John George Hormel
1830-1896

Passed Away -

In another column will be found the death notice and biographical sketch of the late J.G. Hormel of this city. In his demise Austin has lost one of her best citizens, and the destiny of a most active, honorable and useful life has been fulfilled, rounded out by every virtue that characterizes true manhood and uprightness.

We wish to bow in reverence in the remembrance of the dear father who for as many years has been the strong and kindly support of home circle which now is so suddenly broken. Words are feeble in expressing the emotions of the human heart on such as occasion as this.
None, but those who here experienced the sad parting of a loyal father can ever know what it means. We deeply sympathize with the family and friends in this trying ordeal.

[Austin Register, Thursday, May 7, 1896]

Obituary, John George Hormel

John George Hormel was born in Germany, near Frankfort on the Main, July 24, 1830. At four years of age he came with his parents to Buffalo, New York, an experience which he distinctly remembered in after life; a part of the trip being accomplished on the first railway train ever run between Albany and Schenectady.

In 1856, he was married in Buffalo to Miss Susie Decker, a life union which was crowned with the rarest harmony and blessing. In 1865 he removed with his wife and four children to Toledo, Ohio, where he engaged in the tannery business under the firm name of Hormel and Heyer, until 1890, when he retired. But his energetic spirit chaffed under severance from business interests, and in July 1895, at the urgent solicitation of his family, he removed to Austin, Minnesota, the he might enjoy the activity of business with his sons without bearing its cares and responsibilities.

Here he was so renewed in heath and strength that it seemed as if his best and happiest years were yet before him, when he should see the fruits of his life long consecration to home and family and God.

But one week ago Wednesday night, April 29, he was taken with severe chills, followed by la Grippe and pneumonia. From this he sank rapidly, and Wednesday morning quietly breathed his last, as 5:30, surrounded by most of his family.

Mr. Hormel was a life-long member of the German Reformed Church, an earnest, consistent christian. His disposition was a peculiarly happy one -- a blending of gentleness and firmness, contentment and ambition. In business he was both conservative and energetic. In his home he was remarkable for his ingenious ability of entering into and appreciating the natural endowments of each one of his children, so as to encourage and develop each along their own chosen line of life work. No one was constrained or discouraged but each was trained regardless of expense or self-sacrifice for what ever vocation they wished to enter.

Mr. Hormel's entire family consisted of twelve children, two of whom died in early life. Five daughters and five sons remain with their mother to mourn their loss. Miss Elisabeth Hormel, instructor of art in Albert Lea College; Mrs. L.P. Fisher, of Toledo; Mrs. Franks, E. Wells, of Fostoria; Miss Lottie, a kindergarten teacher, all present with her mother in Austin; Miss Nellie, a teacher in the Toledo public schools. Four of the sons, George A., Herman, John and Ben, are engaged in the packing business in Austin; Rev. W. H. Hormel is pastor of central Pres. church, of Austin and the Oakland Pres. church.

Mr. Hormel will be laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery, Friday, May 8, 1896. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. at the Central Presbyterian Church, by Dr. S.S. Cryor, of Albert Lea.

Austin Register, Thursday, May 7, 1896

Credit: Mark Ashley
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John George Hormel and his wife, Susan (Decker) Hormel, had twelve children total, between the years 1857 and 1877. The two children not listed here are the first child, Elizabeth, born in 1857 who died in infancy, and a son, Wm. Henry Hormel, a Presbyterian minister, who lived from 1862 - 1954. Henry and his wife apparently were cremated in Michigan, no markers have been located as of April 2019.

Contributor: Steve (48194164)
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John George Hormel was born in Germany. His name in Germany was Johann Georg Hormel, later "Americanized" to John George Hormel. He preferred to use his middle name, George, which will be found on most of his American records such as census and city directories.

Contributor: Steve (48194164) •