My Genealogy Hound

Ex-Judge Morris was born in Tyler County, W. Va., in 1830. His father, James Morris, was a native of that State, and of Welsh descent. His mother was also a native of West Virginia, and her maiden name was Davis. They were married in West Virginia, where James Morris practiced law nearly all his life, and was prosecuting attorney. He was a man of unusual ability, and a Republican in politics. He was a member of the Baptist Church in early life, and, being always an admirer of Alex. Campbell, joined the Christian Church in later years. He died in the year 1864, aged seventy-five. His father, whose name was also James Morris, was a native of Wales, and a Baptist minister. His sons were all fine lawyers, and men who held high official positions. Our subject is the fourth of a family of ten children, seven now living. During odd hours, while he was employed as a clerk, he read law, and received a liberal education at home. He took a more thorough course at Bethany College, West Virginia, and was admitted to the bar at Parkersburg, W. Va. He practiced his profession in his own county for some time, and then came to Clark County, Mo. During his residence here he not only proved himself an enterprising farmer, but a man of more than ordinary scholarly ability. He represented his county in the Legislature for over, three years, and the following three years as their judge. In both positions he proved to be eminently qualified, but ill health forced him to abandon a lucrative practice, and he retired to his farm in Washington Township. In 1857 he married Miss Sophia Weber, a daughter of Daniel Weber, and to them were born three children: Byron E., James T. and Oscar. December 20, 1883, Judge Morris lost his wife, and about four years later he married Mrs. Lydia Errett, a native of Westmoreland County, Penn. At the time of her marriage with Judge Morris she was the mother of three children. One is living in Pennsylvania, and the other two are living with her in Fairmont.