Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1909-08-20
George vanDyke.

The death of George vanDyke has removed
from the business world one of the strongest
individual forces America has ever produced,
a most eminent per sonality in his own sphere
of life, and a potential factor so far above
large majority of his business and profe ssional
associates as to stand out in bold relief upon the
calendar of current events.
He had no predecessor among the lumber
men of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont,
and it is no measure of disrespect and dis
paragement to others to say that he will have
no successor.
Starting without schooling and without
penny, in the space of forty years he accumu-
lated a vast fortune not in manipulations on
Wall Street, in the organization and promotion
of monopolies and trusts or i'll creating and ex-
tending wealth existing merely on paper. He
started in the primeval forest with the woods
mans axe, with shanty for his humble abode
and lived upon the coarsest food. He possessed
an indomitable will, extremely strong and
active body, and an ambition that could not be
curbed or circumscribed.
By most remarkable executive ability, and ex-
cellent Judgment he soon became capitalist.
The possession OF all the qualities by person
absolutely devoid of fear and with the oppor-
tunities that have grown with years, there could
be but one result: the accumulation of vast
wealth.
He was born at Stanbridge, Quebec, Febru-
airy 81, 1886, and met his tragic death at River
side, Mass, August s, 1909. Although he ell
dured severe illness not more than year ago
| and his age was over three score, he seemed to
possess the force of a man of forty, and only a
short time prior to his death, he stated that he
| was good for ten years more of active and siren
uous essief delight in directing
the details OF his immense business, and he
kept himself continuously in touch with every
thing all along the line.
1t may be said without reservation and with
out fear of contradiction that, had he been with
Napoleon, he would have been trusted lieu
| tenant, with Washington, he would have been
on the picket line of the enemy. Of course
what might happen is mere speculation, but
| one acquainted with this remark able man
could not fail to see his almost absolute lack of
| fear
He conducted his business with great resolu-
| ton and dispatch, but the servant who was
| faithful and obedient to his wishes received the
| kindest consideration.
He possessed a remarkable intellect, was a
| we'll recognized authority in his line of bust
| ness; but he knew his limitations, and to the
discussion of subjects beyond his sphere, he
| was always respectful listener.
George vanDyke loved his friends, and there
| was nothing within his power which he wonld
| not do for them. To them he could not saw
mo"
He was in reality '"rhe Lumber King" but
| men are not remembered for their business
| achievements. They are remembered most for
the good they do to others. Many will miss his
acts Of kindness and charity.
His tragic death was shock to everyone Tn
| the vigor and energy Of his robust manhood he
was cut down in almost second of time No
one can explain the reason why. His death is
graphic illustration Of the fact that nothing Is
finished in this world. Did you ever hear of a
death after acquired hopes and satisfied ambi-
ton? No. This in itself is evidence of the life
beyond the grave; and one of G Georges intimate
and loyal friends has told HE that the deceased
had no patience with person who expressed
doubt Of Immortality. H.B.A