Holland city News, Thursday, April 25, 1912

George H. Souter of this city, who underwent an operation in Rochester, Minn., died last Thursday night at 10 o’clock. A telegram was received in the afternoon saying that his condition was worse and telling the children to come to his bedside. Four of his children left at midnight but were unable to reach him before he died. Mr. Souter spent the past winter in Los Angeles, Cal., and was on his way home when he had the operation performed.

Six children, Mrs. Joseph Kardux, Mrs. L. Kardux, Del Souter, G. H. Souter Jr., Mrs E. Dick of this city and Mrs. Houw of Los Angeles, four brothers and a sister, William of Canada, Alfred of Shelby, Thomas in England, Fred of Kalio, and a sister, Mrs. Sarah Elmer of Buffalo, N. Y., survive him. The body was brought here for burial. The funeral was held yesterday afternoon from the home, Beechwood, at 1:30 and at 2 o’clock from Hope Church. The Rev. Blekkink officiated. All his children were present.

The following poem was written by Mr. Souter as a memoriam to his wife who died two years ago:

I sit and dream in the twilight

Of days that are gone for aye,

And as I dream the twilight fades

And night shuts out the day.

The darkness has been long and lonely

And clouds have hung dark and low

Since I laid away my darling wife,

And times move drear and slow.

And I seek my couch in the darkness

And lay me down with a prayer

To the Lord to lighten the burden

And help me this cross to bear.

For I know that my darling is happy

In the land where no sorrow can come,

And sometimes I am going to meet her

In that bright and most beautiful home.

For the dawn of a blessed tomorrow

Shall rise to my vanishing sight

Where pain nor sickness and sorrow

Shall mar my most perfect delights.

And then I shall meet with my loved ones

And there from my labors will rest

And will sit at the feet of my Saviour

At home in the land of the blest.

By George Souter, Senior

(During the Civil War, Mr. Souter served in the 1^st Michigan Infantry, Co. K. He is buried in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.)

Holland City News, August 6, 1891?

Mr. G. Souter has purchased the Morris Tucker’s patent improved harness and has commenced manufacturing in this city. Specimens of the material can be seen at the blacksmith shop of the Winters Brothers in this city.

Editor’s Note: Mr. Souter, an Englishman, began his career as a woodsman and followed that trade for nine years. He came to Holland in 1876 and began his trade as a nurseryman. He was widely known as a fruit and ornamental tree dealer. The nursery was located in Holland Township. Not only was Mr. Souter a nurseryman and a businessman, but he followed the profession of auctioneer as well. George Souter learned to speak Dutch fluently and this was an asset to him as an auctioneer. For several years he also filled the post of Highway Commissioner of this city.