HISTORY OF KANE COUNTY.
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of the notable characters of Kane County, remarkable alike for his integrity, ability and public spirit. He received his education in the common schools of his native State, and spent the first sixteen years of his life on his father's farm. He then became a clerk in the store of Justin S. Morrill at Strafford. This gentleman afterward became United States Senator, and in his earlier years Mr. George was his business partner, the association not closing until the election of Mr. Morrill as Senator. Upon the dissolution of the Morrill partnership Mr. George engaged in business for himself at Post Mills, Vt., where he conducted a very successful mercantile establishment. During his residence there he was twice elected to the General Assembly of Vermont, where he acquitted himself with marked ability. Mr. George removed to Illinois in 1859, and made his home in Aurora, where for some years he was engaged in the wool and lumber business. In 1871, in company with others, he established the Second National Bank of Aurora, and was elected its President, a position he held until the expiration of its charter in 1891. Although the bank had paid ten per cent dividends yearly from its beginning, yet upon its liquidation it paid out $250,000 to the stockholders, a remarkable instance of financiering. A new bank was established, known as the Old Second National Bank, having a capital of $200,000, with Mr. George as its President. In 1895, warned by failing health, Mr. George resigned the presidency of the bank, and was succeeded by his son, William George, who has since conducted its affairs with characteristic ability. Alonzo George was a supporter of nearly all the manufacturing enterprises of the city, and was very justly called the father of Aurora's industries. He was a liberal but not ostentatious giver to all worthy charities of the day, and a ready contributor to all city improvements. Always a business man, he was much interested in political matters, and was a stanch Republican. In 1870 he was elected to the County Board of Supervisors, and in 1873 was Mayor of Aurora. At various times he was School Director and Town Treasurer. Mr. George was married in 1851 to Miss Lydia R., daughter of Col. Blisha May, of West Pairlee, Vt. Of this union were born Lizzie, who died in infancy, and William George, of Aurora. Mr. George passed away May 18, 1895, and his widow, Nov. 30, of the same year, both residing in Aurora at the time of their demise. It is worthy of note in this connection that both the May and George families were prominent in Revolutionary days.
BENJAMIN GEORGE, farmer, Aurora, Ill., born at Strafford, Orange County, Vt., Nov. 30, 1825; came west in March, 1856, locating in Sugar Grove Township, Kane County, where he purchased a 300-acre farm to which he made subsequent additions until his holdings embraced 500 acres; removed from his farm to Aurora in 1884, where he has been interested in some of the manufacturing industries of that city. He was married in 1853 to Marcia Robinson, of Strafford, Vt.
FRANK E. GEORGE.
PRANK E. GEORGE, Recorder Kane County, Batavia, Ill., was born in Strafford, Orange County, Vt., Oct. 14, 1856, and was brought by his parents to Batavia, Ill., in 1865. His education was secured in the city schools and at Northwestern College, Naperville, Ill. In 3875 he established a grocery and restaurant business, and ten years later turned his attention to groceries and fire insurance. Politically he is a Republican. He was chosen Assistant Supervisor in 1890, and the following year was elected Supervisor. In 1896 he was elected County Recorder, was re-elected in 1900, and is still filling the office; is also serving his
