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Submitted: 10/11/15 • Approved: 10/19/15 • Last Updated: 10/22/15 • R1102329-G0-S3
September 6, 1849 - August 5, 1917
*Obituary
Fayetteville Democrat
Friday, August 6, 1917
GEORGE T. LAKE IS DEAD: FUNERAL SERVICES TODAY
Geo. T. Lake, 69, one of the oldest residents of Washington County and the oldest merchant of Fayetteville in point of active business life, died of a heart malady Sunday afternoon at one o'clock at the family residence, 212 North College Avenue. Mr. Lake had been in declining health for several months and had been confined to his room four weeks. Death was not unexpected.
Funeral services were held from the First Presbyterian Church at four o'clock this afternoon with the Rev. J.T. Coughley, assisted the the Rev. N.M. Ragland, officiating. Interment was made in Evergreen Cemetery. Pall bearers were: active--W.J. Reynolds, M. McMichaels, C.T. Harding and Tom Logan; honorary--Col. Hugh A. Dinsmore, Judge E.S. McDaniels, H.K. Wade, Judge T.H. Humphreys, A McCartney, H.F. Reagan, Dr. A. S. Gregg, R.J. Wilson, Frank P. Hall, E.B. Wall, Jas. H. Mcilroy, B.R. Davidson, W.H. Cravens, J. Vol Walker and J.J. Baggett.
As a mark of respect to the deceased, business houses were closed this afternoon during the funeral services.
Deceased is survived by his widow; two daughters, Mrs. Horton Howe of Texarkana and Mrs. Ella Barnett of Prairie Grove and brother, Frank Lake of Oklahoma.
Business and Political Career
Thought actively interested in politics for forty years Mr. Lake avoided partisan bitterness. He held few public offices, being sheriff of Washington county for two terms--from October 1892 to October 1896, alderman for the city of Fayetteville several years ago and at one time president of the school board. At the time of his death he was chairman of the Washington County Democratic central committee, having served continuously in that capacity since 1908.
In September, 1896, Mr Lake purchased a hardware business from E.Z. Davies and devoted his entire time to it until stricken a few weeks ago.
Was World's Fair Commissioner.
Mr. Lake was commissioner from Arkansas at the World's Fair held at St. Louis in 1903. He was one of the founders of the Fayetteville National Building and Loan Association and has served continuously at its president since 1896.
Mr. Lake was a member of several fraternal orders and was a communicant of the First Presbyterian Church. His father, Milton Lake, was a delegate to the Arkansas Constitutional Convention of 1874 and at one time served on the Board of Trusties of the University of Arkansas. Mr Lake received his early education in the schools at Prairie Grove and later attended Ozark Institute, a seminary located a few miles northwest of Fayetteville and which suspended about the time the University of Arkansas was founded.
Mr. Lake was born in Louerdale County, Tennessee, September 6, 1849. In 1860 the family removed to Prairie Grove, Arkansas.
Removing to Fayetteville from Prairie Grove about 1870 Mr. Lake was employed as a clerk for four years by the late Stephen K. Stone. In 1876 he entered the drug business with W.H. Whitlow. In 1896 he sold his interest in the drug store and engaged in the grocery business. He disposed of his grocery business when he was elected sheriff.
A TRIBUTE
The death of this well known and lovable man is a distinct loss to the whole state as well as to our town. He was without abuse the grand old name of gentleman, and was both a citizen and a Christian without guile. It was his good fortune to be born into a high class and influential family. He illustrated in his own person and history the exemplary qualities of a noble ancestry. As a husband and father he idolized his family and in his home he found his chief joy. His greatest possession was his friends whom he always met with a face radiant with tenderness and affection. In his home, in his place of business, and in the assembly of the saints on the Lord's day he was ever the same, gentle, fascinating and lovable man. He belonged to the rare and radiant company of choice spirits who love but once because they love forever. His record both as a private citizen and a public official is without a stain, and he pointed with pardonable pride to his duties well and faithfully done. His industry knew no bounds. It is doubtful if he ever took a vacation. Day in and day out he was found at his task. He died as all high spirited men would love to die--at his post and in active service both for the Master and for those who loved him best. In his own home, on the Sunday afternoon, the change that comes but once passed over his face, and he was gone! In such a death there is little regret.
N.M.R
Contributed on 10/11/15 by wfields55
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Record #: 1102329