Miami Union

February 8, 1873 

MORRIS, LIEUTENANT IRA L. - We announce with sincere regret the death of Lieutenant Ira L. Morris, which took place at his residence in this town at 2 o'clock yesterday morning.  Mr. Morris had been unwell a good portion of the winter, but the greater part of the time kept up, and went around in his usual manner; and although he had been confined to his room four or five days, was not regarded as in any immediate danger, we believe, until within a few hours of his death.  The death of Mr. M. is a serious loss to our town.  In all moral, charitable and benevolent movements, he was one of the most active and devoted men we ever knew.  He was ready and willing at all times to respond to any call where good could be done.  He was, in our opinion, a truly good man, one whose head and heart were both right, and whose hand was always ready to second and execute their humane suggestions.  Such men are rare in every community, and their places are always found difficult to supply.

Miami Union

February 15, 1873 

MORRIS, IRA L. - Born in the flesh, in Miami county, Ohio, April 3rd, 1822.  Born in the Spirit, in the winter of 1837-38.  Intermarried with Miss Diana Meeks, now his widow, May 1846, was not, for God took him, February 7th, 1873.  The parents of Ira L. Morris were of the pioneers of Miami county.  They were of that sturdy, independent and honest class that know how to clear up farms, develop a new country, and establish civil and religious society on the principles of truth and right.  These characteristics were inherent in their son, and he cultivated them carefully.  Soon after his conversion, he united with the Baptist Church in New Carlisle, then under the pastoral care and efficient ministry of Rev. Enos French.  During his early christian life, Ira L. Morris was associated with J. C. Armstrong, J. P. Agenbroad, Emanuel Scarff, James M. Scarff, J. W. Dinkleman, and Americus Hay, who united with the Baptist Church at New Carlisle about the same time, all of whom afterwards became efficient ministers of the Gospel.  He had the love and confidence of his pastor, of his youthful friends, and of his older brethren to a remarkable degree; soon he became strong in the faith, and an earnest worker for all that was good and true.  After his marriage, he settled in the southern part of this county, remaining in that vicinity until the winter of 1861-62.  When the Baptist Church of Tippecanoe was organized, he, his wife, and only child, Harriet, became members there, and they still hold their membership in that church.  Starting in February, 1852, he, with two of his brothers, went to California by way of the overland route; with them he returned to his home in the autumn of 1853, by way of Panama and New York, thus crossing the entire continent and sailing on the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and enduring many hardships.  During the winter of 1861-62, brother Morris removed his family to Troy, where he assisted in raising, organizing and equipping, the 71st Regiment, O. V. I., in which he was a Lieutenant of Company C.  He acquitted himself honorably at the battle of Pittsburg Landing.  Some months later he was retired from the army for a time.  But his country was suffering.  His patriotism and the ardor of his nature forbade him to remain at home.  Again he tendered his services to the government as a private, was accepted as one of the hundred men raised exclusively in Ohio and designated as the "Union Light Guards," who were stationed at Washington on the grounds of the Presidential Mansion for the protection of President Lincoln.  In this company, in the capacity of Orderly Sergeant, he served with his usual fidelity till the close of the war, when he returned home, May 1865.  Since that time he has resided here.  In whatever avocation or employ, he always, by his daily walk and conversation, his earnestness and active benevolence, commended the christian life to all around him.  When the Y. M. C. A. was organized here, he became an active, influential member, and took part in all its labors of love.  Very much of the good work it has done here, and in the surrounding country, has been due to his persistent labors.  His heart was as true to the right, as the magnet to the pole; wherever duty called, straight forward he would go, though death should meet him there.  Whether in the quiet of the family circle, or in the clash of battle's array; whether bowing in the stately house of worship, or humbly kneeling in the little prayer circle on the tested field; whether quietly crossing the rolling Western plains, or snowed in by the fierce storms of the Sierra Nevada; whether sailing on the bosom of the calm Pacific, or tossed by the wind and waves of the cold Atlantic, he was ever the true christian hero.  Wherever there was suffering, wherever there was want, wherever there was sickness or death, there was Ira. L. Morris, administering to the necessities of the body, soothing the troubled mind, and consoling the bereaved soul.  Ever speaking of the love of God, of the promises of the gospel, and of the hope of the believer through Christ the Saviour.  This work grew upon him; and during the year past, works of love and charity were almost his entire business.  His most intimate friends have seen and felt all along for more than a year, that he was being fast prepared for the change that has come.  Within the casket of clay that was left with us to commit to its mother earth, the living soul was moulded, dressed, polished, and burnished, while the mansion above was being prepared, each fitted to the other.  Both are now finished, and Ira L. Morris is at home with God.   Troy, Feb 9, 1873   by Smith Talbot