George Mohler ^{1 2 3}

  Noted events in his life were:

1. George was listed on a deed on 11 Oct 1855 in Lancaster, Lancaster, PA. ⁴ Susanna Ruth paid $60 to: John Beecher and wife Juliana M. (nee Ruth) of East Cocalico Township in Lancaster County, Reuben F. Ruth and wife Maria of Springfield, Illinois, John Eberly and wife Cassender of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, George Mohler and wife Elmira and William Weiss and wife Catherine of Sterling, Illinois -- to buy a two story brick dwelling house and lot or piece of ground thereto situated on the North side of Orange Street near West of Water Street in the City of Lancaster in the State of Pennsylvania -- belonging to Adam Ruth who died intestate in 1848 without leaving issue (no children) but leaving a widow Mary (now wife of Doctor Charles Seile, a mother the said Susanna Ruth, and two brothers the above named Reuben and Peter Ruth, and four sisters, the above named Cassender, Elmira, Caroline, and Juliana.

2. Residence: on 11 Oct 1855 in Sterling, Whiteside, IL.

3. Obituary: Sterling Standard on 25 Mar 1904 in Sterling, Whiteside, IL. ⁵ DEATH OF GEO. MOHLER
For Years Was A Familiar Face In Sterling
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Was One of the County's Earliest Settlers, Coming to Sterling From Pennsylvania in 1852 - A Man Beloved and Respected
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Jerusalem, my happy home,
Name ever dear to me!
When shall my sorrows have an end,
In Joy and peace and thee!
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Not amid the favorite scenes of his old home in Illinois but far away on the distant shores of the Pacific, our early friend was called to the better life beyond. Inst. Sunday, March 20, George Mohr died in Portland, Ore., after a brief illness. For some time he had not been in vigorous health, but not a confirmed invalid, for only a month ago he returned from an extended tour through California. But heart trouble is insidious, and the dread summons often come in an hour when we think not.
George Mohler was born near Ephrata, Lancaster county, Pa. about eighty years ago. No lovelier section of the great Keystone. Naturally enterprising, he soon turned to the growing west, and with his good wife, formerly Elmira Ruth, emigrated to Sterling in 1852, purchasing the rich farm now owned by Frank Weaver. Tiring of agricultural seclusion, they removed to this city, building the dwelling long occupied by the late John Martin, and afterwards erecting the cottage on First ave. now In possession of Dr. Maxwell.
About 1890 they built a handsome residence in St. Paul, but to be near their children sold this two years ago and took up their abode in Portland, Ore. And here life's long dream came to a close.
Until Mr. Mohler's removal to St. Paul his face was very familiar on our streets. No politician, no schemer for place or position, no lover of noise or excitement, he enjoyed domestic quiet, took great delight in gardening, was an enthusiastic admirer of all that is sweet and beautiful in nature.
His fertile tract of ground, west of Rock Falls, with its fruit, flowers and bees, where he indeed resided for a while, was a small paradise, a bountiful source of supply in the season for the Sterling market. George was a natural gardener, understood the secrets of vegetation, and everything he planted was sure to grow.
Naturally, his love of outdoor life tempted Mr. Mohler to the sports of field and flood. A successful hunter and a patient fisherman. He had a keen eye and a steady hand.
One of his early trophies, I remember, was a sand crane. In company with congenial associates, he made several trips to the wild regions of the Rockies in pursuit of game. No doubt, these excursions were valuable to the renewed vigor which they inspired.
Of four brothers, only one, William, remains. An only sister, Polly Snively, wife of the late Elias Snavely, east of town, died several years ago, His wife, Elmira, who survives to mourn his loss, has been a noble helpmeet through the changes of a varied career, inheriting all the home virtues of her stanch Pennsylvania ancestry, although often herself in infirm health, Mrs. Mohler has shown a quiet and earnest spirit of domestic devotion and co-operation worthy of all praise.
Two sons are left to deplore the departure of an affectionate father. Like some other prominent officials, Leonidas, the elder, beginning at the lowest round of the service has reached today a commanding position today as president of the Oregon Railway and Navigation company, with headquarters at Portland. George, the younger son, also holds an influential place in the railway world, whose varied duties call from coast to coast. Mr. Mohler was proud of his boys, and never tired of talking of their success.
And ever near us, though, unseen,
The dear immortal spirits tread;
For all the boundless universe,
Is life - there are no dead.
To his old friends in Sterling, and how rapidly their number is lessening, eulogy of George Mohler is unnecessary. Cheerful, straightforward, gentle, unassuming, doing whatever his hands found to do, busy during the week and regularly in his pew on Sunday, ready for every good and work, he has gone to his reward. Requiescut in peace.
The Funeral. The following pallbearers have been selected for the funeral of Mr. George Mohler on Friday: H. L. Davis, Captain Niles, Thomas Diller, John Martin, H. S. Street, and Levi Snavely. The body will reach the city on the early train Friday and will be in charge of Charles Windom, and the pallbearers will meet at his rooms at 9:30. There will be a brief service at the cemetery conducted by the Rev. Wilson E. Donaldson.

George married Elmira R. Ruth, daughter of Jacob Ruth and Susannah Johns. (Elmira R. Ruth was born on 11 Oct 1827 in Reamstown, Lancaster, PA,⁶ died on 16 Jul 1915 in Omaha, Douglas, NE ⁶ and was buried in Sterling: Riverside Cemetery, Whiteside, IL ⁶.)