The record-union., 1895-01-01
DEATH OF A PROMINENT CITIZEN.
George W. Hancock's Injury Proves
Fatal.
Geographic Sketch of One Who Has Left
His Impress on Local and
State Affairs.

George Wisner Hancock died at his
home in this city at an early hour yester-
day morning from the effects of fracture
of the skull received last summer by be-
ing thrown from his buggy al Tenth and
X streets.
The serious nature Of Mr.. Hancock's
injury did mott develop until some weeks
ago, and as Director of the State Board
of Agriculture and Superintendent of the
Park he attended to his usual duties dur
Ing the State Fair in September.
Mr. Hancock had resided in this county
since 1858, and was always prominent
citizen. He was man of fine presence
and solid attainments that won for him
the respect of all with whom he came in
contact.
Deceased was born in Barre, Mass, in
1886. and was therefore 5S years of age.
He was a descendant of John Hancock
one of the signers of the Declaration Of
Independence; also of the Lee family OF
Maryland, of which was also General
Robert Il. Lee, of Confederate fame Mr..
Haucock's father, Nathan Hancock, in
the early days Of Massachusetts, operated
q stage line from Barre, Worcester
county, to Boston.
w
he joined his brother, William, on farm
oH the bank of the Sacramento river. In
1863 he went to Nevada State, but soon
returned. In 1866 he engaged in stock
raising, fruit growing and farming near
the Costumes river, where he raised some
fine stock. In 1885 he produced the fast
est yearling flly in the Woild (DalsY),
which trotted mile in 2:3S4. he organ
lied the Changers Cooperative Business
Association in this city, and was It's lrst
President. In 1852, being then resident
of this city, he purchased the business OF
the dollar Store, at 62l street, changed
its name to the Sacramento Crockery
Company, and engaged extensively in
that line of merchandise.
Mr.. Hancock was, backed by the Sac
ramento Grange, the prime mover IN the
establishment OF the State series OF text
books, for which he labored hard and et-
fsctively with the State Leg glSiature. He
was also the author OF many provisions
in the State Constitution of 1879 affecting
the interests OF farmers. He was one of
the committee OF the State Grange on
whose report concerning the manufacture
of jute bags at the State Prison the Legls-
lature established the plant at San Quen-
tin. TO his foresight and energy are also
due much of the credit for the construc-
tion of the present Agricultural Pavilion
in Capitol Park in this city.
Mr.. Hancock was twice married, his
first wife being Miss Juliana Folger Of
Massachusetts, by whom he had one son,
Benjamin Franklin Hancock, resident
OF sacramento. In 1882 Mr.. Hancock
married Miss Edith Southworth, a niece
OF ex-Supreme Justice A. l.. Rhodes of
San Jose, who, with a son IL years old,
survives him.
MIR. Hancock was first elected Director
OF the State Agricultural Society at the
annual meeting OF the mem GerS (under
- al N a
OF 1880 reorganized the society, placing it
under State control, Governor Perkins
made him and his associate Directors the
nrst appointed Board of Agriculture.
Mr.. Hancock since then had been three
times reappointed, by Governors Stone
man, v NGterman and Markham, respect
lively, thus making sixteen years of act
i've service on the Stale Board of Al gri-
culture. At the time of his first election
he was farming in Sutter County, but
: soon atterWard moved 10 TINS county. lie
was ever an earnest worker Tor the sue
cess oil the state Agricultural Society,
a firm believer in the progress ana
pOSsibilitie Ui California, and at all times
favored any measure that would tend to
elevate the State ana promote the inter-
esls Of its citizens. He it was that sug-
gested, and as representative of the
State Board OF Agriculture assisted in
carrying out successfully the nrst citrus
tair held in California.
For tue past eight years Mr.. Hancock
had been superintendent of the society's
grounds, and worked most ZealousIy to
attain lOr Sacramento the nation reputa-
ton that our local track now holds for
speed and safety.
lie was an efficient director, an inde-
fatIgable worker for Sacramento's well
fare. and while, by reason OF his earnest
ness and positive traits OF character, he
may have made some enemies those who
knew him best knew him only as a
whole-souled, true hearted mau-one
whose death is a public loss.