Morgan T Rich
| Date of Interment or Death | 03/22/1898 |
|---|---|
| Location | Old Fairview |
| Section | D |
| Block-Lot-Grave | 1-8-1 |
Obituary
Morgan T Rich-1898
GONE FROM EARTH
M. T. Rich Departed This Life Last Saturday Morning
Cities and state live on and grow after their founders have returned to native clay. Although Wahpeton is a young city, her founder has passed on to the invisible world, and his body lies buried beneath a little mound from which is seen in one direction the farm which he owned, and in the other direction the city which he established. After somewhat more than two weeks of violent illness, Mr. Rich expired about 6:30 o’clock last Saturday morning. His last sickness dated from a trip which he made to Minneapolis; but he was not feeling well before that time, and deferred his trip several days on that account. In fact, he had been ailing all winter with complication of maladies and it is likely that the result is only what might have been anticipated. He had all that he could possibly be secured in the way of attendance and medical skill, but all proved unavailing.
The funeral service at the house Tuesday afternoon was very simple, consisting only of two hymns by a quartette consisting of Miss Beeman, Mrs. Mocksthroth, Messers. Brown and Bassett, and a scripture reading and prayer by Rev. A. T. Foster, pastor of the Methodist Church. The concourse was vey large, and far more filled the house. Nearly all the old settlers of this region were present
Morgan T. Rich was born in Oswego County, N. Y. on the 4th of March, 1832. His father was Morgan L. Rich, a native of New York state, and his mother was Caroline Stearns, a native of Massachusetts. Morgan L. Rich was a townsite proprietor, being the original owner of a town called Sandbanks, where he was in the mercantile business. He was also extensively engaged in farming.
Morgan T. Rich left home in his twenty-fifth year, after having received a good education, and came west to make a start for himself. Locating in Red Wing, Minnesota, which was then on the frontier, he began his life work as a stage driver. After some years of this occupation, he became proprietor of a farm near Wacouta, in Goodhue County, south of Red Wing, and also engaged in the lumber business at that place, where for a time he carried on an extensive trade. In 1864, after having spent eight years in Minnesota, he sold out his business and went to Montana, to try his fortune in the gold mines. Three years of this satisfied him, and he went back to Red Wing, remaining two years. Then he again started for the frontier. But the frontier had been traveling westward meanwhile at a rapid rate, and had reached the Red River of the North. Coming to McCauleyville, Minn, where he had employment for a short time, Mr. Rich soon saw the natural marks of a town at the junction of the Bois de Sioux and Otter Tail. Locating a claim where the City of Wahpeton now stands, he awaited for settlement to come his way. He did not have long to wait. The advance guard was already arriving. Neither did he wait in idleness. Establishing a ferry, he soon found himself in the presence of quite an income. This was especially true after he began to obtain government contracts for the ferrying of men, animals, and supplies for Forts Abercrombie and Wadsworth. The St Paul & Pacific railroad reached Breckenridge in 1873, and then Mr. Rich’s time come to plat his town, which he did. The next part of his history is familiar to most of our readers. He was one of the first commissioners of Richland County. In addition to his townsite venture, he dealt extensively in real estate and loaned money. In 1879 the rapid growth of Wahpeton began and the sale of lots brought him a handsome competency.
Mr. Rich was a man of sound business judgment, not likely to be led into foolish ventures. He looked well after his business affairs, and paid his bills promptly. Withal he was kind to his family, a general companion to his old neighbors and acquaintances, and one who gave large sums in the aggregate to deserving enterprises. As a landlord he owned, in whole or in part, several buildings in Wahpeton. His sound business judgment and able management made him a desirable acquisition to the directory of any business institution.
Mr. Rich was married in 1857 to Miss Elizabeth Frederick, of Goodhue County, who survives him. The oldest daughter, Carrie, has hitherto lived with her parents. Mrs. Helen Orchutt and Mrs. Sarah Falley, the other two daughters, both reside in Wahpeton.
The death of Mr. Rich comes to Wahpeton as one of the prominent and startling events of its history, and universal sympathy is felt and expressed for the bereaved members of his most estimable family. In his death the Gazette also loses a steadfast and valued friend.
Headstone photograph(s)
Location
Old Fairview is located on the southern half of the cemetery grounds.