MORRIS, Aaron - Putnam

At 5.20 this morning Capt. J. J. Smiley received a message from Thomas Abrams at Brazil which stated that the pastor of the Christian church had passed away at 8:45. The news was not a surprise, as his congregation had given up all hope ol ever seeing him again in his place in the pulpit of the Christian church. The Elder had not regained the full possession of his powers since his first attack on Thursday morning, and his death was but the end of a gradual decline. Towards the end lie had occasional periods of consciousness during which lie recognized those around his bedside if his attention was called to them. The only arrangements that have I teen made so far concerning the final disposition of his remains is to have them brought to this city on the B: 15 this evening. From the depot they will tie taken to the family residence on Poplar street. The calling away of the late Eider Morris will leave vacant a place in the city that can not he filled. During the short period which preceded his death, after it became known that he could not recover from his illness, it seemed that everybody in the city was anxious for the latest news from his bedside. The demise of but few others in town would cause as much universal sadness. At the time of his death the Elder was in his fifty second year. His birth-place was •in Oxford. Ohio, where he remained during the early years of his manhood and where he received his education in the Oxford college. From that city he removed to Connersville, where for a number of years he had a position as teacher in tin* public schools. He also filled a similar place at Liberty. He was afterwards chosen superintendent of the Hamilton county public schools. For the five years preceding his call to this city, he was superintendent of the Soldiers’ and Sailors' Orphans Home at Knightstown. Eight years ago next March he received a call to come to this city as pastor of the local Christian church. His pastorate of that congregation has marked a period of continual growth, both in numbers and in spiritual knowledge. As a minister of the gospel he has proved himself to be a faithful servant of his Master and his reward will be great. Socially, he was popular among all classes of people, also relating with all alike. Elder Morris was a member of the Masonic organizations of this city, the IOOF. and of the G. A. R. having been in the Union army during the late civil war. Mr. and Mrs. G. Neff and Dr. and Mrs. Fry went to Brazil on the afternoon train and will accompany the grief stricken family to their home here.

Source: Greencastle Daily Banner and Times 28 Sept 1897 p 1

The services over the remains of the late Elder AH Morris will occur in the Christian Church Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock.  According to the present arrangements the services will be conducted by Elder Orcutt of Indianapolis, assisted by Elder Aj Frank of Lebanon, Elder Martin of Brazil and Dr. HA Gobin of this city. The interment will occur at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Source: Greencastle Daily Banner and Times 6 Oct 1897 p 1

On Sunday night the services of the Christian Church of Noblesville were devoted to paying tribute to the memory of the late Elder Morris. The Odd Fellows and Daughters of Rebekah were present in a body. Ten minute talks on the life, character and work of Elder Morris were made by Judge Theodore Davis, Rev. CW Granger, Elder Conner and ND Levinson. Glowing eulogies were delivered upon Elder Morris’ labors as teacher, pastor and friend. Mr. Levinson said: “Brother Morris performed the mission for which he was created whether in the church or out of it; his life is a glorious record of good works and will leave a green spot in our memories as long as live shall last. – kbz