William Elijah Lafayette Morlan

Death Claims Pioneer Appanoose Resident

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  William Elijah Lafayette Morlan was born in Putnam County, Indiana, on November 9, 1849, and died April 22, 1928, at the age of 78 years, 5 months and 13 days.

  He moved to Appanoose county with his parents in the year 1851, and has lived on or near the same farm since.

  He was married to Eunice Freeman on December 19, 1872, and she preceded him in death on August 10, 1907. To them were born 10 children, two sons and eight daughters. The two sons, Newton E. and Elmer died in 1893 and 1903 respectively.

  The remaining children, May Robertson, Laura Elgin, Georgie Atwell, Iva Robertson, Emma Jeffries, Fern Jeffries, Leta Teater, all near home and Daisy King, of Winnebago, Minn. All were present except Emma, who was sick.

  In the immediate family are also 34 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He has one sister living, Mrs. Jane Butler, of Seymour. His other near relatives are his sons-in-law, John Robertson, Bert Elgin, Jake Robertson, Ed Jeffries, Burr Teater, John Jeffries, Lester Atwell and Harlan King, and his nephews and nieces of the N. J. Morlan, Thos. Owen and P. T. Butler families, most all of whom were present at the services.

  He seemed to enjoy good health for a man of his age until a few weeks ago, when he contracted the flu. It developed into pneumonia and Sunday afternoon he grew suddenly worse and passed away in a few hours.

  It is difficult for one of younger years to say anything regarding the life of a man who has lived in the same community for 76 years. Everybody far and near knew Uncle Lafe and to know him meant to love him for his generosity, integrity and general helpfulness for all with whom he came into contact.

  "And Jesus said, 'As oft as ye have done it to the least of these, my brethren, ye have doe it unto me.'"

  Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock from the late home by Rev. Lafe Schafer, of Walnut City, Iowa. Interment was in the Jones Cemetery.

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  Transcribed from the obituary contributed 18 June 2002 by Joan Hanlon to the RootsWeb Message Board for Wayne County, Iowa.