Hancock, Morris N. 1839-1907

HANCOCK, ARNOLD, WHEELER

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 3/15/2018 at 00:16:54

Morris Nathan Hancock was born July 12, 1839, in Elkhart County, Indiana, died June 6, 1907.

At the age of 15, with his parents, he came to Allamakee County, residing in Franklin and Linton townships until 1884 when he moved to Monona.

November 19, 1867, he was united in marriage to Miss Adaline Arnold. Four children were born to this union, two died in infancy. The living are Mrs. Ira J. Wheeler, residing at Great Falls, Montana, and Morris H. Hancock at St. Paul, Minn. Three brothers survive him, two residing in Ottertail County, Minn. and Thomas of Rossville, Iowa.

He answered to the call of his country in August, 1862, enlisting in Company E., 27th Iowa Infantry, Captain John Everall's Company. He followed the fortunes of the famous 27th, engaging in many skirmishes and battles, including the closing of the great drama at Fort Blakely and the Spanish Fort. He never missed an engagement, a thoroughly good soldier, faithful to every position he occupied. Of nearly one hundred men who enlisted with him, only seven are now living in this county, four of whom were at the funeral.

The company was mostly made up of men from Monona, Farmersburg and Garnavillo. In the language of his distinguished Captain, "he was always ready for duty and was well qualified to be crowned with the last gift from Comrades in arms, the emblem of victory, "THE LAUREL". This comrade was noted for his muscular strength and endurance, and though his appearance did not indicate it, it is in evidence to his credit among companions with whom he was wont to associate.

During his residence in Monona he engaged in carpenter work. He was city assessor and city marshall, in both of which he served with signal ability. He was a member of the Odd Fellows lodge and a member of Monona Post, G.A.R. of which he was Quartermaster for the past four years.

As a citizen, neighbor, husband and father, he was faithful, true and patriotic. His inclinations led to the best parts of an honorable upright citizenship. His average is a credit to the best of manhood. He did well and answered "to taps" fully prepared for reunion with his comrades in the great camp ground over and beyond all earthly scenes.

The funeral was held on Saturday under the auspices of the I.O.O.F., of which he was an honored member and its Noble Grand, the members of the Monona Post G.A.R. as pall bearers. Services were held at the residence, conducted by Rev. Williams of the M.E. Church of which denominations the deceased was a member since 1873. Burial in Monona cemetery. An abundance of flowers, wreathes, and bouquets with emblems adorned the casket.

Mr. Hancock was a good man, he was popular with those who knew him bet, a faithful citizen, a loyal and patriotic lover of his country, one who aimed to do right. His sole ambition was to be fair and square, just and true to his citizenship, and the country he had defended in the hour of need. His comradeship was alike to all, tempered with kindness and a willingness to assist where duty demanded.

The bereaved wife and children have the sympathy of the community in which he dwelled for twenty three years. May their sorrow be lightened by the knowledge that his life was spent in communion with his God, his family and loved ones.

Monona Leader, Thursday, June 13, 1907