John Morris (1862-1940)

MORRIS, MCCORD, SEE, WENER, KLINE, ELWELL, BAILEY

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 10/31/2024 at 17:38:36

From Nevada Evening Journal February 3, 1940 (page 6)

Funeral Services of McCallsburg for Late John Morris

The funeral of John Morris was held Wednesday afternoon from the McCallsburg Presbyterian church with the pastor Rev. J. M. Kennedy in charge.

The music was furnished by Mrs. F. E. Nail, Mrs. W. H. Reid and Mrs. G. W. Mills, who sang "Son of My Soul," "What aa Friend We Have in Jesus" and "Under His Wings," with Miss Cleo Tett at the piano.

The floral offerings were cared for by Mrs. A. G. Graves. Forest Rasmussen served as usher and the pall bearers were neighbor friends, C. E. Christian, Corneil Erickson, Will Mehlow, J. S. Thompson, James Hal and Andy Thompson. Burial was made in the Warren township cemetery by the side of his wife who preceded him a few years.

The children and grand children were all present at the funeral as were quite a number of relatives and friends from away which included Mr. and Mrs. Jim Bryant of Nevada; Mr. and Mrs. Will Gardner and Omer Dool, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Roche, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. John Carmody, Mr. and Mrs. Asa Barnard and Will Eddy of Zearing; Mr. and Mrs. Homer Gaard of Radcliffe; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Stackhouse of St. Anthony, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Johnson and Mrs. Wm. Stevenson of Milford township and quite a number from the Johnson Grove community.

John Morris was the son of John E. and Rose McCord Morris. His early home was in Canada where he was born on May 1, 1862, at Bishop Mills, Ontario, Canada. His mother died when he was but a small boy and John found a home with an uncle and aunt who cared for him until he was old enough to care for himself.

He came to the United States when a young man, residing first in the state of Michigan and later coming to Story county, Iowa, locating on the farm five miles southeast of McCallsburg about fifty-five years ago.

On February 25, 1887, he was married at Zearing to Miss Delilah Alice See who established with him their family home on the farm. Their family of six children were born to them while they lived on this home farm. Family affiliation was encouraged with the Johnson Grove Sunday school and church while the family resided there.

Mr. Morris moved to the farm north of McCallsburg in 1902 and lived there with his family, until 1921 when they came to reside in McCallsburg. His active life was spent in the vocation of farming. He took satisfaction in his work and enjoyed seeing the results as he converted the sloughs and prairie of his farm to productive farm land. He was known as a kingly neighbor and as one who never burdened others with his difficulties.

Because of advancing years, Mr. Morris had been in declining health for some time. His final illness began about three months ago and for the last three weeks his condition was very critical. He was cared for during this time by his sons and daughters and by others who gave needed assistance. Death came quietly on Sunday morning, January 28, while he was surrounded by all the remaining members of his immediate family. At the time of his death he was 77 years, 8 months and 28 days old. He was preceded in death by his loving wife who died on July 31, 1933.

He is survived by two of his sisters Mrs. Ruth Wener, Monroe, Mich.; and Mrs. Maggie Kline of Cassopolis, Mich.; and by all his sons and daughters. They are William E. Morris, Meservey, Ia.; Mrs. Hazel Elwell, Zearing; Mrs. Zina Bailey, Chadron, Neb.; and John R. Ervin R. and Ross Morris all of McCallsburg. There are also fifteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

As a young man Mr. Morris affiliated with the Christian church, becoming a member of the Episcopal Church of Canada. He found for himself a satisfactory philosophy of life and enjoyed the opportunities afforded in a new and developing country. He had little opportunities for formal schooling but he taught himself many of the branches of learning and helped to make his worthwhile contribution to the communities with which he cast his lot.

His passing marks the passing of another one of our true pioneers.