12:30 Today
Came Here is 1897
Was Long Active in Community and Church
George E. Flower, president of the State Bank of Niles, and prominent in county and state banking circles, died at 12:30 this afternoon in his home, 513 Broadway. Funeral services probably will be held Monday afternoon.
With him when he died was his wife, Mrs. Emma Flower, the only surviving member of his immediate family.
Mr. Flower's death ended a long period of illness. His last illness became serious early in October. Treatment in the University of Michigan hospital and in a Chicago hospital failed to relieve the Niles man, who returned to his home here a few weeks ago from his final trip to a hospital.
Mr. Flower had been president of the State Bank of Niles since its reorganization April 19, 1934. He was a former president of the old Reliable Home Building and Loan association, and at the time of his death was a director of the Niles Federal Savings and Loan association, which absorbed the former organization.
Long Banking Career
As vice president of the old Newman and Snell State Bank, which was located in the building now occupied by the Economy Drug store, he gained his early experience in the banking profession. He entered banking circles at the insistence of the late Wingate W. Newman, who recognized his ability in that line.
Mr. Flower came to Niles in 1897 from Cleveland, and opened a department store which he operated until 1914, when he sold out to live in retirement for two years.
Served in Old Bank
During that time, the late Mr. Newman, president of the Newman and Snell State bank, as it was named before the 1916 reorganization into the State Bank of Niles, often urged Mr. Flower to become an official of the bank.
When it was reorganized in 1916 and the name changed, Mr. Flower accepted the offer and became cashier.
He was elected president of the reorganized bank in 1934 after being identified with the old institution 19 years. He served as cashier and vice president--sometimes in the dual capacity.
He was active in Trinity Episcopal church and for a number of years was lay reader, conducting services in the absence of the rector.
Association Official
For a number of years, Mr. Flower was secretary of the now-defunct Business Men's association of Niles, which ante-dated the Chamber of Commerce. In that capacity, he was largely instrumental in bringing in new industries.
Among the plants that came while he was secretary were the National-Standard company; Garden City Fan company; National Printing and Engraving company, and the Kawneer company.
He was also a leader in building the Community House, raising $23,000 for the purpose before the structure was completed.
Niles Daily Star, Saturday, April 23, 1938, page 1, col. 6-7, microfilm Niles District Library
G.E. FLOWER SERVICES IN TRINITY MONDAY AT 3
Church, business and lodge associates of the late George E. Flower will be represented at the funeral of the Niles banker in Trinity Episcopal church Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock.
The services, which will be held in the church where he had served long as an official and active member, will be conducted by the Rev. H.L. Nicholson. Mr. Flower's body will lie in state in the church from 1 o'clock to 2:45. Burial will be in Silverbrook abbey.
The State Bank of Niles, of which he had been president since its reorganization in 1934, will be closed Monday afternoon.
Mr. Flower, whose death Friday afternoon terminated a seven months' illness, was born in London, England, Feb. 21, 1872. He came with his parents to Toronto, Ontario, when he was three years old. Fifteen years later he moved to the United States, coming to Niles in 1897 from Monmouth, Ill.
He was married to Miss Emma Weess in Keokuk, Iowa, Oct. 10, 1893. Mrs. Flower survives him, also two sisters, Miss Annie Flower, Los Angeles, and Mrs. Mayflower Littlefield, Santa Barbara, Calif.
Mr. Flower was a member of Trinity church and Niles Lodge No. 1322, BPOE.
Friends of the family will be received in the home at 513 Broadway until noon Monday.