Leaving a Legacy
Land which George Daily inherited from the culmination of his father’s small land purchases, turned out to be rich with oil. Although George regularly received checks from an oil company for this rich land, lhe lived as a poor man never cashing the checks. Angry at his father for being absent so much of his life, George wanted nothing to do with the land or the money being paid to him. No one knew about the money until an investigator with the oil company came to Oskaloosa trying to determine why checks weren’t being cashed or property taxes weren’t being paid. Before George died in 1993, he established a will leaving his entire estate in trust for the benefit of the community of Oskaloosa.
George Daily
12/07/1908 – 03/07/1993
George Daily, was born December 7, 1908, son of John I. and Maudine Prine Daily. George grew up in a poor family. His father was frequently absent, working as a traveling house painter. Although times were tough, John sometimes purchased small pieces of land in tax sales during his travels. With his brother, Walter, and sister, Blanche, home for the Dailys was on the Prine family farm located 3.5 miles northwest of Oskaloosa, across from the Prine School.
In 1910 the family moved to town, 1212 High Avenue West, Oskaloosa, where they lived while their father built what was to become George’s life-long home. All three children attended and graduated at the top of their class from Oskaloosa High School.
As adults, Blanche, taught music lessons at the high school; Walter had a number of miscellaneous jobs around town; George worked for Anderson Moving and Storage Company and Holub’s Greenhouse. Being somewhat of a loner, George was often seen taking long walks, strolling through the park, or taking in a band concert on the square. The city library was one of his favorite places to visit. Being an avid chess and checker player, he was always ready for a challenge and enjoyed the competition.
Photography was another of George’s hobbies. George had a love for nature and truly enjoyed working in his garden of wild flowers. Because of this love, there is a “George Daily Memorial Garden” in his honor so others may enjoy the beauty of his work.
Due to failing health, it became necessary for George to leave his beloved home and garden. After a long stay in the Mahaska Hospital, George was not able to return home, but found comfort in a caring staff and personal attendants at the Siesta Park Manor. George passed away on March 7, 1993, at the Mahaska County Hospital after a long illness.
