Blake, Morris Lyon 1847 - 1917

BLAKE, HAWTHORNE, PHILLIPS

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 9/24/2021 at 22:43:38

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 05 Apr. 1917. Volga column.

Morris Lyon Blake, son of Chester A. and Ann S. Blake, was born in Milton, Vermont, May 16th, 1847, and died at his home in Volga, March 28th, 1917, aged 69 years, 10 months and 12 days.

He came with his parents to Iowa March 21st, 1867.

On February 13th, 1871, he was united in marriage to Margaret J. Hawthorne. To this union was born one son, who died September 17th, 1874, and was followed by his mother four days later.

Mr. Blake was married again on November 10th, 1875, to Cynthia Hawthorne. To this union were born four children, Leon A. and Verna F., of Volga, Mrs. Hugh Phillips, of Gridley, Kan., and Celia J., of Pittsburg, Pa., all of whom survive him.

The grandchildren are Vivian L., M. Loylo, Wilburn I., Dean L., Russell E. and Merton J.

A brother, A. H. Blake, of Manchester, is spending the winter in the south, and a nephew, Will Blake, resides at Manchester.

Mr. Blake was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Volga for about thirty years, and an elder during the later years.

Mr. Blake was also a charter member of Mountain Shade lodge of the Masonic order and during the life of the local lodge he held the important office of senior warden and worshipful master.

The story of Mr. Blake's life is the story of Volga. Fifty years of residence here have woven his life into the record of its growth and development. He was a good citizen, standing square and true for all things that build up and enlarge a city's life and usefulness, and resolutely opposed to the things which debase and degrade.

In his home life his affection for his children and grandchildren was evident to the casual visitor, and revealed a kindly disposition of a loving heart.

In the church of his choice he was a consistent and honored member and officer, and his love for the Church grew with his advancing years. My own brief relations with him have been of the happiest kind, and I shall miss his faithful attendance and his loyal service and support. I saw him frequently during his confinement to the house and I have rarely met a man who took so much comfort in his religion as did he.

He was eager for the exercises of song and prayer and Scripture reading. And it was not that he was contemplating death, it was sheer enjoyment of the worship of his Saviour.

The last intelligible word I heard him utter was on Monday morning, when he said in a moment of consciousness, "This is not my home; I'm going home." And so from the earthly home which he loved so well he went to the heavenly home, which he also loved.

"The body returns to the earth as it was; the spirit to God who gave it."
"Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord," saith the Spirit," for they rest from their labors and their works follow with them. Blessed by God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who, according to his just mercy, hath begotten us again into a living hope to the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, unto an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled that fadeth not away."

The funeral was held at the Presbyterian Church, Friday afternoon, Rev. Pearson officiating. The floral offerings were many and very beautiful.