Benjamin Harrison Morrison

Benjamin Harrison Morrison, son of James Morrison and Anna Morrison was born
April 18, 1889 in Keokuk County, Iowa.  When a young boy he moved with his
parents to North English where he attended and graduated from high school. He
then studied law at the State University of Iowa.

After attaining his law degree he began practicing law at Omaha. In 1916 he and
wife moved to Mapleton and established a law office which he maintained for over
40 years.  In about 1958 Mr. Morrison retired from his profession because of ill
health.  In 1960 he and his wife moved to their retirement home at Friendship
Haven in Fort Dodge.  It was there he spent the remainder of his life.

He was married to Sylvia Hadley on April 18, 1915 at North English. Two sons
were born to this union. One preceded him in death during infancy.

In addition to many interests in business, Mr. Morrison took an active part in
civic and school affairs.  He was elected to the town council in 1920 and held
the positions as town clerk, town treasurer and town attorney.  He was appointed
post master in 1922 which office he held for ten years.  In 1936 he was elected
justice of the peace which he served for several years.  When the state of Iowa
adopted the Old Age Assistance act, Mr. Morrison was appointed chairman of the
Monona County Board of Social Welfare.  He was interested in good education and
served several terms on the Mapleton school board, and later was elected to
Monona County School Board and became president of that board.  He was also a
past president of the Monona County Bar Association

He was a charter member of the Mapleton Lions Club in Mapleton. Mr. Morrison
held membership in the Methodist church at Mapleton for many years. He was also
active in Masonic work having served as past master of Quarry Lodge No. 404
A.F.&A.M. He also held membership in the Monona Chapter 115 of the Royal Arch
Masons, during which time he received an award for distinguished service from
the grand chapter of the state of Iowa.  He was a member of the Sioux City
consistory.

Mr. Morrison died Tuesday, October, 16, 1962 at  his home Friendship Haven,
having reached the age of 73 years, 5 months and 28 days. 

Survivors include his wife, Sylvia; one son James Hadley Morrison of Des Moines;
four grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Sadie Shugar of Wilton Junction and Mrs.
Alice Mahannah, of Miami, Fla.; one brother Morley of Chamblee, Ga. Besides one
son, he was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Services were held Friday, October 19, 1962 at St. John's Methodist church with
Rev. Bryon Ayers officiating.  Pallbearers were members of the Masonic lodge and
included: Russell Hanson, Dale Vanderbur, Paul Kinney, John Welch, Dale
Blankenthorn, and Paul Hollister, burial was in Mount Hope cemetery under the
direction of Walter Funeral home. Graveside rites were conducted by Quarry Lodge
No. 404 A.F.&A.M.  

Card of Thanks
It is during a time like this that we learn how much our friends really mean to
us.  Thank you for your sympathy which we will always treasure.

Mrs. Ben Morrison
Mr. and Mrs. James Hadley Morrison and family.

The Mapleton Press
Thursday, October 25, 1962
Transcribed 1995, Lyman Morrison.