The Lamar register., 1913-03-05
MORTON STRAIN

Morton Strain passed from surfer
ing to that better life which Is the
final destiny OF all mankind. He
had been sick for several years.
at times suffering the greatest pain,
and death came to him as RELIEF,
and he faced the inevitable with
the courage that only those who
can look back on a we'll spent life
can feel.
Notwithstandin that everyone
in Lamar had known for several
days that 1t was only question
of hours until his death occurred,
still the news spread a general
feeling of regret and sorrow that
only the most intense realization of
personal loss can cause. He was
known to everyone. and known as
big, broad-minded. public spirited
and generous man. A man who
helped everyone who nedeed help
and did 1t from the depths of
big heart, and for no other rea-
son than Just because he was built
that way. 1t Is few men in any
community whose loss SO deeply
affects all classes and who will be
so sincerely mouned as Morton
Strain.
in ednesday afternoon IrGm the
nome, and the large gathering o.
lrienus poIh at the nome ana IN
the procession which followed ms
remains 10 their last resting pace
IN the family lot in Riverside GEN.
etery. was q high testimonial OF
the respect in which he was held
me floral tributes sent by the
lodges. business associates and his
friends were the largest and most
beautiful ever seen IN this section
Of the Arkansas valley. The fun
eral services at the home were
conducted by Rev. T. +. Kelly OF
the Baptist church. After these ser.
vices the Masonic brethren took
charge and the services at the grave
were conducted under the beau
tiful and impressive ritual Of the
order. The deceased was a charter
member of Lamar Lodge No. 80
Of the order and also q member
of Orient Chapter No. 80 r. A.
NJ, and a large number OF the
brethren were in line to pay the
last sad rites to one Of the most
consistent Of the brotherhood.
Morton Strain was born in Mon
roe cunty. Indiana. on May 20. 1861
and died on March 2, 1913. He
came to Lamar in the fall OF 1886
when the town was only a few
months old, and soon made a place
Tor himself in business circles OF
the community through his ability
and industry. Aiways active and
public spirited he forged to the
front until he was recognized as
one of the leading figures in La
mars life, and his name was IA
miliar wherever the town was
known. Ever ready to help others
and conducting large enterprises. as
he was, he extended the helping
hand to all who we're willing to
work. and many Of our best citizens
owe their start to him. No en-
terprise that would benefit Lamar.
or Prowers county was ever float
ed but what his name was found
on the list of heavy subscribers and
his hard work was given to make
1t success. He was one of the
chief organizers of the Lamar State
Bank. which was afterwards made
the Lamar National Bank, and
from its first start was president
of this institution, which has grown
to be one of the valleys most SUBJ
stantial financial concerns. He was
large holder of real estate and
one of the few men who took hold
and Strengthened out the titles to
property in Lamar, when their
chaotic condition was a serious
drawback to the towns growth. In
all his business relations he was
enterpriStng honest and roIfohIo