Pioneer Lodgeman Taken By Death George Gaston, 80, Served as County Sheriff and Assessor Daily Olympian - January 8, 1930 George Gaston, 80, Washington pioneer and one of the earlist members of the Harmony lodge, No. 18, F. and A.M. died at St. Peter’s hospital Tuesday afternoon. Funeral services will be held from the Mills funeral chapel Thursday afternoon at 1:30 with Reverend Frank Carlson officiating.  Graveside services will be conducted by Harmony lodge, with interment in the Masonic cemetery. Deceased was born in Nova Scotia, November 24, 1849.  He came west to San Francisco at the age of 19, and soon afterwards continued to Washington. In 1847 [sic - 1877?], he went to work in the logging camp of George Foster, south of Olympia.  Later he formed a partnership with W.O. Bush and established a logging camp near Tenino, where he remained in business for several years. After completing the logging project he retired to a farm at Bush Prairie, where he remained until his election as sheriff of Thurston County in 1894.  He served one term, was later re-elected in 1906, serving two more terms. In 1917 he was elected county assessor, an office he held for two years.  Since then he had lived in retirement at the family home at 1004 San Francisco Street. His first marriage, early in life, was to Miss Belle Bush, who died in 1921.  He subsequently married Mrs. Foxwell, who survives him.  Surviving besides his widow are a son, George William of Chehalis, and a daughter, Mrs. Robert Sutcliffe of Olympia. Mr. Gaston became a member of the Harmony lodge No. 18, F. and A.M. in 1874.  He became worshipful Master of the lodge more than 50 years ago, December 27, 1879.  In commemoration of the event the lodge held a celebration last fall at which Mr. Gaston was the guest of honor.  He was also a member of the Olympia lodge No. 186 of the B.P.O. Elks.