Smyrna times., 1910-06-15
GEO. M. STEVENSON ENDS
ACTIVE LIFE IN SMYRNA
WAS FOR SIXTEEN YEARS FORE
MAN OF THE SMYRNA TIMES
Afterwards Became Prominent Ice
Cream Manufacturer and Confec-
toner and Active Lodge Worker


toner and Active Lodge Worker
George M. Stevenson, one Of
Smyrna's S highest esteemed citizens
and probably the most prominent
lodge man of the town and State,
died at his home on Main street, Sat
urday evening at 8. 25 o'clock after a
lingering illness from Bright's
Disease. Though in failing health
for two years or more, he was not
taken to his bed until about four
weeks ago. The remarkable vitality
he displayed durirg the asst weeks
of his critical illness has been a sub
ject of much comment Several
times his family was called to his
bedside, thinking the end near, but
each time he rallied from the sinking
spell, until finally with a complete
breaking down of his system, his
vitality began to ebb and he passed
quietly and peacefully out to his re-
ward. The death of George M.
Stevenson removes from the activi-
ties of life, one of Smyrna's most
useful men. He gave his life to the
service of others and in all of the
organizations of which he was seer
tary, including his beloved church,
he displayed painstaking care and
ability that will make his place in
the community hard to ill.
Success sful Secretary of Organizations
AS an officer of organization work,
Mr.. Stevenson had few equals. For
nearly thirty years he had been Sec
retary of Harmony Lodge No. 13, A.
F. and A. NJ; twenty four years,
secretary of Morning Star Lodge No
6, |. 0. o. F.; twenty years secre-
tary of Smyrna Conclave No. As, l.
o. H.; member and secretary for a
time of Stars and Stripes Council No
&c, Jr. Q. U. A. NJ; Financier of
Mizpah Lodge, No. 16, A. o. U. W.
and member of Union Castle No. II,
K. G. E. In Odd Fellowship he
rose to become Grand Patriarch of
the Grand Encampment OF the State
of Delaware, which position he filled
with ability. On more than one oc-
casion he represented his State in
the National and Worlds Organi-
cations. He was trustee and one of
the chief instigators of beautiful
Odd Fellows Cemetery, near town.
He was also tfonored by the Work
men and was Past Grand Master of
A.O.U. w. of the State of Delaware.
Besides the above organizations Mr.
Stevenson for many years, was sec
retary of the Board of Trustees of
Asbury NJ. E. Church and secretary
of Asbury NJ. E. Sunday School. To
all of these he gave of his time and
talents in most commendab!e man
ner, especially to his church where
he was ever a regular attendant and
true to the faith. In politics Re-
publican, the deceased only held one
office, that of Trustee of the
Poor of Kent County In the eight
years in which he was a member of
the Board and its President, he
brought the Institution up to high
standard of excellence, profitable
as an investment and a good. COM
Portable home for the county's in
digent poor. Tender of heart, he
felt deep interest in the Almshouse
and in turn was loved and respected
by its unfortunate inmates.
Long Service With The Smyrna Times
George M. Stevenson was a son of
the late George M. and Mrs. Malvina
(Davis) Stevenson, and was born in
Dover, August 9, 1885. His mother
is now living at the advanced age
of 50 years. His father died when
he was four years of age and being
forced to make his own way in the
world he apprenticed himself with
the printing house. of Kirk & Son in
Dover. Finishing his trade, ne
worked for a time on the Delawarean
and moved to Smyrna, January Il,
1871, where he accepted position as
foreman of The Smyrna Times under
the late Joseph H. Hoffecker and
after 1877 with the late Robert d.
Hoffecker. For sixteen years he
was actively identified with the
paper, which interest he never lost
mp to the time of his death. He was
an active force in the early success
of the Times and while in its service
had wide and extended acquaint-
ance. In 1887 he resigned to enter
the ice cream and confection business
and built up a large trade at his
stand near "The Four Corners.
His Happy Welded Life In Smyrna
Shortly after he moved to Smyrna
and took his position with The Smyr-