News Days With Morey

"MOREY" SCHWARTZ DIES

Maurice A. Schwartz, who illustrated the hook and theater pastes of the Chicago Daily News, and whose quaint and amusing stories about people and books were eagerly looked forward to, died suddenly November 18 [1917]. He was at his drawing board as usual the day before his death. "Morey" was popular not only among his fellow artists, but among Chicago's literary lights and among members of the theatrical profession with whom his work brought him closely in touch. His kindly humor and whimsical sketches endeared him to every one. Cab drivers, song boosters, and prize fighters were proud to know him as a friend. As for his art education he used to smile when the subject was mentioned. He had been art editor of the Red Book [Magazine] for a time before joining the News' staff in 1911. "Morey" was only twenty-seven years old.

The above information was found in Cartoons Magazine, Vol. 13 by Henry Haven Windsor (1918). I have been unable to find how or why he died, where he was born or when he came to Chicago, if he lived elsewhere. The cartoon below, which takes a swipe at Harriet Monroe and reminds me of Winsor McCay's style, was scanned from Chicago's Public Wits edited by Kenny J. Williams and Bernard Duffey. It is the only example of Morey's work that I have located. What have I missed? If anyone has some additional details about Schwartz, please send them to me. He died at 27. He should be remembered.