William Mort turns 100

MORT, WILSON, PIKE, PEACOCK

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 7/7/2007 at 11:36:41

Source: The Burlington Hawkeye Gazette, Friday, June 1, 1945, page 1

Van Buren man 100 Friday

Cantril -- Friday marked the 100th birthday anniversary of William Mort, Van Buren County native, who lives here are with his only living child, Mrs. Edna Wilson. He lived many years on a farm east of Lebanon and has lived in Van Buren County all his life except the few years spent in Kansas.

Asked about his recipe for long life, Mort, commonly called "Uncle Bill," said he had always lived an honorable life. He does chew tobacco and also indulges in an occasional cigar. After being quizzed on whether or not he had chewed tobacco all his life, he said, "No I didn't chew the first 13 years."

Uncle Bill is still quite spry and active for one of his age, but his eyesight and hearing have failed the past few years. He has a heavy head of dark brown hair, slightly gray, but not at all bald. He is a splendid conversationalist and enjoys having friends call and visit him.

On Sunday, June 3, the centenarian will be honored by all his friends and relatives at a cooperative dinner at Lacy-Keosauqua State Park.

He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Mort, parents of a family of seven boys and a girl. His first wife was Elsie E. Pike of Page County. They had two children. After her death in 1884 he married Sarah Peacock who died in 1933. They were the parents of three children.

During the Civil War he lived with his father on a farm at Pittsburgh, Iowa, near here. He was a member of the state militia. Although he never had the privilege of seeing Abe Lincoln, Uncle Bill says he was one of his ardent admirers and supporters.