J. F. McMORRIS

J. F. McMorris, a successful farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 9, Eden township, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, on the 8^th of February 1853, a son of James and Jane (Gibson) McMorris. The father was born in Virginia of Irish ancestry but in 1828 removed to Ohio and there engaged in farming until his demise, which occurred before the birth of our subject. In 1880 J. F. McMorris came with his mother to Decatur county, Iowa, and settled upon the farm on section 9, Eden township, where he still resides. His mother purchased eighty acres of land and continued to maker her home there until her demise in January, 1899.

J. F. McMorris taught school for seven years in Ohio and after coming to Iowa taught one term at Eden Center in this county. Subsequently he purchased an additional forty acres of land and gave his attention to the cultivation of his farm of one hundred and twenty acres. He still owns the place but leaves the greater part of the work of its operation to his son. At one time he raised thoroughbred Shropshire sheep and Hereford cattle, but subsequently gave up breeding pure blooded stock and now raises a good grade of cattle and hogs, selling to the local shippers.

In 1889 Mr. McMorris was married to Miss Sutari Creveling, who was born in Fayette township. An account of the lives of her parents, Clemuel and Eliza Creveling, who were pioneer settlers of this county, appears elsewhere in this work. Mrs. McMorris died upon the homestead on the 24^th of May, 1909, and her demise was the occasion of much sincere grief. She was the mother of five children, namely: Arthur, who is at home and has charge of the work of the farm; Jay, who owns and operates two claims in Montana comprising three hundred and twenty acres; Madge, who graduated from the Leon high school with the class of 1914 and who is at home; Joseph, who is attending high school; and May Ellen, who is attending the district school.

Mr. McMorris is an old line republican and, although he has always worked loyally for the success of his party, he has never been an office seeker. However, he was school director for several years and for eight years was the treasurer of the Eden township school board. For thirty-five years he has been a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Leon, of which his wife was also a member. During his active connection with agricultural interests he was known as an energetic, alert and progressive farmer and gained a competence which insures him comfort for the remainder of his days. In all of his dealings he has been upright and honorable and he holds the respect of all who know him.