George C. Morgan, Obituary/Death NoticePorter County obituaries and death notices . . . .
George C. Morgan
George C. Morgan
"There is a Reaper whose name is Death,
And with his sickle keen.
He reaps the bearded grain at a breath,
And the flowers that grow between."
Longfellow.
One year ago March the first, death entered the home of George C. Morgan, and claimed the youngest daughter, Georgie. On March 21st, 1895, the reaper, death, re-entered and called from labor to reward the head of the family, George C. Morgan. Mr. Morgan was born in Elkhart county, Indiana, Sept. 11, 1830. Six months later the family moved to Laporte county, where they resided until 1833. In that year the family moved to Porter county, where they remained. The family was the only whites for miles around, their only neighbors being Indians. The writer distinctly remembers of Mr. Morgan telling the Mr. Henry Hageman was the first white man seen in this part of the country. Mr. Morgan had the distinction of being the first white child born in Elkhart county. He was a very delicate child, but became very rugged at the age of twenty. He attended the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, and while in college he was called home by the death of his father, and his school life ended.
His time was devoted to farming and stock raising until 1890, when he entered the Bank of Chesterton, in which he was engaged at the time of his death.
Mr. Morgan was twice married, having three children by his first wife and four by his second; all survive but two. He joined the Order of the Odd Fellows in 1856 and took all the degrees of the subordinate lodge. He was also a member of the Grand Lodge of the State. He became a member of the Calumet Lodge No. 379, Free and Accepted Masons in 1880, when he was raised the the sublime degree of Master Mason.
He enlisted in the Union army in 1864, but the war closed before being called into active service.
Mr. Morgan employed good health until September, 1894, when he was taken with the disease of Locomotor Ataxia. The disease worked rapidly on his entire system. The best medical talent was employed, but all attempts at restoration were fruitless, his case was beyond all skill, and the family was apprised of this fact, and one and all tried to make his last days as comfortable as kind hands only could do and hearts could wish, and on Thursday, March 21, at 4 o'clock p. m., Mr. Morgan breathed his last.
Thus the community has been called upon to mourn the loss of another of its pioneers and worthy citizens, the family has been deprived of its head, one who was ever considerate and kind, seeking for the comforts and happiness of the home, loved by his family as a kind husband and father, congenial indisposition, ever ready with something pleasing to tell that would dispel the dark clouds for others. Even though his own heart might be sad, he was endeavoring to comfort others. The death of his daughter Georgie was a severe blow to him, no one but God and his immediate friends will ever know the deep grief and sorrow that possessed his soul.
The funeral was held from the residence Sunday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, and was followed to the last resting place by a large concourse of friends. The Masonic brethren turned out in a body to pay tribute to his memory. It was one of the largest funeral corteges ever seen in this county. The address was delivered by Rev. H. C. Weston, and the music was furnished by the choir of the M. E. church. The floral decorations were numerous and handsome.
When death took George Morgan, Westchester lost a good citizen. As was demonstrated at the funeral, it would take a mighty big house to hold his friends, and a very small room to hold his enemies. To know him was the respect and admire him. He was a man, of whom it could be truly said: "He never broke his word," Once given, it was always kept, no matter what the cost.
The following people from abroad were in town last Sunday to attend the funeral of the late George C. Morgan; Mrs. P. A. Welch, Mrs. Morgan's mother, Goshen, Ind.; Mr. J. S. Welch, brother of Mrs. Morgan, Kansas City, Mo.; Mr. Clem Studebaker, president of the Studebaker Wagon and Carriage works and Mrs. Morgan's uncle; Mr. and Mrs. Chillis, Mr. Geo. Witner, Miss Edith Studebaker, Mrs. Sam Studebaker, all of South Bend, Ind.; Mrs. Joseph Kopesay and Mrs. McCormick and son of Chicago; Mrs. Baker and son, sister and nephew of Mr. Morgan; Mr. and Mrs. Sparks, Buchanan, Mich.
Newspaper: The Chesterton Tribune
Date of Publication: March 29, 1895
Volume Number: 11
Issue Number: 51
Page: 1
Column(s): 3, 5, and 6
Key to Newspaper Publication Locations:
Newspapers Published in Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana
Chesterton Tribune
The Tribune
Westchester Tribune
Newspapers Published in Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana
Porter County Vidette
Practical Observer
Valparaiso Practical Observer
Vidette and Republic
Western Ranger
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Obituary/death notice transcribed by Steven R. Shook