Morss, John Gilman 1812 – 1897

MORSS, BERRY, STANNAR, GREENE, LEAVITT, STANNARD

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 9/3/2014 at 11:07:31

Decorah Republican October 28, 1897 P4 C3

JOHN G. MORSS.

Last Monday forenoon there passed to his long home one who for thirty-one years was an esteemed citizen of Decorah, but retired from active pursuits during the immediately preceding years by reason of the infirmities of age.

JOHN GILMAN MORSS was born in Concord, N. H., Dec. 13, 1812. His father was Benj. Morss, and his mother Elizabeth Berry Morss, the latter being the mother by a previous marriage of Hon. Nathaniel S. Berry one of the most noted citizens in his day, and ex-Governor of New Hampshire. Mr. Morss remained in his native state until 1836 when he removed to Ohio, where he resided for thirty years, or until 1866, when he came to Iowa and made this city his home.

Mr. Morss early adopted the law as his profession, beginning his studies at the age of 19; but was not admitted to practice until 1838. In early professional life he was associated with General and John Long, prominent attorneys in Canton, Ohio and for many years after coming to Iowa was a partner in the legal firm of Morss & Brown. During his life in Ohio he was in almost constant enjoyment of local honors, such as Mayor, Postmaster, and Justice of the Peace. After coming to Decorah he was soon recognized as worthy of public confidence, and enjoyed it in repeated elections as Mayor, City Attorney and Justice of the Peace despite the fact that the popular vote was always against the party of Mr. Morss’ political faith.

In early life, at the age of 17, Mr. Morss made a profession of religion, and united with the “new school” Presbyterian church. On removing to Ohio, there being no church of that faith, he associated himself with the Disciples, and was a very active church member. After coming to Iowa he did not remove his church connection, but as long as health remained he was a regular attendant upon divine services, a supporter of the preached word, and a man of exemplary life. In politics he was a Democrat, firm in his opinions, but always exhibiting the gentler side of political differences that created no enmities.

In 1835 Miss Harriet Stannar and Mr. Morss were united in marriage. For sixty-two years they lived together in happiest concord. The wife remains, comforted by the knowledge that she was permitted to exhibit a rare fidelity to her early vows, and comforted by the support of two children, Mr. E. B. Morss and Mrs. B. B. Greene. One other daughter—Mrs. W. W. Leavitt,--died in this city several years ago.

On election day four years ago, Mr. Morss was smitten with a stroke of paralysis. A year later, almost to a day, he was again stricken, and two years ago a third stroke prostrated him. Notwithstanding his age his vitality was such that he measurably recovered from each of these; but in March, 1896, he was taken to his bed never to rise again except by the help of others. Patiently he suffered for nineteen months, and as patiently was he cared for to the end. Genial and kindly, thoughtful and regardful of other’s rights and feelings; and always, during the years we have known him, a pleasant gentleman of the old school whom to know was to esteem, he has gone to his last sleep. Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon from the family home, Rev. M. Willett officiating.

Transcriber's Note: Per cemetery records Mr. Morss died October 25, 1897.

Transcribed from scans of newspaper clippings provided by Laura Colton

Second obit submitted by cheryl Locher moonen

Decorah Public Opinion, Tuesday, Oct 26, 1897, Decorah, IA, Page: 1

J.G. Morss Passes Away

At 10:45 yesterday morning occurred the death of J. G. Morss, after a long illness, on account of which he had been confined to his bed for nearly two years. Mr. Morss was born in New Hampshire, Dec. 15, 1812. At the age of nineteen he began to study law, and in 1838 was admitted to the bar of Ohio, practicing at Canton and other places until 1866, and meeting with good success. Then he came to Decorah, where he has since lived, continuing on the law business in the firm name of Morss & Brown until he retired from practice, after which he dealt in real estate, loans, etc., until his health began to fail.

Mr. Morss was united in marriage in 1855 to Harriet Stannard, to whom three children were born, Emaliasa, now Mrs. B. B. Greene, Edward B., and Helen, Mrs. W. W. Leavitt; the two former of whom still survive him. The funeral will be held from the home of Mr. B.B. Greene on Court Street tomorrow afternoon at 2 o’clock, nd interment will be in Phelp’s Cemetery.

Mr. Morss has been a prominent figure in the growth of Decorah and was once Mayor and also city attorney. He was an upright man of especial intelligence and held the respect of all who knew him.

Phelps Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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