DEATH NOTICE, January 23, 1866
"The New Era", a Fredericksburg newspaper:

Rev George Rowe died on Thursday night - one of our oldest citizens. The multitude which attended his funeral and accompanied his remais to the grave, best attest the universal respect and affection his worth and usefulness have won in a life of more than fifty years spent in this community

OBITUARY, January 23, 1866
"The New Era":

Died at his residence in this city, on Thursday night, 18th instant, Rev George Rowe, in the seventy - third year of his age. The life and character of the subject of this notice not only endear his name to his immediate family, but constitute his memory, a monument, eternal as the everlasting hills. His history, is a testimony, prouder than armorial ensign, of the achievements of industry, integrity and Christian faith.

He came to Fredericksburg, nearly half a century ago, comparatively unknown, and without educational advantages, and with no capital but a clear head, honest heart, and an ambitious spirit. He immediately identified himself with the business men and business interests of the city. Animated by a stern resolve for self - elevation and conquest of adverse circumstances by which he was surrounded, he devoted himself to work, with assiduity and integrity, knew no relaxation and swiftly commanded public confidence.

In 1851, he retired from business in the realization of complete success, and a character not only without spot or blemish, but beyond suspicion.

His labors, however, were not confined to the acquisition of wealth and the developments of his facilities of trade. He did not permit the intellect, which God had purposely given him, in slumber, but he burnt the midnight oil in the acquisition of knowledge, and in spite of every obstacle, educated himself.

His religious life was still more remarkable. Shortly after he removed to Fredericksburg, he professed religion and allied himself with the Baptist Church. He devoted himself with his religious duties, and the interests of the church, with the same stern consciousness, and unremitting attention, which characterized his secular conduct. He was, at an early date, elected to the Office of Deacon. He advanced to the exercise of exhortation , and finally, in the year 1851, he was ordained a Minister of the Gospel. His ministerial labors, for some years, were bestowed on the various Baptist churches in the surrounding country, without special attention to any one of them, except Salem Church, in this county, where he exercised the pastoral functions for several years. In 1857, he was called to the charge of the Fredericksburg African Church, which enlisted, and received his constant devotion, until the year 1862, when the results of the war disbanded his church, and his failing health, and retirement from this locality, because of its being the scene of conflict, severed his pastoral relations.

Such is a brief epitome of the personal history on one who has left 'his footprints on the sands of time'. It is needless to add that he fulfilled the offices of husband, father and friend, with the same force, fidelity, and honor which marked his other relations of life.

He leaves behind to mourn his loss, five sons, three daughters and twenty - two grandchildren. He has finished his course, and sunk to rest like an autumnal sun, in a sea of glory, with the splendors of a well spent life illuminating the horizons, now, darkened, indeed, to those who loved him, but remember that: