WELLAND LOSES FINE CHARACTER 1921

George C. Cronmiller Died Tuesday in 86^th Year

OLDEST BUSINESS MAN

Came to This Town in 1874-Born in Willoughby 

            George C. Cronmiller died at his home at the corner of East Main and Burgar streets, on Tuesday. By his death Welland has lost one of its oldest citizens, and its oldest business man. Large number of friends and acquaintances mourn the loss of a pioneer who led a blameless life, who directed his efforts along constructive lines, who took a deep and active interest in the public affairs of the town and county. George Cronmiller has left behind him a name without a stain.

            Up to a week ago Wednesday, Mr. Cronmiller was leading a healthy, active life, in spite of the fact that he was eighty-five years of age. He began to suffer from bronchial trouble. He retained a remarkable memory and a keen interest in every day life to the last.

            His birthplace is a farm on the Sodom road in Willoughby Township. He was born there on the 30^th of May 1836. His father and mother were Michael and Dorothy who came from Alsace and settled in Bertie Township in 1828.

            George was brought up on the farm and worked on it for some time-until 1868, when he set up an undertaking establishment in Willoughby township in 1868.

            He moved to the town of Welland in 1874, after selling his property in Willoughby. Here he set up a new business, and two years after, had the very best hearse in the County at that time.

            He married Susanna Weaver, one of a family of twelve, early settlers along the Sodom Road, and as a result of this union, six children were born; Susanna, George and Ida died. Elizabeth, widow of the late H.D. Suess, Caroline, and Clara, wife of W.M. Hill, and his widow survive. Five grandchildren and six great grandchildren also survive.

            He had two brothers and one sister. Henry was of the firm of Cronmiller and White at Port Colborne; Michael died at an early age and his sister was the first wife of the late Daniel Near.

            An evidence of the interest he took in municipal and educational affairs is shown in his record of office. For nine years, Mr. Cronmiller was a member of the school board in S.S. No. 6, Willoughby. In 1872 and 1873 he was a member of the township council of Willoughby. In the year following the incorporation of the Welland as a town he was a member of the Welland Council.

            During these years he continued to build up a splendid business opposite the Registry Office on East Main Street. When he sold out to J.J. Patterson in February 1911, he was then recognized as the oldest business man in the town, as the only man who had been doing business in the same stand continuously in Welland for 37 years.

            He was a strong member of the Lutheran Church, but belonged to no lodges. He was a great home man. Mrs. Cronmiller reached her 85^th birthday last week

The Welland Tribune and Telegraph
24 November 1921
Died: 22 November 1921

Doan’s Ridge Cemetery
30 May 1836- 22 November 1921
Bronchial Pneumonia
Father: Michael Cronmiller
Mother: Dorothy Cronmiller