Moir, Alexander Sr. (Died 1898)

MOIR, ROSS

Posted By: Viv Reeves (email)
Date: 1/18/2006 at 19:14:31

From the LeMars Sentinel, Monday, September 19, 1898, Page 4, Column 3:

Seney--Last Sunday morning at 10 o'clock occurred the death of R. G. (error--Alexander) Moir caused by inflammation of the bowels. Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock at the house. Mr. Moir was an old settler in these parts and leaves a large number of friends and relatives to mourn his loss.

From the LeMars Sentinel, Thursday, September 22, 1898, Page 3, Column 5:

Sioux County Herald: The death of Alexander Moir, Sr., occurred last Sunday forenoon at his home in Sherman township in this county. The funeral took place on Tuesday. Deceased was born in Scotland seventy-seven years ago. While still a young man he came to this country, and settled in the lake regions of Canada. At twenty-eight (actually 31) he was married to Miss Jessie Ross, who was ten (actually 13) years his junior. Thirteen children were born to them, five daughters, and eight sons. In 1882, Mr. Moir and family moved to this county, where they have since resided. The saving of the many years of faithful toil and wise frugality were invested in Sioux county land, and the natural and divine reward promised to "the hands of the diligent" was realized in this case; those who depended on him were well provided for. But not only in a material sense did he provide well for his family. Though not a man of great book learning himself, he realized the value of an education, and did a good deal to educate his children. Several of them have been teachers in this county, and the high order of their work was recognized. The thirteen children all survive him and all but one--who is in Oklahoma--were about his bedside in his latest hours. All the children are married, except three sons who are still at home, the youngest of whom is eighteen. Although it is forty-five years ago that Alexander Moir and Jessie Ross were married, the faithful wife of these many years kept faithful watch as his life ebbed away.

Personally Mr. Moir was a man of excellent character; a typical Scotchman, quiet, sober, industrious, honest; honored and respected by his neighbors--they all "liked Mr. Moir", and why should they not? He seemed to like them all, and a man cannot well seem that way for a long number of years without its being pretty nearly true. He was a man of whom the world at large did not hear, but a man of the best social timber. Of harmonious organization, he was very unobtrusive, and lived "far from the maddening crowd's ignoble strife". A true and faithful husband, a kind and thoughtful father. The day of his life was calm, and its sunset serene. He has realized the beautiful benediction that "his children rise up and call him blessed".

The funeral services were held at the home Tuesday and remains brought to LeMars for burial. A large number of persons attended the funeral, paying tribute to the memory of the deceased.