George W. Stover
born December 19, 1829, in Staunton, Virginia
died August 28, 1907, in Dayton, Illinois

Obituaries:

Death of Dayton School Janitor

George Stover, janitor of the Dayton village school for many years recently passed away.  He had been in ill health for some time, due, perhaps to old age, as he was nearly seventy-eight years old. His wife had preceded him several years. He is survived by a son, brother and grand-daughter. The son, John Stover of Grand Rapids, Mich., was with him most of the time during his last sickness. The others were here part of the time. None will feel the loss more than the grand-daughter, who had lost her mother in infancy, and the old folks took her to their home and hearts and tenderly cared for her. Her home is now in Chicago. Mr. Stover had been the janitor of the Dayton schools for so many years and had always given satisfaction that he was looked upon as part of the institution itself. By his kindly manner and disposition he had endeared himself to the school boards, the teachers, the children and the patrons of the district. A few years ago the body of his wife was conveyed to the cemetery in Mr. Ainslee’s express wagon. This was done at her request. The wagon is still in use and Mr. Stover requested that his remains should be conveyed in the same manner. His request was granted by the old friends. The teacher, Miss Ethel Wright of Ottawa, and the school children took the arrangements in hand and decorated the wagon with flowers and evergreen so profusely that the wagon was almost covered with flowers, as well as the coffin with the most beautiful and choicest flowers obtainable.

At 2 p. m. last Saturday neighbors and friends from a distance filled the commodious school house to overflowing. Rev. Landells, pastor of the First Baptist church of Ottawa, officiated and gave a discourse of affection and interest. The singing was done by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lansing and Miss Mae Brundage of Wedron. Miss Haight of Ottawa, a former teacher, and Miss Frain of Dayton, gave their assistance.

Mr. Stover was of a very social disposition and made many friends in that community. He was an honest and upright man and as he looked forward to the end his soul yearning for the touch of a vanished hand and for the sound of a voice that was “still” and for a reunion with the loved one gone before he passed to that bourne from which no traveler returns.¹

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George W. Stover, one of the old residents of La Salle county, died at his home in Dayton, August 28, after an illness of three weeks.

Mr. Stover was born at Staunton, Va., Dec. 19, 1829. While still a young man he came to La Salle county and settled at Wedron. There he was a miller in Curyea’s flour mill for nearly thirty years. From there he moved to Dayton, and for a few years worked in the flour mill there.

Mr. Stover leaves to mourn his death, besides a host of friends and neighbors, only one son, John Stover, of Grand Rapids, Mich. The funeral services were held at the Dayton schoolhouse, Saturday, August 31, Rev. Landels, of the Baptist church, Ottawa, preaching the funeral sermon. The burial took place in the Dayton cemetery. The quantities of beautiful flowers testified to the love of the children and also of the grown folk.²

1. [Ottawa, Illinois] Fair Dealer, September 6, 1907
2. [Ottawa, Illinois] Free Trader, September 6, 1907