Vandeveer Perry Morrow, one of the oldest of the Mason County pioneers, was found dead in bed, in his house at Shelton Pont, where he has been living alone for several years past [April 23, 1901]. His absence was not noticed until Thursday morning when neighbors went to the door and found that he had passed away some time previously. For several months past he has been in poor health but was able to be about as usual and work at light work. The remains were taken in charge by undertaker Willey, and the funeral will be held Friday afternoon.
Deceased was born in Illinois in 1832 [September 25, 1831], and came west across the plains in 1852 to Oregon with Thos. Prather, the year following coming to Olympia. Shortly after he came to Mason County to work for Col. Simmons in the old mill at Mill Creek, long since rotted down. He was married to a daughter of Moses Kirkland, and has one son, William, living although his wife has been dead many years, and buried at the Oakland Cemetery, where he will also be laid to rest Friday afternoon.
Perry Morrow took up a donation claim near Oakland, and was in the earlier years of Mason County, a very prominent figure in its history, holding county offices, and having considerable means, but he was unfortunate and never recouped his shattered fortunes.
F. G. Morrow, and Mrs. W. D. Baldwin, of Shelton, and George Morrow, of Scio, Oregon, were half brothers and sister of the deceased. He was a quiet retiring man, of a sterling character which earned him the good will of all with whom he came into contact. Undoubtedly he has been the victim of adverse circumstances in the past, and suffered at the hands of others, but he bore his troubles and fate uncomplainingly, and has gone to meet his reward.
[Vandeveer was buried in the Oakland Cemetery. His headstone was stolen in 1966 by some children. It was left at a shopping center. The headstone was returned but disappeared again. The Oakland Cemetery was abandoned many years ago and there is only one headstone remaining. Many of the headstones were destroyed but many of the deceased were moved to the Shelton Memorial Park. There is no record of VP Morrow at the Shelton Memorial Park. Oakland Cemetery is being taken over by a gravel pit.]
Contributed by: Shelli Steedman