Representative William J. Moir View All Years

WILLIAM J. MOIR.

MR. SPEAKER—Your committee appointed to prepare resolutions commemorative of the life, character and public services of the Honorable William J. Moir, late member of the House of Representatives in the Eighth and Ninth General Assemblies, beg leave to report the following:

William J. Moir was born in Scotland in the year 1825, and emigrated with his parents to America in 1830. He came westward to Indiana, was naturalized in that state and in 1856 was admitted to the Bar. On October 27th, 1847, he was united in marriage to Miss Olive J. Ball, a native of Canada, who died only four months before his departure. Their two sons, Marcus W. and George J. survive their parents.

Mr. Moir came to Eldora in 1856 and thereafter made his home in that city. Mr. Moir was elected to the Legislature from Hardin County in 1861 and re-elected in 1863. In the first session he was a member of the judiciary committee. That session was made memorable by an incident which Mr. Moir relates himself. The newspapers reported the surrender of Fort Donelson while the Assembly was in actual session. Every man sprang to his feet shouting loudly and some one started the “Star Spangled Banner.” One member moved that the prohibitory law be suspended for twenty-four hours and it was reported that it carried unanimously. In his second session Mr. Moir was chairman of the committee on claims and was especially active in railroad legislation. He was a close student of all that was going on in the Legislature. He was active in the work of several committees and enjoyed the respect of all members. At his death, Mr. Moir with the exception of Edward H. Stiles, was the only survivor who had voted for Grime’s re-election to the United States Senate.

Mr. Moir was repeatedly called upon by his fellow citizen to fill places of trust and responsibility. He was for several years mayor of Eldora, president of the Hardin County Agricultural Society, president of the Eldora Cemetery Society, and supervisor of Hardin County. He was for half a century treasurer of the local Odd Fellows Lodge. He died at Eldora on October 14th, 1918. He was honored and loved and respected by his neighbors and had the confidence and admiration of all who knew him.

Whereas, in his death the county and state have lost a worthy and honorable citizen;

Be It Resolved, That we hereby extend to the relatives and friends our tribute of respect; and be it further

Resolved, That these resolutions of respect be printed in the journal of the House and the Chief Clerk be directed to forward an engrossed copy to the family of the deceased.

KING OF HARDIN,

VANCE OF MADISON,

KLAUS OF DELAWARE.