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         DAVID HARBISON MORRISON, a prominent merchant of Morning Sun, Iowa, was born in the county of Armagh, Ireland, in the Province of Ulster, June 25, 1831. His father, Rev. Robert Morrison, was a Presbyterian minister of note in his native land. He was educated for the ministry in Glasgow, Scotland. Dr. Hall attended that school and became one of his close friends. Before completing his studies he received a call from a church, which he accepted after completing his education, and remained its pastor for forty years. He received a call to the church at Dublin at two different times, but as he had become so attached to his charge, and the people so earnestly desired him to stay, he remained with them. He was especially adapted for his work, both physically and mentally, and his life indeed was a success. He earnestly labored to be a living example of the trust which he endeavored to impart to others, and many did he induce to follow the teachings of Christ. Mr. Morrison was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Moody, and of their union eight children were born, who reached maturity, and six are yet living: John M., a physician of Waterloo, Juniata Co., Pa.; Philip J., a resident farmer of Lehigh County, Pa.; Thomas, who is living on the old homestead in County Armagh, Ireland; D. H., of Morning Sun; Sallie, wife of Thomas Beckerstaff, of Toronto, Canada; and Ann C., whose home is in England. The death of Rev. Morrison occurred in 1860, and Mrs. Morrison died in 1869.

Our subject received his education in the common schools of his native county, after which he was employed as a salesman in Ireland for eight years. Determining to make his home in the New World, in 1854 he crossed the broad Atlantic, and took up his residence in Huntingdon County, Pa., and shortly after found employment in the mercantile business at Blair’s Mills, where he remained until 1871. In that year he shipped his goods for Morning Sun, Iowa. Arriving at his destination, Mr. Morrison again embarked in the mercantile business, which in all he has followed for thirty-three years. He has made it a study to select goods to suit his customers, both in price and quality, and receives a liberal share of the patronage. His genial and obliging manner has won him many friends, and his fair dealing has gained the entire confidence of the people.

On the 18th of October, 1859, in Juniata County, Pa., Mr. Morrison and Miss Margery B. McConnell, who was born in that state, were united in marriage. By their union six children have been born: Robert G., an attorney-at-law, is a graduate of both the classical and law courses of the Iowa State University; John M. is a resident of Morning Sun; Annie J. is a graduate of the High school of Morning Sun; Sarah S., David Charles and Samuel Walker complete the family. Mr. Morrison cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860, since which time he has affiliated with the Republican party. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has been a Ruling Elder for ten years. He was appointed as a delegate to attend the General Assembly at Minneapolis, In May, 1885. He has always been an earnest worker of the interests of the church, and is one of its liberal supporters. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison hold a high position in the social world, and are among the influential citizens of Morning Sun. By judicious management and careful attention to the details of his business, he has accumulated a comfortable property, and is one of the well-to-do citizens of the town.