The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1889-11-05
DEATH OF MRS. NANCY MORRISON

DEATH OF MRS. NANCY MORRISON
Mrs. Nancy J. Morrison, of Clastop
plains, whose death occurred at II p.
NJ. Sunday night. Nov 3, has left a
legacy of life of utmost devotion and
frontier heroism, the record OF which
might very well be placed beside those
of renown. A simple, plain woman,
never supposing that she was doing
anything remarkable, she was in fact
one who has been making history,
and history Of kind which the future
will value more than the deeds of vio-
lence which disfigure the chronicles Of
the past, and fill the reader with in
dignation. IF Mrs Morrison's life
could be committed to paper in such
shape as to relate all its hopes and
endeavors, as well as its remarkable
scenes, it would kindle every reader
into admiration for the old, strong
qualities of courage and devotion,
surrounded as they were in her case
with such a wealth of kindness and
affection.
She began life. if our memory is
not at fault, in the highlands of Tenn
essee, more than so years ago. Marry
ing, at an early age, r. w. Morrison.
she soon began with him that plan of
western life which took her within a
few years ont to Missouri, and soon
to the Pacific ocean. 1t was not to
her mind to leave all her friends and
associates, and penetrate the wilder
lr,k ~ % l,oI
time, she was caught in the current,
and directed by will of fate. Once
on the way, however, she showed the
courage and constancy that makes
American women everywhere remark
able.
1t was what Robert Collyer would
call 'clear grit, perfect example
of ito steer across the plains forty
five years ago. making the journey i'll
a canvass-topped Missouri wagon.
Especially for a mother with six chill
dren, it was feat of which woman
kind may be proud. No incident III
the whole trip is more thrilling or pa
thetic than was the trip of this mother
and her children from The Dalles by
boat down the Columbia river, while
her husband was out in the mountains
in the snow, which had fallen uneX-
pectedly, looking after cattle. The
journey down the river was slow on
account of wind and rain, and their
provisions were exhausted. Mrs. Nor
rison, weather-bound, at the Cascades
parted with her best dress, trading it
TO the Indians for a peck of potatoes.
Soon after reaching Oregon City, it
was decided to make a home on Clat-
sop plains. The first season here was
spent under Solomon w. Smiths hos
pitable roof. Mr.. Smith was at that
time an OregOnian of twelve years
standing.
The next summer, 1916, a donation
claim was taken, the quit-claim being
bought of Mr.. Somers, a pioneer OF
l843. for azyoke of oxen.
There the Oregon home was made
in spot already enchanting by ma
ture, and here was passed almost half
a century of her life. 1t was one OF
the old-fashioned places, where home
care was always equalled by the most
liberal hospitality. The little flock OF
children-there were nine in all-she
1 brought up with the most assiduous
attention, and, with her husband
was careful to provide them with school
privileges. OF the most honest and
earnest piety, she was one of the first
to uphold religious services, being a
member of the first Presbyterian
church established in the present linn
its of Oregon. She often had meet
ing," on stormy Sundays when the
church building was not easily serv-
iceable, i'll her own home.
| Mr.. Morrison, one of the captains
Of the train crossing the plains III 1874
was much of the time engaged i'll work
or duties that took him from home, as
when operating a mill near Seaside
and III consequence, supervisor OF the
outdoor as well as indoor work fell tC
the share of Mrs. Morrison. She was
admirably fitted to all such duties
having the activity and strength of {
man, and a peculiarly administrative
turn of mind. To this she united a
grace and sweetness of manner that
would have befitted any queen of so
ciety. She was delightful singer
and was for many years the soul oi
the society and church on Clatsop
plains and in the old time this was
one of the largest communities in the
state.
AS the quiet old Mrs Morrison pre-
served her mental powers. devoting
her time to reading, which before wa;
absorbed in work, a most graceful
and pleasant old age, always having
something of buoyancy and brightness
in her eyes and voice, and feminine
delicacy that associated admirably
with the dignity and venerable mien
of age.
1t would be only trite to speak, ani
almost so, to hint of the "great
changes" which this lady saw, since
beginning to live on her ClatsoT
farm, but the following may be told
She wanted to see the cars (the line
of the Astoria and South Coast rail
road was surveyed to go within few
rods of her house, run past her dool
before she died, which she did. The
Especial train to-day carried many o
those in attendance upon her funeral
to her door.
Eight children among whom may
be named Mrs. John Minto, of Salem
Mrs. Hamilton and Mrs. Carnahan
of Clatsop county, and many grand
children. Mrs. Newton Carnahan ant
Mrs. Edward TAYLOR, being of these