Samuel M. Morris

MORRIS, MARK, HOWARD, MASTERSON, ROBBINS, FULLER, KLISE, LEFLER, WOODS

Posted By: Fran Hunt, Volunteer
Date: 10/4/2001 at 18:32:03

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties – 1890 County
SAMUEL M. MORRIS
Samuel M. Morris, a farmer and stock raiser residing on Section 6, Harrisburg Township, Van Buren County, is a native of Hardin County Kentucky. He was born January 14, 1827, and was the fifth in a family of eight children, who graced the union of Henry Morris and Jane Mark. The father was born in North Carolina in 1796, and in his youth removed from his native state to Kentucky, where he was reared to manhood and married. He is numbered among the pioneer settlers of Van Buren County, Iowa, arriving here in June of 1838. He entered eighty acres of wild land on Cedar Creek, in what is now Cedar Township, and afterward, by purchase, added one hundred and sixty acres, placing the entire amount under cultivation. As he obtained the first from the Government it was consequently in its primitive condition, but he succeeded in transforming it into a highly improved farm, whose well-tilled fields yielded him a good income as the reward of his labors. His death occurred on the old homestead, February 8, 1870, at the age of seventy-four years. For many years Mr. Morris had been an active member of the Methodist Church and he possessed the full confidence and high regard of his many acquaintances. His wife, who was a most estimable lady, survived him but eight days. The children born unto them were: Elizabeth, wife of I.L.V. Howard, of Cedar township; Mary, deceased wife of William Masterson of Van Buren County; Margaret, deceased; William a carpenter of Hustonia Missouri; Samuel M., whose name heads this sketch; George F, a farmer of Cedar Township; Alex H. and Henry T., who are also engaged in agricultural pursuits in Cedar Township.
As a representative of one of the pioneer families of the county and as one of its most worthy citizens, Samuel Morris deserves special mention in this volume. Since eleven years of age he has been a witness of its growth and progress, has aided in its development and watched with interest its advancement and the work, which places it in the front rank among the counties of Iowa. He acquired his education in the district schools of the neighborhood, and amid the wild scenes of pioneer life with its excitements and pleasures, its hardships and privations, he spent the days of his boyhood and youth. On attaining to mature years, he bad good-by to the parental home and started out in life for himself, choosing as his occupation the pursuit to which he was reared. He began operations on a forty-acre tract of land given him by his father, and in a short time he extended its boundaries by the purchase of forty acres of timberland. After clearing and improving the same he had opportunity to make an advantageous sale, which he did, and then bought three hundred and fifty-two acres of land lying in Washington and Harrisburg Townships, his present farm.
In 1854 Mr. Morris was united in marriage with Miss Charlotte A. Robbins, of Van Buren County, daughter of William C. and Laura Fuller Robbins. Her father was a native of Vermont, born October 25, 1804, and in his native state passed his youthful days. He was married however in Allegany County New York, to Miss Laura Fuller, of the Empire State, born December 27, 1812, by which union there wee born three children: Esther, wife of John Klise of Harrisburg Township; Mrs. Morris, and Martha, who died when about four years old. The parents are numbered among the pioneers of Van Buren County, having since 1844 made their home in the neighborhood, where they have won as the result of their upright lives the respect of all who knew them. The father’s work here on earth is now ended, he having died September 20, 1890, and his widow is passing the evening hour of life surrounded by the tender care of her children.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Morris have been born five children: Edmund, who wedded Miss Mary Lefler and is now living in Pierceville; J.Q. who married Miss Alice Woods and resides on the home farm; Livingston; Henry F., who died when sixteen months old; and William W. Livingston and William are yet with their parents. Mr. Morris is an active Republican in politics and is an influential member of the county conventions, to which he is frequently sent as a delegate. As a citizen he is true to every duty devolving upon him and ever ready to aid in works of public improvement or such enterprises as are calculated to benefit the community. As a businessman he is undoubtedly a success, being now ranked among the substantial farmers and stock raisers of the community. In the management of his farm he displays good business ability, enterprise and push, all of which are essential to a prosperous career. His residence in Van Buren County covers a period of fifty-two years, and those who have known him from boyhood have been witnesses of his entire life, as well as his acquaintances of later years, being numbered among his staunchest friends. Those who have seen the development of his character know him to be a man of sterling worth, meriting the high esteem of all.
I am not related, and am only copying this for the information of those who might find this person in their family.