Alexander Thompson MOORHEAD Sr. b 1 Jun 1800 Center Twp., Indiana Co., PA d 8 Sep 1884, Rimersburg, Clarion Co., PA buried 9 Sep 1884, Oakland Cemetery, Indiana Co., PA.
His parents were James MOORHEAD b 23 Aug 1780, Waynesboro, Franklin Co., PA d 9 Jan 1857, Indiana Co., PA buried Oakland Cemetery, Indiana Co., PA m Nancy THOMPSON b abt 1780 d 13 May 1856, Indiana Co., PA
DEATH OF A.T. MOORHEAD, SR.
Indiana Democrat
The death of our venerable friend and neighbor, Alexander Thompson Moorhead, Sr., on Monday morning, September 8, although not unexpected, was quite sudden. On the day preceeding, he attended the usual services in the U.P. church and also attended the Sunday school, apparently in his usual health, although it was painfully visible to the household and friends that he was very weak and feeble in body, and that his mental powers, especially his memory, was failing rapidly. Upon retiring in the evening a young kindsman was selected to spend the night with him. In the morning, although perfectly sensible, he complained of pains in his side and shoulder, and informed the friends that he thought his last hour had come. He was perfectly resigned and calm and conversed with those around his bed freely, giving directions as to his business and distribution of family relics and keepsakes. He conversed with the friends up to within a few moments of his death, expressing his readiness to depart to the better land if it was God's will, and calmly passed away at about 10:30 A.M. The history of Father Moorhead is the history of this part of Indiana county, and especially of Indiana borough. He was born on the site of Homer City, June 1, 1800, his parents being Alexander (this is an error, his father was James Moorhead) and Nancy Moorhead, nee Thompson. His mother was a daughter of James Thompson, an early settler of this county. His father located near Homer City in 1781, and raised his family in that neighborhood, afterwards removing to Clarion county, where he died in his ninety-third year. Father Moorhead was always an active businessman, of great intelligence and industry. From 1844 to 1847 he served as county commissioner and held numerous local offices. He was a man of fixed and decided opinions, honest and upright, and no dishonor ever tainted his character. As a kind and considerate neighbor, a peacemaker and judicious advisor he was known to all. We have resided near him for over seventeen years, watched his daily walk and conversation, and bear willing testimony to his upright christian conduct. He has been attached to the U.P. church all his life and was a most conscientious member. Father Moorhead was married three times. In 1821 to Mary Morrow McKee, who died in 1836; in 1837 to Jane H. Hart, who died in 1858; in 1858 to Mrs. Nancy Wills nee Moore. His children who survive him are A.T. Moorhead, Jr., Nancy, wife of Robert Lowry, John C. Moorhead, Margaret, wife of Joseph Adair.
At the recent meeting of the old citizens Father Moorhead took an active and leading part, and in fact, with Mr. John Graff, was the originator of the meeting.
His funeral took place on Tuesday, September 9, at 2 o'clock P.M. from the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Lowry, and the services were conducted by Rev. J. Day Brownlee, assisted by Rev's W.S. Owens, A.C. Ehrenfeld and Greer. After singing a part of the 103d psalm, a favorite of the deceased, Rev. Brownlee made some introductory remarks, dwelling upon the many virtues of the deceased, and introduced Rev. W.S. Owens, the former pastor of the church, who proceeded in an eloquent and touching manner to dwell upon the character of the venerable deceased. He was followed by Rev. A.c. Ehrenfeld in a few appropriate remarks. The singing of the 23d psalm closed the exercises in the church. The remains were removed to Oakland cemetery and interrred in the place which the deceased had himself selected. The bouquet of ripe wheat upon the coffin was appropriate and typical. As a sheaf of wheat is gathered to the garner, so at a ripe old age an eminent citizen is gathered into the congregation of the just. The pall bearers were his sons, A.T. Moorhead, Jr., J.C. Moorhead and his sons-in-law Robert Lowry and Joseph Adair.
Another Obituary Notice:
Death of A.T. Moorhead, Sr.
Alexander Thompson Moorhead, of this place, died Monday last at 10:30 a.m. He attended church on Sabbath. In the evening he took unwell, but did not complain of being very ill. He conversed during the night with those who were with him, and up to a short time previous to his death seemed cheerful and in no danger of immediate death.
Deceased was born in what is now Homer City on the 1st of June, 1800. He was thrice married. His third wife died a few years ago. A good portion of his life was spent on the farm now owned by Charles Johnston, two miles southwest of town. Here he farmed, kept a small store and made frequent trips with his wagon to Pittsburg, carrying marketing there and bringing goods in return. Some years ago he sold his farm and moved into town. Deceased was a man of strong convictions. Early in life he espoused the cause of the slave and was outspoken in his opposition to the institution of slavery. He was also an advocate of temperance, and illustrated his doctrine by a life of total abstinence. He was industrious and frugal, yet liberal in his contributions to religious and benevolent purposes. When a young man he connected himself with the Seceder, now United Presbyterian, church in this place, and continued to the last a liberal supporter and pillar in the congregation. By his Godly and consistent life he exerted a good influence in the neighborhood. Because of his character and virtues few men shared more largely the respect and confidence of all who knew him. He died as he lived -- in the faith of the Gospel. He has gone from us, but has left with us the influence and example of a good life. His funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon. His remains were interred in Oakland cemetery.