James Warren Morse 1877-1940

MORSE, BOICE

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 11/7/2010 at 22:36:56

Atty. J. W. Morse Dies Suddenly
Was At Office This Morning Feeling Fine
Talks With Friends on the Street at Noon, Dies After Lunch at Home

The announcement of the death of Attorney James W. Morse came as a severe shock to the entire community this afternoon. Mr. Morse was on the street at 12 o’clock and was apparently in good health. Shortly after he arrived at home he had a severe heart attack from which he never recovered.

The announcement to the public simply stunned them. No one seemed to believe the report. Mr. Morse had addressed gatherings in the past few days and only last evening greeted friends in the Gardston hotel at the dinner and was in fine spirits.

Attorney Morse was one of the leading attorneys of the state. There was no better trial lawyer in northwestern Iowa. He was a diligent student of not only the law but of every subject of interest to the public and the state and nation. His advice as an attorney was considered the best. He was a very fluent speaker and was always prepared for a talk for any occasion. The community has lost a brilliant attorney in Mr. Morse.

Attorney Morse was born in Mitchell county, October 21, 1877. He entered the University of Iowa in 1898 and graduated from the law department in 1901. He practiced here alone until 1903 and became partner of M. H. Kendall. The following years he entered the firm of E. B. Soper and son at Emmetsburg. In 1907 he returned to Estherville and entered a partnership with Atty. C. W. Crim. In 1914 he entered a partnership with Atty. N. J. Lee. For the past few years he has practiced alone. At the time of his death he has the outstanding practice in the city.

He leaves to mourn his death his widow and one son, Atty. John Morse of New York City and one daughter, Mrs. W. A. Boice of Chicago. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, May 9, 1940)