The Galena Gazette, December 16, 1932 (Date estimated)

Galena was shocked and pained to learn of the comparatively sudden death of its former citizen, George T. Millhouse, at about 2:30 'o'clock Thursday afternoon at Finley hospital In Dubuque.

A few weeks ago Mr. Millhouse fell at his Dubuque home and fractured a limb. However, he seemed to be convalescing from this painful injury but the strain was evidently too much for a weakened heart that had suffered a bad attack several years ago.

Mr. Millhouse had been up in a wheel chair Wednesday and about the middle of the afternoon was seized 'with a heart attack. However, Mr. Millhouse remained conscious and by sheer will attempted to stave off the grim reaper until his daughter, Mrs. Louise Catherwood, arrived from Ithaca, N. Y., but death won the race, Mrs. Catherwood arriving a short time after her father had passed away.

Mr. Millhouse was considered one of Galena's keenest businessmen, making a success not only of the retail but the wholesale business, then the manufacturing business.

Though an exceedingly busy man, Mr. Millhouse found time for the worthwhile things In life. He was passionately devoted to his family, he found joy in religious causes and for years was superintendent of the South Presbyterian Sunday School. He also was a trustee of this church. For this city, he gave his time as alderman and also as president of the Board of Education.

He enjoyed lodge work and was a member of the Odd Fellows bodies of Galena, and was one of the backers of the new I. 0. 0. F. Temple Galena. Mr. Millhouse was a director of the Merchants National Bank for a number of years. George T. Millhouse was born in Schapville, August 25, 1869, but when a young man came to Galena where he attended the German-English College. Later he went to Chicago where he continued his education, then he was employed as bookkeeper for Marshall Field & Co. In 1889 Mr. Millhouse returned to Galena and with his brother, August J. Millhouse purchased the hardware store from Henry A. Uehrefl. They moved from the west o the east side of the street and some years later they purchased the Estey and Felt building a block further south. This building was remodeled into modern four-story wholesale and retail hardware store building.

Mr. Millhouse retained an active interest in this store until a few years ago.

In 1911 George T. and A. J. Millhouse purchased a Glove and Mitten factory from Decorah, Ia., parties, moving the factory to Galena, occupying the second floor of what is now the Kraehmer garage.

Later a modern concrete building was erected on Commerce street in Galena which was used as the glove factory until about two years ago when the business was moved to Dubuque and combined with the Dubuque branch.

Though Mr. Millhouse moved to Dubuque last March with his family t occupy a new home he had just finished building, he retained his home in Galena and always kept his interest in this city.

In his long business career Mr. Millhouse has been influential in the success of many young men with whom he has been associated. Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Ruby Swing Millhouse, a daughter, Mrs. Louise Catherwood of Ithaca, N. Y., George T. Jr., who is attending the University of Chicago, and August J., at home. One sister, Mrs. Anna Reifsteck of Galena, and brothers, August J., of Galena; William P., of Hazelton, Ia.; John H. of Alpena, S. D., also survive. Mr. Millhouse was the youngest of his family. The body was taken to his former home on North Park Avenue whore funeral services will be hold Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Burial will be made In Greenwood cemetery.

Submitted by Jennifer Heer Norman - Jennifer@heergenealogy.com