My Genealogy Hound

L. A. Morris, the subject of the portrait appearing on another page of this volume, and the head of the mercantile firm of L. A. Morris & Co., general merchants at Osceola, Ark., can justly be recorded among the self-made men of Mississippi County. No one is more justly entitled to an enviable place in the history of Mississippi County than he, for, though young in years, he has been usefully and honorably identified with the interests of this county, and with its advancement in every worthy particular. Mr. Morris owes his nativity to Alabama, where he was born in 1855, and is the second in a family of six children born to the Rev. F. C. and Sallie A. (McFeat) Morris. The parents were respectively from Alabama and South Carolina, were married in South Carolina, but soon afterward moved to Alabama, where they remained a short time, thence came to Osceola, in 1857. The father preached throughout Mississippi County and West Tennessee for many years, and was a man remarkable for his Christian purity and benevolence and high sense of honor. He died in 1876. The mother had died of cholera in 1866. L. A. Morris spent his youth in Osceola, attending private schools mostly, and in 1872 he began clerking in the store of Capt. D. Matthews, where he continued for seven years. He then went to Pecan Point and clerked for R. W. Friend for eighteen months, at which time he became a partner in the business under the firm title of Friend & Morris. In December, 1883, he bought a tract of 1,000 acres, well improved, with 200 acres under cultivation, and a store that had been established several years at Plum Point, Tenn. He soon withdrew from the firm of Friend & Morris to conduct his large interests at the above mentioned place, where he continued in business until January, 1889, when he leased his farm, and sold stock, etc., in the store to Johnson Bros., who are conducting it now. Mr. Morris was postmaster at Plum Point for a number of years, and filled that position creditably and well. On the subject’s large farm there are 300 acres under cultivation, 100 of which were opened by himself. He erected a fine residence at a cost of $2,000, also put up a cotton-gin, out-buildings, and a number of cabins, etc. Since buying the estate the Government has built a levee, and is at present engaged in reveting the bank along the river front, which improves his place to a great extent. On October 1, 1887, Mr. Morris opened a branch store at Osceola, and since closing at Plum Point, he has centered his whole attention at the Osceola store, which is conducted in partnership with F. R. Lanier, Jr. He has an extensive stock of general merchandise, and does a commission business, also, of buying cotton and all farm produce. To Mr. Morris’ marriage have been born three children: Carrie E.; Maggie May, who died at the age of three years, and Plumie E. Mr. Morris is a member of the A. O. U. W. Lodge, Osceola. Though still a young man, Mr. Morris’ business capacities, and extensive experience with the resources of this county, have enabled him to take a foremost place in its affairs, while his pleasing, social qualities and gentlemanly manners make him a pleasant companion and friend.