Former Massac County Resident Dies at 107 Yrs.

George Robert Hermen, former Massac County resident, died Nov. 16 at the home of his son Edward in Chicago Heights at the age of 107. He would have been 108 on his next birthday, Feb. 5, having been born in 1840 in Edwards County.

Mr. Hermen came from a family of centenarians, his father having reached the age of 106.

Only last year he left his home near New Columbia to live with his son in Chicago Heights. Just a year ago this past summer he would harness his horse, hitch to his buggy and drive from his farm to Metropolis.

During the Civil War, Mr. Hermen was employed by a detective agency in Kankakee. Other occupations he followed were operating fisheries in Indiana and Illinois, traveling as a tintype photographer through the Midwest, and trading horses.

Among his favorite stories were tales of competing with "Buffalo Bill" in shooting matches. Mr. Hermen was an expert marksman.

Another thrilling narrative he recounted was his experience of being on a train held up by the notorious Jesse James. At the age of 85 he unloaded two car loads of coal unassisted. At the age of 90 he could shoulder a 100 lb. sack of sugar.

About fifteen years ago he came to Massac County where he farmed until 1942. Even though retired, he raised a small patch of corn the following year for his chickens and pigs as his part in the war effort.

He enjoyed telling fascinating stories of his past and could speak German fluently.

He was married four times and was the father of eighteen children, ten of whom survive him. He also had thirty grandchildren and nearly as many great-grandchildren.

Two sons, Charles A. and Melvin, live in Metropolis. A grandson, Donald Hermen attends the Metropolis Community High School.