George H. Jerome
Oct. 23, 1819-Aug. 15, 1885
Niles Mirror, Wednesday, August 19, 1885, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
Death of Hon. Geo. H. Jerome
During the hurry and whirl of the last busy Saturday afternoon, the sad message was passed along our thronged streets, from house to house, that Mr. Jerome had just been stricken with death at his home in this city. The shock was so sudden and unexpected that for a time business was well nigh forgotten. But a few hours before he had moved with joyous step along that same thoroughfare. Reaching home he went out to superintend the removal of a building, occasionally lending a hand to encourage the workmen, when, as is supposed, he ruptured a blood vessel, retiring to the house he complained of faintness and dimenity of breathing. The family gave him all assistance in their power and telephoned at once for a physician. Dr. Belknap hastened to the stricken man but death had ensued before he arrived. Those of us who saw him daily and had noticed his robust physique, his active movements, and his apparent vitality, can hardly think of him as dead, that we shall no more hear his cordial salutations or behold his breezy presence. Although engaged in no business transactions of a public, he was a conspicuous man in the community and wielded a wide influence.
George H. Jerome was born at Pompey, N.Y., Oct. 23, 1819. He graduated from Hamilton College in 1842 and entered at once upon the study of law. July 9, 1846, he married Miss Charlotte L. Dana and soon after removed to his place and in connection with his brother, I. Newton Jerome, entered upon the practice of his profession.
In 1851 he removed to Chicago where he remained until 1856, when he removed to the Capitol of Iowa and became editor of the Iowa City Republican, which, under his management, became the leading paper of that State. He was Chairman of the Iowa State Republican Committee for several years, and was appointed by President Lincoln Assessor of Internal Revenue, resigning after four years of efficient service and returned to Niles. He purchased the house and grounds where he has since lived, and began at once to beautify and adorn them. Nothing was left undone that time or energy could effect, to make his chosen home attractive to his family and friends, and here, surrounded by the gems of nature and art, his library filled with choice works, he welcomed his friends, entertaining with a lavish hand all who sought the shelter of his friendly roof. While he was a strong republican he was tolerant of other opinions, and in his friendships he knew no politics or creeds. In 1873, at the earnest solicitation of Gov. Bagley, he accepted the position of superintendent of State Fisheries, retaining the situation for many years, until having made the department a success, he resigned, that he might have more time to spend with his friends.
He did nothing by halves, but entered upon any project that he considered worthy of his attention, with a zeal and energy which surmounted all obstacles. As a public speaker he had few superiors in this section, and his trained intellect qualified him to speak authoritively[sic] upon all the great subjects of the day. We know of no man in this vicinity, outside of active business or public life, whose death will be so widely mourned or whose place it will be so difficult to fill. Mrs. Jerome and the many who have been accustomed to lean on his strong arm will receive the sincere condolence of all our citizens. The funeral will take place on Wednesday at three o'clock, from his late residence.
Niles Democrat, Saturday, August 22, 1885, page 5, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
Geo. Jerome, of York, Nebraska, was in the city this week, called here by the death of his uncle, Hon. Geo.H. Jerome.
