Was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, May 20, 1809. His father, Richard Morris, was born in Virginia, September
9th, 1780. His parents moved to Kentucky when he was but twelve years of age. Kentucky was then a wilderness, and
Indians and deer were then roaming in the forests. He had but a poor chance for education. At about the age of
twenty-five, he was married to Miss Rebecca, daughter of John Todd, who was also a Virginian. They had born to
them a family of nine children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the second. Four are yet living. In 1831
he came to Pike county, Illinois, and brought his family in 1832. In the history of the township he is mentioned
as one of the early settlers of Chambersburg. Here he engaged in farming and coopering. Mrs. Morris died in 1843.
Her husband survived her until 1845.
The subject of this sketch receiving his early education in the common schools of his native state. Most of his
time was spent on his father's farm. At the age of twenty-two he married Miss Emily, daughter of Winslow and Elizabeth
Hughes. Her parents were natives of Virginia. Mrs. Morris was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, March 7th, 1810.
They have had a family of eleven children.
All were born in Pike county. Seven are yet living — three married, and two are residing in Kansas. Soon after
their marriage, they came to Illinois, as above stated, where he engaged in farming, which business he has since
followed. By dint of a well directed industry, he has succeeded in accumulating a competence. Politically, he has
always been a democrat. His first vote was cast for Andrew Jackson. At present he is residing on his farm, enjoying
excellent health, and surrounded by an interesting and happy family.