Shelby County Indiana Genealogy & History, Obituaries

Shelby County Indiana
Obituaries

Morris

The Shelbyville News
Friday, September 12, 2003
----------
Norman L. Morris, 81, of Morristown, died Thursday, Sept. 11, 2003, Greenfield.
Born Feb. 18, 1922, in Fayette County, s/o Kenneth and Ruby (Oldham) Morris. Married Mary Rita May on Nov. 26, 1953 and she survives.
Other survivors include one son, Richard L. Morris (wife Lisa) Madison; four daughters, Rita K. Abernathy (husband, Keith) of Fountaintown, Rosemary Nigh (husband Phil), Ruth Ann Wheeler and Regina D. Batton (husband Brian), all of Morristown; three brothers, Dale Morris of Gosport, Paul Morris and Lloyd Morris, both of Connersville; one sister, Edna Campbell of Connersville; and 12 grandchildren.
Preceded in death by one brother, Richard Lee Morris.
Graduated from Charlottesville High School in Charlottesville in 1940 and received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Ball State University in Muncie.
U.S. Army veteran, serving with the 35th Division, Red Bull, from 1944 to 1946.
Teacher and coach at Arlington High School in Arlington from 1952 to 1959 and a teacher, coach, and athletic director for Morristown High School in Morristown from 1959 to 1985.
Member of New Bethel Primitive Baptist Church in Connersville; former member Morristown Lions Club.
Erlewein Mortuary, 1484 W. U.S. Highway 40, in Greenfield.
Elders Glen Funk and John Krumm officiating.
Burial will be at Union Cemetery, east of Connersville.
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
January 20, 2000
----------
Kenneth Morris, 100, Connersville, died Wednesday at his home.
Born Oct. 6, 1899, in Fayette County, s/o Otto and Alma (Jones) Morris. Married Ruby I. (Oldham) Morris on Nov. 9, 1918; she preceded him in death in 1978. Married Lorena LaMar (Flanigan) Morris on Dec. 9, 1979; she preceded him in death in 1998.
Farmed in Fayette County since 1949; also farmed in Hancock, Decatur, Rush and Henry counties.
Member of New Bethel Primitive Baptist Church near Lyonsville, where he had served as pastor. Ordained as an elder in 1951.
Survivors include four sons, Paul E. Morris and E. Lloyd Morris, both of Connersville, Norman L. Morris, Morristown, and A. Dale Morris, Gosport; one daughter, Edna H. Campbell, Connersville; two sisters, Neoma Parker, Connersville, and Velma Crawley, Milpitas, Calif.; 16 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by one son, three brothers and six sisters.
Funeral services at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, with Elders Glen Funk and John Krumm officiating.
Burial will be in Union Cemetery Garden of Memories, near Lyonsville.
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
January 29, 1948
----------
Local Woman's
Father Dies
----------
Word has been received here of the death of Claude Morris, father of Mrs. Frank C. Spinner, of 242 W. Broadway.
Mr. Morris died at his home in Tuscola, Ill., Tuesday after a long illness. Surviving with the daghter in this city are the widow, his father and two brothers.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Friday October 2, 1942
Page 1 column 3
----------
MORRIS FUNERAL
        TO BE SATURDAY
----------
          Funeral services for Edward Morris, aged seventy-four, prominent resident of Morristown, who died Wednesday at 12:45 p.m. at his home, will be held at the Morristown Christian church Saturday afternoon at 2:00 o’clock. The Rev. Herschel Reed, of Greenfield, will officiate and will be assisted by the Rev. Haggard. Burial will be made in Asbury cemetery in charge of L.V. Hauk.
          Mr. Morris died suddenly of a heart ailment caused from complications resulting from a hip fracture suffered last spring. He was born in Rush county on October 7, 1867, the son of Henry and Hannah Enos Morris. He had been a resident of Morristown for many years. In addition to being a member and deacon of the Morristown Christian church he was a member of Morristown lodge No. 193, F. & A.M. and the Morristown chapter of the Order of Eastern star.
          He is survived by the widow, the former Anna Corkins; one son, Clyde H. Morris, of California; one grandson, Sergeant Hugh Morris, stationed in California with the U.S. Coast Artillery; two brothers, Leonard and Oliver, and one sister,   Mrs. Alice Freeman.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday February 23, 1939
----------
MAN AND WIFE FIRST TRAFFIC
        FATALITIES IN WALDRON CRASH
----------
No Plausible Explanation for Train-Auto Crash
in Which Two Were Killed at
Waldron Grade Crossing,
Coroner Declares After Preliminary Investigation
of First Traffic Deaths in 1939
----------
Bodies of Indianapolis Drug Salesman and Wife,
Badly Mutilated, Are Taken to Indianapolis
----------
          Shelby county’s 1939 traffic death toll today stood at two as the result of a train-auto crash at Waldron in which an Indianapolis man and his wife were instantly killed when their auto was smashed to bits by a Big Four train late Tuesday. They were the first highway victims of the year in the county.
The victims of the tragedy were Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Morris, of 736 north Bosart Avenue, Indianapolis.
          Coroner Charles Kohlmeyer said both died instantly. Each suffered a skull fracture and crushed chest. Both bodies were badly mutilated as they were hurled from the crushed automobile.
          The coroner said there was no plausible explanation of the accident. The couple stopped at the office of Dr. J. E. Keeling, Waldron Physician, for a business call, but left without seeing the doctor. The physician’s place is a short distance from the crossing and the crash occurred as Morris drove away.
Coroner Kohlmeyer pointed out that there is nothing to obstruct the motorists’ view at the crossing and said he was informed the crossing warning bell was ringing at the time of the crash.
          So terrific was the force of this collision that the couple’s car was broken into two distinct masses of wreckage. The engine and front wheels, in one mass, were sheared off and tossed aside by the force of the impact and the body and rear part of the car was carried approximately 300 feet down the right-of-way.
          The woman’s body was thrown out of the wreckage about 200 feet from the crossing and the man’s body was tossed out of the mangled car several feet before the remaining part of the machine was pushed off the tracks.
          Morris, who was forty-five years old, was a salesman for the Columbus Pharmacal Company, of Columbus, Ohio, and visited many doctors in this section of the state each month. His wife, Mrs. Alva Estelle Morris was forty-two, the coroner said.
          The bodies were taken to an Indianapolis funeral director’s establishment last night.
          Coroner Kohlmeyer said an inquest into the deaths would be conducted within a few days.
          The train was a west-bound passenger train, bound from Cincinnati to Indianapolis. Waldron resident said it usually passes through the town at a speed approximately fifty miles an hour.
          The train remained in Waldron about forty minutes after the crash. Member of the crew, all from Indianapolis, were Percy Rowe, conductor; A. C. Miller, engineer; Fred York, fireman and James Hodge, brakeman.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday December 16, 1937
Page 2 column 3
----------
WILLIAM MORRIS, 74,
        SUCCUMBS AT HOME
----------
Widely Known Agriculturist Dies
After Long Illness—Rites to Be Tuesday
----------
          In failing health for the past three years, William Morris, age seventy-four, widely known Shelby county agriculturist, died Sunday at 9:00 p.m. at his home 618 south Tompkins street. Death was caused by cerebral apoplexy.
          Funeral services will e conducted at the late home Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Charles A. Bowler, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, officiating. Burial in charge of Ralph J. Edwards, will be made in the Flat Rock cemetery.
          Mr. Morris was born in Shelby county, October 19, 1863, the son of Caleb and Lydia Morris. He was united in marriage to Viola Maddox on December 18, 1907, and to this union four children were born, two of whom, Mrs. Paul Welsh, of Indianapolis, and Miss Josephine Morris, at home, survive.
          Other survivors, besides the wife, at home, include a niece, Mrs. Charles Street, of this city, and several other nieces and nephews.
          The deceased was prominent in the hardware and implement business in Flat Rock for many years and resided at Edinburg for a time. He was interested in agriculture, owning a number of farms in this county. He retired from active business fifteen years ago. Mr. Morris was a member of the Edinburg Presbyterian church and the Masonic lodge.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday December 2, 1937
Page 8 column 6
----------
OSCAR MORRIS, 57,
        SUCCUMBS AT HOME
----------
Resident of Near Gwynneville Stricken
With Heart Attack--Funeral Saturday
----------
          Oscar Morris, age fifty-seven, died suddenly Tuesday night of a heart attack suffered at his home two and one-half miles south of Gwynneville.
Funeral services will be conducted at the late home Saturday at 10:00 a.m. with burial in charge of L.V. Hauk, of Morristown, will be made in Johnston, Indiana.
          Survivors include the widow, Mrs. Ida Morris and a daughter, Miss Alberta Morris, both at home.
          The deceased was a member of the United Spanish American War Veterans camp at Indianapolis, having been a veteran of the Spanish American war; a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Beech Grove; a member of the Junior Order of Mechanics of Beech Grove, and of the Methodist church at Charlestown.
          Mr. Morris had been in ill health for some time, but his death was sudden and came as a great shock.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelbyville Republican
Thursday, February 14, 1918
Page 1, column 3
----------
PIONEER RESIDENT
DIED HERE WEDNESDAY
----------
Noble Life Of Mrs. Nancy D. Morris Closed
Death Occurred At Home Of Daughter, Mrs. Carmony
------------
Another of the old land marks of Shelby county passed away when Mrs. Nancy D. Morris died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Amos Carmony, 566 West Taylor street. Mrs. Morris was ill for several weeks. She was born east of Shelbyville in 1831, her age being slightly in excess of 86 years. She was the widow of Hamilton Morris. They spent the greater part of their lives together on a farm immediately 3-1\2 miles from Shelbyville. Their married life began while the spinning wheel was still found in many homes, when women spun flax as well as yarn out of which they fashioned the cloth from which they made their clothes. No couple was better or more favorably known than Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton Morris. Twelve children were born to them only four of whom survive, they being Mrs. Carmony and Mrs. James Rinehart of Franklin county; Morton Morris, the well known mail carrier out of this city and Mr. Charles Morris of Indianapolis. The funeral of this good woman will be held Friday afternoon at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Carmony. The services will be conducted by the Rev. William Morris of Indianapolis and the interment will be in Forest Hill.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelbyville Republican
Monday March 26, 1917
Page 1 column 3
----------
DAVID MORRIS DEAD
----------
Veteran of Civil War Died
at Home in Gwynneville
----------
          David Morris, 76 years old, died Monday morning at 5 o’clock at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Frank Holbrook, in Gwynneville. Death was caused by senility. Mr. Morris was a veteran of the civil war. He was a member of the United Brethern church in Gwynneville.
          Mr. Morris is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Holbrook and one living in Washington state; one son Jesse Morris, of near Knightstown; and one sister living in Indianapolis. Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 o’clock at the home, the Rev. Lydy officiating. Burial will be made in the Asbury cemetery.
Contributed by Barb Huff

Falmouth Outlook
Pendleton County, Kentucky
May 7, 1915
Vol 8 No. 47
Page 1 Column. 4
--------
Mrs. Myra Morris, widow of he late James Morris, formerly of this county, died May 1st at her home at Shelbyville, Ind. She is survived by three daughters and two sons – Mrs. Myrtle Jones of Shelbyville, Ind., Mrs. Hazel Wells, of Latonia, Miss Nellie Morris and Howard and Fred Morris; also by two brothers and one sister – W. G. Fryer, of this city, and Frank Fryer and Mrs. C. G. Taylor of Butler.
Deceased was a splendid woman and mother and was quite well known in the northern part of Pendleton where she was born and raised. She leaves a host of friends who will be pained to learn of her demise. The funeral was held Sunday at Shelbyville, Ind. The remains were brought back to her old home at Butler Monday and interment took place at Mt. Auburn cemetery.
Contributed by James R. Baker, Jr.

The Shelbyville Republican
Monday, August 1, 1910

DEATHS AND FUNERALS

The funeral services of the late Bert L. Morris, who died in Denver, Colo., Friday, will be held at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. K. Morris, in West Mechanic street, Tuesday afternoon at 3 o'clock and the Rev. L. O. Richmond, past or the Central Presbyterian church, of Terre Haute, will officiate. The remains will arrive home some time this afternoon. It was the general impression that Mr. Morris' death was the result of lung trouble, but such is not the case. He died from spinal meningitis.

Ibid.
Tuesday, August 2, 1910
----------
The funeral services of the late Bert L. Morris, who died in Denver, Color., the latter part of last week, were held this afternoon at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. K. Morris, in West Mechanic street. Rev. L. O. Richmond, pastor of the Central Presbyterian church at Terre Haute, officiated. The interment was in charge of Ralph J. Edwards.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Democrat
Thursday, January 11, 1906
Page 1 column 4
----------
HAMILTON MORRIS
----------
Died Yesterday Evening
After A Long Illness
----------
          Hamilton Morris died at his residence on west Taylor street Sunday evening at eight o'clock. His death is supposed to be due to old age. Mr. Morris has not been enjoying good health for some time. He was born in Marion township, May 23, 1830. On October 27, 1852, he was united in marriage to Nancy D. McCabe, who survives him. Five children, three sons and two daughters, remain to mourn the loss of their father. Mr. Morris was a member of Shelby Lodge No. 39. I.O.O.F., having cast his lot with that organization in 1868. This lodge will have charge at the grave of their deceased brother. Since 1853 Mr. Morris has been a member of the Little Blue River Baptist church. The funeral services will be held at the residence at two o'clock Tuesday afternoon, the Rev. Maurice Wines of Franklin officiating. Those who desire to view the remains will call at the house between the hours of nine and one on Tuesday. R.T. Stewart will have charge of the funeral.
[Buried Forest Hill Cemetery-BH]
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelby Republican
Friday June 27, 1902
Page 6 column 3
----------;
GWYNNEVILLE
----------
          On last Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock, at the Liberal U.B. Church, in Gwynneville, occurred the funeral of Mrs. Mary J. Morris, wife of David Morris, one of the most highly esteemed ladies of this community. Mrs. Morris was born near Dayton, Ohio, September 22, 1844, and departed this life June 16, 1902, aged 67 years, 8 months and 24 days. Mrs. Morris was in her usual health upon retiring, but alas, we know not the hour when we shall be called home . And before morning she was called to her eternal home, having died before medical aid could be summoned. She leaves a husband and six children to mourn her sudden demise. The surviving children are, Mabel, Willie, Jessie, Mrs. R. Z. Wilcoxen, Mrs. W. F. Holbrook and Mrs. Y. P. Rutherford, and last named living in Washington State. Mrs. Morris was a true Christian woman, a devoted wife and mother, and kind to all with whom she associated, and her memory will not soon be forgotten.
TEMPEST AND SUNSHINE
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Daily Evening Democrat
Saturday, March 31, 1900
----------
Jason Morris, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Josephine Sleeth, in Marion, at one o'clock p.m., Friday, March 30th, of kidney trouble, aged sixty-nine years. Mr. Morris was born in Dublin, Wayne county, Ind., where he lived until about one year ago, when he came to Shelby county to live with is daughter, his wife having died some years ago. He leaves two daughters and one son. Short funeral services were held at the house at two o'clock Saturday, Elder H. H. Neselege officiating. The remains will be taken to Dublin, Ind., for interment, leaving this city on the 5:40 p.m. train to-day. Funeral in charge of Edwards & Hageman.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday July 2, 1897
Page 2 column 4
----------
FATAL ACCIDENT
----------
Frank Morris, a Prominent Young Man
Killed by The Cars at Gwynneville
----------
Frank Morris, a prominent merchant and politician of Gwynneville, while trying to board the noon train today was thrown under the wheels and fatally injured.
The above is a special from Gwynneville to the Tuesday morning papers, and since it was written the unfortunate man has died. Mr. Morris was well-known in Shelbyville, especially by the members of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, and also by the school teachers of this county, among whom he was one of the leading members in the county. Two years ago while attending the teachers’ institute in this city, he was united in marriage to Miss Stella Fleming, of Gwynneville, in the parlors of the Hotel Ray, and had since resided in Gwynneville, being recommended for the appointment as postmaster of that place by Congressman Johnson only two weeks ago. His widow is the daughter of the late George Fleming and a niece of Messrs. Wilson and Isaac Fleming, of this city. His injuries are said to have been almost identical with those received by Lewis Henderson, who was killed by the Big Four train here four weeks ago—one lower limb being mashed and the skull crushed. The funeral occurred from the resident Wednesday afternoon at two o’clock, and was under the auspices of the K. of P. Order, of Gwynnwville.
[Buried Asbury Cemetery]
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Saturday January 2, 1892
Page 4 column 1
----------
Caleb Morris died January 1^st at 3 a.m. at his late residence in Washington township, age seventy-two years. Funeral at his late residence and buried at Winchester cemetery January 2 at 2 p.m. Cummins and Edwards, funeral directors.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelby Union Banner
July 2, 1863
Page 2, col 3
------------oOo-----------
Death of John K. Morris.
-------
A special meeting of telegraphers of the Indianapolis and Cincinnati Rail Road, was held along the line, June 30th, 1863.
          The meeting was organized by electing W. H. Armstrong, of Cincinnati, President; J. B. Raynolds of Shelbyville, Secretary, Messrs. W. H. Smith, of Cincinnati, S. Patterson, of Indianapolis, and J. W. Morrison, of St. Paul, were appointed a committe to draft resolutions.
Previous to reading of resolutions the following sentiment was offered:
----------
OUR FRIEND AND BROTHER OPERATOR,
JOHN K. MORRIS
----------
          With him the LINES of friendship were closest drawn -- never was he INSULATED from a brother in trouble, ever ready to bear anothers' cross. His spirit, strongly ATTRACTED by the magnet of Heaven, has had its GROUND CONNECTION severed, and now with the Father of Light, beckons us upward and bids us to be ever ready to answer our CALL.
----------
PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS.
----------
          Whereas, An All-wise Providence has by death removed from our midst our fellow Operator, John K. Morris; and,
          Whereas, By his death we have lost a kind and patient companion, ever willing to pass over our faults, a good citizen and a friend whose assistance was ever ready, Therefore,
          Resolved, That we offer to his bereaved family our sincere sympathies.
          Resolved, That as a mark of respect we drape our insturments in mourning, and wear the usual badge for thirty days.
          Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to furnish a copy of these resolutions to his family          WM. H. ARMSTRONG, Pres't.
     J. B. REYNOLDS, Sec'y.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Union Banner
July 2, 1863
Page 3, col 3
---------- oOo ----------
D I E D.
============================
          MORRIS -- At Lawrenceburg, Ind., Monday, 29th inst., John K. Morris, telegraph operator, aged 30 years.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

Obituary Index Main Page

To contact the researchers listed above, use the Surname Index