Obit: Greengrass, George Carimen (1854? - 1936)

Contact: Crystal Wendt
Email: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Greengrass, Carmen

----Sources: Neillsville Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) 5 March 1936

Greengrass, George Carimen (1854? - 2 March 1936)

George Garimen, known best by his Indian name, died at Neillsville Hospital, Monday evening, March 2, aged 82 years.

George Greengrass was one of the oldest Winnebagoes in this vicinity, having been born on the banks of Black River, south of Neillsville, and living in this locality all his life. He had a peculiarly genial disposition and was well like by all who knew him. He was also in his way very religious. In the summer of 1934, when the drouth was at its worst, he told the writer that his memory ran back over 70 years and he had never seen so destructive a drouth. He held to the theory that mankind, especially the white race had become so puffed up with the pride of their accomplishment, and had forgotten their dependence upon God that the drouth had been sent to humble their pride.

His wife died a good many years ago. A son James Carmen, who served over seas and was gassed on the battlefield, came home and died a few years later, leaving a widow and little son, who survive the grandfather. Government insurance left by James Carmen to his father, had kept him in comfortable circumstances. About five weeks ago he became ill and was cared for at Neillsville Hospital until his death.

Burial took place in the Indian cemetery near Dells Dam Wednesday afternoon, the Indian Ceremony being used.

Respecting Mr. Greengrass wishes his body was wrapped in deer skins and a hole made through the rough box and coffin through which the spirits can enter with food. The funeral rites include four days of feasting, friends of Mr. Greengrass assembling each evening to feast at sundown and eulogize his memory. On the fourth evening the feast and services last all night will the men playing cards and other games while the women spend the evening, in visiting.

During the World’s Fair of 1893 at Chicago, Mr. Greengrass was a member of the *The remaining 3 lines cut off.)