West Liberty History 1838-1938

Source: One Hundred Years of History
* Commemorating a Century of Progress in the West Liberty Community * WEST LIBERTY, IOWA
MORRIS STORES

The Morris family has been in business in West Liberty for three generations. Vincent Morris came here in 1854 and started one of the first stove and tin shops in the town, on the site where the Morris building stands, in which the Star drug store is now housed. In 1887 he and his son Clarence became partners in the hardware business, selling out to Ben Smith and A. H. Floyd in 1898, at which time Vincent Morris retired from business.

Clarence W. Morris then started up in the restaurant and grocery business which was the beginning of the C. W. Morris Department Store. Gradually he added one department after another, placing Sarah Morris in charge of dry goods, Walter Morris in charge of the furniture and hardware. Oscar Morris was buyer for the clothing department, Arlie Morris, for the grocery. The bake shop was managed by Jack Alexander, the meat department by Joe Mundy, the drugs by George Embree and the creamery by Rodney Weeks. In addition to the store his produce business was managed by George Hormel.

Since the death of C. W. Morris in 1922, the business has been carried on under the management of his son, Lewis V. Morris for the partnership of Venita M. Nolte and L. V. Morris. Recently he sold the hardware department to J. D. Earhart and the drug store to A. E. Oslund. The meat department is owned by Faris Shuman. The Morris store now retails groceries, dishes, furniture and rugs.

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