Morrison, Herbert E.

MORRISON, PAGE, HOLBROOK

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 1/5/2008 at 21:37:21

Source: History of Monona County, Iowa 1890
Pub: Chicago National Com

Herbert E. Morrison. Among the prominent business men of the city of Onawa, who have taken so large a part in its development and who have been such important factors in its present prosperity, there is none better known than the gentleman whose name heads this sketch.
Sanbornton Bridge, N.H. was the place of Mr. Morrison’s birth, which occurred August 2, 1844. He was the son of Jonathan E. and Mary N. (Page) Morrison, a sketch of whom may be found in this volume. While still a small child he was brought by his parents to Kane County, Ill., and thence six years later, to this county. Here he grew to manhood, receiving his education in the excellent schools of Onawa. His studies being ended he engaged in farming and stock-raising with his father, at which he remained until 1866. His rising merits being appreciated by a discerning public, in the fall of that year he was elected to the office of Clerk of the district court, in which he served one term. On the 28th of November, 1868, he was appointed by the board of county supervisors, to fill the office of County Judge, and by a change in the law became ex-officio County Auditor, a position which he occupied until January 1, 1870. Retiring from the office he was appointed postal clerk on the Sioux City & Pacific Railroad, having the route from Missouri Valley to Sioux City. In 1874 he resigned the position to accept that of cashier in the banking house of Holbrook & Bro., at Onawa, with whom he remained nearly fifteen years, or until April 1, 1889. Steady adherence to business and a faithful performance of the duties committed to his charge, marked his business career throughout life and placed him in an enviable position in the community.
For many years Mr. Morrison was closely identified with the Republican party, but suffering a change of views, he now coincides with the principles formulated in the Democratic platforms and is now Chairman of the Democratic County Committee and is a strong Democrat. In local affairs he has taken a great interest serving as Mayor of the city of Onawa for six years, and as a member of the council at different times and is the present City Treasurer. He is also President of the Onawa Fire Department, and is considered a most efficient officer in that position.

Mr. Morrison was united in marriage, October 29, 1867, with Miss Emily J. Holbrook, a native of Somerset, Somerset County, Pa., a sister of B.D. and C.H. Holbrook, of Onawa. They are the parents of four children: Harry L., Page E., Bruce H., and Marion H.