William S. George was born on November 18, 1814 in either Highland County or Fayette County, Ohio. He was married to Susannah Wilson in December of 1834 in Highland County. Susannah was born on February 2, 1814 in Highland County. Ten children are known to have been born to William and Susannah. They are;
1. Riley George, born March 25, 1836 in Clinton County, Ohio; died on March 16, 1865 in Harnett County, North Carolina as a member of Co. F of the 86th Illinois.
2. Lydia George, born c. 1837/38 in Ohio
3. Rebecca George, born c. 1840/41 in Ohio
4. Wilson Bennami "Wiltz" George, born July 21, 1842 near Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois; died on April 1, 1927 in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa; Wilson served as a Private in Co. L of the 4th Iowa Vol. Cavalry, enlisting at the age of 19 on October 14, 1861. Wilson was injured at the Battle of Mine Creek, Kansas in 1864 when he was injured in his left thigh when his horse fell on him during a cavalry charge. Wilson was mustered out on December 5, 1864 at Memphis, Tennessee; Wilson's mortal remains were laid to rest in the Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines, Polk County,
Iowa.
5. James W. George, born on August 31, 1844 (most likely near Elmwood, Illinois) in Peoria County, Illinois according to the History of Marion County, Iowa, which was published in 1881; His mortal remains were buried in the Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville, Marion County, Iowa; James W. George was a Private in Co. G of the 17th Iowa, enlisting in March of 1862, re-enlisting in April of 1864 and who was captured in October of 1864 during Sherman's infamous "March to the Sea", spending several months as a POW.
6. Fountain Watkins George, born c. 1846/47 in Peoria County.
7. Jacob George, born April 11, 1849 in Peoria County, Illinois, probably near Elmwood, Illinois; believed to have been born c. 1845/46, but not found in the 1850 census; volunteered to serve in what would become Co. K of the 33rd Regt. Iowa Vol. Infantry on February 25, 1864; Mustered into service on March 4, 1864; residence - Oskaloosa, Iowa; died of illness on September 3, 1864 while in camp at Little Rock, Arkansas; His mortal remains were laid to rest in Little Rock in what was originally called Section 1, Grave #955, but what is today called Section 2, Grave #2014 in the Little Rock National Cemetery in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas.
8. Abel T. George, born April 11, 1849 in Peoria County; middle name was probably Thornberry, most likely being named after his father's brother, Abel Thornberry George (1808 - 1892).
9. Marion M. George, born
10. Mary Adiline "Addie" George; born March 26, 1856 in Pella, Marion County, Iowa; died August 29, 1878 in Marion County, Iowa.

About 1841, William and Susannah made the decision to move west to Illinois, where they settled in Peoria County, near the town of Elmwood. This is the family as it appears in the 1850 census of Peoria County;
2222 2275 George William 35 M Farmer Ohio
2222 2275 George Susanna 35 F Ohio
2222 2275 George Riley 14 M Ohio
2222 2275 George Lydia J.12 F Ohio
2222 2275 George Rebecca 9 F Ohio
2222 2275 George Wilson 7 M Ill
2222 2275 George James 5 M Ill
2222 2275 George Thornton W. 3 M Ill
2222 2275 George Abel 1 M Ill
2222 2275 George Jacob 1 M Ill Jacob & Abel are both listed as being 1 year old.

The George family remained there in Peoria County about fourteen years farming the land. In 1855, the family moved westward again, this time to Marion County, Iowa, where they settled on a farm in Lake Prairie Township near Pella, Iowa. William and Susannah would remain there until William's death on February 22, 1899. Shortly after that, Susannah moved to Sully, Iowa, residing with one of her sons until her death on October 6, 1909. William and Susannah were both buried in the Graceland Cemetery in Pella, Iowa.

Following is the obituary of William S. George which appeared in the The Pella Blade in March of 1899;
"Death of William S. George
William S. George was born in Fayette County, Ohio , November the 18th, 1814 and was married to Susannah Wilson, Dec. 7, 1831 in his native state of Ohio. They had ten children born to them, seven sons and three daughters. Six sons served in the late war of the rebellion, in the union army, and only four returned home. Riley, the oldest son, fell in the battle of Avers Borrough, North Carolina, and Jacob died in camp at Little Rock, Arkansas. Of the three daughters dead two died in Pella, Iowa and one at St. Charles, Iowa. Mr. George and wife moved to Illinois in 1841 and lived there fourteen years then moved to Pella, Iowa in 1855 and have remained here since. Mr. George was highly respected by all who knew him. He died Feb. 24th 1899, aged 84 years, 8 months and 6 days. His wife and 4 sons survive him, the 4 sons were present at the funeral. Three live in Iowa and one in Illinois.

Card of Thanks
We desire to thank those who so kindly aided us during the sickness and cheered us by their sympathy after the death of one husband and father.
Mrs. Wm. George and four sons."

By Baxter B. Fite III and Jerry Sanner (FAG Contributor #47394587)