Owned and operated at the same site by only two families since its founding in 1826, the Morse and Son Funeral home has a rich and colourful past dotted with characters and traditions that are distinctly Canadian. Some of the original furnishings, newspaper clippings and correspondence, dating back to the 1800’s, grace the building today, providing curious reminders and proud reflections of 160 years in the funeral service. This is a history treasured and willingly recounted by the Morgan, a part of that history since 1971.
Austin Morse, founder of Morse & Son, was born in Nobleton, New York on January 6, 1800. His family moved shortly thereafter to Detroit, in what was then Michigan Territory. In 1821, he relocated to Niagara County and settled in the then unnamed community developing at the junction of Portage Road and Lundy’s Lane. This village boasted a thriving population of 130 and was officially named Drummondville in 1831.
Local records indicate that Austin purchased a lot and an additional acre of property on the west side of Main Street on January 8, 1826. There he set up his home and a furniture store. This land was to be owned and maintained by four generations of the Morse family.
