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Joseph Samual Morris (1839-1918)

MORRIS, STACY, WEATHERS

Posted By: Barry Mateer (email)
Date: 1/16/2018 at 00:26:10

Joseph Samuel Morris was born in Harrison county, West Virginia, March 31, 1839, and died at his home three miles east of Liberty, Iowa, October 8, 1918, aged 79 years, 6 m months and 7 days.

He was the oldest of three children of Calvert Lincoln and Margaret Jane Morris. With his parents and sister, Nancy Harriett, and brother, Adam T. he came to Clarke county, Iowa, in April 1865. He brought the first tidings to Liberty township of the assassination of President Lincoln. He three times offered his services to the government during the Civil War, but was rejected on account of temporary illness.

He was married March 14, 1867 to Susan Amanda Stacy. They were the parents of nine children, Walter C., Gertrude M., Mary Ester (deceased) Margaret Jame, Harriett Julia, Olive Blanche, robert Allen (deceased) Joseph Alvin and Austin Madley (deceased). By his death nineteen grandchildren and one great grandchild are bereft of one of the cheerful and companionable grandparents that children have ever been blessed with.

Quoting his own words, he ws left by the death of his wife February 8, 1903, to wander lonesomely on through life. His sister, Mrs. Ely Weathers, died at Williams, Iowa, April 15, 1916. His brother, Adam T. Morris, lives at Waltersville, Oregon.

Joseph Morris was a strong man, physically, morally and mentally. For fifty-three years the people of Clarke county have been benefited and lifted up by the influence of this benevolent and intellectual man. No person ever conversed with or heard him speak in public that was not benefited by it. Mr. Morris was a fine orator and being exceptionally well informed on all subjects, he was sought after for addresses at all types of public gatherings. He took a great interest in politics and he was elected on the republican ticket to represent Clarke county in the twenty-fifth General Assembly where he served with distinction. Thereafter he remained interested in political but did not make politics a profession - never was an office seeker. The political work he did was for the good of the country. He loved and respected all humanity. No man ever heard him speak an ill or disrespectful word of any person. His political addresses were so instructive and delivered in such gentlemanly and courteous manner that it won him the admiration even of his opponents.

His brother, Adam T. Morris told me that in his school days Joseph was known as the best debater of the community, and he had always been known as one of the best political debaters. He believed that the government of the United States was the best government in the world, and he was proud and glad to give 53 years of the best of his life to help make Iowa the great and glorious common wealth she now is. We shall miss him.
Funeral services were held at the M.E. church at Liberty October 10, conducted by Rev. Meeker.

Osceola Sentinel, October 17, 1918


 

Clarke Obituaries maintained by Brenda White.
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