Con Morgan - d. 1957
Contributed for use
in USGenWeb Archives by Sandra Boudrou
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Looking forward to his next crop of potatoes is Con Morgan, generally
regarded as the dean of all men in Centerville, who on Friday, observed his
88th birthday. As usual, he started planting his '53 crop on Good Friday.
Despite his advanced age, Morgan is still extremely active and his mind is keen
and alert. Though he always keeps up on current affairs, particularly on the
local level, like all men who have lived a vigorous life, he loves to recall
events of the past with which he is extremely familiar.
He has seen and participated in enough of history to write a book. Born in Dubuque,
IA., he came up the Missouri River by boat with his parents when but 3 years
old. His father had a ranch 45 miles southeast of Chamberlain.
A brother, Jim, was sheriff in that area and appointed Con his deputy and things
were far from peaceful as the Indian reservation was opened in 1883. Cattle
rustling was the ordinary thing. Once Con went out to arrest a known rustler.
He found him in a shack but the culprit dashed through a doorway and leaped
upon a horse. Morgan shot the horse out from under the man at a distance of
about 200 yards. Before the bad man could regain his composure, Morgan had him
thoroughly tied and en route to Chamberlain, 35 miles away. Morgan was elected
sheriff of Brule County, but resigned after his brother had been named his deputy.
His love for baseball brought him to a more "settled" area and he
was no slouch at the game. He caught for Dubuque in the Three-I League three
years, later playing with Sioux City in the Western League and Houston in the
Texas League.
He made Centerville his home in 1896 when he opened a meat market in that city,
an endeavor which he followed for 35 years. In that space of time he served
one term as mayor, 14 years on the city council and on the school board for
four years.
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Personal Note: Jeannette E. Dent married Con Morgan 26 April, 1899 in Chamberlain,
South Dakota. Con Morgan died in 1957 at the age of 92 and is buried in
Riverview Cemetery, Centerville, SD. His wife, Jeanette Dent died 4 May 1950,
age 73. She was born at Canton, SD 23 May 1877, the daughter of Wilson and Laura
Dent. She is survived by three sisters, Minnie Boudrou(my grandmother), Hattie
Henegar and Albert Dent. Buried Riverview Cemetery.