Vance - George M.
Source: Crawfordsville Review 12 Oct 1911 p5
George M. Vance, a life long and highly respected resident of Crawfordsville died at his home, 414 E. Jefferson Street Friday morning about 6 o’clock after an illness of several months. Tuberculosis was the cause of his demise. Mr. Vance was 52 years of age. Funeral arrangements have not been entirely completed but services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the home, conducted by Rev. Fred White Hixson of First ME Church. The Ben-Hur quartet will probably sing and interment will be made in Oak Hill Cemetery. George W. (sic) Vance was born Nov 14, 1858 in Crawfordsville and was the son of Isaac and Martha Vance. He was united in marriage Nov 25, 1879, with Josephine Nelson daughter of Clark B. and Lucinda Nelson. To them three children were born, Fred N; June and Lacey. The two latter are dead. Mr. Vance engaged early in life in the painting and paper hanging business which he followed practically all his life. For a period of about 25 years he was connected with the Lacey book store and left that place about two and a half years ago to take up interior decorating in partnership with his son, Fred N. Vance. Mr. Vance was an artist to his finger tips and was peculiarly fitted for this work. In 1910 the Vances secured the contract for decorating the new US Grant Hotel at Los Angeles, Cal and this task took up most of the fall and winter. The work of the Vances created a deep and lasting impression on the coast as an artistic triumph. It was while he was returning from the coast that Mr. Vance contracted the illness which ended in death. Besides the widow and son, Mr. Vance is survived by two sisters, Miss Mame Vance of Indiana and Mrs. Hugh Kelsey of this city and three brothers, Peter Vance of Denver, Colo and Nathan and Harry Vance of Crawfordsville. Ed Vance of this city is a half brother of the decedent. Mr. Vance was a member of the old and famous Montgomery Guard under General Lew Wallace and for a time in his early life he lived in Ft. Worth Tex when that place was nothing more than an army post. He was also a member of Simonides Court, Tribe of Ben Hur. Mr. Vance was well and favorably known in Crawfordsville and the county. His magnetic personality brought to him a host of friendships and the memory of his broad mind and gentle heart is cherished by many. His passing is mourned by all with whom he came in contact during life. - kbz