Clara Bell (Dodge) Morgan (1884-1943)

Marriage record for Clara Bell Dodge & William J Morgan - 10 December 1906

Wedding announcement

Canadian Immigration record - June 7, 1911

Facsimile of 1940 National Registration for Clara Bell (Dodge) Morgan

Death record for Clara Bell (Dodge) Morgan - 12 July 1943

Obituary for Clara Bell (Dodge) Morgan

Funeral Record for Clara Bell (Dodge) Morgan

Another one of my great-grandfather Dodge's siblings I am looking for is his sister Clara Bell Dodge. she was born in Buena Vista, Colorado in 1884. Clara married William Morgan, a Canadian 16 years older than her, in 1906. Here is their wedding announcement from the Colorado Republican datedDec. 13, 1906: 'At high noon on Monday Dec. 10th, Mr. William J. Morgan and Clara Dodge were united in matrimony by Judge Newitt. The ceremony was performed at the home of the brides’ parents two miles west of town, Mrs. James Newitt, a sister of the bride, acting as bridesmaid while Dr. A.A. MacLennan of this town assisted the groom. The bride was beautifully attired in white, while the groom wore the conventional black. Only a few close friends of the contracting parties were present. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. N.T. Dodge and is a Chaffee County girl, having spent most of her life in this county and is well and favorable known. “Jack” Morgan is also known here having been in, and about Buena Vista for years past. He has a host of friends and is recognized as a genuine hustler and an industrious young man. The bride was the recipient of many useful and beautiful presents from her friends. We anticipate a happy and prosperous life for the newly married couple, and the Republican joins with many other friends, in the wish that their ship of fate may glide gently and smoothly down the stream of time.'

A little bit about William Morgan. He was born December 1866 in Canada. He immigrated to the US in 1888 and was a naturalized US Citizen. In the 1900 U.S. Census, he was living in Leadville, Colorado and was a druggist there. They had two children, William (Bill; b. 1908) and Mary (b. 1910). I always wonder about the possibility of there being living descendants in Canada, because that is where they moved to during the 1910's (along with living descendants, I wonder if there are any pictures of her and her family anywhere). I found them in the 1910 Census in Buena Vista. William was a Partner at a Bowling Alley. Clara, I was very surprised to find out, was listed as Carrie Morgan. My grandpa told me that he had wanted to look in Calgary for his aunt and her family. I recently found them in the 1916 Canada Census. They were living in Battleford, Saskatchewan. I also found the Port of Entry record. Clara and her children immigrated to Canada on June 7, 1911. They traveled through the Port of Entry at Emerson, Manitoba. Her husband, William, had gone ahead of them. They settled in Saskatchewan. She died in N. Battleford, Saskatchewan on July 12, 1943. I recently found her death record. It lists her date of birth as March 28, 1885. It should be 1884. Her obituary, which I also found, reads: 'The funeral of Mrs. Claribel (Clara Bell) Morgan, 58, was held in the United Church Battleford, on Tuesday, conducted by Rev. Thos. Carrant. Mrs. Morgan is survived by a son and daughter. Funeral direction was by Sallows & Boyd.'

Another obituary I just recently found reads: 'The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon, of the late Mrs. Clara Belle Morgan, who passed away the previous morning at Notre Name Hospital, North Battleford. The service was conducted at the United Church by Rev. T. Currant, who spoke of the gentle spirit of the departed and her triumphant attitude toward her final illness. Mrs. C. Innes presided at the piano and the coffin bore floral tributes from the family and friends. Burial took place in the Battleford Cemetery, the pallbearers being J.T. Dewau, Neil McArthur, W.J. Edwards, J. Lougherty, J. Pinchbeck and T. Farebrother. The late Mrs. Morgan was born at Denver, Colorado on March 28, 1888. She came with her husband and family to Canada in 1911 and lived on a homestead in the Wilkie District. Her husband died two years ago and she is survived by a son William, and a daughter Mrs. C. McNab, both of Battleford, and one grandson. She had resided at Battleford since last December but previously was a frequent visitor to the community. Mrs. Morgan had been seriously ill for several months and suffered a fall six weeks ago which hastened the end. During all the time she was confined to the hospital she was patient and appreciative of all that was done to alleviate her pain and to give her comfort.'

2013 Update: I just got these two pictures of Clara from her grandson Mike Morgan. I am very grateful to him for sending me these pictures.

Clara Bell (Dodge) Morgan (left) with Mary (unknown)

Morgan Family, 1942: Ida (Braunagel), Clara, Mary (her daughter) & Bill (her son)