GEORGE POLLARD, deceased, was born in Yorkshire, England, Jan. 5, 1822. His parents, Joseph and Betsey (Hillingsworth) Pollard, were born and passed the entire period of their lives, in England.
Mr. Pollard worked in the woolen mills of Bradford, in his native country, until the age of 30. In 1852, he emigrated to the United States, and located in Philadelphia, where he was employed in a flour and feed store two years. In 1854, he returned to his native land, and worked at his tade of weaver and wool-dresser until the spring of 1857, when he again crossed the ocean and came to Michigan. He was employed at various points until 1859, and finally settled in Newaygo County. He pre-empted 80 acres in Ashland Township, his claim being the last secured in the township under the law governig pre-emption territory.
In 1869 Mr. Pollard became disabled from dyspepsia and a kidney disease, which continued several years. when their violence abated he found himself to be afflicted with cancer of the stomach, of which he died, May 9, 1875, after a long period of unmitigated suffering, which terminated in literal starvation. This continued three months before death brought a merciful release. He was endowed with a fine mind and was an extensive reader, possessing the ability to assimilate and make practically useful the knowledge he acquired. He was engaged during all his active life in the best interests of Church society and all movements for moral reform. He adhered to the tenets of the Republican party, and held the post of Treasurer of his School District nine years before his death. He belonged to the Baptist Church, was Treasurer of the society and was an outspoken and zealous advocate of temperance.
Mrs. Elizabeth (Houlding) Pollard was born in the city of Leeds, Yorkshire, Eng., June, 1824. Her mother died when she was 20 years old, and upon her devolved care of six younger brothers and sisters. This duty she continued to discharge, and also worked in the woolen factories of Leeds until 1857, when she came to the United States, and, after a short residence in Philadelphia, joined her brothers in Ashland Township. She was married March 25, 1859, to Mr. Pollard, when death left her a widow with three children. Albert was born Nov. 10, 1859, and died Sept. 14, 1864. Those living were born in the following order: Alfred L., Nov. 10, 1859 (twin brother of Albert); George A., Dec. 3, 1862; Joseph W., March 6, 1866.
Mrs. Pollard is passing a peaceful, consistent, christian, sunny old age among her children on the homestead, situated on section 9, Ashland Township.