Morgan, Homer O., 1898 or 99-1940

MORGAN, MUSTARD, LINDHOLT, POPPLETON

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/10/2022 at 08:26:45

From the Alton Democrat, January 3, 1941:

Former Alton Man Ends Life At Onawa

Alton friends were greatly shocked to learn of the death of H. O. (Doc) Morgan, former barber here, whose body was found hanging from a rafter in a garage at the home of his wife’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Mustard, in Onawa, according to an account in the Sioux City Journal.

Mr. Mustard found the body of his son-in-law suspended by a belt when he was putting his automobile in the garage. Dr. Gingles, the coroner said Morgan had been dead about an hour when the body was found. The coroner said Morgan had been in marital difficulties and had been drinking heavily. He had been staying at a hotel.

The Morgans left Alton two weeks ago after selling their shop here, which they bought in the summer from Endor Sordrager. Morgan had an opportunity to go to California as an Army barber, according to his story which was their reason for leaving Alton. However, before their departure he began to indulge heavily in liquor and Mrs. Morgan left for her home at Onawa after the sale of their equipment was made. Morgan was a good barber and well liked here until his appetite for liquor got the best of him. Mrs. Morgan made many friends were during the months the couple lived in Alton.

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From the Sioux City Journal, December 29, 1940:

Barber Hangs Self in Garage at Home of Wife’s Parents

Onawa, Ia.—The body of Homer O. Morgan, 42, a barber at Alta[i.e., Alton], was found hanging from a rafter in a garage at the home of his parents-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. William Mustard, here Saturday night. Dr. E. E. Gingles, Monona county coroner, pronounced Morgan’s death a suicide and said there would be no inquest.

Mr. Mustard found the body of his son-in-law suspended by a belt when he was putting his automobile in the garage. Dr. Gingles said Morgan had been dead about an hour when the body was found. Dr. Gingles said Morgan had been in marital difficulties and had been drinking heavily the last week, He was arrested for intoxication several days ago.

Morgan came here from Alta a week ago. His wife stayed at the home of her parents, but he lived at a hotel. He formerly had practiced his trade at Sioux City, Dr. Gingles said.

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From the Odebolt Chronicle, January 2, 1941:

Former Odebolt Resident Buried Here Tuesday

Funeral services for Opal Morgan of Onawa were held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Mattes Funeral home. Mr. Morgan committed suicide Saturday night.

Opal Morgan was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Morgan of Sioux City, who lived on the Dillenbeck farm about 24 years ago. Mr. Morgan was married twice. One son, Clifford, of Chicago, Ill., one brother, Luther Morgan of Sioux City, and Jack Morgan of Iowa City were present for the funeral. Burial was made in the Odebolt cemetery.

[A news note in the January 9, 1941 Odebolt Chronicle lists relatives at his funeral: his wife and father, Charles M. Morgan of Sioux City, his son Clifford of Chicago, and five brothers, Luther and Stanley of Sioux City, Ray of Sheldon, Orrell of Ihlen, Minn., and Leonard of Battle Creek.]

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RESEARCH NOTES

The Alton Democrat, July 19, 1940, reports on the purchase of the Endor Sordrager barber shop by H. O. Morgan of Sioux City, saying that he is a thoroughly experienced barber and has worked in shops in the East for some years. In talking with a Democrat reporter he named Henry Ford as one of the famous personages he has shaved. His father resides in Sioux City and Mrs. Morgan’s parents at Onawa.

His death certificate (informant Elda Morgan) has Henry Opal Morgan; born March 21, 1899 in Momence, Illinois; parents Charles Marion Morgan, born in Paducah, Kentucky, and Mary Elizabeth Morgan, born in Decatur, Illinois; occupation barber; wife Mary Elda Morgan; died at Onawa, Iowa, where he had been a resident 2 months, at 7:00 p.m. December 28, 1940; cause, hanging suicide; buried at Odebolt, Iowa.

The Ida County marriage register for 1915/1916 has groom Henry O. Morgan, age 19, resident of Sac County, Iowa, a farmer, born in Monticello, Ill., parents Chas. Morgan and Mary E. Carry[?]; bride Delphia W. Lindholt, age 20, resident of Ida County, born there, parents C. J. Lindholt and Christine Bjork; married at Ida Grove July 1, 1916.

His World War I draft registration card shows Henry Opal Morgan born March 21, 1898; farming in rural Ida Grove; tall, slender, blue eyes, light hair. The 1920 census shows H. O. and Delphia Morgan renting a farm in Grant Township, Ida County; his brothers Len F. (8) and Oral C. (17) live with them. In 1930 he, Delphia, and their son Clifford C. (5) live in Battle Creek, Ida County, where he is a barber. The Sioux City Journal of September 10, 1939 shows Mrs. Elda Poppleton marrying Henry O. Morgan at Dakota City on September 8. Neither he nor Elda were readily located in the 1940 census.