US Passport application for G.L. Morrill, October 1919. A notation in the margins of the application reads, “Miss Phillips: Morrill’s ‘Devil in Mexico’, ‘On the War Path’ and numerous other of his publications have given him a pretty shady record. Further inquiry is now being made, and it seems desireable to hold up issuance of passport until we get results of this inquiry.” .
1900 US Census, District 24 Ward 1 Owensboro KY.
Obituary, Los Angeles Times, 13 December 1928. .
Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, 1763-1900.
US Passport application, October 1919 .
G.L. “Golightly” Morrill received a degree in theology from the University of Chicago. He became a minister but gained national attention by breaking away from all established churches and founded an unorthodox “People’s Church” in Minneapolis. He traveled widely and was the author of dozens of books. .See also In his obituary in the Los Angeles Times, it is noted, “Probably the most unique funeral service ever conducted was held here today when the voice of Rev. G.L. “Golightly” Morrill was heard preaching his own funeral service. The words were heard over the body of the noted writer and world traveler in a local funeral parlor this morning. They issued from a phonograph which was playing a record dictated by Morrill himself months ago in preparation for his final rites. After the sermon another record was placed on the machine and Morrill’s voice was heard singing a religious song.” .See also He picked up the nickname “Golightly” from an an associate who told him the Baptist Church officials were getting uneasy about his church services, where he told jokes, had musicians, drummers, slide projected images, and Hula Dancers. The associate told him he had better “go lightly” in the future. GL did not change his methods, but did adopt “Golightly” as his pen-name. .