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Below is a family biography included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published by Biographical Publishing Co. in 1894.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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SAMUEL MORRISON, who is filling the position of janitor in the Southern Illinois Penitentiary, located at Chester, was born within six miles of Londonderry, Ireland, December 30, 1835. His father, James Morrison, was a native of the same county, and there lived until some years after his marriage to Miss Jane Parkhill. By their union this worthy couple became the parents of eight children, all of whom were born on the Emerald Isle. In 1837, the father emigrated with his family to the New World, and after a six years’ residence in Philadelphia, Pa., made his way westward to Randolph County, Ill., where he spent his remaining days as an honored and highly respected citizen. His wife was called to her final rest in 1852, and his death occurred in 1870.

Samuel Morrison was the youngest in the family, and was only two years of age at the time they crossed the briny deep. With his parents he came to the west, and his education was gleaned in the common schools of Steeleville. During his younger days he worked as a farm hand, and at the age of twenty he purchased land and began farming for himself. He also engaged in trading in live- stock and followed the two pursuits continuously until December, 1860. At that time he removed to Chester, Ill., and established a livery and trading stable, which he successfully conducted for a number of years. He bought and shipped stock to the Memphis market besides conducting his business in this locality. He is an excellent judge of horses, and this enterprise proved to him a profitable one. In December, 1880, Mr. Morrison removed to Sparta, Ill., where he carried on a livery stable for some time. Since 1863, he has been almost continuously engaged in the stock business in one or more of its various branches. Ever since receiving the appointment of janitor of the Southern Illinois Penitentiary, he has filled the position in a creditable and acceptable manner.

On the 15th of September, 1853, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Morrison and Miss Mary Jane Campbell, a daughter of Judge John and Jane (Lively) Campbell. The lady died in May, 1878, and her loss was deeply mourned. She was a faithful member of the Methodist Church. In the family were six children, three sons and three daughters, John E., now a resident of Colorado; James L., Nancy Jane, William A; Mary B., who died at the age of fourteen years, and Susan C. The surviving children, excepting the eldest, reside in Sparta. Mr. Morrison has three brothers, who are numbered among the leading citizens of Randolph County, John, who has been County Commissioner, William J. and Robert. They are numbered among the representative farmers of the community.

Mr. Morrison and his family are all members of the Presbyterian Church. Socially, he is connected with Kaskaskia Lodge No. 82, A. F. & A. M., and has been a Chapter Mason since 1864. He has been honored with various offices in the lodge. In politics he has ever been a stalwart supporter of the Democratic party and still clings to the Jeffersonian principles. He is ever found true and faithful to the trust reposed in him, and his prompt discharge of public duties in his present position has won him high approval and commendation.

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This family biography is one of 679 biographies included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published in 1894.  View the complete description here: The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois

View additional Randolph County, Illinois family biographies here: Randolph County, Illinois Biographies

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