FLOWER, George, colonist, born in Hertfordshire, England, about 1780; died in Grayville, White County, Illinois, 15 /Jan., 1862. He was born in affluent circumstances, and, after traveling oil the Continent for the benefit of husbandry, he came to the United States in 1817 as the associate of Morris Birkbeck, in order to found an English colony in Albion, Edwards County, Ilk here he built an elegant mansion, and his large wealth gave him a commanding position. In addition to the improved husbandry, this farm was stocked with the finest fleeces of England and Spain. His wisdom and benevolence exerted great influence upon the new settlement. When the attempt to legalize African slavery in Illinois was made in 1823, he was instrumental in securing its defeat. In the financial changes of the new country his wealth was lost, and for many years he lived in retirement with his children in Indiana and Illinois.

In December 1861, Mr. and Mrs. Flower made a visit to their daughter, Mrs. Aguiel, in Grayville, White County, Illinois, and early in January 1862, they both became ill on the same day, and a week later died on the same day. He wrote a "History of the English Settlement in Edwards County, Illinois, founded in 1817 and 1818 by Morris Birkbeck and George Flower " (Chicago, 1882).

His son, Edward Fordham Flower, born near Hertford, England, 31 January 1805; died in London, 26 March 1883, spent his early life in Illinois, and then resided for nearly half a century at Stratford-on-Avon, where he was well known for his hospitalities to Shakespearian visitors. Bryant, Emerson, Longfellow, and Sumner were among his American guests. He was four times chosen mayor of the borough. Mr. Flower advocated with energy a more humane treatment of horses, especially in the abolition of bearing reins and severe bits, upon which subject, and also upon the improvement of road making, he published several widely circulated pamphlets. One of his three sons is president of the Zoological society of London.