1914 Delaware Co., IA History pgs. 408-409

George R. Furman, in association with his brother, Charles H. Furman, owns two hundred and thirty-five acres of land situated on section 30, Delhi township. He was born on the 5th of September, 1851, in Hanover, Illinois, a son of Russell W. and Cynthia (Tyler) Furman, natives of New York and New Hampshire respectively. The father learned the miller's trade in his native state and after coming west and settling in Hanover, Illinois, he worked at his trade for J. W. White for eighteen years. At the end of that time, or in 1869, he removed to Delaware county, Iowa, and established the family home in the little town of Hartwick, which is no longer in existence. He purchased a mill there and he and his sons ran it for a number of years. They also bought a large farm which included the town site and cultivated the land in connection with the operation of the mill. The father eventually retired and removed to Delhi, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1892. He was survived by his wife for twenty-two years, as she died May 14, 1914. They were married at Paw Paw, Michigan, but immediately afterward crossed Lake Michigan to Chicago and thence proceeded by team to Hanover, Illinois, where, as before stated, they resided for a number of years. They had three children: Frona, who married James Edgerton and passed away in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, in 1874; Charles H., who resides in Delhi; and George R.

The last named received his education in the public schools of Hanover, Illinois, and remained there until he was a young man of eighteen years, when he accompanied the family to this county, and for some time assisted his father in the work of the mill and in the cultivation of the homestead. Upon starting out in life for himself he chose the occupation of farming and together with his brother Charles H. now owns two hundred and thirty-five acres of fertile land on section 30, Delhi township. The town of Hartwick once stood upon their farm and was a thriving, busy village until a flood washed away the dam. Mr. Furman, who owned the land, had the houses torn down and turned the property into a farm. Although he and his brother own the land in partnership, our subject operates it, as his brother resides in Delhi. Under his able management the work is performed promptly and thoroughly and the land yields abundant crops which bring a good price upon the market.

Mr. Furman was married on the 4th of October, 1875, to Miss Mary A. Penn. a daughter of John W. and Permelia (Sade) Penn. The father was a descendant of the famous Quaker, William Penn, and was born in Jamestown, Virginia, while his wife was a native of Lexington, Kentucky. They were among the early settlers in Delaware county and Mr. Perm engaged in farming in Delhi township. He was quite prominent in local affairs and was the first sheriff of Delaware county, holding the office for ten consecutive years. He passed away December 8, 1881, and his widow survived until 1909. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Furman, namely: William Russell and George Franklin, who own the mill and electric light plant at Troy Mills, Iowa; and Tyler Penn and Mary Fern, both at home.

Mr. Furman votes for the candidates of the democratic party and takes a citizen's interest in all matters of public moment. He is one of the progressive and highly respected farmers of the county and in improving his property and conserving the fertility of the soil he is contributing toward the permanent prosperity and agricultural development of the county.

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