Obit: Morrison, James W. #2 (1870 - 1906)

Contact: Stan
Email: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Morrison, French, Webster

----Source: NEILLSVILLE TIMES (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) 01/03/1907

Morrison, James W. #2 (31 JAN 1870 - 27 DEC 1906)

When James Walker Morrison’s spirit winged its way to the higher reward last Thursday night, the world lost a man who name was the synonym of uprightness, honesty and morality, and whose every action tended to elevate and better all who came in contact with him. To know him was to be his friend, and his protracted illness has been the cause of deep sorrow on the part of those who loved him for his sterling qualities.

Mr. Morrison came to Neillsville (Clark Co., Wis.) in 1890 to assist in the erection of the furniture factory and to be the guiding hand in its launching. For a couple of years he directed its business course, then returning to Baltimore. When in 1900 he again came back to take up the duties of superintendent, his friends were more than pleased. He has been in the employ of the Wis. Furniture Mfg. Co. for more than ten eyars, and during that period has held the interests of his employees always foremost in his endeavors, and he was held in such esteem that Mr. Karner, the resident manager said of him, "We can’t say enough about Mr. Morrison. He was the most conscientious and energetic man we have ever had in our employ." During Mr. Morrison’s sickness up to the time of his death, his salary was forthcoming each week, which is an indication of the appreciation of his employers.

James Walker Morrison was born in Cork, Ireland, Jan. 31, 1870. He came of a family of furniture makers, his father being a designer, and so naturally his choice of a life’s occupation fell to that of his family. In 1888 the entire Morrison family came to the United States, and while his parents settled at Baltimore, James entered the employ of furniture manufacturers at Grand Rapids, Mich.. In 1895 Mr. Morrison returned to Baltimore and in 1897 he was united in marriage to Laura French. Two children survive with their mother to mourn the demise of a kind and loving father and husband. Mr. Morrison’s mother died some years, but his father and brothers, David and Alfred, and sisters, Mrs. Joe French and Mrs. Harry Webster, still survive him.

James Morrison became a Mason in 1904, and his funeral Saturday afternoon was conducted by the local lodge, and he was buried with all the solemnity of the Masonic ritual, Rev. W. H. Empey of black River Falls, Past Grand Chaplain O.E.S., gave a short eulogy in the Congregation Church. Rev. Empey spoke beautifully, both at the church and at the grave.

[2data/footer_gif.html]