George Culbertson Dorland
(1844 to 1893)
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Webmaster
note:
Through family trees and Internet study, we learn that George
C.
Dorland was the son of John Sedam & Rebecca (Oakes) Dorland.
George's first name was the same as his grandfather and
middle
name was given to him in remembrance of his grandmother Mary
Culbertson who had married his grandfather all of Pennsylvania. It is
believed as stated in most family trees that George C. Dorland was
born in Lycoming County, PA . His father John Sedam
Dorland
was born on 30 Sep 1817 and died in Lycoming Co., PA on 12
Aug
1852. J. Vene Dorland, a sketch of whom appears in this work; - born August 15, 1868 and died December 1941. Obit appeared Dec 15, 1941 - buried with with Belle in Pine Lake Cemetery. Frank C., born January 15, 1870, died when seven years
of age (1871-1878);
There is no greater or more effective than the silent influence of a noble life. This truth is fully illustrated in the life of every good man, and especially in that of George C. Dorland, who was formerly prominently connected with the business and social interests of La Porte. He came originally from the Keystone State born in Lycoming County, March 23, 1844, and was of Scotch descent, his grandfather, George Dorland, having been born in "Bonny Scotland," March 25, 1770. After coming to this country the grandfather settled on a farm in Pennsylvania, and there reared a large family. His son, John S. Dorland, father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, September 30, 1817 and died in Lycoming County, that State, August 20, 1852. He married Miss Rebecca Oakes, also a native of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Dorland lived in Pennsylvania after her husband's death until the marriage of her son, George C.., when she came to Indiana and lived with him until her death, October 26, 1892. Of the five children born to their marriage, George C. was the eldest. The second Livvie D., married Herman Reynolds and makes her home in LaPorte; Mollie, who married George M Miller, died in LaPorte in 1884; Mattie D., married J. G. Miles Jr. and resides at New Carlisle, Indiana, and Joseph O., resides in Greenburg, Kansas, where he is a stock-raiser. When eight years of age the original of this notice was left fatherless, and was thrown upon his own resources. Coming to LaPorte County, Indiana, he made his home with his Uncle, Nathan S. Dorland, near Door Village. "His education was restricted to three winters in a country school, and on September 9, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, 29th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three months. In September, 1864, he was promoted to the rank of quartermaster sergeant of the regiment, and the most important events of his military history, as he wrote himself, were the facts that the was never ill, was never severely wounded, was never in the hospital, and was always ready for his rations. His comrades say of him that he was a brave and faithful soldier. He served in the Army of the Potomac and was one of the youngest in the regiment, being only seventeen years of age when he enlisted. He was with Grant, McClellan and Thomas, and participated in the following engagements: Shiloh, Liberty Gap, Stone River, Chichamauga, Lookout Mountain, siege of Corinth and in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged. At the battle of Stone River a cannon exploded and destroyed one of his ears. On November 27, 1863, he was discharged at Bridgeport, Alabama and on the following day he reenlisted with the same regiment with which he remained until discharged, December 2, 1865. During all this service he asked for but one furlough of two weeks to visit his relatives. His introduction to General Grant was rather peculiar. He was driving a mule team, and on meeting the General and his party, tried to urge his team out of the General's way, but was thrown off in front of the great commander and threw mud in his face. His first acquaintance with General Thomas was in serving coffee and beans to the "Rock of Chickamauga", and being brought favorably to the notice of this gallant leader, he formed an interesting acquaintance with him. Although taken prisoner at Chattanooga, a few hours later, while on the march to one of those "Hell holes", known as war prisons, one of the prisoners stepped on the heel of another arousing his ire. A fight ensued to the great enjoyment of the guards, and Mr. Dorland, with two companions, taking great advantage of the general excitement, escaped in the thicket. His presence of mind is well illustrated by the following incident: While riding along one day he found two rebels by the roadside each armed with muskets. Reaching for his saddle equipment as though for a pistol, he told them to thrown up their hands. Involuntarily they did so. He secured their muskets, took off the caps and marched them to camp. They were much chagrined when they learned that he was unarmed and said "it was a d____d Yankee trick."Mr. Dorland was a thorough soldier, and was as ready for a foraging expedition as for more dangerous service. He could always be found in the thickest of the fight and had many narrow escapes. At one time his canteen was shot out of his hand, another time a bullet went through his hat, again a bullet struck him in the back but his life was saved by the tin plate which was a necessary part of a soldiers outfit. Still another time he was shot in the ankle. At one time, when on picket duty, he had an amusing experience. He saw moving in the breeze what appeared to be a man. He challenged, and on receiving no response, fired twice. Investigating he found two bullets in a stump on each side of which were tall mullen stalks. When the war closed, Mr. Dorland came to LaPorte. He obtained a position as Deputy Recorder, and this position held to the entire satisfaction of all for eight years. After this, he engaged in the grocery business, and was at one time, in partnership with J.D. Phelps and William Wilberham for about three years. Selling out the embarked in the real estate and insurance business, first in partnership with John Organ, and later with his son, J. Vene Dorland. He was always an ardent Republican, and in 1875 he was nominated city clerk, and although in a Democratic city, he was easily elected, and again 1879. He also served as clerk of the board of water works. Mr. Dorland was instrumental in establishing the Indiana Orphan's Home, and acted as secretary of that institution until his death. It was at his suggestion that the Baptist Assembly Grounds were established On September 16, 1867, Mr. Dorland married Miss Emily Rosetta Closser, a native a LaPorte County, where she still resides. Her father, Nicholas W. Closser, a native of New York, was one of the earliest settlers of LaPorte County, and up to the time of his death was active in his support of all just measures for its advancement. His sketch appears in this work. Mr. Dorland and wife reared a family of seven children, four of whom survive: J. Vene Dorland, a sketch of whom appears in this work; Frank C., born January 15, 1870, died when seven years of age; Ralph O., born November 28, 1872, is a graduate of La Porte High School. He is now pursuing a course in Electrical Engineering at Purdue University; Glenn and George died in infancy; Arthur G., and Adah R., who are now at home with their mother. Mrs. Dorland is an active church and social worker, holding membership in the Baptist Church, and is an earnest Christian. She is a sister of D. P., J. B. and S. M., and the late J.A. Closser, who was a prominent citizen of LaPorte for several years. When twenty-two years of age, Mr. Dorland was converted and became an active and faithful Christian. When it was thought of organizing "The Indiana Baptist Publishing Company" to manage the business of "The Indiana Baptist", Mr. Dorland was one of the first men consulted and at once advised such a step and lent his influence in such a way as to become a valuable factor in the successful management of the business and was a director up to the time of his death. It
was while returning from a meeting of the directors at Indianapolis
that the train on which he was traveling was wrecked and he was killed.
This was on January 20, 1893. Probably no man in LaPorte was more
universally known and liked than Mr. Dorland. He was prominently
identified with nearly every society, church or business movement
calculated to advance the moral or business welfare of the city. He was
Christian gentleman in all the walks of life, and no man ever lived in
LaPorte who was more generally useful to the community and whose life
was more commendable. His death was deeply deplored by everybody who
knew him, an his memory will be revered even beyond his generation.
Fraternally, Mr. Dorland affiliated with the I.O.O.F. at LaPorte, and
Patton Post, G.A.R., LaPorte, In the Masonic order he took high rank,
being connected with LaPorte Commander y No. 12, the Blue Lodge, and
served one year as Grand Patron the State of Indiana for the order of
the Eastern Star. Appalling Accident - George C. Dorland Loses Life In a Railroad Disaster - Sketch of the deceased - Impressive Funeral Services - Large Attendance The city was shocked Friday on the receipt of the news that George Dorland was dead. Men looked at each other as if they could no credit the report. He left here Tuesday night in vigorous health and good spirits, had transacted the business he had in hand and was returning home, when the accident occurred which deprived him of life, his family of a kind husband and father, and this community of one if it's very best citizens. The facts are as follows: Mr. Dorland left here Tuesday night for Indianapolis, where he went to attend a meeting of the board of directors of the Indiana Baptism, a church paper published in that city, he being reelected a director; also to look after some insurance. He was aboard passenger train No. 16, due here at 4:23 a.m., having left Indianapolis Thursday at 11:45 p.m. The train consisted only of an engine, tender, combination express and baggage care, and the chair car. The accident was caused by a broken rail about 50 yards from the bridge, the train thus derailed. It was running at such a high speed that it could not be stopped until it struck the bridge, which gave way, depositing the engine and combination care in the river, and breaking the chair car in two, leaving the hind end of the latter on the track, throwing the occupants down the embankment. Fire from the stove in the combination car communicated with the woodwork and the car was soon in flames, being entirely consumed. The engineer, Henry Griffin, of Peru was scalded and died later. Several others hurt some seriously. The brakeman injured but not fatally, went back and flagged a freight train thus stopping a more serious accident. Mr. Dorland was conscious long enough after the accident to tell his name and residence and lived but a short time, his back was broken. The remains arrived here Friday evening at 8:40 p.m. They were met at the station by the Masons and conveyed to the family residence. All of the persons who were injured in the accident were well cared for by the officials of the Lake Erie road at Peru. Ed Michael and S. M. Closser left that morning for Peru and returned the same evening with Mr. Dorland's remains. Deceased was in the grocery business for several years, first with Y.D. Phelps and afterwards with W. Wilbraham, who is now in the West. He afterwards engaged in the abstract, real estate and insurance business, being at one time in partnership with the late John Organ, and latterly with is son J. Vene. He was elected city clerk in 1875, and re-elected in 1879, and was clerk of the Water Board in 1879-80. He was twice a candidate for auditor on the Republican ticket. For years he held some official position in the church having been clerk and trustee and for the past two years was superintendent of the Sunday School. He was secretary of the Orphans Home and the Pine Lake Assembly and president of the LaPorte local board of Fire Underwriters Company. The accident that caused Mr. Dorland's death occurred between 1 and 2 a.m. The news received by George McReynolds, agent of the Lake Erie and Western road. He very thoughtfully went to Mrs. Dorland's pastor and asked him to break the news to Mr. Dorland's family. Mr. Parker arrived at the home just as the family was sitting down to breakfast. As soon as Mrs. Dorland saw him, she inquired if he had bad news. He related the sorrowful facts as gently as they could be told. The relatives at once had Mr. McReynolds telegraph to Peru to an undertaker to have all the necessary arrangements made for bringing the remains here. It was the deceased request that he be buried by Excelsior Lodge, No. 41, F. & A.M. Mr. Dorland was without doubt one of the most popular men in the city and county. Everybody liked him. He was everybody's friend and not a few of our citizens loved him as a brother. He was thoroughly honest and was kindhearted to the first degree. He never spoke harshly of anyone. He was a Christian at all times and in all places weekday as well as Sunday, at home and abroad. In truth, he was a model man. The funeral services over the remains took place Monday at 2 p.m. at the Baptist Church. The remains lay in state from 11a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Baptist Church, at which time the friends began to gather to hear loving words uttered and witness the last sad rites. The bier on which the casket rested stood in front of the pulpit, a guard of honor from LaPorte Commanders consisting of having charge of the casket. A constant stream of sorrowing passed and viewed the remains. In rear of the casket upon a large catafalque was arranged some of the most handsome floral offerings we ever saw. Among them was a large five pointed star of roses an carnation from the Grand Chapter of Eastern Star saying "Our Past Grand Worthy Patron." The most prominent of the floral pieces was "The Gates Ajar" presented by the Baptist Church. It was composed of lilies and roses. A "broken shaft" of roses and carnations was contributed by the Sunday School; a sickle of roses from the Women's Relief Corps; a cross of red carnations with a crown of white roses, from the Knights of the Red Cross, LaPorte Commander; a star of five colors from the Eastern Star, Michigan City; and emblem of the Blue Lodge of roses and carnations from Excelsior Lodge F. & A.M.; a cross and crown from Michigan City Commander, No. 98, K.T. Mrs. Ransford of Indianapolis contributed a very handsome bouquet of lilies and violets. The casket was draped with an American Flag. The pastor of the church, Mr. Parker, took his text from Numbers xxiii, 10: "Let me die the Death of the Righteous." He spoke of the righteous man as one from above -- one who does what is right, one who is spiritually developed. There is something peculiar and distinctive about the death of such a one. It is not that he is exempt from mortality, the Righteous die. His death is ordered under the immediate direction and care of God. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." His soul reposes on three pillows of assurance, viz that power is pledged for God to keep his own; that infinite wisdom dictates what is best; that infinite live throws about the dying saint it's tender care. Finally he is called to leave this life only to enter upon life immortal. "The Righteous hath hope in his death." The death of the righteous is something peculiarly to the be desired. Who would not say with Balam "let me die the death of the righteous." This was the happy oration of our departed brother. he was recognized everywhere as a genuine Christian, as one devoted to a righteous and godly life, as one who was a lover of things good, useful and true. He was ready to die. He had wished that his death might be sudden. His desire was granted. On his homeward journey he fell on his last sleep, a sleep from which he wakened to find himself in the everlasting home on high. Dear friends, let me urge you to secure for yourself this happy portion. Take care to get the hope of the righteous men, and to live the life of the righteous man, in order that at last you may have the consummation of such a death. The Baptist choir sang in sweet and hushed tones "My Jesus as Thou Wilt" and "Shall We Meet Beyond the River?". The male quartet consisting of Massers Butterworth, Berger, Backus, and Ephlin sany "I Would Not Live Always." At the church seats were reserved for the various organizations in attendance. Two coaches filled with friends of the deceased came from Michigan City. Most of them were members of some of the secret organizations with which Mr. Dorland was connected. There were ten or twelve Blue Lodge masons, ten of the Eastern Star, twenty-seven of the Commandery and the remainder were Odd Fellows or G.A.R. members. The organizations present from this city were Excelsior Lodge, LaPorte Commandery, K.T.; Patton Post G.A.R.; LaPorte Lodge I.O.O.F.; Orient Chapter, OEE; and the Women's Relief Corps. The pall bearers were W.A. Banks, W.B. Biddle, E. Moore, O.A. Burroughs, J. Buck, G.H. Carter, H.C. Noe and W.T. Anderson. The choir that furnished the music were Messrs S.I. Kessler, and George Cutler and Misses Grace Chaffee and May Miller, while Austin Cutler presided at the organ. There were in attendance at the funeral 200 masons, 80 members of Patton Post G.A.R.; and 60 Odd Fellows. Rev. W.D. Chaffee of South Bend offered prayer and Rev. Walter Scott read a short extract from Scripture. The remains were escorted to the cemetery by numbers from all the secret orders. At the grave a short services was read by Rev. Addison Parker, and the Make Quartet sang "Nearer My God to Thee." The services were very impressive. Those
present from abroad were Joseph O. Dorland, Greensburg, Kansas, brother
of the Deceased; Mrs. Indiana Beeber and daughter, Mrs. Myers,
Rochester, Indiana; Jason Beeber and daughter, Argos, Indiana; Miss
Lizzie Whorry, Plymoth; Oscar Sabin, Chicago, Illinois, Quartermaster
of the 29th Indiana regiment. |