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Beacon
Dec 5, 1889
On Sunday last, all that was mortal of the late William Morrison was deposited in St. Andrews Cemetery. "For twenty years, Mr. Morrison had been an invalid, suffering from a most painful disease. On more than one occasion he had been brought so near death's door that he could almost see within its portal, but his wonderful vitality always came to his rescue just at the moment his friends thought he was passing away. The deceased was a native of St. Andrews, having been born here in 1829. In early life he "followed the sea," acting for the most part in the capacity of ship's steward. He crossed the Atlantic over fifty times, visiting many foreign climes, and bringing back with him a wealth of anecdote with which for years he delighted those whom he met. He was married twenty-six years ago, when he abandoned the sea forever and entered upon hotel-keeping. [1863 Morrison's Hotel opens?] Some years ago, his health became so bad that he had to give up the hotel business. [origin of Windsor House?] Since then, he has lived quietly, suffering the most excruciating pain with a calmness and fortitude that few people would manifest. In the midst of all his suffering he was ever ready to assist others to enjoy themselves, and in the summer season, when his health would permit, no picnic party appeared to be properly made up unless he was with it, to enliven by his anecdotes and wit. His death, which occurred on Friday last, was hastened by a cold he received while attending a picnic on St. Andrews Island last summer. The deceased was one of the oldest Free Masons in the County, having been "made" in the old Hibernia lodge. His wife survives him. His funeral, at which Rev. Arch. Gunn officiated, was very largely attended.